Volume 122  ·  Issue 14  ·  2009

Abstract：Background It is unclear whether edge segments have different responses to paclitaxel eluting stent (PES) and sirolimus eluting stent (SES) implantation in patients with unstable angina. This study aimed to compare the different vascular edge responses in patients with unstable angina and single de novo coronary lesion treated with SES and PES. Methods Two hundred and fifty-five patients with unstable angina and single de novo lesion were randomly assigned to PES and SES groups. Serial volumetric intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images were taken immediately after stenting and at an eight-month follow-up. Five-mm edge segments proximal and distal to the stents were analyzed. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. At proximal-edge segment, the vessel area decreased and the plaque area increased significantly in the PES group as compared with the SES group. A significant net loss of lumen area was found in the PES group (from (11.10±3.12) mm2 at baseline to (9.92+3.59) mm2 at the follow-up, P <0.001). At the distal-edge segment, the net loss of lumen area in the PES group (from (7.71±2.81) mm2 at baseline to (6.66±2.29) mm2 at the follow-up, P <0.001) was attributed to a significant increase of plaque area. Proximal-edge stenosis was commonly seen in the PES group (20.0%) as compared with the SES group (5.0%, P=0.001). This correlated with the higher incidence of target lesion revascularization in the PES group (P=-0.03). Subsegmentally, the smallest A lumen area was located at 2 mm proximally in both groups, at 0 mm distally in the PES group, and at 1 mm distally in the SES group. Conclusions The two groups demonstrated negative remodeling of edge segments. PES was less effective than SES in inhibiting the growth of plaque within the first 1-mm length proximal to the stent。

Abstract：Background ST-elevated acute myocardial infarction (STEAMI) happening in the first month post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is almost related to acute thrombosis or subacute thrombosis in-stents. This study aimed to investigate the possible causes of myocardial infarction one month later. Methods Patients who had a history of successful PCI, and received coronary angiography or re-PCI due to STEAMI were included in this study. The AMI-related lesions and previous angiographic findings such as the number of lesions, the degree of the stenosis, the type of stents and acute results of last PCI were recorded. If the AMI-related lesion was localized in-stents or at the edge of stents (distance apart from the edge <5 mm), it was defined to be late thrombosis; otherwise as a new-lesion induced AMI. Results One hundred and ninety-two patients aged 40-79 years were included in this study. New lesions, as the cause of STEAMI, were found in 144 patients (Group A, 75%), and late thrombosis in 48 patients (Group B, 25%). Almost all newly built thromboses were found at the sites of previous insignificant lesions (diameter stenosis <50%). There was a significant difference in the average time from previous PCI to AMI ((30.1+12.4) vs (20.3+11.9) months) between the two groups. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and drug-eluting stent (DES) utilization were associated with markedly higher morbidity of late thrombosis in adjusted Logistic regression (hazard ratio (HR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-10.9 and 5.3, 95% CI 1.1-26.5). Conclusions STEAMIs happening 1 month after PCI are more likely to develop from previous insignificant lesion rupture than from late thrombosis in-stents. Moreover, DM and DES are associated with the high incidence of latethrombosis, which may indicate that intensive antiplatelet therapy should be considered in patients with diabetes。

Abstract：Background Cholesterol-lowering therapy with statins has been reported to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined application of extended-release niacin and atorvastatin on lipid profile modification and the risks of adverse events in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods Consecutive 108 patients with coronary artery disease and serum total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 3.5 mmol/L were randomized into two groups: group A using atorvastatin and group B using extended-release niacin (niacin ER) and atorvastatin. Plasma lipid profile, glucose, and adverse events were assessed at the hospitalization, and 6 and 12 months after treatment. In addition, clinical cardiovascular events were evaluated after 12 months of treatment. Results The levels of TC, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in groups A and B, but the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and ApoA increased by 29.36% and 40.81% respectively after 12 months of treatment in group B (P<0.01). The medications were generally well tolerated in the two groups. No significant difference of adverse events was found between the two groups (group A: 3.2% vs group B 5.1%, P >0.05). Conclusions Combined use of extended-release niacin with atorvastatin was superior to atorvastatin monotherapyalone in lipid profile regulation. Combination therapy with niacin ER and atorvastatin was well tolerated and safe in patients with coronary artery disease。

Abstract：Background Sural neurofasciocutaneous flap has been popularly used as an excellent option for the coverage of soft tissue defects in the lower third of leg, ankle and foot, but its free transplantation has been rarely reported. The objective of our work was to investigate the operative technique and clinical results of repairing the soft tissue defects of hand and forearm with free peroneal perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap. Methods Between May 2006 and March 2007, 10 patients including 7 men and 3 women were treated. Their ages ranged from 22 to 51 years. They presented to emergency with large soft tissue defects of 16 cm × 7 cm to 24 cm × 10 cm in size in hand and forearm after injured by motor vehicle accidents (2 cases) or crushed by machine (8 cases). Thorough debridements and primary treatments to associated tendon ruptures or bone fractures were performed on emergency. And free peroneal perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps were transplanted when the wound areas were stable at 5 to 7 days after emergency treatment. The flaps were designed along the axis of the sural nerve according to the shape and size of the soft tissue defects, with the peroneal perforator above the lateral malleolus as the pedicle and along with a part of the peroneal artery for vascular anastomosis. Then the flaps were harvested to repair the recipient sites with the pereneal artery anastomosed to the radial (or ulnar) artery and the peroneal veins to one of the radial (or ulnar) veins and the cephalic vein respectively. The flap sizes ranged from 18 cm × 8 cm to 25 cm × 12 cm. The donor areas were closed by skin grafts. Results All of the 10 flaps survived after surgeries. Marginal necrosis occurred in only 2 cases. The skin grafts survived entirely in the donor sites, and no obvious influence on the donor legs was observed. All of the transplanted flaps presented favourable contours and good functions at 9 to 12 months' follow-up. Conclusions Peroneal perforator-based sural neurofasciocutaneous flap has favourable appearance, constant vascular pedicle, reliable blood supply, large size of elevation, and minimal influence on the donor site. The free transplantation of this flap offers a satisfactory alternative for repairing the large soft tissue defects of forearm and hand。

Abstract：Background The extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (MG) is currently available, but in 20%-40% of the patients the results were not satisfactory. There are no ideal indicators forecasting surgical results before operation. The surface enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectroscopy (SELDI-TOF-MS) is a currently new technique for detection of protein profiles, and some progresses have been made in cancer diagnosis and efficacy evaluation, but there is no report on efficacy forecasting of MG surgery. This study aimed to establish an efficacy prognosis model for forecasting the efficacy of surgery for MG by analysis of serum protein profiles of MG patients before surgery. Methods Fifty-six MG patients 6 months after extended thymectomy were enrolled in the study. They were classified into effective or non-effective groups according to symptoms and medication. Their pre-operative blood samples were analyzed for protein profiles by the SELDI-TOF MS technique, and protein peaks were identified for establishment of the efficacy prognosis model of MG surgery. Additional 100 MG patients were subjected to model validation and their pre-operation protein profiles reviewed for post-operative results. The results were compared with those of the post-operative follow-up so as to validate the prognosis model. Results For the model establishment, symptoms were improved in 33 patients and not improved in 18 patients, with an effective rate of 64.7%. Five (8.9%) patients were lost to follow-up. Within the molecular weight range of 1 000 to 20 000, 3 specific protein peaks were found to be significantly different between the effective and non-effective groups, ie M4110-76, M3394-58, and M1258-55. Using the efficacy prognosis model constructed with these data, the accuracy rate of classification was 87.9% for the effective group, and 83.3% for the non-effective group, with a total accuracy rate of 86.3%. For the model evaluation, 2 (8.9%) patients were lost to follow-up, 62 patients were effective and 36 were non-effective. By comparing with the real results of follow-up with 65 effective and 33 non-effective patients with an effective rate of 66.3%, the accuracy rate of prediction by the prognosis model was 86.2% for the effective group, and was 81.8% for the non-effective group with a total accuracy rate of 84.5%. Conclusions By protein profiles analysis of pre-operative blood samples taken from MG patients with the SELDI-TOFMS technique, protein peaks correlated with surgery efficacy in MG patients can be found for primary forecasting short-term efficacy of surgery for MG patients。

Abstract：Background Erythropoietin (EPO) functions as a tissue-protective cytokine in addition to its crucial hormonal role in red cell production and neuron protection. This study aimed to determine the neuron protective effect of erythropoietin on experimental rats enduring spinal cord injury (SCI) by assessing thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) level and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the development of a rat model of SCI. Methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham operation control group, SCI group and EPO treatment group. By using a weight-drop contusion SCI model, the rats in the SCI group and EPO treatment group were sacrificed at 24 hours and 7 days subsequently. The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were examined for locomotor function. Pathological changes were observed after HE staining. The expressions of thrombospondin-2 (TSP-1) and TGF-β were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Results Slighter locomotor dysfunction was discovered and it was recovered abruptly as higher BBB scores were found in the EPO treatment group than in the SCI group (P <0.01). Pathologically, progressive disruption of the dorsal white matter and regeneration of a few neurons were also observed in SCI rats. TSP-1 and TGF-β expression increased at 24 hours and 7 days after SCI in the injured segment, and it was higher in the SCI group than in the EPO treatment group. Spinal cord samples from the animals demonstrated a TSP-1 optical density of 112.2±6.8 and TSP-1 positive cells of 5.7±1.3 respectively. After injury, the TSP-1 optical density and cell number increased to 287.2±14.3/mm2 and 23.2±2.6/mm2 at 24 hours and to 232.1±13.2/mm2 and 15.2±2.3/mm2 at 7 days respectively. When EPO treated rats compared with the SCI rats, the TSP-1 optical density and cell number decreased to 213.1±11.6/mm2 and 11.9±1.6/mm2 at 24 hours and to 189.9±10.5/mm2 and 9.3±1.5/mm2 at 7 days, respectively (P <0.01 ). In the SCI rats, the TGF-β optical density and positive neuron number were 291.4±+15.2/mm2 and 28.8±4.9/mm2 at 24 hours and 259.1±12.3/mm2 and 23.9±4.1/mm2 at 7 days respectively. They decreased in the EPO treated rats to 222.8±11.9/mm2 and 13.7±2.1/mm2 at 24 hours and to 196.5±9.7/mm2 and 8.7±2.2/mm2 at 7 days (P <0.01). Conclusions Increased expression of TSP-1 and TGF-β can be found in the injured segment of the spinal cord at 24 hours and 7 days after injury. EPO treatment can effectively prevent pathological alterations from severe spinal cord injury by reduced expression of TSP-1 and TGF-β。

Abstract：Background Yupingfeng, a traditional Chinese complex prescription, has been used efficaciously in China for the cure and prevention of inflammatory diseases related to immunodeficiency such as allergic rhinitis and chronic bronchitis. However, the active components of this prescription remain unclear. The present study focused on investigating the antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of the glucosidic extract from Yupingfeng. Methods We tested animal models for ear swelling induced by dimethylbenzene in mice; palm swelling induced by carregeenin and granuloma induced by cotton pellet in rats; level of haemolysin, antibody generation by the splenic cells, delayed hypersensitivity and T cell subsets in spleen of immunosuppressed mice. Results Glucosidic extract of 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg significantly inhibited mice's ear swelling induced by dimethylbenzene. Similarly glucosidic extract of 16 mg/kg, 32 mg/kg and 64 mg/kg inhibited rats' palm swelling induced by carregeenin and grenuloma induced by cotton pellet. Glucosidic extract of 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg improved the IgM level in serum and level of haemolysin in splenocytes in mice immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide. Delayed hypersensitivity in mice suppressed by cyclophosphamide was enhanced by glucosidic extract of 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg. These results suggested that Yupingfeng could recover humoral and cellular immune function in mice with immunosuppression. Glucosidic extract of 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg significantly resisted the immunosuppressive mice ear swelling and maintained it at nearly normal level. The enhanced, delayed hypersensitivity actions of glucosidic extract, suppressed by cyclophosphamide, might be brought about by inducing TH cell and regulating T lymphocytes subset. Conclusions The glucosidic extract from Yupingfeng has antiinflammatory and immunoregulation action, suggesting that these glucosides are the principal active components of the traditional Chinese prescription Yupingfeng。

Abstract：Background Neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation and gene therapy have been widely investigated for treating the cerebullar and myelonic injuries, however, studies on the ophthalmology are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the migration and differentiation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene transgenic NSCs transplanted into the normal rat retinas. Methods NSCs were cultured and purified in vitro and infected with recombinant retrovirus pLXSN-BDNF and pLXSN respectively, to obtain the BDNF overexpressed NSCs (BDNF-NSCs) and control cells (p-NSCs). The expression of BDNF genes in two transgenic NSCs and untreated NSCs were measured by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BDNF-NSCs and NSCs were infected with adeno-associated viruses-enhanced green fluorescent protein (AAV-EGFP) to track them in vivo and served as donor cells for transplantation into the subretinal space of normal rat retinas, phosphated buffer solution (PBS) served as pseudo transplantation for a negative control. Survival, migration, and differentiation of donor cells in host retinas were observed and analyzed with Heidelberg retina angiograph (HRA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results NSCs were purified successfully by limiting dilution assay. The expression of BDNF gene in BDNF-NSCs was the highest among three groups both at mRNA level tested by FQ-PCR (P<0.05) and at protein level measured by ELISA (P<0.05), which showed that BDNF was overexpressed in BDNF-NSCs. The results of HRA demonstrated that graft cells could survive well and migrate into the host retinas, while the immunohistochemical analysis revealed that transplanted BDNF-NSCs differentiated into neuron more efficiently compared with the control NSCs 2 months after transplantation. Conclusions The seed cells of NSCs highly secreting BDNF were established. BDNF can promote NSCs to migrate and differentiate into neural cells in the normal host retinas。

Abstract：Background Type 2 cytokine interleukin (IL)-13 and its decoy receptor, IL-13 receptor (R)α2 appear to play a major role in tissue fibrosis of schistosomiasis and asthma. IL-13 is a key regulator of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is known to signal to cells by binding to the IL-13Ra1, which then heterodimerizes with IL-4Rα. In contrast, IL-13Rα2 binds IL-13 with high affinity but does not signal. IL-13Rα2 is known to down-regulate granulomatous inflammation and prolong host survival in Schistosoma mansoni (S. Mansoni) infection, but little is known about the location and expression level of IL-13Ra2 in the context of S. Japonicum infection. Methods We established S. Japonicum-infected mouse models. Kinetic serum levels of IL-13Rα2 were examined with ELISA. IL-13Rα2 mRNA and protein of liver tissues were determined by PCR and immunoblotting analysis, respectively. Detection of IL-13Rα2 expression and location in macrophages was performed by TaqMan PCR and fluorescent immunocytochemistry technique, respectively. Results A marked elevation of mRNA and protein expression of IL-13Rα2 was observed in mice during S. Japonicum infection. An enhanced expression of IL-13Rg2 was further demonstrated in primary macrophages of murine schistosomiasis. Conclusions IL-13Rα2 in macrophages may be a critical contributor to pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. The data highlight the potential importance of cell signaling and antifibrotic gene therapeutics in T helper 2 cell (Th2)-mediated diseases。

Abstract：Background Developing an effective vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a grand challenge after more than two decades of intensive effort. It is partially due to the lack of suitable animal models for screening and prioritizing vaccine candidates. In this study, we aim to develop a mice model to test HIV-1 vaccine efficacy. Methods We constructed a recombinant vaccinia expressing firefly luciferase and HIV-1 Gag fusion protein based on Tiantan strain, an attenuated but replication-competent poxvirus (rTTV-lucgag). By quantifying the luciferase activity as its read out, we defined the biodistribution of Tiantan strain poxvirus in mice inoculated intraperitoneally and attempted to apply this model to evaluate the HIV-1 vaccine efficacy. Results Our data demonstrated that the rTTV-lucgag was able to express high level of luciferase (≤106 relative luciferase units (RLU)/mg protein) and HIV-1 Gag (>3 folds increase comparing to the control). After intraperitoneal inoculation, this virus had dominant replication in the ovary, uterus, and cervix of mice and the luciferase activities in those organs are significantly correlated with viral titers (r2=0.71, P <0.01). Pre-immunization with an HIV gag DNA vaccine reduced the luciferase activity in ovary from (6006+3141) RLU/mg protein in control group to (1538±463) RLU/mg protein in vaccine group (P=0.1969). Conclusions The luciferase activity in ovary could represent viral replication in vivo;, this rTTV-lucgag/mice model may be suitable to assess the protective efficacy of cytotoxic T-cell responses to HIV Gag with less tedious work and high through-put。

Abstract：Background Alemtuzumab, a humanized CD52 monoclonal antibody, with its profound lymphocyte depletion property, was expected to be a promising induction therapy agent for kidney transplantation (KTx). However, currently no consensus is available about its efficacy and safety. The aim of this meta-anaiysis was to make a profound review and an objective appraisal of this issue. Methods Relevant papers were searched, essentially in the PubMed database and the Cochrane library. After a thorough review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcome of KTx using alemtuzumab induction therapy (test group) with a control group were collected according to the inclusion criteria. Data of general characteristic of studies and major outcomes of Ktx were extracted and meta-analyses were performed with RevMan 4.2 software. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence intervals (CI) was the principle measurement of effect. Results Five RCTs were included. The chi square test showed no significant between-study heterogeneity, thus fixed effect model was employed. Sub-group analysis with studies including alemtuzumab induction followed by a tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen showed that the acute rejection rate (ARR) was lower relative to the control (OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.34-1.01, P=0.05). However, meta-analysis with all included studies revealed that neither ARR nor patient/graft survival rates differ significantly between the test and the control group, but the cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection rate was higher in the test group (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.22-5.12, P=0.01 ). A great number of the test group recipients safely remained on a regimen that was steroid-free and with a reduced dose of conventional immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusions Alemtuzumab induction therapy for KTx was an effective and safe protocol in the tested follow-up period. Steroid avoidance and a dose reduction of conventional immunosuppressive drugs after alemtuzumab induction therapy may have clinical importance. However, high quality RCTs with larger population and longer follow-up are needed for a more accurate and objective appraisal of this novel protocol。

Abstract：Displaced and unstable pelvic ring injuries have been treated mainly by open reduction and internal fixation. The goal of treatment relies on restoration of pelvic anatomy with stable internal fixation, allowing early mobilization of the patient.1,2 The symphysis pubis dislocation (>25 mm) is consistent indication for anterior internal fixation.3 In most situations, the fixation of the displaced symphysis pubis requires extensive exposure, which may lead to complications including blood loss, neural or vascular injury, postoperative infections, wound healing problems and heterotopic bone formation。

Abstract：In subjects with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic agents (OADs), insulin therapy is usually started to improve glycaemic control after failure of diet, exercise and OADs.1 Although there is no standard way to introduce insulin treatment, premixed formulations are a popular option. They offer an alternative to basal-bolus therapy and provide basal and prandial coverage with a single injection. Indeed, Koivisto et al2 in 1999 reported that 39% of patients with type 2 diabetes worldwide used premixed insulin as part of their therapeutic regimen. The modem premixed insulins, such as biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) are most frequently prescribed twice-daily (BID) in clinical Department of Endocrinology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China (Yang WY)

Abstract：Somatostatinomas are very rare endocrine tumors,accounting for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal endocrine tumors. It usually arises within the pancreas and some from extrapancreatic sites, including the duodenum, ampulla, jejunum, or cY3StlC duct,1,2 with an annual incidence of 1 in 40 million.3 Since the first case of pancreatic somatostatinoma was reported in 1977 by Larsson et al,4 less than 200 cases of somatostatinoma have been reported in literature,1,5-7 and only a few cases have been reported in China.8,9 The most described features of patients with somatostatinoma induced by excessive somatostatin secretion are characterized by cholelithiasis, steatorrhea, achlorhydria, hypochlorhydria

Abstract：Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are a group of rare mesenchymal neoplasms which composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells (PECs). In recent years, PEComas have been manily reported in liver, kidney, lung, uterus and adnexa,1 but rare in small or large intestine.2-6 Here, we describe a case of PEComa restricted in the cecal mucosa, which displayed histological characteristics of epithelioid clear cells.

Abstract：Cutaneous metastasis from colorectal carcinoma is uncommon, occurring in less than 4% of the whole patients.' The most frequently involved are incision scar or abdominal skin,24 while cutaneous metastasis to neck and chest is very rare. We hereby report a case of synchronous, postoperative cutaneous metastasis from colorectal carcinoma to neck, upper limb and chest skin, which were confirmed by biopsy.

Abstract：Isolated right ventricular noncompaction (IRNC) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy resulting from an arrest in normal endomyocardial embryogenesis. The clinical syndrome includes systolic and diastolic dysfunction; some cases may have ventricular arrhythmias. We report a case of a female with the diagnosis of right ventricular non-compaction myocardium (RVNC) with normal left ventricular systolic function. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of isolated ventricular non-compaction involving only the right ventricular before 2008, and there have only been described in very few cases of newborns and adult patients.