Objective To assess the clinical value of dual-energy intracranial CT angiography (CTA).Methods Forty-one patients suspected of intracranial vascular diseases underwent dual-energy intracranial CT angiography, and 41 patients who underwent conventional subtraction CT were enrolled as the control group.Image quality of intracranial and skull base vessels and radiation dose between dual-energy CTA and conventional subtraction CTA were compared using two independent sample nonparametrie test and independent-samples t test, respectively.Prevalence and size of lesions detected by dual-energy CTA and digital subtraction CTA were compared using paired-samples t test and Spearman correlative analysis. Results The percentage of image quality scored 5 was 70.7% (29/41) for dual-energy CTA and 75.6% (31/41) for conventional subtraction CTA.There was no significant difference between the two groups(Z= -0.455, P=0.650).Image quality of vessels at the skull base in conventional subtraction CTA was superior to that in dual-energy CTA, especially for the petrosal and syphon segment (Z=-4.087, P= 0.000).Radiation exposure of dual energy CTA and conventional CTA were (396.54±17.43) and (1090.95±114.29) mGy · cm respectively.Radiation exposure was decreased by 64% (t=-38.52, P=0.000) by dual energy CTA compared with conventional subtraction CTA.Out of the 41 patients,19 patients were diagnosed as intracranial aneurysm, 2 patients as arteriovenous malformation (AVM), 3 patients with Moya-moya's disease, and the remaining 17 patients with negative results.Nine patients with intracranial aneurysm, 2 patients with AVM, 3 patients with Moya-moya's disease, and 2 patients with negative findings underwent DSA or operation, with concordant findings from both techniques.Diameter of aneurysm neck, long axis and minor axis by dual-energy CTA was (2.90±1.61), (5.23±1.68) and (3.83±1.69) nun, respectively; Diameter of aneurysm neck, long axis and minor axis by DSA was (2.95±1.71), (5.10±1.60) ,(3.83±1.65) nan,respectively.There was no significant difference for the diameters of aneurysm between dual energy CTA and DSA ((t=-0.734,1.936,0.12.5 respectively, P=0.482,0.085,0.903 respectively), and good correlation was found between diameter measurements using the two techniques(r=0.964,0.976,0.973, respectively, all P=0.000) Conclusions Compared with conventional subtraction CTA, dual energy CTA has good image quality for intracranial vessels; however, image quality of the skull base vessels is worse, especially for the petrosal and syphon segment.Dual energy CTA has decreased radiation dose and a high diagnostic accuracy, being a practical imaging madality for diagnosis of intracranial vascular lesions.

Objective To explore the clinical value of dual-energy CT lung perfusion imaging and perfusion scintigraphy in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) rabbit models. Methods Acute PE models were established in 20 rabbits with femoral vein injection of sponge as embolus materials, and 4 rabbits were injected saline as control group. Two hours after embolization, dual-energy CT and perfusion scintigraphy imaging were performed respectively. Taking the pathologicall findings as the reference standards, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of both imaging methods were compared. CT values and enhancement degree (overlay value) of the embolic areas and normal pulmonary parenchyma were measured in DEPI image after embolization. Results Normal lung was color-coded as homogeneously yellowish red, perfusion scintigraphy displayed rarefaction or absence. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of DEPI was 100%, 97.50%, 95.24%, 100%, and of perfusion scintigraphy was 67.50%, 81.25%, 64.29%, 83.33%, respectively. Increased CT values and overlay values of embolism areas in DEPI images were lower than those of normal pulmonary parenchyma (P<0.05). Conclusion DEPI has higher sensitivity and specificity than perfusion scintigraphy for detection of pulmonary emboli in an acute PE rabbit models.

OBJECTIVETo observe the impacts on the muscle strength in the patients of stroke-induced acroparalysis treated with Xunjingcuiqi needling technique.

METHODSOne hundred patients were randomized into a Xunjingcuiqi group and a routine acupuncture group, 50 cases in each group. In the routine acupuncture group, the routine acupuncture technique was adopted at the main acupoints, such as Shangxing (GV 23), Baihui (GV 20), Dicang (ST 4), Quchi (LI 11), Huantiao (GB 30) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. In Xunjingcuiqi group, on the basis of the routine acupuncture technique, Xunjingcuiqi needling technique (pricking technique was quickly applied with the filiform needle along the running course of meridian to promote the conduction of meridian qi) was added. For the patients being hard to feel the needling sensation and with the muscle strength of 0 to 1 degree, Dongzhencuiqi technique was supplemented at shu-stream points of yang meridians (after qi arrival, the needling manipulation with limb movement was given to promote the conduction of meridian qi). The treatment was given once every day in the two groups. Ten treatments made one session. Three sessions of treatment were required. At the end of each session treatment, the muscle strength and clinical efficacy were assessed.

RESULTSIn the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sessions of treatment, 20, 24 and 36 cases achieved the 3 to 5 degrees muscle strength in Xunjingcuiqi group, respectively; and 6, 10 and 15 cases achieved the 3 to 5 degrees muscle strength in the routine acupuncture group. The differences were significant statistically in comparison of the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The markably effective rates were 60.0% (30/50), 64.0% (32/50) and 70.0% (35/50) after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd sessions of treatment in Xunjingcuiqi group, respectively; and those were 38.0% (19/50), 44.0% (22/50) and 46.0% (23/50) in the routine acupuncture group, respectively. The differences were significant in the 1st and 3rd sessions of treatment between the two groups (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONXunjingcuiqi needling technique combined with routine acupuncture achieves the apparent superior efficacy on acroparalysis induced by ischemic stroke as compared with the simple routine acupuncture. Xunjingcuiqi needling technique obviously improves muscle strength and shortens the duration of sickness.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paralysis ; etiology ; therapy ; Qi ; Stroke ; complications ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To summarize the treatment experiences in patients with cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). Methods The clinical data of 9 patients with acute renal injury after orthotopic heart transplantation in our hospital from January 2009 to July 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Three patients were required the high-dose diuretics (furosemide, >80 mg/d) and six patients were received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The levels of serum creatinine (Cr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared before and after heart transplantation and after the treatment of AKI. The quality of life was observed in patients in perioperative period. Results After the treatment of diuretics or CRRT, patients showed renal function recovery with significant decreased Cr levels and increased eGFR compared with the postoperation. The patients with diuretic therapy revealed a better eGFR recovery than those with CRRT. Conclusion CSA-AKI should be based on the severity of disease, and comprehensive treatment should be taken to reduce renal damage.

AIM: To clone and express mouse canstatin (m canstatin)cDNA and provide a basis for the further research on its anti-angiogenic activity and potential application for cancer therapy. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted from mouse liver tissue by Trizol Reagent, and mouse canstatin cDNA was amplified by RT- PCR, then cloned into vector pMD18-T for sequencing. pET30a(+)-m canstatin recombinant plasmid was constructed and expressed in E.coli BL21 with induction of IPTG. RESULTS: Mouse canstatin cDNA is 684 bp coding 227 amino acids. The sequences of both cDNA and amino acid share high homology with human canstatin, with cDNA identity at 89% and amino acids identity at 96% to human canstatin. In the present study, pET30a(+)-m canstatin recombinant plasmid was expressed in E.coli BL21. CONCLUSION: Mouse canstatin cDNA has been cloned for the first time. Constructed pET30a(+)-m canstatin recombinant plasmid is highly expressed in E.coli BL21.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of digital subtraction bone removal CT angiography (DS-BR-CTA) and dual energy bone removal CTA (DE-CTA) compared with conventional and rotational DSA. Methods A total of 264 patients underwent 3D-DSA were enrolled, 190 of them underwent also DS-BR-CTA, while 74 underwent DE-CTA as well. Aneurysms detected with DS-BR-CTA and DE-CTA were analyzed compared with 3D-DSA on per-patient and per-aneurysm basis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of two methods for diagnosis of aneurysm were calculated. Results Taking DSA as the standard, the sensitivity and specificity of DS-BR-CTA to detect intracranial aneurysms was 96.90％ and 98.36％ on per-patient basis, while 97.37％ and 99.97％ on per-aneurysm basis, and the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of aneurysm ≤3 mm was 88.89% and 98.36%. The sensitivity and specificity of DS-BR-CTA to detect intracranial aneurysms was 98.25% and 100% on per-patient basis, 95.52% and 100% on per-aneurysm basis, and the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of aneurysm ≤3 mm was 90.91% and 100%. Conclusion DE-CTA has a comparable diagnostic accuracy with DS-BR-CTA to diagnose intracranial aneurysms, and can be used in the routine workflow for detection of intracranial aneurysms.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy,adverse events of gemcitabine vs.5-FU with radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic carcinomas.Methods Between January 2007 and January 2011,a total of 56 patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinomas was included and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.All patients received 3-DCRT radiotherapy with individual dose of 1.8 ～ 2 Gy,5 times per week,and total dose of 45 ～ 50.4 Gy for 25 ～ 28 fractions,and received concurrent chemotherapy (5-FU or gemcitabine).The patients (n =30) in gemcitabine group were treated with gemcitabine (500 rng/m2 at the 1st,8th,15th,22nd day,at 10 mg · (m2)-1 · min-1,through micro-pump) during radiotherapy; 3 weeks after radiotherapy the patients received gemcitabine infusion at a dose of 800 mg · (m2)-1 · d-1,one time per week,for 3 or 4 cycles.The patients (n =26) in 5-FU group were treated with 5-FU (500 mg/m2 at the 1 ～ 5th day per week,IV),the cycle was repeated every 2 weeks during radiotherapy; 3 weeks later the patients received 5-FU infusion at a dose of 800 mg · (m2)-1 · d-1,the 1st ～5th day per week,the cycle was repeated every 2 weeks ; with a total of 3 or 4 cycles.The efficacy and adverse events were observed,and the patients were followed until June 2013,and the median survival,1 year and 2 year survival was calculated.Results Of the 56 patients,the overall response (CR + PR) rate was 73.2％,and it was 65.3％ in radiotherapy with 5-FU group,80.0％ in radiotherapy with gemcitabine group (P ＜ 0.05).The overall one and two year survival rate was 48.2％ and 14.3％,while median survival was 15.2 months,and the corresponding values were 42.3％,11.5％,13.3 months in radiotherapy with 5-FU group,and 53.3％,16.7％,16.6 months in radiotherapy with gemcitabine group,and the survival difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P =0.071).At the end of treatment,the pain-relief rate (VAS score ＜4) of the 56 patients was 83.3％,it was 75.0％ in 5-FU group and 90.0％ in gemcitabine group.In radiotherapy with gemcitabine group,the incidence of 3～ 4 grade myelosuppression was significantly higher than that in radiotherapy with 5-FU group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (20.0％ vs 7.6％,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions For the locally advanced pancreatic carcinomas,radiotherapy with gemcitabine can improve pain-relief and prolong survival compared with radiotherapy with 5-FU,but the incidence of adverse event of myelosuppression is higher.

Objective To explore the operative methods and clinical outcomes in emergency or sube- mergency repair for the complicated tissue defects in hand in first stage applying microsurgical technique. Methods From Jan.,2000 to Aug.,2005,49 emergency cases of complicated hand tissue defects were re- paired in the first stage with replantation,reconstruction,free flaps,combined finger reconstruction and flap transplantation,including 21 cases in mini tissue mass replantation or reconstruction,15 cases in replantation combined with free flap transplantation,8 cases in replantation and reconstruction combined with free flap transplantation,5 cases in combined multiple digits reconstruction with free flap transplantation.The free flap transplantation included the anterolateral femoral flap,the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap,the dorsalis pe- dis flap,the media pedis flap and the instep flap.Results All the flaps,the replanted and reconstruceted finger survived uneventfully except for one replanted finger necrosis.45 cases healed in the first stage and the other 4 cases healed in the second stage.During a follow-up from 6 months to 3 years postoperatively,a satis- factory appearance and function of the reconstructed hand was achieved.The excellent and good rate was 85.7% assessed with provisional functional assessment criterion for upper limbs issued by Chinese Society of Hand Surgery.Conclusion The emergency or subemergency repair for the complicated tissue defects in hand has the advantage of short-term treatment and desirable functional outcome.The emergency replantation and reconstruction combined with various flaps or tissue mass can be applied to repair tissue defect in hand in the first stage according to the position and area of the defect along with the technique level of the surgeon, having been proved to achieve desirable clinical outcomes.And the key points leading to a successful operation is the correct treatment for the raw surface of the defects,suitable choice for various flaps,logical design of combination pattern and prevention and timely treatment for vessel crisis.

Objective To evaluate the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ ( Ang Ⅱ ),angiotensin- (1-7) [ Ang- ( 1-7 ) ],and co-action of Ang Ⅱ and Ang-( 1-7 ) on β cell insulin signaling pathway.Methods Mouse pancreatic β cell line NIT-1 was incubated with( 1 )0,10-7,10-6,10-s,10-4 mol/L concentrations of Ang Ⅱ for 24 h ; ( 2 )0,10-7,10-6,10 -5,10-4 mol/L concentrations of Ang- ( 1-7 ) for 24 h; ( 3 ) co-administration of Ang Ⅱ and Ang- ( 1-7 ) was divided into control,10-5mol/L Ang Ⅱ,10-6mol/L Ang-( 1-7 ),10-5mol/L Ang Ⅱ + 10-6mol/L Ang-( 1-7 ) group.Tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor β subunit(IR-β-Tyr) and serine phophorylation of protein kinase B(Akt-Ser) were detected by Western blot.ResultsInsulin-stimulated IR-β-Tyr and Akt-Ser phosphorylation was significantly decreased in Ang Ⅱ 10-5 and 10-4 mol/L group; no significant changes in insulin-stimulated IR-β-Tyr and Akt-Ser phosphorylation were detected between Ang-( 1-7 ) treatment groups and control; Ang-( 1-7 ) blocked the inhibitory effect of Ang Ⅱ on Akt-Ser phosphorylation,yet exerted no effect on Ang Ⅱ-induced IR-β-Tyr phosphorylation inhibition.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ significantly inhibits insulin signaling pathway in β cell; Ang-( 1-7 ) reverts the inhibitory effect of Ang Ⅱ on insulin-stimulated Akt-Ser phosphorylation in β cell.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Tangshenkang in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Methods HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group, high glucose group (30 mmol/L D-glucose), control group (30 mmol/L D-glucose+10% animal serum), and Tangshenkang drug-containing serum therapy groups (30 mmol/L D-glucose+5%low concentration Tangshenkang, 30 mmol/L D-glucose+10%middle concentration Tangshenkang, 30 mmol/L D-glucose+20% high concentration Tangshenkang). After 24 h and 48 h treatment, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in cell cultural supernatant were observed by ELISA. Results MMP-9 of HK-2 cultured with high glucose was much decreased and TIMP-1 increased significantly than the control group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). TIMP-1 significantly decreased and MMP-9 increased in HK-2 cultured with high glucose plus Tangshenkang compared with those only induced by high glucose, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion Tangshenkang could regulate the secretion of fibrosis cell factor of HK-2 cell induced by high glucose, which may be one of the mechanisms in its treatment of diabetic nephropathy.