血清尿酸浓度对急性缺血性卒中患者短期转归的影响:回顾性病例系列研究

目的 探讨血清尿酸浓度对急性缺血性卒中患者短期转归的影响.方法 选取就诊的缺血性卒中患者,根据出院时改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)评分将患者分为转归良好组(mRS评分0～2分)和转归不良组(mRS评分3～6分),比较两组基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分、血清尿酸(serum uric acid,SUA)水平以及其他人口统计学和临床资料.结果 共纳入311例急性缺血性卒中患者,转归良好组185例,转归不良组126例.转归不良组基线NIHSS评分(中位数,四分位间距)[7(4 ～11)分对3(2 ～4)分;Z=9.858,P=0.001]、既往2型糖尿病(29.4％对14.1％;x2=10.877,P=0.001)和TIA史(27.8％对17.8％;x2=4.335,P=0.037)患者构成比显著性高于转归良好组,而SUA水平[(331.984±118.995) mmol/L对(363.276±100.743) mmol/L;t=2.497,P=0.013]和NIHSS评分＜9分的患者构成比(63.5％对96.8％;x2 =59.562,P=0.000)显著性低于转归良好组.SUA较低四分位数组基线NIHSS评分和出院mRS评分更高(P均＜0.01).多变量logistic回归分析显示,SUA增高为急性缺血性卒中患者短期转归的独立保护因素(优势比0.997,95％可信区间0.995 ～0.999;P =0.016).结论 SUA增高是急性缺血性卒中患者短期转归的独立保护因素.     

合并非瓣膜性心房颤动的急性缺血性卒中患者出血性转化和转归的影响因素

目的 探讨合并非瓣膜性心房颤动(non-valvular atrial fibrillation,NVAF)的急性缺血性卒中患者出血性转化(hemorrhagic transformation,HT)风险以及溶栓治疗后3个月时的转归及其影响因素.方法 回顾性纳入连续的合并NVAF的急性缺血性卒中患者,收集其人口统计学、血管危险因素以及其他临床资料.采用改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)评价发病3个月时的转归,mRS评分≤2分定义为转归良好,＞2分定义为转归不良.结果 共纳入合并NVAF的急性缺血性卒中患者119例,其中男性63例(52.9％),女性56例(47.1％);平均年龄(72.1±10.0)岁;45例(37.81％)接受重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(recombinant tissue plasminogen activator,rtPA)溶栓治疗,55例(46.2％)转归良好,27例(22.7％)合并HT.与转归不良组相比,转归良好组平均年龄较小(P =0.028),合并缺血性心脏病以及发病至治疗时间＞4.5h的患者构成比较低(P均＜0.05),基线收缩压和舒张压以及美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分较低(P均＜0.05),而接受rtPA静脉溶栓的患者比例较高(P=0.019).多变量logistic回归分析显示,合并缺血性心脏病[优势比(odds ratio,OR)4.572,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.392～15.014;P=0.012]、治疗前收缩压(OR 1.028,95％ CI1.007 ～1.049;P=0.009)、基线NIHSS评分(OR 1.058,95％ CI1.002～1.117;P=0.042)是转归不良的独立危险因素,而rtPA静脉溶栓治疗(OR 0.264,95％ CI0.102 ～0.683;P=0.006)是转归不良的独立保护因素.HT组基线收缩压、空腹血糖和NIHSS评分以及既往卒中或短暂性脑缺血发作(transient ischemic attack,TIA)史患者构成比均显著性高于非HT组(P均＜0.05).多变量logistic回归分析显示,基线NIHSS评分(OR 1.147,95％ CI1.068 ～1.231;P＜0.001)、基线收缩压(OR 1.951,95％ CI1.921～1.982;P=0.002)和血糖水平(OR 1.191,95％ CI1.095 ～ 1.294;P＜0.001)为HT的独立危险因素.与非溶栓组相比,溶栓组平均年龄较低(P=0.021),基线收缩压、空腹血糖和NIHSS评分以及合并高脂血症、既往卒中或TIA史以及入院前使用抗高血压药的患者比例较高(P均＜ 0.05),合并缺血性心脏病的患者比例较低(P=0.035),但转归良好的患者比例更高(P=0.019).结论 合并缺血性心脏病、治疗前收缩压和基线NIHSS评分高是转归不良的独立危险因素,而rtPA静脉溶栓治疗是转归不良的独立保护因素;基线NIHSS评分、基线收缩压和血糖水平高为HT的独立危险因素.对于合并NVAF的急性缺血性卒中患者,如无明显溶栓禁忌证,则能从静脉溶栓治疗中获益,且不会增高HT风险,但应适当控制患者的血压和血糖水平.     

轻型缺血性卒中患者转归不良的预测因素：前瞻性队列研究

目的 探讨轻型缺血性卒中患者的功能转归并明确其转归不良的危险因素.方法 前瞻性纳入发病后72 h内就诊的轻型缺血性卒中患者,根据发病后90 d时改良Rankin量表（modified Rankin Scale,mRS）评分将患者分为转归不良组（mRS评分＞2分）和转归良好组（mRS评分0～2分）.采用单变量分析和多变量logistic回归分析对人口统计学资料、血管危险因素、临床资料、实验室检查资料、影像学资料和随访资料进行比较和分析,明确轻型缺血性卒中转归不良的危险因素.结果 共纳入253例轻型缺血性卒中患者,其中71例（28.1％）转归不良.单变量分析显示,转归不良组年龄（=2.037,P=0.043）、基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS）评分（U=4 610.000,P=0.000）、基线mRS评分（U=5 723.000,P=0.000）以及既往缺血性卒中史（x2 =4.950,P=0.026）、有症状大血管重度狭窄或闭塞（x2=49.037,P=0.000）、大动脉粥样硬化型卒中（x2=34.359,P=0.000）、早期神经功能恶化（x2=45.804,P=0.000）、并发肺炎（x2=12.121,P=0.000）以及缺血性卒中复发（x2=14.305,P=0.000）的患者比例显著性高于转归良好组.多变量logistic回归分析显示,高龄[优势比（odds ratio,OR）1.049,95％可信区间（confidence interval,CI）1.012 ～1.086;P=0.008]、基线mRS评分较高（OR 2.130,95％ CI 1.212～3.743;P=0.009）、基线NIHSS评分较高（OR 1.532,95％ CI 1.064 ～2.206;P=0.022）、有症状大血管重度狭窄或闭塞（OR 7.569,95％ CI 3.497～ 16.380;P=0.000）、早期神经功能恶化（OR 7.369,95％ CI2.648～20.510;P =0.000）和缺血性卒中复发（OR 10.450,95％ CI 3.071 ～35.564;P=0.000）是转归不良的独立危险因素.结论 超过1/4的轻型缺血性卒中患者转归不良,高龄、基线mRS评分较高、基线NIHSS评分较高、有症状大血管重度狭窄或闭塞、早期神经功能恶化以及缺血性卒中复发是其?     

大脑中动脉闭塞部位对急性缺血性卒中患者静脉溶栓治疗后转归的影响

目的 探讨大脑中动脉(middle cerebral artery,MCA)闭塞部位对急性缺血性卒中患者静脉重组组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(recombinant tissue plasminogen activator,rtPA)溶栓治疗后转归的影响.方法 连续纳入在发病4.5h内接受rtPA静脉溶栓治疗的急性MCA闭塞性卒中患者.将MCA闭塞部位分为MCA近段(M1近段)和MCA远段(M1远段、M2段及以远).早期神经功能改善定义为溶栓后24 h美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分较基线时改善≥4分或NIHSS评分为0分.根据90 d时改良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(3～6分).结果共纳入70例MCA闭塞缺血性卒中患者,其中MCA近段闭塞患者22例(31.4％),MCA远段闭塞患者48例(68.6％);转归良好52例(74.3％),转归不良18例(25.7％).MCA近段闭塞组心房颤动(x2=4.541,P=0.033)患者比例以及入院时(t=5.192,P=0.026)和溶栓后24 h时(-5.365,P=0.024)NIHSS评分均高于MCA远段闭塞组.MCA近段闭塞组早期神经功能改善的患者比例显著低于MCA远段闭塞组(x2 =9.434,P=0.002),而有症状颅内出血发生率(x2 =9.563,p=0.002)和7d内病死率(x2=14.491,P＜0.001)均显著高于MCA远段闭塞组.转归不良组发病至溶栓时间(t=6.346,P=0.014)以及入院时(t=4.498,P=0.038)和溶栓后24 h时(=4.866,P=0.028)NIHSS评分以及MCA近段闭塞的患者比例(x2=18.710,P＜0.001)显著长于或高于转归良好组.多变量logistic回归分析显示,MCA近段闭塞[优势比(odds ratio,OR) 14.385,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)2.525 ～ 81.925;P=o.003]、发病至溶栓时间较长(OR 12.927,95％ CI2.624 ～ 61.748;P=0.002)、溶栓后24 h时NIHSS评分较高(OR 3.492,95％ CIl.027～11.880;P=0.045)是90 d时转归不良的独立预测因素.结论 不同部位MCA闭塞患者静脉溶栓的转归存在差异.MCA闭塞部位、发病至溶栓时间、溶栓后24 h时NIHSS评分和年龄是MCA供血区急性缺血性卒中患者静脉溶栓后转归的独立预测因素.     

弥散加权成像Alberta卒中项目早期CT评分评估急性前循环脑梗死静脉溶栓预后的价值

目的探讨磁共振弥散加权成像Alberta卒中项目早期CT评分(DWI-ASPECTS)对急性前循环脑梗死静脉溶栓治疗预后的预测价值。方法选择接受静脉溶栓的急性前循环脑梗死患者99例,根据溶栓3个月后改良的Rankin量表(mRS)评分分为2组,mRS评分0~2分为良好转归组66例,3~6分为不良转归组33例。收集患者的一般临床资料、DWI-ASPECTS评分、溶栓3个月后mRS、溶栓3个月后改良的Barthel指数(MBI)以及并发症情况。结果与不良转归组比较,良好转归组年龄和入院美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分显著降低,DWI-ASPECTS评分显著升高(P0.05)。logistic回归分析显示,年龄(OR=1.097,95%CI:1.019~1.180,P=0.013)、入院NIHSS评分(OR=1.207,95%CI:1.025~1.421,P=0.024)、DWI-ASPECTS评分(OR=0.543,95%CI:0.343~0.858,P=0.009)是不良转归发生的独立预测因素。DWI-ASPECTS评分曲线下面积为0.887(95%CI:0.822~0.951),预测不良转归的最佳临界点为5.5,敏感性为84.8%,特异性为81.8%。DWI-ASPECTS评分与MBI呈正相关(P=0.000)。列联分析显示,DWI-ASPECTS评分与血管再闭塞、出血、缺血再灌注损伤存在相关性(P0.01)。结论 DWI-ASPECTS评分是评估急性前循环脑梗死患者静脉溶栓治疗预后转归的重要指标。     

醒后卒中的预测因素和早期转归：回顾性病例系列研究

目的：探讨醒后卒中患者的预测因素和早期临床转归。方法连续收集急性缺血性卒中住院患者,根据发病时间分为醒后卒中组与非醒后卒中组,比较2组人口统计学和基线临床资料,分析醒后卒中的预测因素。根据出院时的改良 Rankin 量表(modified Rankin Scale, mRS)评分将患者分为转归不良组(≥2分)与转归良好组(0~1分),比较2组人口统计学和基线临床资料,分析早期临床转归的影响因素。结果共纳入急性缺血性卒中患者420例,其中醒后卒中组103例(24．5%),非醒后卒中组317例(75．5%)。单变量分析显示,醒后卒中组大动脉粥样硬化性卒中构成比(23．3%对34．7%;χ2=4．650, P =0．031)显著低于非醒后卒中组,而收缩压[(155．1±19．6)mmHg 对(150．4±20．9)mmHg,1 mmHg =0．133 kPa;t =2．013,P =0．045]、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表( National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS)评分[中位数和四分位数间距：10．0(5．0~14．0)分对7．0(4．5~10．0)分; Z =-2．648, P =0．008]以及小血管闭塞性卒中(21．4%对11．0%;χ2=7．056,P =0．008)和心房颤动(25．2%对11．8%;χ2=5．874,P =0．015)的患者构成比显著高于非醒后卒中组。多变量 logistic 回归分析显示,基线 NIHSS 评分高[优势比(odds ratio, OR)1．075,95%可信区间(confidence interval, CI)1．023~1．130;P =0．004]是醒后卒中的独立预测因素,既往卒中或短暂性脑缺血发作史(OR 0．562,95% CI 0．327~0．969;P =0．038)和大动脉粥样硬化性卒中(OR 0．557,95% CI 0．321~0．966;P =0．037)与非醒后卒中独立相关。在420例急性缺血性卒中患者中,228例(54．3%)转归良好,192例(45．7%)转归不良。单变量分析显示,转归不良组醒后卒中(31．2%对18．9%;χ2=8．645,P =0．003)和心房颤动(24．0%对11．8%;χ2=10．655, P =0．001)的患者构成比以及基线 NIHSS 评分[中位数和四分位数间距：11．0(9．0~14．0)分对5．0(2．0~7．0)分;Z =-15．335,P <0．001]显著高于转归良好组。多变量 logistic 回归分析显示,基线 NIHSS 评分较高与早期转归不良独立相关(OR 2．011,95% CI 1．753~2．309;P <0．001),而醒后卒中与早期转归不良无独立相关性( OR 1．694,95% CI 0．779~3．683;P =0．183)。结论基线NIHSS评分较高是醒后卒中和急性缺血性卒中患者早期转归不良的独立预测因素,而醒后卒中与急性缺血性卒中患者的早期转归不良无关。     

急性缺血性卒中患者血清胆红素水平与病情严重程度和短期转归的关系

目的：探讨急性缺血性卒中患者血清胆红素水平与病情严重程度和短期转归的关系。方法纳入连续的120例急性缺血性卒中住院患者,105例同期健康体检者作为对照组。在入院24 h内检测血清总胆红素、直接胆红素、间接胆红素以及血脂、血糖等生化指标,入院当天采用美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS ）评定神经功能缺损情况,NIHSS评分<8分定义为轻度卒中,≥8分定义为中重度卒中。在出院时或发病后14 d采用改良 Rankin 量表（modified Rankin Scale, mRS）评估临床转归,0~2分定义为转归良好,>2分定义为转归不良,并再次检测血清总胆红素、直接胆红素和间接胆红素水平。结果中重度卒中组血清总胆红素、直接胆红素和间接胆红素水平均显著高于轻度卒中组（P ＜0.01）和对照组（P ＜0.01）。多变量 logistic 回归分析显示,血清总胆红素[优势比（odds ratio, OR）1.855,95％可信区间（confidence interval, CI）1.390~2.475;P ＜0.01]、间接胆红素（OR 3.380,95％ CI 1.271~11.901;P ＜0.05）和直接胆红素（OR 3.51,95％ CI 1.062~11.473;P ＜0.01）水平升高均与基线病情严重程度存在显著独立相关性。单变量分析显示,入院时血清总胆红素水平升高与短期转归不良有关（P ＜0.05）,但校正其他混杂因素后丧失统计学意义（OR 2.411,95％ CI 0.803~7.243;P >0.05）。结论脑梗死急性期患者血清胆红素水平呈应激性升高,并且与神经功能缺损程度存在显著相关性,但与短期转归无关,可能是机体对卒中事件的一种防御反应。     

重组组织型纤溶酶原激活物静脉溶栓治疗急性缺血性卒中单中心回顾性研究

目的评价重组组织型纤溶酶原激活物(recombinant tissue plasminogen activator,rtPA)静脉溶栓治疗急性缺血性卒中的临床疗效和安全性,探讨溶栓时间窗和影响溶栓转归的相关因素.方法 回顾性分析急性缺血性卒中患者94例,其中rtPA组40例.对照组54例.在发病后24 h应用美国国立卫生院卒中量表(National Institute of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评价神经功能.早期神经功能改善定义为人院后24 h NIHSS改善≥4分或神经功能完全恢复.在发病后14 d应用改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)、Barthel指数(Berthel Index,BI)和NIHSS进行临床疗效评价,BI≥95分、mRS≤1分或NIHSS≤1分定义为转归良好.此外,对有症状颅内出血(symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,sICH)发生率和病死率进行评价.结果 rtPA组24 h早期神经功能改善率显著高于对照组(37.5%对13.O%,OR=3.900,P=0.007),rtPA组入院后14 d转归良好率显著高于对照组(OR=2.654.95%CI 1.089～7.235;P=0.035).rtPA组住院期间sICH发生率较对照组显著增高(15.00%对1.85%,P=0.033),但病死率无显著差异(17.50%对9.36%,P=0.054).多因素同归分析显示,血糖≥8 mmol/L、基底动脉梗死、NHISS评分≥20分和存在早期CT梗死征象是转归较差的独立预测因素.3 h内静脉溶栓的转归良好率显著高于4.5～6 h溶柃时(47.1%对16.7%,OR=4.473,P=0.034).结论 急性缺血性卒中患者在发病6 h内进行rtPA静脉溶栓治疗安全、有效,其中起病3 h内溶柃的疗效更好.血糖≥18 mmol/L、基底动脉梗死、NHISS评分≥20分和存在早期CT梗死征象是转归转差的独立预测因素.     

孤立性脑桥梗死的临床和影像学特征:脑桥旁正中梗死与脑桥腔隙性梗死的比较

目的 探讨孤立性脑桥梗死的临床和影像学特征以及早期运动障碍进展(progessive motor deficits,PMD)和短期预后的影响因素.方法 对初次发病24 h内入院的86例孤立性脑桥梗死患者进行回顾性分析,根据梗死灶最大直径和部位分为脑桥旁正中梗死(paramedian pontine infarction,PPI)和脑桥腔隙性梗死(lacunar pontine infarction,LPI),根据早期PMD情况分为PMD组和无PMD组,根据出院时改良Rankin量表(modified Rankin Scale,mRS)评分分为转归不良组(mRS评分＞2分)和转归良好组(mRS评分≤2分),对不同病例组的临床和影像学特征进行比较.结果 PPI组(n=35)高脂血症(57.14％对33.33％;x2=4.80,P=0.028)、偏瘫(97.14％对72.55％;x2=8.718,P=0.003)、基底动脉狭窄(45.71％对17.65％;x2=7.930,P=0.005)和出院时转归不良(54.29％对31.37％;x2=4.515,P=0.034)患者构成比以及基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)评分[(6.00 ±2.39)分对(4.61 ±3.41)分;t=2.087,P=0.040]均显著性高于LPI组(n＝ 51).PMD组(n=22)基线舒张压水平[(97.82±15.61)mm Hg对(89.55±12.23)mm Hg,1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa;t =2.258,P=0.031]以及PPI(63.64％对32.81％;x2=6.445,P＝0.011)和基底动脉狭窄(59.10％对18.75％;x2=12.922,P=0.000)的构成比均显著性高于无PMD组(n＝64).转归不良组(n＝ 35)基线NIHSS评分[(6.80±2.63)分对(3.73 ±2.55)分;t＝5.426,P＝0.000]和空腹血糖水平[(9.40±5.15) mmol/L对(6.56 ±2.69) mmol/L;t =2.985,P=0.004]以及PPI患者构成比(54.29％对31.37％;x2 =4.515,P＝0.034)均显著性高于转归良好组(n=51).多变量logistic回归分析显示,基底动脉狭窄是PPI发病[优势比(odds ratio,OR)3.801,95％可信区间(confidence interval,CI)1.357～10.646;P=0.011]和孤立性脑桥梗死早期PMD(OR 4.571,95％ CI1.214～17.214;P=0.025)的独立危险因素,基线NIHSS评分≥5分是其短期转归不良的独立预测因素(OR4.277,95％ CI 1.505 ～ 12.151;P=0.006).结论 PPI主要与基底动脉分支病变有关,基线NIHSS评分≥5分可能是孤立性脑桥梗死短期转归不良的独立预测因素,其早期PMD和短期转归不良均可能与基底动脉病变有关.     

缺血性小卒中转归不良的相关因素

目的：探讨缺血性小卒中患者转归不良的危险因素。方法前瞻性纳入缺血性小卒中患者,在发病后90 d时应用改良Rankin量表评估临床转归,0~2分定义为转归良好。对转归良好组与转归不良组人口统计学资料、血管危险因素、临床资料、影像学资料、卒中病因学分型、实验室化验结果、治疗方法等进行比较,采用多变量logistic回归分析确定缺血性小卒中患者早期转归不良的独立危险因素。结果共纳入516例缺血性小卒中患者。发病后90 d时90例（17.44％）转归不良,426例（82.56％）转归良好。多变量logistic回归分析显示,年龄[优势比（odds ratio, OR）1.045,95％可信区间（confidence interval, CI）1.017~1.074;P=0.002]、心脏病（OR 2.021,95％CI 1.063~3.841;P=0.032）、基线美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（ National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS）评分（OR 1.662,95％CI 1.177~2.347;P=0.004）、肢体运动障碍（OR 2.430,95％CI 1.010~5.850;P=0.048）、共济运动障碍（ OR 2.929,95％CI 1.188~7.221;P=0.020）、早期神经功能恶化（OR 50.994,95％CI 17.659~147.258;P<0.001）、梗死灶直径（OR 1.279,95％CI 1.075~1.521;P=0.005）、非责任血管狭窄（ OR 2.518,95％CI 1.145~5.536;P=0.022）、大动脉粥样硬化性卒中（ OR 2.010,95％CI 1.009~4.003;P=0.047）是缺血性小卒中转归不良的独立危险因素。结论缺血性小卒中早期转归不良与年龄、心脏病史、基线NIHSS评分、肢体运动障碍、共济运动障碍、早期神经功能恶化、梗死灶直径、非责任血管狭窄、大动脉粥样硬化性卒中密切相关,需早期完善相关检查,明确病因分型,指导临床进行正确治疗。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.