Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of internal rib fixation combined with external chest fixation and mechanical ventilation for traumatic flail chest with pulmonary contusion.Methods Sixty cases of traumatic flail chest with pulmonary contusion treated from January 2011 to December 2014 were assigned to experimental group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases) according to the random number table.Patients in control group received thoracic external fixation combined with mechanical ventilation.In experimental group the patients received the same care but in addition they had rib fixation.The two groups were compared with regard to general condition, arterial blood gas as well as vital signs before treatment and 24 hours after treatment, lung function 3 months after discharge, complication rate and mortality.Results ICU stay [(6.8 ± 1.0) d], hospital stay [(15.0 ± 1.8) d] and duration of mechanical ventilation [(4.8 ± 1.0) d] in experimental group were significantly lower than these in control group [(13.6 ± 2.5) d, (21.4 ± 2.6) d, (10.3 ± 1.3) d, respectively] (P ＜ 0.01).After treatment for 24 hours in either group, the pH value, PaO2, oxygenation index and systolic pressure (SBP) were significantly increased, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were significantly lowered as compared to these before treatment (P ＜0.05).After treatment for 24 hours, experimental group demonstrated significantly enhanced levels in pH value,PaO2, oxygenation index and SBP but lowered levels in PaCO2, HR and RR as compared to control group (P ＜ 0.05).Three months after discharge, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), 75％ forced expiratory flow (FEF75％) and total lung capacity (TLC) in experimental group were (81.7 ±2.6)％, (75.4 ±4.1)％, (83.2 ±4.6)％,(69.1 ±2.3)％, and (88.7 ±3.4)％ respectively, significantly higher than (69.0 ±3.6)％, (71.3 ± 3.9) ％, (78.9 ± 4.3) ％, (62.3 ± 3.3) ％, and (79.0 ± 4.6) ％ respectively in control group (P ＜0.01).In experimental group, there were four cases of pulmonary infection (13％), three pulmonary atelectasis(10％) and one intercostal neuralgia (3％).In control group, there were six cases of pulmonary infection (20％), five pulmonary atelectasis (17％), four intercostal neuralgia (13％) and four thoracocyllosis(13％)(P ＜0.05).There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups.Conclusion Treatment effect of internal rib fixation for flail chest with pulmonary contusion is improved in combination with mechanical ventilation and external chest fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a simple, sensitive in vitro method to evaluate oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injury of brain hippocampal slices in rats. METHODS: Rat hippocampal slices were incubated in 2% 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) solution after oxygen/glucose deprivation. They were then soaked in a measured volume of ethanol and dimethylsulfoxide (50:50) to extract the TTC formazan Product which was then measured by spectrophotometry. OGD induced LDH release was simultaneously measured. RESULTS: Progressive prolongation of OGD induced hippocampal injury resulted in decreased formazan coloration as determined by spectrophotometry. There was a parallel increase in LDH release, thus a negative correlation in these two products was noted. (r=-0.933,P <0.01). The injury was attenuated in the brain slices pre-treated with nimodipine, dexamethasone, and ketamine, but not ONO-1078. CONCLUSION: Solvent extraction and spectrophotometric quantification of formazan represents an objective measurement of OGD-induced injury of rat hippocampal slices.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cerebral Cortex ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of pravastatin, fosinopril and their combination on ventricular remodeling, cardiac function, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA expression, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

METHODSAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery in male Sprague-Dawly (SD) rats. Twenty-four hours after the procedure, the 48 surviving rats were grouped randomly as AMI control, fosinopril (10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)), pravastatin (20 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) and a combined use of the 2 drugs. Sham-operated group (n = 8) was taken randomly as non-infarction control. Six weeks after treatment with the drugs by gastric gavage, heart function and left ventricular remodeling were assessed. Left ventricular weight (LVW)/body weight (BW) ratio was determined. The relative expression of myocardium TNF-alpha mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Left ventricular myocardium MMPs activities were assessed by Zymography.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences among the four AMI groups in infarction size (P > 0.05). In comparison with the AMI group, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, LVW/BW all decreased significantly (P < 0.05 - 0.01); while dp/dtmax, dp/dtmin, fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) increased significantly in all three drug-treated groups (P < 0.05 - 0.01); increments of FS, LVEF and dp/dtmax were more evident in the combination group than either the fosinopril or pravastatin group (P < 0.05). The levels of TNF-alpha mRNA in AMI rats treated with fosinopril, pravastatin and their combination reduced 29%, 26% and 33%, respectively (P < 0.01); MMP-2 activity reduced 25%, 30% and 35%, respectively (P < 0.01); MMP-9 activity reduced 20%, 18% and 24%, respectively (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in other variables among the 3 treatment groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPravastatin, fosinopril and their combination showed favorable effects on left ventricular remodeling after AMI in rats and demonstrated improved cardiac function. The combined treatment group yielded better results in the context of improving left ventricular systolic function. These effects could be relevant to the attenuation of increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and left ventricular expression of TNF-alpha.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Fosinopril ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Myocardial Infarction ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Pravastatin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; Ventricular Remodeling ; drug effects

Objective To explore the effect of miR-126 on proliferation and apoptosis in colon cancer cells via targeting regulation of SOX2 expression. Methods miR-126 mimics and miR-126 NC were transfected into SW480 cells by liposome LipofectamineTM2000. The expression of miR-126 was detected by RT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by MTT staining. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of SOX2 protein and mRNA was measured by western blot and RT-PCR. Luciferase reporter analysis was performed. Results Compared with miR-126 NC, the expression of miR-126 was upregulated(P< 0.01),cell viability was reduced(P< 0.01),early cell apoptosis rate and late apoptosis rate were increased(P< 0.01), cell cycle was arrested at G1 phase(P< 0.01), meanwhile, miR-126 mimics targeted downregulation of the expression of SOX2 protein and mRNA(P< 0.01). Conclusions miR-126 mimics can inhibit SW480 cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis by targeting downregulation of expression of SOX2.

BACKGROUNDMyofibroblastic sarcoma was used to be a controversial neoplasm. This study investigated the clinicopathological features of 20 cases of myofibroblastic sarcoma arising in different locations.

METHODSThe paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 20 cases of patients with myofibroblastic sarcoma were stained immunohistochemically, and 5 cases examined by electron microscopy. Student's t test was used to analyze the difference of Ki-67 labeling index between grade 1 and grade 2 myofibroblastic sarcomas.

RESULTSHistologically, the tumors were composed of slender spindle cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, and fusiform, tapering, wavy, or plump ovoid; vesicular nuclei and a small central eosinophilic nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed smooth muscle actin (18/20), muscle specific actin (16/20), fibronectin (20/20) and desmin (2/20). Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells revealed abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and longitudinally arranged fine filaments with focal densities in the cytoplasm. A clinical follow-up of 19 patients showed that 2 cases experienced local recurrence and distant metastasis 6 months to 4 years after the initial operation. Nine cases recurred locally 17 to 46 months after the initial excision, and 9 cases were alive with no evidence of disease.

CONCLUSIONSMyofibroblastic sarcomas, which exhibit diverse histological appearance, can easily be misdiagnosed as benign tumors. Myofibroblastic sarcomas are local destructive lesions with frequent recurrence, and may metastase distantly.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Desmin ; analysis ; Female ; Fibrosarcoma ; chemistry ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myosarcoma ; chemistry ; pathology ; Recurrence ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR).Methods:A total of 154 PAR patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group,78 cases in the treatment group received acupuncture at meridian points,while 76 cases in the control group received acupuncture at non-meridian points.The treatment was done every other day,3 times a week for a total 4 weeks.The total nasal symptom score (TNSS),the total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) and the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were measured before the treatment and after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment,as well as 1 month and 3 months after the treatment to compare the clinical effect between the two groups.Results:After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate in the treatment group was 92.3％,versus 76.3％ in the control group,showing a statistically significant difference (P＜0.05).Intra-group comparisons of TNSS,TNNSS and RQLQ scores after 4 weeks of treatment showed statistically significant differences (all P＜0.05).Between-group comparisons of TNSS,TNNSS and RQLQ score after 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up visits showed statistically significant differences (all P＜0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture is effective for PAR,and acupuncture at meridian points can produce a better effect than acupuncture at non-meridian points.

BACKGROUNDBudd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is characterized by liver sinusoidal congestion, ischemic liver cell damage, and liver portal hypertension caused by hepatic venous outflow constriction. The aim of this research was to investigate the clinicopathological features of BCS-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore its surgical treatment and prognosis.

METHODSClinical data from 38 patients with BCS-associated HCC who were surgically treated in our hospital from July 1998 to August 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with BCSassociated HCC and surgical treatment for BCS-associated HCC were investigated.

