Objective To analyze the best methods for diagnostic scanning and image processing of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in the detection of renal malformations (RM). Methods From June 2008 to Februany 2012, one hundred and four patients with kidney malformation received 64-slice MSCT assay were enrolled in our Hospital. Related materials of the patients were used for retrospective analysis. Diagnostic accuracy of urinary malformation were calculated on the image of axial and MPR, Curve, MIP, VR by MSCT unenhangced scanning, enhangced cortical phase scanning, enhangced parenchymal phase scanning and enhangced excretory phase scanning. Results One hundred and four patients with kidney abnormalities received the MSCT unhangced scan axial and MPR, Curve film, enhangced cortical phase scanning, enhangced parenchymal phase scanning, enhangced excretory phase scanning and MPR, MIP, VR film, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy were as follws: renal dysplasia (72.73%, 81.82%, 81.82%, 72.73%), renal hypoplasia (83.33%, 91.67%, 95.83%, 100%), solitary kidney (100%, 100%, 100%, 100%), ectopic kidney (76.92%, 100%, 100%, 100%), horseshoe kidney (100%, 100%, 100%, 100%),misplaced renal lobe (0%,100%). Conclusion The MSCT with image post-processing techniques in the diagnosis of RM has its unique advantages, MSCT can be preferred as a method for renal malformation examination.

Objective To investigate the effects of regional infusion of hypothermic normal saline contained captopril on free radicals level and myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity in rabbits during spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion(I/R).Methods The 80 rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups,group A(sham operated,no I-R injury,n=8),group B(control,only I/R,n=24),group C(I/R + intraaortic hypothermic normal saline,n=24),and group D(I/R + N.S plus 4mg/kg captopril,n=24).The model of spinal cord ischemia in the rabbit was induced with the aorta clamped.Hypothermic solution was infused into the isolated aortic segments.The content of spinal cord MDA and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),MPO were measured at 8h,24h and 72 h after the reperfusion respectively.Results The level of spinal cord MDA increased,the activity of SOD decreased and the activity of MPO increased markedly after the reperfusion.Compared with group B,the MDA content decreased significantly at the three observation time points and the MPO activity decreased significantly in groups C and D(all P

Objective To investigate the effect of regional captopril infusion on ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury of spinal cord in rabbits. Methods 32 rabbits were divided randomly into four groups, the group A (sham operated, no I-R injury), the group B (control group, only with I-R injury), the group C (I-R injury + intra-aortic infusion of hypothermic normal saline), and the group D (I-R injury + infusion of normal saline plus 4mg/kg captopril). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta both below the left renal artery and above the aortic bifurcation. Hemodynamic data were measured in every group. The spinal cord function was assessed 24, 48 and 96 hours after aortic declamping according to Tarlov's Scale. Spinal cords were harvested for histological analysis. Results There were no significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate among four groups. The neurological status in the groups C and D was significantly superior to that of the group B (P<0.01). In the group B, all animals were paraplegic with Tarlov's Scale of 0 or 1. Three of 8 animals in the group C were paraplegic with Tarlov's Scale of 0 or 1, and only one animal in the group D. Compared to the group B, there were more normal neurons in the anterior horn of spinal cords in the groups C and D (P<0.01). Conclusion Regional infusion of hypothermic normal saline contained captopril can provide sufficient spinal cord protection against ischemia.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of microwave sintering on the translucency of zirconia and to compare these effect with those of conventional sintering. The relationship between the microstructure of specimens and translucency was investigated.

METHODSA total of 10 disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from 2 commercial brands of zirconia, namely, Zenostar and Lava. Each group included 5 discs. Conventional sintering was performed according to the manufacturers' specifications. The maximum temperature for Zenostar was 1,490 °C, whereas that for Lava was 1,500 °C. The dwelling time was 2 h. The sintering temperature for microwave sintering was 1,420 °C, heating rate was 15 °C · min⁻¹, and dwelling time was 30 min. After sintering, the translucency parameter (TP) of the specimens were measured with ShadeEye NCC. The sintered density of the specimens was determined by Archimedes' method. The grain size and microstructure of the specimens were investigated by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTSDensity and translucency slightly increased by microwave sintering, but no significant difference was found between microwave and conventional sintering (P > 0.05). Small and uniform microstructure were obtained from microwave sintering. The mean TP of Lava was significantly higher than that of Zenostar (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe translucency of zirconia sintered by microwave sintering is similar to that of the zirconia sintered by conventional sintering.

Ceramics ; chemistry ; Dental Prosthesis Design ; methods ; Heating ; Materials Testing ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microwaves ; Surface Properties ; Technology, Dental ; methods ; Zirconium ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the detection rate and diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral CT scan in detecting fish bone impaction in the esophagus.Methods Experimental group: 30 fresh water fish bones from three variety classes were divided into three groups with length of(23.36±0.15), (28.51±0.07) and (30.89±0.10) mm, and diameter of (4.49±0.31), (1.78±0.09) and (0.49±0.07) mm.The fish bones were put into esophagus models in three different types including parallel, perpendicular and oblique.MSCT with axial scan combined with three dimensional reconstruction technique and plain X-ray film (CR and DR) were used to examine the model.The relations of the number and rate of fish bones were compared between MSCT and X-ray film.Clinical group: MSCT imaging were performed in 20 cases proved by esophageal endoscope or clinical operation, among which 11 cases received plain X-ray film (CR and DR), 15 cases received Barium-soaked cotton and 17 cases received endoscope.Paired Chi-square test was used to compare the differences of detection of fishbone by the different ways.Results In experimental group: All the 90 cases(100%) fish bones of three different species were clearly revealed on MSCT image; only 60 cases(66.7%) fish bones were revealed by plain X-ray film(CR and DR).The number and rate of fish bones detected by MSCT was higher than that of plain X-ray film (CR and DR) (X2=28.03, P < 0.01).In clinical group: 20 cases were made right diagnosis by MSCT, and the location and size of fish bone in the esophagus, the surrounding and complications of esophagus could be clearly demonstrated on MSCT image.Two cases detected by plain X-ray film(CR and DR) ;9 cases detected by Barium-soaked cotton;14 cases detected by endoscopy.The number and rate of fish bones detected by MSCT was higher than that of plain Xray film (CR and DR) (X2=7.11, P < 0.05) and Barium-soaked cotton (X2=4.17, P < 0.05).Conclusions The sensitivity and detection rate of fish bone with MSCT was high and could evaluate the surrounding and complications of the esophagus.MSCT could be used as the first examination of impacted fish bones in the esophagus.

Objective To develop the quality standard for evaluating Huangdi cataplasm. Methods Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to qualitatively identify Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge,Rheum palmatum Linn,Rhizoma Chuanxiong,Angelica sinensis and Resina Draconis in Huangdi cataplasm.HPLC method was used to determine astragaloside A and loureirin B in Huangdi cataplasm. Results The Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge,Rheum palmatum Linn,Rhizoma Chuanxiong,Angelica sinensis and Resina Draconis were well separated by TLC without interference in the negative control.content of Astragaloside A and loureirin B showed good liner relationships with respective peak area within the range of 6.96-23.2 μg,and 0.072-0.648 μg,with r = 0.999 5,r = 0.999 9, respectively;and the average recovery was 97.18%,and 96.93%,RSD was 1.21%(n= 6),1.53% (n = 6 ), respectively. Conclusion The established qualitative and quantitative detection method is simple, specific, reproducible, accurate and reliable, which can be used for quality control of Huangdi cataplasm.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trimebutine combined with mosapride on functional dyspepsia. Methods Patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly divided into three clinical groups. Group A (n=116) received 0.2 g trimebutine after meal,group the drug combination B (n=116) received 5 mg mosapride before meal,and the drug combination group (n=115) received 0. 2 g trimebutine after meal plus 5 mg mosapride before meal. All medications were taken orally three times daily for 4 weeks. Improvement in clinical symptoms and adverse reactions in each group were evaluated at the end of study. Results A total of 339 patients among 347 enrollees completed the treatment and follow-up. The clinical efficacy on postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric pain, epigastric burning, upper abdominal bloating and nausea were 88. 4%,76. 9%,72. 9%,61. 8%,86. 7% and 81. 7%,respectively in the drug combination group after 4-week treatment,which were superior to those in group A or B (P<0. 05) except for epigastric burning. The total effective rate of the drug combination group was 78. 8%,significantly higher than the other two groups (P<0. 05). The total incidence of side effects in the drug combination group was 1. 8%,similar to that of group A and B (1. 8% and 0. 9%,respectively, P =0. 776). Conclusion Trimebutine combined with mosapride is safe and effective for improving symptoms in functional dyspepsia.

Objective To evaluate the image quality and the diagnostic value of low radiation,low dose and isotonic low concentration iodine contrast pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTPA) protocol in pulmonary embolism.Methods Eighty patients with clinic ally suspected pulmonary embolism and BMI＜28 kg/m2 underwent pulmonary CTA on a 64-MDCT scanner (GE Discovery CT750 HD).Eighty patients were divided into two groups (group A:n=40,80 kV,Auto mA,20 ml 270 mg I/ml,60％FBP+40％ ASIR; group B:n=40,120 kV,Auto mA,40 ml 370 mg I/ml,100％FBP).Image quality was assessed,using a five-point scoring scale.Intraarterial density was measured in the common pulmonary artery trunk,the main right and left pulmonary arteries,lobar arteries,and then the average CT value was calculated.Image quality score,Average CT value,noise,SNR,CNR,CTDIvol and DLP were compared between the two groups using t-test.The occurrence rate of the superior vena cava iodine contrast agent sclerosis artifacts and the positive rate of pulmonary embolism were compared between the two groups,using Chi-square test.Results PE was found in 33 patients (14 in group A,19 in group B),and there was no difference of the positive rate of PE between two groups (35.0％ vs 47.5％,x2=1.289,P＞0.05).Overall 4-6 pulmonary artery branches were clearly displayed in all the cases.The image quality scores for two groups were 3.9±0.6 and 4.0 ± 0.7,respectively.There was no statistical difference between two groups (t=0.632,P＞0.05).The superior vena cava iodine contrast agent sclerosis artifacts were reduced in group A (28 cases vs.36 cases,x 2=10.362,P＜0.01).The average CT value and noise in group A [(426.8 ± 84.8),(14.9 ± 1.5)HU,respectively] was higher than those in group B [(359.4±75.3),(7.4± 1.4)HU,respectively],which was statistically significant(t=3.758,22.848,respectively; P＜0.01).However,the SNR (28.8 ±6.3)and CNR (24.5±6.1) in group A were lower than those in group B(SNR 50.4± 14.7,CNR 42.9± 13.8).There was statistically significant difference between two groups (t=8.522,7.669,respectively; P＜0.01 both).The CTDIvol[(3.3±0.3)mGy]and DLP[(101.4± 11.9)mGy· cm] in group A were significantly lower than those in group B [CTDI vol (9.6±0.6)mGy,DLP (328.5 ± 37.3)mGy· cm].The difference between two groups was statistically significant(t=56.393,36.675,respectively,P＜0.01 both).Conclusions The low radiation,low dose and isotonic low concentration iodine contrast CTPA protocol shows pulmonary artery branches of 4-6 levels,reduces radiation exposure and contrast media volume compared with the conventional pulmonary CTA,and achieves the same positive rate of PE in comparison of the conventional CTPA.It can meet the clinical needs.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have documented that,the increase of anti-cardiolipin(aCL) antibody titer has an obvious positive relaltionship with the vascular thrombosis,thrombocytopenia and repeated abortion in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome,but there is little information on the aCL antibodies in lupus nephritis(LN).OBJECTIVE:To ascertain the preyalence and significance of aCL antibodies in Chinese patients with LN.DESIGN:Prospective follow-up study of one sample.SETTING:Department of Rheumatology in Xiangmihu Branch of Shenzhen Fourth People's Hospital,Shenzhen Institute of Rheumatology in Guangdong Medical College.PARTlCIPANTS:The study was performed in 97 LN Patients consecutively recruited in the Department of Rheumatology in Xiangmihu Branch of Shenzhen Fourth People's Hospital between March 2001 and October 2003.All the included patients met the revised criteria of American College of Rheumatology for the diagnosis and classification of LN.And they all knew the fact saying yes.METHODS:The clinical data and auxiliary examination result were recorded when hospitalizalion.The aCL antibodies were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and Were considered as positive if over 100 U/mL.High-dose oral administration of prednisonc combined with cyclophosphamide intravenous pulse therapy were applied for inducing release.The curative effect was remained by using azathioprine and prednisone at a decreasing dose.Meanwhile the complications such as hypertension,hyperlipemia and arthralgia were prevented by drugs.All the patients had routine visits at six-month intervals for a total of 3 years,Clinical and seroIogic manifestations of Patients with LN were tested and recorded regularly.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Gender,age,systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index,clinical manifestations,vascular thrombosis,pregnancy outcome and renal function.RESULTS:All the 97 LN Patients were included in the study.and 83 of them entered the result analysis while the other 14 cases were lost.The overall prevalence of aCL antibodies in 97 subjects was 39%(38 cases).Hypertension,thrombocytopenia and Raynaud's phenomenon were more frequent in LN Patients with aCL antibodies.The aCL IgG antibody-positive Patients showed a greater risk for the occurrence of vascular thrombosis;Pregnancy morbidity of miscarriages,premature birth,fetal death and the probabmty of developing irreversible renal function deterioration occurred at a greater frequency in aCL antibody-positive patients.CoNCLUSIoN:The prevalence of aCL antibodies in LN Patients is 39%.A higher incidence of hypertension.thrombocytopenia and Raynaud's phenomenon is found in patients with aCL antibodies.Detection of aCL antibodies in Patients with LN may be usefol to predict the development of vascular thrombosis,pregnancy morbidity and irreversible chronic renal function deterioration.

As an important part of the hierarchical medical system in China ,urban secondary hospitals play as a pivot between tertiary hospitals and community healthcare centers.By describing the overall development status of such hospitals in China ,the paper discussed the problems existing in the development of urban secondary hospitals and put forward strategies in the hope of providing reference for the transformation of these hospitals .