Objective To evaluate the usefulness of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(RT-3D-TEE)in cardiac valvular diseases.Methods Preoperative and postoperative RT-3D-TEE studies were performed in 32 patients who had undertaken cardiac valve repair or valvular replacement using Philips iE33 with X7-2 probe,and quantitative analysed the mitral structure in cases of mitral valve prolapse by using online QLAB7.0 quantitative analysis software.Results RT-3D-TEE can demonstrate the anatomicsl structure clearly,evaluate the function of cardiac valves precisely,and reveal details of type,position and extent of lesions vividly in surgical view.RT-3D-TEE helped correct misdiagnose in 2 cases,revised surgical plans in 3 cases,and guided implementation of remedial surgery in 1 case.Conclusions RT-3D-TEE can present images lively,and it can provide adequate information for preoperative diagnosis,aid the formulation of surgical plan and evaluate surgical effect.

·AIM: To evaluate the function of primary human corneal endothelial cells(HCEC) serving as immunological cells. ·METHODS: Expression of HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR, CD40, CD80, and CD86 was determined by immunohistochemical methods. Meanwhile, purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) were cocultured with primary HCEC which were pre-treated with and without γ-IFN respectively; activation of lymphocytes was determined by FACS analysis.·RESULTS: In coculture system, T lymphocyte was activated by primary HCEC, HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR and CD40 expression were increased by γ-IFN induction. Costimulatory molecular CD80 was shown on the endothelial cells. ·CONCLUSION: Primary HCEC were assumed to be involved in the corneal transplantation rejection process as potential antigen presenting cells(APC).

Objective To understand the morbidity of human brucellosis in Wulanchabu City of Inner Mongolia in order to provide a basis for development of prevention and control measures.Methods According to the requirements in Baseline Survey Programme of Human Brucellosis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regionbetween November and December in 2010,stratified cluster sampling method was used to selected three townships according to the conditions of brucellosis(mild,moderate and serious) in 11 flags(cities,counties,districts) of the city.Three villages were extracted from each township.There were at least 200 persons aged 10 and older were investigated in every township.At least 600 people were investigated in every flag(city,county,district).Respondents were investigated about their awareness rate of basic knowledge about brucellosis,risk factors and common sense of prevention and treatment of the disease by using health education questionnaire.Based on the principle of informed consent,we collected respondents venous blood for preliminary screening using Hu red tablets.Brucellosis was confirmed with standard tube agglutination test and positive result was confirmed if 1:100 antibody concentration was two + or more.Prevalence,false negative rate as well as different age,gender,occupational incidence was calculated based on the network reported results of brucellosis in 33 townships of Wulanchabu in 2010.Results We distributed 6998 questionnaires and 6763 questionnaires were effective.The witting rate of basic knowledge about brucellosis was 57.99％(15 687/27 052); the witting rate of risk factors about brucellosis was 44.33％ (29 978/67 630); the witting rate for prevention and control of brucellosis was 41.66％(28 176/67 630),and total witting rate was 45.49％(73 841/162 312).The morbidity of brucellosis in Wulanchabu City was 91.39/10 000 (785/85 894) in 2010.Five hundred and ninety-one were serologically positive and the infection rate was 8.48％ (591/69 972).Nine hundred and three cases of patients were diagnosed with brucellosis and the prevalence rate of brucellosis was 105.13/10 000 (903/85 894).Missing report 377 cases,and the false negative rate was 48.03％ (377/785) in 2010.Men infection rate was 71.07％(420/3755) and women infection rate was 28.93％(171/3217).The infection rate[97.63％(577/591)] of people aged 31 and older was significantly higher than that [2.37％(14/591)] of the people aged 30 and younger.Infection rate of people engaged in aquaculture was 8.61％ (582/669).The infection rate of people working in livestock processing industry was 2.91％ (2/103).The infection rate of people working in animal by-product circulation was 2.85％ (2/70).The Infection rate of people working in other industries was 4.59％(5/109).Conclusions In Wulanchabu City,the morbidity of brucellosis and missing report rate are both high.The infection rate of people engaged in aquaculture is high and man morbidity is high.The awareness rate about prevention and treatment knowledge of brucellosis is low.We should carry out health education to inhabitants in endemic areas to improve their self-protection awareness and reduce the incidence of brucellosis.

Objective To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma. Methods A retrospective study of clinical characteristics and imaging findings of pathologically proved cystic lymphangiomas in 7 adults (2 males and 5 females;mean age,51 years) was conducted,and comparisons were made between these findings and operative and pathological results.All the patients presented no special clinical manifestation.Ultrasonography and CT scan showed smoothly margined cystic masses ranging from 6 cm?7 cm to 20 cm?21 cm;some of them had septums, and the walls and septums could be partially enhanced. Preoperative definite diagnosis was made in only 1 case by CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of the lymphangioma; while the others were misdiagnosed as abdominal cavity cysts(2 cases)and retroperitoneal space-occupying cystic lesions(4 cases). Results Complete extirpation was performed in 6 cases,and subtotal cystectomy,in 1 case because of the liver and pancreas involvement by the tumor.Postoperatively,all the lesions were pathologically proved to be retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma.There was no recurrence during the follow-up of 9 months to 10 years,except for 1 case undergoing subtotal cystectomy who had local recurrence 5 months after operation. Conclusions Ultrasonography and CT are the most useful imaging modality for locating the site and determining the nature of lymphangioma . Surgical excision is the first choice for the treatment.

Objective To analyze the distribution of common chromosomal karyotypes of patients with Turner syndrome (TS), and to explore the correlation between the age and height standard deviation scores (HSDS) on diagnosis.Methods Retrospective investigation was performed for the data of age and HSDS on diagnosis in 273 TS girls(≤ 18.0 years old)diagnosed by chromosomal karyotypes.The main statistical methods were analyzed with t-test and Pearson correlation test by using the SPSS 18.0 statistical software.Results (1) There were 4 kinds of common chromosomal karyotypes in the TS :45, X (87/273 cases,31.9％),46, X, i (Xq) (43/273 cases, 15.7％) ,45, X/46, X, i (Xq) (36/273 cases, 13.2％) and 45, X/46, XX (23/273 cases, 8.4％), respectively, the adolescent TS all had delayed puberty.For the cases with 45, X karyotypes ,3 cases presented mental retardation and 2 cases with organs deformity.(2)The patients with 45 ,X/46,X,i(Xq) karyotypes or with 46,X,i(Xq) karyotypes had the maximum(12.56 age) or the minimum(9.70 age) mean age on diagnosis, respectively, there was a significant difference between 2 groups (t =3.019, P =0.004).The maximum deviation from normal height was found in the patients with karyotypes of 46, X,i (Xq) (HSDS =-4.04), and the minimum deviation was in the patients with karyotypes of 45,X/46, XX (HSDS =-3.16), and there was a significant difference between 2 groups (t =-2.95, P =0.004).(3) More than 75.7％ of TS patients was diagnosed when their heights deviated above 3 SD,and their mean age on diagnosis was 12.10 age,which was 3 years later than those patients within 2 SD.(4) There was a significant negative correlation between the age and HSDS on diagnosis in the groups of common chromosomal karyotypes[45,X、46,X,i(Xq) and 45,X/46,XX] (r =-0.551,-0.560,-0.622,all P ＜ 0.01), except for the group with the 45, X/46, X, i (Xq).Conclusions (1) In this study, the consti-tuent ratios of these 4 common chromosomal karyotypes were different from those in Europe and America's.(2)Patients with 45 ,X may have more severe symptoms than others.(3)The mean age on diagnosis was at least 3.0 years earlier when considered HSDS below-2.00 as an indicator for chromosomal karyotype screening,which would facilitate earlier diagnosis.

Objective To perform mutation analysis of survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1 in two spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients and their parents to evaluate the effects of the two SMN1 gene mutations on the transcript levels of the gene and preliminarily predict their effects on the structure and function of SMN protein.Methods Mutation analysis of SMN1 gene was carried out by multiplex ligationdependent probe amplification,reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cloning sequencing.Transmission of the mutations was confirmed by the mutation analysis in patients' parents.The full-length SMN1 (SMN1-fl) transcript levels of the patients carrying these subtle mutations were detected using quantitative RT-PCR.Results The two patients were diagnosed as SMA Ⅱ and SMA Ⅲ.They carried p.Val19GlyfsX21 and p.Ala2Gly SMN1 mutations in SMN1 gene,respectively.Both of the two mutations were originated from their fathers.Compared with the healthy individuals (23.5 ± 4.9),the two patients had a significant reduction in the level of SMN1-fl transcripts (t =3.322,P =0.011 (p.Ala2Gly) ;t =6.964,P =0.000 (p.Val19GlyfsX21)).However,compared with the healthy carriers (14.1 ±4.5),the patient with p.Ala2Gly mutation had no significant reduction in the level of SMN1-fl transcripts (13.9 ±3.6,t =0.058,P =0.955) ; however,the patient with p.Val19GlyfsX21 mutation had a significant reduction (4.9± 2.4,t =3.725,P =0.004).Conclusions Two SMN1 gene mutations are identified in our study.The mutation p.Val19GlyfsX21 is a novel mutation and p.Ala2Gly is firstly reported in Chinese SMA patients.p.Val19GlyfsX21 may possibly lead to decreased SMN1-fl mRNA by nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay,however,p.Ala2Gly has no obvious effects on the amount of the SMN1-fl transcripts,indicating that its deleterious effect may be occurring at SMN protein level or the function of SMN protein.

OBJECTIVETo diagnose and detect the molecular defect in a suspected patient with Prader-Willi syndrome.

METHODSGenetic diagnosis and molecular genetic analysis were performed by using chromosome karyotype analysis, methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR), and linkage analysis using short tandem repeat (STR).

RESULTSThe karyotype of the patient was 45, XX, der(5), t(5;15)(q35;q13), -15, and the parents were 46, XY and 46, XX, respectively, implying that the unbalanced translocation t(5;15) in the patient was de novo. Furthermore, MS-PCR and STR linkage analysis confirmed that the patient's 15q11-13 deletion was resulted from unbalanced translocation on paternal chromosome 15.

CONCLUSIONGenetic analysis should be applied in suspected patients with Prader-Willi syndrome to confirm the diagnosis. Cytogenetic and molecular techniques would be helpful in clinical diagnosis, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5 ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; Genetic Linkage ; Humans ; Infant ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prader-Willi Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Translocation, Genetic ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo create an integrated digital maxillodental model and to apply it in computer aided design (CAD) of individualized lingual brackets in order to align both crowns and roots without fenestration and dehiscence.

METHODSCone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT)-based maxillodental model and laser-scanned dental model were integrated by auto registration in 10 patients with malocclusions. The registration error was calculated automatically. Three observers tested the method independently. The inter-observer difference was investigated. An integrated model was selected randomly and the setup was created with roots and jaws in good relationship without fenestration and dehiscence. The individualized lingual brackets were designed by CAD on the setup.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in inter observers (P > 0.05). The registration errors of maxilla and mandible were (0.144 ± 0.020) mm and (0.141 ± 0.022) mm, respectively. The digital individualized lingual brackets based on the virtual treatment in integrated digital maxillodental model were produced.

CONCLUSIONSAn integrated digital maxillodental model was created in good accuracy. By applying the integrated model, individualized lingual brackets were designed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Computer-Aided Design ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dental Models ; Dentition ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Malocclusion ; therapy ; Mandible ; diagnostic imaging ; Maxilla ; diagnostic imaging ; Orthodontic Brackets ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of different points combination in the treatment of menopausal insomnia.

METHODSNinety-six cases of menopausal insomnia were randomized into 3 groups, Xinshu (BL 15), Shenshu (BL 23), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were chosen in the restore interaction between the heart and the kidney group (group A, 32 cases); Zhaohai (KI 6), Jiaoxin (KI 8), Shenmai (BL 62), Pucan (BL 61) were chosen in the acupuncturing qiao mai group (group B, 32 cases); auricular Shenmen (TF4) and sensitive spot at the distribution area of auricular vagus nervus were chosen in the ear acupuncture group (group C, 32 cases). Six days made one session and the treatments were finished after 4 courses. The polysomnography (PSG) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were employed before and after treatment to evaluate the alleviation of insomnia.

RESULTSThe parameters of the sleep latency (SL), rapid wave sleep latency (RL) and sleep efficiency (SE) were significantly improved in the three groups, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The SL and awaking time (AT) in group C [SL (401.08 +/- 16.54) min and AT (4.87 +/- 2.64) times] were significantly superior to those in the other two groups [SL (50.36 +/- 18.47) min, (54.87 +/- 20.92) min, AT (5.98 +/- 2.11) times, (6.13 +/- 3.04) times, all P < 0.05]. The S(3+4) (%) in group C was also significantly higher than those in the other two groups (both P < 0.05). It was indicated by PSQI that the sleep quality of group C (0.78 +/- 0.12) was significantly superior to that in group B (1.32 +/- 0.29), the total score and cured and markedly effective rate in group C [(4.34 +/- 1.43), 68.8% (22/32)] were superior to those in group A [(7.48 +/- 3.09), 53.1% (17/32), both P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONEar acupuncture has a better curative effect than the restore interaction between the heart and the kidney group and acupuncturing qiao mai group, it is worth of being promoted.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Menopause ; psychology ; Middle Aged ; Sleep ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the protective effect of baicalin against rotenone-induced injury on PC12 cells, and the po-tential mechanism of action action was also explored.

METHODPC12 cells were injured by rotenone and were treated with different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 μmol x L(-1)) of baicalin at the same time. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT, and morphology was observed by phase-contrast microscopy. The cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The intracellular ROS level was determined by fluorescence microscope with DCF-DA staining. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 was analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTThe viability of PC12 cells exposure to rotenone for 24 hour was gradually decreased with dose escalating and 1.5 μmol x L was adopted to do the following experiment. Baicalin increased cell viability, improved cell morphology and decreased intracellular ROS level. Moreover, FACS indicated baicalin attenuated the apoptosis induced by rotenone significantly. Western blot showed that Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 expression in rotenone-induced PC12 cells was reversed by baicalin.

CONCLUSIONThis study has demonstrated that baicalin protects PC12 cells against rotenone-induced apoptosis, at least in part, by scavenging excessive ROS and inhibiting the mitochondrion-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cytoprotection ; drug effects ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Intracellular Space ; drug effects ; metabolism ; PC12 Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Rotenone ; pharmacology ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism