Objective To investigate the value of MR imaging in detecting occult fractures. Methods Sixteen cases with acute trauma were studied using radiography and MR imaging, three cases also underwent CT examinations. Three fractures occurred in the femur condyle, 8 in the proximal tibia and 5 in the thoracolumbar spine. Results All sixteen cases had normal radiographic results. In 11 cases with femur condyle and tibia occult fracture, MR imaging demonstrated linear low signal in the subcortical region in 3 cases and irregular low signal from articular faces to shaft in 8 cases on both T 1WI and T 2WI, and high signal changes around low signal were seen on T 2WI, and the width of low signal was less than 4 mm on both T 1WI and T 2WI. The high signal in T 1 weighted-Fat saturated sequence was more remarkable and wider than that on T 2WI. 3 cases with CT scanning showed no fracture signs. In five cases with thoracolumbar vertebral occlut fractures, MR imaging demonstrated horizontal linear low signal in the center of vertebra on both T 1WI and T 2WI, and high signal changes around low signal were seen on T 2WI. Conclusions MR imaging could early determine the diagnosis of occult fractures. MRI should be the next examination of choice when plain films fail to reveal suspected fractures in the setting of suggestive symptoms and positive physical examination.

The major immunogenic proteins (Ems,E2 and NS3) of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) (Shimen strain) were expressed in E.coli and purified by affinity chromatography.The recombinant antigens were applied to develop multiple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of specific antibodies in pig sera.Optimum cut-off values were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis after testing 201 sera of vaccinated pigs and 64 negative sera of unvaccinated piglets.The multiple ELISAs were validated with 265 pig sera yielding high sensitivity and specificity in comparison with the virus neutralization results.The results demonstrated that multiple ELISAs can be a valuable tool for the detection of CSFV infection and serological surveys in CSFV-free countries or for the evaluation of the antibody responses in pigs induced by a live attenuated C-strain vaccination.

Objectiye To measure longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2 ) relaxation time of metabolites in m. soleus (SOL) and m. tibialis anterior TA of healthy volunteers at 3.0 T through 1H-MRS and optimize measurement protocols. Methods Altogether 24 healthy volunteers were recruited in the study. All subjects signed a letter of informed consent. After divided into 2 groups randomly by the table of random number, 1H-MRS measurements with stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequence were undertaken in SOL and TA separately. Progressive saturation method was used for T1 measurement. Spectra with 8 different TRs (770,900,1000, 1100,1200,1500,2000 and 3000ms ) were acquired with TE=20 ms.T2 time was measured by changing TE. Altogether 8 TEs (20,30,45,60,90,135,200 and 270 ms) were used with TR = 3000 ms. Metabolites' concentration was calculated through T1 and T2 correction using water as internal reference. The t test was used for statisties. Results Altogether 22 groups of data were gained ( 12 for SOL, 10 for TA ) . T1 value of water, Creatine-CH3 ( Cr3 ), Trimethyl amonium ( TMA ),extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) in SOL were ( 1384. 0 ± 36. 9 ),( 1064. 0 ± 167.0), (964. 2 ± 144. 0 ), ( 373.0 ± 46. 8 ), ( 374. 7 ± 20. 6) ms respectively and T2 value were (26.5 ±1.2), (100.2±19.3), (149. 1 ±32.7), (81.4±5.2), (84.7±4.2) ms. InTA T1 value of water, Cr3, TMA, EMCL, and IMCL were ( 1307. 0 ± 24.4), (945.7 ± 132. 0), (968.3 ± 127. 0),(372. 7 ± 39. 2), (412. 8 ±80. 2) ms respectively and T2 value were (27. 1 ± 0. 9), (135.3 ± 18. 2 ),(62.1 ± 6. 0), ( 84. 3 ± 4. 0 ), ( 90. 7 ± 3.2 ) ms. After corrected by the calculated relaxation times, the concentrations of Cr3 in SOL and TA were (33. 1 ± 3.7) and (31.7 ± 3. 1 ) mmol/kg respectively, TMA (35.2±3.2) and (32.9 ±5.2) mmol/kg, EMCL (12.2 ±5.0) and (8.9 ±4.9) mmol/kg, IMCL (9. 0 ± 2. 4) and (3.0 ± 0. 8 ) mmoL/kg. IMCL in TA was much lower than SOL with statistical significant ( t = 8. 044, P < 0. 01 ), the difference between other metabolites were not statistically significant( t = 0. 926,1. 264, 1. 542, P > 0. 05 ) . Conclusions Accurate relaxation time was measured at 3.0 T of the metabolites in skeletal muscles of healthy adult human. After corrected by the relaxation times, the absolute concentrations calculated were consistent with the reported results. Quantitative knowledge of muscle NMR relaxation time was a prerequisite for absolute quantification of metabolites using the 1H-MRS and also was useful for optimizing measurement protocols.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for depression and to discuss its impact on the content of 5-HT in patients with depression.

METHODSEighty patients with depression were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a western medication group,40 cases in each one. Acupuncture was applied in the acupuncture group,Siman(KI 14),Shenshu(BL 23),Guanyuan(CV 4),Dazhui(GV 14),Yinlingquan(SP 9), Zusanli(ST 36),Taichong(LR 3),Yanglingquan(GB 34) and Jingming(BL 1) were selected, the intensive moxibustion was applied at G(uanyuan(CV 4). Fluoxetine was treated with oral administration in the western medication group. The treatments of six weeks were required in each group. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) was applied to evaluate efficacy and serum 5-HT was detected before and after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment,the scores of HAMD were decreased obviously in the two groups compared with those before treatment (scores in the acupuncture group: 24. 48 ± 0. 28 vs 8. 95 ± 2. 24; scores in the western medication group: 24. 14±0. 24 vs 10. 29±1. 30),and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0. 05). Between the two groups,the scores of HAMD in the acupuncture group at the end of the lst,2nd,4th,6th weeks were superior to those in the western medication group (all P<0. 05). The content of serum 5-HT after treatment was increased markedly compared with that before treatment [the content in the acupuncture group: (26. 21 2. 36)pg/mL vs (52. 07 ± 0. 56)pg/mL, the content in the western medication group:(26. 26±2. 31)pg/mL vs (51. 70±0. 52)pg/ mL, both P<0. 05]. But there was no statistic significance between the two groups(P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe efficacy of acupuncture for depression is superior to that of western medication with fluoxetine.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Depression ; blood ; therapy ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Serotonin ; blood ; Young Adult

This study is to explore the activation of the Ca2+/CaM/CaN signal pathway in 5-HT-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and the inhibitory effect of m-nisoldipine (m-Nis) on this pathway. PASMCs were cultured with the explant technique. The proliferation of PASMCs was evaluated by MTT assay. Confocal microscopy was used to measure the change of [Ca2+]i. The mRNA expression of CaM and CaN was evaluated by RT-PCR and the activity of CaN was measured according to the instruction of kits. The results of MTT assay suggested that 5-HT (1 micromol x L(-1)) significantly induced the proliferation of rat PASMCs (P < 0.01), which was inhibited obviously by m-Nis (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Similarly, m-Nis inhibited 5-HT-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of CaM, CaN and the activation of CaN were also inhibited by m-Nis at different degrees (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Thus, the results of this study suggested that Ca2+/CaM/CaN signal pathway played an important role in 5-HT-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs, the inhibition of m-Nis on proliferation of rat PASMCs may be related to the blockage of Ca2+/CaM/CaN signal pathway by inhibiting the elevation of [Ca2+]i.

Aim To explore the effect of m-Nisoldipine(m-Nis) on 5-HT-induced proliferation,migration of rat PASMCs and to study the mechanisms.Methods PASMCs were cultured with the explant technique,and were divided into 6 groups:control group,5-HT(1 μmol·L~(-1)) group and m-Nis(10~(-5),10~(-6),10~(-7),10~(-8) mol·L~(-1))group.MTT assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of PASMCs,and transwell chambers were used to detect the migration of PASMCs.In addition,the expression of PCNA and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were evaluated by Western blot analysis.Results m-Nis inhibited the proliferation(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and migration(P<0.01)of rat PASMCs induced by 5-HT obviously.Similarly,Western blot analysis of PCNA indicated that the expression of PCNA was significantly higher in 5-HT group than that in control group(P<0.01).Whereas,in four m-Nis treated groups,the level of PCNA was markedly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Meanwhile,m-Nis 10~(-5),10~(-6) and 10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) pretreatment also reduced 5-HT-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 obviously(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion m-Nis inhibits 5-HT-induced proliferation and migration of rat PASMCs obviously,which may be related to the inhibition of PCNA expression and the blockage of ERK1/2/MAPK signal pathway.

Objective To evaluate the impact of vagal denervation (VD) that is derived from circumferential ablation of pulmonary vein ostium for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) on the therapeutic results. Methods A total of 50 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this study. Circumferential ablation of pulmonary vein ostium was carried out in all the patients. The end point of ablation was pulmonary vein electricity isolation. The patients in whom VD occurred during the performance of ablation were regarded as VD- positive group (n = 19), and the remaining patients were used as VD- negative group (n = 31). The recurrence rate of AF six months after the treatment was recorded, and the results were compared between the two groups. Results The end point of ablation was successfully achieved in all the fifty cases. Six months after the ablation, the therapeutic effect of VD- positive group was significantly better than that of VD- negative group (84.21% vs 64.51%, P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The vagal denervation effect that is derived from circumferential ablation of pulmonary vein ostium in treating AF can significantly increase the success rate of radiofrequency ablation for AF.

Objective To investigate the findings and prognosis of head MRI and brain parenchymal lesions in patients with intracranial venous sinus thrombosis. Methods The clinical manifestations and imaging data of 41 patients with intracranial venous sinus thrombosis were analyzed retrospectively. According to the head MRI,the patients were divided into a brain parenchymal lesion positive group (n = 21)and a negative group (n =20). The clinical manifestations and the difference of the affected venous sinus in patients of both groups were analyzed. Results The proportion of dehydration,epilepsy,motor disorders,and psychiatric symptoms in the positive group were 28.6% (n =6)vs. 0% (n =0),57. 1% (n =12)vs. 15. 0%(n = 3),47. 6% (n = 10)vs. 5. 0% (n = 1),and 33. 3% (n = 7)vs. 5. 0% (n = 1),respectively. There were significant differences (all P < 0. 05). The proportion of the occurrence of superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in the positive group was lower than that in the negative group (47. 6% [n = 10]vs. 80. 0%[n = 16];P = 0. 031). At discharge,the proportion of complete recovery (modified Rankin score 0 -1)in the positive group was lower than that in the negative group (71. 4% [n = 15]vs. 100% [n = 20];P =0. 032). Conclusion Compare with the clinical symptoms of the positive patients,the patients with intracranial venous sinus thrombosis and those with negative brain parenchymal lesions are relatively minor,their prognoses are better,and the thrombi are more involved in superior sagittal sinus.

Objective To investigate the MRI features of children's joint tuberculosis of the appendicular skeleton, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of MR imaging. Methods Sixteen consecutive patients confirmed clinically and pathologically were examined with SE-T1WI, FSE-T2WI, FSE-PDWI and PD-SPIR in Philips Achieva 3.0T superconduct MR scanner. Axial, sagital and coronal images were obtained. Articular structure was all analyzed based on the affected parts and features of MRI. Results Hip joint and knee joint were most likely to suffer (each 25.00%). Metaphysis was affected in 13 patients with long signal intensity on T1WI and long signal intensity on T2WI. The changes of articular cartilage presented as abnormality of signal intensity in 6 patients with focal high signal intensity on T2WI. Thirteen patients presented as joint effusion. Synovial thickening in 4 patients showed moderate homogeneous signal on T1WI and slightly lower signal on T2WI. Articular soft tissue was involved in 16 patients, including the formation of cold abscess in 2 and cellulitis in 1 patient, showing long signal intensity on T1WI and long signal intensity on T2WI. Conclusion MRI has the advantage of being able to detect early abnormalities of bone marrow, cartilage damage and to evaluate joint effusion, synovial thickening and soft tissue lesions.

Objective:To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy( 1HMRS)in the study of normal biochemical process of the brain as well as differentiation of normal senile brain from cerebral diseases related to senility.Methods:180 cases of healthy adults were selected to perform MR examination,in which,none of the subjects had the history of neurological and psychotic diseases according to MRI and clinical results.Meanwhile,60 healthy subjects were selected to perform 1 HMRS examination.The ages ranged from 18 to 80 years.They were divided into six age groups purposely.Point resolved spectroscopy sequence was required for 1 HMRS.The metabolites in the spectra included:N-acetylaspartate(NAA),choline compounds(CHO),creatine compounds(CR),myo-inosito(MI),glutamate and glutamine(Glu-n).Results:(1)In 180 cases of MRI,T 2 relation time was lowest in the deep gray matter in the same age group;T 1relation time was in low-high order,while T 2 relation time was decreased with the increase of age in the different age group.(2)The amplitudes in high-to-low order were as follows in 60 cases of 1 HMRS:NAA、CR、CHO、MI、Glu-n.No prominent difference of shape and peak arrangement was seen at the different ipsilateral site in the same age groups;while slight difference at the same site in the different age groups was present.The ratio of NAA/Cr and Glu-n CR was higher in senile age group;while that of MI/Cr was lower.The ratio of CHO/CR was in low-to high order with the difference of age.The ratio of NAA/CR and MI/CR was gradually lower from anterior to posterior part of the brain;the ratio of CHO/CR was highest in occipital cortex however,no definite changing rule was observed in the ration of Glu-n/CR.Correlation of T 1 relation time and partial metabolite ratio with age was present in gray matter.Conclusion:Quantitative study of MRI and 1 HMRS is essential for determination of normal myelinization and neuronal integrity and age-related biochemical changes in the brain.