Streptokinase is ineffective in restoring early myocardial reperfusion in Asian patients with acute myocardial infarction

published_or_final_versio

Quality of life (QoL) in southern Chinese with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

published_or_final_versio

Response of bacterioplankton community structures to hydrological conditions and anthropogenic pollution in contrasting subtropical environments

Bacterioplankton community structures under contrasting subtropical marine environments (Hong Kong waters) were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and subsequent sequencing of predominant bands for samples collected bimonthly from 2004 to 2006 at five stations. Generally, bacterial abundance was significantly higher in the summer than in the winter. The general seasonal variations of the bacterial community structure, as indicated by cluster analysis of the DGGE pattern, were best correlated with temperature at most stations, except for the station close to a sewage discharge outfall, which was best explained by pollution-indicating parameters (e.g. biochemical oxygen demand). Anthropogenic pollutions appear to have affected the presence and the intensity of DGGE bands at the stations receiving discharge of primarily treated sewage. The relative abundance of major bacterial species, calculated by the relative intensity of DGGE bands after PCR amplification, also indicated the effects of hydrological or seasonal variations and sewage discharges. For the first time, a systematic molecular fingerprinting analysis of the bacterioplankton community composition was carried out along the environmental and pollution gradient in a subtropical marine environment, and it suggests that hydrological conditions and anthropogenic pollutions altered the total bacterial community as well as the dominant bacterial groups. © 2009 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.published_or_final_versio

The use of enoxaparin in Chinese patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: observations on safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics from a pilot study

published_or_final_versio

Aqcostic quantification and colour kinesis: evaluation of left atrial and left ventricular function in real time

published_or_final_versio

Clinical predictors of fetal and maternal outcome in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

published_or_final_versio

Sex hormones and apoptosis and immunoglobulin production in systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND: SLE is an autoimmune disease that affects predominantly female of reproductive age. Previous studies have suggested an immunomodulatory role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of SLE. Objectives: To examine the effects of various sex hormones on apoptosis and immunoglobulin production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in SLE patients …published_or_final_versio

Cervical dysplasia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

published_or_final_versio

Quality of life (QoL) in southern Chinese with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Conference Theme: Challenges to specialists in the 21st centurypublished_or_final_versio

Incidence and predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving low-dose aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease

Aim: The use of low-dose aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease events is well established. However, the incidence and predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) with its use are unknown. We studied prospectively the incidence and outcome of peptic ulceration in low-dose aspirin users. Methods: A total of 991 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) on low-dose aspirin were prospectively followed-up for two years for the occurrence and clinical features of first hospitalized episode of UGIB. Results: UGIB had a bimodal presentation with 45% occurring within four months of aspirin initiation and had an overall prevalence of 1.5% per year. There was no UGIB-related death. Hypertension (OR = 4.6, 95%CI 1.5 - 14.7, P = 0.009), history of peptic ulceration (OR = 3.1, 95%CI 1.1 - 9.0, P = 0.039), tertiary education (OR = 3.08, 95%CI 1.1 - 9.0, P = 0.039) and higher lean body mass (P = 0.016) were independent factors associated with UGIB. Use of nitrate did not reduce UGIB. Conclusion: The incidence of UGIB in patients with CAD on long-term low-dose aspirin is low, but is accompanied with significant morbidity. With prolonged use of aspirin, UGIB continues to be a problem for those with risk factors and especially in patients with a history of peptic ulcers, in which UGIB tends to occur early after aspirin therapy. © 2006 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.published_or_final_versio