[Contrast of curative effect and complications between peripheral venous thrombolysis and catheter-direct thrombolysis for acute deep venous thrombosis in lower limbs].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of catheter-direct thrombolysis in acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: A total of 86 cases were divided into 2 groups of peripheral venous thrombolysis (group A, n = 33) and catheter-direct thrombolysis (group B, n = 53). The curative effect of two groups was compared by swelling rate and vascular potency. RESULTS: No significant difference existed in swelling rate between two groups (P > 0.05). Vascular patency rates of group B was significantly better than those of group A (P < 0.01). The incidence of bleeding had no significant difference (P > 0.05) and there was no asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in two groups. CONCLUSION: Both treatments of acute DVT are effective in improving symptoms. But catheter-directed thrombolysis results in significant vascular patency rate and does not increase the risk of thrombolytic bleeding.

Virosecurinine induces apoptosis by affecting Bcl-2 and Bax expression in human colon cancer SW480 cells.

Virosecurinine, the major alkaloid isolated from Securinega suffruticosa Pall Rehd was found to exhibit growth inhibition and cytotoxicity against huaman colon cancer SW480 cells via the microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Due to its greater cytotoxic potency and selectivity towards SW480 cells, flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle distribution of control and treated SW480 cells whereas Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry analysis was carried out to confirm apoptosis induced by virosecurinine in SW480 cells. Apoptotic regulatory genes were determined by RT-PCR analysis. Virosecurinine was found to induce G1/S cell cycle arrest which led to predominantly apoptotic mode of cell death. Mechanistically, virosecurinine was found to up-regulated the Bax gene expression and down-regulated the Bcl-2 expression in SW480, The ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was significantly decreased. Hence, we suggest that virosecurinine induced apoptosis in SW480 cells by affecting the expression of bcl-2 and bax.

[Acute superior mesenteric ischemia: a contrast study on short-and mid-term result between stent implantation and pharmaceutical thrombolysis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term and medium-term result of stent implantation with pharmaceutical thrombolysis in patients with acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion. METHODS: From January, 2004 to December, 2008, thirty-five patients diagnosed acute superior mesenteric ischemia, 12 patients treated with stent implantation (interventional therapy group) and 23 patients with pharmaceutical thrombolysis (thrombolytic therapy group). Interventional therapy group treated with balloon dilatation and stent implantation assisted with anticoagulation, antiplatelet and vascular dilation agents. Thrombolytic therapy group used urokinase combined with anticoagulation, antiplatelet and vascular dilation agents. All patients had taken clopidogrel and aspirin orally after discharged and followed up. The clinical effects of both groups were evaluated separately and the Fisher exact test was used to analysis the significant differences. RESULTS: In the 23 cases of thrombolytic therapy group, 7 cases was effective, 16 cases was ineffective (7 cases aggravated or died, 9 cases turn to surgical operation). In the 12 cases of interventional therapy group, 10 cases treated with stent implantation (1 case died of acute cardiac infarction 3 days after interventional operation), 2 cases failed in recanalizing. All patients were followed up after discharged (range 1 - 48 months, mean 15 ± 12 months), 1 case in thrombolytic therapy group was stable, 6 cases died of the recurrence of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion; 7 cases in interventional therapy group was stable, 1 case died of acute cardiac infarction 20 months after interventional operation (intestinal ischemia not appeared), 1 case had intestinal ischemia reoccurred and recovered by superior mesenteric artery thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of acute superior mesenteric ischemia, stent implantation was obviously superior to pharmaceutical thrombolysis in improving intestinal ischemia and survival, therefore it could provided a reliable choice for the patients who had not appeared intestinal necrosis.

Periodic solution of a stage-structured predator-prey model incorporating prey refuge.

In this paper, we consider a delayed stage-structured predator-prey model incorporating prey refuge with Holling type II functional response. It is assumed that prey can live in two different regions. One is the prey refuge and the other is the predatory region. Moreover, in real world application, we should consider the stage-structured model. It is assumed that the prey in the predatory region can divided by two stages: Mature predators and immature predators, and the immature predators have no ability to attack prey. Based on Mawhin's coincidence degree and novel estimation techniques for a priori bounds of unknown solutions to Lu = λNu, some sufficient conditions for the existence of periodic solution is obtained. Finally, an example demonstrate the validity of our main results.

Review of semi-dry electrodes for EEG recording.

Developing reliable and user-friendly electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes remains a challenge for emerging real-world EEG applications. Classic wet electrodes are the gold standard for recording EEG; however, they are difficult to implement and make users uncomfortable, thus severely restricting their widespread application in real-life scenarios. An alternative is dry electrodes, which do not require conductive gels or skin preparation. Despite their quick setup and improved user-friendliness, dry electrodes still have some inherent problems (invasive, relatively poor signal quality, or sensitivity to motion artifacts), which limit their practical utilization. In recent years, semi-dry electrodes, which require only a small amount of electrolyte fluid, have been successfully developed, combining the advantages of both wet and dry electrodes while addressing their respective drawbacks. Semi-dry electrodes can collect reliable EEG signals comparable to wet electrodes. Moreover, their setup is as fast and convenient similar to that of dry electrodes. Hence, semi-dry electrodes have shown tremendous application prospects for real-world EEG acquisition. Herein, we systematically summarize the development, evaluation methods, and practical design considerations of semi-dry electrodes. Some feasible suggestions and new ideas for the development of semi-dry electrodes have been presented. This review provides valuable technical support for the development of semi-dry electrodes toward emerging practical applications.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty treatment evaluation for patients with Kümmell disease based on a two-year follow-up.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) has been used in Kümmell disease treatment for years. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PKP in the treatment of patients with Kümmell disease and to explore the association between cement injection volume and pain relief. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the present study and follow-up was 2 years. Efficacy was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the kyphotic angle (Cobb's angle). VAS and ODI were determined at the initial evaluation (prior to surgery), at 3 days, 3 months, and 1 and 2 years post surgery. Cobb's angle was measured prior to and 3 months, 1 year and 2 years following surgery. PKP safety was assessed by evaluating complications, including cement leakage and spinal cord compression. In the follow-ups, VAS significantly decreased from 7.00±0.78 pre-PKP to 3.14±0.67 at 2 years post-PKP (P<0.05). ODI significantly decreased from 73.88±8.60 prior to surgery to 22.84±8.85 at 1 year following surgery (P<0.05) and did not significantly change at the following 2-year measurement (26.44±8.63). The Cobb's angle, measured at 17.73±2.43° preoperatively, significantly decreased to 8.32±2.21° at 3 months following surgery (P<0.05). On subsequent follow-ups at 1 and 2 years, the Cobb's angle increased to 9.55±2.82 and 10.27±3.22°, respectively. A total of 8 patients exhibited signs of cement leakage during the PKP procedure. No patients experienced severe neurological deficits or complications. Spearman analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between cement injection volume and pain relief. The current study indicated that PKP was a safe and effective treatment for patients with Kümmell disease and that there was a positive correlation between cement injection volume and pain relief. The current study may be used a reference in cement dosing for the treatment of PKP.

[Pharmacodynamics of China-made rapamycin-polylactide-co-glycolide peripheral arterial eluting stent membrane: in vitro experiment].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the property and drug releasing pattern of the China-made rapamycin-polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) peripheral arterial eluting stent membrane. METHODS: Rapamycin was put into PLGA so as to made rapamycin-PLGA complex. Twelve nickel-titanium self-expanding stents were dipped into the complex to make drug-eluting stents. Somatotype microscope was used to observe the macro-form of the surface of the eluting membrane, and atom force microscope was used to analyzing the three-dimensional appearance and surface roughness of the membrane. The stents were put into fluid with platelets to observe the form of platelets blood compatibility by scanning electron microscopy. The extra degradation of the coating layer, by putting the stents into a simulation system of internal environment. High efficacy liquid chromatography was used to study the pharmacokinetics of the stents. Standard curve and stimulative curve, and drug release curve of multiple stents were drawn and analyzed. RESULTS: The membranes of all 12 stents had smooth surfaces and regular thickness and no membrane falling-off was observed. The platelets on the surfaces of the stents were inactivated and the number of the platelets adhering to the surfaces of the stents were reduced obviously in comparison with the blank control. PLGA degraded by 20% within 2 weeks and then the degradation speed accelerated until complete degradation occurred within 6 weeks, and the drug releasing lasted more than 50 days. The percentage of accumulative drug release was 11.02% in 24 hours, 41.23% in 9 days, and 79.44% in 30 days. CONCLUSION: Smooth and even, and capable of controlling the drug release, rapamycin-PLGA peripheral arterial eluting stent membrane coating has the potential clinical value in preventing in-stent stenosis.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of spinal metastases.

The bones are the most common location for metastases, which may cause severe pain and damage, including osteolytic destruction and fractures. Pathological fractures of the spine are extremely painful and cause significant disability and morbidity in patients. Traditional open surgery has numerous complications, and radiation therapy may take weeks to become effective. To avoid the trauma and complication of open surgery, percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is a minimally invasive procedure that has played a great role in the treatment of spinal metastases over the past several years. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment of spinal metastasis using PKP, the present study evaluated 282 patients who had received PKP between April 2009 and June 2014. The efficacy of PKP was evaluated using the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Karnofsky performance score (KPS) and quality of life (QOL) score (short form with 36 questions). The KPS and QOL were measured pre-operatively and 3 months post-operatively. In addition, radiographical data, including the degree of restoration of the kyphotic angle and the anterior vertebral height, and leakage of bone cement, were measured. The safety of the surgery was assessed by complications and side effects reported during or subsequent to surgery. The present study measured the parameters prior to the surgery and at 24 h, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-surgery, as well as at the last follow-up date. The range of the follow-up time was between 105 days and 15 months (mean, 401 days). The 282 patients underwent successful operations and the pain felt by the patients prior to the surgery was significantly alleviated. In addition, the analgesic intake of patients greatly decreased following PKP. KPS improved prior to and 3 months after the surgery. QOL also improved prior to and 3 months after the surgery. Radiographical data demonstrated that the kyphotic angle decreased following PKP, and the anterior vertebral height increased. Paravertebral leakage of bone cement occurred in 10 patients through a cortical defect, but without spinal cord compression or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, as a minimally invasive procedure, PKP may not only rapidly relieve the pain and disability experienced by patients, but it may also restore the kyphotic angle observed at the 1-year follow-up. Notably, PKP may safely improve the QOL of patients.

Persistent asymptomatic isolated hematuria in children: clinical and histopathological features and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: This study involving 351 children who had undergone kidney biopsy secondary to persistent asymptomatic isolated hematuria was undertaken to assess histological diagnosis of the disease and its natural history and prognosis. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups: 215 patients with asymptomatic isolated microhematuria (AIMH; proteinuria <0.1 g/day) and 136 patients with persistent asymptomatic microhematuria, recurrent macrohematuria and/or proteinuria (AMHP; proteinuria 0.1-0.25 g/day). After kidney biopsy, the patients were monitored for 2-10 years. RESULTS: Normal biopsies or minor abnormalities were more frequent in AIMH patients than those in AMHP patients, who exhibited IgA nephropathy more frequently. During the 2- to 10-year follow-up period, adverse renal events (i.e., development of proteinuria, hypertension, or impaired renal function) were observed in 13/215 (6.0%) patients with AIMH and 31/136 (22.8%) patients with AMHP (χ(2)=15.521, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Normal biopsies or minor abnormalities were more frequently observed in AIMH patients, whereas IgA nephropathy and adverse renal events were more frequent in AMHP. Microscopic hematuria, especially when accompanied by macroscopic hematuria and proteinuria, may represent an important risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease.

L-securinine induced the human colon cancer SW480 cell autophagy and its molecular mechanism.

AIMS: To investigate the anti-tumor effects of L-securinine inducing colon cancer SW480 cell autophagy and explore its potential molecular mechanism. MAIN METHODS: MTT method was used to detect the antitumor effect of SW480 cells cultured with L-securinine in vitro. Light and electron microscopy were used to observe SW480 cells treated with L-securinine morphological changes. Flow cytometry was used to observe the apoptoticratio and cell cycle inducing with the L-securinine in SW480 cells, and the autophagic apoptosis ratio was determined by FITC-conjugated annexin V by flow cytometry (FCM). FCM was applied to analysis cell cycle; the expression of autophagy gene Beclin-1 was examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). KEY FINDINGS: The generation depression effects of SW480 cells cultured in vitro were detected byMTT method (Pb0.05), and there were dosage-time dependent relationships. Numerous autophagic vacuoles and empty vacuoles were observed in SW480 cells treated with 2.5 µM L-securinine for 48 h by electron microscopy, and the process of cell division that got less was observed.Through flow cytometry, a number of observed autophagic cells were obviously increased, and G1/S phase was retarded. L-Securinine tended to arrest cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The percentage of the apoptotic cells increased as treatment duration and concentrations increased. Beclin-1 expression enhanced with L-securinine concentration increased. SIGNIFICANCE: L-Securinine has an anti-tumor effect against colon cancer SW480 cell. The L-securinine can induce striking autophagy in SW480 cell in vitro. The autophagy induced by L-securinine is related with upregulating the expression of autophagy gene Beclin-1.

[Clinical application of tacrolimus with low-dose prednisone in 21 children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus and low-dose steroids in the treatment of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children. METHOD: Twenty-one children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome enrolled from October 2008 to July 2010 into this retrospective longitudinal study received oral tacrolimus treatment, 0.1 to 0.15 mg/kg per day and once every 12 hours, and prednisone 0.2 to 0.75 mg/kg per day simultaneously. During the treatment, the plasma concentration of tacrolimus, urine volume, urine, serum creatinine and liver function were regularly monitored. RESULT: After 1 to 3 months treatment, 14 cases showed complete remission and 7 cases had partial remission. Sixteen patients received renal biopsy, of whom 6 revealed minimal change nephropathy with complete remission in 3 cases, 3 cases had partial remission;4 cases revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with 2 complete remission and 2 partial remission; other 5 children with IgM nephropathy and 1 mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis achieved complete remission. Within treatment period, 6 patients presented transient adverse reactions, without altering the principle treatment strategy, but only taking the symptomatic treatment. During follow-up, 1 case was lost to follow-up and the remaining 20 cases were followed up from 2 months to 21 months. In 4 patients the disease relapsed within 1st-year follow-up, while at 2nd-year follow-up, 4 cases had (6 times) recurrence. CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus showed a reliable effect in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Less adverse reactions were seen, and most of them could be tolerated. Nevertheless, the patients had a higher relapse rate after 1 to 2 years treatment. Therefore, the long-term effects of tacrolimus for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome remains to be further evaluated.