Objective Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a common and serious arrhythmia. At present, there is no perfect method of treatment for this kind of arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to regenerate cardiac atrioventricular conduction by autologous transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and explore new methods for therapy of atrioventricular block. Methods Eleven Mongrel canines were randomized to MSCs transplantation (n=6) or control (n=5) group. The models of permanent and complete AVB in 11 canines were established by ablating His bundle with radiofrequency technique. At 4 weeks after AVB, bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest. MSCs were isolated and culture-expanded by means of gradient centrifugal and adherence to growth technique, and differentiated by 5-azacytidine in vitro. Differentiated MSCs (1ml, 1.5×107cells) labeled with BrdU were autotransplanted into His bundle area of canines by direct injection in the experimental group, and 1ml DMEM in the control group. At 1-12 weeks after operation,the effects of autologous MSCs transplantation on AVB models were evaluated by electrocardiogram, pathologic and immunohistochemical staining technique. Results Compared with the control group, there was a distinct improvement in atrioventricular conduction function in the experimental group. MSCs transplanted in His bundle were differentiated into analogous conduction system cells and endothelial cells in vivo, and established gap junction with host cardiomyocytes. Conclusions The committed-induced MSCs transplanted into His bundle area could differentiate into analogous conduction system cells and improve His conduction function in canine AVB models.

With more and more attention and investment on acupuncture scientific researches, considerable outcomes and achievements has been acquired, but the shortcoming of low transformation rate of acupuncture research achievements is gradually exposed. Nowadays there is no related report on this problem, so based on achievement translational research in other areas and practical situation of acupuncture, the existing problems and solutions are analyzed. As a result, the existing problems include (1) the research content is mainly basic research and clinical research but less acupuncture device research, leading to limited transformation efficiency; (2) the evaluation system and transformation pattern are still needed to be perfect. The solutions are (1) to properly evaluate the research achievements of acupuncture, (2) to advocate the concept and method of translational medicine, (3) to reform the policy and system, and (4) to establish valid platforms covering research, outcomes and transformation.
Acupuncture ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; manpower ; Biomedical Research ; Biotechnology ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; manpower ; China ; Humans ; Technology Transfer

To determining the postmortem interval (PMI) through quantitative analysis of the DNA degradation of cell nucleus in human brain and spleen by using image analysis technique (IAT). The brain and spleen tissues from 32 cadavers with known PMI were collected, subjected to cell smear every 1 h within the first 5-36 h after death, stained by Feulgen-Van's staining, Three indices reflecting DNA in brain cells (astrocytes) and splenic lymphocytes, including integral optical density (IOD), average optical density (AOD), average gray (AG) were measured by employing the mage analysis instrument. The results showed that IOD and AOD declined and AG increased with the prolongation of dead time within 5-36 h. A correlation between the PMI and gray parameters (IOD, AOD and AG) was identified and the corresponding regression equation was obtained. The parameters (IOD, AOD and AG) were proved to be effective quantitative indicators for accurate estimation of PMI within 5-36 h after death.
Cell Nucleus/*pathology ; DNA Degradation, Necrotic ; Forensic Pathology ; Liver/*pathology ; Postmortem Changes ; Spleen/*pathology ; Time Factors

Animals ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Culture Media ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; Respiratory System ; cytology ; Swine

BACKGROUND:Traditionally, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was used to evaluate exercise response of patients with asthma; however, patients obviously had panting after exercise, so FEV1 was affected commonly. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a new technique for measuring respiratory impedance that do not require maximal inspiration and forced expiration.OBJECTIVE: To study airway resistance with IOS before and after exercise in healthy and asthmatic patients and investigate the significance of exercise excitation and IOS assessment.DESIGN: Synchronically non-randomized case contrast study.SETTING: Department of Respiratory Medicine, East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 14 male patients with bronchial asthma who were regarded as the asthmatic group were selected from Department of Respiratory Medicine of Shanghai East Hospital from January to October 2006. They were in a clinical stationary phase. Another 14 male healthy subjects were selected as the control group and ages of all subjects ranged from 29 to 50 years. All subjects provided the confirmed consent.METHODS: IOS was used to measure basic value of respiratory resistance, and then subjects underwent exercise challenge. Nose of subjects was clipped breathing through mouth. Within 3-4 minutes, heart rate was increased to 90% and maintained for 6 minutes during challenge. Respiratory resistance was repeatedly measured at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after exercise, including airway hyperresponse (AHR), total respiratory resistance, central resistance, peripheral resistance and resonance frequency at 5, 20 and 35 Hz of pulse frequency, elasrtic resistance and inertia resistance (X5 and X35) at 5 and 10 Hz of pulse frequency. In addition, difference of AHR at 5 and 35 Hz was calculated, and change ratios of both Rcentral and Rperipheral were calculated as (highest value after exercise-baseline value)/baseline value × 100%.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Basic value of respiratory resistance by using IOS and exercise challenge test.RESULTS: All 14 patients with bronchial asthma and 14 healthy subjects were involved in the final analysis. Peripheral resistance (Rperiphera) was significantly higher than central resistance (Rcentral) in asthmatic patients (P ＜ 0.01). The maximal increase of respiratory impedance occurred from 5 minutes to 10 minutes after exercise in asthmatics. Resonance frequency (Fres) of asthmatics before and after exercise was significantly increased than that of controls (P ＜ 0.01).Change ratios of Fres from asthmatics were higher than that from control group (P ＜ 0.01). After challenge, R5, R5-R20,Zrespir and X5 from asthmatics changed significantly than that from controls (P ＜ 0.01). The increment change value of After exercise Zrespir increased significantly, because obstruction of small bronchi during expiration and impedance increased abruptly. Air trapping was expressed in VT-Zrespir graph in 57.1% patients. There was no difference in the VT-Zrespir graph of controls before and after exercise.CONCLUSION: The main site of airflow obstruction was in small airways in asthmatics after exercise challenge. The general acceptance of IOS method was good among the asthmatic patients. The airway response of exercise challenge may be assessed more accurately with IOS that do not require a maximal inspiration and forced expiration.

The modern literatures on the diseases treated with acupuncture at Shenmen (HT 7) were collected. Using literature statistical analysis in bibliometrics, the common compatibility of Shenmen (HT 7) and the disease spectrum were analyzed so as to provide the references of the diseases that can be treated with acupuncture at Shenmen (HT 7). It was found that 39 kinds of diseases and symptoms, mainly nerve system disedses, could be treated with acupuncture at Shenmen (HT 7), including insomnia, depression, anxiety and dementia. Shenmen (HT 7) was seldom used alone. Instead, it was commonly used along with Baihui (GV 20), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Neiguan (PC 6), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Taicong (LR 3).
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; statistics & numerical data ; Bibliometrics ; Humans

To determining the postmortem interval (PMI) through quantitative analysis of the DNA degradation of cell nucleus in human brain and spleen by using image analysis technique (IAT). The brain and spleen tissues from 32 cadavers with known PMI were collected, subjected to cell smear every 1 h within the first 5-36 h after death, stained by Feulgen-Van's staining, Three indices reflecting DNA in brain cells (astrocytes) and splenic lymphocytes, including integral optical density (IOD), average optical density (AOD), average gray (AG) were measured by employing the mage analysis instrument. The results showed that IOD and AOD declined and AG increased with the prolongation of dead time within 5-36 h. A correlation between the PMI and gray parameters (IOD,AOD and AG) was identified and the corresponding regression equation was obtained. The parameters (IOD,AOD and AG) were proved to be effective quantitative indicators for accurate estimation of PMI within 5-36 h after death.

OBJECTIVESTo study the relationship between the mutation of Leu60Val in HBV core region and the cellular immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODSHBV DNA C gene mutation was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing the products directly. The cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-2) levels in serum were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The distribution of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTSThe mutation of Leu60Val was found in 19 out of the 91 CHB patients. With the CHB severity, the mutation rate was getting higher, especially in the severe hepatitis group. The IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha levels were much higher in mutant strain group than those in wild strain group (t=2.584, 4.766, P<0.01), so was the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ (t=2.275, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe mutant strain of 60Val may increase affinity to HLA-I molecule, or up-regulate the expression of HLA-I molecule, resulting in the activation of CTL to release the cytokines and cause immune response in liver.

Adult ; Aged ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Flow Cytometry ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; immunology ; virology ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).

METHODSThe imaging findings of pancreas and extra-pancreas in 24 patients with AIP were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, CT scan was performed in 18 patients, MRI in 11, and bGth CT and MRI in 10.

RESULTSThe pancreas showed diffuse enlargement (25%, 6/24), focal enlargement (37. 5%, 9/24), combined enlargement (25%, 6/24) ,and no enlargement (12. 5%, 9/24). Unenhanced CT showed hypoattenuation in AIP area (n = 2) . After intravenous injection of contrast medium, 17 patients showed abnormal contrast enhancement in the affected pancreatic parenchyma, including hypoattenuation during the arterial phase (50%, 9/18) and hyper attenuation during the delayed phase (94. 4%, 17/18). Precontrast MRI showed abnormal signal intense (n =9), including hypointense on T1-weight images (T1 WI) (n = 7), hyperintense (n = 7) and hypointense (n = 2) on T2-weight images (TIWI). Enhanced MRI demonstrated abnormal contrast enhancement within lesions (n = 11), including hypoattenuation during the arterial phase (81. 8%, 9/11) and good enhancement during the delayed phase (100%, 11111). A capsule-like rim was seen around pancreas (37. 5%, 9/24), among which CT detected in 6 out of 18 patients and MRI found in 7 out of 11 patients.The main pancreatic duct lumen within lesions has no visualization (100%, 24/24) and upstream dilation of the main pancreatic duct (n = 8) , ranging from 2. 2 to 4. 5 mm(mean 3. 1 0. 47 mm) in diameter. Narrowing of the common bile duct was shown in 14 patients. Miscellaneous findings were: infiltration of extrapancreatic vein (n = 9) and artery (n = 1); mild fluid collection around pancreas (n = 2); pseudocysts (n = 3). Fourteen patients also presented one or more of the following extrapancreatic imaging findings: narrowing of the intra-hepatic bile duct or hilar duct (n = 5); thickening of gallbladder wall (n = 5); fibrosis in mesenteric (n = 2), in retroperitoneal (n = 2) and in ligamentum teres hepatis (n = 1); renal involvement (n = 3); peri-pancreatic or para-aortic lymphadenopathy (n = 10); and ulcerative colitis (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONAIP display some characteristic CT and MRI imaging features: sausage-like change of the pancreas; capsule-like rims around lesions; delayed contrast enhancement in the affected pancreatic parenchyma; segment or diffuse pancreatic duct stenosis but mild upstream dilation and extrapancreatic organs involvement. CT and MRI findings combining with serological tests and pancreas biopsy can assist physicians to make accurate and timely diagnosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Autoimmune Diseases ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreas ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Pancreatitis ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

With the development of various laboratory testing techniques such as serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) , a large number of asymptomatic or normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can be diagnosed early. PHPT has become the third most common endocrine disease affecting human health. Currently, most PHPT, especially normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, are not primary diseases and may be related to vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and/or insufficient calcium supplementation. That is, the relative hypocalcemia caused by long-term vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and/or insufficient calcium supplementation leads to parathyroid hyperfunction, stimulates parathyroid hyperplasia, and secretes excessive parathyroid hormone to compensate for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus balance. When it is in the initial reversible stage, it can be cured by internal medicine; if it progresses freely, long-term hypocalcemia stimulation will lead to excessive parathyroid hyperplasia and even tumor occurrence with the formation of so-called PHPT and parathyroidectomy has to be performed. Therefore, routine screening of bone mineral density, calcium, magnesium, phosphours, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone and other bone metabolism indicators in the physical examination of general population is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of bone metabolism diseases, urinary stones and hyperparathyroidism. At the same time, attention should be paid to identifying the stage of prehyperparathyroidism in which vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and insufficient calcium supplementation will stimulate parathyroid hyperfunction. Active intervention on prehyperparathyroidism is an effective way to avoid the development of primary hyperparathyroidism.