Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fracture Healing ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Tibial Fractures ; drug therapy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MR angiogrphy(MRA) for detecting cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrage(SAH) and compare it with spiral CT angiography(CTA).Methods Ten patients with SAH under MRA and CTA studies were performed within 24 hours after MRA,which was performed 5 to 10 days after SAH.Maximum intensity projection(MIP) images were produced for MRA and CTA studies.Five arterial locations were examined for spasm:the suprasellar internal carotid artery(ICA),the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery(MCA),the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery(ACA).Vasospasm was cate- gorized as none,mild(50 % reduction).Results The overall correlation between MRA and CTA was 82 %(r=0.76),but it was better for proximal than distal lo- cations vessels.Agreement between MRA and CTA was greater for no spasm(89%) and severe spasm(100%)(r= 0.85～0.91)than for mild(56%)or moderate(67%)spasm(r=0.21～0.51).Conclusion MRA is highly accu- rate in the detecting no spasm or severe cerebral vasospasm in proximal arterial locations vessels;it is less accurate in detecting mild and moderate spasm in distal locations vessels.

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of Shangke Jiegu Tablet (SJT)in repairing the mandibular defect.

METHODSTotally 72 healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the normal control group (n = 24), the model group (n = 24), and the SJT group (n = 24). Then the mandibular defect model was established. Animals in the normal control group and the model group were fed with normal forage, while those in the SJT group were fed with SJT forage. On the day 7, 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment, 6 rabbits were killed in each group. The bone was collected from the mandibular defect. The gene expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) were detected by means of RT-PCR. The positive dyeing strength and area of the bone tissue were detected by means of immunohistochemical technique.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the degree of OPGmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated on day 7 after model establishment (P < 0.05) and the degree of OPGLmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated on day 14 after model establishment (P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the degree of OPGmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated (P < 0.05), and the positive dyeing strength and area of bone tissue were stronger and broader on day 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment in the SJT group. The degree of OPGLmRNA expression was remarkably down-regulated (P < 0.05), and the positive dyeing strength and area of bone tissue were weaker and smaller on day 14 after model establishment in the SJT group. The ratio of OPGmRNA/OPGLmRNA was remarkably up-regulated on day 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe effect mechanism of promoting mandibular defect repairing by SJT may be correlated to regulating the expressions of OPGmRNA and OPGLmRNA.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Ligands ; Male ; Mandibular Injuries ; genetics ; metabolism ; Osteoprotegerin ; metabolism ; RANK Ligand ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of gene transfection at different time on bone mineral density and strength of newly formed bone in mandibular distraction gap in rabbit, so as to explore the optimal time for gene therapy and enhance the therapeutic effect.

METHODS48 New-Zealand rabbits were employed to receive mandibular osteotomy and implantation of distraction devices bilaterly. Then the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups as group A, B and C and D. The animals in group A, B, and C were transfected with recombinant plasmids pIRES-hBMP2-hVEGF165 via electroporation-mediated approach at latency period, distraction period, consolidation period respectively. Group D was used as control group without gene transfection. After 3 days of latency period, the distraction devices were activated at the rate of 0.8 mm per day for 10 days. Three rabbits in each group were sacrificed at 1 wk, 2 wk, 4 wk and 8 wk of consolidation respectively. The mandibles were harvested and the left mandible received X-ray examination for bone healing, and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) dectection for the bone mineral density (BMD) of newly formed bone in the distraction gap. The biomechanical properties of the new generation bone at 4 th and 8 th week of consolidation in each group were detected by three point bending test.

RESULTSThe bone mineral density and the biomechanical strength of newly formed bone increased along the length of consolidation in each group. After 1 week of consolidation, there was no significant difference in BMD among group A (83.43 +/- 9.96), group B (92.29 +/- 11.25), group C (89.93 +/- 14.15), P > 0.05. But the BMD of group A, B and C was higher than that of group D (70. 31 +/- 3.30), P < 0.05. After 2wk, 4 wk and 8 wk of consolidation, the BMD of group B (137.54 +/- 7.20,492.93 +/- 17.57, 790.48 +/- 12.19) was significantly higher than those of group A (121.44 +/- 9.27, 396.15 +/- 15.70, 603.39 +/- 16.46), C (125.06 +/- 7.24, 464.15 +/- 15.45, 764.15 +/- 17.28), and D (98.86 +/- 8.13, 336.45 +/- 11.95, 577.89 +/- 18.43), P < 0.05. The biomechanical parameters were also higher in group B than those of group A, C and D after four and eight weeks of consolidation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIt is better to transfect gene at the beginning of distraction (distraction period) than at other stages of DO. In this way, more remarkable effect could be obtained on new bone formation. It suggests that the distraction stage is the optimal time for gene therapy.

Animals ; Bone Density ; genetics ; physiology ; Electroporation ; Genetic Therapy ; Mandible ; physiology ; surgery ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Osteotomy ; Rabbits ; Time Factors ; Transfection

OBJECTIVE: To detect the Coxsackie virus B3(CVB3) gene in myocardium and spleen tissues in viral myocarditis(VMC) with sudden death and to explore the diagnostic method for VMC by means of seeking pathogene. METHODS: By in situ RT-PCR, the detection of CVB3 gene in myocardium and spleen sections were performed in sudden death group caused by VMC and non-cardiac death group. RESULTS: In VMC group, CVB3 gene-positive signals were seen in myocardium sections(3 out of total 8 cases, No. 1, 4, 7 cases) and spleen sections(4 out of total 8 cases, No. 2, 4, 6, 7 cases). In non-cardiac death group, no positive signals were detected in both myocardium and spleen tissues. CONCLUSION Positive detection of CVB3 gene in both myocardium and spleen maybe an important character of VMC and can improve the detecting pathogene in diagnosing VMC.
Death, Sudden ; Enterovirus B, Human/genetics* ; Heart/virology* ; Humans ; Myocarditis/virology* ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Spleen/virology*

Objective To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal epidural angiolipoma to improve the diagnostic accuracy of this tumor. Methods The MRI findings in 2 patients with histopathologically confirmed spinal extradural angiolipoma were analyzed retrospectively. Results In both of the cases, the tumors were located in the extradural space of the thoracic intraspinal canal. The spindle-shaped tumor mass extended parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spine. The lesions presented with fat and vascular signal features. One of the tumors grew through the intervertebral foramen with a dumbbell appearance, invading the adjacent diaphragma, vertebral body, pedicle of the vertebral arch and the spinous process. The other tumor consisted of some tortuous and dilated blood vessels with flow void signals. Conclusion Spinal epidural angiolipoma presents characteristic features on MRI, which is considered the best diagnostic modality for this tumor.

Objective To study the value of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) in evaluating traumatic optic neuropathy. Methods DT-MRI data of bilateral optic nerve were acquired in 6 patients with unilateral traumatic optic neuropathy. Volume One 1.44 and DTV2 softwares were employed to measure the fraction anisotropy (FA) and average apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and to self-compare between the injured and intact optic nerves. The architecture of the optic radiation fiber tracts were displayed with the software of diffusion tensor fiber tracking. Results All of the infraorbital segments of optic nerves were well demonstrated, with suboptimal intracanalicular portion in 2 patients. The average FA of intraorbital optic nerve in 6 patients: the injured side was 0.244±0.067 and the uninjured side was 0.452±0.053 (P=0.000);FA of the injured side obviously decreased. The average value of ADC: the injured side was (1.417±0.121)×10<'-3> mm<'2>/s and the uninjured side was (1.087±0.118)×10<'3> mm<'2>/s (P=0.003);the value of ADC of the injured side obviously increased. Statistically significant differences were noted between the injured side and the uninjured side. The spacial integralities and connected situations of the nerves could be obtained in 4 patients with significant differences between the injured and the uninjured sides. Conclusion DT-MRI can provide useful pathological information in evaluating traumatic optic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVEAim of our study was to compare hematological parameters in Tibetan natives with those in Han migrants living on the Tibet plateau in order to determine the potential effects of age, gender, and ethnicity on hematological response to hypoxia.

METHODSBlood hemoglobin (Hb, g/dl), hematocrit (Hct, %), red blood cells (RBC,10(6)/mm3) were measured in 3 588 healthy Tibetan natives and 3 371 Han migrants ranging in age from 5 to 72 years, living at a mean altitudes of 2 664 m, 3 813 m, 4 525m and 5 226 m.

RESULTSHemoglobin (Hb) concentration analysis was made by multiple regression equations relating hemoglobin to altitude and age. For 2 093 Han males, Hb = 9.612+ 0.001440xaltitude+ 0.06148xage. For 1 948 Tibetan males, Hb =12.202+ 0.000462xaltitude+ 0.02893xage. For 1 278 Han females, Hb = 10.858+ 0.000939xaltitude+ 0.02632xage. For 1 640 Tibetan females, Hb = 11.402+ 0.000626xaltitude+ 0.00412xage. Each of the four equations was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and had variance (r2) of 0.86 or more, indicating that altitude and age accounted for at least 85% of the variation in hemoglobin levels. The coefficients for altitude and for age were higher (P < 0.05) in Han males than in Tibetan males and higher (P < 0.05) in Han females than in Tibetan females. The Tibetan postmenopausal females had higher Hb values than premenopausal females only presented at altitude above 4 000 m while this phenomenon was beginning at altitude of 2 664 m among Han females.

CONCLUSIONWe conclude that gender and increasing age in Tibetans are associated with lower hemoglobin values than those in Han at high altitude, and we speculate that genetic factors seems to be important.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Altitude ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ethnic Groups ; Female ; Hematocrit ; Hemoglobins ; analysis ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; ethnology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tibet ; Transients and Migrants ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of electroporation mediated gene therapy on bone mineral density and strength of new-formed bone in mandibular distraction gap, so as to enhance the osteogenesis and shorten the distraction term.

METHODSNew-Zealand rabbits were employed. The distraction began after 3 days of latency period at the rate of 0. 8 mm per day for 7 days. After distraction, the rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups to receive injection in the distraction gap with recombinant plasmid 2 microg (0.1 microg/microl) pIRES-hVEGF165-hBMP2 in group A, with recombinant plasmid pIRES-hBMP2 in group B, with recombinant plasmid pIRES-hVEGF165 in group C, with pIRES in group D, and with normal saline (NS) in group E. After injection, electroporation was performed in all the groups. After 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks of consolidation, all the animals underwent X-ray and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The new-formed bone in distraction gap was selected as regions of interest (ROI) to measure the bone mineral density(BMD). Then the rabbits were sacrificed and the new-formed bone samples were harvested to detect 3-point crushing strength.

RESULTSBMD of newly formed bone in group A, B and C was markedly higher than that in group D and E (P < 0.01). After 2 weeks of consolidation, BMD in group A was much higher than that in the other groups, but there was no difference between group B and C. After 4 weeks of consolidation, BMD in group A and B was markedly higher than that in group C, D and E (P < 0.01). After 8 weeks of consolidation, BMD in group A was markedly higher than that in the other groups. While the BMD was not significantly different between group B and C, but the BMD in group B and C was higher than that in group D and E (P < 0.01). After 4 weeks of consolidation, the 3-point crushing strength of newly formed bone in group A was markedly higher than that in group B,C, D and E (P < 0.01), which was still the same after 8 weeks of consolidation. And the crushing strength in group B was higher than that in group C, D and E (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSElectroporation-mediated transfection of recombinant plasmid pIRES-hVEGF165-hBMP2 could greatly enhance osteogenesis and calcification. A combination of VEGF and BMP may promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis simultaneously, so as to magnify the effect of each growth factor, resulting a synergetic effect.

Animals ; Bone Density ; Bone Regeneration ; Electroporation ; Genetic Therapy ; Mandible ; physiology ; surgery ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Rabbits

AIMTo investigate alterations of smooth muscle cells and collagen fibers in corpus cavernosum following cavernous neurectomy and its relation to the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1).

METHODSTen adult male SD rats (neurectomy group) were subject to a bilateral cavernous nerve (CN) resection aseptically under an operating microscope, with 6 sham-operated rats as the control. Fifteen weeks after the operation, the penile specimens were collected and prepared for quantitative-analyzing of ratio of smooth muscle to collagen fibers in corpus cavernosum with confocal microscopy, and for detecting the expression of TGF-beta1 by RT-PCR and western-blot.

RESULTSSmooth muscle cells that show red color after fluorescent-labeling with tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-phalloidin and collagen fibers that produce green autofluorescence after paraformaldehyde fixation were clearly identified under the confocal microscope. Quantification of fluorescent intensity showed that the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen fibers in corpus cavernosum in neurectomy group was 0.265 +/- 0.125, which was significantly lower than that in sham-operated group (0.760 +/- 0.196, P<0.01). RT-PCR and western-blot analyses revealed a significantly higher expression of TGF-beta1 in the penile tissues of the neurectomy animals than that in sham-operated group.

CONCLUSIONBilateral ablation of CN can lead to fibrosis of corpus cavernosum, which may be related to an increased expression of TGF-beta1 induced by hypoxia in cavernous tissue after denervation.

Actins ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apomorphine ; Blotting, Western ; Collagen ; metabolism ; DNA Primers ; Dopamine Agonists ; Fibrosis ; Fluorescent Dyes ; Male ; Muscle Denervation ; Muscle, Smooth ; pathology ; Penile Erection ; drug effects ; Penis ; innervation ; pathology ; Prostatectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1