Volume 123  ·  Issue 09  ·  2010

Abstract：Background The clinical importance of glycaemic control in patients with diabetes has been well established. This study aimed to explore twice-daily biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) for insulin initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had poor glycaemic control with human insulins (His). We use data from a Chinese cohort of the PRESENT study.Methods In the 3-month study, Chinese subjects with T2DM started insulin therapy with BIAsp 30 in routine care. Glycaemic control was measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and posting plasma glucose (PPG). The safety assessment included hypoglycaemia and other adverse events.Results A total of 1989 subjects previously treated with His were switched to BIAsp 30 for 3-month treatment. Mean HbA1c, FPG and PPG were significantly improved after the therapy. The overall rate of hypoglycaemia decreased at the end of the trial except for the patients previously treated with long-acting insulin. Most of the events were minor and diurnal hypoglycaemia. Only one serious adverse drug reaction (SADR), a local hypersensitivity, was reported. The majority of the patients (296.7%) and physicians (≥84.7%) were either satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment using BIAsp 30 compared with previous HI therapy.Conclusion The BIAsp 30 treatment improved both glycaemic control and patients' satisfaction without increasing hypoglycaemia in T2DM subjects inadequately controlled by Hls。

Abstract：Background T-SPOT.TB is a novel test for tuberculosis infection with higher sensitivity and specificity than the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST). However, there are no longitudinal data in the literature evaluating T-SPOT.TB for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The objective of this study was to assess the value of T-SPOT.TB longitudinally in AIDS patients on HAART without prophylaxis for tuberculosis.Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in 50 AIDS patients on HAART. None of the subjects had evidence of active tuberculosis. T-SPOT.TB, a T-cell-based interferon y released assay, was performed at the onset of the study and repeated 24 months thereafter. Subjects were evaluated every 6 months during the 36-month follow-up. Results Twenty-one (42%) AIDS patients on HAART tested positive by T-SPOT.TB (95% Cl 28.3%-55.7%). The pooled spot-forming cells of early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein-10 (CFP-10) peptides were 68/million peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) (interquartile range 44-220). The average number of CD4 cells in subjects was (305±152) cells/Ml and there was no significant difference in T-SPOT.TB response rates between subjects with CD4 cell counts <200 cells/ul (7/15 (46.7%), 95% C/21.5%-71.9%) and those with CD4 cell counts≥200 cells/ul (14/35 (40.0%), 95% Cl 23.8%-56.2%, P=0.662). In the 32 subjects who completed the 24-month follow-up, 10 underwent T-SPOT.TB reversion, one had T-SPOT.TB conversion, six remained positive and 15 remained negative. None of them advanced to active tuberculosis during the 36-month follow-up.Conclusion The inactive status of tuberculosis infection may be maintained for a long period in AIDS patients on HAART。

Abstract：Background Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disease that affects large and medium size arteries. The brachiocephalic trunk is the most frequently involved site in TA, and multi-vessel lesions are common. Surgical treatment includes vessel reconstruction surgery and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Herein, we report our preliminary experience with surgical treatment of cerebral ischemia caused by cervical arterial lesions due to TA.Methods From January 2000 to December 2007, 38 patients with cerebral ischemia caused by cervical arterial occlusive lesions due to TA were treated surgically. There were three males and 35 females, with an age range of 15-42 years (mean 26.5 years). All patients had operative repairs undertaken. Twenty eight patients received bypass operation and 10 patients received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. One case with coronary stenosis received coronary artery bypass simultaneously. Patients were followed up for 11 months to eight years.Results There were no peri-operative deaths in cerebrovascular reconstruction patients. Symptoms of cerebral ischemia were improved or cured in 25 of 38 patients. There was a low incidence of cerebral reperfusion syndrome. Two patients died at five and seven years after surgery due to heart failure. Another 8 patients (20%) required further surgery for stenosis (5 patients) or anastomotic aneurysms (3 patients). Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed successfully for treatment of aortic and renal lesions. Repeated angioplasty for revascularization was performed in six PTA cases with restenosis after 5-24 months.Conclusions When cerebral perfusion has potential to be affected by TA, a definitive corrective procedure is advised when the patient is relatively stable. Although the recurrence rate is very high, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is the first choice procedure. Bypass operation is optimal for brachiocephalic-vessel involvement in TA. Cerebral reperfusion syndrome can be avoided by careful selection of the operation method and improved post-operative treatment。

Abstract：Background In 2008, a sharp increase of the number of children diagnosed with urinary calculi was observed in China, 9433 children were diagnosed as having melamine-induced urinary calculi at outpatient clinic in Beijing Children's Hospital. This study examined the therapeutic efficacy of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate (PSHC) used to treat melamine-induced urinary stones in Chinese children who consumed melamine-containing infant formula. Methods Seventy-two infants and children (average age (18.2±7.7) months) who were diagnosed with urinary calculi were icuidomly divided into three treatment groups using the SAS Plan program. Group 1 was given a low dose (1 g/d) of PSHC, group 2 was given high dose of PSHC (2 g/d) and group 3 was given no PSHC (control group). The dose of drug was adjusted according to the baseline urinary pH. This study analyzed the influence of the dose of PSHC, the age of patients, stone size and position, and urinary pH on the level of efficacy of PSHC (cured, effectively treated or not cured).Results After 1-6 months of therapy, 19 patients from group 1, five patients from group 2 and six patients from group 3 were cured. Five patients from group 1, five patients from group 2 and four patients from group 3 were effectively treated. There were significant differences in therapeutic efficacy between the two treatment doses after 3 and 6 months as measured by the increase in the successful expulsion rate and time of melamine-induced urinary calculi. After 6 months the mean time of expulsion of urinary calculi in groups 1 and 2 was significantly shorter than in the control group. Conclusions PSHC can significantly increase the successful expulsion rate and time of melamine-induced urinary calculi. The therapeutic efficacy is affected by PSHC dose, treatment duration, calculi position, and urinary pH. There is no relationship between the therapeutic efficacy and the stone size or patient age。

Abstract：Background Although acute congestive heart failure (CHF) patients typically present with abnormal auscultatory findings on lung examination, lung sounds are not normally subjected to rigorous analysis. The goals of this study were to use a computerized analytic acoustic tool to evaluate lung sound patterns in CHF patients during acute exacerbation and after clinical improvement and to compare CHF profiles with those of normal individuals.Methods Lung sounds throughout the respiratory cycle was captured using a computerized acoustic-based imaging technique. Thirty-two consecutive CHF patients were imaged at the time of presentation to the emergency department and after clinical improvement. Digital images were created, geographical area of the images and lung sound patterns were quantitatively analyzed.Results The geographical areas of the vibration energy image of acute CHF patients without and with radiographically evident pulmonary edema were (67.9±4.7) and (60.3±3.5) kilo-pixels, respectively (P <0.05). In CHF patients without and with radiographically evident pulmonary edema (REPE), after clinical improvement the geographical area of vibration energy image of lung sound increased to (74.5±4.4) and (73.9±3.9) kilo-pixels (P <0.05), respectively. Vibration energy decreased in CHF patients with REPE following clinical improvement by an average of (85±19)% (P <0.01). Conclusions With clinical improvement of acute CHF exacerbations, there was more homogenous distribution of lung vibration energy, as demonstrated by the increased geographical area of the vibration energy image. Lung sound analysis may be useful to track in acute CHF exacerbations。

Abstract：Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal disorder associated with elevated plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels leading to premature coronary heart disease (CHD). As a result of long-term hyperlipemia, FH patients will present endarterium thickening and atherosclerosis. In the present study we scanned the related gene of a clinically diagnosed autosomal genetic hypercholesterolemia family for the possible mutations and established eukaryotic expression vector of mutation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene with gene recombination technique to investigate the contributions of the variation on low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) metabolism and function alternation.Methods Mutation detection was conducted for LDL-R, apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) and PCSK9 gene with nucleotide sequencing in a Chinese FH family. The full-length cDNA of wild type PCSK9 gene (WT-PCSK9) was obtained from Bel-7402. Site mutagenesis was used to establish the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector carrying pathogenic type of PCSK9 gene and the inserted fragment was sequenced. With the blank vector as control, liposome transfection method was used to transfect the Bel-7402 cells with recombinant plasmid. The expression of LDL-R mRNA was examined by RT-PCR. PCSK9 and the expression of LDL-R protein were determined by Western blotting. Results The G→T mutation at the 918 nucleotide of PCSK9 gene resulted in the substitution of the arginine by a serine at the codon 306 of exon 6. After sequencing, it was confirmed that the inserted fragment of established expression vector had correct size and sequence and the mutant was highly expressed in Bel-7402 cells. There was no significant variation in the levels of LDL-R mRNA. LDL-R mature protein was decreased by 57% after the cells were transfected by WT-PCSK9 plasmid. Mature LDL-R was significantly decreased by 12% after the cells were transfected by R306S mutant as evidenced by gray scale scanning, suggesting that the new mutant R306S can significantly decrease the expression of mature LDL-R protein.Conclusions A novel missense mutation of PCSK9 gene, R306S, was found and the eukaryotic expression vectors of mutant and wild-type of PCSK9 gene were established. There was no significant variation in the levels of LDL-R mRNA. The R306S mutation could significantly lead to the decrease of LDL-R mature protein expression, which might be the pathogenic gene of the FH family。

Abstract：Background Conventional computed tomography angiography (CTA) is time consuming, user-dependent and has poor image quality in skull base region. This study assessed the feasibility of a new method, dual energy CTA for depicting the cerebral artery.Methods Phantom scan was done with head CTA sequences on dual source CT and 64 spiral CT for radiation dose calculation. Dual energy CTA was done with dual source CT on 36 patients who were suspected of having cerebral vascular disease. Three series axial images in 0.75 mm thick, 0.4 mm increment were acquired, which were named with 80 kV, 140 kV and merged images; 80 kV and 140 kV images were transferred into dual energy software, and maximum intensity projection (MIP) image was generated quickly by dual energy bone remove (DEBR group); merged images were transferred into In Space software to acquire MIP image through manual conventional bone remove (CoBR group). Post processing time and reading time were compared. Image qualities of the two groups were compared, mainly focusing on skull base segments of internal carotid artery and bone subtraction. ANOVA and SNK tests were applied for radiation dose comparison. Student's t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied for assessing differences between data for significance. Cohen's kappa was used for interobserver agreement. Results Radiation dose of phantom scan showed dual energy CTA was between digital bone subtraction and conventional CTA. The post processing time and reading time were much shorter in DEBR than CoBR, and image quality in skull base was much higher in DEBR than CoBR (P<0.01). There was no significant difference for suprasellar vessels between two groups (P>0.5). Interobserver agreement for all vessel segments was excellent (kappa=0.97). Conclusions Dual energy CTA is a reliable, new modality for depicting cerebral artery, overcoming the limitation of conventional CTA in the skull base region. It can save much time in post processing and reading than conventional CTA。

Abstract：Background Multidetector-row CT (MDCT) has been evolving to the standard evaluating method of potential living donor in most centers, and can provide excellent details for selecting candidates and determining surgical technique.This study aimed to assess the value of MDCT in evaluation of the anatomy of living kidney donors and to reveal the prevalence of renal vascular variations in a Chinese population.Methods One hundred and four potential donors underwent MDCT and the data sets were post-processed for reformatted images with various techniques, such as maximum intensity projection (MIP), a volume-rendering technique (VR), and multiplanar reformation (MPR). Donor nephrectomies were performed on 97 candidates after MDCT evaluation with the findings during surgery constituting the standard of reference. Resulting MDCT images were compared with actual anatomy found during surgery. Results The MDCT images accurately displayed the anatomic structure of the main renal arteries and veins as well as the upper ureters, except in one case with horseshoe kidney. The prevalence of accessory arteries revealed in images was 27.2% (28/103) and early branching was found in 12.6% (13/103). Compared with findings during surgery, the detection of accessory arteries in MDCT images was 85.7% (6/7), and the detection of larger accessory arteries (>1.5 mm in diameter) was 100%. Detection of early branching was 100%.Conclusion MDCT helps accurately evaluate the renal anatomy of potential donors thus facilitating the planning of surgery。

Abstract：Background With the rapid development of computer technology, digital medicine has become a new direction in surgery. The application of digital medicine in hepatic surgery is still at the early stage and less reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to apply digital medical technology in the context of hepatic surgery. Methods Data from 64-slice helical computed tomography of 17 patients, including 13 with hepatocellular carcinoma and 4 with hepatic hemangioma, were imported into independently developed medical image software program, segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. The three-dimensional models were then processed with the FreeForm Modeling System. We used virtual surgical instruments to perform surgery on the models. Simulated surgeries included six hepatic segmentectomies, four left hemihepatectomies, three right hemihepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma, one hepatic segmentectomy, two stripping surgeries, and one irregular segmentectomy combined with stripping surgery for hemangioma. For resections involving more than three hepatic segments, total and residual functional hepatic volumes were measured before and after simulation surgery, and the resection ratio was calculated.Results The anatomy of the models was distinct and was used to localize lesions. We used virtual surgical instruments to perform simulated surgeries and used the models to optimize actual surgeries. We were able to minimize resection volume as well as surgical risk.Conclusions Digital medical technology is helpful in the diagnosis of hepatic disease and in optimizing surgical plans. Three-dimensional models can decrease surgical risk and help prevent postoperative hepatic failure。

Abstract：Background Both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and primary hypertension are common in the elderly men. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effect of primary hypertension on the hematuria in patients with BPH.Methods All patients who underwent transurethral resection of prostate or opening operation had confirmed diagnoses of BPH histologically. comparative analysis of packet was used to analyze the incidence of hematuria in 423 BPH patients with or without hypertension. Immunostaining of CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was carried out in tissues of 50 cases of simple BPH and 50 cases of BPH accompanied with hypertension. Results The incidence of hematuria in the BPH with hypertension was significantly higher than that in the simple BPH (P<0.01). Furthermore, the incidence of hematuria in patients who had hypertension for more than 10 years was clearly higher than that in the patients who had hypertension for less than 10 years (P <0.01). Both microvessel density (MVD) based on CD34 immunostaining and VEGF expression were significantly higher in the BPH tissues of patients with hypertension than that in the simple BPH (P<0.01, P<0.05).Conclusions Long-term hypertension may significantly increase the incidence of hematuria in patients with both BPH and hypertension. Increased MVD level and VEGF expression may account for the higher incidence of hematuria in these patients。

Abstract：Background Hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia is a group of diseases characterised by defective mineralization of bone due to hypophosphatemia and low 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. To explore the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis, we measured the circulating concentrations of this growth factor in healthy individuals and in patients with hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia. Methods Nineteen patients with hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia were included in hypophosphatemic group (HP, 12 female and 7 male, mean age was 30 years), and 19 healthy age-matched individuals served as the control group. Full length FGF-23 fragments were measured by two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Mean FGF-23 concentrations were significantly higher in the HP group ((87.4±43.6) pg/ml) compared with the control group ((19.2±6.16) pg/ml; P <0.001). In 1 patient with tumour-induced osteomalacia, serum FGF-23 concentrations were 84.1 pg/ml; these concentrations were normalized 2 hours after a hemangiopericytoma resection (7.8 pg/ml). Subsequently, serum 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 concentrations significantly increased from 21.3 pg/ml to 89.3 pg/ml, and serum phosphorus levels were normalized. Conclusions Serum FGF-23 concentrations were markedly elevated in patients with hypophosphatemic rickets. FGF-23 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia。

Abstract：Background Non-cement femoral stems are recognized in clinical use, but there are still some problems. The aim of this research was to make non-cement femoral stems to be press-fit with the medullary cavity. Methods Twenty-four healthy adult mongrel dogs were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. In the right hip joint, an artificial femoral bone replacement surgery was conducted. For the experimental group, the replacement surgery of hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated femoral stems was done, while autogeneous morselized bone was implanted into the medullary cavity. For the control group, morselized bone was not implanted. At postoperative 1, 3, 6 months, a test for interfacial shear characteristics was conducted in the MTS810 Tester. The comparison between the two groups' bone-prostheses in shear strength for their interface from shearing destruction was made. A histological observation to check prosthesis-bone interface contact ratios and bone growth was carried out. Results For the experimental group, shear strength was 0.317 MPa in 1 month, 1.447 MPa in 3 months, and 1.621 MPa in 6 months. For the control group, shear strength was 0.195 MPa in 1 month, 1.023 MPa in 3 months, and 1.483 MPa in 6 months. The difference was statistically significant. Stereomicroscope-based observation showed that the number of trabecular bones in the experimental group was larger than that of the control group, and bone growth of the former group was better than that of the latter group. Inverted microscopic observation showed that the binding degree between the prosthesis and trabecular bone of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. Comparatively, the experimental group's trabecular bone had more stromal cells. Conclusions The morselized bones can effectively improve the biological bonding strength and bone-contact ratios in the short term for the HA-coated femoral stem and accelerate the bonding process. The use of morselized autogenous bones played a good role in bone in-growth of the femoral bone stem surface。

Abstract：Background Type I gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-l) agonists have been applied for the treatment of steroid-dependent tumors such as breast carcinoma, ovarian cancer and prostatic carcinoma. But the mechanism has not been clarified yet. There are few reports about the treatment of endometrial carcinoma using GnRH-l agonists. Type II GnRH (GnRH-ll) is a new subtype of GnRH. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GnRH-l agonists and GnRH-ll on estrogen receptor-negative human endometrial carcinoma cells and the effect from phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) to them.Methods A lentiviral vector-mediated RNAi method was used to establish a PTEN-negative HEC-1A cell clone (HEC-1A-ND). MTT and flow cytometry were used to detect the cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of HEC-1A, HEC-1A-NC and HEC-1A-ND cells after treatment with GnRH-l agonist Triptorelin (10-11 mol/L to 10-5 mol/L) or GnRH-ll (10-11 mol/L to 10-5 mol/L). Western blotting was used to detect AKT and ERK1/2 activation after treatment with different concentrations of Triptorelin or GnRH-ll for 30 minutes in the above mentioned three kinds of cells. Results Triptorelin and GnRH-ll induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of HEC-1 A, HEC-1A-ND and HEC-1A-NC in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was augmented in HEC-1 A-ND cells in which PTEN gene was knocked-down. Furthermore, Triptorelin and GnRH-ll inhibited the AKT and ERK activity in HEC-1 A-ND cells.Conclusions Triptorelin and GnRH-ll can promote apoptosis rate and inhibit cell proliferation of estrogen receptor-negative endometrial carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. PTEN gene can inhibit the effects of Triptorelin or GnRH-ll on human endometrial carcinoma cells。

Abstract：Background Non-invasive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) screening usually involves serological testing for the presence of IgA antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) capsid antigen (VCA). The present meta-analysis determined the accuracy of VCA-lgA in the diagnosis of NPC.Methods A systematic review of studies was conducted and data on the accuracy of VCA-lgA concentrations in the diagnosis of NPC were pooled using random effects models. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to summarize the overall test performance. Results Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The summary estimates for VCA-lgA in the diagnosis of NPC were: sensitivity 0.91 (95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.90-0.92), specificity 0.92 (95% Cl: 0.92-0.93), positive likelihood ratio 31.65 (95% Cl: 10.99-91.15), negative likelihood ratio 0.10 (95% Cl: 0.07-0.13) and diagnostic odds ratio 414.59 (95% Cl: 174.96-982.42). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.98.Conclusion The sensitivity and the specificity of serum VCA-lgA are very high, suggesting that the presence of VCA-lgA in peripheral blood is a valuable predictor for NPC。

Abstract：Objective To review the emerging role of DNA methylation inhibitors in cancer therapy and make a serious reflection on their current status and future perspectives. Data sources The data used in the present article were mainly from PubMed with relevant English papers published from April 1988 to January 2010. The search terms were "DNA methylation", "demethylation" and "cancer". Study selection Studies involed in the DNA methylation in carcinogenesis and DNA methylation inhibitors for cancer therapy were selected. The original milestone articles were also included. Results Treatment with DNA methylation inhibitors leads to demethylation of a panel of tumour suppressor genes and reverse the expression in different tumors, thus making them potential cancer therapeutics. However, we cannot be very optimistic about their future perspectives because we still have a long way to go before they function well like specific targeted anticancer drugs as we expected.Conclusion The best way forward is to further clarify the exact methylation profiles of tumors and to develop novel agents targeting the specific genes。

Chronic inflammatory lung disease is a common health problem and often treated with potent antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and antifungal agents. However, in case of medical therapy failure, surgical treatment has been often considered as an effective procedure。

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) represents today the treatment and prophylaxis of choice for patients at risk for sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias.1"6 Accurate sensing of ventricular tachyarrhythmias is a critical aspect of the function of ICD。

During the spring of 2009, a pandemic novel influenza A (H1N1) vims emerged and spread globally. As of January 3, 2009, more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 12 799 death cases.1 Critical cases developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rapidly, which was refractory to conventional mechanical ventilation and rescue therapies。

Malignancy accounts for about 5% of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and needs to be treated by surgical intervention. Duodenal metastases are a rare and peculiar cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding。

Oncocytic metaplasia is a well-established pathological entity that may occur in many organs; including salivary glands, thyroid, parathyroid and kidney. The occurrence of oncocytic metaplasia in the nasopharynx is uncommon and metaplasia with melanin pigmentation is extremely rare, no more than twenty cases having been reported to date。