Objective To evaluate the influence of the resolution of medical grayscale LCD over the detective efficiency of pulmonary nodule.Methods By reviewing PACS, 93 on-line chest DR images were collected.These radiographs included 23 normal images that had no nodule confirmed by CT, 32 doubtful images that also had no nodule confirmed by CT,and 38 positive images that had nodules confirmed by CT.These nodules didn't show obvious calcification and their diameters were from 0.30 to 1.90 cm. Nine patients had multi-nodules.Three residents or postgraduates, three attending physicians, and three associate professors or professors interpreted the 93 chest images by using three types of displays: Barco Z-2261, Barco Z-3620 and Barco Z-5620.All observers evaluated their confidence of the presence of pulmonary nodule with five-point level rating scale : ( 1 ) definitely positive, ( 2 ) probably positive, ( 3 ) uncertain, (4) probably negative, (5)definitely negative.SPSS 11.5 software was used to analyze the results ,including to draw the ROC curves and to perform Z test.Results The areas under the ROC curves of 2 M display, 3 M display and 5 M display were 0.774,0.784,0.816 for experienced radiologists; for instructors were 0.754,0.764,0.768 ;for teaching assistants were 0.695,0.754,0.774.However, for the detection of pulmonary nodules,there was no significant difference between observers with different ranks using the same modality of display,and no significant difference was found between the different modalities of displays used by observers with the same rank.Conclusion It's equivalent for detection performance with 2,3 and 5 M medical grayscale LCD display in detecting pulmonary nodule; Experienced radiologists can get more information using 5 M display;By reasonably matching displays, we could improve the cost-efficacy.

Objective To study the clinical and image features of the aortic dissecting aneurysm(AD) combined with aberrant right subclavian arteries(ARSA),and to discuss the feasibility of endovascular repair for such disorder.Methods The clinical and image data of 4 patients,who suffered from AD combined with ARSA and admitted in the authors' service during 2004 to 2007,were retrospectively reviewed.All the 4 cases complained severe aches in their back,and one of them was companied with aches in upper abdomen.CT-exam showed that the first tear(gap) of AD located near or inside ARSA,the truncus aortae narrowed obviously.Four operational prescriptions were performed respectively for the 4 patients depending on the location of gaps and on the distance between the gap and ARSA.Results All the 4 cases received satisfy operation.A slight early leakage occurred in the first case without steal syndrome,and the lower blood pressure was 80 mmHg on right arm;for the second case,no leakage occurred with normal blood presser on both arms;for the third one a slight early leakage was companied with normal blood presser on both arms and for the fourth one a slight early leakage occurred without steal syndrome,and the lower blood presser was 60mmHg on right arm.Conclusion AD combined with ARSA is a rare case in clinic.The modus operandi of endovascular repair should be designed based on the situation of individual case considering the location of the first tear.Once the target area exposed is not wide enough for operation,subclavian artery bypass would be a right way in reduction of leakage complications and in increasing the opportunity for a successful operation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of caspase-3 in the brain of acutely pentylenetetrazole(PTZ)-kindled rats.MethodsThe caspase-3 positive cells were revealed using immunohistochemical SP method. CMIAS image analysis system was used to analyse the expression of caspase-3 hemi-quantitatively. ResultsFollowing PTZ induced epilepsy, the expression of caspase-3 increased both in the hippocampus and in the cortex, and that was more remarkable in the hippocampus than in the cortex.ConclusionCaspase-3 may be activated during neuronal apoptosis after epilepsy. Hippocampus is more sensitive to the neuronal damage due to epilepsy than the cortex is.

