Objective To explore the effect of the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/C-sis on fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in rats.Methods 48 h after recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/C-sis being imported into rat liver by using the method of fluid mechanics,FHF in rats was induced by endotoxin (LPS)+D-galactosamine (D-GaIN).With fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting,C-sis expression was tested.The apoptosis of rat liver was detected by using HE staining and measuring Caspase-3 activity.The expression changes of Bcl-2 and Bax were examined through using Western blotting.The mortality rate of rats was calculated during 24 h observation period.Resnlts Compared with the normal control group and FHF+ empty plasmid group,C-sis mRNA and protein expression levels were increased significantly in the FHF+C-sis plasmid group,there were statistically significant differences (P＜0.01).Compared with the normal control group,the apoptotic hepatocytes were increased in the FHF + Ringer's solution injection group and FHF+ empty plasmid group;compared with FHF+ empty plasmid group,the apoptotic hepatocytes in the FHF+C-sis plasmid group were decreased.Compared with the normal control group,Caspase-3 expression level was increased in the FHF+ Ringer's solution injection group (P＜0.01);compared with the FHF+ empty plasmid group,Caspase-3 expression level in the FHF+C-sis plasmid group was decreased (P＜0.05).Compared with the normal control group,Bcl-2 expression level was decreased significantly (P＜0.01),and Bax expression level was increased significantly (P＜0.01) in the FHF+Ringer's solution injection group;compared with the FHF+ empty plasmid group,the Bcl-2 expression level was increased (P＜0.05),and Bax expression was decreased (P＜0.05)in the FHF+C-sis plasmid group.During the 24 h observation period,all rats in the normal control group were alive;the mortality rates of the FHF+ Ringer's solution injection group and FHF+ empty plasmid group were 70.0％ and 80.0％ respectively,while that of the FHF+C-sis plasmid group was only 20.0％.Conclusion C-sis gene could inhibit FHF in rats induced by LPS+D-GalN.

Objective To investigate the killing effect and molecular mechanism of different doses of ~(125)I seed interstitial brachytherapy for human hepatoma HepG2 cells in nude mice transplanted tumor.Methods Twenty nude mice bearing human hepatoma HepG2 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups (each n=5) and given ~(125)I seed interstitial brachytherapy at different doses including 18.5 MBq ~(125)I,29.6 MBq ~(125)I,37.0 MBq ~(125)I and 0 (the control group) ,respectively.~(125)I seeds were percutaneously implanted into tumors,each mouse with 1 ~(125)I seed implanted.Twenty-eight days later,nude mice were sacrificed and routine pathological examination was performed,.The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected with immunohistochemical methods.Results Pathological examination showed serious coagulation necrosis of tumor cells surrounded by extensive fibrosis in all treatment groups,whereas rich tumor cells with proliferative growth were observqed in the control group.Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of Bax in all treatment group were higher than that in the control group.the expression of which was up-regulated with increasing doses of ~(125)I seed.The expression of Bcl-2 and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in all treatment groups were lower than those in the control group.the expression of which was down-regulated with increasing doses of ~(125)I seed.The expression of Bcl-2.Bax and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax among treatment groups and control group had statistical difference (P＜9.05) ,so as the difference among treatment groups (P＜0.05) .Conclusion ~(125)I seed interstitial brachytherapy induces apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells by reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and thereby inhibits the growth of tumor in nude mice,and the extent positively correlates with dosage in a certain range.

Objective Retrospectively evaluate the effect of Z-axis tube-current modulation technique with desired noise level to improve image quality (image noise level) and decrease radiation doses of MSCT (16-slice CT) in chest scanning. Methods Consecutive two hundred patients whose CT scan projection radiographs showed no significant abnormal were randomly divided into two groups by the examination order: Z-axis tube-current modulation (ZTCM) group (odd number, test group) and constant tube-current (CTC) group (even number, contrast group). The desired noise level of ZTCM group was 10HU and the machine automatically set the dynamic tube-current in scanning according to attenuated information of chest acquired in scan projection radiographs, the tubo-current of CTC group was set at 200mA, while the other scan parameters remained totally the same. The maximum tube-current value,CTDIvol, DLP and the tube-current of the slice at the maximum breast level of female patients were recorded respectively. The noise of image at upper lung, aorta arch, left atrium and bottom lung level were measured and compared. The qualities of Images were classified in three levels (excellent, good, poor) with double blind method. Results The mean value of maximum mA, CTDIvol, DLP and mA of the slice at the maximum breast level of ZTCM group were (178.5±125.6) mA, (10.5±3.8) mGy, (231.6±24.3)mGy/cm and (116.0±22.5) mA, those of CTC were 200.0 mA, 12.8 mGy, (274.7±18.4)mGy/cm and 200.0 mA, ZTCM group decreased by 10.8%, 19.9%, 15.7% and 42.0%,respectively, as compared with CTC group. The image quality at upper lung and bottom lung level in ZTCM group was improved significantly (P < 0.05) and the cases of excellent images in ZTCM group was significantly higher than that of CTC group (P < 0.05). Conclusion ZTCM technique not only contributes to more rational distribution of radiation doses but also realizes individuation, decreases the total radiation doses and improves image quality in chest CT scanning. It is valuable and promising in chest CT scan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Xiehuo Bushen Decoction (XHBSD), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, on the survival and differentiation of transplanted neural stem cells (NSCs) in brains of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage, and to explore the mechanism of Xiehuo Bushen formula in promoting the survival of transplanted NSCs. METHODS: NSCs separated from hippocampuses of neonatal SD rats were cultured. Sixty-five panel reactive antibody (PRA) positive SD rats were selected by lymphocytotoxicity methods. The PRA positive rats were made into intracerebral hemorrhagic model and divided into three groups: cerebral hemorrhage group (n=15), NSCs transplanted group (n=25) and XHBSD group (n=25). XHBSD was orally administered after 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-marked NSCs were transplanted in brains of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage in the XHBSD group. Rats in the other two groups were administered distilled water. The expressions of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNAs were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); the numbers of BrdU and 200 kD neurofilament (NF200) positive cells were detected by double-labeling immunofluorescence method. RESULTS: The expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was down-regulated significantly in the XHBSD group, but the expression of IL-4 mRNA was up-regulated significantly (P<0.05). The numbers of BrdU and NF200 positive cells were also increased remarkably in the XHBSD group. CONCLUSION: XHBSD can promote the survival and differentiation of transplanted NSCs, which may be related to inducing the expression of IL-4 mRNA and inhibiting the expression of IFN-gamma mRNA.

Objective To investigate the direct and indirect MRI manifestations of anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)tears and discuss its mechanism and diagnostic value.Methods The study involved 40 patients with ACL tears including 37 males and three females at age range of 16-49 years(mean age of 33 years).Arthroscopy and operation confirmed 28 patients at acute phase of ACL tears,12 at chronic phase of ACL tears,35 with complete ACL tears and five with partial ACL tears.All patients were examined on 1.5T Siemens MRI scanner,with SE,TSE or Medic sequence in multiple directions.The direct and indirect MRI manifestations of ACL tears were retrospectively and statistically analyzed by employing three experienced doctors.Results Among 28 patients with acute tears,the direct MRI signs included signal interruption or non-consecutive(86%),uneven signal(64%)and swelling and thickening ligament(36%).While in 12 patients with chronic teats,the MRI signs manifested swelling ligament(92%),signal interruption or non-consecutive(75%)and uneven signal(58%).The sign of thickening ligament was mainly seen at chronic phase of ACL tears(P ＜0.01).Of 35 patients with complete ACL tears,80% occurred in the middle part of ACL,with low incidence of upper and lower parts.All five patients with partial ACL tears occurred in the anteriomedialis bundle.The indirect MRI signs of ACL tears included 7-shaped deformity of posterior cruciate ligament(PCL)(34 patients,85%),meniscus exposure(26 patients)including 16 with lateral meniscus exposure(62%),bone injury(15 patients)including segond fracture(8 patients,53%),widened joint space(9 patients)including 78% at chronic phase,and tibia antelocation(23 patients,57%).Among 40 patients,37 patients were diagnosed correctly preoperatively,with accuracy rate of 92%.While three patients with partial ACL tears were missed diagnosis preoperatively,with inaccuracy rate of 8%.Conclusion ACL tear is relatively easy to identify preoperatively according to direct and indirect MRI signs in combination with trauma history.

Objective To explore a new scanning technique to reduce and avoid image artifacts of thoracoabdominal CT and improve image quality for patients who cannot raise their arms. Methods Sixty-one patients with arm-raising disability between March 2004 and May 2009 were enrolled in the study. Thirty-one cases before June 2007 were scanned with their arms beside their body (control group), 30 cases after June 2007 were scanned with their arms shifting to different imaging planes of the spine(study group), and another 30 patients who can raising their arms were taken as routine group. The images artifacts were blindly evaluated by 5-points scale (severe, less severe, moderate, minimum and no artifact) by 2 experienced CT technologists and one radiologist and compared between the three groups (χ~2 test). CT values and its noise of the liver with or without artifact of the three groups were measured and analyzed by one-way ANOVA test. Results In the control group, 11 cases had severe, 15 cases had less severe, 5 cases had moderate. In the study group, 6 cases had moderate, 15 cases had minimum, 9 cases had no artifact. In the routine group, 8 cases minimum and 22 cases had no artifact. Image quality was significantly improved in the study group compared to the conventional group where χ~2 = 95.32 and P <0.01. CT value and the noise of the liver without artifact were (54.5±3.0) HU and 10. 7±2.4 in the control group, (52.0±3.5) HU and 10.7±0.5 in the study group, (53.7±3.1) HU and 9.9±0.5 in the routine group, respectively. CT value and noise of the liver with artifact were (41.7±8.4) HU and 17.9±2.6 in control group, (53.1±6.9) HU and 11.0±0.7 in the study group, (54.1±2.4) HU and 9.9±0.5 in the routine group, respectively. The CT value and its noise variation with artifact were significantly higher in the control group than the study group and the control group, where F = 36.352,235. 848, respectively and P <0.01. Conclusion The image quality can be improved and the artifact can be minimized for the patients with arm-raising disability by shifting their arm position to the different imaging planes of the spine.

Objective To evaluate the prevalence and impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) in aged patients with Stanford type B aortic dissection(AD).Methods From January 2008 to December 2011,CAG was routinely performed before aortography and thoracic aortic repair(TEVAR) to determine the prevalence of concomitant CAD in 200 consecutive Stanford type B AD patients who were older than 50 years.All patients received 1 year follow-up.Adverse events were compared between patients with and without concomitant CAD.Data analysis by SPSS 17.0 statistical software,using Student t test,Chi-square test and Fisher exact test.Results CAG showed 53 patients (26.5％) had CAD.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male gender(OR =4.415,95％ CI:1.131-17.237,P =0.033) and age (OR =1.061,95％ CI:1.017-1.108,P =0.006) were independent predictors of Stanford type BAD coexisted with CAD.Age was also independent predictor of multi-vessel disease(MVD) and/or left main disease(LMD) (OR =1.096,95％ CI:1.009-1.191,P =0.023).At 30-day follow-up,there was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between patients with and without concomitant CAD.Patients with concomitant CAD showed higher incidence of myocardial infarction[3 (5.66％) vs.0(0),P =0.018] and stroke [4 (7.55 ％) vs.1 (0.68 ％),P =0.018].Conclusion The prevalence of CAD in aged patients with Stanford type BAD is relatively high.Concomitant CAD is associated with higher risk of cardio-cerebrovascular ischemic events while dose not increase the risk of adverse aorta related events.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors of the newborns who failed initial hearing screening by analysing the distortion production otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) results of 1021 newborns with potential risk factors of hearing loss. METHOD: All newborns, who were born in obstetrical department and admitted in the neonatal department of the Nanfang Hospital during June 2009 to January 2012 and underwent initial hearing screening, were included in this study. Their clinical data and DPOAE results were analyzed retrospectively in order to identify the risk factors for failure of initial hearing screening in infants; cases who failed the DPOAE test were followed up by telephone interviews. RESULT: (1) One hundred and thirty-seven cases (13.42%) of the 1021 newborns did not pass the hearing screening. 51 cases (5.00%) did not pass the test in both ears. Meanwhile, left ear in 47 cases (4.60%) and right ear in another 39 cases (3.82%) failed the test respectively. (2) Univariate analysis showed that 14 factors had significant influence on the hearing screening results, such as birth weight, small for gestational age, multiple pregnancy, gestational age, delivery mode, oligohydramnion, oxytocin, blood sugar level of newborn, Apgar scores at 1 min, exposed prenatally to glucocorticoid, maxillofacial deformity, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal asphyxia (P < 0.01). (3) Multivariate Logistic regression analysis suggested that birthweight less than 1500 g, multiple pregnancy, Apgar scores of 0-4 at 1 min, exposed prenatally to glucocorticoid and maxillofacial deformity were risk factors for failure of initial hearing screening (OR were 3.132, 1.808, 2.615, 1.827 and 12.174 respectively; 95% CI were 1.466-6.691, 1.120-2.917, 1.317-5.336, 1.130-2.953 and 1.986-74.632 respectively). (4) Results of telephone interviews revealed that Apgar scores of 0-4 at 1 min would be a risk factor of language development. CONCLUSION Birthweight less than 1500 g, multiple pregnancy, Apgar scores of 0-4 at 1 min, exposed prenatally to glucocorticoid and maxillofacial deformity are risk factors of failure of initial hearing screening among newborns with potential hearing loss. Monitoring of the hearing condition of the infants at risk should be strengthened.
Deafness ; diagnosis ; Female ; Hearing Disorders ; diagnosis ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Neonatal Screening ; Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo analyze the cause of atypical manifestation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in triple-phase spiral CT enhanced scan.

METHODSTriple-phase spiral CT scan was performed in 75 patients with HCC. The hepatic arterial phase (HAP), portal venous phase (PVP) and delayed phase (DP) images were started at 25 to 30 s, 65 to 70 s and 3 tp 5 min after injection of contrast medium. The contrast enhanced patterns of lesion were observed and analyzed.

RESULTSNinety-two lesions were found in 75 patients. Typical enhanced findings such as hyperdense in HAP and hypodense in PVP and DP was found in 60 of 92 lesions. Atypical enhanced findings were observed in the other 32 lesions. Fourteen of 32 atypical enhanced lesions were hyperdense in HAP and isodense in PVP, of which 8 were seen in liver cirrhosis and 3 in fatty liver. In DP, 10 were hypodense and 4 still isodense. Eight of the 32 lesions were hyperdense both in HAP and PVP, of which 6 were seen in fatty liver. In DP, 3 were isodense and 5 were hypodense. Six of 32 lesions were isodense in HAP which became hypodense in PVP and DP. Four of 32 lesions were all hypodense in HAP, PVP and DP.

CONCLUSIONMultiple atypical enhanced manifestations are present by triple-phase spiral CT scan in HCC. Pattern of blood supply, scanning technique and pathophysiologic status are usually the cause of these findings.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; diagnostic imaging ; Contrast Media ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed