左室质量指数与扩张型心肌病心脏再同步治疗后室性心律失常的相关性研究

目的探讨左室质量指数(LVMI)与扩张型心肌病(DCM)病人心脏再同步化治疗(CRT)后发生室性快速性心律失常的关系。方法 36例行CRT的DCM病人,术前行超声心动图检查并计算LVMI;术后随访1年,起搏器程控仪分析随访期间持续性室性心动过速(VT)、心室颤动(VF)的发生次数。结果共完成随访34例,其中无事件组23例(67.65%),VT/VF组11例(32.35%);两组左室射血分数(LVEF)、左房最大内经(LAD)。E峰与A峰比值(E/A)差异无统计学意义(P0.05),VT/VF组左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、LVMI显著高于无事件组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),LVMI与VT/VF的发生次数呈显著正相关(r=0.890,P0.01),而LVEDD与VT/VF的发生次数无显著相关性(r=0.043,P0.05)。结论 LVMI是DCM病人CRT后发生室性快速性心律失常的强有力的预测因子。     

埋藏式心脏转复除颤器的临床应用单中心经验

目的评估本中心置入埋藏式心脏转复除颤器(ICD)患者的室性心律失常[室性心动过速(VT)/心室颤动(VF)]发生及治疗状况。方法连续入选本中心于2004年1月至2014年6月置入ICD或CRTD并规范随访的患者,收集术前资料、术后VT/VF发生及治疗情况。结果共分析76例患者,其中一级预防32例,二级预防44例,43例(56.6%)存在严重心功能不全(左室射血分数0.35)。随访13个月至10年,无一例死于VT/VF。22例(28.9%)发生ICD恰当治疗,15例(19.7%)发生不恰当治疗。一级预防患者VT/VF发生率低于二级预防组(9.4%vs 43.2%,P=0.001)。冠心病亚组一级预防与二级预防VT/VF发生率无差别(20%vs 55.6%,P=0.21),而扩张型心肌病组一级预防低于二级预防(8%vs 50%,P=0.009)。不同病因的二级预防患者VT/VF发生率无差异。单腔与双腔(包括三腔)ICD的不恰当治疗率分别是28.1%vs 13.6%(P=0.11)。结论 ICD能有效预防室性心律失常性死亡,二级预防及缺血性心肌病患者ICD恰当治疗率高,而一级预防患者中扩张型心肌病VT/VF发生率较低。双腔ICD的不恰当治疗率较单腔有减少的趋势。     

我院心脏再同步化治疗患者临床及预后分析

目的回顾性分析我院接受心脏再同步化治疗(Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy,CRT)患者的临床及预后情况。方法收集2001年至2013年在我院植入CRT-P/D(起搏/除颤)的心力衰竭(心衰)患者基线及长期随访资料。根据左室功能和重构指标,将CRT应答分为无反应、有反应和超反应组,分析三组在临床及预后方面的差异。结果 CRT术后患者长期随访92例,三组分别为28,37和27例,无反应组的心房纤颤(房颤)患者比例为57.1%,明显高于有反应组及超反应组(P=0.004)。有反应组及超反应组,CRT术后的客观指标:左室射血分数(LVEF),左室舒张末内径(LVEDD),6分钟步行距离(6MWD),左室收缩末容量(LVESV)及主观指标(NYHA分级)均较术前改善(P0.05),术后QRS时限明显缩短(P0.05);而无反应组患者,仅NYHA分级有一定程度的提高(P0.05),其他指标无明显变化。结论CRT-P/D可改善心衰患者的症状及预后。房颤是导致误放电、起搏比例偏低的重要因素,可能是降低术后应答的重要原因。     

CRT治疗慢性心衰的临床观察

目的观察心脏再同步化治疗(CRT)慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者的临床疗效。方法选择2006年5月～2009年4月植入CRT起搏器的患者8例,其中7例为窦性心律;1例为房颤。优化AV间期及/或VV间期等参数,随访10.1±8.9个月,观察患者心功能改善情况、QRS波时限改变和左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末内径(LVEDD)、二尖瓣返流及左/右心室不同步等心脏超声参数的变化。结果所有8例患者植入CRT起搏器后,心功能分级与LVEF提高,临床症状明显减轻,6分钟步行距离增加,QRS波时限、LVEDD及MR减少,左/右心室不同步明显改善,心衰平均住院时间减少约33%(p0.05);1例患者CRT植入后13个月发生VT/VF猝死。结论CRT可明显改善CHF患者的心功能,缓解临床症状并提高生活质量;对可能发生VT/VF的高危CHF患者,置入CRT(D)可预防心源性猝死。     

米诺环素预处理对大鼠缺血性室性心律失常的影响

目的观察米诺环素(MC)预处理对大鼠心肌缺血性室性心律失常的影响并探讨其可能机制。方法采用冠状动脉左前降支结扎法建立大鼠心肌梗死(MI)模型。将60只雄性SD大鼠随机分成6组:MI组,MI+MC组,MI+LY294002(LY)组,MI+5-羟基癸酸(5-HD)组,MI+MC+LY组及MI+MC+5-HD组。各组在制作MI模型前分别给予生理盐水、MC、LY、5-HD、MC+LY、MC+5-HD预处理。持续心电监护,观察缺血30 min内各组室性心动过速(VT)和心室颤动(VF)发生率、以及VT+VF持续时间、发生次数和室性心律失常的严重程度。缺血30min后迅速摘取心脏,用TTC法测心肌梗死面积。结果与MI组比较,MI+MC组的VT发生率无明显变化(P0.05),但VF发生率显著降低,VT+VF持续时间、发生次数和严重程度以及心肌梗死面积显著减少(P均0.05);而MI+MC+LY组及MI+MC+5-HD组上述指标与MI组无差异。结论 MC预处理可以减轻大鼠MI诱导的室性心律失常,这种作用可能与3-磷酸肌醇激酶/Akt信号通路和线粒体ATP敏感性钾离子通道的激活有关。     

