Objective To assess the vaIue of speckle tracking imaging (STI) in quantifying the regional myocardial strain in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) group.Methods ① Sixty subjects were divided into SLE group and normal group.High frame rate two-dimensional images were recorded from the apical two-chamber view,long-axis view and four-chamber view of the left ventricle (LV).Peak systolic strain of each view of 18 segments were measured by automated functional imaging (AFI) software of 2-DSE.All parameters were compared between the two groups.② Twenty cases were randomly taken from the normal group.The same observer at different times and two observers measure the strain of left ventricular respectively.The results of the measurement between the two groups were compared with unpaired t test and its relevance was analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis.ResultsLeft ventricular two-dimensional longitudinal strain gradually increased from the base to apex in the normal group.There were statistically differences between the apical segments and the basal,middle segments of every left ventricular wall (P＜0.05).The same wall segment time to peak myocardial systolic peak strain was consistent.Left ventricular two-dimensional longitudinal strain gradually increased from the base to apex in the SLE group,except for the anterio-septal and anterior wall [ (-18.7±4.2)％,(-16.3±9.4)％,(-18.1±10.5)％ vs (-19.0±9.0)％,(-18.6±7.9)％,(-17.7±1.4)％ ].There was no statistically significant difference between the apical segments and the basal,middle segments of every left ventricular wall(P＞0.05).All parameters of S were significantly higher in the normal group than those of the SLE group.The difference was statistically signoficant (P＜0.05).The time to peak systolic peak strain of every segments was not consistent.The results from the same observer at different times and peak systolic myocardial strain measurements by the two observers were correlated well(P＜0.01).Conclusion The myocardial function assessment by STI technology in the SLE patients is significantly different from that of the normal control:SLE patients with left ventricular myocardial damage can be manifested as reduced regional myocardial systolic peak strain.

Objective To establish animal model of arterial vulnerable plaques for molecular imaging study.Methods Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into high lipid diet+balloon-injury group (A),high lipid diet group (B)and regular diet group (C).Ultrasound (US)and magnetic resonance (MR)imaging were used to dynamically observe the formation of plaque in abdominal aorta. Results were compared with blood lipid level and pathological indicators.Results At 4 weeks,several plaques could be seen in group A.The plaque number increased rapidly and reached to 22 at 12 weeks,which was in parallel with the change of blood lipid. Only a few plaques were observed in group B,while no vulnerable plaque was revealed in group C.All the plaques were judged to be soft plaques on US and MR images,which was consistent with the macrophages gathering and smooth muscle cell proliferating in plaques.Conclusion High lipid diet+balloon-injury is an ideal method to build animal model for molecular imaging of atherosclerotic plaque.

Objective To probe the relationship between the expression of TL1A and the level of IFN-γ secreted by T cells in the acute stage of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Methods ① Six-week female Bal b/c mice were immunized by purified recombinant human soluble TNF-like molecular 1A (rhsTL1A) protein. The polyclonal antibody against rhsTL1A was identified by immunofluorescence using human umbilical vein epithelial cells (HUVEC). ② To detect the biologic activity of rhsTL1A, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the healthy donors were separated by Ficoll gradient centrifugation and were seeded on 96-well plates with medium containing 2 μg/ml PHA (control group), 2 μg/ml PHA + 25 ng/ml rhsTL1 A, 2 μg/ml PHA + 100 ng/ml rhsTL1A and 2 μg/ml PHA + 400 ng/ml rhsTLlA respectively. T cell proliferation assay was carried out using ~3H-TdR. ③ IFN-γ productions in the sera of the children with GBS in the acute stage were detected by ELISA. ④ The ratio of CD_3~+ TL1A~+ T cells to CD_3~+ T cells in the peripheral blood of the children with GBS in acute stage was detected with flow, cytometry. ⑤PBMC from the children in acute GBS were separated and cultured in the environment adding 2 μg/ml PHA and 400 ng/ml rhsTL1A in vitro. Then, the IFN-γ in the supernatant was determined by ELISA kit after 72 hours. Results ① hTL1A A expressed by eukaryotic HUVECs was recognized by rhsTL1 A polyclonal antiserum. ② The result of T cell proliferation assay showed that SI of 25 ng/ml rhTL1A, 100 ng/ml rhTL1A A and 400 ng/ml rhTL1A group was increased compared with control group. The SI of 2 μg/ml PHA +400 ng/ml rhsTL1 A group was the highest (2. 65) among them. ③ IFN-γ productions in the sera of the children with GBS in the acute stage ((102. 25±22. 17) pg/ml) were increased significantly compared with healthy control ((28.75 ± 1.31) pg/ml, t = 3. 309, P < 0. 05). ④ The ratio of CD_3~+ TL1A~+ T cells to CD_3~+ T cells in the peripheral blood of the children with GBS in acute stage (18.22%± 1.83%) was enhanced significantly compared with healthy control (5. 17% ±0. 48%, t = 6. 884, P < 0. 01). ⑤ PBMC both in healthy control and the acute GBS secreted more IFN-γ markedly ((43.56± 4.41) pg/ml and (180.64 ± 38.39) pg/ml) after being incubated in 2 μg/ml PHA and 400 ng/ml rhsTL1A (t =4. 523 and 2. 600, P <0. 01 and 0. 05 respectively). Moreover, PBMC in acute GBS secreted more IFN-γ, than that of the healthy group markedly (t = 3. 545, P < 0. 05). Conclusions ① The mouse antiserum recognizing rhsTL1A is successfully obtained. ② In this study, 400 ng/ml rhsTL1A promotes the proliferation of T cells activated by 2 μg/ml PHA, indicating that rhsTL1A has biological activity. ③ The expression of hTL1A of activated T cells in the peripheral blood of the children with acute GBS is up-regulated. These TL1A proteins promote the secretion of IFN-γ through binding to their receptors DR_3.

OBJECTIVETo detect potential mutations for probands from families affected with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD), and to carry out prenatal diagnosis through identification of female carriers.

METHODSA total of 43 DMD/BMD families were recruited. Multiplex PCR was used to analyze 18 exons within hotspots for DMD gene deletions. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to detect potential deletions and duplications of DMD gene for 43 patients and 36 females from 32 families. Prenatal diagnosis was performed for 27 families.

RESULTSDeletional mutations were detected in 26 patients with multiplex PCR. In addition, MLPA has detected 3 deletions and 6 duplicational mutations, and the ranges of mutations were all determined. Among 36 female members, 18 were determined as carriers of deletional mutations, 10 were excluded as mutation carriers. The status of remaining 8 could not be determined. For prenatal diagnosis, 3 out of 18 male fetuses were diagnosed as patients and 1 female fetus was identified as carrier.

CONCLUSIONMLPA is an accurate and reliable method for detecting deletional/duplicational mutations of DMD gene as well as for prenatal diagnosis and detection of female carriers.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dystrophin ; genetics ; Female ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the orthodontic retention and adjustment of the occlusion after orthognathic surgery.

METHODS18 patients were divided into three groups. Group I: Cases with skeletal Class I bimaxillary protrusion treated by subapical osteotomy; Group II: Cases with skeletal Class II mandibular retrusion treated by sagittal split mandibular advancement surgery; Group III: Cases with skeletal Class III treated by Le Fort I osteotomy on maxilla and sagittal split osteotomy on mandible. There were 6 patients in each group. Three kinds of orthodontic elastic tractions were used based on different categories of malocclusion and different types of operation.

RESULTS18 patients attained functional occlusion after the orthodontic occlusion adjustment. There was no relapse and malocclusion by surgery.

CONCLUSIONIntermaxillary elastics based on different categories of occlusion and different kinds of surgery can improve the occlusion after orthognathic surgery and attatin the functional occlusion.

Adult ; Cephalometry ; Dental Occlusion ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Orthognathic Surgery ; Osteotomy ; Osteotomy, Le Fort

Objective:To explore the influence of gender and age on the measurement of cone beam CT (CBCT) in normal and occluded craniofacial hard tissues for Han nationality in Changsha area.Methods:A total of 80 CBCT data of normal and occluded craniofacial hard tissues for Han nationality in Changsha area were collected,including 40 adults [16 males and 24 females,aged (17.57±1.83) years] and 40 children[16 males and 24 females,age (11.50±1.26) years].Threedimensional cephalometric measurements were carried out by Dolphion Imaging software,and the influence of gender and age was compared.Results:The symmetry of craniofacial hard tissues in male and female in the adults was good (the maximum asymmetric rate R was 6.39％ and the minimum asymmetric rate R was 0.08％).There was no significant differencein the anterior palatal width,palatal width,the upper incisor protrusion distance,the lower incisor protrusion distance,hyoid-mandibular plane,basal epiglottis width,and palatal plane airway width between the males and females (all P＞0.05);while the remaining indicators were significantly higher in males than those in females (all P＜0.05).There was no significant gender difference in angle indicators (all P＞0.05).There were significant differences in the posterior height,the maxillary length,the lower incisor protrusion,and the mandibular plane angle between the adults and the children(all P＜0.05);but the rest of indicators were not significant difference (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:The symmetry of craniofacial hard tissues for Han nationality in Changsha area is good.The gender and age affect the line space measurements but not affect the most of the angle measurements.

0.05), and the total score were similar in the two groups. Type Ⅱ collagen in the two groups was strongly positive by immunohistochemistry staining. CONCLUSION: Cryopreserved allogenic osteochondral pillars transplantation can repair small full-thickness articular cartilage defects. The chondrocytes are alive in short time, and they can secret cartilage matrix without obvious rejection. It has similar efficacy in histology with autogenic osteochondral pillar transplantation.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the early clinical and radiographic outcomes of Hoffa fractures treated by a standard protocol of open reduction and internal fixation using headless compression screws combined with back buttress plate in a consecutive series of 8 Chinese patients.

METHODSOpen reduction and internal fixation was performed on all patients. The fractures were anatomically reduced and held temporarily by K-wire. If the ends of fractures were atrophic, autologous bone graft from the ipsilateral iliac crest was packed between the ends. Then the fracture fragments were fixed with AO 6.5 mm headless compression cannulated screws. At least two screws were used to provide rotational stability. One pre-contoured reconstruction plate was placed on the nonarticular surface posteromedially or posterolaterally as back buttress plate.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for at least 12 months (range 12-25 months). All fractures achieved anatomical reduction and healed clinically and radiographically. At recent follow-up, the mean flexion degree was 120.6° (range 110°-135°) and the mean extension degree was 2.5° (range 0°-5°). The average visual analogue scale score was 1.6 points (range 0-3). Six patients were assessed as excellent and 2 as good according to the hospital for special surgery knee score system. There were no superficial or deep infections, or hardware breakages. No patient had giving way or locking of the knee, though some had intermittent pain and swelling after strenuous exercise. Injury mechanism had significant influence on the functional outcome (P=0.046).

CONCLUSIONHeadless compression screws combined with back buttress plate and/or autologous bone grafting to treat old Hoffa fracture is one of effective measures. It would be conducive to not only fracture healing but also early exercise and functional recovery.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

To investigate the inhibition of cyclosporin A (CsA) on neutrophil adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs, ECV-304) induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation and further explore its mechanism, a 1 h hypoxia/4 h reoxygenation model was reproduced using ECV-304. The adhesion rate of neutrophils to ECV-304 was determined by measuring the activity of endogenous hexosaminidase. The expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules of E-selectin and ICAM-1 was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of cyclophilin A (CyPA) and the activation of ERK1/2 was compared among experimental groups by Western blot. The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by Fenton reaction. After being stimulated with 1 h hypoxia/4 h reoxygenation, ECV-304 showed an enhanced neutrophil adhensiveness in association with an increased surface expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1. In parallel, the content of ROS was also increased. These effects were significantly suppressed by the addition of CsA. Most importantly, the expression of CyPA was significantly increased following 1 h hypoxia/4 h reoxygenation, which was accompanied with an increased activation of ERK1/2. Treatment with CyPA inhibitor CsA and CyPA antisense oligonucleotides significantly inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and decreased the adhesion of neutrophils to ECV-304. The specific ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 caused an inhibition of neutrophil adhesion to hypoxia/reoxygenation-stimulated ECV-304. Our data confirm that CsA inhibits neutrophil adhesion to hypoxia/reoxygenation stimulated ECV-304 by a mechanism involving inhibition of the signal transduction of ROS, CyPA and ERK1/2.
Cell Adhesion ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclophilins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cyclosporine ; pharmacology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; metabolism ; Neutrophils ; cytology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Reperfusion Injury ; physiopathology ; Signal Transduction ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

Doxazosin, a high selective alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, is considered as the first-line therapy for the patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and also produce several side effects in cardiovascular system. In this study, we observed the isometric vasoconstrictive responses of the rabbit isolated arterial rings to electric field stimulation and noradrenaline ( NA ) to study the effects of R-doxazosin ( R-DOX ) and S-doxazosin ( S-DOX ) on the alpha1-adrenoceptor-regulated vasoconstrictive responses in the rabbit isolated ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery, and the effects of higher concentration of S-DOX and R-DOX on presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor-regulated purinergic vasoconstriction in the rabbit isolated saphenous artery. We found that R-DOX and S-DOX competitively inhibited the vasoconstriction induced by NA in the rabbit isolated ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery. The pA2 values of R-DOX and S-DOX against NA in the rabbit isolated ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery were 7. 91 +/- 0. 03 and 7. 53 +/- 0. 05, 7. 80 +/- 0. 05 and 7. 29 +/-0. 07, 8. 32 +/- 0. 06 and 7. 97 +/- 0. 07, respectively. The pA2 values of R-DOX in the three arterial preparations were significantly higher than those of S-DOX (P < 0. 01). R-DOX and S-DOX at the concentrations of 0. 1 - 10 micromol x L (-1) did not affect the vasoconstriction induced by electric stimulation in the rabbit isolated saphenous artery. R-DOX and S-DOX at 100 micromol x L(-1) in the rabbit isolated saphenous artery completely inhibited the vascular responses to exogenous NA, but did not affect the vascular responses to exogenous adenosine triphosphate (1 mmol x L(-1) ). It is reasonable to suggest that R-DOX and S-DOX competitively inhibit the vasoconstriction induced by NA in the rabbit ear artery, mesenteric artery and pulmonary artery, and the pA2 values of S-DOX are significantly lower than those of R-DOX. The higher concentration (10 micromol x L(-1)) of R-DOX and S-DOX does not affect the presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors at sympathetic nerve terminals of the rabbit saphenous artery.
Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists ; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Blood Vessels ; drug effects ; physiology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Doxazosin ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Electric Stimulation ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Mesenteric Arteries ; drug effects ; physiology ; Norepinephrine ; pharmacology ; Pulmonary Artery ; drug effects ; physiology ; Rabbits ; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 ; physiology ; Stereoisomerism ; Vasoconstriction ; drug effects