Objective To discuss the value of echocardiography for the assessment of structure and function of right heart in normal Chinese adults Methods The structure and function of right heart was assessed by echocardiography according to 2010 guideline of American Society of Echocardiography (ASE). The echocardiographic data of right heart of 130 normal Chinese adults were analyzed to acquire the normal reference values of echocardiographic parameters and evaluate the differences of these results among different age groups. Results There were significant differences among different age groups for some of the parameters. Right atrium (RA) transverse diameter was greater in the middle-aged group than that in the young-aged group [(36.90±5.10) mm vs (33.90±5.20) mm, t=-2.79, P=0.006]. RA longitudinal diameter (RAL) and RA area (RAA) were smaller in the young-aged group than those in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(40.10±5.10) mm vs (42.90±5.10) mm, (43.40±5.60) mm, t=-2.51 and-2.91, P=0.013 and 0.004;(11.90±3.20) mm2 vs (13.40±2.90) mm2, (13.90±3.60) mm2, t=-2.24 and-2.90, P=0.027 and 0.004]. Parasternal long-axis right ventricule outflow tract (PLAX RVOT), parasternal short-axis right ventricule outflow tract (PSAX RVOT) and pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) were smaller in the young-aged group than those in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(24.20±3.00) mm vs (26.20±2.30) mm, (25.90±2.90) mm, t=-2.80 and-2.32, P=0.006 and 0.022;(24.70±3.00) mm vs (27.20±2.50) mm, (26.90±2.60) mm, t=-4.40 and -3.84, P=0.000 and 0.000; (20.60±2.00) mm vs (22.10±2.70) mm, (21.90±2.10) mm, t=-3.12 and-2.67, P=0.002 and 0.008]. RV lateral wall thickness was smaller in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(5.10±0.60) mm vs (5.60±0.60) mm, (5.40±0.70) mm, t=-3.12 and-2.22, P=0.02 and 0.028];DTI e wave was greater in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(14.90±3.70) cm/s vs (10.90±3.10) cm/s, (11.10±2.60) cm/s, t=5.82 and 5.49, P=0.000 and 0.000]. DTI a wave was smaller in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(12.50±3.90) cm/s vs (14.60±3.70) cm/s, (16.60±3.60) cm/s, t=-2.79 and -5.04, P=0.007 and 0.000] and DTI a wave was smaller in the middle-aged group than that in the old-aged group (t=-2.26, P=0.02). Tricuspid E wave was greater in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups [(0.61±0.11) m/s vs (0.51±0.11) m/s, (0.48±0.08) m/s, t=4.58 and 5.44, P=0.000 and 0.000]. E/A was greater in the young-aged group than that in the middle-aged and old-aged groups (1.45±0.30 vs 1.12±0.33, 1.10±0.27, t=4.58 and 5.44, P=0.000 and 0.000). No significant differences were found among different age groups in RV systolic function parameters, whereas a trend of decrease in RV diastolic function was detected. Conclusion Echocardiography can be useful in assessing the structure and function of right heart quantitatively.

Due to the low effectiveness of traditional assisted reproductive technology (ART), new technological possibilities are constantly explored. Lots of studies have demonstrated the potential of microfluidics to revolutionize the fundamental processes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). With the advantages of high efficiency, short time, harmless collection, real-time observation of separation, similar microenvironment, and automation, the application of microfluidics in sperm isolation and IVF has shown an evident superiority over the conventional approaches and provided a new platform for ART. This review highlights the application of various microfluidic techniques in sperm motility assessment and isolation, sperm chemotaxis assay, IVF, sperm concentration, and sperm separation and enrichment in recent years. It also briefly introduces the basic principles, structural design, and operation processes of the microfluidic platform, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each method and the potential of their clinical application. Obviously, there are still some challenges to the application of microfluidics in ART. However, it is believed that the development of this new technology would be toward a highly integrated application of several steps in one single device, known as IVF-lab-on-a-chip.
Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Microfluidics ; methods ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

Administration, Inhalation ; Animals ; Female ; Male ; Pesticides ; analysis ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical features of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and positive expression of sp100 autoantibody in order to generate a clinical screening profile that may help to increase early diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy.

METHODSThe clinical data of 70 patients who were diagnosed with PBC by liver biopsy between January 2006 to December 2009 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Medicine were retrospectively collected for analysis. The patients were divided according to expression of anti-sp100: positive patients, n = 12; negative patients, n = 58. The groups were comparatively analyzed for differences in clinical, biochemical, immunological, and histopathological parameters. Normally distributed data was compared by t-test, and non-normally data was compared by rank-sum test.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in age among the sp100-positive and sp100-negative patients (51.6 +/- 9.5 vs. 50.0 +/- 14.7 years, P more than 0.05). The sp100-positive group had significantly more women (80.0% vs. 61.9%, X2 = 0.32, P more than 0.05) and more patients with atypical symptoms (18.2% vs. 13.8%) but the difference of the latter did not reach statistical significance. The sp100-positive group had significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP; 466 vs. 163 U/L, Z = 3.71), gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT; 728 vs. 154 U/L, Z = 3.38), and immunoglobulin M (IgM; 4.25 +/- 2.86 vs. 2.81 +/- 2.15, t = 2.06, P less than 0.05). Forty of the total patients tested negative for antimitochondrial (AMA)-M2 antibodies, and eight of those were sp100-positive (20.0%) while 18 were antinuclear (ANA) antibody-positive (45.0%). There were significantly more AMA-M2-negative/ANA-positive patients than sp100-positive patients (P = 0.021). Anti-sp100 expression was not associated with the pathological stage of PBC (R1 = 5.500, P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSP100-positive PBC may show a bias towards the female sex, and may be characterized by enhanced serum levels of ALP, GGT, and IgM. Further clinical differences may manifest as the disease progresses, and changes in autoantibodies' expression and liver function markers should be carefully monitored in follow-up.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Antinuclear ; blood ; Antigens, Nuclear ; immunology ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Autoantigens ; immunology ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary ; immunology ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Objective To study whether the green fluorescent protein ( GFP) gene can be successfully expressed in green fluorescent nude mice and the tissue distribution characteristics.Methods Small animal imaging system and RT-PCR assay were used to detect the GFP tissue distribution and fluorescence expression level.Results The GFP can be expressed in multiple tissues in green fluorescent nude mice.A higher expression was observed in the pancreas, heart, brain, and skin.Conclusion Exogenous GFP can be stably expressed and inherited in green fluorescent nude mice, with the highest expression in the pancreas.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of relapsing polychondritis (RP) in childhood.

METHODSA retrospective analysis of three cases of childhood RP from our hospital on clinical features, diagnosis and treatment was performed, data of the other sixteen cases from MEDLINE were also reviewed. Clinical features of all nineteen children with RP were compared with adults with RP.

RESULTSThe age of the three cases at the time of diagnosis ranged from 10 years to 15 years (the minimum age was 2 years in the literature). The course from onset of clinical symptom to making definite diagnosis varied from 3 months to 9 months (from 3 months to 2 years in the literature). In the three cases, childhood RP affected multiple system/organs, and produced diverse clinical manifestations such as arthritis, auricular chondritis, nasal chondritis (leading to a saddle nose deformity), conjunctivitis and so on. Also, tracheostomy was performed because of severe difficulty in breathing for all the 3 cases. Compared with adult RP, involvement of respiratory system existed in 78.9% of childhood patients, which was more frequent and serious than that of adult cases with RP (35.2%); arthritis was the most common clinical manifestation and first symptoms; Fewer children with RP were associated with other autoimmune diseases than adults. Although both erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood levels were high in the three cases, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), double stranded DNA (dsDNA) and extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) were all negative, it was difficult to define the diagnosis of RP because there were no specific laboratory indicators for diagnosis. The confirmation of diagnosis of two cases was relied on clinical criteria, while another case got pathological material for diagnostic support. CT images with three-dimensional reconstruction of the respiratory tract were helpful for early diagnosis of childhood RP. All the three patients were responsive to glucocorticoid, especially to methylprednisolone, however, recurrence of RP was frequent. Treatment with etanercept was successful in one case with refractory RP.

CONCLUSIONSIt is very important to obtain detailed medical history, complete physical examination and do necessary laboratory and imaging tests (e.g. CT images with three-dimensional reconstruction of the airways, pulmonary function tests and so on) for reducing misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants are usually effective for childhood RP, but the effects may not be lasting. Etanercept may be a new option to treat refractory RP in childhood.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polychondritis, Relapsing ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Research Report ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo introduce a technique pertaining to S2 iliosacral screw insertion.

METHODSThe screw pathway was first measured on the preoperative pelvic CT scan or the standard sacral lateral radiograph to make sure the existence of the "safe zone" in the S2 segment for screw insertion. Under general anesthesia, patients were positioned supine or prone, depending on the injury pattern of pelvic ring or associated injuries requiring concomitant operation. The operation field was routinely sterilized using iodine and subsequent alcohol solution and draped. The tip of a guide wire was inserted through a stab wound to the posterior outer iliac table, manipulated in the "safe zone" being enclosed by the anterior aspect of the S2 nerve root tunnel, the anterior aspect of the sacral vertebrae, and the inferior aspect of the S1 foramen under the guidance of the standard sacral lateral fluoroscopy, and then the tip was hammered one to two millimeters into the iliac cortex. The guide wire progressed along the trajectory between the inferior aspect of the S1 foramen and the superior aspect of the S2 foramen on the pelvic outlet fluoroscopic view, and then along the posterior to the anterior aspect of the S2 sacral vertebrae and alae on the pelvic inlet fluoroscopic view with a predetermined length. At that moment, in order to ensure the safety, another standard sacral lateral view was imaged to detect the guide wire's tip which should locate posterior to the anterior aspect of the sacral vertebrae and anterior to the anterior aspect of the S2 nerve root tunnel. Subsequently, the depth was measured, the trajectory was drilled and tapped, and the screw was inserted. Following the removal of the guide wire, the wound was irrigated and sutured.

RESULTSUtilizing this insertion technique, there were 30 S2 iliosacral screws in total being placed to stabilize the injured and unstable posterior pelvic ring in 27 patients. Each S2 screw was accompanied by an ipsilateral S1 screw. The S2 screw location was completely intraosseous in all patients, which was verified by postoperative pelvic outlet and inlet radiographs and CT scans. The insertion accuracy was 100 percent in the present series.

CONCLUSIONThe S2 iliosacral screw insertion technique is safe and reproducible to guide the placement of the S2 screw, enhancing the stability for the compromised posterior pelvic ring.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Ilium ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Sacrum ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo establish a new quality evaluation method for traditional Chinese medicine preparations, using one chemical reference substance to calcutate multi-components simultaneously.

METHODEmployed puerarin as the maker component, puerarin relative correction factors (RCF) of salvianolic acid B to puerarin and paidzein to puerarin were calcatated in the chromatographic conditions for determination of the three components in Guanmaikang capsules. The contents of Puerarin were determined by external standard method, and those of salvianolic acid B and paidzein were calculated by puerarin and their RCF. The accuracy of the new method was evaluated by comparing the calculated contents with the determined.

RESULTThe analysis methods were established, and it has been no significant difference between the calculated contents and determined contents.

CONCLUSIONSThe method can control the components without providing salvianolic acid B and paidzein reference. It is to be a suitable quality evaluation pattern for TCM Preparation.

Benzofurans ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Isoflavones ; chemistry ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Reference Standards

OBJECTIVETo dynamically investigate the morphology of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell clones, and then compare the tumorigenic ability of different clones in order to identify the tumor stem cell clones.

METHODSClones derived from gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were assessed by morphological observation, and the clone formation rate and proportion of each clone were calculated. The expression of CD44 and CDX2 in different clones was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot. Furthermore, different clones were isolated and cultured, and their self-renewal property was assayed. Cells of different clones were subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice and the tumorigenic ability of each group was determined.

RESULTSClones derived from gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells had three types, i.e. clones of tight, transitional and loose types. The total clone formation rate was (9.80 ± 1.07)%, and the proportion of tight, transitional and loose type clones was 10.2%, 56.0% and 33.8%, respectively. The results of immunofluorescence microscopic examination showed that the signal of CD44 was significantly stronger in the tight clones than in the transitional and loose clones, however, the signal of CDX2 was weakest in the tight colonies. The results of Western blot were consistent with that of immunofluorescence microscopic observation. SGC-7901 cells of tight clones possessed strong ability of self-renewal and in vivo tumorigenicity in the nude mice.

CONCLUSIONSGC-7901 cell clones vary in morphology and differentiation, and the tight type clones may include rich gastric cancer stem cells.

Animals ; CDX2 Transcription Factor ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Clone Cells ; classification ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Neoplastic Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo seek a safe, efficient, and cost-effective technique for local thermo-ablation of hepatic cancer.

METHODSThe livers from 16 healthy rabbits were thermocoagulated by diode-laser with scanner fiber tip, 6 w for 10 mins. At the same time, the temperatures were measured at 0, 5 and 10 mm from laser tip. The pre-thermocoagulative liver function was compared with that of 7 days post-thermocoagulation. The pathologic changes were also observed 1 month after laser thermocoagulation.

RESULTSAll the rabbits survived and hepatic tissue temperatures at 0, 5, 10 mm from laser tip reached 96.39 degrees C +/- 3.97 degrees C, 60.79 degrees C +/- 6.21 degrees C, 46.10 degrees C +/- 4.58 degrees C respectively after 10 minutes of thermocoagulation. There were no significant differences in liver function parameters between rabbits of pre-laser thermocoagulation and of post-laser thermocoagulation. Thermocoagulated necrosis of liver tissue with surrounding fibrosis in a diameter of 26.0 mm was formed. Light microscopy revealed coagulative necrosis in the center of the coagulated area without surviving hepatic cells.

CONCLUSIONThe hepatic tissue can be coagulated safely and effectively by diode-laser with scanner fibertip, and such a technique may provide a new method for the treatment of hepatic carcinoma.

Animals ; Female ; Laser Coagulation ; methods ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Rabbits