Objective To assess multi-detector CT (MDCT), MR and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in detection of chronic myocardial ischemia in Chinese mini-swine models. Methods Six male pigs received MDCT scan firstly. Then Ameroid narrow ring was placed in the left descending branch and MDCT, MR were performed at the same day. On the 2nd, 27th day, SPECT was given. Coronary angiography (CAG) was given on the 28th day, and then MDCT and MRI. The animals were killed after allexaminations. The pathological examination was given at last. Results Two pigs died during the rearing and another 4 had results. Pathology showed 3 had subendocardium infarction and 1 had no infarction. CAG showed infarction in 3 pigs with stenosis more than 50%. Areas of reduced perfusion in arterial phase MSCT, first-pass MRI and SPECT were consistent to findings of TTC staining. MDCT detected that ESV on the 28th day was higher than that of preoperative and postoperative day (P<0.05), the other indexes had no difference. MRI displayed that EDV on the 28th day was higher than that of postoperative day (P<0.001), the other indexes had no differences. SV and EDV measured with MDCT were higher than those with MRI (all P<0.05). ESV and EF measured with MDCT and MRI had no statistical difference (all P>0.05). CT value of left ventricular anterior wall on preoperative, postoperative day and the 28th day were statistically different (F=10.274, P=0.011). Conclusion Arterial phase of MDCT, first-pass perfusion of MRI and SPECT all show reducing perfusion in left ventricular anterior wall corresponded to myocardial infarction with TTC staining. CT value of myocardial ischemia decreases after myocardial ischemia.

Objective: To investigate the role of NF-?B in signal transduction of hepatocyte apoptosis in liver injury. Methods: A total of 42 Chang-Bai piglets were divided into 7 groups: control group, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours wound group. The model of intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound was established in wound groups. Hepatic NF-?B activity was measured with immunohistochemical staining and image analysis in all groups. Hepatocyte apoptosis indexes and serum ALT levels were also determined. Results: Levels of hepatic NF-?B activity in wounded groups were significantly elevated compared with control group, and there were two peaks (1 and 8 hours group P

The study established a UPLC-MS/MS method that is used for simultaneous determination nine major bioactive compounds of Dachengqi Tang in rat plasma. Using Aglient C18 column (2.1 mm x 50 mm,1.7 microm) was chromatographed, using methanol-5 mmol x L(-1) ammonium formate mobile phase gradient, elution 0.3 mL x min(-1). In the plasma pre-treatment process, not only the method of methanol and acetonitrile protein precipitation was investigated, and different factors extraction solvent, the type of the scroll time, the number and the type of extraction solvent, the extraction volume of the extraction solution of liquid-liquid extraction is investigated. Finally, with ibuprofen as an internal standard, using ethyl acetate liquid-liquid extraction method pretreatment blood, N2 dry reconstituted supernatant after centrifugation UPLC-MS/MS analysis, in electrospray ionization (ESI) negative mode, using multiple reaction monitoring mode for testing. The linear range of emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, magnolol, honokiol, hesperidin and hesperitin is 0.33-660, 0.40-792, 0.41-827, 0.34-680, 0.45-907, 0.46-927, 0.43-867, 0.34-683, 0.39-787 microg x L(-1) respectively, good linear relationship; and extraction recovery were greater than 69.39%, days after the day of the RSD is less than 15%. This method can be used to study the rat gastric large bearing gas after Dachengqi Tang, the simultaneous determination of nine components in plasma for its pharmacokinetics and efficacy material base to provide a theoretical basis.
Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Plasma ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; methods

A case of adrenal ganglioneuroblastoma is presented here. This adrenal ganglioneuroblastoma was found in a 27-year-old female 7 months after delivery. CT clarified that the tumor originated retroperitoneally and was large in size (11.4 cm x 9.4 cm). The tumor was surgically removed together with pancreatic body and tail, left kidney and spleen, and pathological diagnosis was adrenal ganglioneuroblastoma-intermixed. Adrenal ganglioneuroblastoma is extremely rare in adults, with only about 9 cases documented including this case.
Adrenal Glands ; Adult* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Ganglioneuroblastoma* ; Humans ; Kidney ; Spleen ; Tail

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the in vitro and in vivo osteogenic capability of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs).

METHODSASCs were isolated from New Zealand white rabbits and determined by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining. Some specific markers of osteogenic differentiation, including ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-ASCs composites were implanted into the rabbit calvarial defects created at each side of the longitudinal midline. After 6 weeks, histologic properties of the transplants were analyzed.

RESULTSASCs were successfully induced into osteogenesis. ALP staining, von Kossa staining and alizarin red staining showed positive results. The expressions of ALP, OCN and OPN were detected in ASCs after cultivation in osteogenic medium. Extensive new bone was observed in the defects transplanted with DBM-ASCs composites.

CONCLUSIONASCs have the potential to differentiate into osteogenic lineage and DBM-ASCs constructs are a promising method for regeneration in bone defects.

Adipose Tissue ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Osteogenesis ; Rabbits ; Stromal Cells

OBJECTIVEStudies showed elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of displaced midclavicular fractures has excellent outcomes, as well as high complication rates and specific problems. The aim was to discuss ESIN of midshaft clavicular fractures.

METHODSTotally 60 eligible patients (aged 18-63 years) were randomized to either ESIN group or non-operative group between January 2007 and May 2008. Clavicular shortening was measured after trauma and osseous consolidation. Radiographic union and complications were assessed. Function analysis including Constant shoulder scores and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores were performed after a 15-month follow-up.

RESULTSESIN led to a signifcantly shorter time to union, especially for simple fractures. In ESIN group, all patients got fracture union, of which 5 cases had medial skin irritation and 1 patient needed revision surgery because of implant failure. In the nonoperative group, there were 3 nonunion cases and 2 symptomatic malunions developed requiring corrective osteotomy. At 15 months after intramedullary stabilization, patients in the ESIN group were more satisfied with the appearance of the shoulder and overall outcome, and they benefited a lot from the great improvement of post-traumatic clavicular shortening. Furthermore, DASH scores were lower and Constant scores were significantly higher in contrast to the non-operative group.

CONCLUSIONESIN is a safe minimally invasive surgical technique with lower complication rate, faster return to daily activities, excellent cosmetic and better functional results, restoration of clavicular length for treating mid-shaft clavicular fractures, resulting in high overall satisfaction, which can be regard as an alternative to plate fixation or nonoperative treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fractures.

Adult ; Clavicle ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Humans ; Nails ; Titanium ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation by K-wire and tension band wire fixation, and to improve the safety and stability of this technique.

METHODSThis study consisted of 9 cases, 6 males and 3 females with the mean age of 25 years (range, 9-62 years). The causes were traffic accident in 7 cases, falling in 1 case and fight in 1 case. The duration from injury to operation was 2 hours to 7 days. There were 5 left dislocations and 4 right dislocations; 8 anterior dislocations and 1 posterior dislocation, including one combined with left scapular fracture and one with left olecranon fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires and tension band wires were performed to treat dislocations.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, 10 months on average. According to Rockwood's rating scale on postoperative sternoclavicular joint, 8 cases achieved excellent outcomes with an average score of 13.88, and the rest case achieved a good outcome with the score of 12. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all cases. There were no such postoperative complications as severe infection, injury to blood vessel and nerve, failure of fixation, etc. Patients were all satisfied with the anatomical reduction and functional recovery.

CONCLUSIONSThe technique of K-wire and tension band wire fixation is safe, simple, effective, less invasive and has been successfully used in orthopedic surgery. It is effective in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation though it has some disadvantages.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Wires ; Child ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Sternoclavicular Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of intrahepatic CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cells and Foxp3 gene in the natural tolerance in rat liver transplantation.

METHODSThe orthotopic liver transplantation models of inbred rats (LEW and DA rats) were established with double-sleeve technique and the models were divided into two groups: tolerance group (TOL group, LEW-to-DA) and rejection group (REJ group, DA-to-LEW). The intrahepatic lymphocytes from each group were isolated by using density gradient centrifugation. CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were isolated by magic cell sorting system (MACS) and identified by flow cytometry (FCM). CD4(+)CD25(+) Tr cells suppression on the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T effector cells were analyzed by cell proliferation assay in vitro. Western blot was used to detect Scurfin protein expression of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tr cells.

RESULTSCD4(+)CD25(+) Tr cells developed significantly greater in the TOL group than in the REJ group. In vitro, the spleen cells from LEW rats can irritate the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells more obviously than the syngeneic spleen cells. CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells could suppress the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells, but the inhibition was reversed by exogenous IL-2 (200 U/ml).

CONCLUSIONSThe immune suppression function of CD4(+)CD25(+) Tr cell, mediated by Foxp3 gene, is one of the mechanisms in liver transplantation tolerance.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Flow Cytometry ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Graft Rejection ; immunology ; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit ; immunology ; Liver Transplantation ; immunology ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; Rats, Inbred Strains ; Transplantation Tolerance ; immunology

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation is a rare but fatal complication. The correct diagnosis and management of GVHD after liver transplantation are still major challenges. Herein, we reported successful salvage treatment of acute GVHD by withdrawal of immunosuppression in a patient who presented with fever, skin rashes, and decreased blood cell counts after liver transplantation. This case highlights the need for awareness of drug-induced liver injury if liver function tests are elevated during treatment, especially in patients taking multiple potentially hepatotoxic drugs, such as broad-spectrum antibiotics. When occurs, an artificial liver support system is a useful tool to provide temporary support of liver function for the patient in the event of drug-induced liver injury.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Blood Cell Count ; Diagnosis ; Drug-Induced Liver Injury ; Exanthema ; Fever ; Graft vs Host Disease* ; Humans ; Immunosuppression* ; Liver Function Tests ; Liver Transplantation* ; Liver* ; Liver, Artificial

OBJECTIVETo calculate heritabilities of personality disorders (PDs) in twin population.

METHODSBased on informed consent, we used Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire (fourth-version) as our screening tool to study the adult twins (aged 20 - 70 years) in Qingdao city. There were 324 twin pairs whose zygosity had been determined. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the heritabilities by 242 same-sex twin pairs.

RESULTSThe best-fitting models yielded a heritability of 68.26% (60.26 - 74.78) of overall PDs, 59.00% (49.22 - 67.17) of cluster A, 64.99% (56.24 - 72.16) of cluster B, and 63.66% (54.72 - 71.02) of cluster C. There were significant genetic effects for schizotypal, narcissistic and dependent, explaining 49.96% (37.94 - 60.14), 52.89% (41.85 - 62.24) and 68.87% (60.80 - 75.40) of the variance respectively. No genetic effects were found on Histrionic, but common environmental effect accounted for 54.08% (44.50 - 62.43) of the total variances.

CONCLUSIONPD was mainly determined by genetic factor. These findings may provide evidence for future research on PD.

Adult ; Aged ; Analysis of Variance ; China ; Cluster Analysis ; Diseases in Twins ; genetics ; Environment ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Models, Genetic ; Personality Disorders ; genetics ; Personality Inventory ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult