Objective To investigate the effect of gravity and lung volume on MR perfusion imaging of human lung using an arterial spin labeling sequence called flow sensitive alternating inversion recovery(FAIR).MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging of lung perfusion was performed in supine position in ten healthy volunteers on a 1.5 T whole body scanner(GE medical system).Five sequentially coronal slices with the gap of 3cm from dorsal to ventral(labeled as P3,P6,P9,P12,P15,respeectivly)were obtained on end respiration and the relative pulmonary blood flow(rPBF)was measured.Another coronal perfusion-weighted image of P3 slice was obtained on end inspiration.Tagging efficiency of pulmonary parenchyma with IR(⊿SI%),the rPBF and area of the P3 slice were analyzed.respectively.Paired Student's t test was used for statistical analysis.Results(1)In the direction of gravity,an increase in rPBF of the gravity-dependent lung was found.rPBF of right lung from dorsal to ventral were 100.57±18.22,79.57±12.36,61.65±11.15,48.92±9.96,41.20±9.88,respectively；and that of left lung were 106.61±26.99,78.89±11.98,64.00±13.64,51.27±8.95,43.04±12.18.No statistical differences between P12 and P15,there were significant statistic differences of any other two coronal planes.But along an isogravitational plane,no statistical difference was observed.Regression coefficients of right and left lung were -4.98 and -5.16,respectively.This means the rPBF of right lung falls by 4.98 for each centimeter above the dorsal and that of left lung falls by 5.16.(2)For(⊿)SI%,rPBF and area,there were significant statistic differences at different respiratory phases(P＜0.05).(⊿)SI%,rPBF,area at expiration phase vs.inspiration phase were 1.12±0.31 vs 0.71±0.18,90.78±17.35 vs 52.85±8.75,(12.59±3.23)×103mm2 vs (17.77±4.24)×103mm2 for right lung;and 1.01±0.24 vs 0.70±0.11,91.08±18.68 vs 54.58±10.70,(12.34±3.08)×103mm2 vs(17.34±4.98)×103mm2 for left lung.Greater (⊿)SI%and increased perfusion were observed on end expiration than on end inspiration.The area was larger on end inspiration than on end expiration.ConclusionsThe FAIR is sensitive to perfusion changes in the gravity-dependent lung.Pulmonary blood flow is less in a state of high lung inflation than in a low state(inspiration vs.expiration).Positioning the patient so that the area of interest is down-gravity and breath-hold on end expiration may improve visibility of perfusion defects.

Objective:To investigate the influence of lung inflation on MR perfusion imaging of human lung using an arterial spin labeling sequence called flow sensitive alternating inversion recovery(FAIR).Methods:Coronal perfusion-weighted images were obtained at different respiratory phases from 10 healthy volunteers on a 1.5T whole body scanner(GE medical system)using FAIR sequence.The changes of tagging efficiency of pulmonary parenchyma(?SI %),pulmonary blood flow and area of the scanning slice of different respiratory phases were analyzed.Results:(1)Significant difference was found in ?SI% between different respiratory phases(right lung P=0.021 5,left lung P=0.008 4),with that at end expiration greater than that at end inspiration.(2)Significant difference was also found in pulmonary blood flow at different respiratory phases(right lung P=8.92?10-5,left lung P=0.000 2),with that at end expiration higher than that at end inspiration.(3)The areas of the scanning slice were also significantly different at different respiratory phases(right lung P=2.94?10-5,left lung P=0.000 5),with that at end inspiration larger than that at end expiration.Conclusion:Pulmonary blood flow during expiration is higher than that during inspiration,which might be due to the decreased lung volume and increased vascular density during expiration.

Objective As SELDI-TOF-MS (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry) has been broadly used to screen biomarkers for a variety of diseases, the identification and validation of the revealed biomarkers requires more focused attention.Method In this paper, the serum samples from 60 cholangiocarcinoma, 146 lung cancer, 65 LGC and 58 LPC, 49 benign diseases of hepatobiliary and 53 normal individuals were analyzed by SELDI-TOF-MS. Results Among a set of proteins automatically selected as specific biomarkers by Biomarker Wizard software, three protein peaks, with molecular weights of 13. 71 × 103 , 13.83 × 103 and 13. 99 ×103 , were found significantly decreased in cholangiocarcinoma samples. The candidate biomarkers obtained from Tricine-SDS-PAGE gel bands by matching the molecular weight with peaks on CM10 chips were identified by Mass spectrometry as the native transthyretin(native TTR),cysTTR and glutTTR.These preliminary results were further proven by immunoprecipitation using commercial TTR antibodies. This allowed us to re-measure the TTR levels in all the groups more simply by ELISA assay. It showed a firm consistency between ELISA and SELDI analysis. In addition, while TTR levels in cholangiocarcinoma were found to be lower than those in normal healthy controls, TTR levels in benign diseases of the hepatobiliary system were found to be higher than those in healthy controls.Conclusion TTR could be a biomarker that better discriminates cholangiocarcinoma patients from the benign diseases compared to other biomarkers presently available.

Objective To investigate whether HSP90α could be a sensitive and specific serum biomarker for the diagnosis and progression of lung cancer. Methods In the present study, different secretomic analy-ses on the two human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines CL1-0 and CL1-5 with low and high metastatic poten-tial, respectively, were performed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and ma-trix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The candidate biomarker was con-firmed by Western blotting, and was further analyzed in 224 serum samples including 141 lung cancer, 37 benign pulmonary diseases, as well as 46 healthy individuals using ELISA assay. Results HSP90α was sig-nificantly upregulated in the CM of CL1-5 cells. It was found that the levels of HSP90α were specifically ele-vated in the sera of non-small cell lung cancer compared with other groups. At the cut-off point 0.535 on the receiver operating oharacteristie curve, HSP90α could comparatively discriminate lung cancer from benign lung disease and healthy control groups with sensitivity of 0. 817, specificity 0. 919 and total accuracy 80. 14%. Conclusion HSP90α may be a potential useful serum biomarker for discriminating lung cancer from benign lung diseases and healthy individuals and staging of non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective To explore the application of diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE).Methods 37 cases of full-term neonates diagnosed as HIE by pediatricians and 12 normal neonates were selected.All subjects underwent MRI and DTI at 3.0 Tesla.The correlation of FA value in posterior limb of internal capsule and neonatal NBNA score was examined.Results The FA values in posterior limb of internal capsule, splenium had significant difference between the HIE group (mild group, moderate group, severe group) and control group (P<0.05);in central white matter of the frontal lobe, thalamus had significant difference between HIE severe group and control group (P<0.05);in nucleus of the bean had no statistic difference between the HIE group (mild group, moderate group,severe group) and control group (P>0.05).The FA in posterior limb of internal capsule and NBNA score(12-14 d;26-28 d)showed significant correlation (r=0.96,P<0.05),as well as the sequelae shape (r=0.87,P<0.05).Conclusion DTI is promising for early diagnosis of anisotropic index changes to evaluate HIE brain damage and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of DLK1 gene in acute leukemias (AL) and its function in erythroid differentiation of K562 cells. METHODS: We detected the expression of DLK1 gene in 65 different acute leukemia categories (a test group) and 34 normal bone marrow controls (a control group) with RT-PCR. DLK1 protein in 20 out of the 65 AL patients and 13 of the 34 controls was assayed by Western blot. The K562 cell line was induced to erythroid differentiation by hemin. We observed the relationship between its expression and erythroid differentiation. RESULTS: Both leukemia cells and normal marrow cells expressed DLK1. The expression of DLK1 mRNA in patients in the test group was higher than that in the control group (P=0.018), while there was no significance between acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia (P>0.05).The expression of DLK1 mRNA in the test group at onset had no relation with the WBC and platelet count in the total peripheral blood, and the same was true for blast cell rates in bone marrow cells.The level of DLK1 protein in the test group was higher than that in the control group, which was consistent with the mRNA expression (P=0.042). The expression of DLK1 mRNA decreased gradually with K562 cells towards hemin-induced erythroid differentiation. CONCLUSION DLK1 gene may be involved in leukemia,but the mRNA level of DLK1 has no relation with some clinical characteristics of AL patients at onset. DLK1 may inhibit the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells.
Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Calcium-Binding Proteins ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Erythroid Cells ; pathology ; Erythroid Precursor Cells ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective:To optimize the injection protocol of contrast medium for contrast-enhanced MRA (CEMRA) of pulmonary artery and to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEMRA and pulmonary perfusion imaging (PPI) in an experimental model of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods:CEMRA and PPI were performed in 6 normal pigs with different doses of gadolinium contrast agent (5ml, 10ml, 15ml, 20ml and 25ml) at an injection rate of 3ml/s, and 3 pulmonary embolism models were injected with 20 ml contrast agent at 3 ml/s. DSA was also performed for comparison. Results:The signal intensities and the signal to noise ratios of the pulmonary arteries kept increasing with the dose increase of the contrast agent, but the best angio-pulmonary contrast dose was 10-15ml (0.25-0.375mmol/kg), while the optimal dose for PPI was 15-20ml (0.375-0.5mmol/kg). Although CEMRA demonstrated less obstructed pulmonary arteries than DSA (5/10 vs 8/10)did, it detected all obstructions when combined with PPI. The pulmonary infarction zones showed wedge-shaped perfusion defects on the PPI images, with the signal intensities lower than those of the normal areas (137.86±45.32 vs 330.14±46.52, P<0.001). Conclusion:It is suggested that the optimal dose of the contrast agent is 0.25mmol/kg to 0.375mmol/kg for CEMRA, and 0.375mmol/kg to 0.5mmol/kg for lung perfusion. CEMRA combined with PPI may be better than DSA in demonstrating pulmonary embolism.

Objective:To assess the value of spiral CT in diagnosis and treatment of chronic otitis media.Methods:The spiral CT findings of 74 cases including 93 ears proved by operation and pathology were studied.Results:The lesions such as the disruption of the ossicular chain showed in spiral CT or three-dimensional image were in accord with those seen in the operation,the accuracy was 95.7%,the disruption of the ossicular chain and bony erosion in the tympanic cavity and antrum were severe in the typeⅢ chronic otitis media.Conclusion:Spiral CT is helpful to diagnose and definite the chronic otitis media,three-dimensional image can provide valuable information for surgery.

ObjectiveTo compare the predictive value of anatomic scoring system, physiological scoring system, and the combination of two systems in death prediction of patients with severe trauma in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with severe trauma admitted to department of critical care medicine of Daping Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, and Zunyi Medical University from January 2011 to December 2014 was conducted. The patients meeting the following criteria were enrolled: over 16 years old, admitted to hospital shorter than 24 hours after trauma, length of ICU stay≥48 hours, and injury severity score (ISS)≥16. Patients were divided into two groups: survivors and non-survivors. The data of anatomic scoring system, including ISS and new injury severity score (NISS), and physiological scoring system, including acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ) score were collected. The predictive power for death of the scoring system alone or combination in patients with severe trauma was evaluated.Results A total of 614 patients with severe trauma were enrolled, and there were 153 deaths with a mortality rate of 24.9%. ISS, NISS, APACHEⅡ, ISS+ APACHEⅡ, NISS+ APACHEⅡ of non-survivors were significantly higher than those of survivors (ISS: 29.15±7.75 vs. 24.31±6.50, NISS: 41.96±12.01 vs. 29.64±8.19, APACHEⅡ: 23.71±6.58 vs. 17.02±5.49, ISS+ APACHEⅡ: 52.86±10.00 vs. 41.33±8.70, NISS+ APACHEⅡ: 65.67±13.46 vs. 46.66±10.43, allP< 0.01). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of ISS, NISS, APACHEⅡ, ISS+ APACHEⅡ, NISS+ APACHEⅡ was 0.687, 0.792, 0.782, 0.809, and 0.860, respectively. Both of ISS+ APACHEⅡ and NISS+ APACHEⅡ had higher AUC than that of ISS, NISS or APACHEⅡ alone; and the AUC of NISS+ APACHEⅡ was significantly larger than that of ISS+ APACHEⅡ(allP< 0.05). NISS+ APACHEⅡ showed the largest AUC in death prediction of severe trauma patients. The cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predict value (+PV), negative predict value (-PV), positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (-LR), and Youden index of NISS+ APACHEⅡ, which had the greatest AUC, were 56, 75.2%, 82.0%, 58.1%, 90.9%, 4.17, 0.30, and 0.572, respectively.Conclusion The combination of anatomic scoring system and physiological scoring system is better than single scoring system for death prediction in patients with severe trauma in ICU, and it may be considered to be a new method for early identification of death risk in patients with severe trauma.

OBJECTIVETo investigate EXT1 and EXT2 genes mutations in a family with hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HME).

METHODSA four-generation family with HME from Linyi city of Shandong Province was studied. There were 6 affected individuals among the 17 family members. Physical examination and radiographical evaluations were carried out for all family members. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood and the samples were subjected to mutation screening by PCR of the coding regions of EXT1 and EXT2 genes.

RESULTSThe family has featured an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Sequencing of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes suggested the causative gene in this family was in linkage with the second exon of EXT2. A c.244delG mutation was detected, which has resulted in a frameshift mutation p.Asp81IlefsX30. The mutation was found in all of the 6 affected individuals but not in normal family members. And the mutation has co-segregated with the phenotype.

CONCLUSIONThe mutation c.244delG in the EXT2 gene is the probably the cause of the disease in this family.

Adult ; Base Sequence ; Child, Preschool ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Exons ; Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Young Adult