RESULTSCompared to the patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC, the patients with BCS-associated HCC showed a female predominance, and had significantly higher cirrhosis rate, higher incidence of solitary tumors, lower incidence of infiltrative growth, higher proportion of marginal or exogenous growth, lower rate of portal vein invasion, and higher degree of differentiation. Median survival was longer in patients with BCS-associated HCC (76 months) than in those with HBV associated HCC (38 months). Of 38 patients with BCS-associated HCC, 22 patients who received combined surgery mainly by liver resection plus cavoatrial shunts exhibited hepatic venous outflow constriction relief, while the other 16 patients only underwent liver resection. The combined surgery group had significantly longer survival and lower incidences of post-operative lethal complications (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that relief of hepatic venous outflow obstruction was a protective factor for survival of patients with BCS-associated HCC, whereas portal vein invasion was a risk factor.

CONCLUSIONSBCS-associated HCC has a more favorable biological behavior and prognosis than HBV-associated HCC. For patients with BCS-associated HCC, tumor resection accompanied with relief of hepatic venous outflow obstruction can reduce the incidence of complications and extend survival.

Adult ; Aged ; Budd-Chiari Syndrome ; complications ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo study the alterations and relationship of surfactant protein (SP)-A, SP-D and KL-6 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP).

METHODSelf-control method was used for the study on SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 in serum, infected and non-infected BALFs in 32 MMP children with only one side of MPP.

RESULTThe contents of SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 in infected BALF were [mg/L;M (IQR) ]: 243 (90-468) , 187 (43-333) , 148 (47-426) ;104 (37-257) , 56 (25-131) , 35 (12-147) in non-infected BALF; 35 (25-69) , 33 (9-149) and 24 (15-62) in serum. The correlation coefficient of KL-6 between serum and infected BALF were -0.534 and -0.378 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThere were significant correlation between the alterations of SP-A, SP-D and KL-6 in serum and lung infection in children with CAP. KL-6 in serum may be more sensitive than SP-A and SP-D.

Adolescent ; Biomarkers ; blood ; metabolism ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mucin-1 ; blood ; metabolism ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; blood ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A ; blood ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein D ; blood ; metabolism ; Severity of Illness Index

BACKGROUNDBased on the hypothesis that pulmonary vein isolation could result in the damage of the epicardial fat pads, this study aimed to investigated the impact of right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) isolation on vagal innervation to atria.

METHODSBilateral cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized in 6 dogs. Metoprolol was given to block sympathetic effects. Multipolar catheters were placed into the right atrium (RA) and coronary sinus (CS). RUPV isolation was performed via transseptal procedure. Atrial effective refractory period (ERP), vulnerability window (VW) of atrial fibrillation (AF), and sinus rhythm cycle length (SCL) were measured at RA and distal coronary sinus (CSd) at baseline and vagal stimulation before and after RUPV isolation. Serial sections of underlying tissues before and after ablation were stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTSSCL decreased significantly during vagal stimulation before RUPV isolation (197 +/- 21 vs 13 +/- 32 beats per minute, P < 0.001), but remained unchanged after RUPV isolation (162 +/- 29 vs 140 +/- 39 beats per minute, P > 0.05). ERP increased significantly before RUPV isolation compared with that during vagal stimulation [(85.00 +/- 24.29) ms vs (21.67 +/- 9.83) ms at RA, P < 0.001; (90.00 +/- 15.49) ms vs (33.33 +/- 25.03) ms at CSd P < 0.005], but ERP at baseline hardly changed after RUPV isolation compared with that during vagal stimulation [(103.33 +/- 22.50) vs (95.00 +/- 16.43) ms at RA, P = 0.09; (98.33 +/- 24.83) vs (75.00 +/- 29.50) ms at CSd, P = 0.009]. The ERP shortening during vagal stimulation after RUPV isolation decreased significantly [(63.33 +/- 22.51) ms vs (8.33 +/- 9.83) ms at RA, P < 0.005; (56.67 +/- 20.66) ms vs (23.33 +/- 13.66) ms at CSd, P < 0.05]. AF was rarely induced at baseline before and after RUPV isolation (VW close to 0), while VW of AF to vagal stimulation significantly decreased after RUPV isolation [(40.00 +/- 10.95) vs 0 ms at RA, P < 0.001; (45.00 +/- 32.09) vs (15.00 +/- 23.45) ms at CS, P < 0.05]. The architecture of individual ganglia was significantly altered after ablation.

CONCLUSIONSThe less ERP shortening to vagal stimulation and altered architecture of individual ganglia after right upper pulmonary vein isolation indicate that isolation may result in damage of the epicardial fat pads, thereby attenuating the vagal innervation to atria. The decreased vulnerability window of atrial fibrillation indicates that vagal denervation may contribute to its suppression.

Animals ; Atrial Fibrillation ; etiology ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Dogs ; Female ; Ganglia ; pathology ; Heart Atria ; innervation ; Male ; Pulmonary Veins ; surgery ; Refractory Period, Electrophysiological ; Vagus Nerve ; physiology