Chinese Med J Peking
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Chinese Med J Peking · Sep 2012
Correlation of eosinophil counts in induced sputum and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide and lung functions in patients with mild to moderate asthma.
The airway inflammation could be assessed by some noninvasive approaches. To investigate the value of eosinophil counts in induced sputum and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) for the regimen adjustment in patients with asthma, the correlation was analyzed between the two parameters and lung function parameter (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1))). ⋯ Eosinophil counts in induced sputum and FENO are sensitive parameters to detect airway inflammation and may be useful in evaluating the efficacy of treatment and adjusting medication regimens.
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Chinese Med J Peking · Sep 2012
Thioredoxin and impaired spatial learning and memory in the rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause cognitive dysfunction and may be a reversible cause of cognitive loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Chronic exposure to intermittent hypoxia (IH), such as encountered in OSA, is marked by neurodegenerative changes in rat brain. We investigated the change of thioredoxin (Trx), spatial learning and memory in rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). ⋯ The Trx deficit likely plays an important role in the impaired spatial learning and memory in the rats exposed to CIH and may work through the apoptosis of neurons in the hippocampus.
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Chinese Med J Peking · Sep 2012
Prevalence and risk factors of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in Chinese patients from Peking Union Medical College Hospital.
In clinical practice, the mechanisms underlying chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) remain insufficiently understood. The primary goals of this study were to determine the incidence of chronic pain after thoracic surgery and to identify possible risk factors associated with the development of chronic post-thoracotomy pain in Chinese patients. The secondary goal was to determine whether the difference between pre- and post-operative white blood cell (WBC) counts could predict the prevalence of CPSP after thoracotomy. The impact of chronic pain on daily life was also investigated. ⋯ Chronic pain is common after thoracotomy. WBC count may be a new independent risk factoring surgical patients during peri-operative period. Besides, age, diabetes mellitus, acute post-operative pain, and duration of chest tube drainage may also play a role in chronic post-surgical pain occurrence.