AIM: To study the mechanism involved in the potentially beneficial effect of ultra low dose aspirin (ULDA) in prehepatic portal hypertension, rats were pretreated with selective COX 1 or 2 inhibitors (SC-560 or NS-398...AIM: To study the mechanism involved in the potentially beneficial effect of ultra low dose aspirin (ULDA) in prehepatic portal hypertension, rats were pretreated with selective COX 1 or 2 inhibitors (SC-560 or NS-398 respectively), and subsequently injected with ULDA or placebo. METHODS: Portal hypertension was induced by portal vein ligation. Platelet activity was investigated with an in-vivo model of laser induced thrombus production in mesenteric circulation and induced hemorrhagic time (IHT). Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and dosing of prostanoid products 6-keto-PGF1α, TXB2, PGE2 and LTB4 were also performed. RESULTS: The portal hypertensive group receiving a placebo showed a decreased in vivo platelet activity with prolonged IHT, an effect that was normalized by ULDA. SC-560 induced a mild antithrombotic effect in the normal rats, and an unmodified effect of ULDA. NS-398 had a mild prothrombotic action in portal hypertensive rats, similar to ULDA, but inhibited a further effect when ULDA was added. An increased 6-keto-PGF1α was observed in portal hypertensive group that was normalised after ULDA administration. TXA2 level after ULDA, remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the effect of ULDA on platelet activity in portal hypertensive rats, could act through a COX 2 pathway more than the COX 1, predominant for aspirin at higher doses.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave (MW) ablation for abdominal wall metastatic tumors. METHODS: From August 2007 to December 2010, a total of 11 patients with 23 abdom...AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave (MW) ablation for abdominal wall metastatic tumors. METHODS: From August 2007 to December 2010, a total of 11 patients with 23 abdominal wall nodules (diameter 2.59 cm ± 1.11 cm, range 1.3 cm to 5.0 cm) were treated with MW ablation. One antenna was inserted into the center of tumors less than 1.7 cm, and multiple antennae were inserted simultaneously into tumors 1.7 cm or larger. A 21 gauge thermocouple was inserted near important organs which required protection (such as bowel or gallbladder) for real-time temperature monitoring during MW ablation. Treatment outcome was observed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [or computed tomography (CT)] during follow-up. RESULTS: MW ablation was well tolerated by all patients. Six patients with 11 nodules had 1 thermocouple inserted near important organs for real-time temperature monitoring and the maximum temperature was 56 ℃. Major complications included mild pain (54.5%), post-ablation fever (100%) and abdominal wall edema (25%). All 23 tumors (100%) in this group were completely ablated, and no residual tumor or local recurrence was observed at a median follow-up of 13 mo (range 1 to 32 mo). The ablation zone was well defined on contrast-enhanced imaging (contrast-enhanced CT, MRI and/or contrast-enhanced ultrasound) and gradually shrank with time. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided MW ablation may be a feasible, safe and effective treatment for abdominal wall metastatic tumors in selected patients.展开更多
AIM:To assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) and activated Dimethicone in improving endoscopic mucosal visibility.METHODS:A total of 148 patients were randomly allocated into four groups to receive one of the f...AIM:To assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) and activated Dimethicone in improving endoscopic mucosal visibility.METHODS:A total of 148 patients were randomly allocated into four groups to receive one of the following premedications:group A:100 mL water alone;group B:activated Dimethicone plus water(up to 100 mL);group C:NAC plus water(up to 100 mL);and group D:activated Dimethicone and NAC plus water(up to 100 mL).A single endoscopist blinded to the patients group assessed the gastric mucosal visibility scores(range 1-4) at four sites.The sum of the scores from the four sites was considered as the total mucosal visibility score(TMVS).RESULTS:The patients in group B showed a significantly lower TMVS than those of groups A and C(P < 0.001).The TMVS in patients of group D was significantly lower than that of groups A and C(P < 0.001).The TMVS did not significantly differ between groups B and D(P > 0.05).The difference between TMVS of groups C and A was not significant(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Premedication with activated Dimethicone 20 min prior to the upper endoscopy leads to the best visibility.NAC does not improve visualization by itself.展开更多
Emblica officinalis （E. oJficinalis） dried fruits were evaluated for its antitrypanosomal activity and cytotoxic effects. Vero cell line maintained in DMEM （Dubecco＇s Modified Eagle Medium） and incubated with Try...Emblica officinalis （E. oJficinalis） dried fruits were evaluated for its antitrypanosomal activity and cytotoxic effects. Vero cell line maintained in DMEM （Dubecco＇s Modified Eagle Medium） and incubated with Trypanosoma evansi for more than 12 h. MPE was added to the Vero cell culture medium at different concentrations （250-1,000 μg/mL） with trypanosomes concentration （1 × 106 trypanosomes/mL in each ELISA plate well） and incubated at appropriate conditions for 72 h. In-vitro cytotoxieity of MPE of E. officinalis was determined on Vero cells at concentrations （（1.56-100 ~tg/mL）. Acute toxicity and in-vivo infectivity tests were done in mice. Obtained MPE ofE. officinalis underwent process of purification via column chromatography, preparative chromatography and HPLC （higher performance liquid chromatography） with bioassay at different strata on Alsever＇s medium. In-vivo assay for trypanocidal activity, MPE and PPFs （partially purified fractions） of E. officinalis with two sets of mice, each mouse was inoculated with 1 × 104/mL oftrypanosomes and treated （48 h post inoculation） at concentrations （12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight） were administered at dose rate of 100 [tL per mouse via intraperitoneal route （in treating parassitemic mice） to different groups of mice, 6 mice per concentration. HPLC of partially purified fractions ofE. officinalis was carried out with mobile phase ofacetonitdle： water （40：60） in gradient mode. In vitro, MPE induced immobilization and killing of the parasites in concentration-time dependent manner. Significant reduction of trypanosomes counts from concentration of 250μg/mL and complete killing of trypanosomes at 5th hour of observation, which was statistically equivalent to 4th hour of Diminazine Aceturate （Berenil）, standard reference drug used. HPLC of the partially purified fractions revealed two major prominent peaks at retention time of 1-4 min. In vivo, both MPE and PPFs of test material did prolong lives of mice by 6-9 days but could not cure them. At concentration of 2,000 kg/kg body weight of MPE in acute test, all mice survived. For in-vivo infectivity test, mice injected with immobilized trypanosomes developed parasitemia and died while, the other group survived. MPE, PPFs and Diminazine Aceturate were toxic to Vero cells at all concentrations exception of 1.56, 1.56-3.13 and 1.56-6.25 μg/mL, respectively. From this report, PPFs ofE. officinalis dried fruits demonstrated potential pathway for a new development oftrypanocide in near future if additional investigations are put in place.展开更多
The aim of our study was to determine the criteria and key factors for the effectiveness of digoxin therapy. A prospective opened-type study was carried out in conditions of everyday clinical practice. The concentrati...The aim of our study was to determine the criteria and key factors for the effectiveness of digoxin therapy. A prospective opened-type study was carried out in conditions of everyday clinical practice. The concentrations of digoxin were quantified from blood samples taken following the achievement of drug steady-state （using AxSYM microparticle enzyme immunoassay-MEIA）. The risk/benefit ratio was evaluated based upon the correlation between measured blood concentrations of the drug and clinical response. Study results （100 decompensated patients） revealed that therapy indication field was correctly covered, showing a higher prevalence in elderly. On average, each examinee had 2 or 3 comorbidities. Applied daily dose of digoxin ranged from 0.053 mg to 0.25 mg. Renal function was assessed by creatinine clearance which is one of the key factors for the accomplishment of optimal digoxin serum concentrations （p 〈 0.05）. Co-administration of seven drugs was complicating factor for the management of rational therapy. 76/100 patients were within referent range （0.8-2.0 ng/mL）, while 13/100 were above the upper limit. Four side effects in total were recorded （nausea, vomiting, confusion）, whereas in only two patients digoxin was excluded from the therapy. Digoxin confirmed the justifiability of its use in contemporary clinical practice.展开更多
文摘AIM: To study the mechanism involved in the potentially beneficial effect of ultra low dose aspirin (ULDA) in prehepatic portal hypertension, rats were pretreated with selective COX 1 or 2 inhibitors (SC-560 or NS-398 respectively), and subsequently injected with ULDA or placebo. METHODS: Portal hypertension was induced by portal vein ligation. Platelet activity was investigated with an in-vivo model of laser induced thrombus production in mesenteric circulation and induced hemorrhagic time (IHT). Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and dosing of prostanoid products 6-keto-PGF1α, TXB2, PGE2 and LTB4 were also performed. RESULTS: The portal hypertensive group receiving a placebo showed a decreased in vivo platelet activity with prolonged IHT, an effect that was normalized by ULDA. SC-560 induced a mild antithrombotic effect in the normal rats, and an unmodified effect of ULDA. NS-398 had a mild prothrombotic action in portal hypertensive rats, similar to ULDA, but inhibited a further effect when ULDA was added. An increased 6-keto-PGF1α was observed in portal hypertensive group that was normalised after ULDA administration. TXA2 level after ULDA, remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the effect of ULDA on platelet activity in portal hypertensive rats, could act through a COX 2 pathway more than the COX 1, predominant for aspirin at higher doses.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave (MW) ablation for abdominal wall metastatic tumors. METHODS: From August 2007 to December 2010, a total of 11 patients with 23 abdominal wall nodules (diameter 2.59 cm ± 1.11 cm, range 1.3 cm to 5.0 cm) were treated with MW ablation. One antenna was inserted into the center of tumors less than 1.7 cm, and multiple antennae were inserted simultaneously into tumors 1.7 cm or larger. A 21 gauge thermocouple was inserted near important organs which required protection (such as bowel or gallbladder) for real-time temperature monitoring during MW ablation. Treatment outcome was observed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [or computed tomography (CT)] during follow-up. RESULTS: MW ablation was well tolerated by all patients. Six patients with 11 nodules had 1 thermocouple inserted near important organs for real-time temperature monitoring and the maximum temperature was 56 ℃. Major complications included mild pain (54.5%), post-ablation fever (100%) and abdominal wall edema (25%). All 23 tumors (100%) in this group were completely ablated, and no residual tumor or local recurrence was observed at a median follow-up of 13 mo (range 1 to 32 mo). The ablation zone was well defined on contrast-enhanced imaging (contrast-enhanced CT, MRI and/or contrast-enhanced ultrasound) and gradually shrank with time. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided MW ablation may be a feasible, safe and effective treatment for abdominal wall metastatic tumors in selected patients.
文摘AIM:To assess the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) and activated Dimethicone in improving endoscopic mucosal visibility.METHODS:A total of 148 patients were randomly allocated into four groups to receive one of the following premedications:group A:100 mL water alone;group B:activated Dimethicone plus water(up to 100 mL);group C:NAC plus water(up to 100 mL);and group D:activated Dimethicone and NAC plus water(up to 100 mL).A single endoscopist blinded to the patients group assessed the gastric mucosal visibility scores(range 1-4) at four sites.The sum of the scores from the four sites was considered as the total mucosal visibility score(TMVS).RESULTS:The patients in group B showed a significantly lower TMVS than those of groups A and C(P < 0.001).The TMVS in patients of group D was significantly lower than that of groups A and C(P < 0.001).The TMVS did not significantly differ between groups B and D(P > 0.05).The difference between TMVS of groups C and A was not significant(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Premedication with activated Dimethicone 20 min prior to the upper endoscopy leads to the best visibility.NAC does not improve visualization by itself.
文摘Emblica officinalis （E. oJficinalis） dried fruits were evaluated for its antitrypanosomal activity and cytotoxic effects. Vero cell line maintained in DMEM （Dubecco＇s Modified Eagle Medium） and incubated with Trypanosoma evansi for more than 12 h. MPE was added to the Vero cell culture medium at different concentrations （250-1,000 μg/mL） with trypanosomes concentration （1 × 106 trypanosomes/mL in each ELISA plate well） and incubated at appropriate conditions for 72 h. In-vitro cytotoxieity of MPE of E. officinalis was determined on Vero cells at concentrations （（1.56-100 ~tg/mL）. Acute toxicity and in-vivo infectivity tests were done in mice. Obtained MPE ofE. officinalis underwent process of purification via column chromatography, preparative chromatography and HPLC （higher performance liquid chromatography） with bioassay at different strata on Alsever＇s medium. In-vivo assay for trypanocidal activity, MPE and PPFs （partially purified fractions） of E. officinalis with two sets of mice, each mouse was inoculated with 1 × 104/mL oftrypanosomes and treated （48 h post inoculation） at concentrations （12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight） were administered at dose rate of 100 [tL per mouse via intraperitoneal route （in treating parassitemic mice） to different groups of mice, 6 mice per concentration. HPLC of partially purified fractions ofE. officinalis was carried out with mobile phase ofacetonitdle： water （40：60） in gradient mode. In vitro, MPE induced immobilization and killing of the parasites in concentration-time dependent manner. Significant reduction of trypanosomes counts from concentration of 250μg/mL and complete killing of trypanosomes at 5th hour of observation, which was statistically equivalent to 4th hour of Diminazine Aceturate （Berenil）, standard reference drug used. HPLC of the partially purified fractions revealed two major prominent peaks at retention time of 1-4 min. In vivo, both MPE and PPFs of test material did prolong lives of mice by 6-9 days but could not cure them. At concentration of 2,000 kg/kg body weight of MPE in acute test, all mice survived. For in-vivo infectivity test, mice injected with immobilized trypanosomes developed parasitemia and died while, the other group survived. MPE, PPFs and Diminazine Aceturate were toxic to Vero cells at all concentrations exception of 1.56, 1.56-3.13 and 1.56-6.25 μg/mL, respectively. From this report, PPFs ofE. officinalis dried fruits demonstrated potential pathway for a new development oftrypanocide in near future if additional investigations are put in place.
文摘The aim of our study was to determine the criteria and key factors for the effectiveness of digoxin therapy. A prospective opened-type study was carried out in conditions of everyday clinical practice. The concentrations of digoxin were quantified from blood samples taken following the achievement of drug steady-state （using AxSYM microparticle enzyme immunoassay-MEIA）. The risk/benefit ratio was evaluated based upon the correlation between measured blood concentrations of the drug and clinical response. Study results （100 decompensated patients） revealed that therapy indication field was correctly covered, showing a higher prevalence in elderly. On average, each examinee had 2 or 3 comorbidities. Applied daily dose of digoxin ranged from 0.053 mg to 0.25 mg. Renal function was assessed by creatinine clearance which is one of the key factors for the accomplishment of optimal digoxin serum concentrations （p 〈 0.05）. Co-administration of seven drugs was complicating factor for the management of rational therapy. 76/100 patients were within referent range （0.8-2.0 ng/mL）, while 13/100 were above the upper limit. Four side effects in total were recorded （nausea, vomiting, confusion）, whereas in only two patients digoxin was excluded from the therapy. Digoxin confirmed the justifiability of its use in contemporary clinical practice.
