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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

In this study, the time-dependent changes on dynamic computed tomograph (CT) of radiation-induced liver injury in gastric cancer patients was examined. The CT images of 52 gastric cancer patients who had received chemoradiotherapies were reviewed on the PACS system. Dynamic CT scan was performed in all the subjects. Our results showed that 18 patients were found to have radiation-induced liver injury. The CT findings of radiation-induced liver injury in gastric cancer patients tend to show up one month after radiation treatment. The damaged area was of low density on all three phases, and then it was enhanced on portal vein phase or delay phase. The focal radiation reaction of liver without basic disease vanished 9-11 months later after treatment. We are led to conclude that dynamic CT is of help in the diagnosis of CRT-induced liver injury, and it may be the method of choice for following up the whole course of the CRT-induced liver injury, i.e., form hepatic damage to healing. The classification of CT findings we recommend can avoid the influence of technological factors, and thereby serve as a better guide for treatment of CRT-induced liver injury.

BACKGROUND:We have found that oriented fibers can guide the alignment of smooth muscle cells in our previous experiments. Thus, we designed the experiment to prepare wel aligned polymeric fibers using electrospinning technology, aiming at guiding the growth of esophageal smooth muscle cells to maintain cellmorphology and biological function. OBJECTIVE:Using electrospinning technology, to fabricate isotropic and directed nano-fibrous scaffolds made of polycaprolacton, gelatin and silk fibroin. METHODS:Polycaprolacton/silk fibroin fibers at a ratio of 4:1 were prepared with proper parameters, including solution concentration, voltage and injection speed, under the self-made spinning system. The polycaprolacton/gelatin sheets with mass ratio of 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2, respectively, were also fabricated under suitable process parameters. Using the rol er col ector instead of the metal plate, polycaprolacton/gelatin nano-fibrous scaffold with good alignment of fibers was manufactured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The isotropic polycaprolacton/silk fibroin scaffold with fiber diameter of (535.9±126.7) nm was prepared under conditions of solution concentration (0.08 g/mL), injection speed (1.6 mL/h) and voltage (22.5 kV), and these fibers were uniform with no beads. The isotropic polycaprolacton/gelatin scaffold with fiber diameter of (257.9±117.8) nm was prepared under conditions of solution concentration (0.10 g/mL), injection speed (0.8 mL/h) and voltage (22.5 kV). Using the rol er col ector instead of the previous metal plate, polycaprolacton/gelatin (w:w, 1:2) nano-fibrous scaffold with good alignment of fibers was manufactured. The process parameters were 3 000 r/min of rol ing speed, 0.8 mL/h of injection speed and 15 kV of voltage.