急性缺血性卒中患者的脑动脉狭窄分布和危险因素

目的 探讨急性缺血性卒中患者的脑动脉狭窄分布特点及其危险因素.方法 经MRI和磁共振血管造影(magnetic resonance angiography,MRA)检查的急性缺血性卒中患者,按是否存在脑动脉狭窄分为狭窄组与非狭窄组;狭窄组患者再根据狭窄部位分为单纯颅内狭窄组、单纯颅外狭窄组和颅内合并颅外狭窄组,根据年龄分为中青年组(＜ 60岁)和老年组(≥60岁),根据血管狭窄数量分为单支病变组和多支病变组,分析脑动脉狭窄的分布特点和影响因素.结果 共纳入232例急性缺血性卒中患者,其中单纯颅内动脉狭窄者114例(62.0％),单纯颅外动脉狭窄者30例(16.3％),合并颅内外动脉狭窄者40例(21.7％).前循环狭窄(76.6％)比后循环狭窄(33.7％)更多见,分别主要见于大脑中动脉(64.4％)和大脑后动脉(53.8％).多变量logistic回归分析显示,年龄[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.049,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI) 1.015 ～1.084;P=0.005]、高血压(OR 10.063,95％ CI4.402 ～23.004;P＜0.001)、糖尿病(OR 3.873,95％ CI1.141～13.147;P=0.030)、吸烟(OR 3.311,95％ CI 1.112 ～9.855;P=0.031)和纤维蛋白原(OR 6.085,95％ CI1.396 ～26.533;P=0.016)为急性缺血性卒中患者存在脑动脉狭窄的独立危险因素;高血压(OR10.779,95％CI4.468 ～ 26.007;P＜0.001)、糖尿病(OR3.593,95％ CI1.018 ～ 12.685;P =0.047)、吸烟(OR 4.408,95％ CI 1.403～ 13.826;P=0.011)为单纯颅内动脉狭窄的独立危险因素;高血压(OR6.143,95％ CI1.838 ～ 20.537;P=0.003)、糖尿病(OR 8.179,95％ CI1.844～ 36.287; P=0.006)、纤维蛋白原(OR 2.410,95％ CI1.046～5.551;P=0.039)为单纯颅外动脉狭窄的独立危险因素.合并颅内外动脉狭窄组C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)水平显著性高于单纯颅外狭窄组(P =0.001)和单纯颅内狭窄组(P=0.018),单纯颅外动脉狭窄与单纯颅内狭窄组间无显著性差异,但3组平均水平均高于正常值.中青年组以单纯颅内、单纯颅外狭窄多见,老年组中以单纯颅内狭窄及合并颅内外狭窄较为常见.多支血管狭窄组年龄(P =0.036)和尿酸水平(P =0.006)显著性高于单支病变组,但仅年龄(OR 1.030,95％ CI 1.003 ～ 1.057;P=0.028)与多支脑动脉狭窄显著独立相关.结论 急性缺血性卒中患者的脑动脉狭窄以颅内动脉狭窄多见,合并颅内外动脉狭窄的比例随年龄增长有所升高.年龄、高血压、糖尿病、吸烟和纤维蛋白原为急性缺血性卒中患者存在脑动脉狭窄的独立危险因素,高血压和糖尿病为急性缺血性卒中患者单纯颅内、颅外动脉狭窄共同的独立危险因素,吸烟为急性缺血性卒中患者单纯颅内动脉狭窄的独立危险因素,纤维蛋白原为急性缺血性卒中患者单纯颅外动脉狭窄的独立危险因素.CRP和尿酸可能为急性缺血性卒中患者与脑动脉狭窄有关的炎性预测因素.     

颅内和颅外动脉重度狭窄患者心血管危险因素的比较

目的:探究常见血管危险因素在颅内与颅外动脉重度狭窄患者的差异。方法:回顾性分析208例诊断颅内与颅外动脉重度狭窄的中老年患者病历资料,根据病变部位将患者分为单纯颅外组(111例)及单纯颅内组(97例)。比较两组患者常见动脉粥样硬化危险因素的差异。结果:单纯颅外组患者平均年龄明显高于单纯颅内组(P<0.01);两组男性患者均多于女性;与单纯颅内组比较,单纯颅外组的血小板聚集率(PagT)更高,血UA水平更低(P<0.05);Logistic回归分析显示,血UA升高易患颅内动脉重度狭窄(OR=1.005,95%CI:1.000～1.009,P=0.036)。结论:危险因素在颅内与颅外动脉重度狭窄的患者中可能存在差异。     

脑梗死患者γ谷氨酰转肽酶与颅内外动脉狭窄的相关性

目的探讨脑梗死患者γ谷氨酰转肽酶与颅内外动脉狭窄的相关性。方法对163例脑梗死住院患者根据CT血管造影分为颅内外动脉无狭窄组(对照组)、单纯颅内动脉狭窄组、单纯颅外动脉狭窄组和颅内外动脉均有狭窄组,比较各组γ谷氨酰转肽酶水平及相关危险因素。结果年龄、男性、吸烟、高血压、糖尿病、γ谷氨酰转肽酶、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白在对照组与狭窄组之间差异有显著性(P0.05);单纯颅内动脉狭窄组血γ谷氨酰转肽酶水平与单纯颅外动脉狭窄组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。血γ谷氨酰转肽酶水平随着动脉狭窄严重程度增加而升高(P0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示γ谷氨酰转肽酶是颅内外动脉粥样硬化病变的独立危险因素(OR=17.863,95%CI:2.583~123.520,P=0.003)。结论γ谷氨酰转肽酶与颅内、外动脉狭窄关系密切,且与狭窄严重程度正相关,对于颅内、外动脉粥样硬化无选择性。     

H型高血压与急性脑梗死患者颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄的关系

目的探讨伴有高同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)血症的高血压(H型高血压)与急性脑梗死患者颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄的关系。方法回顾性连续纳入2013年1月至2015年10月于胜利油田中心医院神经内科住院的425例经全脑DSA检查的急性脑梗死患者,记录所有患者的脑血管病常规危险因素及实验室指标。根据DSA结果分为颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄(狭窄率≥50%)组(狭窄组,273例)和无狭窄组(152例),比较两组间一般资料及实验室指标的差异。以合并颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄为因变量,将单因素分析差异有统计学意义的指标作为自变量纳入多因素Logistics回归模型分析。进一步依据是否有高血压病和高Hcy水平,将患者分为正常组38例、单纯高血压组86例、单纯高Hcy组92例和H型高血压组209例,比较H型高血压组与其余3组之间颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄的差异。结果 (1)与无狭窄组比较,狭窄组吸烟、糖尿病、高血压病、H型高血压、高Hcy患者比率更高,Hcy水平较高,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05),其余危险因素间差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。(2)多因素Logistic回归分析显示H型高血压(OR=2.769,95%CI:1.071～7.158)、糖尿病(OR=2.360,95%CI:1.441～3.867)、吸烟(OR=1.605,95%CI:1.056～2.439)是发生颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄的独立危险因素。(3)H型高血压组颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄发生率为74.6%(156/209),明显高于单纯高血压组[57.0%(49/86)]、正常组[55.3%(21/38)]及单纯高Hcy组[51.1%(47/92)],差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论 H型高血压、合并糖尿病、吸烟是急性脑梗死患者颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄的独立危险因素,并且H型高血压较高血压病患者的颅内外动脉中-重度狭窄发生率更高。     

血清脂蛋白(a)水平与中青年缺血性卒中患者颈动脉粥样硬化的相关性:回顾性病例系列研究

目的 探讨中青年缺血性卒中患者颈动脉粥样硬化的危险因素以及血清脂蛋白(a)[lipoprotein (a),Lp(a)]水平对中青年缺血性卒中患者颈动脉粥样硬化的影响.方法 收集18 ～55岁的缺血性卒中患者.采用颈动脉超声评价颈动脉粥样硬化程度,并检测血清总胆固醇、三酰甘油、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、载脂蛋白A1、载旨蛋白B和Lp(a)浓度.根据颈动脉超声结果分为无动脉粥样硬化组、有斑块无狭窄组和颈动脉狭窄组,比较三组的人口统计学和临床特征,并采用多变量logistic回归分析确定中青年缺血性卒中患者颈动脉粥样硬化的独立危险因素.结果 共纳入106例缺血性卒中患者,无动脉粥样硬化组50例,有斑块无狭窄组44例,颈动脉狭窄组12例,三组间年龄[分别为(45.98±7.12)、(50.07±4.79)和(50.92± 1.83)岁;F =7.169,P=0.001]、高血压(分别为26.0％、47.7％和58.3％;x2=6.862,P=0.032)、糖尿病(分别为22.0％、45.5％和66.7％;x2=10.729,P=0.005)、高脂血症(分别为24.0％、40.1％和75.0％;x2=11.372,P=0.003)和吸烟(分别为34.0％、61.4％和75.0％;x2=10.393,P=0.006)患者的构成比以及血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇[分别为(1.03±0.26)、(0.95 ±0.26)和(0.76±0.08) mmol/L;F=5.882,P=0.004]和Lp(a)[分别为(0.108±0.044)、(0.155±0.028)和(0.200±0.011)g/L;F=41.556,P=0.000]水平存在显著性差异.多变量logistic回归分析显示,年龄＞48岁[有斑块无狭窄:优势比(odds ratio,OR)2.89,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.20 ～ 6.96,P=0.018;颈动脉狭窄:OR4.43,95％ CI 1.19 ～ 16.57,P=0.027]、高血压(有斑块无狭窄:OR 2.60,95％ CI 1.09～6.18,P=0.031;颈动脉狭窄:OR3.99,95％ CI l.08～14.77,P=0.039)、糖尿病(有斑块无狭窄:OR2.96,95％ CI 1.21～7.23,P=0.018;颈动脉狭窄:OR 7.09,95％ CI 1.79 ～ 28.02,P=0.005)、高脂血症(有斑块无狭窄:OR2.19,95％ CI 0.91 ～5.31,P=0.082;颈动脉狭窄:OR9.50,95％ CI 2.21 ～40.86,P=0.002)、吸烟(有斑块无狭窄:OR 3.08,95％ CI 1.33～7.16,P=0.009;颈动脉狭窄:OR 5.82,95％ CI1.39 ～24.38,P=0.016)和Lp(a)(有斑块无狭窄:OR 4.38,95％ CI l.76 ～ 10.90,P=0.001;颈动脉狭窄:OR 12.80,95％ CI2.73 ～ 52.67,P=0.001)为中青年缺血性卒中患者颈动脉粥样硬化的独立危险因素.结论 年龄、吸烟、高血压、糖尿病和Lp(a)为中青年缺血性卒中患者颈动脉粥样硬化的独立危险因素.     

微量白蛋白尿与急性缺血性卒中的严重程度和转归的关系

目的 探讨微量白蛋白尿(microalbuminuria,MAU)与急性缺血性卒中的危险因素、病情严重程度及转归的关系.方法 前瞻性纳入连续的急性缺血性卒中患者,根据尿白蛋白/肌酐比率(urine albumin/creatinine ratio,UACR)分为MAU阳性组(≥30 mg/g)和MAU阴性组(＜30 mg/g),根据改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)评分分为转归良好组(0～2分)和转归不良组(＞2分),对各项人口统计学和临床资料进行比较,并分析急性缺血性卒中转归不良和MAU阳性的独立因素.结果 共纳入156例急性缺血性卒中患者,其中男性84例,女性72例;年龄53～ 78岁,平均(65.4±6.2)岁;发病至入院时间为1.5～28 h;94例转归良好,62例转归不良,无死亡病例;76例MAU阳性,80例MAU阴性.多变量logistic回归分析显示,高龄[优势比(odds ratio,OR)1.992,95％可信区间(c onfidence interval,CI)1.108～2.374;P=0.015]、合并糖尿病(OR 2.497,95％ CI1.177～5.298;P =0.017)和心房颤动(OR 2.338,95％ CI1.062 ～5.148;P=0.035)、高血清高半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)水平(OR 2.541,95％ CI 1.073～6.02;P=0.047)和UACR(OR 2.130,95％ CI1.396 ～3.017;P =0.001)、MAU阳性(OR 3.291,95％ CI1.681 ～6.444;P=0.001)、高基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分(OR9.196,95％ CI2.828～19.815;P ＜0.001)是急性缺血性卒中患者转归不良的独立危险因素.MAU阳性组合并糖尿病的患者比例(P=0.038)以及空腹血糖水平(P=0.025)、血清Hcy水平(P=0.022)和颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度(intima-media thickness,IMT)(P=0.019)与MAU阴性组存在显著性差异.MAU阳性组前循环梗死比例较低(P=0.033),基线NIHSS评分(P=0.003)和转归不良率较高(P＜0.001).多变量logistic回归分析显示,合并糖尿病(OR 2.237,95％ CI1.036 ～4.829;P =0.040)以及空腹血糖(OR 1.223,95％ CI1.145 ～1.673;P=0.027)和Hcy水平(OR 2.542,95％ CI 1.047～6.612;P=0.025)、颈动脉IMT(OR1.295,95％ CI1.106 ～1.362;P=0.023)和基线NIHSS评分(OR1.206,95％ CI1.044 ～1.219;P =0.023)增高与急性缺血性卒中患者MAU阳性独立相关.结论 MAU阳性是急性缺血性卒中转归不良的独立危险因素之一,且与急性缺血性卒中的部分危险因素密切相关,并对急性缺血性卒中病情严重程度和转归有着显著的影响.     

脑缺血患者血管狭窄分布及其危险因素:回顾性病例系列研究

目的 探讨缺血性脑血管病患者脑动脉狭窄的分布特点及相关危险因素对狭窄分布的影响.方法 回顾性分析接受主动脉弓及全脑血管造影的缺血性脑血管病患者的人口统计学资料和血管危险因素,根据病变部位将患者分为颅内病变组、颅外病变组和颅内外联合病变组,对各组间人口统计学资料和血管危险因素进行比较.结果 共有1272例患者纳入分析,1028例(80.8％)存在脑动脉狭窄或闭塞,其中342例(33.3％)为颅内病变,330例(32.1％)为颅外病变,356例(34.6％)为颅内外联合病变.颅内病变组平均年龄显著低于另外两组(F=41.995,P=0.000).各组间性别(x2=10.602,P =0.005)、高血压(x2=11.316,P=0.003)和糖尿病(x2=13.465,P=0.001)的构成比存在显著性差异;不同年龄组颅内外血管狭窄分布存在显著性差异(P =0.000),青年组和中年组以颅内病变为主,老年组以颅内外联合病变多见.多变量logistic回归分析显示,年龄、高血压、糖尿病、短暂性脑缺血发作史与单纯颅内病变及颅内外联合病变有关,单纯颅外病变仅与高龄和高血压有关.1028例存在血管狭窄或闭塞的患者共累及血管2732支,其中前循环血管1759支(64.4％),后循环血管973支(35.6％),前循环轻、中和重度狭窄均以颈内动脉颅外段最多见,而闭塞以大脑中动脉最多见;后循环各种程度病变均以椎动脉颅外段最多见.结论 不同部位脑血管病变患者在性别、年龄以及高血压和糖尿病的患病率方面存在显著差异;年龄、高血压、糖尿病和短暂性脑缺血发作史是脑动脉粥样硬化病变分布的独立预测因素.     

急性脑梗死患者动脉狭窄的分布特征和危险因素分析

目的探讨急性脑梗死患者的颅内外动脉狭窄分布的特征和相关危险因素。方法52例有症状性急性脑梗死患者行数字减影脑血管造影术,以判断颅内外动脉狭窄的特征,并比较狭窄组和非狭窄组患者的高血压、糖尿病、冠心病、吸烟、TIA病史、胆固醇、三酰甘油、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、脂蛋白a的情况和水平。使用Logistic回归分析以上与颅内外动脉狭窄有关的危险因素。结果52例患者中,35例（67．3％）有颅内外动脉狭窄,其中颅内动脉狭窄的有30例,动脉狭窄的发生率为85．7％,颅外动脉狭窄的有13例,动脉狭窄的发生率为37．1％。同时存在2条以上动脉狭窄的有20例,发生率为57．1％,双侧动脉狭窄的有15例,发生率为42．9％,既有前循环动脉狭窄又有后循环动脉狭窄的有8例,发生率为22．9％。Logistic回归分析显示,糖尿病（OR：3．5,95％CI：2．7～7．8;P=0．019）和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇降低（OR=1．5,95 CI：1．1—4．6;P=0．042）是颅内外动脉狭窄的独立危险因素。结论急性脑梗死患者颅内动脉狭窄的发生率高于颅外动脉狭窄的发生率,半数以上有多条动脉狭窄;糖尿病和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇降低与颅内外动脉狭窄有关。     

颈动脉支架置入术颈动脉窦反应的危险因素:回顾病例系列研究

目的 探讨颈内动脉支架置入术(carotid artery stenting,CAS)时颈动脉窦反应(carotid sinus reaction,CSR)的危险因素.方法 回顾性收集36例行颈内动脉颅外段支架置入术的患者资料资料,并按是否发生CSR分为CSR组和无CSR组.采用单变量和多变量logistic回归分析术中发生CSR的危险因素.结果 36例患者中25例发生CSR(单纯低血压7例,单纯心动过缓4例,两者共存14例).CSR组年龄≥75岁(64.00％对27.27％;x2=2.384,P=0.028)、颈内动脉狭窄程度70％～99％(76.00％对36.36％;x2=4.430,P=0.035)、有症状狭窄(72.00％对36.36％;x2=4.082,P=0.043)、钙化斑块(76.00％对36.36％;x2 =4.430,P=0.035)、狭窄距分叉处距离≤10 mm(72.00％对27.27％;x2 =5.029,P=0.025)和球囊后扩(64.00％对18.18％;x2 =44.483,P=0.000)的患者构成比显著性高于无CSR组.多变量logistic回归显示,年龄≥75岁[优势比(odds ratio,OR) 1.520,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.376 ～4.369;P=0.034]、狭窄距分叉处距离≤10 mm(OR 2.432,95％ CI2.423 ～3.421;P=0.041)和球囊后扩(OR 3.631,95％ CI1.764～4.738;P=0.003)是CAS术中发生CSR的独立危险因素.结论 CSR是CAS术中的一种常见表现,高龄、狭窄距颈动脉分叉处距离≤10mm和球囊后扩是发生CSR的独立危险因素.     

大脑中动脉供血区单发性皮质下小梗死与动脉主干病变的相关性:前瞻性病例系列研究

目的 探讨大脑中动脉(middle cerebral artery,MCA)穿支供血区域内单发性皮质下小梗死(single small subcortical infarction,SSSI)的临床特征和可能机制.方法 连续前瞻性纳入急性SSSI患者,根据病灶部位与MCA的关系将SSSI的分布模式分为近端SSSI(proximal SSSI,pSSSI)和远端SSSI(distal SSSI,dSSSI).比较2组患者的人口统计学、症状、影像学检查结果和相关危险因素的差异.结果 共纳入209例SSSI患者,其中pSSSI组86例,dSSSI组123例.单因素分析显示,pSSSI组病灶直径显著性大于dSSSI组[(14.97±3.14)mm对(11.46± 3.42)mm; t=7.551,P=0.000],糖尿病(25.6％对13.8％;x2=4.612,P=0.032)、高脂血症(32.6％对20.3％;x2=4.001,P=0.045)、同侧MCA狭窄(46.5％对17.1％;x2=21.222,P=0.000)、其他颅内动脉狭窄(45.3％对20.3％;x2=14.918,P=0.000)以及颅外动脉狭窄(26.7％对11.4％;x2 =8.198,P=0.004)患者的构成比显著性高于dSSSI组,但高血压(69.8％对82.1％;x2=4.361,P=0.037)和白质疏松(24.4％对48.8％;x2=12.655,P=0.000)患者的构成比显著性低于dSSSI组.多变量logistic回归分析显示,病灶同侧MCA狭窄[优势比(odds ratio,0R)2.796,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.258 ～6.214;P=0.012]、其他颅内动脉狭窄(OR2.690,95％ CI 1.251 ～5.783;P =0.011)、白质疏松(OR0.442,95％ CI 0.212～0.922;P =0.030)以及病灶直径(OR 1.285,95％ CI1.155 ～ 1.429;P=0.000)与pSSSI独立相关.结论 依据病灶部位与MCA的关系进行分类的SSSI的临床特征不同,提示SSSI的分布模式可能反映其潜在的发病机制:穿支动脉供血近端区域的SSSI可能是大动脉病变所致,而远端区域的SSSI则更多是小动脉病变所致.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Language of CTO interventions – Focus on hardware

The knowledge of variety of chronic total occlusion (CTO) hardware and the ability to use them represents the key to success of any CTO interventions. However, the multiplicity of CTO hardware and their physical character and the terminology used by experts create confusion in the mind of an average interventional cardiologist, particularly a beginner in this field. This knowledge is available but is scattered. We aim to classify and compare the currently used devices based on their properties focusing on how physical character of each device can be utilized in a specific situation, thus clarifying and simplifying the technical discourse.     

High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral-treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania

Objectives To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl. Methods We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign. Results Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years). Conclusion Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.