Objective To evaluate the impact of maintenance hemodialysis(MHD) on left ventricular(LV) strains via layer-specific speckle-tracking imaging (LSTI).Methods Twenty-eight MHD patients and 28 matched controls were enrolled in the study.Conventional echocardiography and LSTI were performed on patients before and shortly after one hemodialysis session,as well as on controls.Results LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) were markedly reduced after one session of HD [(52.3±22.4)ml/m2 vs (55.0±15.3)ml/m2,P=0.033],but still larger than the control group (47.4±6.4) ml/m2.LV ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased in MHD patients after HD [(62.5±8.1)% vs (64.6±7.3)%,P=0.06],which was similar to those in the control group (66.0±4.2)% and in MHD patient before HD (P=0.391).The three layer circumferential and longitudinal strains decreased in the order of the control group,patients before HD and after HD [CS-endo:(-26.3±3.6)% vs (-22.2±4.7)% vs (-19.2±5.4)%;CS-mid:(-19.0±2.7)% vs (-15.3±3.5)% vs (-13.0±3.8)%;CS-epi:(-11.1±2.3)% vs (-8.0±2.6)% vs (-6.5±2.3)%;LS-endo:(-23.7±3.0)% vs (-18.6±3.6)% vs (-16.4±4.5)%;LS-mid:(-20.9±2.7)% vs (-16.3±3.1)% vs (-14.0±4.1)%;LS-epi:(-18.4±2.4)% vs (-14.1±2.8)% vs (-12.0±3.6)%;all P<0.01],while the synchrony index,standard deviation of times to peak longitudinal strain,increased in these three groups [(3.6±1.0)% vs (6.3±1.5)% vs (7.5±2.2)%,all P<0.01].Linear correlation analysis showed ultrafiltration volume was negatively related with the difference of longitudinal strains before and after HD (difference of LS-endo:r=-0.428,P=0.023;difference of LS-mid:r=-0.423,P=0.025;difference of LS-epi:r=-0.422,P=0.025).Conclusions One session of HD may have injurious effects on LV strains and systolic synchrony.The reduction of ultrafiltration volumes may be helpful to protect cardiomyocytes.

Objective To investigate the alternation of right ventricular volume and systolic function in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation under percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation(PPVI) by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE).Methods Ten patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation were enrolled.The 2D echocardiography images and real-time 3D full volume images on apical four-chamber view on a Philips IE33 system were acquired before PPVI and at 3 days,1 month,3months and 6 months after PPVI.Right ventricular end diastolic volume (EDV),end systolic volume(ESV),stroke volume (SV),ejection fraction(EF),fractional area change(FAC),tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE),right ventricular longitudinal strain-free wall(RVLSf) and right ventricular longitudinal strainseptum(RVLSs) were analysed using off-line TomTec software,the differences among the five groups were compared,and correlation analysis was made between the CMR and RT-3DE measurements.Results The level of pulmonary regurgitation had decreased or disappeared after PPVI.Compared with the preoperation,EDV,ESV at 3 days,1 month,3months and 6 months after operation had decreased significantly.EF,FAC,TAPSE,RVLS had increased significantly(all P ＜0.05).There were close correlation in EDV,ESV,EF between RT-3DE and CMR(pre-operation r =0.811,0.817,0.807,post-operation r =0.735,0.834,0.800,all P ＜0.055).Conclusions RV volume notably decreases while RV systolic function remarkably improves.The RT-3DE is a helpful technology in the evaluation of right ventricular volume and systolic function in patients after PPVI.

Objective To evaluate the value of ice-compression therapy in mice skeletal muscle after acute crush injuries and correlate treatment effect with different compression time by MR DTI. Methods Forty Weistar mice were randomly divided into 4 groups by random number table method: control group (A), 5 min compression time group( B), 15 min compression time group(C) and 30 min compression time group(D). Diffusion tensor imaging examinations were performed before, immediately after, 24, 48 and 72 hours after injuries. ADC and FA values were calculated by fiber tracking tool. The morphological changes were confirmed by histopathology, and immunohistochemical methods were used for the assessment of Desmin expression with mean of A value. Statistical analysis by LSD-t test and Spearman rank correlation.Results (1) For every group before injuries, ADC valueswere (1.38±0.04) ×10-3,(1.38±0.08) ×10-3, ( 1.34 ± 0. 05 ) × 10 -3, ( 1.36 ± 0. 09 ) × 10 -3 mm2/s respectively, FA value were 0. 46 ± 0. 05,0. 45 ±0. 03,0. 45 ± 0. 05,0. 48 ± 0. 04 respectively. ADC values increased significantly and FA values reduced in each group immediately after injuries compared with pre-injury values. ADC values were ( 1.84 ±0. 10) × 10-3, ( 1.79 ±0. 09) × 10-3, ( 1.55 ±0. 07) × 10-3, ( 1.57 ±0. 04) × 10 -3mm2/s respectively,FA value were 0. 21 ±0. 04, 0. 26 ±0. 03, 0. 31 ±0. 02, 0. 30 ±0. 04 respectively. ADC values were still higher and FA values lower than pre-injury values at 24 hours after injury in A, B groups. ADC values were (1.54±0.13) ×10-3, (1.57±0.13) × 10-3mm2/s, FA value were 0.25 ±0.03, 0.26±0.02. (2)DTT showed fibers distorted and the number of fiber bundles reduced, some separation and displacement in each group immediately after injury. C, D groups improved more than A, B groups over time. (3) The disorder arrangement of skeletal muscle cells with edema and filaments separation were found in HE staining after injury, but the degree mitigated in C, D groups. Desmin staining became lighter with fuzzy edge immediately and 24 hours after injury, and changed more than 72 hours after injury. (4) The correlation coefficients of ADC, FA values and A value were respectively - 0. 789 and 0. 763 ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusions DTI can non-invasively reflect the pathological changes after acute crush injuries of muscles of mice and ice compression therapy. It is a useful method to guide ice compression treatment after acute crush injuries.

Objective To prepare specific polyclonal antibodies to outer membrane protein (Opr) D_2 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA),and explore the relationship between loss of OprD_2 and imipenem resistance.Methods The genomic DNA of PA was ex- tracted with phenol:chloroform.OprD_2 coding gene was amplified by PCR and prokaryotic expression vector pRSET-OprD_2 was constructed.OprD_2 protein was expressed by IPTG induction in E.coli BL21(DE3),and purified with SDS-PAGE.The new protein band was recovered and used as antigens to subcutaneously immunize two New Zealand rabbits to prepare poly- clonal antibody.The specificity of the antibody was determined by Western blot.The expression of OprD_2 in 32 clinical isolates of PA was detected with the prepared polyclonal antibody by Western blot.Results The vector pRSET-OprD_2 has been success- fully expressed in E.coli BL21 (DE3).The polyclonal anti-OprD_2 antibody with high specificity has been successfully pre- pared.Present results show that of the 27 imipenem-resistant PA clinical isolates,OprD2 protein was low-expressed in 5 iso- lates (18.5%) and normally expressed in 2 isolates (7.4%) but not expressed in 20 isolates (74.1%).Conclusions The loss or low-expression of OprD_2 is one of the essential mechanisms accounting for imipenem resistance in clinical isolates of PA.

ObjectiveTo characterize the neural progenitor cell in the human amnion mesenchyme and epithelial layer with specific mark proteins of neural stem cell.MethodsExpressions of specific mark proteins of neural stem cell including nestin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), musashi-1, vimentin and PSA-NCAM in human amnion tissue and cultured amniotic cells were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsExpressions of pluripotent neural stem cell specific makers (nestin, musashi-1, vimentin and PSA-NCAM) were detected in the human amnion mesenchyme and epithelial layer. In addition, cultured amniotic cells were expressed several neural stem cell specific markers including nestin, GFAP and PSA-NCAM. Nestin+ and GFAP+ double positive cells were identified in the human amnion tissue and cultured amniotic cells by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.ConclusionSpecific mark proteins of neural stem cell are expressed in human amnion tissue and cultured amniotic cells.

Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion pretreatment on the protein expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and activated protein-1 (AP-1), the key factors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling transduction pathway in gastric tissue of rats with stress-induced gastric mucosal damage, and to discuss the mechanisms of moxibustion therapy in promoting the restoration of damaged gastric mucosa.
Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, and a moxibustion group using the random digits table, 10 in each group. Except the rats in the normal group, rats in the other two groups were used to make stress-induced gastric mucosal damage model using restraint and cold stress. Before modeling, rats in the moxibustion group were alternately treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12), or Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21), once a day, for a total of 8 d. Histological changes of gastric mucosa were observed under the light microscopy, the expression of gastric tissue p-ERK1/2 was detected by immunohistochemistry assay, and the protein levels of EGFR and AP-1 were measured by Western blots.
Results: Compared with rats in the normal group, gastric mucosal damage was more serious, and protein expressions of gastric tissue EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 increased in the model group (P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.05). Compared with rats in the model group, gastric mucosal damage was milder, and protein expressions of gastric tissue EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 increased in the moxibustion group (allP<0.01).
Conclusion:Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) couldincrease EGFR, p-ERK1/2 and AP-1 expression levels in gastric tissue of stress-induced gastric mucosal damage rats, maintain the information transfer function of ERK signaling transduction pathway, and promote restoration of gastric mucosal damage.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of a modified technique for repairing secondary defect of unilateral cleft lip.

METHODSThe incision line was designed along the oral-nasal contour line. The lateral crus of nasal alar were rotated and repositioned in order to reconstruct the nasal sill and base. V-Y plasty was performed with a muco-cartilage flap inside the nasal cavity to reset the alar cartilage backwards and correct the nasal deformity.

