Objective:To investigate the diagnostic valuation of multilayer spiral CT pulmonary angiography in pulmonary embolism. Methods:A retrospective analysis 22 cases of pulmonary embolism were performed by 16 slice spiral CT diagnosis, The volume data of all cases were reconstructed for image post-processing with multi-plane reconstruction, maximum intensity projection and volume rendering. Results: Pulmonary embolism in patients with 22 cases, pulmonary artery and its branches remobilization of 22 cases were demonstrated well by MSCTA. Conclusion:The 16 slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in a safe, rapid, high sensitivity, reliable diagnosis advantages, has been used as first choice of imaging diagnosis of pulmonary embolism diagnosis methods. It is worthy of wide clinical application.

Objective To evaluate the effect and significance of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) on promoting apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. Methods Cardiomyocytes of neonatal Kunming strain rats were isolated and cultured. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was induced by angiotensinⅡ (0.1?mol/L for 12h), and the cells were cultured under the condition of hypoxia and reoxygenation. The cultured cardiomyocytes were then divided into seven groups: hypertrophic cardiomyocyte control (HC) group, hypoxia for 8h (H8h) group, hypoxia for 12h (H12h) group, hypoxia for 8h and reperfusion for 4h (H8h/R) group, hypoxia for 12h and reperfusion for 4h (H12h/R) group, hypoxia for 12h+siRNA transfection (H12h+siRNA) group, and hypoxia for 12h and reperfusion for 4h+siRNA transfection (H12h/R+siRNA) group. Cardiomyocytes were transfected with AIF siRNA. Apoptosis was detected with Hoechst 33258 staining. The AIF mRNA and protein expressions were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results The levels of AIF mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in H8h group and H12h group (mRNA: 0.52?0.04, 0.85?0.10, respectively; protein: 2.07?0.15, 3.12?0.19, respectively) compared with that in HC group (mRNA: 0.29?0.08; protein: 1.00?0.04, P0.05). The percentage of apoptosis in H12h/R+siRNA group (24.90%?3.90%) was significant higher than that in H12h/R group (14.50%?1.32%, P

BACKGROUND:In recent years, pathological calcification such as vascular calcification has been an active deposition of the mineralizer in the abnormal parts, can promote the occurrence and development of many diseases. Moreover, extensive studies believe that micro-inflammatory state is strongly associated with pathological calcification. OBJECTIVE:To further summarize the relationship between micro-inflammatory state and calcification based on the relationship between inflammatory factor and calcification-related factors. METHODS: A computer-based search of CNKI, Wanfang database and PubMed database from January 2000 to January 2015 was performed for articles addressing the relationship between micro-inflammatory state and calcification. The key words were “calcification, micro-inflammatory state, inflammatory factor” in Chinese and English. RESULTS AND CONCLUTION:Micro-inflammatory state is a non-dominant inflammatory state, caused by an infection of non-pathogenic microorganisms, mainly for the elevated inflammatory protein, inflammatory cytokines in the systemic circulation. At present, pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and acute phase protein C reactive protein were considered as the objective and sensitive detection index of micro-inflammation state. A large number of studies have found that a slight elevation of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C reactive protein was positively correlated with calcification promoting factors, which ilustrated that the micro-inflammatory state has the role of promoting the calcification.

BACKGROUND:With good biocompatibility, bioactivity, control able biodegradation rate, amorphous calcium phosphate is considered as a natural reservoir of calcium and phosphorus, which has been widely used in the biomedical field. OBJECTIVE:To review the latest progress of amorphous calcium phosphate in biomedicine based on its clinical application and characteristics. METHODS:A computer-based search of CNKI, Wanfang database and PubMed database from January 1980 to June 2014 was performed for articles relevant to amorphous calcium phosphate materials with the key words of“amorphous calcium phosphate, biomaterials”in Chinese and English. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Amorphous calcium phosphate has been widely used in orthodontic care, bone substitutes, drug delivery material and stents, but it is stil in the developmental stage for the special low differentiated cells, cytokines, targeted drug delivery materials and new biodegradable coronary stent. Based on amorphous calcium phosphate, there are various possible treatments for human diseases. But we cannot blindly exaggerate its advantages but outweigh its disadvantages. For example, whether it wil increase the formation of dental calculus during prevention of dental caries? Whether it wil promote its adjacent tissue calcification or hardening? And whether there are risks leading to vascular calcification or hardening? The advantages and disadvantages of amorphous calcium phosphate when used in human are stil needed to carry out a large scale and long-time research.

Objective To investigate the effects of simvastatin on the abatement of the mRNA,protein expression of RhoA and the improvement of the cardiac remodeling and cardiac disfunction after the myocardiac infarction in rats.Methods Rats were divided into 3 groups: the control group,the myocardiac infarction group and Simvastatin intervened group.After 8 weeks,cardiac weight index and hemodynamics were observed,mRNA and protein expression of RhoA in cardiac muscles was measured. Results Compared with the control group,the cardiac weight index and the mRNA and protein expression were increased in rats with myocardiac infarction and the hemodynamics was worsened(P

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of fluvastatin and its influence on ICAM-1 mRNA expression in ischemia/reperfusion myocardium of normocholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS: 24 rabbits were divided into three groups randomly and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model in the rabbit was made. Rabbits were subjected to 45 min of regional myocardial ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. 10 mg?kg~ -1 ?d~ -1 fluvastatin were administered for one week. Dynamic index of blood flow was recorded and analyzed. Serum activity of CK, CKMB, LDH and LDH-1 were measured. The expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in ischemic myocardium was detected with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: In comparison with control group, pretreatment with fluvastatin decreased LVEDP at the whole observed duration, and spontaneously increased ?dp/dt_ max . Serum activities of CK, CKMB and LDH-1 in control group were significantly higher than those in sham group, but heavily reduced in fluvastatin group. Increased expression of ICAM-1 mRNA due to ischemia reperfusion was reduced significantly in fluvastatin group compare to control group. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment of fluvastatin may reduce inflammation reaction in reperfused myocardium, and this may contribute to its protective effect against experimental myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND:Novel fuly biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid/amorphous calcium phosphate (PLLA/ACP) scaffold shows a good prospect of application, but whether the scaffold material has impact on the surrounding tissue calcification is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of PLLA/ACP scaffold material on the calcification of surrounding tissue after implantation of PLLA/ACP scaffold into rats. METHODS:A total of 48 SD rats were divided into experimental group and control group randomly. The experimental group was implanted with PLLA/ACP scaffold material, while the control group was implanted with PLLA scaffold material. At 1, 2, 4, 12 weeks after implantation, the liver function, kidney function and concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase in serum were detected; the muscle tissue around the scaffold was colected for hematoxylin-eosin staining, Von Kossa staining, alkaline phosphatase staining and immunohistochemical staining of nuclear factor-kappa B. Then, western blot assay was used to detect the contents of interleukin-6, bone morphogenetic protein-2, and meanwhile, the contents of calcium and alkaline phosphatase in tissue homogenate were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no significant difference in either group about the liver and kidney functions at each time. The content of interleukin-6 in the experimental group was less than that in the controlgroup at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after implantation (P < 0.05). The positive expression of nuclear factor-kappa B, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and inflammatory cel count in the experimental group were less than those in the control group at 4 and 12 weeks after implantation (P < 0.05). The content of calcium in the experimental group was less than that in the control group at 12 weeks after implantation (P < 0.05). No difference was found in the expression of alkaline phosphate, the Von Kossa staining and the content of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase in the muscle tissue around the scaffold between the two groups (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that the PLLA/ACP scaffold has a good biocompatibility and biological security, which cannot induce peripheral tissue calcification.

Objective To establish an ideal focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion model in monkeys.Methods Adult healthy rhesus monkeys(Macaca mulatta) 12 cases(male 6 and female 6),aged 4-7 years and weighted 4.8-7.5kg.were used in this study.The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) model was established by inserting a standard micro-balloon catheter intraluminally from the carotid common artery or femoral artery into the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery(MCA).The regional cerebral blood flow of MCA was occluded by expanding the micro-balloon to cause ischemia,and withdrawing the micro-ballon catheter to reperfuse the MCA.The MCAO/R model was evaluated by angiography,magnetic resonance angiography(MRA),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),tetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining and neurological behavoral function scores.Results By inserting a micro-balloon catheter intraluminally from the carotid common artery or femoral artery into the MCA,the micro-balloon catheter could be inserted into the MCA to occlude blood flow,and no image of MCA shown on TV screen.In MCA blood flow supplied area,magnetic resonance T1,T2 and DWI showed high signals,TTC staining showed cerebral ischemic infarction,and correspondly the monkeys showed neurological function disorders.This method used a simple operatire procedure had a high successful rate,and could be repeated.Conclusion We showed ideal method to establish the MCAO/R model in monkeys by inserting intraluminally a micro-balloon catheter into the MCA.

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of TGF beta1/smad3 signaling pathways on apoptosis in mouse pulmonary fibrosis.Methods Fifty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups:normal control (n=18),pulmonary fibrosis model (n =18) and TGF-β1/smad3 inhibitor group (n=18).Six mice in each group were randomly killed on days 7,14 and 28.Hematoxyli~eosin and Masson staining were adopted to evaluate the severity of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.The content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the lung tissues was detected by alkaline hydrolysis technique.The apoptosis was observed by tunnel apoptosis assay kit.P-smad3 and caspase3 protein expressions were assessed via Western blot.Results Lung in model mice versus normal control showed alveolar inflammatory change in 7 days and significant pulmonary fibrosis in 28 days(P＜0.05).Meanwhile,apoptosis index,hydroxyproline content,caspase3,and phosphorylated Smad3 were obviously higher in model mice than in control group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with model group,TGF-β1/smad3 inhibitor group showed that alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis degree,hydroxyproline content,cell apoptosis index,the expressions of p-smad3 and caspase3 were decreased at same time point (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions TGF beta1/smad3 signaling pathways may participate the abnormal apoptosis during the development of pulmonary fibrosis,and TGF-β1/smad3 inhibitor SB431542 could inhibit this process.

Objective To observe the value of ultrasonography, MR and MSCT in diagnosing intravitreous autologous eyelashes. Methods Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were averagely divided into 4 groups (A, B, C and D) randomly, and 1, 5, 10 eyelashes were implanted into vitreous body of rabbits respectively in group A, B, and C, whereas rabbits in group D (the control group) were only exposed to sham operation without implanting any eyelashes. After one week, all rabbits underwent ultrasound, MR and MSCT examination, then the specimens of vitreous bodies were obtained and observed pathologically. Results All the implanted intravitreous eyelashes were displayed with ultrasound. Intravitreous eyelashes in group A were not detected with MRI, whereas in 3 rabbits of group B and all of group C were displayed on T2WI, T2*WI and SWI sequences. MSCT detected intravitreous eyelashes in only 6 experimental animals. Conclusion Ultrasonography should be considered as the first choice for diagnosis of intravitreous autologous eyelashes. Different sequences of MRI have various advantages in diagnosing intravitreous autologous eyelashes, whereas the diagnostic value of MSCT is limited.