Based on the data collected from the questionnaires, this paper discusses various problems concerning intercultural communication competence the non-English majors at "high-leveled, applicationoriented" level faced ...Based on the data collected from the questionnaires, this paper discusses various problems concerning intercultural communication competence the non-English majors at "high-leveled, applicationoriented" level faced in Shanghai Institute of Technology. Besides, it analyzes the necessity and feasibility in developing intercultural communication competence, and puts forward some constructive suggestions to enhance intercultural communication competence in adult English teaching.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relation of human papillomavirus (HPV) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Iranian patients as compared to normal controls. METHODS: Using MY09/MY11 consensus primers, we compared ...AIM: To investigate the relation of human papillomavirus (HPV) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Iranian patients as compared to normal controls. METHODS: Using MY09/MY11 consensus primers, we compared the prevalence of a HPV L1 gene in tumor tissues from 38 ESCC cases and biopsied tissues from 38 endoscopically normal Iranian individuals. We also compared the presence of HPV16 and HPVA18 in the same samples using type-specific E6/E7 primers. RESULTS: Fourteen (36.8%) of the 38 ESCC samples but only 5 (13.2%) of the 38 control samples were positive for the HPV L1 gene (P= 0.02). Five (13.2%) of the ESCC samples but none of the control samples were positive for the HPV16 E6/E7 gene (P= 0.05). Three (7.9%) of the ESCC samples and 5 (13.2%) of the control samples were positive for the HPV18 E6/E7 gene (P= 0.71). CONCLUSION: Our data are consistent with HPV DNA studies conducted in other high-risk areas for ESCC. HPV should be considered as a potential factor contributing to the high incidence of ESCC in Iran and other high-incidence areas of the world.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate sertraline,a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia.METHODS:Consecutive tertiary hospital patients with a clinical diagnosis of functional dyspeps...AIM:To evaluate sertraline,a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia.METHODS:Consecutive tertiary hospital patients with a clinical diagnosis of functional dyspepsia(FD) according to the Rome Ⅱ criteria with a Hong Kong dyspepsia index(HKDI) of greater than 16 were recruited.Patients commenced enrolment prior to the inception of the Rome Ⅲ criteria for functional dyspepsia.All patients were ethnic Chinese,had a normal upper endoscopy and were Helicobacter pylori negative prior to enrolment.Study patients were randomized to receive sertraline 50 mg or placebo daily for 8 wk.HKDI symptom scores,quality of life,hospital anxiety and depression(HAD) scale and global symptom relief were evaluated before,during and after treatment.Adverse effects were monitored during and after treatment.RESULTS:A total of 193 patients were randomized in the intention to treat(ITT),and 150 patients were included in the per protocol(PP) analysis.In both the ITT and PP,there was no difference in the primary outcome of global dyspepsia symptoms between the sertraline and placebo groups at week 8.In the ITT analysis,98 and 95 patients were randomized to the sertraline and placebo groups respectively.A total of 43 patients withdrew from the study(22.3%) by week 8,with 23 of the 24 drop-outs in the sertraline group occurring prior to week 4(95.8%).In contrast,in the placebo arm,11 of 19 patients dropped out by week 4(57.9%).Utilizing the last response carried forward to account for the drop-outs,there were no differences between the sertraline and placebo groups at baseline in terms of the HKDI,HKDI 26.08 ± 6.19 vs 26.70 ± 5.89,P = 0.433;and at week 8,HKDI 22.41 ± 6.36 vs 23.25 ± 7.30,P = 0.352 respectively.In the PP analysis,74 and 76 patients were randomized to the sertraline and placebo groups respectively.At baseline,there were no statistically significant differences between the sertraline and placebo groups,HKDI 25.83 ± 6.313 vs 27.19 ± 5.929 respectively,P = 0.233;however by week 8,patients in the sertraline group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in their Hong Kong Dyspepsia Index compared to placebo,HKDI 20.53 ± 6.917 vs 23.34 ± 7.199,P = 0.02,respectively).There was also no statistically significant difference in overall quality of life measures or the HAD scale related to treatment in either the ITT or PP analysis at week 8.CONCLUSION:This pilot study,the first to examine sertraline,a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor,for the management of FD,did not find that it was superior to placebo.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze factors of psychological disorder experienced by 98 cancer patients and to probe into intervention measures in accordance with the corresponding bad psychological facto...Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze factors of psychological disorder experienced by 98 cancer patients and to probe into intervention measures in accordance with the corresponding bad psychological factors. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted in the test group (n = 98) by filling out a symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90). And then the survey result was compared with the normal group (n = 1388) contained in relevant references. Results: Except for hostile factor that was similar to normal level (P 〉 0.05), other 8 factors were higher than in normal group (P 〈 0.01). And the cancer patients were classified with the survey results. Conclusion: Compared with normal persons, cancer patients have more psychological problems and related intervention measures are sought necessarily to improve the quality of life, to advance the immune function and to prolong the survival time of patients.展开更多
This paper reports a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) family in China. This family being investigated had 69 members of five generations. From the third generation, there have been 16 patients. The age of onset w...This paper reports a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) family in China. This family being investigated had 69 members of five generations. From the third generation, there have been 16 patients. The age of onset was about 3 to 5 decades. The initial symptoms were autonomic nerve symptoms, such as impotence, dyspepsia and diarrhoea, associated with the sensory loss of lower extremities. As the disease progressed, the upper extremities and motor ability were also involved. The duration of disease course was about 8-10 years, most patients died of infection and cachexia. Sural biopsy in 3 patients had showed positive Congo red staining. From the clinical view, this FAP family is similar to FAP I found in Japan. The true classification, however, should be confirmed by further genetic analysis.展开更多
Hypercalcemia presenting in ovarian cancer is uncommon in the clinic.Here,two cases of ovarian epithelial carcinoma that presented with severe hypercalcemia were reported,with a review of the literature.The laboratory...Hypercalcemia presenting in ovarian cancer is uncommon in the clinic.Here,two cases of ovarian epithelial carcinoma that presented with severe hypercalcemia were reported,with a review of the literature.The laboratory findings and stepwise clinical investigations of these two cases differed,indicating distinct underlying causes of hypercalcemia.In case one,the serum levels and immunostaining for parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHr P)verified humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy(HHM).In case two,the high level of parathyroid hormone(PTH)and the scintigraphy scan showing parathyroid gland adenoma confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism-induced hypercalcemia.Both patients received optimal cytoreductive operation and adjuvant chemotherapy but showed different outcomes respectively.This article focused on differential diagnosis of ovarian cancerassociated hypercalcemia,by stepwise imaging and laboratory investigation,and the appropriate therapy should be considered based on the different etiologies.展开更多
In Brazil, milk production is a key sector for income generation, tax collection and much of the milk produced comes from family farms. The present study was aimed to assess the conditions of milk production on 30 far...In Brazil, milk production is a key sector for income generation, tax collection and much of the milk produced comes from family farms. The present study was aimed to assess the conditions of milk production on 30 farms in the city of S~ Mateus, to the North of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Data were obtained through questionnaires sent to producers according to the legislation of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. The questions included type of milking, hygiene practices and health status of milkers, mastitis control and source and others. Milking was manually done in all farms, and only 40,0% of milkers washed their hands and forearms before milking, and 13.0% used antiseptic solutions after washing. None of the farms performed the pre-dipping and post-dipping procedures. Control of mastitis was not performed in 94.0% of the farms and none of them performed the CMT test. A high degree of non-conformity was observed in the family farms. These data demonstrate the need for training farmers in good agricultural practices. This would contribute to achieving better quality milk, and ensure the sustainability of the segment in the Northern region of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil.展开更多
Objective: To test the influence of homocysteine on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and on cell migration of cultur...Objective: To test the influence of homocysteine on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and on cell migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Also, to explore whether rosuvastatin can alter the abnormal secretion and activation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 and migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine. Methods: Rat VSMCs were incubated with different concentrations of homocysteine (50-5000 μmol/L). Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to investigate the expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in VSMCs in culture medium when induced with homocysteine for 24, 48, and 72 h. Transwell chambers were employed to test the migratory ability of VSMCs when incubated with homocysteine for 48 h. Different concentrations of rosuvastatin (10^-9-10^-5 mol/L) were added when VSMCs were induced with 1 000 pmol/L homocysteine. The expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined after incubating for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the migration of VSMCs was also examined after incubating for 48 h. Results: Homocysteine (50-1000 μmol/L) increased the production and activation of MMP-2 and expression of TIMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. However, when incubated with 5000 pmol/L homocysteine, the expression of MMP-2 was up-regulated, but its activity was down-regulated. Increased homocysteine-induced production and ac- tivation of MMP-2 were reduced by rosuvastatin in a dose-dependent manner whereas secretion of TIMP-2 was not significantly altered by rosuvastatin. Homocysteine (50-5000 μmol/L) stimulated the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, but this effect was eliminated by rosuvastatin. Conclusions: Homocysteine (50-1000 μmol/L) significantly increased the production and activation of MMP-2, the expression of TIMP-2, and the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Additional extracellular rosuvastatin can decrease the excessive expression and acti- vation of MMP-2 and abnormal migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine.展开更多
Although cardiac rupture (CR) is a fatal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to date no predictive model for CR has been described. CR has common pathological characteristics with major bleed...Although cardiac rupture (CR) is a fatal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to date no predictive model for CR has been described. CR has common pathological characteristics with major bleeding. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the risk factors of major bleeding and CR. A total of 10 202 consecutive AMI patients were recruited, and mechanical complications occurred in 72 patients. AMI patients without CR were chosen as control group. Clinical characteristics including bleeding-related factors were compared between the groups. The incidences of free wall rupture (FWR), ventricular septal rupture (VSR), and papillary muscle rupture (PMR) were 0.39%, 0.21%, and 0.09%, respectively, and the hospital mortalities were 92.5%, 45.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. Female proportion and average age were significantly higher in the groups of FWR and VSR than in the control group (P<0.01); higher white blood cell count and lower hemoglobin were found in all CR groups (P<0.01). Compared to the control group, patients with CR were more likely to receive an administration of thrombolysis [26.39% vs. 13.19%, P<0.05], and were less likely to be treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [41.67% vs. 81.60%, P<0.05]. The major bleeding scores (integer scores) of FWR, VSR, and PMR were (17.70±7.24), (21.91±8.33), and (18.60±7.88), respectively, and were significantly higher than that of the control group (11.72±7.71) (P<0.05). A regression analysis identified age, increased heart rate, anemia, higher white blood cell count, and thrombolysis as independent risk factors of CR, most of which were major bleeding-related factors. The patients with CR have a significantly higher risk of hemorrhage compared to the group without CR. Risk of CR after AMI is related to the risk of hemorrhage.展开更多
Although the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) has made enormous progress over the past decades, CHF is still a tremendous medical and societal burden. Metabolic remodeling might play a crucial role in the pat...Although the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) has made enormous progress over the past decades, CHF is still a tremendous medical and societal burden. Metabolic remodeling might play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CHF. The characteristics and mechanisms of metabolic remodeling remained unclear, and the main hypothesis might include the changes in the availability of metabolic substrate and the decline of metabolic capability. In the early phases of the disease, metabolism shifts toward carbohydrate utilization from fatty acids (FAs) oxidation. Along with the progress of the disease, the increasing level of the hyperadrenergic state and insulin resistance cause the changes that shift back to a greater FA uptake and oxidation. In addition, a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the improvement in the metabolic capability is likely to be more significant than the selection of the substrate.展开更多
Objective: Coronary collateral circulation is an alternative source of blood supply to myocardium in the presence of advanced coronary artery disease. We sought to determine which clinical and angiographic variables ...Objective: Coronary collateral circulation is an alternative source of blood supply to myocardium in the presence of advanced coronary artery disease. We sought to determine which clinical and angiographic variables are associated with collateral development in patients with stable angina and chronic total coronary occlusion. Methods: Demographic variables, biochemical measurements, and angiographic findings were collected from 478 patients with stable angina and chronic total coronary occlusion. The presence and extent of collaterals supplying the distal aspect of a total coronary occlusion from the contra-lateral vessel were graded from 0 to 3 according to the Rentrop scoring system. Results: Low (Rentrop score of 0 or 1) and high (Rentrop score of 2 or 3) coronary collateralizations were detected in 186 and 292 patients, respectively. Despite similar age, cigarette smoking, and medical treatment, patients with low collateralization were female in a higher proportion and less hypertensive, and had higher rates of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia than those with high coUateralization (for all comparisons, P〈0.05). In addition, patients with low collateralization exhibited more single-vessel disease, less right coronary artery occlusion, more impaired renal function, and higher serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) compared with those with high col- lateralization. Multivariate analysis revealed that age of 〉65 years, female gender, diabetes, no history of hypertension dyslipidemia, moderate to severe renal dysfunction, single-vessel disease, and elevated hsCRP levels were inde- pendently associated with low coronary collateralization. Conclusions: Coronary collateralization was reduced in almost 40% of stable angina patients with chronic total occlusion, which was related to clinical and angiographic factors. The impact of coronary collateralization on outcomes after revascularization needs further investigation.展开更多
Objective:Gorham-Stout syndrome (GSS) is a rare disorder of uncertain etiology and unpredictable prognosis. This study aims to present a comprehensive understanding of this rare entity. Methods:A literature search in ...Objective:Gorham-Stout syndrome (GSS) is a rare disorder of uncertain etiology and unpredictable prognosis. This study aims to present a comprehensive understanding of this rare entity. Methods:A literature search in PubMed and three Chinese databases was performed to screen histologically proven GSS cases among Chinese residents in the mainland. We analyzed the patients' clinical characteristics, the value of different treatment modalities and their influence on the clinical outcome. Results:Sixty-seven cases were finally enrolled. There were 43 men (64.2%) and 24 women (35.8%). The mean age at diagnosis was 28 years (1.5-71 years). The most common clinical symptoms included pain (n=40, 59.7%), functional impairment (n=13, 19.4%), and swelling (n=12, 17.9%). The radiographic presentation of 37 cases (55.2%) was disappearance of a portion of the bone. The others presented as radiolucent foci in the intramedullary or subcortical regions. A total of 42 cases provided data on therapy, these included surgery (n=27, 40.3%), radiation therapy (n=6, 9.0%), surgery combined with radiation therapy (n=2, 3.0%), and medicine therapy (n=7, 10.4%). For 30 of these 42 cases, follow-up data were available:21 cases had the disorder locally controlled and 9 had a symptom progression. Fortunately, the disease is not fatal in the majority of cases. Conclusions:GSS has no specific symptoms and it should be taken into consideration when an unclear massive osteolysis occurs. The efficacies of different treatment modalities are still unpredictable and further research is required to assess the values of different treatments.展开更多
文摘Based on the data collected from the questionnaires, this paper discusses various problems concerning intercultural communication competence the non-English majors at "high-leveled, applicationoriented" level faced in Shanghai Institute of Technology. Besides, it analyzes the necessity and feasibility in developing intercultural communication competence, and puts forward some constructive suggestions to enhance intercultural communication competence in adult English teaching.
基金Supported by the Digestive Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
文摘AIM: To investigate the relation of human papillomavirus (HPV) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Iranian patients as compared to normal controls. METHODS: Using MY09/MY11 consensus primers, we compared the prevalence of a HPV L1 gene in tumor tissues from 38 ESCC cases and biopsied tissues from 38 endoscopically normal Iranian individuals. We also compared the presence of HPV16 and HPVA18 in the same samples using type-specific E6/E7 primers. RESULTS: Fourteen (36.8%) of the 38 ESCC samples but only 5 (13.2%) of the 38 control samples were positive for the HPV L1 gene (P= 0.02). Five (13.2%) of the ESCC samples but none of the control samples were positive for the HPV16 E6/E7 gene (P= 0.05). Three (7.9%) of the ESCC samples and 5 (13.2%) of the control samples were positive for the HPV18 E6/E7 gene (P= 0.71). CONCLUSION: Our data are consistent with HPV DNA studies conducted in other high-risk areas for ESCC. HPV should be considered as a potential factor contributing to the high incidence of ESCC in Iran and other high-incidence areas of the world.
基金Supported by The Outstanding Researcher Award 2001-2002 and 2005-2006the Shun Tak District Min Yuen Tong Gastroenterology Research Fundthe Lo Ka Chung Research Fund,University of Hong Kong
文摘AIM:To evaluate sertraline,a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia.METHODS:Consecutive tertiary hospital patients with a clinical diagnosis of functional dyspepsia(FD) according to the Rome Ⅱ criteria with a Hong Kong dyspepsia index(HKDI) of greater than 16 were recruited.Patients commenced enrolment prior to the inception of the Rome Ⅲ criteria for functional dyspepsia.All patients were ethnic Chinese,had a normal upper endoscopy and were Helicobacter pylori negative prior to enrolment.Study patients were randomized to receive sertraline 50 mg or placebo daily for 8 wk.HKDI symptom scores,quality of life,hospital anxiety and depression(HAD) scale and global symptom relief were evaluated before,during and after treatment.Adverse effects were monitored during and after treatment.RESULTS:A total of 193 patients were randomized in the intention to treat(ITT),and 150 patients were included in the per protocol(PP) analysis.In both the ITT and PP,there was no difference in the primary outcome of global dyspepsia symptoms between the sertraline and placebo groups at week 8.In the ITT analysis,98 and 95 patients were randomized to the sertraline and placebo groups respectively.A total of 43 patients withdrew from the study(22.3%) by week 8,with 23 of the 24 drop-outs in the sertraline group occurring prior to week 4(95.8%).In contrast,in the placebo arm,11 of 19 patients dropped out by week 4(57.9%).Utilizing the last response carried forward to account for the drop-outs,there were no differences between the sertraline and placebo groups at baseline in terms of the HKDI,HKDI 26.08 ± 6.19 vs 26.70 ± 5.89,P = 0.433;and at week 8,HKDI 22.41 ± 6.36 vs 23.25 ± 7.30,P = 0.352 respectively.In the PP analysis,74 and 76 patients were randomized to the sertraline and placebo groups respectively.At baseline,there were no statistically significant differences between the sertraline and placebo groups,HKDI 25.83 ± 6.313 vs 27.19 ± 5.929 respectively,P = 0.233;however by week 8,patients in the sertraline group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in their Hong Kong Dyspepsia Index compared to placebo,HKDI 20.53 ± 6.917 vs 23.34 ± 7.199,P = 0.02,respectively).There was also no statistically significant difference in overall quality of life measures or the HAD scale related to treatment in either the ITT or PP analysis at week 8.CONCLUSION:This pilot study,the first to examine sertraline,a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor,for the management of FD,did not find that it was superior to placebo.
文摘Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze factors of psychological disorder experienced by 98 cancer patients and to probe into intervention measures in accordance with the corresponding bad psychological factors. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted in the test group (n = 98) by filling out a symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90). And then the survey result was compared with the normal group (n = 1388) contained in relevant references. Results: Except for hostile factor that was similar to normal level (P 〉 0.05), other 8 factors were higher than in normal group (P 〈 0.01). And the cancer patients were classified with the survey results. Conclusion: Compared with normal persons, cancer patients have more psychological problems and related intervention measures are sought necessarily to improve the quality of life, to advance the immune function and to prolong the survival time of patients.
文摘This paper reports a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) family in China. This family being investigated had 69 members of five generations. From the third generation, there have been 16 patients. The age of onset was about 3 to 5 decades. The initial symptoms were autonomic nerve symptoms, such as impotence, dyspepsia and diarrhoea, associated with the sensory loss of lower extremities. As the disease progressed, the upper extremities and motor ability were also involved. The duration of disease course was about 8-10 years, most patients died of infection and cachexia. Sural biopsy in 3 patients had showed positive Congo red staining. From the clinical view, this FAP family is similar to FAP I found in Japan. The true classification, however, should be confirmed by further genetic analysis.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.81402141)General Project of Science and Technology of Tianjin (Grant No.15JCYBJC26600)
文摘Hypercalcemia presenting in ovarian cancer is uncommon in the clinic.Here,two cases of ovarian epithelial carcinoma that presented with severe hypercalcemia were reported,with a review of the literature.The laboratory findings and stepwise clinical investigations of these two cases differed,indicating distinct underlying causes of hypercalcemia.In case one,the serum levels and immunostaining for parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHr P)verified humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy(HHM).In case two,the high level of parathyroid hormone(PTH)and the scintigraphy scan showing parathyroid gland adenoma confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism-induced hypercalcemia.Both patients received optimal cytoreductive operation and adjuvant chemotherapy but showed different outcomes respectively.This article focused on differential diagnosis of ovarian cancerassociated hypercalcemia,by stepwise imaging and laboratory investigation,and the appropriate therapy should be considered based on the different etiologies.
文摘In Brazil, milk production is a key sector for income generation, tax collection and much of the milk produced comes from family farms. The present study was aimed to assess the conditions of milk production on 30 farms in the city of S~ Mateus, to the North of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Data were obtained through questionnaires sent to producers according to the legislation of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. The questions included type of milking, hygiene practices and health status of milkers, mastitis control and source and others. Milking was manually done in all farms, and only 40,0% of milkers washed their hands and forearms before milking, and 13.0% used antiseptic solutions after washing. None of the farms performed the pre-dipping and post-dipping procedures. Control of mastitis was not performed in 94.0% of the farms and none of them performed the CMT test. A high degree of non-conformity was observed in the family farms. These data demonstrate the need for training farmers in good agricultural practices. This would contribute to achieving better quality milk, and ensure the sustainability of the segment in the Northern region of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil.
基金Project supported by the Health Ministry Scientific Research Fund of China (No. WKJ2011-2-018)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. Y2100535)+3 种基金the Key Social Development Project of Zhejiang Province (No. 2010A23010)the Science and Technology Projects of Shaoxing (No. 2011A23011)the Science and Technology Plan Project of Zhejiang Province (No. 2012C33040)the Zhejiang Provincial Program for the Cultivation of High-Level Innovative Health Talents, China
文摘Objective: To test the influence of homocysteine on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and on cell migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Also, to explore whether rosuvastatin can alter the abnormal secretion and activation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 and migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine. Methods: Rat VSMCs were incubated with different concentrations of homocysteine (50-5000 μmol/L). Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to investigate the expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in VSMCs in culture medium when induced with homocysteine for 24, 48, and 72 h. Transwell chambers were employed to test the migratory ability of VSMCs when incubated with homocysteine for 48 h. Different concentrations of rosuvastatin (10^-9-10^-5 mol/L) were added when VSMCs were induced with 1 000 pmol/L homocysteine. The expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined after incubating for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the migration of VSMCs was also examined after incubating for 48 h. Results: Homocysteine (50-1000 μmol/L) increased the production and activation of MMP-2 and expression of TIMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. However, when incubated with 5000 pmol/L homocysteine, the expression of MMP-2 was up-regulated, but its activity was down-regulated. Increased homocysteine-induced production and ac- tivation of MMP-2 were reduced by rosuvastatin in a dose-dependent manner whereas secretion of TIMP-2 was not significantly altered by rosuvastatin. Homocysteine (50-5000 μmol/L) stimulated the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, but this effect was eliminated by rosuvastatin. Conclusions: Homocysteine (50-1000 μmol/L) significantly increased the production and activation of MMP-2, the expression of TIMP-2, and the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Additional extracellular rosuvastatin can decrease the excessive expression and acti- vation of MMP-2 and abnormal migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine.
文摘Although cardiac rupture (CR) is a fatal mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to date no predictive model for CR has been described. CR has common pathological characteristics with major bleeding. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the risk factors of major bleeding and CR. A total of 10 202 consecutive AMI patients were recruited, and mechanical complications occurred in 72 patients. AMI patients without CR were chosen as control group. Clinical characteristics including bleeding-related factors were compared between the groups. The incidences of free wall rupture (FWR), ventricular septal rupture (VSR), and papillary muscle rupture (PMR) were 0.39%, 0.21%, and 0.09%, respectively, and the hospital mortalities were 92.5%, 45.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. Female proportion and average age were significantly higher in the groups of FWR and VSR than in the control group (P<0.01); higher white blood cell count and lower hemoglobin were found in all CR groups (P<0.01). Compared to the control group, patients with CR were more likely to receive an administration of thrombolysis [26.39% vs. 13.19%, P<0.05], and were less likely to be treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) [41.67% vs. 81.60%, P<0.05]. The major bleeding scores (integer scores) of FWR, VSR, and PMR were (17.70±7.24), (21.91±8.33), and (18.60±7.88), respectively, and were significantly higher than that of the control group (11.72±7.71) (P<0.05). A regression analysis identified age, increased heart rate, anemia, higher white blood cell count, and thrombolysis as independent risk factors of CR, most of which were major bleeding-related factors. The patients with CR have a significantly higher risk of hemorrhage compared to the group without CR. Risk of CR after AMI is related to the risk of hemorrhage.
文摘Although the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) has made enormous progress over the past decades, CHF is still a tremendous medical and societal burden. Metabolic remodeling might play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CHF. The characteristics and mechanisms of metabolic remodeling remained unclear, and the main hypothesis might include the changes in the availability of metabolic substrate and the decline of metabolic capability. In the early phases of the disease, metabolism shifts toward carbohydrate utilization from fatty acids (FAs) oxidation. Along with the progress of the disease, the increasing level of the hyperadrenergic state and insulin resistance cause the changes that shift back to a greater FA uptake and oxidation. In addition, a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the improvement in the metabolic capability is likely to be more significant than the selection of the substrate.
文摘Objective: Coronary collateral circulation is an alternative source of blood supply to myocardium in the presence of advanced coronary artery disease. We sought to determine which clinical and angiographic variables are associated with collateral development in patients with stable angina and chronic total coronary occlusion. Methods: Demographic variables, biochemical measurements, and angiographic findings were collected from 478 patients with stable angina and chronic total coronary occlusion. The presence and extent of collaterals supplying the distal aspect of a total coronary occlusion from the contra-lateral vessel were graded from 0 to 3 according to the Rentrop scoring system. Results: Low (Rentrop score of 0 or 1) and high (Rentrop score of 2 or 3) coronary collateralizations were detected in 186 and 292 patients, respectively. Despite similar age, cigarette smoking, and medical treatment, patients with low collateralization were female in a higher proportion and less hypertensive, and had higher rates of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia than those with high coUateralization (for all comparisons, P〈0.05). In addition, patients with low collateralization exhibited more single-vessel disease, less right coronary artery occlusion, more impaired renal function, and higher serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) compared with those with high col- lateralization. Multivariate analysis revealed that age of 〉65 years, female gender, diabetes, no history of hypertension dyslipidemia, moderate to severe renal dysfunction, single-vessel disease, and elevated hsCRP levels were inde- pendently associated with low coronary collateralization. Conclusions: Coronary collateralization was reduced in almost 40% of stable angina patients with chronic total occlusion, which was related to clinical and angiographic factors. The impact of coronary collateralization on outcomes after revascularization needs further investigation.
文摘Objective:Gorham-Stout syndrome (GSS) is a rare disorder of uncertain etiology and unpredictable prognosis. This study aims to present a comprehensive understanding of this rare entity. Methods:A literature search in PubMed and three Chinese databases was performed to screen histologically proven GSS cases among Chinese residents in the mainland. We analyzed the patients' clinical characteristics, the value of different treatment modalities and their influence on the clinical outcome. Results:Sixty-seven cases were finally enrolled. There were 43 men (64.2%) and 24 women (35.8%). The mean age at diagnosis was 28 years (1.5-71 years). The most common clinical symptoms included pain (n=40, 59.7%), functional impairment (n=13, 19.4%), and swelling (n=12, 17.9%). The radiographic presentation of 37 cases (55.2%) was disappearance of a portion of the bone. The others presented as radiolucent foci in the intramedullary or subcortical regions. A total of 42 cases provided data on therapy, these included surgery (n=27, 40.3%), radiation therapy (n=6, 9.0%), surgery combined with radiation therapy (n=2, 3.0%), and medicine therapy (n=7, 10.4%). For 30 of these 42 cases, follow-up data were available:21 cases had the disorder locally controlled and 9 had a symptom progression. Fortunately, the disease is not fatal in the majority of cases. Conclusions:GSS has no specific symptoms and it should be taken into consideration when an unclear massive osteolysis occurs. The efficacies of different treatment modalities are still unpredictable and further research is required to assess the values of different treatments.