Genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis for thirteen Chinese pedigrees affected with oculocutaneous albinism / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the causative variants in 13 Chinese pedigrees affected with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) so as to provide genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis to them.@*METHODS@#Thirteen unrelated pedigrees with clinically diagnosed OCA were collected and classified based on the manifestation of skin and eyes. With informed consent obtained from the participants, peripheral blood samples were collected from the probands and their family members for the extraction of genomic DNA. Candidate variants were screened by targeted capture and next generation sequencing, and the results were validated by Sanger sequencing. Prenatal diagnosis was provided to the families upon their subsequent pregnancies.@*RESULTS@#Causative variants were detected in all probands, including 10 with compound heterozygotes or homozygotes for TYR gene variants and 3 with compound heterozygotes for OCA2 gene variants. Among these, two variants [TYR: c.650G>C (p.Arg217Pro) and OCA2: c.516-2A>T] were unreported previously. The pathogenicity of the novel TYR: c.650G>C (p.Arg217Pro) variant was verified through bioinformatic analysis and prediction of three dimensional structure of the protein. Prenatal diagnosis was provided to 6 fetuses with a high risk for OCA. Four fetuses were found to be carriers, one did not carry the variants of the proband, and one was affected with OCA.@*CONCLUSION@#Identification of the pathogenic variants in the 13 probands, including 2 novel ones, has expanded the mutational spectrum of OCA and enabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the families.

Reoperation for cardiac myxoma: report of 23 cases / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To summarize the experience of reoperation for 23 cases of cardiac myxoma recurrence.Methods:From January 2002 to December 2018, 1106 patients with cardiac myxoma underwent surgical treatment. Among them, 23 patients underwent reoperation after recurrence. 10 males and 13 females with an average age of (50.5±10.8) years old. There were 22 patients with secondary operation and 1 patient with four operations. 3 cases with mitral insufficiency and 1 case with tricuspid insufficiency. There were 20 patients with NYHA Ⅰ-Ⅱ and 3 patients with Ⅲ-Ⅳ. A total of 1 083 patients with cardiac myxoma undergoing primary operation were selected as the control group. The operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic clamping time, ICU monitoring time, ventilator assisted breathing time, postoperative hospital stay, in-hospital mortality and cardiac ejection fraction at discharge were compared between the two groups.Results:8 cases (34.8%) had the first onset in the left atrial septum, and 15 cases (65.2%) in other parts. Recurrence site: left atrium in 17 cases(73.9%), left ventricle in 2 cases (8.7%), right atrium in 3 cases (13.0%), right ventricle in 1 case (4.3%). Reoperation accounted for 2.1% of cardiac myxoma surgery in the same period. The median recurrence time of 13 patients was 24 months. During the same period, mitral valve replacement was performed in 2 cases, mitral valvuloplasty in 1 case and tricuspid valve plasty in 1 case. The average operation time was (3.9±2.8) h, cardiopulmonary bypass time was (107.6±33.8) min, aortic clamping time was (64.9±23.8) min, ICU monitoring time was (20.1±16.0) h, ventilator assisted breathing time was (16.9±8.5) h, cardiac ejection fraction at discharge was 0.51±0.10, postoperative hospital stay was (8.3±1.5) days. The median follow-up time was 5 (1-18) years. One case (4.3%) died of all causes. There was no significant difference in ICU monitoring time, ventilator assisted breathing time, discharge cardiac ejection fraction, postoperative hospital stay and hospital mortality between reoperation patients and one operation ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Atypical cardiac myxoma has a high recurrence tendency after operation. Regular follow-up after the first operation of cardiac myxoma is a necessary means to early detect recurrence and avoid complications. Reoperation after recurrence can still achieve satisfactory results.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of tricuspid valve replacement with mechanical and bioprosthetic valves / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the difference between the short-term and long-term survival rates of patients undergoing tricuspid valve replacement with biological and mechanical valves.Methods:273 patients who received tricuspid valve replacement were selected from our Hospital from November 1993 to August 2018. The mean follow-up time was(8.2±5.6) years. The total follow-up rate was 95%. Kaplan-Meier method was used to make survival curves of the two groups and log rank test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. In addition, this study made the comparison of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative information and long-term survival rate between these two groups.Results:There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics and baseline between mechanical valve group and biological valve group. 16 patients died in the mechanical valve group and 22 in the biological valve group. In the mechanical valve group, 14 cases died of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome and 2 cases died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. 22 patients were died of low cardiac output syndrome. The auxiliary time in the mechanical valve group was longer than that in the biological valve group[(151.76±70.30)min vs.(131.62±60.25)min, P=0.013)]. There was no significant difference in long-term survival rate between the two groups in Kaplan- Meier survival curve( P=0.234). Conclusion:There is no difference in short-term and long-term survival rate between mechanical valve and biological valve in tricuspid valve replacement.

Short-term and long-term outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients aged 80 years and over / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate short-term and long-term outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCABG)in patients aged 80 years and over.Methods:In this retrospective study, clinical data were collected, from June 2005 to July 2014, of 31 patients aged 80 and over years with left ventricular dysfunction who had received OPCABG in Beijing Anzhen Hospital and a follow-up of 3-12 years after discharge.Results:Ages of the patients ranged from 80 to 88 years with a mean age of(82.0±2.1)years.There were 25 males(80.6%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)of patients was(42.0±6.5)% before operation, and 15 patients had LVEF less than 35%(48.4%). The average operation time was 4 hours.Three patients died in hospital(9.7%), of whom, one died from acute respiratory failure and the two others from low cardiac output syndrome.Perioperative complications included myocardial infarction(1 case, 3.2%), acute cerebral infarction(2 cases, 6.5%), tracheal intubation(3 cases, 9.7%), secondary thoracotomy and hemostasis(1 case, 3.2%), continuous renal replacement therapy(3 cases, 9.7%)and perioperative intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)(8 cases, 25.8%). Twenty-eight patients were followed up for 3-12 years(median, 8.0 years), and no one had withdrawn.There were 10 all-cause deaths(35.7%), including 5 cardiogenic deaths(17.9%), 2 lung cancer deaths(7.1%), 2 deaths due to sepsis from systemic infection(7.1%), and 1 death from unknown causes.Besides, 2 patients had re-admission(7.1%), 2 patients suffered angina(7.1%)and 1 patient(3.6%)had recurrent myocardial infarction(3.6%). No patient received re-revascularization.Coronary computed tomography angiography(CTA)was performed on all surviving patients 1 year after surgery, and the patency rate of vascular bridges was 100%.Conclusions:Both short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of OPCABG are fair in patients aged over 80 years with left ventricular dysfunction, but the mortality and risk of complications are still high, and comprehensive preoperative evaluation is needed for these patients.

Surgical treatment for left main coronary artery stenosis in patients of advanced age / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)in patients of advanced age with left main coronary artery disease(LMCAD).Methods From 2005 to 2014,101 elderly patients (≥ 80 years)with LMCAD underwent off-pump CABG in our hospital.Among them,82 were male and 19 were female,with an average age of(81.4 ± 1.7)years.Seventy-six cases(75.2 ％) had significant left main stenosis (≥ 70 ％) and twenty-five cases had left main stenosis less than 70％.The average left ventricular end diastolic diameter was(48.2 ± 8.3) cm;left ventricular ejection fraction was more than 50％ in 89 cases and 30％ to 50/％ in 12 cases.Fourteen cases had mitral insufficiency and one had ventricular aneurysm.In addition,56 patients had New York Heart Association functional classification Ⅰ to Ⅱ,and 45 patients had classification]] to Ⅳ.Ninety-nine patients had Canadian Vascular Society(CCS)classification of angina pectoris Ⅰ to Ⅲll,two had classification Ⅳ and thirteen had acute myocardial infarction.Six patients were implanted with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation before CABG.Results The average operation time was(3.9 ± 0.8) h,the average number of bridging vessels were (3,0 ± 1.0) roots,ICU monitoring time was(50.2 ± 46.0) h,and ventilator assisted breathing time was (42.9 ± 68.5) h.Six patients (5.9 ％) had secondary thoracotomy hemostasis,five(4.9 ％) had secondary tracheal intubation,and four(4.0 ％)had continuous dialysis.Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was implanted in 3cases (2.9 ％) during operation and in 11 cases(10.9 ％) after operation.Two cases (2.0 ％) had perioperative myocardial infarction and 8 cases (7.9％) died after operation during hospitalization.The median follow-up time was 6(1-11)years,and 17(16.8％)had all-cause mortality.Conclusions Although the two independent high-risk factors,old age and left main stenosis often coexist,off-pump CABG and perioperative management are still safe and effective treatments.

Study on the mechanism of two related Chinese herbs Danggui-Baishao in treating cardiovascular diseases based on network pharmacology / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:By adopting network pharmacology to study the mechanism of the two classical Chinese herbs Danggui-Baishao in treating cardiovascular diseases. Methods:By searching from TCMSP and related literature, together with the databases of TCMSP, SWISS and STITCH, potential active compounds of Danggui-Baishao were collected, while the targets for cardiovascular diseases were obtained from TTD, OMIM and DrugBank databases. Then the PPI network was screened for the major targets. The KEGG Pathway annotation analyses of major targets were performed by using the DAVID database. The ingredient-major target-key pathway network was constructed by Cytoscape. Results:There were 17 compounds and 54 major targets in the ingredient-target-pathway network, as well as 10 key pathways, including inflammation-related pathway (TNF signaling pathway), pathways related to cardiovascular system (such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway), prolactin signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway.Conclusions:The study verified the characteristics of multi-components, multi-targets and integral regulation for Danggui-Baishao with the application of network pharmacology. It predicted that Dangui-Baishao couldtreat cardiovascular diseases mainly by regulating angiogenesis, inflammatory response and apoptosis.

Study on the mechanism of two related Chinese herbs Danggui-Baishao in treating cardiovascular diseases based on network pharmacology / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#By adopting network pharmacology to study the mechanism of the two classical Chinese herbs Danggui-Baishao in treating cardiovascular diseases.@*Methods@#By searching from TCMSP and related literature, together with the databases of TCMSP, SWISS and STITCH, potential active compounds of Danggui-Baishao were collected, while the targets for cardiovascular diseases were obtained from TTD, OMIM and DrugBank databases. Then the PPI network was screened for the major targets. The KEGG Pathway annotation analyses of major targets were performed by using the DAVID database. The ingredient-major target-key pathway network was constructed by Cytoscape.@*Results@#There were 17 compounds and 54 major targets in the ingredient-target-pathway network, as well as 10 key pathways, including inflammation-related pathway (TNF signaling pathway), pathways related to cardiovascular system (such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway), prolactin signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway.@*Conclusions@#The study verified the characteristics of multi-components, multi-targets and integral regulation for Danggui-Baishao with the application of network pharmacology. It predicted that Dangui-Baishao couldtreat cardiovascular diseases mainly by regulating angiogenesis, inflammatory response and apoptosis.

Surgical treatment for left main coronary artery stenosis in patients of advanced age / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the clinical efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)in patients of advanced age with left main coronary artery disease(LMCAD).@*Methods@#From 2005 to 2014, 101 elderly patients(≥80 years)with LMCAD underwent off-pump CABG in our hospital.Among them, 82 were male and 19 were female, with an average age of(81.4±1.7)years.Seventy-six cases(75.2%)had significant left main stenosis(≥70%)and twenty-five cases had left main stenosis less than 70%.The average left ventricular end diastolic diameter was(48.2±8.3)cm; left ventricular ejection fraction was more than 50% in 89 cases and 30% to 50% in 12 cases.Fourteen cases had mitral insufficiency and one had ventricular aneurysm.In addition, 56 patients had New York Heart Association functional classification Ⅰ to Ⅱ, and 45 patients had classification Ⅲ to Ⅳ.Ninety-nine patients had Canadian Vascular Society(CCS)classification of angina pectoris Ⅰto Ⅲ, two had classification Ⅳ and thirteen had acute myocardial infarction.Six patients were implanted with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation before CABG.@*Results@#The average operation time was(3.9±0.8)h, the average number of bridging vessels were(3.0±1.0)roots, ICU monitoring time was(50.2±46.0)h, and ventilator assisted breathing time was(42.9±68.5)h.Six patients(5.9%)had secondary thoracotomy hemostasis, five(4.9%)had secondary tracheal intubation, and four(4.0%)had continuous dialysis.Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was implanted in 3cases(2.9%)during operation and in 11 cases(10.9%)after operation.Two cases(2.0%)had perioperative myocardial infarction and 8 cases(7.9%)died after operation during hospitalization.The median follow-up time was 6(1-11)years, and 17(16.8%)had all-cause mortality.@*Conclusions@#Although the two independent high-risk factors, old age and left main stenosis often coexist, off-pump CABG and perioperative management are still safe and effective treatments.

Perioperative factors associated with short-term outcomes after tricuspid valve replacement / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with short-term survival and morbidity after tricuspid valve replacement(TVR).Methods This was a retrospective study of 273consecutive patients who underwent TVR at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital over a 25-year period(from November 1993 to August 2018).Results The overall 30-day mortality was 14％.Multivariate analysis showed that the dose of frusemide(OR =1.018,95％ CI:1.005-1.031;P =0.007)was an independent predictor of short-term death after TVR.The NYHA (OR =2.173,95 ％ CI:1.018-4.002;P =0.013)and cardiopulmonary bypass time(OR =1.008,95％ CI:1.002-1.013;P =0.004) were independently associated with the low output syndrome (LOS).The dose of frusemide (OR =1.025,95％ CI:1.009-1.041;P =0.003)、NYHA (OR =5.837,95％ CI:2.177-15.650;P =0.000)、cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR =1.012,95％ CI:1.005-1.020;P =0.002) and diameter of right atrium(OR =1.025,95 ％ CI:1.002-1.048;P =0.033) were independently associated with acute renal failure.The dose of frusemide(OR =1.020,95％ CI:1.007-1.033;P =0.003) 、cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR=1.014,95％CI:1.006-1.022;P＜0.001) and white cell count(OR=0.748,95％CI:0.559-0.999;P =0.050) were independently associated with mechanical respiratory assistant ＞ 3 days.Conclusion This study identified a number of factors that were independently associated with short-term mortality,postoperative LOS,acute renal failure,and mechanical respiratory assistant ＞ 3 days.Long-term medical conservative treatment may affect the effect of snrgical treatment.Early surgical treatment is crucial for optimal outcomes when the dosage of frusemide ＞ 20 mg/day.

Identification of pathogenic mutations in two Chinese families affected with primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE To identify potential mutations in two Chinese families affected with primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. METHODS Peripheral blood samples of the family were collected with informed consent. Genomic DNA was extracted with a phenol chloroform method. All of the 17 exons and their flanking splicing sites of the OSMR gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to Sanger sequencing. Suspected mutations were verified with PCR - restriction fragment length polymorphism and high-resolution melting assays. RESULTS A missense mutation (c.1538G>A) was found in exon 10 of the OSMR gene in all of the six patients from family 1. A missense mutation (c.2081C>T) was found in exon 14 of the OSMR gene in all of the four patients from family 2. The same mutations were not found among the healthy controls. CONCLUSION Two missense mutations (c.1538G>A and c.2081C>T) were detected in the OSMR gene in two Chinese families affected with primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Our findings have further confirmed the pathogenicity of such mutations.

Influence of assisted reproductive technology and related factors on chromosomal abnormalities in early spontaneous abortions / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the influence of assisted reproductive technology(ART) on the incidence of fetal chromosomal abnormalities by analyzing spontaneous abortions during the first trimester following natural conception(NC) or assisted reproductive technology(ART).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and fourteen chorionic villus samples of women with first trimester spontaneous abortion were collected. Cell culture and G-banding karyotyping analysis were carried out, which included 125 cases by in vitro fertilization(IVF), 87 cases by intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) and 102 cases by natural conception(NC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Chromosomal aberrations were found in 167(53.2%) of the 314 cases. No significant difference was found in the spectrum of karyotypic abnormalities between NC and ART groups. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities has increased along with the maternal age. Compared with the fresh embryo-transfer(ET) group, frozen-thawed embryo transfer(FET) group showed a slightly lower incidence of chromosomal abnormalities, albeit with no statistical significance(47.3% vs. 53.8%, P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fetal chromosomal abnormalities are the main cause for spontaneous abortion during the first trimester regardless the ways of conception. Their incidence is associated with maternal age. FET is relatively safe as well as fresh ET. ART is a relatively safe treatment which does not increase the rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.</p>

The effect of body mass index on early postoperative clinical outcomes following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of body mass index on early postoperative clinical outcomes following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods A total of 1062 patients that received OPCABG in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were recorded continuously from January 2015 to May 2015. The patients were divided into normal weight group(n=360), overweight group(n=527) and obesity group(n=175) according to their body mass index. The following outcomes in the ear-ly postoperative period were compared among the three groups: hospital mortality, atrial fibrillation and intra aortic balloon counter pulsation usage, multiple organ failure score system, postoperative score for cardiac surgery, sequential organ failure assessment score, respiratory index, and pressure-adjusted heart rate. Results The lowest mortality rate was observed in the overweight group(0.6％) in comparison with the normal weight group(2.2％) and obesity group(1.1％)(P<0.01). The lowest rate of atrial fibrillation was observed in the obesity group(20. 1％) in comparison with the normal weight group (22.1％) and overweight group(20. 7％)(P <0. 01). The IABP usage rate was the highest in the normal weight group (8. 1％), followed by the overweight group(6. 0％) and the obesity group(2. 9％)(P<0. 01). On the operation day and the first day after operation, the MODS, SOFA and PSCS scores of the obese group were significantly higher than those of the nor-mal weight group(P <0. 01). PaO2/FiO2 in the obese group was significantly lower than that in the normal weight group (P<0. 01). PAHR in the obese group was significantly higher than that in the normal weight group(P<0. 01). Conclusion High BMI groups were associated with lower rates of mortality, atrial fibrillation, and IABP utilization. The lowest mortality rate was observed in the overweight group.

The perioperative effects of metabolic syndrome on the off-pump coronary artery bypass / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Metabolic syndrome ( MS), a disorder involving multiple metabolic abnormalities such obesity,hypertension, diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance and dyslipidemia, has been observed in many patients receiving coronary artery bypass procedures. In this study we try to examine the perioperative effects of metabolic syndrome on the off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCABG). Methods A prospective study was conducted in 1060 consecutive OPCABG patients who were admited to Beijing Anzhen Hospital from July 2009 to March 2010. The patients were grouped as MS group and non-MS group according to the diagnostic criteria for Chinese metabolic syndrome. The outcomes such as mortality, atrial fibrillation,stroke, staying in ICU for more than three days, use of IABP, ECMO, dialysis, multiple organ dysfunction score ( MOOS) ,postoperative score for cardiac surgery (PSCS), PaO2/FiO2 , heart rate x central venous pressure/mean artery pressure(pressure-adjusted heart rate, PAHR) ,renal and liver function, platelets, and the dosage of vasoactive agents were analyzed and compared between the two groups by x2 test or t test. Results Three hundred and eighty-nine cases were diagnosed with MS among 1060 cases with OPCABG. In the MS group, 17 cases stayed in ICU for more than 3 days, 2 cases died, 76 had atrial fibrillation, 3 had stroke, 18 cases were treated with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP). In the non-MS group, 47 cases stayed in ICU for more than 3 days, 12 cases died, 148 had atrial fibrillation, 3 had stroke, 48 cases were treated withIABP, 3 cases received ECMO and 4 cases received dialysis. No significant difference between MS group and non-MS group was identified in the aspects of mortality, atrial fibrillation, stroke, duration of more than three days in ICU, the use of IABP,ECMO, dialysis after OPACBG based on the x2 test(P＞0.05). However, on the operative days, the MODS and PSCS in MS group were significantly higher than that in non-MS group (P ＜ 0.05). MODS 2. 57 ± 1. 62 in MS group vs. 2. 15 ± 1.65 in non-MS group, PSCS 4.27 ±2.15 in MS group vs. 3.92 ±2.29 in non-MS group. PaO2/FiO2 in MS group was significantly lower than that in non-MS group (249.23 ± 110.99 vs. 283. 33 ± 114. 35), P ＜ 0. 01. PAHR in MS group was significantly higher than that in non-MS group (9.98 ±3.54 vs. 9.23 ±3. 88), P ＜0.05. On the first postoperative days, the MODS in MS group was also significantly higher than that in non-MS group (3.05 ±1.64 vs. 2.82 ± 1.72), P＜0.05. PaO2/FiO2 in MS group was significantly lower than that in non-MS group (277.11 ±122.99 vs.318.47 ±143.84), P＜0.05. Conclusion MS was not a predictor for death, atrial fibrillation, stroke, duration of more than three days in 1CU, the use of IABP, ECMO, dialysis after OPACBG. However, MS had a temporary adverse effect on the respiratory and circulatory systems on the operative day and the first postoperative day after OPCABG.

Numerical simulation of the distribution of shear stress on the bottom of parallel plate flow chamber under different inlet velocity conditions / 生物医学工程学杂志

The distribution of shear stress on the bottom of the parallel plate flow chamber under different inlet velocities was analyzed by numerical simulation. In the present experimental study, the projection planes of the relative errors at 0.7% level were obtained, and then the efficient region and the actual entrance length were further corrected by introducing the concept of relative error. The results showed that the efficient region of the chamber increased with the direction of length while the inlet velocity was increased, and the actual entrance length was much greater than that of the theoretical entrance length. Therefore, in accordance to the needed range of shear stress in experiment and to the needed efficient region area, the optimum design of the flow chamber is necessary.

A scoring system for the assessment of post-CABG death risk / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk for multi-organ failure and death. Few well-established scoring systems have been used in the cardiac surgery. We try to identify a feasible score system for the risk assessment after CABG. Methods 1028 consecutive patients who had received CABG and staying in a single cardiac postoperative intensive care unit of Anzhen hospital were enrolled in the prospective study between October of 2007 and May of 2008 and assessed daily with three score systems, the multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS), the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and our postoperative score for cardiac surgery (PSCS). Four new variances were added to PSCS system, which were Euroscore, IABP, ECMO and dialysis. Euroscore was considered as a preoperative factor which provided the preoperative information of the patient. IABP and ECMO were considered as assistant factors to support circulatory system. The dialysis was also considered as an assistant factor to support renal system. The differences with the respects of sensitivity and specificity among the three systems were compared with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve. Results The new variances added to PSCS system were shown to be associated with mortality in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The EXP(B) value for Euroscore was 3. 803, the EXP(B) value for IABP was 1. 645, the EXP(B) value for ECMO was 3.803, and the EXP(B) value for dialysis was 1.605. In discrimination analysis, ROC values of the operative day score were 0.602 for MODS, 0.571 for SOFA, and 0. 821 for PSCS; ROC values of the maximum score were 0.847 for MODS, 0.830 for SOFA, and 0.929 for PSCS; ROC values of the maximum score during the first 3 days were 0.838 for MODS, 0.814 for SOFA, and 0.919 for PSCS; score changes of ROC value between the third day and the first day were 0.767 for MODS, 0.779 for SOFA, and 0. 780 for PSCS. In calibration analysis, we compared the x2 values, P values and overall corrected percentage of the three different systems. x2 values of the three systems were 6. 763 for MODS, 4. 101 for SOFA, and 1.687 for PSCS; P values of the three systems were 0.454 for MODS, 0. 848 for SOFA, and 0. 975 for PSCS; overall corrected percentages of the three systems were 98.1%, 98%, and 98.3% respectively. Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of PSCS were superior to MODS and SOFA in predicting death risk after CABG.

Comparison of prospectively electrocardiographic triggered spiral and sequential acquisition for coronary computed tomographic angiography using dual-source computed tomography / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the image quality and radiation dose of prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG) -triggered spiral and sequential acquisition for coronary computed tomographic angiography by dual-source computed tomography.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease were randomly divided into two groups. Group A underwent prospective ECG-triggering spiral scan and Group B underwent prospective ECG-triggering sequential scan. Both the image quality and radiation dose of the two groups were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in age and body mass index of the two groups. The average image quality score was 1.12 ± 0.38 in group A and 1.14 ± 0.38 in group B (Z=-0.291,P=0.771) . The rates of diagnostic coronary segments for two groups were 98.87% and 99.56% respectively (X2=0.59,P=0.443) . The mean radiation dose of group A was significantly lower than that of group B [ (1.31 ± 0.30) mSv vs. (3.36 ± 0.93) mSv; t=11.47, P=0.000] .</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared with the prospective ECG-triggered sequential acquisition, the prospective ECG - triggered spiral scan for coronary computed tomographic angiography can remarkably reduce radiation dose without impairing image quality in patients with a low and stable heart rate (≤ 70 bpm) .</p>

Mechanical-chemical interaction and its mechanobiological mechanism on the migration of endothelial cells / 医用生物力学

Objective To elucidate the mechanical chemical interaction and its mechanobiological mechanism on the migration of endothelial cells. Method RT PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence were applied to detect the expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 and their distributions under three levels of shear stress; anti-IL8RA and anti-IL8RB were used to inhibit CXCR1 and CXCR2 to evaluate endothelial cell migration under shear stress; ECs were transfected to obtain the wild type Rac1(Rac1WT) or RhoA (RhoAWT), the constitutively active forms of Rac1(Rac1Q61L) or RhoA (RhoA63L), and the dominant negative forms of Rac1(Rac1T17N) or RhoA (RhoA188A) respectively, with lipofectamine 2000 reagent. ECs transfected with three plasmids of Rac1 were exposed to three levels of shear stress and IL-8, respectively; ECs transfected with three plasmids of RhoA were stimulated by IL-8. Results CXCR1 and CXCR2 are novel mechano sensors mediating laminar shear stress induced endothelial cell migration. High expression of Rac1 and RhoA can promote EC migration, while their low expression inhibits EC migration. Conclusions CXCR1, CXCR2, Rac1 and RhoA are critical signaling molecules in mechanical chemical interaction of EC migration.

Preliminary experiences in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical application of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the management of lumbar disorders and discuss its indications, surgical techniques and clinical effectiveness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From Jan 2005 to Dec 2006, 31 selected patients (22 males and 9 females, aged from 41 to 63 years) with degenerative lumbar diseases were treated with minimally invasive TLIF assisted by METRx X-Tube micro-endoscopy system. The index diagnosis was lumbar disc herniation with Lumbar spinal stenosis in 7, lumbar disc herniation with segmental instability in 16, grade 1 to 2 of lumbar spondylolisthesis in 8. The surgical methods was performed with bilateral or unilateral pedicle screws insertion and a single rectangle cage posterolateral placement. The operating time, blood loss, blood transfusion, drainage, visual analogue scale (VAS), preoperative and postoperative JOA scores were observed as well as radiographic evaluation. The results were compared with standard TLIF group respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 116 pedicle screws and 31 cages were implanted of which 4 patients were treated with unilateral pedicle screws fixation. Four pedicle screws were found misplaced in CT scans after surgery. The average operating time was 199 min, blood loss 359 ml, volume of transfusion 32 ml drainage 81 ml, and VAS was 2.37 about 72 hours after surgery, which had statistic difference compared with control group. There was no statistic difference on postoperative improvement rate and JOA scores in two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Minimally invasive TLIF minimizes paraspinal muscle trauma and blood loss, shortens the operating and recovery time. A good long-term outcome can be gained compared with standard procedures.</p>

Mahuang Zhisou Capsule in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infection of external wind-cold syndrome: a multi-center, randomized controlled, and double-blind trial / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mahuang Zhisou Capsule (MHZSC), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infection of wind-cold syndrome. METHODS: A multi-center, double-blind, double dummy, randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 240 patients were randomized into treatment group (120 cases, treated with MHZSC) and control group (120 cases, treated with Mahuang Zhisou Pill). The therapeutic course was 3 days. RESULTS: Seven cases were excluded and three cases lost to follow-up. Two hundred and thirty-three cases entered intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 230 cases fitted in per-protocol population set (PPS) analysis. After treatment, the therapeutic effect of upper respiratory tract infection was calculated by ITT and PPS analysis respectively. The significant response rate and total response rate in the treatment group were 78.07% and 98.25% (ITT and PPS), while the significant response rates in the control group were 70.59% (ITT) and 70.69%(PPS), and the total response rates were 95.80% (ITT) and 95.69% (PPS) respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical efficacy between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: MHZSC is effective and safe in treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infection of external wind-cold syndrome.

Construction of recombinant adenovirus co-expression vector carrying the human transforming growth factor-beta1 and vascular endothelial growth factor genes and its effect on anterior cruciate ligament fibroblasts / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Remodeling of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft usually takes longer than expected. Gene therapy offers a radical different approach to remodeling of the graft. In this study, the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence was used to construct a new recombinant adenovirus which permits co-expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) genes (named Ad-VEGF165-IRES-TGFbeta1). We investigated the effects of the new adenovirus on the migration of and matrix synthesis by ACL fibroblasts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adenoviral vector containing TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 genes was constructed. ACL fibroblasts were obtained from New Zealand white rabbits. After ACL fibroblasts were exposed to Ad-VEGF165-IRES-TGFbeta1, the expression of VEGF165 and TGFbeta1 proteins were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting analysis. Bioassay of VEGF165 and TGFbeta1 proteins were assessed by Western blotting analysis. Proliferation and migration of ACL fibroblasts were assessed by in vitro wound closure assay. Gene expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin mRNA among matrix markers were assessed by real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results showed the successful construction of a recombinant co-expression adenovirus vector containing TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 genes. Co-expression of TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 can induce relatively rapid and continuous proliferation of ACL fibroblasts and high gene expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin mRNA among matrix markers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Co-expression of TGFbeta1 and VEGF165 genes has more powerful and efficient effects on the migration of and matrix synthesis by ACL fibroblasts.</p>