Objective To explore the effect of coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) on left atrial (LA) function by strain rate imaging(SRI). Methods Twenty-three patients with coronary heart disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting were involved. SRI was performed on those patients to evaluate LA function quantitatively at baseline (before CABG),and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after CABG. Peak strain rate(SR) was measured at each segment (septal, lateral, posterior, anterior, and inferior walls) and mean peak systolic SR (SRs),peak early diastolic SR (SRe) and peak atrial systolic SR (SRa) were calculated by averaging data in each segment. Results Compared with the baseline,LV pre-systolic volume(LAVp), maximal volume (LAVmax), minimal volume (LAVmin), LV active emptying fraction (LAAEF) and passive empting fraction(LAPEF) had on significant differences at 1 week (P >0.05). LAVp,LAVmin,LAVmax and LAAEF decreased gradually after CABG, LAPEF increased gradually after CABG (P <0.05). Compared with the baseline, the peaks of SR curve showed no significant differences at 1 week (P >0.05). Nevertheless,the peaks of SR were increased at systole and early diastole,decreased at atrial contraction at 1 month (P <0.05). Those changes were turned more significantly at 3 months (P 0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) both increased at 1 month and 3 months,and its changing rate correlated inversely with the changing rate of SRa respectively (r = -0.751, -0.783,all P<0.01).Conclusions LA function is affected by CABG, presented as reservoir and pump functions decreased and conduit function increased. SRI can evaluate the atrial function quantitatively and monitor the changing of LA function dynamically after CABG.

Objective To explore the changes of left atrial systolic function in patients with coronary heart disease after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods Strain rate imaging (SRI) was performed on 23 patients with coronary heart disease before CABG, 1 week, 1 and 3 months after CABG to evaluate left atrial systolic function quantitatively. Results No significant change of left atrial systolic function was detected 1 week after CABG (P＞0.05 ). E/A and LVEF increased, LAFS, AEF and SRa decreased 1 month after CABG compared with those before CABG (P＜0.05). Three months after CABG, changes turned more significantly (P＜0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased 1 and 3 months after CABG, and its changing rate negatively correlated with those of Sra (r=-0.751,-0.783; all P＜0.01). Conclusion Left atrial systolic function is affected by CABG, presenting as decrease of pump function. SRI can be used to evaluate the atrial systolic function quantitatively and monitor the changing of left atrial systolic function dynamically after CABG.

Objective To analyse the clinical characteristics,therapeutic modalities and prognosis of pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma(LCNEC). Methods The clinical data of 14 patients with pulmonary LCNEC confirmed by surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Results No case was correctely diagnosed before surgery.The immunohistochemical amalysis of the specimens revealed the characters of endocrine carcinoma.Twelve cases received adjuvant chemotherapy of platinum agents,but recurrence or metastasis was found in 8 of them several months after surgery.The median survival time was 19 months.The 1-year,2-year and 3-year survival rate were 85.7%(12/14),21.4%(3/14) and not more than 14.3%(2/14),respectively.The statistical analysis showed that the stage,lymph node metastasis and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may have impacts on the prognosis of pulmonary LCNEC. Conclusion Pulmonary LCNEC is a carcinoma with poor prognosis,high tendency of invasion and metastasis.The stage of disease,lymph node metastasis,and adjuvant chemotherapy may be related to the prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the surgical therapeutic strategy and prognostic factors for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mediastinal lymph node metastasis (N2).

METHODSThe survival rate of 117 patients with N2 NSCLC treated surgically from January 1999 to May 2003 were analyzed. There were 88 male cases and 29 female cases, aged from 29 to 79 years. The procedure of operation (lobectomy, pneumonectomy and palliative resection), histological classification (squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, mixed carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma and others), T primary tumor status, and adjuvant therapy were analyzed to determine their impact on the 5-year survival rate.

RESULTSThe median survival time was 22 months, and the over-all 3- and 5-year survival rate was 28.1% and 19.0%. Survival was higher in patients with lobectomy than with palliative resection, with T1 and T2 than with T4. The 5-year survival rate had no deference in age, sex and different histological classification. The 5-year survival rates of lobectomy and pneumonectomy (22.2% and 25.0% respectively) was higher than palliative resection (9.1%).

