Sitagliptin attenuates endothelial dysfunction independent of its blood glucose controlling effect

Although the contributions of sitagliptin to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus were previously reported, the mechanisms still undefined. Autophagy plays an important role in the development of diabetes mellitus, but its role in diabetic macrovascular complications is unclear. This study aims to observe the effect of sitagliptin on macrovascular endothelium in diabetes and explore the role of autophagy in this process. Diabetic rats were induced through administration of high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Then diabetic rats were treated with or without sitagliptin for 12 weeks. Endothelial damage and autophagy were measured. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured either in normal glucose or in high glucose medium and intervened with different concentrations of sitagliptin. Rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. Cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy were detected. The expressions of proteins in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-Bcl-2-Beclin-1 pathway were measured. Sitagliptin attenuated injuries of endothelium in vivo and in vitro. The expression of microtubuleassociated protein 1 light chain 3 II (LC3II) and beclin-1 were increased in aortas of diabetic rats and cells cultured with high-glucose, while sitagliptin inhibited the over-expression of LC3II and beclin-1. In vitro pre-treatment with sitagliptin decreased rapamycin-induced autophagy. However, after pretreatment with rapamycin, the protective effect of sitagliptin on endothelial cells was abolished. Further studies revealed sitagliptin increased the expression of Bcl-2, while inhibited the expression of JNK in vivo . Sitagliptin attenuates injuries of vascular endothelial cells caused by high glucose through inhibiting over-activated autophagy. JNK-Bcl-2-Beclin-1 pathway may be involved in this process.

Sitagliptin attenuates endothelial dysfunction independent of its blood glucose controlling effect

Although the contributions of sitagliptin to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus were previously reported, the mechanisms still undefined. Autophagy plays an important role in the development of diabetes mellitus, but its role in diabetic macrovascular complications is unclear. This study aims to observe the effect of sitagliptin on macrovascular endothelium in diabetes and explore the role of autophagy in this process. Diabetic rats were induced through administration of high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Then diabetic rats were treated with or without sitagliptin for 12 weeks. Endothelial damage and autophagy were measured. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured either in normal glucose or in high glucose medium and intervened with different concentrations of sitagliptin. Rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. Cell viability, apoptosis and autophagy were detected. The expressions of proteins in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-Bcl-2-Beclin-1 pathway were measured. Sitagliptin attenuated injuries of endothelium in vivo and in vitro. The expression of microtubuleassociated protein 1 light chain 3 II (LC3II) and beclin-1 were increased in aortas of diabetic rats and cells cultured with high-glucose, while sitagliptin inhibited the over-expression of LC3II and beclin-1. In vitro pre-treatment with sitagliptin decreased rapamycin-induced autophagy. However, after pretreatment with rapamycin, the protective effect of sitagliptin on endothelial cells was abolished. Further studies revealed sitagliptin increased the expression of Bcl-2, while inhibited the expression of JNK in vivo . Sitagliptin attenuates injuries of vascular endothelial cells caused by high glucose through inhibiting over-activated autophagy. JNK-Bcl-2-Beclin-1 pathway may be involved in this process.

Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy on Glycemic Excursions and Insulin Sensitivity in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-hypopnea Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>For patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the night sleep interruption and intermittent hypoxia due to apnea or hypopnea may induce glycemic excursions and reduce insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with OSAHS and T2DM.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was used in 40 patients with T2DM and newly diagnosed OSAHS. The measurements were repeated after 30 days of CPAP treatment. Subsequently, insulin sensitivity and glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured and compared to the pretreatment data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After CPAP therapy, the CGMS indicators showed that the 24-h mean blood glucose (MBG) and the night time MBG were significantly reduced (P < 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively). The mean ambulatory glucose excursions (MAGEs) and the mean of daily differences were also significantly reduced (P < 0.05 and P = 0.002, respectively) compared to pretreatment levels. During the night, MAGE also significantly decreased (P = 0.049). The differences between the highest and lowest levels of blood glucose over 24 h and during the night were significantly lower than prior to CPAP treatment (P < 0.05 and P = 0.024, respectively). The 24 h and night time durations of high blood glucose (>7.8 mmol/L and > 11.1 mmol/L) decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) after the treatment. In addition, HbA1c levels were also lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance was also significantly lower than before CPAP treatment (P = 0.034).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CPAP therapy may have a beneficial effect on improving not only blood glucose but also upon insulin sensitivity in T2DM patients with OSAHS. This suggests that CPAP may be an effective treatment for T2DM in addition to intensive diabetes management.</p>

Application of nonlinear model in analysis on viscoelastic properties of the intervertebral disc / 医用生物力学

Objective To construct a variable-parameter nonlinear model for the research on stress relaxation properties of human intervertebral disc under the cyclic strain. Methods The variable-parameter nonlinear model combined with experimental data on stress relaxation and creep response of the intervertebral disc were used to study stress relaxation properties under the cyclic strain and compare the differences of linear and nonlinear model in viscoelastic properties of the intervertebral disc. Results The cycle modulus and relaxation coefficient obtained by the variable-parameter nonlinear model under the of frequency 0.01 Hz was very close to the experimental data, and the cyclic modulus under the frequency of 0.1 and 1 Hz were also close to the experimental data, but the relaxation coefficient obtained in 0.1 and 1 Hz had serious distortion. Conclusions The intervertebral disc experiences a nonlinear stress behavior under the compression strain, so the variable-parameter nonlinear model is more suitable for studying the stress relaxation response of the intervertebral disc under the cyclic strain.

Urinary albumin excretion rate is correlated with severity of coronary artery disease in elderly type 2 diabetic patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Coronary heart disease is the main complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus; its incidence is closely related to microalbuminuria. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the urinary albumin excretion rate and the incidence and severity of coronary heart disease in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 612 hospitalized type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged 60 years or older, who were given coronary angiography for diagnosis of possible coronary heart disease, participated. Their urinary albumin excretion rate was measured, and the severity of coronary artery stenosis was quantified with the Gensini scoring system to analyze the incidence of coronary heart disease and the severity of coronary artery stenosis. The optimal urinary albumin excretion rate predictive value for coronary heart disease incidence in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of coronary heart disease, the number of patients with coronary vascular disease and the Gensini scores were significantly different between the microalbuminuria group and the normal albuminuria group (P < 0.05). The urinary albumin excretion rate was independently correlated with the occurrence of coronary heart disease in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (odds ratio (OR) = 1.058, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.036 - 1.080). Urinary albumin excretion rate and the Gensini score were independently correlated in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (β = 0.476, P < 0.0001). The best predictive value of urinary albumin excretion rate was 10.45 µg/min for elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The area under the curve was 0.764, with a sensitivity and specificity of 70.0% and 72.2%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The occurrence of coronary heart disease in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with microalbuminuria was higher than that in patients with normal albuminuria, and the severity of the disease also increased in patients with microalbuminuria. In elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, urinary albumin excretion rate was positively correlated with the incidence and severity of coronary heart disease and was also an independent factor contributing to coronary heart disease.</p>

Analyses on the relative factors regarding diabetic nephropathy among 1758 cases of type 2 diabetic patients / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the prevalence rate of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the related factors on DN among type 2 diabetic patients.Methods A total number of 1758 type 2 diabetic patients who were hospitalized in the Beijing Hospital from 2003 to 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.Three groups were divided according to the rate of urinary albumin excretion (UAER).Patients whose UAER＜20 μg/min belonged to normal albuminuria (NA) group.The ones whose UAER from 20 to 200 μ g/min belonged to microalbuminuria (MA) group,and the others whose UAER≥200 μg/min belonged to large albuminuia (LA) group.The clinical characteristics were then compared.The related factors of DN were analyzed.Results (1)There were 1246 patients in NA group,408 patients in MA group,and 104 patients in LA group.The constituent ratio of nephropathy was 29.1％ (2) The ages of NA group,MA group and LA group were (59.87± 12.77,62.52± 12.74,64.44 ± 12.74) years old,respectively,with body mass index ( BMI ) as (24.90 ± 3.42,25.53 ± 4.00,25.53 ± 3.91 )kg/m2 respectively; duration of diabetes as (8.39 ± 7.12,10.77 ± 8.02,12.84 ± 7.97)years; systolic blood pressure (SBP) as (133.42 ± 18.19,142.72 ± 20.21,151.12 ± 21.91 )mm Hg;diastolic blood pressure as (78.75 ± 10.66,80.79 ±12.21,83.33 ±13.61 )mm Hg; fasting blood suger (FBS) as (8.25±3.43,9.02±3.72,9.22±4.62)mmol/L; glycated hemoglobin(HbAlc) as (8.88±2.10,9.34 ± 2.36,9.10 ± 2.36)％ ; uric acid (UA) as (288.04 ± 90.41,307.23 ± 96.96,374.28 ±105.47) mmol/L; triglyceride as (1.72 ± 1.51,2.06 ± 1.88,1.94 ± 1.42) mmol/L,high density lipoprotein cholesterol as ( 1.08 ± 0.30,1.02 ± 0.29,1.07 ± 0.28) mmol/L; fasting insulin as (9.24 ±9.02,11.24 ± 9.74,11.06 ± 9.29) μU/ml; fasting C peptide as (462.31 ± 289.94,510.02 ± 350.08,595.93 ± 445.86) pmol/L.There were significant differences between NA,MA and LA groups in all above items ( P ＜ 0.01 or P＜ 0.05 ).( 3 ) Logistic regression analysis showed that DN were related with duration of diabetes,BMI,SBP,HbAlc,FBS,UA (OR values were 1.041,1.055,1.028,1.116,1.100,1.004 respectively,P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ).Conclusion It would be helpful to prevent and retard progression of DN that comprehensively controlling high blood glucose,hypertension,hyperuricemia and body weight of type 2 diabetic patients.

Surgical treatment of lower lumbar tuberculosis with different operative procedures / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the surgical indications and clinical effectiveness of different operative procedures in the treatment of lower lumbar tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2001 to Oct 2008, 72 patients with lower lumbar tuberculosis were treated by different operative procedures. Including 38 males and 34 females, with an average age of 38.5 years old ranging from 16 to 70 years. The average duration of symptom was 6.8 months (ranging from 4 months to 2 years). A single vertebrae was involved in 10 patients,two contiguous vertebrae in 50 cases and three vertebrae in 12 cases. The average preoperative lordotic angle was 13.1 degree (ranging from -5.0 degrees to 34.0 degrees). Three different operative procedures included: (1) posterior debridement and posterolateral fusion and posterior instrumentation in 28 patients; (2) anterior radical debridement and anterior fusion and anterior instrumentation in 32 patients; (3) image-guided percutaneous drainage (PCD) of tuberculous abscesses in 12 patients. The selection of the procedure was made according to the degree of the lesions. The resolution of inflammatory process, bony fusion, correction of sagittal angles and JOA scores were used for evaluating the result of the surgery and the complications were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 1.5 to 8.0 years (means 3.6 years). PCD was an effective treatment in 11 out of the 12 patients, one required surgical debridement and fusion. Among them, 57 (95%, 57/60) patients were treated by open operation showed successful bony fusion. The complications maily included common iliac vein injury in 3 patients, dural tear in 2 patients, they were all cured by intro-or postoperative treatment. The average immediate post-operative lordotic angle was 27.3 degree (35.0 degrees to 16.0 degrees), the average lordotic angle was 25.6 degree (33.0 degrees to 15.0 degrees) at final follow-up. Preoperatively and at final follow-up, JOA scores were respectively (15.2 +/- 3.4), (25.6 +/- 2.4) (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Different operative procedures should be selected to treat lower lumbar tuberculosis according to the degree of lesions. Aggressive surgical treatment was found helpful in the resolution of inflammatory process and correcting the loss of lordosis, preventing progression of kyphosis.</p>

Study on the risk of age-related diabetes mellitus among 8280 cases with metabolic syndrome patients and normal persons in Beijing / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the impact of age on patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and normal persons. Methods Data was gathered from 8280 persons including 4873 males and 3407 females who were randomly selected. All subjects were devided into normal group and MS group. According to the interval of ten years, the subjects were devided into seven age groups, to calculate the difference of impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) between patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and normal people, as well as the related portions. Results (1) The risk of IFG and DM appeared to be different among age groups among the target subjects as well as in the normal and the MS groups (P<0.05). (2) Among the whole subjects, the overall prevalence of IFG was increasing with age. The prevalence of DM had an increasing trend with age augment in 20-79 years group, whereas a decreasing trend appeared in people over 80 years of age. (3) For normal persons, the prevalence of IFG and DM were all increasing with age augment in 20-79 years group, and then decreasing with age augment in the over-80-years group. (4)For MS patients, the prevalence of IFG had an increasing trend with age augment in 20-69 years group, whereas a decreasing trend appeared in people over 70 years of age. There was no tendency of variation with age augment in DM.Conclusions (1) For normal persons, high prevalence rates of IFG and DM were correlated to age augment, especially in senior persons. (2) For MS patients, high prevalence of IFG was also correlated to age augment, but no association between prevalence of DM and age augment was seen. (3)Age from 70 to 79 years appeared to be in high risk with MS.

Clinical study of short-course chemotherapy combined with radical operation in retreating spinal tuberculosis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate clinical outcome of short-course chemotherapy in retreating spinal tuberculosis after radical operation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-six retreating patients with spinal tuberculosis were included in this series, 29 males, 17 females with the age from 27 to 61 years (average of 43.7 years). All patients were treated with radical operation and short-course anti-tuberculous chemotherapy from March 2005 to March 2008. The tuberculous focus located thoracic spine in 17 cases, thoracic-lumbar in 13 and lumbosacral vertebrae in 16 cases. Of them, 5 cases had sinuses of tuberculosis and 7 cases had incomplete palsy in lower limbs (Frankel C-D). CT or MRI showed obvious sequestra, cold abscess within spinal focus. Surgical procedures including debridement, auto-bone grafting, and one-stage internal fixation, was performed at the 4 to 6 weeks after chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimes were 3HRZ/6-9HRE in majority of patients. Clinical effect and focus healing were evaluated at follow-up period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Tuberculous symptoms and local pain of vertebral volume were obvious in all patients before chemotherapy,with average ESR 65.3 mm/h and average CRP 37.4 mg/L. After 4-6 weeks chemotherapy, tuberculosis symptoms and vertebral pain improved in all patients, and the average ESR decreased to 38.3 mm/1h, the average CRP decreased to 17.2 mg/L. Two to three months after operation, tuberculous symptoms and local pain relived in all patients,ESR and CRP became normal in 37 cases. Six to twelve months after operation, bonegraft complex in each patient became stable and there were no instrument loosening or deformity correction loss. Six patients with incomplete palsy recovered and 1 case improved from Frankel C to D grade. Focus healing was achieved in 44 cases (95.7%) after short-course chemotherapy (3HRZ/6-9HRE), and there were no resurgence in 2 to 4 years follow-up period. Drug fast 2 cases for RFP+INH cured at the 15 months after chemotherapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Removed tubercular focus for the treatment of retreating spinal tuberculosis can improve clinical effect and shorten chemotherapy course.</p>

Exploratory development of titanium mesh with bone allograft in treatment of cervical spinal tuberculosis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the exploratory development of bone graft by titanium mesh with bone allograft in treatment of cervical spinal tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty two cases of cervical spinal tuberculosis treated with anterior radical debridement, decompression and inter fixation from January 2002 to January 2007 were included (at least two years follow-up). 18 male and 14 female, age from 18 to 72, mean 41.3 years old. 0.5 - 15.0 months before visit, mean 6.9 months. There were 13 cases in initial treatment group and 19 cases in retreatment group. All cases were divided into two groups (group A and group B) by resource of bone graft. Group A, titanium mesh with bone allograft, 17 cases. Group B, autograft with ilium, 15 cases. Operation time, blood loss, curing conditions, cervical curvature (absolute rotation angle, ARA), function of spinal cord and the rate for bone graft fusions in two groups were compared. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range 2 - 5 years).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The primary healing rate of incisions was 93.8% (30/32), and total healing rate was 96.9% (31/32). There were no significant differences in operation time or in blood loss between two groups (P > 0.05). Operation time and blood loss, 72 min/121 ml in group A and 90 min/198 ml in group B, there were significant differences between two groups (P < 0.05). In each group, there were significant differences in the function of spinal cord between preoperative and immediately post operative, between preoperative and follow-up, and between immediately post operative and follow-up (P < 0.05), and there were significant differences in ARA between preoperative and immediately post operative, and between preoperative and follow-up (P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between immediately post operative and follow-up (P > 0.05). On preoperative, immediately post operative and follow-up, there were no significant differences in the function of spinal cord or in ARA between two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For cervical spinal tuberculosis followed by effective individual chemotherapy, a good effect can be obtained by treated with radical debridement and bone allograft with titanium mesh.</p>

Analysis of risk factors for valve replacements in 5,128 cases from a single heart center in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Numerous studies have developed a "severity score" or "risk index" for short-term mortality associated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Due to the different distribution of disease types, the number of valve surgeries in the US and Europe is relatively small. Thus, a risk-scoring system for valve surgeries was developed later and used less than that for the CABG surgery. We retrospectively reviewed 5128 cases of heart valve replacement, to quantitatively assess the risk factors for hospital mortality, and establish risk models for the hospital mortality of cardiac valve replacement patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1549 cases of aortic valve replacement, 2460 cases of mitral valve replacement, and 1119 cases of combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement that were recorded from January 2005 to December 2009 in the cardiac surgery database at Beijing Anzhen Hospital were selected for this study. The cases were randomly assigned to a model group (n = 3657) and a validation group (n = 1471) with a ratio of 7:3. Thirty-two pre- and intra-operative clinical indicators were selected as possible influencing factors for hospital mortality. Single-factor analysis was performed to screen these factors, and then multi-factor analysis was used to determine the risk factors for hospital mortality in the three surgeries and to establish risk models.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the multi-factor analysis, age, body surface area, etiology, cardiopulmonary bypass time, preoperative cardiothoracic ratio, cardiac functional classification, and preoperative creatinine were risk factors for aortic valve replacement. Etiology, preoperative history of heart failure, cardiopulmonary bypass time, preoperative cardiothoracic ratio, and preoperative left ventricular end systolic diameter were risk factors for mitral valve replacement. Age, body mass index, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and cardiac function classification were risk factors for combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement. The risk models showed good predictive ability (Hosmer-Lemeshow test: P = 0.981 in the model for aortic valve replacement, P = 0.503 in the model for mitral valve replacement, and P = 0.154 in the model for combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement). The area under the ROC curve of the validation group was 0.958 (95%CI: 0.936 - 0.975) for the aortic valve replacement model, 0.876 (95%CI: 0.805 - 0.948) for the mitral valve replacement model, and 0.845 (95%CI: 0.753 - 0.939) for the combined aortic valve and mitral valve replacement, indicating that the risk models were good in predicting hospital mortality for surgeries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The three risk models can quantitatively assess the hospital mortality risk in the patients treated with cardiac valve replacement.</p>

Variety of ESR and C-reactive protein levels during perioperative period in spinal tuberculosis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical significance of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-seven patients (41 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 23 to 61 years) with active spinal tuberculosis in our hospital (from Mar. 2004 to Mar. 2007) were included in this study. The tuberculosis focus were located either in cervical spine, thoracic spine or in lumbar spine. After 4 to 6 weeks anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, all the patients underwent one-stage operation (focus debridment) and auto-bone graft combined with internal fixation. Blood test for ESR and CRP were carried out at different times before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average ESR was (79.4 +/- 35.6) mm/h, and the average CRP was (44.3 +/- 17.5) mg/L before chemotherapy, indicating active tuberculosis focus. After 4 to 6 weeks chemotherapy, the average ESR was (45.3 +/- 21.0) mm/h,and the average CRP was (26.7 +/- 11.8) mg/L, the differences were statistically (P < 0.05), and the clinical symptoms of spinal tuberculosis relieved in all patients. Four weeks after operation, the average ESR dropped to (42.8 +/- 16.5)mm/h, the average CRP dropped to (23.8 +/- 10.0) mg/L statistically (P < 0.05). Eight weeks after operation, the average value of ESR and CRP were at normal level in 47 cases, indicating inactive tuberculosis focus. Focus healing was achieved in 65 patients after short-term chemotherapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The level of ESR and CRP are high in active spinal tuberculosis and low when focus controlled. ESR and CRP are reliable parameters in evaluation the treatment and prognosis of spinal tuberculosis.</p>

The mid- or long-term clinical results of prosthetic disc nucleus replacement in the treatment of lumbar disc disease / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the mid- or long-term clinical results and the factors that influence the outcomes of prosthetic disc nucleus (PDN) replacement in the treatment of lumbar disc disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four patients who underwent the PDN replacement from March 2002 to October 2003 were followed for an average of 52.6 months (range from 48 to 66 months). Twenty patients were discogenic low back pain, 14 patients were lumbar disc herniation. The follow-up results were evaluated by using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the visual analogue scales (VAS) through direct examinations and questionnaires. ODI was 58.4% preoperatively, and VAS was 7.4. Radiography was also used to measure the range of motion (ROM) and disc height of the operative segment, and findings were compared with those on preoperative radiographs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twelve months after operation, a significant proportion of patients recovered from low back pain or leg pain, ODI decreased to averaged 18.2%. VAS decreased to 1.8, the average increase of the postoperative disc height was 17.6%, ROM was 9.2 degrees. At the final followup, all patients with deteriorated leg radicular symptoms improved, ODI increased from 18.2% 12 months after operation to averaged 31.2%. Low back pain became more serious in 18 patients. VAS increased from 1.8 to 3.1, the average decrease of the postoperative to preoperative disc height was 13.5%, ROM decreased to 6.8 degrees. The rate of degeneration or breakages of the end plates was 64.7% (22/34), implant device migrations were observed in 25 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The mid- or long-term outcome of PDN replacement in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disc disease is not as encouraging as that of the short-term follow-up. It is neither effective in term of restoration of the intervertebral disc height nor increase of the ROM of the operative segment, complication rates are significantly higher, and inferior results are to be expected. The selection of suitable surgical candidates and determination of valid indications for operative treatment are very important.</p>

Effect of short term intensive multitherapy on carotid intima-media thickness in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Controlling plasma glucose levels, blood pressure and lipid levels is proven to reduce the risk of vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This has prompted intensive multitherapy targeted at several macrovascular risk factors. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a reliable measure of early atherosclerosis. We sought to determine whether a 6-month intensive mutiltherapy program resulted in better goal attainment than usual care and its effect on the development of cIMT among patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study randomly assigned 220 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus to intensive or traditional therapy groups. The clinical parameters, such as fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood pressure, body weight and insulin were assessed at the baseline and after the 6-month therapy. cIMT of the patients was also obtained.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average levels of fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the intensive group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the end of 6-month treatment. By 6 months, a higher proportion of patients in the intensive therapy group than in the control group attained goals for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), TC, LDL-C and hemoglobin A1c. With intensive multherapy the level of carotid intima-media thickness in the intensive therapy group was lower than that in the control group ((0.88 +/- 0.26) mm vs (0.96 +/- 0.22) mm, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The evidence from this clinical trial demonstrates that intensive glucose, lipid and blood pressure control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes is associated with diabetic macrovascular benefits. Intensive multitherapy allows more patients to achieve aims of control and may reduce macrovascular complications and delay disease progression.</p>

Surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis in aged / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate perioperative features and results of surgical treatment of spinal tuberculosis in aged.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Review the clinical data of 36 aged with spinal tuberculosis from May 1998 to June 2005 retrospectively. The average age was 70.2 years. The sites of infection included 3 cervical, 9 thoracic, 13 thoracolumbar and 11 lumbar. 28 patients suffered 1 or more complications at least and among of them, there were 18 patients have cerebral or heart vascular disease, 16 patients have diabetes mellitus. Before operation, all patients consulted with internal stuff for the proper treatment of concomitant disease. The surgical procedures include: CT guided percutaneous catheter drainage in 3 patients, anterior debridement and bony grafting with anterior instrumentation fixation in 12 patients, anterior debridement and bony grafting with posterior fixation in 5 patients, posterolateral costotransversectomy debridement and interbody fusion with posterior fixation in 7 patients, posterior debridement and posterior fixation in 9 patients. The mean followed-up period was 3 years and 10 months (from 1.5 to 6 years).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One died at two week after the operation. Tuberculous infection was controlled in other patients and no recurrence. Two patients died because of myocardial infarction and cerebral hemorrhage respectively at 1.5 and 2.5 years after operation. Bone fusion was achieved in 31 patients. The deformity was partial corrected at the final follow-up. Among 20 cases with neurologic deficit, 11 cases were completely recovered, 5 cases were partly improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>If the associated disorders and postoperative complications are properly handled, aged patients can endure surgical treatment for spinal tuberculosis. Instrumentation fixation provides adequate stability and promote recovery.</p>

Cloning and Nucleotide Sequence Analysis of Aerolysin Gene of Aeromonas hydrophila / 微生物学通报

The aerolysin genes (aerA) of BZ and NK isolates were cloned and sequenced. The sequence analysis showed that the partial aerA of BZ and NK isolates consisted of 1393 bp, encoding a protein of 464 amino acids. The similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of aerA between BZ and NK isolates was 97.6% and 98.3% respectively. The nucleotide sequence of aerA of BZ strain exhibited 71.6% to 97.5% homology with other Aeromonas isolates, and the amino acid sequence exhibited 68.0% to 98.9% homology. The phylogenetic tree based on aerA nucleotide sequences from Aeromonas isolates was constructed with neighbor-joining method. It showed that there were three branches of aerolysin genes, and a close relation- ship among Aeromonas hydrophila isolates which were clustered into the same branch.