RESULTSSatisfactory results were achieved in all 69 patients with this modified technique. The post-operative scar was inconspicuous.

CONCLUSIONSThis modified technique with advantages of contour line incision and alar cartilage backward re-reposition is a good option for the repair of secondary defect of unilateral cleft lip.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cleft Lip ; complications ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Lip ; abnormalities ; Male ; Nose ; abnormalities ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Young Adult

AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of allicin on apoptosis and caspase-12 activation of macro-phage-derived foam cells,and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS:RAW264.7 macrophages were pretreated with allicin (12.5,25 and 50 mg/L) or 4-phenylbutyric acid(PBA,4 mmol/L) for 1 h and then treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL,100 mg/L) or tunicamycin(TM,4 mg/L) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining,respectively. The activities of caspase-3 in the cells and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) in the medium were measured. The protein levels of caspase-12 were determined by Western blot. The intracellular lipid accumulation was measured with oil red O staining and the content of intracellular total cholesterol was determined by enzymatic colorimetry. RESULTS:Similar to the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) inhibitor PBA, allicin inhibited ox-LDL-induced injury of RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-de-pendent manner,as determined by the increased cell viability and the decreased LDH leakage,apoptosis and caspase-3 ac-tivity. The decrease in cell viability and increases in LDH leakage and apoptosis induced by TM (an ERS inducer) were also suppressed by allicin. Moreover, similar to PBA, allicin remarkably inhibited ox-LDL- or TM-induced activation of caspase-12. Furthermore, allicin remarkably attenuated ox-LDL-induced lipid accumulation in the RAW264.7 cells and foam cells formation in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION:Allicin may inhibit macrophage-derived foam cell apoptosis induced by ox-LDL,and the mechanism is partially related to suppressing the activation of caspase-12.

AIMTo study the erosion behaviour during dissolution of matrices using different molecular weight polyethylene oxide (PEO) as hydrophilic polymer.

METHODSPEO hydrophilic matrix tablets with no added drug and excipients were prepared by direct compression method. The erosion rates of matrices comprised of pure or blending PEO polymers were evaluated in distilled water at (37 +/- 0.5) degrees C with rotating rate of 50 r x min(-1). The relationship between PEO molecular weight and erosion rate of matrices was investigated by experimental and mathematical model methods.

RESULTSThe gravimetric erosion experimental results indicated that the power-law relationship which relates the polymer erosion rate and weight average molecular weight: k infinity (M(w)) -1.30 4 was proved to have great potential utility in predicting the degree of polymer erosion of matrices comprised of either intermediate molecular weight (97. 98 x 10(4) - 553. 36 x 10(4)) or blends of lower and higher molecular weight polymers. Based on the semiempirical equation for mass transfer rate: Jp = (fp < Dp > (2/3) v (-1/6) omega (1/2)) C(p,dis), a theoretical mathematic model was developed for describing the relationship between PEO erosion rate and PEO weight average molecular weight: Jp infinity M(-1.241), where the exponent of -1. 241 was very close to the exponent of - 1. 130 4 obtained from practical determination.

CONCLUSIONPEO was proved to be a good candidate of hydrophilic polymer and appeared to have great potential for controlled release applications. The mathematic model presented together with the utilization of the erosion behaviour discussed in our study could provide a guide line to predict the degree of polymer erosion for other intermediate polymer grades and / or mixture of the polymers utilized in this study, which could play an active role in designing PEO hydrophilic sustained delivery systems.

Delayed-Action Preparations ; chemistry ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Drug Stability ; Excipients ; chemistry ; Molecular Weight ; Polyethylene Glycols ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Polymers ; Solubility ; Tablets ; Water

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2L disease causing gene K141N mutation in heat shock protein B8 gene (HSPB8) on cell viability.

METHODSBy using liposome transfection technique, (wt)HSPB8, (K141N)HSPB8 eukaryotic expression vector and green fluorescent protein (GFP) vector were transfected into SHSY-5Y cell, respectively. Twenty-four hours later, the cells were treated with 44 degree centigrade lethal heat shock for 40 minutes. The relative viability of SHSY-5Y cells in each group was tested by using tetrazole blue colorimetric method (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, MTT).

RESULTSThere were significant differences among the light absorption value of GFP, pEGFP-(wt)HSPB8 and pEGFP-(K141N)HSPB8 transfected groups after heat shock (P<0.05), indicating that the relative viability of cells overexpressed with (wt)HSPB8 and (K141N)HSPB8 was different from that of control cells. The viability of cells overexpressing (wt)HSPB8 was highest, followed by cells overexpressed with (K141N)HSPB8. The viability of cells tranfected with GFP only was the lowest.

CONCLUSIONHSPB8 may play an important role in the protection of cells under lethal heat shock treatment, and the K141N mutation can impair the protective effect.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; genetics ; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Mutation ; genetics ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism