高频超声在诊断类风湿关节炎患者指关节病变中的应用

目的探讨高频超声在诊断类风湿关节炎（RA）患者手指关节病变中的价值。方法RA患者42例，健康志愿者40名，分别应用高频超声观察双手掌指关节和近端指间关节，测量滑膜厚度，检测有无肌腱、关节腔和骨质病变。结果RA患者79％（33／42）存在滑膜增生，18例患者可见肌腱病变，5例病人可见关节腔积液，5例患者可见骨质破坏，3例患者可见关节融合。病程少于5年的病例主要表现为滑膜增生，而骨质破坏、关节融合的病例病程多在10年以上。结论高频超声可应用于RA患者手指关节病变的诊断。     

超声检查在早期类风湿关节炎外周关节病变中的应用

目的 探讨高频彩色多普勒超声在早期类风湿关节炎(RA)患者外周关节病变检测中的应用价值.方法 对连续30例病史＜1年的RA患者在入院当天行肘、腕、膝、踝、掌指、近端指间、跖趾关节的体格检查及超声检查,记录有无关节肿胀和(或)压痛、超声显示的关节积液、滑膜增生、滑膜血流、肌腱病变、骨侵蚀情况.采用独立样本t检验和Kappa检验.结果 RA组1140个外周关节中471个有关节积液和(或)滑膜增生(阳性率41.3％).其中404个关节检测到关节积液(35.4％);359个关节滑膜增生(31.5％);128个关节增生的滑膜内可见血流信号(占病变关节的35.7％);腕、踝、第2～5掌指关节共360个关节中90个关节有周围肌腱病变(25％);27个关节检测到骨侵蚀(阳性率2.4％).在外周关节中最易受累的是腕关节,无论积液阳性率、滑膜增生率、骨侵蚀率及关节内血流阳性率均最高.其他易于出现滑膜炎的关节依次是膝、踝、肘、跖趾、掌指、近端指间关节.在除腕关节以外的小关节中,跖趾关节滑膜炎阳性率最高.掌指关节、近端指间关节、跖趾关节中最易出现滑膜炎的部位分别是第二掌指关节、第三近端指间关节和第二跖趾关节.体格检查肿/痛阳性关节总数为370个(32.5％).查体关节肿/痛阳性与超声检查所显示的关节积液/滑膜增生之间有显著相关性,Kappa一致性检验值0.21,提示二者一致性较低.结论 高频彩色多普勒超声是检测RA患者外周关节病变的一个有效手段,有助于提高RA的早期诊断率及全面评估疾病活动度.     

肌骨超声检测类风湿关节炎的超声特征、血流变化及意义

目的 探讨肌骨超声检测类风湿关节炎(RA)的超声特征、血流信号特征变化及意义.方法 选取80例RA患者,采用超声对患者960个关节(腕关节160个,掌指关节800个)进行检测,计算各个关节的滑膜厚度、关节积液、骨侵蚀平均评分、滑膜增生处的多普勒血流信号分级,并按照欧洲风湿病防治联合会(EULAR)推荐的RA疾病活动度评分系统(DAS)28评分结果 将80例RA患者分为缓解期组40例、活动期组40例进行组间对比分析.结果 活动期组滑膜厚度、关节积液、骨侵蚀程度评分明显高于缓解期组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);活动期组关节血流分级与缓解期组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),活动期组关节血流分级水平明显高于缓解期组(P<0.05).结论 RA患者在缓解期与活动期的超声特征、血流具有不一样的特征,对于疾病病情判断有一定的临床价值.     

高频超声在类风湿关节炎膝关节病变中的应用

目的探讨高频彩色多普勒超声在类风湿关节炎膝关节病变诊断中的临床应用价值。方法采用高频超声对RA组与对照组的膝关节髌上囊液体厚度、滑膜厚度、血管增生性病变的情况进行对比观察,并与相关免疫学及炎症活动指标做相关分析。结果在纳入的42例患者中,均存在不同程度的膝关节病变,30例患者发生滑膜增厚,观察组滑膜厚度与对照组比较具有统计学差异(3.99±0.98 vs 1.23±0.32,t=5.169,P0.001)。RA组膝关节中有80.95%的滑膜内可检测出低速血流信号,以Ⅰ级和Ⅱ级血流信号为主分别占28.57%和47.62%。滑膜厚度与RF滴度呈正相关关系,相关系数r=0.532,P=0.007;与炎症活动指标ESR和CRP同样具有正相关关系(r=0.410,P=0.016和r=0.705,P0.001)。结论通过超声观察关节积液、滑膜及病变区域血流的病变,可为临床辅助诊断RA提供依据。     

高频超声对类风湿关节炎及强直性脊柱炎膝关节病变的观察

类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,BA)及强直性脊柱炎(ankylosing spondylitis,AS)是累及外周关节和中轴关节的系统性自身免疫疾病.本研究拟通过观察和比较RA、AS患者与健康人髌上囊、滑膜、股骨髁软骨及软骨下骨皮质的超声检查结果,发现RA、AS患者膝关节的病变高频超声检查所示特征及应用超声为临床辅助诊断RA、AS及其疗效评价.     

高频超声对高尿酸血症患者并发痛风性关节炎的诊断价值

目的探讨高频超声在早期发现高尿酸血症患者痛风性关节炎中的诊断价值。方法高尿酸血症并发痛风性关节炎患者30例,分析其血清尿酸水平与受累的关节数量的相关关系。采用国产彩超Mindray DC-8,常规扫查双手的掌指关节、指间关节及双足的足趾关节(共58个),超声观察有无滑膜增厚、关节腔积液、晶体沉积及骨侵蚀表现。将30例患者按照血清尿酸水平分为3组,第一组:≤600μmol/L;第二组:600μmol/L且800μmol/L;第三组:≥800μmol/L,分别观察每组中受累关节的超声表现情况。结果 30例患者的血清尿酸为440.21～1 027.43μmol/L,平均(680.13±151.77)μmol/L,每例患者受累的关节最少为1个,最多为32个。血清尿酸水平与受累关节数量呈正相关(r=0.942,P0.01)。不同血清尿酸水平的三组中受累关节均有滑膜增厚的表现,发现率为100%;关节腔积液的发现率分别为82.76%、85.27%、92.07%,三组之间比较无统计学差异(P0.05);晶体沉积的发现率分别为27.59%、86.05%、82.93%,第三组与第二组之间比较无统计学差异(P0.05),第二组和第三组分别与第一组之间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);骨侵蚀的发现率分别为6.90%、51.16%、53.05%,第三组与第二组之间比较无统计学差异(P0.05),第二组和第三组分别与第一组之间比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论高频超声可以在血尿酸水平增高的早期通过发现关节滑膜组织的增厚对关节病变进行评估,有利于对痛风性关节炎提供早期的影像学诊断。此外,高频超声还可以观察痛风性关节炎不同阶段的病理改变,有利于监测和评估疾病的治疗效果。     

高频超声评价膝骨性关节炎软骨病变及膝周组织的价值

目的探讨高频超声观察膝骨关节炎(KOA)患者与正常人膝关节软骨、膝周滑膜等组织超声声像图特点,分析高频超声评价KOA患者软骨病变及滑膜病变的价值。方法对比KOA患者与健康志愿者膝关节软骨、滑膜、滑囊积液等组织的超声声像图特点;研究KOA患者疼痛分级与关节积液、滑膜病变的相关性。结果 KOA患者软骨厚度与正常人相比变薄明显(P<0.05),以股骨外侧髁、股骨正中沟明显,并出现软骨透明带回声增强、内部回声不均,严重者软管层变薄、缺失;KOA患者75%患者合并关节滑膜积液,髌上囊积液深度及滑膜厚度与患者疼痛级别相关。结论高频超声能敏感、直观显示膝关节软骨、滑膜等软组织;能有效评价KOA患者膝关节软骨病变程度及滑膜、滑囊等组织病变特点,较早发现软骨病变;可以为临床防治KOA疗效评价提客观的、直接的依据。     

骨桥蛋白在类风湿关节炎发病机制中的研究进展

类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)为慢性炎症性自身免疫病,主要病理特点为滑膜炎、血管翳的形成,以及软骨和骨的破坏.RA病变核心部位在关节滑膜,滑膜主要的组织细胞学改变有:滑膜内膜层细胞[成纤维样滑膜细胞(FLS)和巨噬样细胞]的增生、滑膜内膜下层炎性细胞(巨噬细胞、淋巴细胞等)的浸润,侵蚀关节面的血管翳形成,破骨细胞活化并介导矿化软骨和软骨下骨的侵蚀.病变中涉及到的分子有细胞因子、黏附分子、趋化因子、蛋白酶等.     

RA患者血清VEGF水平变化及与腕关节滑膜血流参数的相关性研究

目的研究超声检测类风湿关节炎（RA）患者腕关节滑膜血流参数结合血清血管内皮细胞生长因子（VEGF）水平检测判断疾病活动性的可行性。方法研究对象为62例治疗前RA患者（RA组）和30例健康志愿者（对照组）,两组均采用ELISA法检测血清VEGF水平,RA组同时采用超声检查双侧腕关节滑膜血流分级、滑膜动脉阻力指数（RI）;采用Spearman法对滑膜血流分级、RI与血清VEGF水平的相关性进行分析。结果RA组血清VEGF水平明显高于对照组（P〈0．01）;RA组滑膜血流分级及R1分别与血清VEGF水平呈显著正相关和负相关,r=0．903、-0．817（P均〈0．01）。结论超声检测RA患者腕关节滑膜血流参数结合血清VEGF水平检测可反映疾病活动性,此对RA的临床诊治及疗效评估、预后判断具有重要指导意义。     

高分辨力超声检查在类风湿关节炎膝肘腕关节滑膜炎的应用

目的本研究应用高分辨力超声及多普勒超声技术,观察类风湿关节炎(RA)膝关节、肘、腕关节超声声像特点及血流动力学特点,探讨超声检查在RA诊断中的价值。方法研究了40例RA患者(共240个关节)及20名健康志愿者(共120个关节)的膝关节、肘关节和腕关节滑膜炎的超声声像特征。每例均行双侧对比扫查,超声检查采用美国GE公司LogiQ-9彩色超声诊断仪,高频率线阵式探头,探头中心频率10MHz,直接扫查法扫查。结果RA组共检出191个关节积液,总阳性率79.5%,共检出174个关节滑膜增厚,总阳性率72.5%,检出165个关节内血管过度增生,总阳性率68.7%。结论超声检查为RA关节病变的诊断和炎症活动性的评估提供了一种简便易行,安全有效的方法。     

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.