Gene Library ; Humans ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; methods ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; diagnosis

Objective To investigate perfusion imaging and parameters of normal pancreas by dual-source CT and to evaluate the appropriate perfusion imaging scan.Methods Sixty-six subjects with normal pancreas underwent low-dose pancreatic perfusion and plain scan.CT images were sent to a separate workstation via a network.The blood flow (BF)and blood volume (BV)of pancreas head,body and tail were measured using the VPCT Body software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA.Then the time-density curve of pancreas was drawn,and the enhancement peak time and the corresponding CT value were also measured.Results The average BF values of pancreas head,body and tail were (1 1 6.09 ± 31.83)mL·100 g-1 ·min-1 ,(1 1 9.72±32.50)mL·100 g-1 ·min-1 , (1 14.65±31.42)mL·100 g-1 ·min-1 ,and the mean BV values were (29.83 ±1 9.07)mL/100 g,(30.39 ± 1 9.38)mL/100 g, (28.82±1 9.22)mL/100 g,respectively.The perfusion parameters in different pancreatic parts were not statistically different.The mean enhancement peak time was (27.92 s±4.52)s,(28.02±5.34)s in pancreas head,(27.40±4.36)s in pancreas body,(27.34±4.57)s in pancreas tail.On plain image,the average CT value of pancreas was (41.43±5.88)HU.However,on enhanced image,the mean CT value was (95.96±18.44)HU in normal pancreas [(96.73±19.71)HU in pancreas head,(98.45±17.52)HU in body,(92.69±18.1 7)HU in tail].Conclusion The perfusion parameters including blood flow and blood volume in pancreatic head,body and tail are identical. The mean enhancement peak time is (27.92±4.52)s,and the corresponding enhancement CT value is (95.96±18.44)HU.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) blood stasis syndrome (BSS) serum on vascular endothelial cell injury and to study the regulation of Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSD) on it.

METHODSUmbilical vein endothelial cell culture system was established. The serum endothelial cell injury model with ASO BSS was prepared. Low, medium, and high concentrations TSD containing serums were respectively added. The endothelial cell proliferation activity was observed by MTT method. Ultrastructures of endothelial cells were observed under transmission electron microscope. Changes of intracellular calcium ion concentration and the cytoskeleton were observed under laser confocal microscope. Contents of ET, NO, and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in endothelial cell culture supernatant were detected by ELISA.

RESULTSIn ASO BSS serum group endothelial cell proliferation activities decreased, the cell structure was obviously destroyed, calcium ion concentration increased, contents of ET, NO and TGF-beta1 increased significantly (P < 0.01), and ET/NO ratio was imbalanced. After incubating with TSD drug containing serum, endothelial cell proliferation activities and injured cell structures were obviously improved; ET, NO and TGF-beta1 levels decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), ET/NO ratios approximated to the normal level.

CONCLUSIONThe main mechanism of TSD for treating ASO ASS lied in improving injured vascular endothelial cells and endocrine disorder.

Arteriosclerosis Obliterans ; Cell Proliferation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Serum ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Umbilical Veins

Objective: To evaluate the surgical prediction accuracy of Proplan CMF software for zygomatic reduction surgery using L-shaped osteotomy. Methods: Pre-and-postoperative 1-year CBCT data of 26 patients with zygomatic arch hypertrophy were imported in Proplan CMF software during 2014 Jan. to 2016 Jun., the 3D models were reconstructed for simulation of L-shaped osteotomy, characteristic landmarks were selected and 3D point measurement system was established. The measurement result were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Meanwhile, the overlap color grading charts of preoperative and simulated images were also observed. Results: The facial width, bilateral zygomatic process angle and facial width index were [(128.56±2.72) mm, (106.87±2.53)°, (108.56±3.02)°and 1.41±0.03] in postoperative result, [(129.49±2.26) mm, (108.68±2.40)°, (108.85±3.02)°and 1.42±0.03]in simulated result and [(135.45±2.45) mm, (102.50±2.60)°, (103.41±2.56)°and 1.48±0.05] in preoperative result, with significant difference between preoperative and postoperative result, or between preoperative and simulated result (P<0.05), while no significance between postoperative and simulated result (P>0.05). The soft tissue zygomatic process distance was(153.25±2.58) mm in preoperative result, (150.23±2.76)mm in postoperative result , (149.36±3.27)mm in simulated result, with no significance between any of two groups result (P>0.05). The zygomatic process distance and bilateral zygomatic process tragal distance were (126.35±2.56) mm, (68.75±2.15) mm and(68.86±3.21) mm in postoperative result, showing significant differences compared with preoperative result [(120.16±3.18) mm, (74.58±3.19) mm and(76.14±3.15) mm] and simulated result [(118.86±3.45) mm, (73.85±3.57) mm and(76.87±2.58) mm] respectively(P<0.05), while zygomatic arch distance was not statistically different among the three groups(P>0.05). It indicated that predictive accuracy of facial width, facial width index, zygomatic process angle, soft tissue zygomatic arch distance was high but the soft tissue zygomatic process distance and zygomatic process tragal distance was relatively low. Meanwhile, the color overlay image showed that predictive accuracy was not good in the zygomatic region while the zygomatic arch area was high. Conclusions The predictive accuracy of Proplan CMF software for zygomatic arch hypertrophy is relatively high except for the zygomatic region. Further improvement of the CMF software is needed.

OBJECTIVETo prepare a decellularized whole laryngeal scaffold by utilizing a perfusion-decellularized technique, reseed cells on it, and construct decellularized laryngeal muscles.

METHODSPerfusion decellularized larynxes were obtained by common carotid arterious perfusion with detergents. Then they were performed by macroscopic view, histological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cartilage viability. Decellularized laryngeal scaffold were then reseeded with inducted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Composites were transferred into greater omentums of rabbits after one day's adherence and harvested after eight weeks. Macroscopic view, histological examination and immunohistochemistry were performed.

RESULTSPerfusion larynxes became transparent after two hours. Histology and SEM indicated that perfusion method showed better decullularized effect. More vintages and collagen fibers but no intact cell or nuclei were retained in the decellularized matrix. Porosity measured by Image pro plus 6.0 was 80.4% +/- 3.2% (x +/- s). Chondrocyte vitality assay indicated chondrocyte vitality rate in the perfusion group was 86.9% +/- 1.5%. After eight weeks, vascularization formed and integrated cartilage frameworks still remained. Histological examination could clearly show the presence of muscle bundles and vessels. Immunohistochemical examination indicated that sarcomeric-alpha actin expressed positively in corresponding areas.

CONCLUSIONSIt is feasible to reseed MSCs into the decellularized laryngeal muscle matrix for constructing tissue-engineered laryngeal muscles. This in vivo maturation into the omentum could be the first step before in situ implantation of the construct.

Animals ; Extracellular Matrix ; Feasibility Studies ; Laryngeal Muscles ; cytology ; physiology ; Larynx, Artificial ; Rabbits ; Regeneration ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds

Objective To evaluate the value of DWI and ADC value in monitoring the chemotherapy response of advanced gastric carcinoma dynamically.Methods 42 advanced gastric carcinoma patients who were confirmed by histopathology underwent T2 WI and DWI examinations at pre-chemotherapy,post-chemotherapy 3 d,7 d,30 d and 60 d respectively.The longest diameters of tumor pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy 60 d were measured on axial T2 WI,meanwhile the ADC values at different time points were calculated.The mean ADC value among pre-and post-chemotherapy of each group (PR and SD)was compared.Results The ADC value of PR group increased gradually.The mean ADC value before therapy was statistically lower than those at differ-ent time points post-chemotherapy (P < 0.05).The ADC value of SD group increased gradually from pre-chemotherapy to post-chemotherapy 30 d,and then the ADC value decreased at post-chemotherapy 60 d.The differences of the mean ADC values in differ-ent time points were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion DWI and ADC value can dynamically,quantitatively and early detect and monitor the chemotherapy response of advanced gastric carcinoma.

Objective To investigate serum levels of soluble matrix lysin 2 (sST2) in patients with different stages of heart failure and its relationship with prognosis. Methods Data of 300 patients with heart failure of stages A, B, C and D were included in this study. Thirty-three cases of healthy elderly population for physical examination were used as control group. The general information, echocardiography and related biochemical tests containing sST2 and NT-proBNP were collected in the two groups. The survival periods of patients were evaluated according to the Seattle heart failure mode (SHFM). Patients were followed up for 1 year to record the occurrence of adverse events. Results The sST2 level was higher in heart failure group than that of control group. The sST2 level began to increase in stage B, and which increased with the development of cardiac function staging. The sST2 levels were significantly higher in stages B, C and D than those of stage A, and which were significantly higher in stage D than those of stages B and C (P<0.05). There were significantly higher incidence rates of adverse events, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the patients with high sST2 level than those of patients with lower sST2 level (P<0.05). Values of sST2, NT-proBNP, LVEDD and LVMI were significantly higher, and values of LVEF and SHFM life expectancy were significantly lower, in patients with adverse events than those of patients without adverse events (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between sST2 and LVEF, and positive correlation between sST2 with NT-proBNP, LVEDD and LVMI (P<0.05). The size under ROC curve, which was used to predict the cardiovascular endpoint events judged by sST2 was 0.665 (95％CI:0.574-0.757, P<0.01), and the one by NT-proBNP was 0.790 (95％ CI: 0.731-0.848, P<0.01). The best cut-off value of predicting the clinical adverse events was 139.27μg/L by sST2 and 855.35μg/L by NT-proBNP. Conclusion The serum level of sST2 is early indicator of heart failure, which not only reflects the severity of ventricular remodeling but also is one of indicators to estimate the prognosis of heart failure in one year.

0bjective: To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of mandible and study the transverse displacement of proximal segment after Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy (BSSRO) with different retrogression amounts during mastication. Methods: DICOM data of a skull model were processed with MIMICS and ANSYS software, reconstructing the 3D model including the teeth and temporomandibular joint in order to simulate BSSRO and evaluate the transverse displacement of proximal segment with different retrogression amounts during mastication. Results: The mean of proximal segment width change were 2.955 mm and 3.490 mm, when retrogression amounts of distal segmentwere 3 mm and 8 mm, respectively.No significant difference between the two groups were found (P=0.131). Meanwhile the displacement color scale of the 3D finite element models showed that the apparent transverse displacement distribution of the proximal segment was measured around the gonial area, decreased from the exterior to the interior. Conclusions The mandibular angle width was significantly expanded right after BSSRO. The masticatory muscle system and single cortical fixation system played an important role in expanding the width of proximal segment. However there was no correlation between the widening effect and retrogression amounts of distal segment of mandible.

OBJECTIVETo screen the differentially expressing genes between silicotic lung tissue and normal lung tissue, to identify the differentially expressing genes of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) and Cathepsin E and to explore the roles of those genes in silicosis development.

METHODSThirty male SD rats were divided randomly into two groups: control group (6 rats) and exposure group (24 rats) which was exposed to SiO2 by intra-tracheal perfusion. On the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th days after exposure, 8 rats in model group and 2 rats in control group were executed and the lung tissues were obtained. The morphologic changes of lung tissues were observed with HE staining and VG staining under a light microscope. The gene microarrays were used to identify differentially expressing genes of lung tissues in rats exposed to SiO2 for 60 days. Two significantly up-regulated genes, MMP-12 and Cathepsin E, were validated using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot assay.

RESULTSA total of 338 differentially expressing genes were identified from the 26 962 genes between silicotic rats and normal rats, including 267 up-regulated genes and 71 down-regulated genes. The results of RT-PCR showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30 th, 60 th and 90 th days, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-12 were 4.306, 5.338, 6.713 times higher than those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of Cathepsin E were 1.434, 2.974, 3.889 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of immunohistochemical showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the mRNA expression levels of MMP-12 were 1.435, 1.746, 2.069 times higher than those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of Cathepsin E were 1.372, 1.663, 2.103 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. The results of immunohistochemical showed that in the lung tissues of exposure group on the 30th, 60th and 90th days, the expression levels of MMP-12 protein were 1.214, 1.531, 1.959 times higher than those in the control group, the expression levels of Cathepsin E protein were 1.262, 1.828, 1.907 times higher than those in the control group, respectively. Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-12 and Cathepsin E in lung tissues of exposure group were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe differentially expressing genes in rat lung tissues screened by gene chip were validated, which suggested that a complex gene regulatory network may be contributed to occurrence of silicosis. MMP-12 and Cathepsin E genes may be involved in the development of silicotic pulmonary fibrosis by degrading the basement membrane of alveolar wall and participating in the immune response.

Animals ; Cathepsin E ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Lung ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Silicosis ; genetics ; metabolism

The objective of this study was to investigate Babesia infection among domestic animals in Western Yunnan Province and provide scientific evidence for developing control measures.A total of 1 073 domestic animals blood samples (274cattle,395 sheep,354 dogs,33 horses and 17 donkeys) were collected in 12 counties in Western Yunnan Province.Genomic DNA was extracted and a near full-length 18S rRNA gene sequence of Babesia was amplified by using nested PCR.Babesia species was identified by Blast program and phylogenetic tree.It was indicated that 50 samples were infected with Babesia,belonging to 5 species and with the infection rate of 4.66％.Among 274 cattle blood samples,11 were infected with Babesia (4.01％).Four of them were Babesia bovis and seven of them were Babesia bigemina.Among 395 sheep blood samples,38 were infected with Babesia (9.62 ％),37 of them were Babesia odocoilei-like parasites and 1 of them was Babesia capreoli-like parasites.Horses and donkeys were negative.In conclusion,domestic animals in Western Yunnan Province are infected with many kinds of Babesia,which threaten stock raising development and human health.It is necessary to strengthen prevention of babesiosis and investigate infection rate of babesiosis in human.