Objective To investigate the consistency of the anatomical parameters of left atrial appendage (LAA) based on three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) and CT of 3D print datasource by the post-processing of DICOM data.Methods Sixty-three patients with atrial fibrillation in our hospital who underwent 3D-TEE and cardiac CT examination were selected and the original DICOM data of the LAA were obtained.The volume images of LAA were acquired by the postprocessing of Mimics software.After measuring and evaluating the anatomical parameters,the differences of parameters between TEE and CT were compared and the consistency of the two methods was evaluated.Results The data of 63 patients with atrial fibrillation obtained by 3D-TEE and CT were successfully post-treated and the detailed anatomical parameters of LAA were obtained.Morphological parameters:the Kappa values of the anatomical shape and opening shape of the LAA based on the 3D-TEE and CT data were 91.0%,69.3%,respectively.Measurement parameters:the area,perimeter,long axis,short axis of ostiums of LAA,and depth of LAA by CT were larger than those by 3D-TEE(all P<0.05).The post-processing results showed that 57 patients (90.5%) had significant bending of LAA′s main lobe in the 3D-TEE group and CT group,the difference in the measurements of the angle of the first bend and the distance from the first bend of the LAA to the orifice of the 57 cases between by 3D-TEE and CT were no statistical significance (P>0.05).LAA′measurements of 3D-TEE was concordant well with CT′s by Bland-Altman analysis.Conclusions In agreement with CT,3D-TEE can also be used as a datasource for 3D printing by evaluating spatial morphology of the LAA.

OBJECTIVE:To study the time-effect and dose-effect of paeonol on the apoptosis of knee osteoarthritis(OA)artic-ular chondrocyte in rabbits and the mRNA expression of its related protein Bcl-2 and Bax. METHODS:60 big-ear rabbits were ran-domly divided into normal (normal saline) group,model (normal saline) group,paeonol high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose groups and triamcinolone acetonide(positive drug)group,with 10 rabbits in each group. Except for normal group,OA model was induced by right knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT) and the medial meniscus 1/3 resection in those groups. After modeling, different doses of paeonol(0.8,0.4,0.2 mg/kg),triamcinolone acetonide 0.2 mg/kg were injected into right articular cavity twice a week. 4 weeks and 8 weeks after administration,articular cartilage specimens were collected. Ultrapathological structure changes of articular chondrocytes were observed by electron microscope. Apoptosis of cartilage cell was observed by TUNEL and apoptotic index was calculated. mRNA expression of apoptosis related genes of Bcl-2 and Bax in articular cartilage tissue of rabbits were de-tected by in situ hybridization technique. RESULTS:Compared with normal group,articular chondrocyte of model group showed early and middle stage apoptosis morphology change after 4 and 8 weeks,and apoptosis index increased significantly and the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was up-regulated (P<0.01);4 and 8 weeks later after administration,compared with model group,apoptosis index decreased and mRNA expression of Bax was down-regulated in paeonol groups,while mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was up-regulated(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Electron microscopy ultrastructural observation showed articular chondrocyte of pae-onol high-dose and middle-dose groups were in early stage of apoptosis.CONCLUSIONS:Paeonol can slow down articular chondro-cyte degeneration and destroy in OA model rabbits in time and dose dependently. Its mechanism may be associated with expression up-regulation of Bcl-2 and expression down-regulation of Bax.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) printed left atrial appendage (LAA) models based on 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) data and the application value for treating special anatomic LAA.Methods Data of 18 patients of atrial fibrillation who were underwent LAA occlusion were retrospectively analyzed,including 3D-TEE and CT volume data of the patients.The 3D-TEE data of the LAA were post-processed and a flexible material was used to print the LAA model by 3D printer.The morphological classification and lobulated classifications of LAAs were assessed by the 3D printed models.The measurements of long axis,short axis and depth of LAAs were also performed.And the measurement and classification results were compared with those based on 3D-TEE and CT volume images.A occluder release test was performed on the 3D printed models for patients with challenging LAA morphology.Results For all 18 patients,3D-TEE full volume data of the LAA were successfully reprocessed and printed as 3D LAA models.The consistency of morphological classifications and lobulated classifications of LAAs based on 3D printed models and cardiac CT were 0.92 and 0.83,respectively.No significant differences of LAA ostium dimensions (long axis and short axis) and depth were found between the measurement results based on 3D printed models and 3D-TEE (all P＞0.05).A simulation of LAA occlusion rehearsal was successfully performed on 3D models of two challenging cases.Conclusion The echocardiographic 3D printing technique has high feasibility and accuracy,and can be promising for personalized planning in cases of transcatheter special morphological LAA occlusion.

OBJECTIVE To determine the functional role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure through the inhibition of Ca2 +/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseⅡ (CaMKⅡ) using wild type and CSE knockout mouse models. METHODS Continuous subcutaneous injection isoprenaline (7.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), once a day for 4 weeks to induce heart failure in Male C57BL/6 (6-8 weeks old) mice and CSE-/- mice. 150 μmol·L-1 H2O2 was used to induce oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. Echocardiograph was used to detect cardiac parameters. H&E stain and Masson stain was to observation histopathological changes. Western blot was used to detect protein expression and activity. The siRNA was used to silence protein expression. HPLC was used to detect H2S level. Biotin assay was used to detect the level of S- sulfhydration protein. RESULTS Treatment with S-propyl-L-cysteine (SPRC) or sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), modulators of blood H2S levels, attenuated the development of heart failure in animals, reduced lipid peroxidation, and preserved mitochondrial function. The inhibition CaMKⅡ phosphorylation by SPRC and NaHS as demonstrated using both in vivo and in vitro models corresponded with the cardioprotective effects of these compounds. Interestingly, CaMKⅡ activity was found to be elevated in CSE-/- mice as compared to wild type animals and the phosphorylation status of CaMKⅡ appeared to relate to the severity of heart failure. Importantly, in wild type mice SPRC was found to promote S-sulfhydration of CaMKII leading to reduced activity of this protein however, in CSE-/- mice S-sulfhydration was abolished following SPRC treatment. CONCLUSION A novel mechanism depicting a role of S-sulfhydration in the regulation of CaMKⅡ is presented. SPRC mediated S-sulfhydration of CaMKII was found to inhibit CaMKⅡ activity and to preserve cardiovascular homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the functional role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in protecting against mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure through the inhibition of Ca2 +/calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseⅡ (CaMKⅡ) using wild type and CSE knockout mouse models. METHODS Continuous subcutaneous injection isoprenaline (7.5 mg·kg-1 per day), once a day for 4 weeks to induce heart failure in male C57BL/6 (6-8 weeks old) mice and CSE-/- mice. 150 μmol·L-1 H2O2 was used to induce oxidative stress in H9c2 cells. Echocardiograph was used to detect cardiac parameters. H&E stain and Masson stain was to observation histopathological changes. Western blot was used to detect protein expression and activity. The siRNA was used to silence protein expression. HPLC was used to detect H2S level. Biotin assay was used to detect the level of S-sulfhydration protein. RESULTS Treatment with S-propyl-L-cysteine (SPRC) or sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), modulators of blood H2S levels, attenuated the development of heart failure in animals, reduced lipid peroxidation, and preserved mitochondrial function. The inhibition CaMKⅡ phosphorylation by SPRC and NaHS as demonstrated using both in vivo and in vitro models corresponded with the cardioprotective effects of these compounds. Interestingly, CaMKⅡ activity was found to be elevated in CSE-/- mice as compared to wild type animals and the phosphorylation status of CaMK Ⅱ appeared to relate to the severity of heart failure. Importantly, in wild type mice SPRC was found to promote S-sulfhydration of CaMKⅡ leading to reduced activity of this protein however, in CSE-/- mice S-sulfhydration was abolished following SPRC treatment. CONCLUSION A novel mechanism depicting a role of S-sulfhydration in the regulation of CaMKⅡ is presented. SPRC mediated S-sulfhydration of CaMKⅡ was found to inhibit CaMKⅡ activity and to preserve cardiovascular homeostasis.

AIM:To assess the protective role of melatonin(MEL)in a rat model of oleic-induced acute lung injury.METHODS:Twenty-four rats were randomly allocated to three groups as follows:saline(NS)injection group,oleic acid(OA)injection group and MEL plus OA injection group,the lavage protein,lung wet-to-dry weight ratio,malondialdehyde(MDA)content,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and lung histopathology were examined.RESULTS:(1)Injection 0.15 mL/kg of OA led to a severe acute lung injury(ALI),characterized by significantly increasing in lavage protein,lung coefficient(P＜0.01),and by histopathological alterations which presented hemorrhage,edema.thickened alveolar septum and the existence of inflammatory cells in alveolar spaces;(2)Infusion of MEL(20 mg/kg,intraperitoneally for 60 min before the oleic acid)markedly alleviated above-mentioned symptom induced by OA,consistent with decrease of MDA level(P＜0.01) and the increase of SOD activty(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Pre-treatment with MEL can attenuate the OA -induced ALI in rats via cleaning and preventing the formation of free radicals and further lessening the increase of alveolocapillary membrane permeability,these data suggest that MEL may be effective in the prevention of ALI.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the applicability of immune-related response criteria (irRC) in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by Chinese medicine (CM).

METHODSTotally 97 stage III a-IV NSCLC patients were predominantly treated with comprehensive CM. Curative effects were evaluated by three methods such as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), Oncologic Curative Effect Evaluation Criteria of Chinese Medicine in Solid Tumor (draft, abbreviated as CM criteria), and irRC. The correspondency and consistency between irRC, RECIST and CM criteria were analyzed and compared. The objectivity of irRC in evaluating curative effect of Chinese medical treatment for NSCLC was assessed.

RESULTSThe correspondency rate of irRC to RECIST was 59. 79% with Kappa value of 0. 379 (U test, P <0. 01). The two criteria had certain correspondence, but with an unsatisfactory consistency. The correspondency rate of irRC to CM criteria rate was 83. 51% with Kappa value of 0.751 (U test, P <0. 01). The two criteria had good correspondence and consistency.

CONCLUSIONSCM criteria had good consistency with CM criteria in evaluating curative effect for Chinese medical treatment of advanced NSCLC. Its results could objectively reflect features and advantages of CM for treating advanced NSCLC.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; standards ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two methods of DNA extraction from different colour costal cartilages in STR genotyping. METHODS: DNA fragments were extracted from costal cartilages of different colour of 30 corrupt corpses using Chelex-100 and Phenol-Chloroform methods. STR loci were analyzed by ABI 3100 genetic analyzer after PCR amplification by using Profiler Plus kit. RESULTS: STR loci were completely detected in all 30 samlpes of costal cartilages when using Phenol-Chloroform DNA extraction methods. While using Chelex-100 methods, all STR loci were identified in 22 cases (11 white, 8 light-yellow and 3 yellow cases). Partial STR loci were detected in 7 cases (3 yellow and 4 yellow-brown cases) and none in 1 brown-black cases. CONCLUSION Suitable DNA extracion methods will be chosen depends on the colour of costal cartilage. Phenol-Chloroform methods is more effective in STR genotyping especially in dark colour costal cartilage cases.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Autopsy ; Cartilage ; DNA/isolation & purification* ; DNA Fingerprinting/methods* ; Forensic Anthropology/methods* ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Resins, Synthetic/chemistry* ; Ribs ; Tandem Repeat Sequences ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo develop a novel non-viral gene delivery vector CY11-PEI-beta-CyD and to test its gene transfection efficiency.

METHODSCY11 (CGMQLPLATWY) was conjugated to polyethylenimine-beta-cyclodextrin to form CY11-PEI-beta-CyD with a cross-linker [N-succinimidy-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate, SPDP]. (1)H-NMR and TGA were used to confirm the structure of vector. The DNA condensing ability of CY11-PEI-beta-CyD was investigated by gel retardation assay. Cytotoxicity of CY11-PEI-beta-CyD was determined by MTT assay and transfection efficiency was investigated in COS-7, Hela and B16 cells.

RESULTCY11 was conjugated onto PEI-beta-CyD successfully, confirmed by(1)H NMR and TGA. The novel vector effectively condensed DNA at N/P ratio of 4îIt showed low cytotoxicity up to the concentration was 160 Mgr;g/ml. The transfection efficiency was 17-fold higher than that of PEI 25 kDa at N/P ratio of 20.

CONCLUSIONThe novel vector CY11 -PEI-beta-CyD with low cytotoxic and high transfection efficiency may be used as a potential carrier for gene delivery.

Cell Line ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Peptide Fragments ; chemistry ; Polyethyleneimine ; chemistry ; Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor ; chemistry ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Shenqi Compound on diabetic angiopathy modeled rats.

METHODSTotally 18 SD rats were randomized into 3 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the diabetic mellitus (DM) group, and Shenqi Compound group, 6 in each group. The DM rat model was established by feeding high-fat diet (to induce hyperlipidemia) +intraperitoneal injection of small dose streptozotocin (STZ). Shenqi Compound was given to rats in the Shenqi Compound group at the daily dose of 2 g/kg. Equal volume of normal saline was given to rats in the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage. All treatment was lasted for 12 weeks. Then 2-D and ultrasonic integrated backscatter technique were used to evaluate structural and functional changes of abdominal aorta in the progression of diabetic macroangiopathy. The fibrosis degree of the aorta vessel and myocardium capillaries were observed by using HE and Masson trichrome staining. The tension of the aortic vascular ring was determined. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA expression was detected by real time PCR (RT-PCR). The protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, collagen III, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and phosphorylation P38 MAPK were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, abdominal aortic systolic inner diameter, diastolic inner diameter, Peterson elastic modulus, stiffness index, and backscatter integral significantly increased; the rangeability of integral backscatter and the extension coefficient of cross section significantly decreased in the DM group (all P < 0.05). After 12 weeks aforesaid indices were obviously improved in the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Results of HE and Masson staining showed that the fibrosis degree of the aorta vessel and myocardium capillaries was obviously alleviated in rats of the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Results of the aortic vascular ring tension showed that acetylcholine induced vasodilatation and maximum diastolic percent were obviously elevated in the Shenqi Compound group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta, and the protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, and collagen III, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK all significantly increased in the DM group (P < 0.05). Compared with the DM group, the mRNA expression of TGF-beta, and the protein expression of TGF-beta, collagen I, and collagen III, and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK all decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSShenqi Compound could effectively improve the arterial function in diabetic marcoangiopathy and microvascular dysfunction. The mechanism might be due to the down-regulating the expression of TGF-beta, and further suppressing the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, reducing the synthesis of collagen I and collagen III, therefore, ameliorating arterial and myocardial interstitial fibrosis.

Animals ; Collagen Type I ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; Diabetic Angiopathies ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism