Objective To evaluate the role of prostaglandin E2 (EP) receptors in H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).Methods Primary cultured H9c2 cardiomyocytes were seeded in culture flasks (3 ml/flask) or in 24-well plate (1 ml/hole) or 6-well plate (2 ml/hole) with density of 4 × 104/ml.The cells were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=24 each): control group (group C),PGE2 group,AH6809 (EP1 and EP2 receptor antagonist) group (group A) and GW627368X (EP4 receptor antagonist) group (group G).The cells were continuously cultured for 48 h.PGE2 (final concentration 1 μmol/L) was added to the culture medium in PGE2 group.PGE2 (final concentration 1 μmol/L) and A H6809 (final concentration 10 μmol/L) were added to the culture medium in group A.PGE2 (final concentration 1 μmol/L) and GW627368X (final concentration 10 μmol/L) were added to the culture medium.The cells were then cultured for 48 h in groups PGE2,A and G.Then the cell morphology was observed by using fluorescent microscope.The cell diameter was measured by using the Image J medical image analysis system.Total protein content in the cells was measured with BCA method.The expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA in the cytoplasm was determined using RT-PCR.Results Compared with group C,the total protein in the cells and cell diameter were significantly increased,and the expression of ANP mRNA and BNP mRNA in the cytoplasm was up-regulated in groups PGE2,A and G (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group PGE2,the total protein in the cells and cell diameter were significantly decreased,and the expression of ANP mRNA and BNP mRNA in the cytoplasm was downregulated in group G (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group A (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion EP4 receptor mediates H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by PGE2 and the effect is not related to EP1 and EP2.

Objective:To examine the potential influence factors of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).Methods:A 1∶2 pair-matched, case-control study was conducted from July 2011 to December 2012 .A pair was composed of one AAA patient recruited from the Vascular Surgery Department , Chinese PLA General Hospital and two gender-and age-matched non-AAA subjects , one from the same hospital and the other from the community in Fangshan District in Beijing .Demographic data , medical history and the lifestyle of each subject were collected .Moreover , all the participants underwent abdominal ultra-sound or computed tomography ( CT ) and peripheral venous blood samples were obtained .Results:There were 155 case/control pairs .The multivariate conditional logistic regression model confirmed that suffering from hypertension conferred a 1.98-fold (95%CI 1.12-3.18) increased likelihood of AAA. Smoking was a strong independent risk factor of AAA , with odds ratios ( 95% confidence intervals ) of 5.23 (2.44-11.23).Dyslipidemia(OR=2.61,95%CI 1.45-4.70), a higher level of serum hs-CRP (OR=2.43,95%CI 1.37-4.31) and homocysteine (OR=2.73,95%CI 1.61-4.65) were all asso-ciated with AAA.Conclusion: Hypertension and smoking are the risk factors of AAA .Dyslipidemia, hsCRP and Hcy are associated with AAA .

Objective To investigate the value of the Wells score and D-dimer assay in assisting pulmonary perfusion imaging (PPI) for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Methods One hundred twenty-one patients with suspected APE were studied from January, 2006 to December, 2008. All patients underwent the Wells score, the quantitative D-dimer assay, chest X-ray photography, and PPI. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PPI with the assistance of Wells score and D-dimer assay were calculated. Results Fifty (41.3%) patients were diagnosed with APE. PPI combined with chest X-ray photography (Q/X scan) showed positive results in 49 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the Q/X scan were 86.0% (43/50), 91.5% (65/71), 87.8% (43/49) and 90.3% (65/72), respectively. With assistance of Wells score >4 and D-dimer≥0. 5 mg/L, Q/X scan had a positive predictive value of 100.0% (29/29), for patients with Wells score ≤4 and D-dimer<0.5 mg/L, the negative predictive value for Q/X scan was 100.0% (41/41). Conclusion Combined with Wells score and D-dimer assay, PPI can make accurate diagnosis of APE.

Objective:To know the work status of clinical pharmacy in medical institutions of Guizhou province. Methods:Ques-tionnaires were used to analyze the situation of clinical pharmacy in 108 medical institutions of Guizhou province. Results: A total of 246 questionnaires were taken back, and among the 231 valid questionnaires were received including gradeⅡor above hospitals. The main contents of clinical pharmacy work carried out in medical institutions included 7 aspects: pharmacists ’ participation in ward rounds, which accounted for 47. 11%; pharmacists’ participation in case consultation, which accounted for 16. 65%; pharmacists’ participation in teaching practice, which accounted for 38. 84%; pharmacists’ participation in prescription evaluation and analysis, which accounted for 72. 73%;pharmacists’ participation in antimicrobial drug monitoring and drug use evaluation, which accounted for 62. 37%;pharmacists’ participation in drug counsultation and education, which accounted for 58. 68%;pharmacists’ participation in adverse drug reaction monitoring and supervision, which accounted for 77. 32%. Conclusion:The development of clinical pharmacy in Guizhou province still lags behind, and the number of clinical pharmacists is insufficient, which can’ t meet the growing demand for personalized medicine. In particular, the development of clinical pharmacy is restricted by the limited pharmaceutical service. The cog-nition degree of pharmacist group in Guizhou province has been improved. However, the number and the service quality of clinical pharmacists need to be improved further.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether inflammatory stress exacerbates hepatic cholesterol accumulation and liver fibrosis using a C57BL/6J mouse model of chronic inflammation.

METHODSTwelve male C57BL/6J mice were given a high-fat diet (15.0% fat, 1.25% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid) and randomly assigned to the normal control group (n=6; subcutaneously injected with 0.5 mL of isotonic saline, every other day for 14 weeks) or the chronic inflammation model group (n=6; subcutaneously injected with of 0.5 mL of 10% casein, every other day for 14 weeks). At the end of week 14, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected from the left ventricle for serological analysis of inflammatory markers and lipid profile, including serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total cholesterol (TC) and free cholesterol (FC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)). Extracted liver tissues were divided for use in histological analysis (lipid accumulation and fibrosis evaluated by Oil Red O, Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining) and quantitative fluorescence real-time PCR (to measure b-actin normalized expression of TNF-a MCP1, SREBP-2, LDLr, HMGCoA-r, ATF-6, GRP78, BMP-7, TGF-b, and collagens type I and type IV). Comparisons between groups were made by the two-samples t-test or Satterthwaite t-approximation test, collagen type I and type IV.

RESULTSCompared to the normal control group, the inflammation model group showed elevated serum IL-6 (12.55+/-4.75 vs. 32.41+/-7.42 pg/mL, P less than 0.01), reduced serum TC (14.82+/-1.56 vs. 10.62+/-0.48 mmol/L, P less than 0.01), up-regulated hepatic TNF-a mRNA expression (1.05+/-0.35 vs. 2.12+/-0.72, P less than 0.01), and elevated hepatic TC (12.10+/-2.57 vs. 23.21+/-8.75 mmol/L, P less than 0.05). In addition, the inflammation group showed abnormal lipid deposition, and increased and thickened reticular fibers. The livers of the inflammation group also showed up-regulated mRNA expression of SREBP-2 (normal control: 1.01+/-0.19 vs. 2.63+/-0.13, P less than 0.05), GRP78 (1.07+/-0.47 vs. 2.21+/-0.99, P less than 0.05), TGF-b (1.01+/-0.14 vs. 1.38+/-0.28, P less than 0.05), and collagen type I (1.02+/-0.27 vs. 1.71+/-0.51, P less than 0.05) and down-regulation of BMP-7 (1.01+/-0.15 vs. 0.55+/-0.25, P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSIONActivation of the inflammatory system exacerbates hepatic cholesterol accumulation and hepatic fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice.

Animals ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fatty Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Inflammation ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective To investigate the epidemiological status of visceral leishmaniasis in Hamangou coal mine area of Korla City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Methods Based on a hint of possible existence of patients, a retrospective survey was carried out house by house to find cases with suspected signs/symptoms of the disease.Meanwhile, a survey on current status was conducted, including physical examination(liver and spleen palpation) to those less than 15 years-old, leishmanin skin test and rk39 immunochromatographic strip test for part of the residents.Bone marrow smears were examined for the cases with clinical signs/symptoms and positive rk39 strip test.Sandflies were collected using routine methods in and around the area, identified, and dissected to find infection of promastigotes.Results Leishmanin skin test was performed in 185 people with a positive rate of 21.1%(39/185), 39 out of 140 local residents who have lived there for more than 6 years showed positive(27.9%) , while all residents who have lived less than 6 years and children under 5 years old were negative.Of the 81 children under 15 years old with a negative skin test, one showed positive for rk39 strip test, and leishmania body was found in the bone marrow smear of this case, so confirmed as visceral leishmaniasis.12 sandfies were identified as Phlebotomus alexandri, and natural infection with promastigotes was found in one sandly.Conclusion The investigation confirms that visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in the Hamangou coal mine area.

OBJECTIVETo study the method with endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique through the supraorbital keyhole approach to treat aneurysms in the anterior circulation.

METHODSAccording to preoperative diagnostic imagings, to work out of the individual operation planning. Skin incision was made in the eyebrow, and the diameter of supraorbital craniotomy was about 2 cm, endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique was used to clip aneurysm. The technique was used in the most recent 12 consecutive patients.

RESULTSFive different kinds of aneurysms in the anterior circulation were clipped through this method and 12 patients were cured. One patient, intraoperative accidental aneurysm rupture occurred. There were no approach-related complications.

CONCLUSIONSThis endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique via supraorbital keyhole approach is a safe, minimal invasive and effective way for the treatment of aneurysms in the anterior circulation, and there is more sufficient operating space.

Adult ; Aged ; Craniotomy ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; surgery ; Male ; Microsurgery ; Middle Aged ; Neuroendoscopy ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique with supraorbital keyhole approach for the treatment of suprasellar region tumor so as to maximize tumor removal and minimize operative-trauma.

METHODSAccording to high resolution CT and MR images before operation, individual operation schemes were worked out. Skin incision was made in the eyebrow, and the diameter of supraorbital craniotomy was approximately 2 cm. Endoscope-assisted microsurgical technique was used to resect lesions in 16 consecutive patients.

RESULTSTotal Tumors were removed in all of the 16 patients via the supraorbital keyhole approach. No postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONSSupraorbital keyhole approach may diminish tissue injury considerably and has proven to provide sufficient operating space in the suprasellar region for tumor removal.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Brain Neoplasms ; surgery ; Child ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microsurgery ; Middle Aged ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; methods

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the endoscope-assisted supraorbital keyhole approach in the early surgical treatment of patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AcoA). Methods Thirty-five patients with ruptured AcoA, admitted to our hospital from January 2002 to January 2010, adopted clipping via endoscope-assisted supraorbital keyhole approach within 72 h of onset. The neurostatus of these patients were ranged from grade 1 to 3 (Hunt-Hiss Scale scores). The surgical details were described, and the clinical results were assessed according to the scores of Glasgow Outcome Scale.Results Operations were successfully finished in all patients; the endoscope-assisted supraorbital keyhole approach offered sufficient exposure of neurovascular structures for clipping AcoA. Intraoperative accidental aneurysm rupture occurred in 2 patients, but these events were managed successfully by blocking-up the parent artery and performing quick aneurysm neck dissection; no serious complications caused by the surgical approach occurred; postoperative DSA or CTA indicated that the aneurysm was totally clipped and the parent artery appeared no stenosis, and distal artery was unobstructed. Three months after the operation, 30 patients (85.7%) achieved very good outcomes (GOS:4-5 scores). All the patients achieved good cosmetic results. Conclusion In selected AcoA patients with grade 1-3, the endoscope-assisted supraorbital keyhole approach is safe and effective for gaining access to and treating the aneurysms on early hemorrhage stage.

OBJECTIVETo fabricate a rapid prototyping (RP) 3-D image models for individual reconstruction of orbital bony loss.

METHODSThe skull was placed on a helical CT scanner table and the Frankfort plane was perpendicular to the table. The CT data was obtained by a Aquilion (TOSHIBA, Japan) with 1 mm thickness section in spiral mode. By adjusting of CT threshold value and pixels in order to stack the segmental defects, we obtained an approximate 3-dimension visual model of the scanned skull using MedGraphics software. An orbital RP model based on the dataset of the 3-dimension visual model was fabricated by RP machine. Both 3-dimension visual model and RP model were measured against the skull with several anatomic landmarks to examine the accuracy of the models, and the errors were analysed.

RESULTSIntegrity precision rapid RP models of the orbital region were reconstructed. The anterior orbital rim, middle orbital section and posterior orbital section were all fabricated. Optic foramen, superior orbital fissure, infraorbital foramen, inferior orbital fissure, lacrimal sac socket and naso-lacrimal duct were shown clearly. But some fine hole and slot, such as the anterior ethmoidal foramen, posterior ethmoidal foramen and zygomaticofrontal suture were not obviously seen. The mean difference between the 3-dimension visual model and the skull was 0.10 +/- 1.02mm. For the RP and dry skull, the mean difference was 0.22 +/- 1.04mm. There were no statistical differences between them.

CONCLUSIONSIntegrity precision orbital RP models were fabricated which fulfilled the requirements of the individual reconstruction with bony orbital pathologic changes. The keys to fabricate the precision orbital RP models included a closer cooperation between the surgeon and engineer, thin CT slice in 1mm thick and an appropriated threshold value. Better results for the orbital deformities should be achieved for the contour of orbital region or eye function.

Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Models, Anatomic ; Orbit ; anatomy & histology ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography