PurposeTo investigate the image quality of Dual Source CT (DSCT) high pitch prospective scan in acute chest pain examination by using triple-rule-out (TRO) protocol and its responses to heart beat rate change.Materials and Methods Thirty-two consecutive patients who planned to undergo TRO acute chest pain examination were enrolled and randomly divided into research group and control group. The conventional retrospective spiral scanning protocol was applied to the patients in the control group, while the high pitch prospective spiral scanning mode was used in the research group. CT value, noise level, SNR, CNR and radiation dosage in aorta and pulmonary arteries were recorded and compared between the two groups, and the image quality of the coronary arteries was scored subjectively.Results No significant difference was found in the aspects such as CT value, noise level, SNR, CNR radiation dosage in aorta and pulmonary arteries (P>0.05); however, the subjective scoring for coronary artery in the research group (85.5%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (93.9%) (χ2=8.33,P<0.05). Considering the influence of severe heart rate changes, we excluded those patients whose heart rate variance was more than 5 beats/min (control group:n=5; research group:n=4) and then compared the image quality of the two groups again. The subsequent results showed no difference (χ2=0.12,P>0.05). In addition, the radiation dosage in the control group was significantly higher than that in the research group [(20.8±6.2) mSvvs. (2.3±0.4) mSv;t=17.142,P<0.01].Conclusion DSCT high pitch prospective scanning in TRO protocol shows high success rate in examining patients with acute chest pain whose heart beat rate is lower than 80 beats/min and heart beat variance is less than 5 beats/min. The image quality has no difference with that derived from retrospective scan but with far more less radiation dose (2.3±0.4) mSv. This method thus is promising and can be widely promoted clinically.

Abstact: Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of endoscopic sphineter Oddi manometry (SOM) in patients with recurring abdominal pain and observe the value of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in treatment of patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD).MethodsClinical data of 30 patients with chronic abdominal pain after cholecystectomy who were suspected SOD from 2012 October to 2014 September were collected and retrospectively analyzed. These patients received SOM in ERCP examination and the observation of Oddi sphincter basal pressure, contraction amplitude, frequency and mode of transmission were carried out. The EST were carried out in patients with basal pressure of Oddi sphincter higher than 40.0 mmHg or higher than 30.0 mmHg, and the presence of serum amylase, lipase, ALT, AST, AKP increased more than 2 times of the normal value and (or) of common bile duct, pancreatic duct widening.ResultThe SOM of all the 30 patients were all abnormal. The basal pressure of Oddi sphincter, the contraction amplitude, the contraction frequency and the reverse shrinkage were (36.6 ± 21.1) mmHg, (210.6 ± 25.7) mmHg, (10.1 ± 3.1) times/min and (55.0 ± 8.0)%. All the patients were treated with EST, of which 27 cases (90.0%) received good results.Conclusion SOM is helpful in evaluation of Oddisphincter function, it is of great value in diagnosis of SOD. EST treatment obtained satisfactory effect in patients with elevated basal pressure of Oddi sphincter.

The intracellular trafficking and subcellular distribution of exogenous gene is very important for gene delivery. A successful gene vehicle should overcome various barriers including endosomal membrane barriers to delivery gene to the target organelle. Traditional nonviral vehicle is unable to avoid endosomal pathway efficiently, so the efficiency of gene delivery is low and the application of gene drugs is limited. In order to achieve efficient nonviral gene delivery, a lot of researches based on endosomal escape have been carried out and some agents with the function of endsomal escape have been found. These agents facilitate the endsomal escape via various mechanisms, such as fusion into the lipid bilayer of endosomes, pore formation in the endosomal membrane, proton sponge effect and photochemical methods to rupture the endosomal membrane. In this review, various reported strategies for endsomal escape are described according to the escape mechanisms, and their applications in intracellular gene delivery are also discussed.

Objective To discuss the clinical value of application of three-dimensional reconstruction technique of MSCT in examination of colonic tumours.Methods Thirty patients underwent scanning using helical CT and post-processing on the workstation.All CTC images were reconstructed using shaded surface display (SSD) on workstation.Perspestive images such as the ones from DCBE were generated via raysum.The images could clearly demonstrate the extent and detail of the disorder by adjusting the CT value threshold.These results and that of barium enema and colon endoscopy were compared.Results Thirty cases had completely clinical and pathological data.3D images could correctly reveal the macroscopic morphology of colon tract and location of lesions.The correctly diagnostic rate was 100％ by MSCT,while the diagnostic rate by CTVE and colon endoscopy was basicly identical.Conclusion With the utilization of multiple methods,3D reconstruction can effectively demonstrate colonic tumours,and can be applied routinely in examination of colonic tumours.

Objective To observe the effect of Ti-6AL-4V particles on morphological and func- tional changes of osteoclast in vitro.Methods Mature osteoclasts separated from New Zealand Rabbits were cultured on glass slices and cortical bone slices.The experimental group was stimulated by Ti-6AL- 4V particles at concentration of 0.1 mg/ml.The cells were stained with TRAP at different culture time to observe the morphological variety.The bone resorption pits on bone slices were stained by toluidine blue and the resorption areas analyzed by computer image analysis software.Results Osteoclasts phagocy- tosed the particles,with irregular shapes,deeper TRAP stain and earlier apoptosis.Stimulation by Ti- 6AL-4V particles brought about larger area of bone absorption lacuna.Conclusion Osteoclasts have the ability to phagocytose Ti-6AL-4V particles,which leads to morphological and functional changes and enhances bone resorption.

Tongue osteocartilaginous choristoma is the disease that there are well-developed bone and cartilage in the tongue. This article reported a case of tongue osteocartilaginous choristoma in the oral-cavity,which is rare.
Cartilage ; Choristoma ; Humans ; Tongue Diseases

The intracellular trafficking and subcellular distribution of exogenous gene is very important for gene delivery. A successful gene vehicle should overcome various barriers including endosomal membrane barriers to delivery gene to the target organelle. Traditional nonviral vehicle is unable to avoid endosomal pathway efficiently, so the efficiency of gene delivery is low and the application of gene drugs is limited. In order to achieve efficient nonviral gene delivery, a lot of researches based on endosomal escape have been carried out and some agents with the function of endsomal escape have been found. These agents facilitate the endsomal escape via various mechanisms, such as fusion into the lipid bilayer of endosomes, pore formation in the endosomal membrane, proton sponge effect and photochemical methods to rupture the endosomal membrane. In this review, various reported strategies for endsomal escape are described according to the escape mechanisms, and their applications in intracellular gene delivery are also discussed.
Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Endosomes ; metabolism ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans

In traditional oral practice, the presystemic interactions with gut microbiota is an important mechanism underlying the holistic health benefits of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), making the study of CHMs distinct from the research of Western medicines of which the systemic exposure (level in blood) is the starting point and the core. Gut microbial metabolism complements host metabolism in maintaining metabolic homeostasis of many biologically important endogenous molecules and the disposition of numerous exogenous compounds. Among them, the widely distributed gut bacterial β-glucuronidases (BGUSs) coordinate with host UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) to play a role in the occurrence and intervention of diseases by affecting the glucuronidation homeostasis and altering the intestinal local and/or systemic exposure of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. On one hand, many ingredients of CHMs undergo enterohepatic circulation; On the other hand, CHMs can act on BGUSs directly or indirectly change the distribution and function of BGUSs through reprogramming gut microbiome. The multiple interactions between BGUSs and CHMs may play an important role in the overall therapeutic benefits of CHMs. This work firstly summarizes the latest research progress on BGUSs; then the physiological, pathological and pharmacological significance of BGUSs are exemplified with representative endogenous and exogenous compounds from the aspects of nutrient utilization, metabolic homeostasis, and therapeutic response based on the varied substrate spectra of BGUSs; finally, the scattered data in literature were integrated to summarize the multiple interactions between BGUSs and CHMs, highlighting the important role of BGUSs in the holistic actions of CHMs.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles on macrophages and evaluate the expression of NFAT2, a key transcriptional factor for osteoclast differentiation.

METHODSFrom November 2004 to February 2005, macrophages were co-cultured with UHMWPE particles. When observed at different times, the proliferation activity of macrophages was analyzed by MTT and the expression of calcineurin (CaN) and NFAT2 by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR method respectively.

RESULTSThe macrophages phagocytosed UHMWPE particles in an early time, the expression of CaN and NFAT2 was increased, while the proliferation activity was not enhanced.

CONCLUSIONSUHMWPE particles can stimulate macrophages to phagocytose significantly, and enhance the expression of the transcriptional factor NFAT2.

Animals ; In Vitro Techniques ; Joint Prosthesis ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; physiology ; Mice ; NFATC Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Phagocytosis ; drug effects ; Polyethylenes ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of Zaozhu Yinchen Recipe (ZZYCR) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, and to explore its effect on serum free fatty acid (FFA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

METHODSTotally 120 patients with NASH were randomly assigned to the treatment group (60 cases, treated with ZZYCR, one dose per day) and the control group (60 cases, treated with Silibin Meglumine Tablets, 20 mg each time, thrice per day). The therapeutic course for all was 24 weeks. Serum levels of ALT and AST activities, TC and TG levels were detected before and after treatment. Peritoneal CT was performed in all patients, and CT ratios of liver and spleen calculated. NAFLD activity score (NAS) and degree of hepatic fibrosis were assessed using pathological examinations of liver tissue, and efficacy also evaluated. Serum contents of FFA and TNF-alpha were also detected.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment in the same group, activities of ALT and AST, serum levels of TC, TG, FFA, and TNF-alpha, NAS, scores of symptoms and signs all obviously decreased, degree of hepatic fibrosis was obviously improved in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). These changes were more obviously seen in the treatment group (P < 0.05). After 24-week treatment, the total effective rate and total clinical efficacy were 80.00% (48/60 cases) and 85.00% (51/60 cases) in the treatment group, obviously higher than those in the control group [60.00% (36/60 cases) and 73.33% (44/60 cases) respectively], with significant difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONZZYCR could improve the clinical efficacy of NASH patients, and its mechanism might be associated with inhibiting serum levels of FFA and TNF-alpha.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ; blood ; Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; drug therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood