Focal segmental membranous glomerulonephropathy associated with other glomerular diseases

In four patients with the nephrotic syndrome, renal biopsy revealed focal segmental membranous glomerulonephropathy (FSMGN) associated with the histologic patterns of "nil" disease (two cases), hereditary nephritis and diffuse diabetic glomerulosclerosis. The occurrence of FSMGN in association with other glomerular diseases, presumably unrelated to immune complex deposition, is infrequent in our experience. Rather than necessarily representing an early stage or milder form of membranous glomerulonephropathy, it may be an epiphenomenon. This interpretation has prognostic and therapeutic implications and raises important pathogenetic questions. In particular, this study suggests that in some instances, preexisting functional and structural abnormalities may play a role either in the deposition of preformed circulating immune complexes or in the local formation of immune complexes.     

One-year prevalence and incidence of depression among first-year university students in Japan: a preliminary study

A structured interview was used to examine the 1-year incidence and prevalence of depression among 116 first-year university students. While 24 of the subjects (20.7%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed. (DSM-IV) criteria for Major Depressive Episode (MDE), 62 (53.4%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 3rd ed. Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria for MDE, and 27 (23.3%) also met the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) for the 12 months prior to the interview. Moreover, 23 of the subjects (19.8%) had onset of the DSM-IV criteria for MDE, 54 (46.6%) had onset of the DSM-III-R criteria for MDE, 24 (20.7%) had onset of the RDC for MDD, during the same time period. These high rates of depression may be explained by the students' difficulties in and by their readjustment after entering university.     

Histological findings after angioplasty using conventional balloon, radiofrequency thermal balloon, and stent for experimental aortic coarctation

Abstract Background : Use of balloon angioplasty or stent implantation has been reported to be effective in relieving coarctation of the aorta. However, restenosis frequently occurs after balloon angioplasty for native aortic coarctation in small infants, and sometimes develops after stent implantation because of vessel growth. The causes of restenosis remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the histologic differences in vascular responses to angioplasty using conventional balloon, radiofrequency thermal balloon (RFTB), or stent for experimental aortic coarctation. Methods : The authors surgically created an aortic coarctation model using 14 puppies. Angioplasty using conventional balloon, RFTB, or stent was performed 1 month after the initial operation. At the acute or chronic phase after angioplasty, the animals were killed and histologic studies were performed. Results : More vascular injuries were noted in the specimens from animals undergoing conventional angioplasty than in those with RFTB or stent. However, neointimal hyperplasia was seen more often after RFTB or stent because of the proliferation of smooth muscle cells from the tunica media, caused by secretion of growth factors. Apoptosis reached a peak 1?2 weeks after angioplasty, regardless of the type of intervention. Conclusions : The authors conclude that angioplasty with RFTB or stent can provide relatively small injuries in the vessel wall for aortic coarctation, but care must be taken to prevent restenosis caused by intimal hyperplasia, because neointima hyperplasia is more frequent after RFTB or stent.     

Free‐wall perforation of the left ventricle after acute myocardial infarction complicated with pericardial tamponade that mimicked ascending aortic dissection: A case report

Life‐threatening cardiac events may be misdiagnosed as acute aortic dissection because of notable symptom mimicry. We report the case of a 72‐year‐old male patient with presentations presumed to be of aortic origin. However, surgery revealed posterior free‐wall perforation in the left ventricle caused by the occlusion of an obtuse marginal branch.     

Single-stage off-pump repair of coarctation of the aorta and ventricular septal defects in children

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESThe appropriate approach for surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) remains controversial. This study evaluated the outcomes of primary repair of VSDs with periventricular device closure without cardiopulmonary bypass through a left thoracotomy in patients without arch hypoplasia.METHODSWe selected 21 patients aged <1 year, including 7 neonates, who underwent repair of coarctation of the aorta with periventricular device closure of a VSD.RESULTSThe median occluder size was 6 (range, 5–8) mm. The median mechanical ventilation time was 14 (range, 2–68) h, and the median duration of hospital stay was 11 (range, 7–16) days. No reoperations were required to correct VSD shunting, and the median residual shunt size was 1 (range, 1–2) mm. The median follow-up period was 13 (range, 4–31) months. No late deaths were reported, and no haemodynamically significant pressure gradient at the anastomotic site was observed. The median distal aortic arch z-score was 0.39 (range, −0.1–to 0.9). Only 1 patient had a permanent pacemaker implanted towards the end of the follow-up period.CONCLUSIONSPeriventricular device closure can be used safely for closure of VSD in children with coarctation of the aorta without a hypoplastic aortic arch, even in neonates, to reduce the risk of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. This hybrid approach can be performed with a low incidence of rhythm disturbances and residual shunting. However, a meticulous assessment of the VSD anatomy is essential to avoid any unfavourable events.     

第5腰神经病变HRCT重建同层显示的初步探讨

目的 探讨第5腰神经（L5）病变高分辨率CT（high-resolution computed tomography,HRCT）重建同层显示的可行性,为该神经病变的临床诊断提供依据。方法 筛选20例（40侧）正常及30例（41侧）病变者的L5神经。使用美国GE公司Light Speed 16层和PHILIPS i CT 256层螺旋CT扫描,然后传至工作站（GE,ADW4.1及Philips Brilliance 3.0）进行多平面重建,观察L5神经正常解剖及病变基本表现。结果 正常L5神经在斜冠状面上呈双侧对称的弧形条索状,整体形态呈＂八字形＂,由硬膜囊穿出至椎管外腰大肌缘20例（100%）;16例（80%）显示至骶髂关节上段。斜冠状内旋切面上20例（100%）显示起点至骶髂关节平面处;6例（30%）至骶丛神经或坐骨神经上段。显示L5神经病变处走行方向及张力状态改变16例（24侧）,模糊15例（18侧）,受压及萎缩12例（18侧）,局部增粗3例（5侧）,扭曲变形1例（1侧）。其中导致神经病变L5~S1椎间盘侧方突出伴骨质增生10例（15侧）,L5横突肥大5例（8侧）,L5峡部裂8例（10侧）,L5压缩骨折3例（4侧）,腰骶段恶性肿瘤4例（4侧）。结论 HRCT重建同层显示技术能够清晰显示L5神经解剖及相关疾病,对该神经疾病可提供有价值的诊断信息。     

大肠癌组织中VEGF、MIF的表达及临床意义

目的：探讨大肠癌组织中血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）及人巨噬细胞游走抑制因子（MIF）的表达及临床意义。方法选取80份经手术切除并经病理证实为大肠癌的组织蜡块（观察组）及80份距癌肿边缘5cm以上经病理证实无癌细胞残存的正常大肠组织（对照组）,SP法检测VEGF、MIF在大肠癌及正常大肠组织中的表达。结果VEGF,MIF在观察组中阳性率为77．50％、82．50％,在对照组阳性率为22．50％、27．50％,观察组阳性率明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。VEGF、MIF在大肠癌组织中的表达与肿瘤的浸润深度、淋巴结转移、临床分期相关,与性别、年龄、组织学分化无关。结论VEGF、MIF在大肠癌组织中高表达。     

安心颗粒对血脂紊乱家兔血脂及主动脉超微结构的影响

目的:研究安心颗粒对家兔实验性血脂紊乱的防治作用.方法:采用食饵性血脂紊乱新西兰家兔为模型,以脂必妥片为对照药,观察安心颗粒对血脂、主动脉超微结构的影响.将32只新西兰家兔随机分为正常对照组、模型组、脂必妥片组、安心颗粒组等4组,分别给予普通饲料、高脂饲料、高脂饲料加脂必妥片、高脂饲料加安心颗粒.10周后,测定各组动物血清总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、甘油三酯(triglycerides,TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(low density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)、载脂蛋白A1(apolipoprotein A1,ApoA1)、载脂蛋白B(apolipoprotein B,ApoB)水平,同时用电镜观察主动脉超微结构.结果:安心颗粒可以显著降低血脂紊乱新西兰兔血清TC、TG、LDL-C、ApoB水平;电镜下主动脉超微结构观察显示:安心颗粒组主动脉硬化病变较模型组和脂必妥片组轻,血管内皮细胞质内偶见小脂滴空泡,各种细胞器存在,内弹力膜存在,中层平滑肌细胞质内无脂滴空泡.结论:安心颗粒能调节兔的血脂代谢,对动脉粥样硬化病变有明显的抑制作用.     

Endovascular stenting for nutcracker syndrome

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare pathology manifested by pain or hematuria in males and females alike. It can be easily overlooked, and should be considered in young men or women with symptoms of extended duration. We present a case of a 54-year-old female with chronic lower abdominal pain radiating to the left thigh of 4 years in duration. Computed tomography (CT) eventually revealed engorged left renal, gonadal, and uterine veins due to compression between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abdominal aorta, consistent with NCS. After a successful endovascular stenting and a 6-month period of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, the patient returned to stable health. NCS, while rare, should be suspected in patients of both sexes with persistent pain or hematuria.