扩张型心肌病慢性心力衰竭患者血浆基质金属蛋白酶-1水平与心室重构及心功能的关系

目的探讨扩张型心肌病（扩心病）慢性心力衰竭（CHF）患者血浆基质金属蛋白酶-1（MMP-1）水平与心室重构及心功能的关系。方法采用酶联免疫法检测84例扩心病CHF患者血浆MMP-1,快速免疫荧光法检测血浆脑钠肽（BNP）,比较不同心功能分级患者血浆MMP-1水平,依据血浆MMP-1水平高低将患者分为高MMP-1组（MMP．1t〉5．13ng／mL）与低MMP．1组（〈5．13ng／mL）;对患者行心脏超声心动图检查,测量LVEF、左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、左室短轴缩短率（LVFS）及左室后壁厚度（LVPWD）;对血浆MMP-1水平与LVEF、LVEDD、LVFS及LVPWD的关系行Pearson相关性分析。结果与低MMP-1组比较,高MMP-1组心功能分级、血浆BNP水平、LVEDD均显著增加（P均〈0．01）,而LVEF、LVFS和LVPWD显著降低（P均〈0．01）;随着心功能分级的增加血浆MMP．1水平逐渐升高,Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级、Ⅳ级者血浆MMP-1水平两两比较,P均〈0．01;相关性分析结果示血浆MMP-1水平与LVEDD呈正相关（r=0．439）,与LVEF、LVFS及LVPWD均呈负相关（r分别为-0．441、-0．469、-0．519,P均〈0．01）。结论扩心病CHF患者血浆MMP-1水平越高,心肌重构越严重,心功能分级越高。     

慢性心力衰竭患者阿托伐他汀治疗前后血清MMP-9和C反应蛋白的变化及意义

90例慢性心力衰竭ICHF）患者（心功能Ⅱ级27例，心功能Ⅲ级35例，心功能Ⅳ级28例）随机分成常规治疗组和阿托伐他汀治疗组，检测两组治疗前后血清基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）和c反应蛋白（CRP）水平变化，并与30例健康人比较。结果心功能Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级组的血清MMP-9和CRP均显著高于正常对照组，Ⅳ级组显著高于Ⅲ级组，Ⅲ级组显著高于Ⅱ级组（P均〈0．05）。阿托伐他汀组治疗后较常规治疗组MMP-9和CRP显著降低（P〈0．05）。认为血清MMP-9和CRP增高可作为估测CHF患者心功能不全程度的指标，他汀类药物可降低CHF患者血清MMP-9和CRP水平。     

慢性充血性心力衰竭者C-反应蛋白、心率变异性的检测意义

目的分析慢性充血性心力衰竭（CHF）者C反应蛋白（CRP）、心率变异性（HRV）变化的意义，了解CHF者自主神经功能损害、心功能和CRP的关系。方法用24h动态心电图（DCG）分析40例CHF者（A组），22例心功能代偿的心血管病者（B组），20例健康体检者（C组）的HRV时域指标和CRP。比较三组间HRV指标和CRP的差异，分析A组24hHRV指标变化、CRP与心功能NYHA分级的相互关系。结果B组24hHRV时域指标SDNN、SDANN和较C组显著下降（P〈0．01、0．05），rMSSD和pNN50与c组比较差异无显著性（P〉0．05）；A组的HRV各指标均显著低于C组（P〈0．01），将A组分为心功能Ⅱ级组（n=21）和心功能≥Ⅲ级（n：19）两亚组，结果发现心功能≥Ⅲ级的HRV各指标明显低于心功能Ⅱ级组（P〈0．01）。同时，A组CRP明显高于C组，且与心衰程度成正相关。结论心血管病患者在心功能代偿期时自主神经的平衡可能受到损害。当出现CHF时交感活性增强，迷走神经张力进一步下降，HRV指标的下降与心功能损害程度相关。因此HRV时域指标可作为评价CHF预后指标之一，而CRP可能是HRV指标的下降原因之一。     

心力衰竭合并房颤患者血浆脑钠肽水平的变化及相关分析

目的探讨血浆脑钠肽（BNP）水平在心力衰竭（心衰）合并房颤患者中的变化及其临床意义。方法将100例心衰患者按是否存在房颤分为房颤组、窦性心律组。分别检测两组血浆BNP、NYHA分级以及左房、左室舒张末内径。结果①房颤组血浆BNP浓度高于窦性心律组,在相同的NYHA心功能分级亚组中,房颤组BNP水平在心功能Ⅱ级与Ⅲ组中显著高于窦性心律组。②心衰合并房颤患者血浆BNP水平与患者年龄（r=0．794,P〈0．01）、房颤持续时间（r=0．698,P〈0．01）、左心房大小（r=0．739,P〈0．01）、左室大小（r=0．839,P〈0．01）呈正相关。结论心衰合并房颤患者BNP水平明显高,且与年龄、房颤持续时间、左房、左室内径有关。     

维吾尔族男性冠心病心力衰竭与血清尿酸的相关性

目的：探讨维吾尔族男性冠心病患者心力衰竭与血清尿酸浓度的相关性。方法：218例维吾尔组男性冠心病患者,按左室射血分数（LVEF）分三组,LVEF≥50％组（对照组,72例）、40％〈LVEF〈50％组（71例）、LvEF≤40％组（75例）,比较三组血清尿酸浓度的变化;所有患者心功能再参照NYHA分级分为Ⅰ级组（37例）、Ⅱ级组（80例）、Ⅲ级组（67例）、Ⅳ级组（34例）,比较四组血清尿酸浓度的变化;按冠脉粥样斑块的稳定型再分为急性冠脉综合征（ACS,101例）组和稳定型心绞痛（SAP,117例）组,比较血清尿酸浓度的变化及血尿酸和LVEF的相关性。结果：LVEF≥50％组、40％〈LVEF〈50％组、LVEF≤40％组三组血清尿酸浓度依次增高．各组间差异均有显著性（P〈0．05）,血尿酸与LVEF呈负相关（r=-0．408,P〈0．01）。按NYHA分级分组,心功能Ⅳ级组血尿酸高于其余三组．心功能Ⅲ级组血尿酸高于心功能Ⅰ、Ⅱ级组,差异均有显著性（P均〈0．05）,心功能Ⅱ级组与心功Ⅰ级组血尿酸差异无显著性（P=0．62）;ACS组血清尿酸浓度明显高于SAP组（P〈0．01）。Pearson相关分析显示SUA与LVEF呈负相关（r=-0．408,P〈0．01）。结论：血清尿酸增高与心力衰竭严重程度密切相关,是心功能恶化的预测因子,也是心血管急性事件的预测因子。     

依达拉奉对扩张型心肌病的临床疗效观察

目的探讨依达拉奉短期应用对心功能失代偿期扩张型心肌病患者的临床疗效。方法将168例心功能均为Ⅳ级的扩张型心肌病患者随机分为治疗组（86例）和对照组（82例）。治疗组在对照组治疗的基础上加用依达拉奉4周，对比两组治疗前、后心功能改善情况，超声心动图心功能参数变化。结果两组心功能均有改善，治疗组有效率为79．07％，明显高于对照组的39．02％（P〈0．05）。治疗后治疗组左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、左室收缩末期内径（LVESDD）和左室射血分数（TJVEF）较治疗前均显著改善（P〈0．01），对照组仅LVEF改善（P〈0．01）；治疗后两组LVEDD、LVESDD、LVEF比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05，P〈0．01）。结论依达拉奉的应用能在一定程度上改善扩张型心肌病的心功能状态。     

心电图Macruz指数检测冠心病左心室收缩功能的初步研究

目的利用Macruz指数与经皮穿刺左心室造影（LVA）测得左心室射血分数（LVEF）进行对比相关分析，探讨Macruz指数对冠心病者左心功能不全的诊断价值。方法对37例确诊冠心病者（A组）和16例冠脉造影（CAG）结果正常者（B组）在经皮穿刺LVA前进行心电图检测，计算出Macruz指数；然后应用LVA测量左室舒张末期容量（LVEDV）、左室收缩末期容量（LVESV）、计算LVEF，探讨Macruz指数衡量LVEF的可靠性。结果A、B两组年龄之间无差异；A组的Macruz值显著大于B组（P〈0．01）；A组的LVEF显著小于B组（P〈0．01）。Macruz指数与LVA所测LVEF相关（r=-0．612，P〈0．01）；经连续性校正的X^2检验，X^2=1．455．P〉0．05。结论Macruz指数与LVA所测LVEF负相关。Macruz指数可以定量评价冠心病左室收缩功能，是估计冠心痛者左室收缩功能简单且有价值的指标。     

不同病因慢性心力衰竭患者血浆apelin浓度比较

目的：检测不同基础心脏病所致慢性心力衰竭（CHF）患者的血浆apelin浓度。方法：按照纽约心脏病协会（NYHA）心功能分级标准和左室射血分数（LVEF〈50％）选择68例心功能不全患者为心衰组,选择心功能正常者21例做对照组·应用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测血浆apelin水平,比较不同病因如高血压病、冠心病、扩张性心肌病所致心衰的血浆apelin浓度区别。结果：CHF组血浆apelin水平高于对照组[（5．07±0．75）ng／ml：（3.73±0．3）ng／ml,P〈0．01];不同病因心衰血浆apelin含量无显著差别（P〉0．05）。结论：CHF患者血浆apelin浓度高于心功能正常者,可考虑将apelin浓度检测作为心力衰竭患者筛查诊断指标之一。     

高敏C-反应蛋白对急性冠脉综合征患者预后的预测价值

目的探讨高敏C-反应蛋白（hs—CRP）对急性冠脉综合征（ACS）预后的预测价值。方法选择我院冠脉综合征患者181例，其中不稳定型心绞痛组135例（UAP组），急性心肌梗死46例（AMI组），另选同期住院稳定型心绞痛患者58例（SAP组）和门诊体检健康人50例（健康对照组），UAP患者又按Braunwald分为Ⅰ级36例，Ⅱ级41例，Ⅲ级患者58例，观察4组研究对象hs—CRP水平度UAPⅠ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级患者的hs—CRP水平。结果4组研究对象hs—CRP间差异均有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01），两两比较各组间差异亦有显著性意义（P〈0．05），UAP组Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级患者hs—CRP间差异有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01），且Ⅰ级与Ⅲ级，Ⅱ级与Ⅲ级间差异均有非常显著性意义（P〈0．01）。结论ACS患者血清hs—CRP水平与其病情严重程度呈正相关，提示hs—CRP水平可作为ACS危险分层和预后的预测因子。     

左卡尼汀治疗老年冠心病并左室舒张功能不全的疗效

目的：观察左卡尼汀治疗老年冠心病并左室舒张功能不全的疗效。方法：80例老年冠心病并左室舒张功能不全患者被随机分为两组，对照组予利尿剂、硝酸酯类药物、G受体阻滞剂、血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂或血管紧张素受体拮抗剂治疗，治疗组在此基础上加用左卡尼汀2g／d静点，1次／d，疗程20d。观察治疗前、后心功能状况、左室舒张功能的有关参数的变化，并观察药物不良反应。结果：两组治疗后临床症状均有好转，但治疗组的总有效率及显效率均高于对照组（P〈0．05），同时治疗组舒张功能指标A峰、E峰、E／A比值改善显著优于对照组（P〈0．01），且未见不良反应。结论：左卡尼汀可安全、明显改善老年冠心病并左室舒张功能不全者的临床症状和心功能指标。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.