Objective To assess left atrial reservoir function based on left atrial filling volume,the left atrial expansion index and left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) were measured in patients with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC),using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE),to determine the value for LVNC diagnosis.Methods The study included 20 patients diagnosed with LVNC,including 3 patients,aged 4-16 years;8 patients,aged 17-35 years;9 patients,aged 36-55 years;and 20 healthy age-matched control subjects.All patients underwent two-dimensional echocardiography and RT3DE.Results Two-dimensional echocardiography showed no differences between groups (P ＞ 0.05).RT3DE analysis showed that the average left atrial filling volume/BSA,left atrial expansion index,and LAEF were significantly higher in the LVNC group.Conclusion LVNC is associated with increased left atrial reservoir function.RT3DE shows promise for the diagnosis of LVNC.

Purpose To analyze the echocardiographic features of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) using Logistic regression, and to screen the indexes which can be used for the prognosis of PPCM. Materials and Methods Fifty patients who were diagnosed as PPCM by echocardiography were divided into recovered group (30 cases) and non-recovered group (20 cases), all the patients underwent echocardiography, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) was measured in the parasternal long axis view, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured using Simpson biplane method in the apical four-chamber and two-chamber view to look for the evidence of left ventricular thrombosis, if complicated with pulmonary hypertension, continuous wave Doppler was used for measuring the peak velocity of tricuspid valve regurgitation, and estimating of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, Logistic regression model was established and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate the prediction value of Logistic regression model. Results Compared with non-recovered group, there was statistically significant difference of LVEDd, LVEF, left ventricular thrombosis, pulmonary hypertension and re-checked LVEF (t= -4.33, 7.64 and 11.54, P<0.05; χ2=10.93 and 4.43, P<0.05) in the first examination, while there was no statistical difference in pericardial effusion, mitral valve regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation between the two groups (χ2=2.21, 0.67 and 3.46, P>0.05). Three sonographic features LVEDd, LVEF and left ventricular mural thrombus) could be used for the establishment of Logistic model (χ2=5.14, 11.59 and 14.58, P<0.05). The prediction accuracy of the model was 90.0% (45/50, P<0.001) and the area under ROC curve was 0.945±0.030 (P<0.001). Conclusion Logistic regression analysis can be applied for the screening of ultrasound index for PPCM, LVEDD, LVEF and left ventricular wall thrombus can predict the prognosis of PPCM accurately.

Objective To discuss the diagnostic value of two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging in the evaluation of left ventricular rotation and torsion in pre-apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(PAHCM)patients. Methods A total of 26 patients with PAHCM,26 patients with hyperten-sive left ventricular hypertrophy(HLVH)and 26 healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Two-dimensional echocardiographs were performed carefully. Two-dimensional images were obtained from the left ventricular apical four-chamber section,two-chamber section and two short-axis sec-tions,including mitral valve and apical levels. The peak subendocardial rotation(endo-rot),epicardial rotation(epi-rot),transmural torsion(mural-tor)and bulk rotation(bulk-rot)of each short-axis section were measured and analyzed using QLAB 9.1 software. Results In the mitral level, there was no statistically significant difference in endo-rot,epi-rot,mural-tor and bulk-rot between the PAHCM group and normal control group (P>0.05). There was statistically significant difference in endo-rot,epi-rot,mural-tor and bulk-rot between the PAHCM group and HLVH group (all P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in endo-rot,epi-rot,mural-tor and bulk-rot between the HLVH group and normal control group(all P<0.05). In the apical level,there was no statistically significant difference in epi-rot among three groups(P>0.05). There was statisti-cally significant difference in endo-rot,mural-tor and bulk-rot between each two groups(P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in G-tor between each two groups(P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the accuracy of differential diagnosis of G-tor PAHCM was high(the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.89),the sensitivity was 73.08%,and the specificity was 92.31%. Conclusion Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging could accurately and quantitatively measure the left ventricular rotation and tor-sion in PAHCM patients. The G-tor could accurately screen and identify between PAHCM and HLVH.

Background The visual system of animal have to optimally adjust in various environmental conditions in order to obtain stable and effective visual funetion.However,the color vision system of animals which encounter uncertainty of spectral signals should be plastic.Whether the densities of various cones and expression of opsins change with long-time spectral deprivation is unclear.Objective This study was to investigate the changes of cone density as well as the expression of corresponding opsin and mRNA following the long-term illumination of monochromatic light.Methods Thirty 3-day-old guinea pigs were randomized into 3 groups and exposed tO the 530 nm green light,400 nm purple light and white light for consecutive 8 weeks respectively.The flat-mounted retinal sample was prepared and divided into dorsal zone,ventral zone and mixed zone anatomically according to the distribution of difierent light-sensitive cone.The changes in density of cone cells sensitivited to different colored light were detected by single-1abel or double-label immunocytochemistry.The levels of opsin and its mRNA were determined using Western-blot and real-time PCR respectively.Results The density of green-sensitivity cones was significantly different in the dorsal zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group (F=234.28,P<0.01).Compared with white light group,the density of green-sensitive cones in dorsal retina of green light group was obviously higher but that of purple light group wag evidently lower(q=389.68,P<0.01；q=67.11,P<0.01).No significant difference was found in the density of purple-sensitive cones in the ventral zone of retina among green light group,purple light group and white light group(F=3.14,P>0.05).The density of coexpression of the mixed cone cells was increased in green light group(q=157.55,P<0.01)but decreased in purple light roup (q=254.85,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.The expression levels of green-opsin and green-opsin mRNA in green light group was significantly elevated(q=184.45,P<0.01；q=4.71,P<0.05),but those of purple light group were evidently declined(q=5.87,P<0.05；q=346.66,P<0.01)in comparison with white light group.There was no statistically significant differences were found in the expression of purple-opsin and its mRNA among all the groups(F=1.24,P>0.05；F=3.27,P>0.05).Conclusion After the exposure of long-time monochromatic light illumination,monochromatic cones density and its opsin in guinea pig occur the corresponding alteration to gain good spatial vision as a compensatory reaction.These outcomes imply that there is some plasticity during the development of color vision.The increase of green-sensitive cones might be from the differentiation of coexpression cones in transition region.

Objective To investigate the changing characteristics of myocardial movement in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy by three?di?mensional speckle tracking echocardiography(3D?STE). Methods The peak systolic global longitudinal train(GLS),global radial strain(GRS), global circumferential stain(GCS)and global area strain(GAS)of left ventricle were measured by 3D?STE technology in 69 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. According to the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),all patients were divided into group A(35%≤LVEF<50%)and group B (LVEF<35%). The differences of measurements were compared between two groups. The correlation between global myocardial strain in all direc?tions and left ventricular ejection fraction was analyzed. Results The GLS,GRS,GCS and GAS were significantly higher in group A than those in group B(P<0.01). The GLS,GRS,GCS and GAS were correlated with LVEF in group A(r=-0.871,0.610,-0.423,-0.797;P<0.05).The GCS,GRS and GAS were correlated with LVEF in group B(r=-0.517,0.368,-0.438;P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between GLS and LVEF in group B. Conclusion 3D?STE technology can be applied to evaluate the change of the myocardial movement. GLS is a promis?ing marker of the prognosis in patients with DCM.

Objective To summarize the management of scrotal gangrene.Methods Totally,14 male patients (mean age,48 years;age range,27-74 years) with scrotal gangrene were treated from August 2003 to June 2005.Among these patients,scrotal gangrene was complicated by perianal and penile gangrene in 2 cases;by perianal,penile and inguinal gangrene in 10 cases;by perianal,penile,inguinal gangrene and abdominal subcutaneous gangrene in 2 cases.Three cases had concomitantly necrosis of the penis;and 5 ca- ses,orchitis.Bacterial cultures were performed in all 14 cases with the positive results.All patients underwent surgical treatment,including PhaseⅠincisions,aggressive debridement,drainage,irrigation,and scrotoplas- ty.After operation they received antibiotic therapy and supporting treatment.Three cases of penile necrosis underwent complete penis amputation and transplanting the urethra before the anus.Five cases of orchitis un- derwent unilateral orchiectomy.Two cases of abdominal gangrene underwent surgical subcutaneous treatment, including incision,aggressive debridement,drainage,and irrigation.Results Twelve cases undergoing scrotoplasty achieved PhaseⅠhealing.Two cases undergoing urethral fistulation recovered well.Ten cases of penile skin gangrene received penile dermatoplasty 1 month later,and then recovered.Two cases who had al- ready had AIDS died 2 or 3 d after operation.Conclusions The management of scrotal gangrene primarily consists of early and aggressive debridement,antibiotic therapy and supporting treatment.The PhaseⅠde- bridement and scrotoplasty as well as drainage are effective for the treatment of scrotal gangrene.

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in endogenous neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) expression in the anterior pituitary of female Wistar-Furth rats in different phases of the estrous cycle.

METHODSFemale Wistar-Furth rats during estrous cycles were used. RT-PCR was employed to study the changes in the expression of Nrg1 isoforms and their cognate receptors ErbB-2 and ErbB-4 in the anterior pituitary in different phases of the estrous cycle. Western blotting was used to detect Nrg1 expression at the protein level. Immunofluorescence staining was used to identify hypophyseal cells expressing Nrg1 and observe the localization and distribution of Nrg1 and functional phosphorylation of ErbB-4. The co-expression of Nrg1 and ErbB-4 in the anterior pituitary of Rhesus monkey was also investigated.

RESULTSSome of the Nrg1 isoforms, especially type III Nrg1s, were expressed at a higher level during the estrous cycle I (E1) and estrous cycle II (E2), a result consistent with that of Western blotting for samples of the anterior pituitaries collected at these phases. Immunofluorescence staining identified the gonadotrophs as the main source of Nrg1, and showed an extensive distribution of Nrg1 in the anterior pituitary in E1 and E2 phases accompanied by apparent phosphorylated activation of ErbB-4. Adjacent distribution of Nrg1- and ErbB-4-positive cells was also observed in the anterior pituitary of male Rhesus monkeys.

CONCLUSIONOur results provide evidence for the expression of multiple Nrg1 isoforms and the presence of Nrg1/ErbB-4 signaling in the anterior pituitary of female Wistar-Furth rats. This signaling demonstrates an estrous cycle phase-related pattern. Additionally, Nrg1/ErbB-4-based juxtacrine signaling may exist in the anterior pituitary of male non-human primate.

Animals ; Estrous Cycle ; physiology ; Female ; Macaca mulatta ; Male ; Neuregulin-1 ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Pituitary Gland ; metabolism ; Protein Isoforms ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred WF ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Receptor, ErbB-4

Neuronal firing is crucial to the information processing in the nervous system. In order to make a further study of bifurcation scenarios, experiments were performed on neural pacemakers formed at the injured site of rat sciatic nerve subjected to chronic ligatures. We chose the conductance of voltage-dependent potassium ion channels as conditional parameter, and the extracellular calcium concentration as bifurcation parameter, to give a demonstration of how the firing pattern of neural pacemaker responses to dual parameter adjusting. Among 28 preparations observed, 21 were insensitive to dual parameter adjusting since no change of bifurcation scenario structure was detected. On the contrary, the residual 7 preparations showed dramatic bifurcation scenario shifting corresponding to different dual parameter configuration. Briefly, when concentration of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a voltage-dependent potassium ion channels blocker, was kept at different level and extracellular Ca2+ concentration was decreased gradually, different bifurcation scenarios of firing patterns were exhibited in an identical neural pacemaker. The two-parameter bifurcation scenarios of experimental neural pacemaker with different parameter configuration were also different. The results show that neural firing pattern is different when the parameter configuration is different, and the bifurcation scenario is a fundamental framework to identify the transitions between firing patterns.
4-Aminopyridine ; pharmacology ; Action Potentials ; physiology ; Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Male ; Neurons ; physiology ; Periodicity ; Potassium Channels ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sciatic Nerve ; injuries ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate in vivo gene delivery of Bio-Oss coated with adeno-associated virus-mediated human bone morphogenetic protein 7 (rAAV-BMP7/Bio-Oss) for bone regeneration around dental implants.

METHODSIn vitro rAAV-BMP7 were constructed and compounded with Bio-Oss. In 6 male New Zealand rabbits, two hydroxyapatite (HA) coated titanium dental implants were placed respectively to each animal in the bilateral tibia metaphysis. Before implantation, a standardized gap (8 mm in width, 4 mm in depth) was created between the implant surface and the surrounding bone walls. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (group A, B, C). Gaps of group A were filled with rAAV-BMP7/Bio-Oss (n = 4), gaps of group B were filled with Bio-Oss alone (n = 4), and gaps of group C were filled with nothing (n = 4). The rabbits were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks respectively, and the sclerous tissue slices obtained, then histology and histomorphometric analysis were conducted.

RESULTSHistological and histomorphometric analysis revealed an enlarged bone-forming area in the bone defects of group A and B at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. Greater bone-implant contact was achieved with rAAV-BMP7/Bio-Oss than with Bio-Oss alone and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONrAAV-BMP7/Bio-Oss can induce a stronger peri-implant bone reaction and larger new bone formation than Bio-Oss alone in the treatment of bone defects adjacent to titanium dental implants.

Animals ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 ; Bone Regeneration ; Bone Substitutes ; Bone and Bones ; Dental Implantation, Endosseous ; Dental Implants ; Durapatite ; Humans ; Male ; Minerals ; Rabbits ; Titanium

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to investigate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and its signaling pathway molecules in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and analyze the association between these factors and genesis and metastasis of OSCC.

METHODSThe express of TGF-beta1, TbetaRI, TbetaRII and Smad4, a pivotal downstream molecule of its signaling, in 10 normal oral mucosa tissues and 108 OSCC was detected by SP immunohistochemistry, and thier correlation with genesis and metastasis of OSCC were assessed.

RESULTSThe expressions of TbetaRII and Smad4 were lower in the tumors (34.3%, 38.9%) than those in the normal oral epithelium (80.0%, 100.0%, P < 0.05). The positive expression rates of TGF-beta1 and TbetaRI in the normal oral epithelium and OSCC were not significantly different (P > 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between TGF-beta1, Smad4, TbetaRII, TbetaRI expression and clinical stages (P < 0.01). The expression of TGF-beta1 was related with histological differentiation and tumor localization (P < 0.05). There was a relationship beteween Smad4 expression and histological differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of TbetaRII in the samples with lymph node metastasis was less than that in the ones without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), although there was no association between expression of TbetaRII and lymph node metastasis status.

CONCLUSIONThere is an important relationship between the abnormal TGF-beta1/Smad4 signal pathway and genesis and development of OSCC, while the low expressed Smad4 and TbetaRII may promote the metastasis of OSCC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Cytoplasm ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Staging ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Smad4 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism