Background To investigate the effects of collateral coronary circulation on the outcome of the patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI) with left anterior desending artery occlusion abruptly. Methods Data o...Background To investigate the effects of collateral coronary circulation on the outcome of the patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI) with left anterior desending artery occlusion abruptly. Methods Data of 189 patients with acute anterior MI who had a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the first 12 h from the onset of symptoms between January 2004 and December 2008 were retrospective analyzed. Left anterior descending arteries (LAD) of all patients were occluded. LADs were reopened with primary PCI. According to the collateral circulation, all patients were classified to two groups: no collateral group (n = 111), patients without angiographic collateral filling of LAD or side branches (collateral index 0) and collateral group (n = 78), and patients with angiographic collateral filling of LAD or side branches (collateral index 1, 2 or 3). At one year' s follow-up, the occurrence of death, reinfarctlon, stent thrombosis (ST), target vessel revascularization and readmission because of heart failure were observed. Results At one year, the mortality was lower in patients with collateral circulation compared with those without collateral circulation (1% vs. 8%, P = 0.049), whereas there Were no differences in the occurrence of reinfarction, ST, target vessel revascularization and readmission because of heart failure. The occurrence of composite of endpoint was lower in patients with collateral circulation compared with those without collateral circulation (12% vs. 26%; P = 0.014). Conclusions Pre-exist collateral circulation may prefigure the satisfactory prognosis to the patients with acute anterior MI after primary PCI in the first 12 h of MI onset.展开更多
Objective To study the incidence of leukocytosis and retinoic acid (RA) syndrome in newly diagnosed and relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with arsenic trioxide (ATO). Methods Thirty pa...Objective To study the incidence of leukocytosis and retinoic acid (RA) syndrome in newly diagnosed and relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with arsenic trioxide (ATO). Methods Thirty patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed APL received ATO for remission induction at the dose of 10 mg/d. RA syndrome was defined when patient was with one or more of the following signs or symptoms: fever, dyspnea, serous cavity effusion, muscular pain, pulmonary infiltration, weight gain, or pulmonary infiltration on chest X-ray. Results Twenty-three (77%) patients achieved complete remission, mean time to remission was 37. 1 days. Leukocytosis was observed in 14 (47%) patients, mean time to leukocytosis was 12. 7 days, median baseline leukocyte count for patients with leukocytosis was 3.1 x 109/L, which was higher than that for patients who did not de,.'elop leukocytosis (2.6 × 10^9/L, z = - 2. 635, P = 0. 008). No other cytotoxic therapy was administered, and the leukocytosis resolved in all cases. The RA syndrome was observed in 9 (30%) patients, mean time to diagnose of RA syndrome was 13.9 days, median baseline leukocyte count for patients with RA syndrome was 3.6 × 10^9/L, which was higher than that for patients who did not develop RA syndrome (2. 6 × 10^9/L, z = - 1. 909, P =0. 046). No patient died of RA syndrome. Conclusion Leukocytosis and RA syndrome are associated with ATO and baseline leukocyte count respectively, and there is distinct link between leukocytosis and RA syndrome.展开更多
Objectives Increased lipoprotein (a) serum concentration seems to be a cardiovascular risk factor; this has not been confirmed in extracoronary atherosclerosis complications. We therefore wished to gain a deeper ins...Objectives Increased lipoprotein (a) serum concentration seems to be a cardiovascular risk factor; this has not been confirmed in extracoronary atherosclerosis complications. We therefore wished to gain a deeper insight into relationship between the plasma concentrations of lipoprotein (a) and the micro- and macro-vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to identify possible differences in this association. Methods This is a descriptive observational cross-sectional study. Two-hundred and seventeen elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included from the internal medicine outclinic. Anthropometric data, analytical data (insulin reserve, basal and postprandial peptide C, glycosylated hemoglobin, renal parameters, lipid profile and clinical data as hypertension, obesity, micro and macrovascular complications were collected. Results Patients were grouped according to the type 2 diabetes mellitus time of evolution. The mean plasma concentration of lipoprotein (a) was 22.2± 17.3 mg/dL (22.1± 15.9 mg/dL for males, and 22.1 ± 18.4 mg/dL for females). Patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, microalbuminuria and proteinuria presented a statistically significant increased level of lipoprotein (a). Similarly, the patients with hyperlipoprotein (a) (≥30 mg/dL) presented significantly increased levels of urea and total cholesterol. In the multivariate regression model, the level of lipoprotein (a) is positively correlated with coronary heart disease and diabetic nephropathy (P 〈 0.01 and P 〈 0.005, respectively). Conclusions The elevation of plasma levels of lipoprotein (a) are associ- ated with the development of coronary heart disease and diabe tic nephropathy. Therefore, we consider that the determination of lipoprotein (a) may be a prognostic marker of vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and many patients present extensive coronary stenosis at coronarography. However, in patients with diabetes, endothelial and microvascular dys...Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and many patients present extensive coronary stenosis at coronarography. However, in patients with diabetes, endothelial and microvascular dysfunction also participate in chronic and acute myocardial ischemia. Although the majority of diabetic patients with myocardial infarction have angiographic evidence of significant coronary artery disease.展开更多
Objective To summarize the clinical features and outcomes of unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma (HGC) detected during or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Medical records of 8005 patients, who underwent la...Objective To summarize the clinical features and outcomes of unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma (HGC) detected during or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Medical records of 8005 patients, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Peking Hnion Medical College Hospital between June 1993 and June 2011, were reviewed. Patients that pathologically diagnosed as HGC were retrospectively studied in terms of clinical features, preoperative and postoperative diagnosis, surviving period, and complications. Results In the 8005 patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 36 (0.45%) were diagnosed as LIGC during (25 patients) or after (11 patients) laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gallbladder cancer was staged as T1 in 16 patients, T2 in 11 patients, and T3 in 9 patients. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of all the patients were 88.9% (32/36), 63.9% (23/36), and 58.3% (21/36). The 5-year survival rates in T1 stage, T2 stage, and T3 stage patients were 100%, 75.0%, and 0.0%, respectively. Conclusions The survival rate of HGC is associated with tumor stage, not with operation approaches. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is appropriate for T 1 patients.展开更多
Objective. To determine whether malariotherapy (an old therapy for treatment of neurosyphilis) improves some clinical and laboratory parameters of HIV positive patients without iatrogenic compl...Objective. To determine whether malariotherapy (an old therapy for treatment of neurosyphilis) improves some clinical and laboratory parameters of HIV positive patients without iatrogenic complications. Methods. Total 8 asymptomatic HIV 1 positive subjects whose CD4 cell counts were over 250×10 6 cells/L were selected for the phase 1 studies of malariotherapy and were intravenously injected Plasmodia vivax to induce artificial malaria. Malaria was terminated with chloroquine after 10~20 malarial fever episodes. Cell bound CD4 levels were measured by APAAP (a solid phase enzyme essay) and levels of neopterin (NPT), beta 2 microglobulin (B2M), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2(sTNF RII), interleukin 2(IL 2) and HIV P24 antigen were measured by ELISA. Patients were followed up to 24~30 months. Results.CD4 levels increased in 5, NPT decreased in 7 of 8 patients; IL 2 increased in 5 of 6 patients after malariotherapy. The total trends of B2M and sTNF RII basically remained stable. HIV P24 antigen remained undetectable in 6, remained detectably low level in 1 and experienced increase in 1 of 8 patients after malariotherapy. No any severe complications occurred in all 8 patients. Conclusions. The results indicate that malariotherapy basically is safe for HIV infection and it seems that the therapy improves some immunological parameters of HIV patients.展开更多
Research to date indicates that the number of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients affected by depression (i.e., major, minor, dysthymia) approximates between 30% and 40% of all cases. A longstandi...Research to date indicates that the number of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients affected by depression (i.e., major, minor, dysthymia) approximates between 30% and 40% of all cases. A longstanding empirical interest on psychosocial factors in CABG surgery patients highlights an association with increased risk of morbidity in the short and longer term. Recent evidence suggests that both depression and anxiety increase the risk for mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery independent of medical factors, although the behavioral and biological mechanisms are poorly understood. Though neither depression nor anxiety seem to markedly affect neuropsy- chological dysfunction, depression confers a risk for incident delirium. Following a comprehensive overview of recent literature, practical advice is described for clinicians taking into consideration possible screening aids to improve recognition of anxiety and depression among CABG surgery patients. An overview of contemporary interventions and randomized, controlled trials are described, along with suggestions for future CABG surgery research.展开更多
To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ hous...To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ house: bed and floor. Derp1 and Blot5 levels were quantified by a two-site monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique. Results The levels of Derp1 allergens found in bed (geometric mean (GM) 3.43 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 1.89-4.96 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 1.12 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.71-1.53 μg/g) indicated significant differences (P = 0.005). However, the levels of Blot5 allergens found in bed (GM 19.00 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.89-38.90 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 6.14 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.40-11.90 μg/g) showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, in regards to the exposure index for Derp1 and Blot5 allergens found in bed and on the floor, 17.6% in bed and 8.6% on the floor had levels of Blot5 ≥ 10 μg/g of dust, higher than those obtained for Derp1 (7.2% and 0% in bed and on the floor respectively, P < 0.05); higher percentages in bed and on the floor (25.0% and 35.7%) were observed for levels of Blot5 = 0 μg/g of dust as compared with Derp1 in bed and on the floor (4.3% and 14.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions Derp1 and Blot5 are the major allergens found in this regional study, Blot5 is a more potent allergen in Hongkong, probably reflecting the high level of exposure to Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) allergens should be included for precise diagnosis and effective immuno-therapeutic treatment of mite allergy in Hong-kong.展开更多
Neurological complications after cardiac surgery, rang- ing from permanent stroke to transient dysfunction, repre- sent a key issue in the management of geriatric patients. Many patients aged 70 or more have history o...Neurological complications after cardiac surgery, rang- ing from permanent stroke to transient dysfunction, repre- sent a key issue in the management of geriatric patients. Many patients aged 70 or more have history of neurological dysfunctions, which increases the risk of complications and sequelae, Severe neurologic diseases, such as strokes, occur in up to 6% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Therefore, in the setting of fragile patients, prevention is more important than treatment. There are several intraop- erative mechanisms of neurological injury, such as embo- lism, inflammation, intraoperative anemia,展开更多
Objective: To study the influences of different time intervals between loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) and abdominal hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy on postoperative complications. Methods: Sixty-eight p...Objective: To study the influences of different time intervals between loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) and abdominal hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy on postoperative complications. Methods: Sixty-eight patients, who received subsequent abdominal hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy after LEEP due to C1N III and cervical cancer (IA1, IA2 and IB1), were included in the present study. The hospital and clinic records of these patients were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the time intervals between LEEP and hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy: group l(within 48 h), group 2 (between 48 h to 6 weeks), and group 3(〉 6 weeks ).Results: General characteristics of patients, including the mean age, delivery history, BMI, menopausal status, clinical stage and HPV infection, were comparable between patients of different groups. There were no significant differences in the mean transfusion amount, posthysterectomy hospital stay or operation time between different groups. The frequencies and spectrum of complications were not significantly affected by the time interval between LEEP and hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy. Conclusion: It is concluded that whenever the LEEP is done, the operation including hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy can be conducted at any time as it is necessary for the patients.展开更多
This paper reports a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) family in China. This family being investigated had 69 members of five generations. From the third generation, there have been 16 patients. The age of onset w...This paper reports a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) family in China. This family being investigated had 69 members of five generations. From the third generation, there have been 16 patients. The age of onset was about 3 to 5 decades. The initial symptoms were autonomic nerve symptoms, such as impotence, dyspepsia and diarrhoea, associated with the sensory loss of lower extremities. As the disease progressed, the upper extremities and motor ability were also involved. The duration of disease course was about 8-10 years, most patients died of infection and cachexia. Sural biopsy in 3 patients had showed positive Congo red staining. From the clinical view, this FAP family is similar to FAP I found in Japan. The true classification, however, should be confirmed by further genetic analysis.展开更多
In order to assess the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in neonatal sepsis, plasma TNF levels were determined by a method using L929 cells at the time of septic work-up in 67 neonates. Thirty-three patients, with s...In order to assess the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in neonatal sepsis, plasma TNF levels were determined by a method using L929 cells at the time of septic work-up in 67 neonates. Thirty-three patients, with sepsis were found to have significantly higher TNF levels (533. 33 ±468. 74 U/ml ; 1 U corresponding to 1. 67 pg recombinant TNF) as compared with 34 non-sepsis patients (100. 0±188, 97 U/ml) and 30 healthy newborns (27. 33±1 6. 1 7 U/ml, P<0. 05. respectively) . The upper limit of normal plasma TNF levels was 60 U/ml and the best cutoff value for predicting neonatal sepsis was 160 U/ml. This had remarkable sensitivity (88%), specificity (82%). positive predictive value (83%). and negative predictive value (88%). Plasma TNF levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of shock,organ failure. sclerema and outcome. Thus, anti-TNF antibodies might be used in protecting newborns from septic death.展开更多
We studied 14 moderately overweight Typo 2 diabetic patients with essential hypertension in stable metabolic control after a run-in period , and again after 3 months of antihypertensive treatment with the angiotensin-...We studied 14 moderately overweight Typo 2 diabetic patients with essential hypertension in stable metabolic control after a run-in period , and again after 3 months of antihypertensive treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACF) inhibitor captopril. Glucose tolerance was tested with a 75g oral glucose load (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity was measured by the insulin suppression test (IST) while dietary and drug treatment of the hyperglycemia was maintained constant. In the whole group. mean blood pressure (MBP) fell progressively over 3months from a baseline value of 123± 3 mmHg (1 mmHg= 0. 133 kpa) to a final value of 115± 2 mmHg(P<0. 005). After treatment, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, free fatty acid (FFA). potassium, and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations were unchanged from baseline. There were no significant differences in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity between pre- and post-trearment values. Neither endogenous (oral glucose) nor exogenous (IST) insulin caused any change in plasma potassium concentration. This resistance to the hypokalemic action of insulin was not affected by captopril.展开更多
Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes,public health decision making,and primary prevention synthesis.Lead is one of the neuro...Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes,public health decision making,and primary prevention synthesis.Lead is one of the neurotoxicants that seems to be involved in the etiology of psychologies.Biomarkers are generally classified into three groups:biomarkers of exposure,effect,and susceptibility.The main body compartments that store lead are the blood,soft tissues,and bone;the half-life of lead in these tissues is measured in weeks for blood,months for soft tissues,and years for bone.Within the brain,lead-induced damage in the prefrontal cerebral cortex,hippocampus,and cerebellum can lead to a variety of neurological disorders,such as brain damage,mental retardation,behavioral problems,nerve damage,and possibly Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and schizophrenia.This paper presents an overview of biomarkers of lead exposure and discusses the neurotoxic effects of lead with regard to children and adults.展开更多
Background Influenza vaccination has been clinically shown to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, but the economic perspectives can provide important data to make inform...Background Influenza vaccination has been clinically shown to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, but the economic perspectives can provide important data to make informed decisions. This study aimed to perform the economic evaluation of lifelong annual influenza vaccination for cardiovascular events and well-established pneumonia prevention. Methods Lifetime costs, life-expectancy, and quality-adjusted live years (QALYs) were estimated beyond one-year cycle length of a six-health states Markov model condition on whether a hospitalization for ACS, stroke, heart failure, pneumonia, no hospitalizations occurred, or death. The comparison of three age-groups of 40-49, 50-65, and 〉 65 years scenario was performed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) were presented as a societal perspective in 2016. The model robustness was determined by one-way and prob- abilistic sensitivity analyses. Results The influenza vaccination was cost-effective in all age-groups, by dominant ICERs (lower cost with higher effectiveness) which was completely lower than acceptable willingness-to-pay threshold of Thailand [160,000 THB (4,466.8 USD) per QALYs], with a great incremental value of NMB. Especially, the 50-year-old-and- above scenario was shown as the most benefit at 129,092 THB (3,603.9 USD) for each patient. Conclusions The annually additional influenza vaccination to standard treatment in ACS was cost-effective in all age-groups, which should be considered in clinical practice and health-policy making process.展开更多
文摘Background To investigate the effects of collateral coronary circulation on the outcome of the patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI) with left anterior desending artery occlusion abruptly. Methods Data of 189 patients with acute anterior MI who had a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the first 12 h from the onset of symptoms between January 2004 and December 2008 were retrospective analyzed. Left anterior descending arteries (LAD) of all patients were occluded. LADs were reopened with primary PCI. According to the collateral circulation, all patients were classified to two groups: no collateral group (n = 111), patients without angiographic collateral filling of LAD or side branches (collateral index 0) and collateral group (n = 78), and patients with angiographic collateral filling of LAD or side branches (collateral index 1, 2 or 3). At one year' s follow-up, the occurrence of death, reinfarctlon, stent thrombosis (ST), target vessel revascularization and readmission because of heart failure were observed. Results At one year, the mortality was lower in patients with collateral circulation compared with those without collateral circulation (1% vs. 8%, P = 0.049), whereas there Were no differences in the occurrence of reinfarction, ST, target vessel revascularization and readmission because of heart failure. The occurrence of composite of endpoint was lower in patients with collateral circulation compared with those without collateral circulation (12% vs. 26%; P = 0.014). Conclusions Pre-exist collateral circulation may prefigure the satisfactory prognosis to the patients with acute anterior MI after primary PCI in the first 12 h of MI onset.
文摘Objective To study the incidence of leukocytosis and retinoic acid (RA) syndrome in newly diagnosed and relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients treated with arsenic trioxide (ATO). Methods Thirty patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed APL received ATO for remission induction at the dose of 10 mg/d. RA syndrome was defined when patient was with one or more of the following signs or symptoms: fever, dyspnea, serous cavity effusion, muscular pain, pulmonary infiltration, weight gain, or pulmonary infiltration on chest X-ray. Results Twenty-three (77%) patients achieved complete remission, mean time to remission was 37. 1 days. Leukocytosis was observed in 14 (47%) patients, mean time to leukocytosis was 12. 7 days, median baseline leukocyte count for patients with leukocytosis was 3.1 x 109/L, which was higher than that for patients who did not de,.'elop leukocytosis (2.6 × 10^9/L, z = - 2. 635, P = 0. 008). No other cytotoxic therapy was administered, and the leukocytosis resolved in all cases. The RA syndrome was observed in 9 (30%) patients, mean time to diagnose of RA syndrome was 13.9 days, median baseline leukocyte count for patients with RA syndrome was 3.6 × 10^9/L, which was higher than that for patients who did not develop RA syndrome (2. 6 × 10^9/L, z = - 1. 909, P =0. 046). No patient died of RA syndrome. Conclusion Leukocytosis and RA syndrome are associated with ATO and baseline leukocyte count respectively, and there is distinct link between leukocytosis and RA syndrome.
文摘Objectives Increased lipoprotein (a) serum concentration seems to be a cardiovascular risk factor; this has not been confirmed in extracoronary atherosclerosis complications. We therefore wished to gain a deeper insight into relationship between the plasma concentrations of lipoprotein (a) and the micro- and macro-vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to identify possible differences in this association. Methods This is a descriptive observational cross-sectional study. Two-hundred and seventeen elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included from the internal medicine outclinic. Anthropometric data, analytical data (insulin reserve, basal and postprandial peptide C, glycosylated hemoglobin, renal parameters, lipid profile and clinical data as hypertension, obesity, micro and macrovascular complications were collected. Results Patients were grouped according to the type 2 diabetes mellitus time of evolution. The mean plasma concentration of lipoprotein (a) was 22.2± 17.3 mg/dL (22.1± 15.9 mg/dL for males, and 22.1 ± 18.4 mg/dL for females). Patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, microalbuminuria and proteinuria presented a statistically significant increased level of lipoprotein (a). Similarly, the patients with hyperlipoprotein (a) (≥30 mg/dL) presented significantly increased levels of urea and total cholesterol. In the multivariate regression model, the level of lipoprotein (a) is positively correlated with coronary heart disease and diabetic nephropathy (P 〈 0.01 and P 〈 0.005, respectively). Conclusions The elevation of plasma levels of lipoprotein (a) are associ- ated with the development of coronary heart disease and diabe tic nephropathy. Therefore, we consider that the determination of lipoprotein (a) may be a prognostic marker of vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
文摘Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and many patients present extensive coronary stenosis at coronarography. However, in patients with diabetes, endothelial and microvascular dysfunction also participate in chronic and acute myocardial ischemia. Although the majority of diabetic patients with myocardial infarction have angiographic evidence of significant coronary artery disease.
文摘Objective To summarize the clinical features and outcomes of unsuspected gallbladder carcinoma (HGC) detected during or after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods Medical records of 8005 patients, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Peking Hnion Medical College Hospital between June 1993 and June 2011, were reviewed. Patients that pathologically diagnosed as HGC were retrospectively studied in terms of clinical features, preoperative and postoperative diagnosis, surviving period, and complications. Results In the 8005 patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 36 (0.45%) were diagnosed as LIGC during (25 patients) or after (11 patients) laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gallbladder cancer was staged as T1 in 16 patients, T2 in 11 patients, and T3 in 9 patients. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of all the patients were 88.9% (32/36), 63.9% (23/36), and 58.3% (21/36). The 5-year survival rates in T1 stage, T2 stage, and T3 stage patients were 100%, 75.0%, and 0.0%, respectively. Conclusions The survival rate of HGC is associated with tumor stage, not with operation approaches. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is appropriate for T 1 patients.
文摘Objective. To determine whether malariotherapy (an old therapy for treatment of neurosyphilis) improves some clinical and laboratory parameters of HIV positive patients without iatrogenic complications. Methods. Total 8 asymptomatic HIV 1 positive subjects whose CD4 cell counts were over 250×10 6 cells/L were selected for the phase 1 studies of malariotherapy and were intravenously injected Plasmodia vivax to induce artificial malaria. Malaria was terminated with chloroquine after 10~20 malarial fever episodes. Cell bound CD4 levels were measured by APAAP (a solid phase enzyme essay) and levels of neopterin (NPT), beta 2 microglobulin (B2M), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2(sTNF RII), interleukin 2(IL 2) and HIV P24 antigen were measured by ELISA. Patients were followed up to 24~30 months. Results.CD4 levels increased in 5, NPT decreased in 7 of 8 patients; IL 2 increased in 5 of 6 patients after malariotherapy. The total trends of B2M and sTNF RII basically remained stable. HIV P24 antigen remained undetectable in 6, remained detectably low level in 1 and experienced increase in 1 of 8 patients after malariotherapy. No any severe complications occurred in all 8 patients. Conclusions. The results indicate that malariotherapy basically is safe for HIV infection and it seems that the therapy improves some immunological parameters of HIV patients.
文摘Research to date indicates that the number of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients affected by depression (i.e., major, minor, dysthymia) approximates between 30% and 40% of all cases. A longstanding empirical interest on psychosocial factors in CABG surgery patients highlights an association with increased risk of morbidity in the short and longer term. Recent evidence suggests that both depression and anxiety increase the risk for mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery independent of medical factors, although the behavioral and biological mechanisms are poorly understood. Though neither depression nor anxiety seem to markedly affect neuropsy- chological dysfunction, depression confers a risk for incident delirium. Following a comprehensive overview of recent literature, practical advice is described for clinicians taking into consideration possible screening aids to improve recognition of anxiety and depression among CABG surgery patients. An overview of contemporary interventions and randomized, controlled trials are described, along with suggestions for future CABG surgery research.
文摘To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ house: bed and floor. Derp1 and Blot5 levels were quantified by a two-site monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique. Results The levels of Derp1 allergens found in bed (geometric mean (GM) 3.43 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 1.89-4.96 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 1.12 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.71-1.53 μg/g) indicated significant differences (P = 0.005). However, the levels of Blot5 allergens found in bed (GM 19.00 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.89-38.90 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 6.14 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.40-11.90 μg/g) showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, in regards to the exposure index for Derp1 and Blot5 allergens found in bed and on the floor, 17.6% in bed and 8.6% on the floor had levels of Blot5 ≥ 10 μg/g of dust, higher than those obtained for Derp1 (7.2% and 0% in bed and on the floor respectively, P < 0.05); higher percentages in bed and on the floor (25.0% and 35.7%) were observed for levels of Blot5 = 0 μg/g of dust as compared with Derp1 in bed and on the floor (4.3% and 14.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions Derp1 and Blot5 are the major allergens found in this regional study, Blot5 is a more potent allergen in Hongkong, probably reflecting the high level of exposure to Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) allergens should be included for precise diagnosis and effective immuno-therapeutic treatment of mite allergy in Hong-kong.
文摘Neurological complications after cardiac surgery, rang- ing from permanent stroke to transient dysfunction, repre- sent a key issue in the management of geriatric patients. Many patients aged 70 or more have history of neurological dysfunctions, which increases the risk of complications and sequelae, Severe neurologic diseases, such as strokes, occur in up to 6% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Therefore, in the setting of fragile patients, prevention is more important than treatment. There are several intraop- erative mechanisms of neurological injury, such as embo- lism, inflammation, intraoperative anemia,
文摘Objective: To study the influences of different time intervals between loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP) and abdominal hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy on postoperative complications. Methods: Sixty-eight patients, who received subsequent abdominal hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy after LEEP due to C1N III and cervical cancer (IA1, IA2 and IB1), were included in the present study. The hospital and clinic records of these patients were reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the time intervals between LEEP and hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy: group l(within 48 h), group 2 (between 48 h to 6 weeks), and group 3(〉 6 weeks ).Results: General characteristics of patients, including the mean age, delivery history, BMI, menopausal status, clinical stage and HPV infection, were comparable between patients of different groups. There were no significant differences in the mean transfusion amount, posthysterectomy hospital stay or operation time between different groups. The frequencies and spectrum of complications were not significantly affected by the time interval between LEEP and hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy. Conclusion: It is concluded that whenever the LEEP is done, the operation including hysterectomy or radical hysterectomy can be conducted at any time as it is necessary for the patients.
文摘This paper reports a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) family in China. This family being investigated had 69 members of five generations. From the third generation, there have been 16 patients. The age of onset was about 3 to 5 decades. The initial symptoms were autonomic nerve symptoms, such as impotence, dyspepsia and diarrhoea, associated with the sensory loss of lower extremities. As the disease progressed, the upper extremities and motor ability were also involved. The duration of disease course was about 8-10 years, most patients died of infection and cachexia. Sural biopsy in 3 patients had showed positive Congo red staining. From the clinical view, this FAP family is similar to FAP I found in Japan. The true classification, however, should be confirmed by further genetic analysis.
文摘In order to assess the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in neonatal sepsis, plasma TNF levels were determined by a method using L929 cells at the time of septic work-up in 67 neonates. Thirty-three patients, with sepsis were found to have significantly higher TNF levels (533. 33 ±468. 74 U/ml ; 1 U corresponding to 1. 67 pg recombinant TNF) as compared with 34 non-sepsis patients (100. 0±188, 97 U/ml) and 30 healthy newborns (27. 33±1 6. 1 7 U/ml, P<0. 05. respectively) . The upper limit of normal plasma TNF levels was 60 U/ml and the best cutoff value for predicting neonatal sepsis was 160 U/ml. This had remarkable sensitivity (88%), specificity (82%). positive predictive value (83%). and negative predictive value (88%). Plasma TNF levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of shock,organ failure. sclerema and outcome. Thus, anti-TNF antibodies might be used in protecting newborns from septic death.
文摘We studied 14 moderately overweight Typo 2 diabetic patients with essential hypertension in stable metabolic control after a run-in period , and again after 3 months of antihypertensive treatment with the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACF) inhibitor captopril. Glucose tolerance was tested with a 75g oral glucose load (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity was measured by the insulin suppression test (IST) while dietary and drug treatment of the hyperglycemia was maintained constant. In the whole group. mean blood pressure (MBP) fell progressively over 3months from a baseline value of 123± 3 mmHg (1 mmHg= 0. 133 kpa) to a final value of 115± 2 mmHg(P<0. 005). After treatment, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, free fatty acid (FFA). potassium, and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations were unchanged from baseline. There were no significant differences in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity between pre- and post-trearment values. Neither endogenous (oral glucose) nor exogenous (IST) insulin caused any change in plasma potassium concentration. This resistance to the hypokalemic action of insulin was not affected by captopril.
文摘Appropriate selection and measurement of lead biomarkers of exposure are critically important for health care management purposes,public health decision making,and primary prevention synthesis.Lead is one of the neurotoxicants that seems to be involved in the etiology of psychologies.Biomarkers are generally classified into three groups:biomarkers of exposure,effect,and susceptibility.The main body compartments that store lead are the blood,soft tissues,and bone;the half-life of lead in these tissues is measured in weeks for blood,months for soft tissues,and years for bone.Within the brain,lead-induced damage in the prefrontal cerebral cortex,hippocampus,and cerebellum can lead to a variety of neurological disorders,such as brain damage,mental retardation,behavioral problems,nerve damage,and possibly Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and schizophrenia.This paper presents an overview of biomarkers of lead exposure and discusses the neurotoxic effects of lead with regard to children and adults.
文摘Background Influenza vaccination has been clinically shown to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, but the economic perspectives can provide important data to make informed decisions. This study aimed to perform the economic evaluation of lifelong annual influenza vaccination for cardiovascular events and well-established pneumonia prevention. Methods Lifetime costs, life-expectancy, and quality-adjusted live years (QALYs) were estimated beyond one-year cycle length of a six-health states Markov model condition on whether a hospitalization for ACS, stroke, heart failure, pneumonia, no hospitalizations occurred, or death. The comparison of three age-groups of 40-49, 50-65, and 〉 65 years scenario was performed. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) were presented as a societal perspective in 2016. The model robustness was determined by one-way and prob- abilistic sensitivity analyses. Results The influenza vaccination was cost-effective in all age-groups, by dominant ICERs (lower cost with higher effectiveness) which was completely lower than acceptable willingness-to-pay threshold of Thailand [160,000 THB (4,466.8 USD) per QALYs], with a great incremental value of NMB. Especially, the 50-year-old-and- above scenario was shown as the most benefit at 129,092 THB (3,603.9 USD) for each patient. Conclusions The annually additional influenza vaccination to standard treatment in ACS was cost-effective in all age-groups, which should be considered in clinical practice and health-policy making process.