Objective To assess the influence of medical monochrome liquid crystal displays (LCD) with different resolutions for the detection performance of micro-nodules (diameter <10 mm) on chest radiograms. Methods Eighty-seven DR chest images that were verified with CT were selected from PACS on-line, including 32 positive images, 32 suspected images and 23 normal images. The diameters of all nodules were lower than 10 mm. Three of high-, mid- and low-experienced radiologists who participated in the ROC study interpreted these 87 images using three types of LCDs with different resolutions, respectively. Regarding the presence of nodule, five-point confidence level rating scale was used, i.e. definitely absent, probably absent, possibly present, probably present and definitely present. All observers marked their confidence levels of every image according to the presence of pulmonary nodule on different displays. Software SPSS 13.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results AUC increased with the increasing resolutions and radiologists' experiences in 2MP, 3MP, 5MP displays. For the detection performance of pulmonary nodules (diameter <10 mm), there was no significant difference among different types of displays or different aptitudes of radiologists. Conclusion It's equivalent for the detection performance of pulmonary nodule (diameter <10 mm) on 2MP, 3MP and 5MP medical monochrome LCD when no restriction on the use of image post-processing tools. Highly-experienced radiologist can get the most information when using 5MP display. It is advisable to combine the diagnostic workstation system with high-, mid- and low-resolution monitors, and reasonable equipment scheme between different types of displays and different aptitudes of radiologists could result in better cost-efficacy.

Objective Evaluate the influence of medical monochrome liquid crystal display (LCD) with different resolutions on the detection of pulmonary nodules.Methods Ninety-three direct digital radiography (DR) chest images were selected on-line from picture archiving and communication system (PACS),including 38 positive,32 suspected and 23 normal cases.All of the images were confirmed by CT.These positive images were divided into group A and B according to the diameter of nodules.Three experienced radiologists blindly read the 93 images using three types of displays with different resolutions.Regarding the presence of nodule,five-point confidence system was used:definitely absent,probably absent,indefinite,probably present and definitely present.All observers marked their confidence levels of each image according to the presence of pulmonary nodule on different displays.Software SPSS 13.0 was employed for statistical analysis.Results In the group-A cases,the areas under ROC curves were 0.643,0.686 and 0.739,and in the group-B cases,those were 0.813,0.832 and 0.846 respectively.There was no difference in the detection efficacy among different radiodiagnostic systems.Conclusion Regardless of post-processing tools,it was equivalent to detect pulmonary nodules with different diameters of Group A or B among medical monochrome LCDs with different resolutions.

BACKGROUND:Our previous study has already manifested that Chinese medicine Xiaokening can effectively prevent and treat the early diabetic nephropathy. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effect of rhein and archen on the apoptosis of mesangial cells of rats cultured with high glucose. METHODS:Mesangial cells were stimulated by different concentrations of rhein and archen (20, 40 and 80 μmol/L). Morphology of apoptotic cells was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Karyon apoptosis was examined by fluorescence staining of DAPI. cellapoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The outcome of hematoxylin-eosin staining and DAPI staining indicated that the effect of rhein was much stronger than that of archen on the apoptosis of mesangial cells in the rats cultured with high glucose. Comparison of the apoptosis rate also indicated that the rhein had a stronger effect on the earlier and the later stage apoptotic rate of mesangial cells than archen. Both rhein and archen with different concentrations can induce apoptosis of mesangial cells, but the effect of rhein is much stronger.

BACKGROUND:The thermosensitive chitosan is a kind of chitosan, its hemostatic effect, tissue compatibility andin vivo absorption need further investigations.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the hemostasis,in vivo degradation and tissue compatibility of thermosensitive chitosan hemostatic film.
METHODS: A total of 48 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, and carried out two
experiments at the same time. (1) The incisions of the liver in three groups were covered with the thermosensitive chitosan hemostatic film, celulose hemostatic cotton and gelatin sponge, respectively. Blank control group
received no treatment. The bleeding time and bleeding amount were recorded. (2) The incisions of the quadriceps femoris muscle of rats in the above three groups were embedded with the same hemostatic materials respectively. Blank control group was not embedded. At 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 weeks, the incision tissues of the liver and the quadriceps femoris muscle were harvested for observation. After 4 weeks, the incisions were observed with hematoxylin-
eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The bleeding time and bleeding amount of thermosensitive chitosan hemostatic film and celulose hemostatic cotton groups were significantly lower than those of gelatin sponge and blank
control groups (P < 0.05). After 6 weeks, the thermosensitive chitosan hemostatic film was absorbed completely. After 3 weeks, the celulose hemostatic cotton was absorbed completely. After 2 weeks, the gelatin sponge was absorbed completely. The liver lobules of thermosensitive chitosan hemostatic film were complete, the liver cellwere normal structure, showing light sweling and little inflammatory cellinfiltration. Under transmission electron
microscopy, the liver cels had integral structure, cellnucleus and organeles remained intact. The muscle fibers showed complete structure and little inflammatory cellinfiltration. Under transmission electron microscopy, the muscle fibers
ranked tidily, with integral cellnucleus and organeles. The thermosensitive chitosan hemostatic film has good hemostasis effect and tissue compatibility.

Objective To investigate the prevention and mechanism of Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy(ESW) induced renal Injury by pre-treating kidneys with low-energy shock waves(LESW).Methods Forty healthy female domestic rabbits were surgically managed to the mono-nephron models and random divided into 4 groups consisting of ten each: Control,LESW,ESW and ESWL plus LESW pretreated groups.LESW group received 100 LESW,ESW group received 1500 standard ESW,and same dose on ESW group except 100 LESW pretreatment in ESW plus LESW pretreated group.The rabbit kidney tissues were obtained 24 hours after ESW.Activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels in the renal tissue,and the level of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) in urinary were measured.Renal cell apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labelling(TUNEL).Results The MDA,the urinary level of NAG and rate of apoptosis in the LESW groups were reduced(P<0.01),and the activity of SOD increased significantly(P<0.05) as compared with ESW group,and these changes in LESW group had no statistics difference compared with the control group(P>0.05).Conclusions LESW pretreatment protocol substantially limits the renal injury that often caused by ESW.LESW may suppress oxidative stress and antagonize the process of renal cellular apoptosis.

Objective To evaluate the changes of the left atrial function in patients with old myocardial infarction(OMI) by strain rate imaging(SRI). Methods The velocity of the left atrial lateral wall and atrial septum was measured by SRI in 30 patients with OMI(OMI group) and 25 normal subjects (control group). Left atrium passive eject volume index(LAPEVl) and left atium active eject volume index (LAAEVI) were measured using Simpson method. Results ①Compared with the control group, the velocity of the left atrium was reduced obviously in ventricular systole and early ventricular diastole in OMI group(P<0.05) ,but was increased in late ventricular diastole(P<0.05). ②Compared with the controls, LAAEVI was increased significantly in OMI group, but LAPEVI was decreased signicantly(P <0.001). Conclusions SRI could be used to evaluate the left atrial function accurately in patiens with OMI.

Objective To measure the dynamic and static frictional resistances between different self-ligating orthodontic brackets and different combination of tandem archwires.Methods On standard model the upper right quadrant Damon Q self-ligating brackets was pasted as team A,3M Smart clip self-ligating brackets as team B and Forestadent Quick 3.0 self-ligating brackets as team C respectively.Nickel-titanium archwires of 0.012 inch and 0.016 inch and two nickel-titanium archwires of 0.014 inch were applied to simulate sliding in the brackets and measure the friction changes in brackets and archwires,so as to explore the frictional resistance between different combination of the tandem archwires and different self-ligating brackets.Results When using the combination of two 0.014-inch nickel-titanium tandem archwires,the static frictional resistances was significantly different (P＜ 0.05):team A ＜team B ＜team C while the kinetic frictional resistance was also significantly different (P＜0.05):team A ＜team B ＜team C,When using the combination of 0.012-inch and 0.016-inch nickel-titanium tandem archwires,the static frictional resistances was significantly different (P＜0.05):team A＜team B＜team C,while the kinetic frictional resistance was also significantly different (P＜0.05):team A＜team B＜team C.Gonclusion There are different frictional resistance in different kind of self-ligating brackets and different combination of the tandem archwires.The combination of two 0.014-inch nickel-titanium tandem archwire applied to Forestadent Quick 3.0 self-ligating brackets has the biggest frictional resistance while the combination of 0.012-inch and 0.016-inch nickel-titanium tandem archwire applied to the Damon Q self-ligating brackets has the lowest frictional resistance,which enables the teeth to move at the fastest speed and facilitates the following use of the edgewires.