QT离散度对室性心律失常发生的预测价值的再探讨

研究体表心电图QT离散度(QTd)对室性心律失常的发生是否有预测价值。将204例入选心脏病例的QTd按级差5ms分段,计算各时段病例中频发室性早搏(VPB≥30次/小时)以及室性心动过速(VT)+心室颤动(VF)的发生率。以各时段QTd的上限值为变量,对各时段室性心律失常的发生率与QTd上限值进行相关性研究。将上述室性心律失常者分设为VPB组(n=52)和VT+VF组(n=46)。在其余入选病例中选择未发现明显室性心律失常者(VPB<5次/小时)50例设为疾病对照组。另设正常对照组(n=50)。对各组QTd进行组间比较。结果:各时段VPB及VT+VF的发生率与QTd上限值无明显相关性(r1=0.2091,r2=0.1684,P>0.05)。VPB组及VT+VF组的QTd虽明显大于正常对照组(P<0.01),但与疾病对照组比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论:QTd对室性心律失常的发生似乎无预测价值。     

沙库巴曲缬沙坦对植入了心脏除颤器的心力衰竭患者室性心律失常发生的影响

目的探讨沙库巴曲缬沙坦对心脏再同步化心脏转复除颤器(CRTD)或埋藏式心脏转复除颤器(ICD)植入的射血分数降低的心力衰竭患者室性心律失常发生的影响。方法在18例植入CRTD或ICD射血分数降低的心力衰竭患者中,通过分析器械提供的室性心动过速/心室颤动(简称室速/室颤)计数(VT/VF Counters)及心脏指南针报告中记录的数据,比较使用沙库巴曲缬沙坦6个月前后室性心律失常的发生情况。结果应用沙库巴曲缬沙坦后,与治疗前相比,非持续性室速及室速/室颤事件均有减少(P=0.035和0.017);而单发室性早搏、连续室性早搏、监测室速及电风暴事件均无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论沙库巴曲缬沙坦可进一步减少射血分数降低的心力衰竭患者非持续性室速及室速/室颤事件的发生,从而减少ICD干预治疗。     

心脏再同步化治疗不同应答率与室性心律失常的关系研究

目的评估心脏再同步化治疗(CRT/CRT-D)后不同应答率对室性心律失常(VA)发生风险的影响。方法我们纳入2014—2017年间住院的51例接受CRT治疗并随访的患者,根据对CRT的反应分为3组,超反应组、正常反应组和无反应组,随访1年分析CRT应答率与VA发生率间的关系。结果患者的平均年龄为(60.3±9.6)岁,平均左室射血分数为32.3%。各组间的基线资料无显著性差异(均为P0.05)。随访6个月时,较其他两组,超反应组患者的左室射血分数显著增加,室性期前收缩发生率显著降低(均为P0.05)。随访1年时,较治疗前,超反应组和正常反应组患者的左心室舒张末期内径、左心室收缩末期内径、左心室舒张末期容积、左心室收缩末期容积和左房内径显著降低,室性期前收缩发生率显著降低(均为P0.05)。结论具有超反应的CRT患者的VA发生最少,且有更好的左室逆向重构。     

心脏再同步治疗术中不同起搏模式对室性心律失常诱发的影响

目的 评价心脏再同步治疗(CRT)植入术中不同起搏模式对室性心律失常诱发情况的影响.方法 连续入选植入心脏再同步治疗除颤器(CRT-D)的患者,术中采用3种起搏模式:右心室起搏、双心室同步起搏和双心室顺序起搏(左心室优先50 ms和80 ms,右心室优先50 ms和80 ms).然后分别从左心室或右心室导线引入最多2个期前刺激,评估室性心律失常的诱发情况.结果 共有15例成功植入CRT-D的患者入选,男11例,年龄49 ～72(61±7)岁.缺血性心肌病7例,扩张型心肌病8例.左心室射血分数0.30±0.07.9例患者发生终点事件:5例诱发持续性室性心动过速(VT)/心室颤动(VF),4例诱发非持续性VT.双心室同步起搏时未诱发持续性VT/VF事件,双心室顺序起搏时有5例诱发VT/VF( P＜0.01).结论 双心室顺序起搏模式可能具有潜在致心律失常作用.双心室顺序起搏模式下心脏电生理刺激或自发的室性期前收缩对衰竭心脏电生理稳定性的影响需长期临床研究进一步证实.     

心脏再同步化起搏除颤器患者右室电极的位置对临床疗效以及室性心动过速发生的影响

正背景:目前心脏再同步化起搏除颤器患者右室电极的位置对临床疗效以及室性心动过速发生影响的资料还很有限。方法:研究心脏再同步化起搏除颤器试验中行心脏再同步化起搏除颤器治疗1 089例患者中的742例(68%),主要终点为心力衰竭或死亡,次要终点包括室性心动过速(VT),心室颤动(VF),或死亡或单独的VT/VF。结果:86例右室电极位于右室间隔部或右室流出道(非右室心尖部组)。656例右室电极位于右室心尖部(右室心尖部组)。两组主要终点事件无差异[危险比(HR)0.98,95%可信区间(CI)0.54~1.80;P=0.93]。两组超声指标变化也无差异     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.