Objective To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and delayed surgery for infant hepatoblastoma.Methods TACE was performed with the initial digital subtractive angiography (DSA) under general anesthesia 1-3 times in 8 infants with huge hepatoblastoma, whose age was 2 to 12 months. DSA was done via arterials in hepatoblastoma each time before chemoembolization. The arterials were perfused with chemodrugs and suspensions in ultrasome iodized oil , and were blocked with spring rings. DSA findings indicated that the tumor shrank without new tumorous arterials after 1 month in 6 cases, and 4 of them showed no tumorous staining, and the delayed surgery was performed successfully 1 week later in 6 infants. One boy underwent systemic chemotherapy alone during 6 months after 3 times of TACE. Results TACE therapy did not encounter any major technical problem or toxic reaction caused by chemotherapy. The following DSA test 4 weeks later did not detect any new tumorous vessels in 6 cases. Six children received TACE and surgery had been followed-up with no tumor recurrence for months averagely. The boy underwent TACE and venous chemotherapy for 6 months , without surgery , had been followed-up for 48 months until the present report. CT, AFP and DSA did not show any hints of tumor recurrence. Six cases receiving 3 times TACE combined with surgery survived without tumor recurrence. Conclusions TACE is a very effective, safe and helpful therapy for hepatoblastoma, which stressed the repeated use of spring ring to block tumor vessels lastingly if necessary. If surgery is required, DSA test is needed beforehand to detect new tumorous vessels or neoplasm. If there is any , TACE is repeated. TACE combined with surgery may provide an additional promising choice in the treatment of hepatoblastoma, and repeated TACE alone may cure hepatoblastoma in infants.

Objective To research the morphological classification of inferior angle of scapula based on CT 3D reconstruction and its clinical significance. Methods A total of 290 scapular bones data were collected from People's Hospital of Lu Xian County and measured based on CT 3D reconstruction. The scapular bones images were reconstructed by CT 3D technique. Reference points; g was the inferior scapular angle, n was the inferior glenotubular nodule, m was the intersection of the scapular ganglion and the medial edge of the scapula, k was the upper scapular angle, r was the notch of the scapular glenoid, h was the intersection of point g to mr. The parameters of inferior angles of 290 scapular bones, including the thickness of point g (the thickest part of inferior angle of the scapula), the length of the line gn, line gm, and line gh, and the angle of ∠ ngm, ∠ gmk (the projection of the scapular coronal plane), and ∠ gmk' (the projection of the scapular sagittal plane) were observed and measured by CT 3D technique. Results Under the CT three-dimensional reconstruction, the inferior angle of scapula was classified into three types; accessory angle-type ( 175, 60. 34%), U-type ( 81, 27. 93%) and V-type (34, 11. 73%). In addition, there was a significant difference between the auxiliary angle type and the V type on the thickest part of the g point and gn (P<0.05); U-type and V-type with paragonai gm-significant difference (P<0.05); There was a significant difference between the auxiliary angle type and the U shape on gh (P<0.05); there was a significant difference between the auxiliary angle type and the U shape on ∠ gmk' (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the inferior angle of the bilateral scapula on mngm (P<0.05). Conclusion Based on the result of CT three-dimensional reconstruction, the inferior angle of scapulae have three anatomical types, with the accessory angle-type as the main type, and the morphology and classification of it are of certain clinical implication.

OBJECTIVETo search for the best program increasing clinical therapeutic effect on vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and to study the mechanism.

METHODSThe patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture plus massage group, an acupuncture group and a massage group. Their therapeutic effects were observed and compared. And transcranial Doppler (TCD) was used for detection of systolic flow velocity (Vs), enddiastolic peak flow velocity (Vd), mean peak flow (Vm) and pulsatility index (PI) before and after treatment.

RESULTSThe cured rate and the total effective rate in the acupuncture plus massage group were significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the massage group (P < 0.05). And there were significant differences in Vm, PI and DI in the left vertebral artery (LVA), the right vertebral artery (RVA) and the basilar artery (BA) before and after treatment (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture combined with massage can improve Vm, PI, DI of VA-BA and the clinical therapeutic effect on VBI as well. It is superior to the simple acupuncture therapy and simple massage therapy. At present, it is one of the best therapy for VBI.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Basilar Artery ; Humans ; Massage ; Vertebral Artery ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency ; therapy

Adult ; Brain Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; secondary ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; Male ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the role of apelin in the prevention of pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxia in rats.

METHODSThe animal model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension was established by exposing the rats to isobaric hypoxic chamber for 4 weeks (8 h/d, 6 d/ w). Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group (NC), hypoxic group(HH), hypoxic with low-dose apelin (5 nmol/(kg x d) group(LA) and high-dose apelin (10 nmol/(kg x d) (HA). [pGlu]apelin-13 was administered into the rats of apelin groups by mini-osmotic pump subcutaneously. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP) and the mean carotid arterial pressure (mCAP) were measured by either right or left cardiac catheterization, and the weight ratio of right ventricule/left ventricule plus septum (RV/(LV + S)) were calculated. The Masson's trichrome stained lung specimens were examined by light microscope to examine the vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA), vessel cavity area/total area (CA/TA) and media thickness of pulmonary arterioles (PAMT). Meanwhile, the lung homogenates were assayed for the activity of supeeroxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA).

RESULTS(1) mPAP and RV/(LV + S) of HH group were significantly higher than those of NC group. mPAP of LA and HA groups were lower than those of HH group. The RV/(LV + S) of HA group was significantly lower than that of HH group, but there was no significant difference between HH group and LA group. (2) Masson's trichrome staining revealed that WA/TA and PAMT of HH group were higher than those of NC group. Administration of apelin significantly eliminated WA/TA and PAMT in LA and HA groups. (3) CA/TA of HH group was lower than that of NC group. Administration of apelin significantly elevated CA/TA in LA and HA groups. (4) The activity of SOD and content of MDA in HH group was, respectively, lower and higher than those in NC group. Apelin treatment increased the activity of SOD in LA and HA groups while decreased the content of MDA.

CONCLUSIONSApelin could play an important role in treatment of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension of rats and the mechanisms of protection were associated with vasodilation of pulmonary artery and inhibition of oxidative stress.

Animals ; Cardiotonic Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; etiology ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Hypoxia ; complications ; physiopathology ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Pulmonary Artery ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

This study was purposed to investigate the serum levels of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), interleukin 18 (IL-18) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and their clinical significance. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect sVCAM-1, IL-18 and VEGF in serums of 30 patients with AA and 25 normal controls. The results showed that the serum levels of sVCAM-1 and IL-18 in patients with AA [(839.08 +/- 173.97) ng/ml, (380.35 +/- 47.76) pg/ml] were significantly higher than those in normal controls [(538.16 +/- 91.21) ng/ml, (256.39 +/- 59.52) pg/ml] (p < 0.01; p < 0.01). The levels of sVCAM-1 and IL-18 in severe AA patients [(969.94 +/- 182.54) ng/ml, (388.96 +/- 46.06) pg/ml] were higher than those in chronic AA patients [(709.26 +/- 165.32) ng/ml, IL-18 (352.21 +/- 47.08) pg/ml] (p < 0.01; p < 0.05), but the level of VEGF in AA patients [(69.63 +/- 27.42) pg/ml] was lower than that in the normal controls [(125.62 +/- 32.15) pg/ml] (p < 0.01)]. The level of VEGF in severe AA patients [(51.30 +/- 29.86) pg/ml] was significantly lower than that in chronic AA patients [(80.02 +/- 25.14) pg/ml] (p < 0.01). The levels of sVCAM-1 and IL-18 in AA patients after treatment were lower than those before treatment (p < 0.01; p < 0.05), but the level of VEGF after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the high levels of sVCAM-1, IL-18 and low level of VEGF in serum may be involved in the pathogenesis and progress of AA.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anemia, Aplastic ; blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-18 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the effects of intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) combined with transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.Methods BMSCs from 3-4 weeks old healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were cultured in vitro.The third generation BMSCs were detected by flow cytometry.Spinal cord injury model was made by modified Allen's technique.Sixty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups(n =12 in each group):Sham operation group and model group(received the same dose of normal saline at the same time point),VPA group(VPA,one time per q12 h with 300 mg· kg-1 · d-1).BMSCs group (1 × 106 cell· mL-1BMSCs 1 mL injected into the spinal cord of injured segment)and combined group(VPA + BMSCs).The BBB scale at the 14 d after injury was evaluated.The expression of Caspase-3 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.Then the neuronal apoptosis rate was observed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) staining.Results BBB Rating:On the 14 d after SCI,the rate in sham operation group,model group,VPA group,BMSCs group and combined group were 21,(4.51 ± 0.41),(7.25 ± 0.95),(7.32 ± 0.55),(9.76 ± 0.95)point.The BBB score of the three treatment groups was significantly higher than that of model group with significantly (P ＜ 0.05).On the 14 d after SCI,the caspase-3 expression in sham operation group,model group,VPA group and BMSCs group and combined group were (1.64 ± 0.41) ％,(26.22 ± 4.81) ％,(21.21 ± 4.04) ％,(21.47 ± 3.32) ％,(16.15 ± 3.09) ％.The expression of Caspase-3 in three treatment groups was significantly lower than that model group with significantly(P ＜0.05).While the expression of caspase-3 in combined group was significantly lower than that in VPA group and BMSCs group with significantly(P ＜0.05).On the 14 d after SCI,the apoptosis rate in sham operation group,model group,VPA group and BMSCs group and combined group were (4.18 ± 0.39)％,(40.51 ± 3.81)％,(19.95 ± 2.04)％,(20.87 ±2.32)％,(12.83 ± 1.09)％.Compared with model group,the apoptosis rate of the three treatment groups was lower with significantly(P ＜ 0.05).The apoptosis rate of combined group was significantly lower than that of VPA group and BMSCs group with significantly (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion It is very significant effects of intraperitoneal injection of VPA combined with BMSCs on neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.The mechanism may be related to down-regulation of Caspase-3 expression,leading to inhibition of apoptosis.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure among residents in Chongqing area.

METHODSA total of 5246 residents aged 15 and over in Chongqing area were enrolled in this study by use of stratified sampling and cluster sampling methods. Data on blood pressure (SBP, DBP), pulse, height, body weight, waist and hip circumferences as well as questionnaire survey were analyzed.

RESULTSThe level of SBP and DBP and hypertension prevalence rate were significantly positively correlated with BMI (all P < 0.01). SBP, DBP levels and hypertension prevalence rate were significantly higher in people with abdomen obesity than people with normal waist circumference (all P < 0.01). BMI, waist circumference in hypertensive residents were significantly higher than non-hypertensive residents (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBlood pressure level and hypertension prevalence rate were closely related with BMI and waist circumference among residents in Chongqing area.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Urban Population ; Waist Circumference ; Waist-Hip Ratio ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD) with modified double-disk occluder device (MDVO).Methods Clinical data including clinical examination,electrocardiography daily after the procedure for a week,chest-X-rays and TIE before discharge and at 3-5 days after the procedure were analyzed from 604 patients underwent percutaneous closure of a pmVSD with MDVO at our department between December 2001 and December 2008.Results Procedure was successful in 576 out of 604 patients (95.4%) and 583 VSD occtuders were placed.Endocarditis,thromboembolism,or deaths were not observed after procedure.Conduction block occurred in 81 patients (56 RBBB,14 LBBB) and transient nonparoxysmal ventricular tachyeardia in 31 patients after the procedure.Complete heart block occurred in 11 patients,9 of them recovered in 3 weeks,permanent pacemaker was implanted in 2 patients (one had transient Ⅲ°AVB before the procedure,the other underwent simultaneous closure of ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect).Trivial/small residual shunts were found in 69 patients(12.0%).The residual shunts disappeared in 31 patients and remained unchanged in 38 patients (6.6%) 7 days after procedures.Aortic regurgitation developed in 5 patients (2 trivial/small,3 small/moderate),and tricuspid regurgitation was present in 35 patients (32 trivial/small,3 moderate).Five patients developed haemolysis (device retrieved via catheter in 1 patient due to persistent haemolysis,the other 4 patients recovered 3-14 days post procedure) .Pseudoaneurysm of femoral artery occurred in 1 patient,and disappeared by pressure dressing.Device was successfully replaced in 2 patients with either device embolization (n = 1) or device misplacement (n = 1)after device retrieval by catheter.Conclusion It is safe and effective to close congenital perimembranous ventricular septal defect with domestic-made occluder device.

OBJECTIVE: To record the MR imaging features of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and compare these features in monofocal and multifocal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one cases of monofocal disease were compared to five cases of multifocal disease. All patients were examined by non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MRI. Tumor location, tumor size, signal intensity, enhancement characteristics, age distribution, peritumoral edema, cystic changes, and the presence of calcifications were assessed. The MRI features were compared between the monofocal and multifocal disease cases. RESULTS: The 26 cases, including both the monofocal and multifocal cases, exhibited 37 lesions. Contrast-enhanced images showed variable enhancement patterns: homogeneous enhancement (33 lesions), ring-like enhancement (2), and 'open-ring-like' enhancement (2). The 'notch sign' was noted in four of 33 homogeneously enhancing lesions. One case of hemorrhage and three cases of cystic formation were observed. Intra-tumoral calcification was not found. The frontal lobe, the corpus callosum and the basal ganglia were commonly affected in both the monofocal and multifocal groups. Tumor size differed significantly between the two groups (t = 3.129, p < 0.01) and mildly or moderately enhanced lesions were more frequently found in the monofocal group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between perifocal edema (p > 0.05) and the signal characteristics (p > 0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data show that PCNSL has a variable enhancement pattern on MR images. We first reported two lesions with an 'open-ring' enhancement as well as four cases with a 'notch sign'. Monofocal PCNSL cases typically have larger sized tumors with mild or moderate enhancement.
Adult ; Aged ; Brain/*pathology ; Brain Neoplasms/*pathology ; Contrast Media/diagnostic use ; Female ; Gadolinium DTPA/diagnostic use ; Humans ; Image Enhancement/methods ; *Immunocompetence ; Lymphoma/*pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Observer Variation ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult