Rabbit Dry Eye Model Induced by a Controlled Drying System / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To provide a rabbit model for dry eye using a dry environment induced by Controlled Drying System.【Methods】Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were used in the experiment. They were randomly divided into control group and dry group，each one with 12 rabbits. The dry group was randomly housed in Controlled Drying System（CDS）for 14 days. The relative humidity，airflow and temperature were kept at（22±4）%，3~4 m/s and（23~25）℃， respectively. The control group were fed in a normal environment where relative humidity，airflow and temperature were kept at 60%~70%，0.2 m/s and（23~25）℃. The Schirmer test，corneal fluorescein staining，conjunctival lissamine green staining were performed during the experimental process on days 0，3，7，and 14. On the last day，the rabbits were euthanized and the eye tissues were made into paraffin-cut sections. After staining，we evaluated the corneal epithelial thickness and goblet cell number in the conjunctiva using light microscopy. MUC5AC in the conjunctival epithelium was detected by immunofluorescence. The apoptosis level changes on the ocular surface were evaluated using Caspase- 3 by immunohistochemistry. 【Results】 Decreased tear production ，increased corneal fluorescein staining and increased conjunctival lissamine green staining were found on days 3，7，and 14 in the dry group compared with the control group（P < 0.001）. Corneal epithelial thickness of control group and dry group were （58.0±7.2）μ m and（47.8±7.6）μ m ，which showed corneal epithelial thickness of dry group was decreased（P＜0.05）. Goblet cells in the conjunctiva of control group and dry group were 15 ± 4 and 10 ± 2，which showed goblet cells of dry group was decreased（P＜0.01）. The expression of MUC5AC（consistent with goblet cells deficiency） was also reduced. Caspase- 3 was highly expressed on the corneal epithelium in the dry group. IOD/field of control group and dry group were（17±2）% and（20±2）%（P＜0.01）.【Conclusions】 Dry environment can make rabbits have pathological changes of dry eye on ocular surface epithelium. This dry eye model of rabbit caused by Controlled Drying System would be an effective tool to study the pathogenesis of dry eye.

Post-dilatation improves stent apposition in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving primary percutaneous intervention: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND@# Stent failure is more likely in the lipid rich and thrombus laden culprit lesions underlying ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study assessed the effectiveness of post-dilatation in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for acute STEMI.@*METHODS@# The multi-center POST-STEMI trial enrolled 41 consecutive STEMI patients with symptom onset <12 hours undergoing manual thrombus aspiration and Promus Element stent implantation. Patients were randomly assigned to control group (n=20) or post-dilatation group (n=21) in which a non-compliant balloon was inflated to >16 atm pressure. Strut apposition and coverage were evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after intracoronary verapamil administration via thrombus aspiration catheter, post pPCI and at 7-month follow-up. The primary endpoint was rate of incomplete strut apposition (ISA) at 7 months after pPCI.@*RESULTS@# There were similar baseline characteristics except for stent length (21.9 [SD 6.5] mm vs. 26.0 [SD 5.8] mm, respectively, P=0.03). In post-dilatation vs. control group, ISA rate was lower (2.5% vs. 4.5%, P=0.04) immediately after pPCI without affecting final TIMI flow 3 rate (95.2% vs. 95.0%, P>0.05) or corrected TIMI frame counts (22.6±9.4 vs. 22.0±9.7, P>0.05); and at 7-month follow-up (0.7% vs. 1.8%, P<0.0001), the primary study endpoint, with similar strut coverage (98.5% vs. 98.4%, P=0.63) and 1-year rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).@*CONCLUSION@# In STEMI patients, post-dilatation after stent implantation and thrombus aspiration improved strut apposition up to 7 months without affecting coronary blood flow or 1-year MACE rate. Larger and longer term studies are warranted to further assess safety (ClinicalTrials.gov identifi er: NCT02121223).

Effect of Topically Epithelial Sodium Channel Inhibitors Eyedrops on Tear Production in Rabbit with Scopolamine Induced Dry Eye / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To test the hypothesis that inhibiting sodium absorption via the epithelial sodium channel（ENaC） will increase ocular hydration and cure the rabbit′ s dry eye induced by scopolamine. 【Methods】In the experiment，24 New Zealand rabbits weighing about 2.0- 2.5 kg were divided into 3 groups：tested group（8 rabbits）， control group （8 rabbits），and treatment group （8 rabbits）. For the rabbits in the tested group，they were given subcutaneous injection of scopolamine 4 times a day for 12 consecutive days to induce the dry eye. For the rabbits in the control group，they accepted subcutaneous injection of saline solution. For the rabbits in the treatment group ，they were firstly given the same treatment as the rabbits in the tested group. Then，the local regions in their right eyes received the application of 100 mmol/L amiloride （a sodium channel inhibitor）. Meanwhile，the local regions in their left eyes received the application of equivalent saline solution. We detected ENAC α and ENAC γ subunits of epithelial sodium channel in conjunctival epithelium by fluorescence quantitative PCR and detected the opening of epithelial sodium channel by short- circuit current technology. Finally，we compared the ENaC α and ENaC γ gene expression，corneal fluorescein sodium staining and tear secretion among the 3 groups. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect ENaC α and ENaC γ subunits of epithelial sodium channel in conjunctival epithelium and short-circuit current was used to detect the opening of epithelial sodium channel. The ENaC α and ENaC γ gene expression，corneal fluorescein sodium staining and tear secretion （immerged length） were compared among 3 groups.【Results】 The results showed that the quantity of tear secretion was（17.00 ± 0.37）mm for the control group，（4.42 ± 1.34）mm for the tested group（P<0.001 vs Control，n=8） and（14.25 ± 0.54）mm for the treatment group（P>0.05 vs Control，n=8）. The results of short-circuit current detection showed that the sodium current was（5.72 ± 0.35）μA /cm2 in normal model and（12.24 ± 0.54）μA /cm2 in dry eye model（P<0.001）. After Amiloride treatment，the sodium current decreased to（4.00 ± 0.61）μA/cm2 （P>0.05） and there was no statistical difference compared with the normal group. According to the results of fluorescence quantitative PCR，the expression of ENaC α and ENaC γ subunits and IL- β in in dry eye model were up-regulated（P<0.01） compared with that in normal group. After topical amiloride application，there were no statistical differences in inflammatory cytokines IL- 1 β，ENaC α，and ENaC γ between the normal group and treatment group（P>0.05，n=8）. After treatment，tear secretion increased （P<0.001），and ocular surface staining improved significantly.【Conclusion】 Topical application of amiloride increase the quantity of preocular tears owing to inhibition of conjunctival sodium channels and could provide an effective new therapy for chronic dry eye.

Research progress of macrophage autophagy in atherosclerosis / 基础医学与临床

Autophagy is a self-protecting cell catabolic pathway. That macrophages involved in lipid metabolism dis-orders are the basis of atherosclerotic lesions. Autophagy plays an important role in the inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis and the promotion of cholesterol efflux. The macrophage autophagy can promote lipid metabolism, re-duce the formation of foam cells and inflammation signal, thereby inhibit atherosclerosis. Induction of macrophage autophagy may have potential significance in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Influencing Factors of Nosocomial Infection after Chemotherapy in Adult Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Its Control Strategy / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influencing factors of nosocomial infection in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its control strategies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 109 patients with AML treated in our hospital from June 2014 to June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical factors were analyzed retrospectively, and the influencing factors of infection after chemotherapy were explored.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 109 patients received chemotherapy for 267 case-times, the infection occurred in 168 case-times, the nosocomial infection rate was 62.92%, the main affected sites included upper respiratory tract and lung. 155 samples from 168 case-times infection patients were collected and cultured, 32 pathogens were obtained with a positive rate 20.6% (32/155), including 14 Gram-negative bacteria, 9 Gram-positive bacteria and 4 strains of fungi and 5 strains of other pathogens. Statistics showed that the patient's age over 40 years old, hospitalization in spring and summer, glucocorticoid therapy, high intensity chemotherapy, neutrophil count, white blood cell count and hemoglobin content were the independent risk factors for infection after chemotherapy in AML patients (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The age of more than 40 years old, hospitalization in spring and summer, glucocorticoid therapy, high-intensity chemotherapy, white blood cell count, neutrophil count and hemoglobin content are the independent risk factors for infection after chemotherapy in the AML patients with the above-mentioned characteristics, they should be closely monitored, and chemotherapy intensity should be controled, so as to control the occurrence of infection; and in the event of infection, a timely powerful anti-infective treatment would be indispensable.</p>

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Urapidil for Older Hypertensive Patients with Acute Heart Failure: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Urapidil is putatively effective for patients with hypertension and acute heart failure, although randomized controlled trials thereon are lacking. We investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous urapidil relative to that of nitroglycerin in older patients with hypertension and heart failure in a randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (>60 y) with hypertension and heart failure were randomly assigned to receive intravenous urapidil (n=89) or nitroglycerin (n=91) for 7 days. Hemodynamic parameters, cardiac function, and safety outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Patients in the urapidil group had significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure (110.1±6.5 mm Hg) than those given nitroglycerin (126.4±8.1 mm Hg, p=0.022), without changes in heart rate. Urapidil was associated with improved cardiac function as reflected by lower N terminal-pro B type natriuretic peptide after 7 days (3311.4±546.1 ng/mL vs. 4879.1±325.7 ng/mL, p=0.027) and improved left ventricular ejection fraction (62.2±3.4% vs. 51.0±2.4%, p=0.032). Patients given urapidil had fewer associated adverse events, specifically headache (p=0.025) and tachycardia (p=0.004). The one-month rehospitalization and all-cause mortality rates were similar. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of urapidil, compared with nitroglycerin, was associated with better control of blood pressure and preserved cardiac function, as well as fewer adverse events, for elderly patients with hypertension and acute heart failure.

Association between clopidogrel resistance and polymorphism of platelet adenosine diphosphate receptor in patients with coronary atherosclerotic disease / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relation of clopidogrel resistance to polymorphism of adenosine diphosphate receptor (P2Y12).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and seventy patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, who were admitted in hospital from May 2011 to November 2012 and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, were enrolled in the study. All patients received antiplatelet therapy (oral aspirin 100 mg per night and clopidogrel 75 mg per day for >7 d). The gene polymorphisms of C34T and G52T P2Y12 receptor were detected by using DNA sequencing technique. The relationship of gene polymorphism with the incidence of clopidogrel resistance and clinical outcomes were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 370 patients, clopidogrel resistance developed in 100 cases, including 36 males (36%) and 64 females (64%). In the C34T locus, 212 cases were of CC genotype and 158 were of CT+TT genotype; the incidence of clopidogrel resistance in CC genotype was significantly lower than that in CT+TT genotype (P<0.05). In the G52T locus, 218 cases were of GG genotype and 152 cases were of GT+TT genotype; the incidence of clopidogrel resistance in GT+TT genotype were significantly higher than that in GG genotype (P<0.05). After 1-year follow-up, patients with CC genotype had lower incidence of angina recurrence than patients with CT+TT genotype did (13.2% vs 19.6%, Χ2=4.956, P<0.05), and patients with GG genotype had lower incidence of emergency revascularization, angina, and cardiovascular composite endpoint events than patients with GT+TT genotype did (Χ2=4.135,6.823,5.916, Ps<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>T-34, -52 mutations on P2Y12 receptor gene may be a risk factor for clopidogrel resistance and adverse cardiovascular events.</p>

KCNQ1 mutation in patients with lone atrial fibrillation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Recent studies suggest that mutation of the slow delayed rectifier potassium channel [I(Ks)] contributes to familial atrial fibrillation (FAF). In the current study, we explored the potential association between KCNQ1 polymorphism with lone AF (LAF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data and blood samples were collected from 95 Han Chinese patients with LAF and matched healthy controls. Variants of the KCNQ1 gene were identified using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. A case-control association study in KCNQ1 identified four known single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) during SSCP screening of the 95 LAF patients and 190 healthy controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three new variations were identified in KCNQ1 from 95 sporadic LAF including 1 in 5'UTR(c.-22T > C), 1 in exon9 synonymous mutation (c.1008C > T) and 1 in intron region (c.1590 + 31A > T). These variations were heterozygous and not presented in 190 healthy controls. Highly significant difference was detected between LAF group and control groups in rs760419 polymorphism. Logistic regression revealed that rs760419 was independent risk factor for LAF(OR = 2.056, P = 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>KCNQ1 mutation is associated with LAF and rs760419 polymorphism is a susceptible marker for LAF.</p>

Clinical application of VerifyNow-P2Y12 assay in evaluation of platelet inhibition efficacy of clopidogrel / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the platelet inhibition efficacy in patients under regular maintenance dose of clopidogrel by VerifyNow-P2Y12 assay and explore the clinical characteristics of clopidogrel non-responders and related predicting factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 99 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention procedure and receiving clopidogrel in regular maintenance dose for at least 1 week were enrolled. Platelet reactivity, including baseline, P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU), and platelet inhibition rate were measured with VeifyNow-P2Y12 assay. The dosage of anti-platelet drugs, combination with any other drugs, clinical characters in baseline of all enrolled patients were analyzed. PRU ≤ 240 was used as cut-off to identify clopidogrel responder and clopidogrel non-responder. In the non-responder group, patients were further separated into 3 sub-groups (types) according to the baseline and platelet inhibition rate: type I with high baseline, high inhibition rate, representing false non-responder; type II with low inhibition rate, representing true non-responder and type III mixed type.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In this study, 48 of 99 patients were found to be clopidogrel non-responder (48.5%). The ratio of type I, type II and type III in the non-responder group was 9.1% (n = 9), 27.3% (n = 27), and 12.1% (n = 12), respectively. Baseline platelet value in female patients was significantly higher than in males (P < 0.01), number of females with high PRU also is higher than males (P < 0.01), female gender was a predict factor for type I non-responder (OR = 6.5, 95%CI 2.295 - 18.407, P < 0.01). BMI > 24 kg/m(2) was a risk factor for clopidogrel non-responder (P < 0.05), and may be regarded as a predict factor for type II non-responder (OR = 3.207, 95%CI 1.375 - 7.485, P < 0.01). Age, hypertension, diabetics, smoking, hyperlipidemia, CRP and pantoprazole use do not show significant correlation with baseline and platelet inhibition rate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Clopidogrel responses could be reliably detected by VerifyNow-P2Y12 assay. Female gender and high body weight are independent risk factors for clopidogrel non-responses.</p>

Diagnostic value of 320-slice computed tomography coronary angiography to assess in-stent restenosis / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 320-slice CT coronary angiography (CTA) in the evaluation of in-stent restenosis (ISR, ≥50% luminal narrowing) in comparison with quantitative coronary angiography (CAG).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 69 patients with previous stent implantation who underwent both CTA and CAG were prospectively included. We assessed diagnostic valve for ISR with CTA in comparison with CAG.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 110 stents were implanted in these patients.CAG identified 14 ISR. CTA correctly identified 13 ISR and misdiagnosed 5 ISR in stents without ISR. Besides, 6 stents could not be evaluated by CTA due to unsatisfied image quality. Accordingly, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of CTA for diagnosing ISR were 93%, 89%, 54% and 99%, respectively. The image quality of CTA was significantly better in larger stents (percentages of good and moderate stent image of ≥3.0 mm and <3.0 mm: 56% vs. 27%, 25% vs. 49%) and which was linked with better diagnostic coincidence rate (95% vs. 78%) for larger stents. The image quality of CTA was significantly better in stents with thinner stent strut thickness (percentages of poor CTA stent image quality of stent strut thickness<140 µm and ≥140 µm: 12% vs. 45%, P<0.01) and which was associated with better diagnostic coincidence rate for stents with thinner stent strut thickness (94% vs. 76%, P<0.05). The image quality of CTA was also significantly better in single stent (percentages of poor CTA stent image quality of single stent vs. overlap and dedicated stent: 17% vs. 36%, P<0.05). However, heart rate (≥65 beats/min vs. <65 beats/min) during CTA acquisition was not associated with image quality and the diagnostic coincidence rate (all P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results indicate that 320-slice CTA allows accurate noninvasive assessment of significant in-stent restenosis in selected patients. Stents with a large diameter and thin struts are associated with better image quality and higher diagnostic accuracy.</p>

AC impedance measurement of the dielectric spectra for normal human blood cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the data characteristics of dielectric properties of normal blood cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The AC impedances of blood samples from the 30 healthy volunteers were measured with impedance analyzer at the radio frequency range, and its frequency properties were assess in view of the dielectric spectroscopy, complex plots, loss factor, imaginary part of conductivity and loss tangent.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The permittivity and conductivity of healthy adult whole blood cells had a dependence of frequency. The dielectric properties of human blood cells had two characteristic frequencies at 0.59 MHz and 2.12 MHz.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The frequency properties of blood cells can be obtained by impedance analysis within the frequency range.</p>

Geographical characteristics of single nucleotide polymorphism of candidate genes associated with coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the geographical characteristics of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of candidate genes associated with coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Study population were Chinese Han nationality recruited from Xi'an, Shiyan and Ningbo districts. Patients with coronary artery disease were defined by coronary angiography with stenosis >or= 50% and control subjects with stenosis < 10%, respectively. The DNA was extracted from peripheral white blood cell by approach comprised proteinase K digestion, phenol and chloroform extraction as well as isopropanol precipitation. The SNP of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1)-G596A, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-Taq1B, Lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-Hind III and LPL-Pvu II were genotyped by PCR-RFLPs, and verified by gene sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A Total of 615 patients undertaken coronary angiography were recruited from cardiac center in Xi'an (220), Ningbo (209) and Shiyan district (186), China (mean age 60 +/- 10 years, 75.9% males). Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in Xi'an Cohort population than Shiyan and Ningbo cohort (P < 0.01). Plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Xi'an Cohort population were significantly higher, and HDL-C siginificantly lower than in Shiyan and Ningbo cohort population [HDL-C: (1.17 +/- 0.48) mmol/L vs. (1.25 +/- 0.33) mmol/L and (1.29 +/- 0.44) mmol/L, P < 0.05]. Distribution differences for ABCA1-G596A and CETP-Taq1B genotypes were found in Xi'an Cohort population compared to Ningbo and Shiyan cohorts (for ABCA1, Xi'an: 0.24, 0.53, 0.23 and Shiyan: 0.17, 0.62, 0.21 and Ningbo: 0.34, 0.37, 0.29, for GG, AG, AA, respectively, P < 0.01; and for CETP, Xi'an: 0.29, 0.54, 0.17 and Shiyan: 0.38, 0.40, 0.22 and Ningbo: 0.39, 0.49, 0.12 for B1B1, B1B2, B2B2, respectively, P < 0.01), but not for LPL variants. ABCA1-G596A variant predicted HDL-C [Xi'an: (1.2 +/- 0.3) mmol/L, (1.3 +/- 0.2) mmol/L and (1.4 +/- 0.4) mmol/L, P = 0.01; Shiyan: (1.1 +/- 0.4) mmol/L: (1.2 +/- 0.3) mmol/L and (1.3 +/- 0.4) mmol/L, P = 0.03; Ningbo, (1.2 +/- 0.3) mmol/L, (1.3 +/- 0.4) mmol/L and (1.4 +/- 0.3) mmol/L, across GG, GA to AA genotype, respectively, P = 0.01] and TG levels [Xi'an: (2.4 +/- 1.3) mmol/L, (1.9 +/- 0.9) mmol/L and (1.6 +/- 0.8) mmol/L, P < 0.01; Shiyan: (2.1 +/- 1.0) mmol/L, (1.9 +/- 0.8) mmol/L and (1.8 +/- 0.7) mmol/L, P = 0.03; Ningbo: (1.9 +/- 1.1) mmol/L, (1.8 +/- 0.9) mmol/L and (1.6 +/- 0.7) mmol/L, across GG, GA to AA genotype, P = 0.05] with dose-dependent relationship. LPL-Hind III (+) carriers had higher triglycerides in three cohort population [Xi'an: (2.2 +/- 1.0) mmol/L, (1.8 +/- 0.9) mmol/L, (1.6 +/- 0.7) mmol/L, P = 0.01; Shiyan: (2.1 +/- 0.7) mmol/L, (1.9 +/- 1.0) mmol/L, (1.7 +/- 0.6) mmol/L, P = 0.01; Ningbo: (1.8 +/- 1.0) mmol/L, (1.6 +/- 0.6) mmol/L and (1.4 +/- 0.5) mmol/L, for +/+, +/- and -/- genotypes, respectively, P = 0.001]. SNP of CETP-Taq1B, LPL-Hind III and LPL-Pvu II predicted HDL-C and/or TG levels in different cohort population with different manners. All these SNP were not significantly associated with the development of coronary artery disease (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A geographical heterogeneity of environmental and genetic risk factors related to the development of coronary artery disease exists in Chinese Han population. Irrespective of the different geographical cohort of Chinese Han population, the SNP of candidate genes can partly predict the differences in risk-related plasma HDL-C and/or TG levels rather than angiographic coronary artery disease.</p>

Modified classic risk factors for coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors and their relations to clinical phenotype associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The subjects were recruited from five independent cardiovascular centers. Coronary angiography was employed to define the CAD with stenosis in each major vessel > or = 70% and control with stenosis < 10% in every lesion. The classic risk factors including family history, body mass index, smoking habits, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and serum lipid levels were surveyed according to established criteria. Associations between risk levels and clinical phenotypes were assessed by case control and correlation analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 762 individuals were collected, including 481 men and 281 women, aged from 17 to 81 (mean 60 +/- 10) years. The patients with CAD accounted for 55.5% of all participants, and controls 44.5%, respectively. Compared with the pattern in published data, our study showed that mean serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was significantly lower (P < 0.001) and triglycerides was significantly higher (P < 0.001), while total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were comparative (both P > 0.05). The prevalence of low HDL-C (< 40 g/L) and hypertriglyceridemia (> 150 g/L) were 27.2% and 41.4%, respectively. Mean serum levels of HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1 were significantly higher in female subjects than in male (P < 0.001). Lower HDL-C functioned as an independent risk factor for CAD only in men (RR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.5-4. 2, P < 0.001), yet increased non-HDL cholesterol combined with diabetes mellitus and obesity seemed to play a key role in the development of CAD in women. Similarity in risk association with CAD was found for hypertension and TC/HDL ratio in male and female subjects, while family history had no relationship with the presence of CAD.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is remarkable that emphasis of intervention in future should be given on the prevalent low serum HDL-C and its strong risk correlation with the presence of CAD in male subjects of Chinese Han population.</p>

Clinical applications of devitalized autogenous calvarial bone flaps fixed with titanium clamps (CranioFix) for cranioplasty / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate reimplantation of devitalized autogenous calvarial bone flaps and the fixation of titanium clamps (CranioFix) for cranioplasty.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2000 to December 2003, 21 patients underwent (1) delayed reimplantation of preserved autogenous bone flaps, which were removed during the initial operations for increased intracranial pressure and stored in a freezer and autoclaved before use, or (2) immediate reimplantation of tumor invaded bone flaps that were devitalized by boiling. All of these flaps were fixed with titanium clamps (CranioFix). Resorption of the bone flaps was monitored by skull roentgenograms and computed tomography (CT). The clinical and aesthetic results were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the follow-up period of 6 to 30 months, no complications were found. There was slight resorption of the bone flaps in all cases, but the edge of the bone flaps was within the range of the titanium clamps according to skull roentgenograms and CT. Clinical and aesthetic results were highly satisfactory.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is simple and practical using devitalized autogenous calvarial bone flaps for cranioplasty. The firmness decreasing of the reimplanted bone flap due to resorption can be prevented greatly by titanium clamps (CranioFix).</p>