CONCLUSIONSSurgical procedures (especially lobectomy) is the best choice for N2 NSCLC patients with T1 or T2. But it can not prolong T4 patients' life significantly.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Male ; Mediastinum ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pneumonectomy ; methods ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis

OBJECTIVE To study the differentiation of PC12 cells induced by total salvianolic acid (Tsa) and the mechanism. METHODS MTT assay was used to detect the effect of Tsa 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 μg·L-1on proliferation of PC12 cells and on the cells damaged by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD).The number of projections of PC12 cells was statistically analyzed.Western blotting was applied to detect the levels of microtubule-associated protein2 (MAP-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphorylated ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1/2(MEK1/2) and p-MEK1/2 proteins.MEK inhibitor U0126 was examined for its effect on expressions of p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 protein in PC12 cells induced by Tsa 1.0 μg·L-1.RESULTS Compared with normal control group, Tsa 1.0 μg·L-1could promote PC12 cell proliferation, and the survival rate was increased by 90%, but the survival rate of PC12 cells was not affected by Tsa 0.01 or 0.1 μg·L-1. Compared with OGD injured group,PC12 cells injured by OGD could be repaired by Tsa 0.1 or 1.0 μg·L-1,and the survival rate was increased to (47.7±1.8)% and (63.2±13.0)%, respectively (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with normal control group,Tsa 0.01,0.1 and 1.0 μg·L-1could promote the growth of PC12 cell projections (P<0.01). Western blotting results showed that Tsa could promote the expressions of MAP-2, p-ERK1/2 and p-MEK1/2 proteins, and this effect could be blocked by U0126 inhibitor (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Tsa can induce the proliferation and differentiation of PC12 cells, the mechanism of which is possibly the activation of p-MEK and p-ERK1/2.

OBJECTIVETo investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the atypical leiomyoma in the female reproductive system in comparison with the pathological features of the neoplasms.

METHODSA retrospective analysis of the MRI findings and the pathological features was conducted in 24 cases of atypical leiomyoma involving the female reproductive system.

RESULTSAtypical leiomyomas were displayed by MRI as solid tumor mass surrounded by cystic degeneration, pseudotumors, or solid mass with homogeneous signal intensity. Intrauterine lesions were found in 19 cases, involving the subserosal layer (n=11), intramural region (n=4), broad ligament (n=3), cervix (n=2), submucous layer (n=2), vagina (n=1), and the ovary (n=1). Except for two cases with submucous lesions shown as solid mass, all the cases had lesions appearing as solid cystic mass, whose solid part showed hypo or isointense signals on T1WI and moderate hyperintense signals on T2WI, with heterogeneous enhancement after contrast agent injection. Tumor cell and interstitial cell swelling, vascular hyalinosis, hyalinosis, myxoedema, cystic degeneration, and hemorrhage were found in the lesions.

CONCLUSIONLeiomyoma can occur at almost any site in the female reproductive system, and atypical leiomyoma usually are shown as solid cystic mixed mass in the pelvic cavity. Evaluation of the relationship between the solid mass and cystic portion and observation for the presence of low signal on T2WI may help in the diagnosis of atypical leiomyoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Genital Neoplasms, Female ; pathology ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Neoplasms ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (MG) and the relative risk factors for postoperative myasthenic crisis.

METHODSThe clinic data of 78 cases with MG who underwent thymectomy from June 1985 to June 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. The relative risk factors of postoperative myasthenic crisis were analyzed and the differences between new and old region of perioperative management were compared.

RESULTSThe symptom of MG was complete remission in 21 cases, significantly improved in 38 cases, improved in 11 cases and unchanged in 8 cases, respectively. The symptom duration before operation, preoperative serum level of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody, Osserman stage and pathological type of thymoma were independent relative risk factors for postoperative myasthenic crisis. The new region of perioperative management was significant better than the old one.

CONCLUSIONSurgical treatment shows significant clinical benefits for patients with MG.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Weakness ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Myasthenia Gravis ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Thymectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVEInflammation plays a critical role in secondary brain damage after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the mechanisms of inflammatory injury following ICH are still unclear, particularly the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome, which are crucial to sterile inflammatory responses. In this study, we aim to test the hypothesis that NLRP3 signaling pathway takes a vital position in ICH-induced secondary inflammatory damage and detect the role of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1 (NMDAR1) in this progress.

METHODSICH was induced in mice by microinjection of hemin into the striatum. The protein levels of NMDAR1, NMDAR1 phosphorylation, NLRP3 and IL-1b were measured by Western blot. The binding of NMDAR1 to NLRP3 was detected by immunoprecipitation.

RESULTSThe expression of NMDAR1, NMDAR1 phosphorylation, NLRP3 and IL-1b were rapidly increased after ICH. Hemin treatment enhanced NMDAR1 expression and NMDAR1 phosphorylation, as well in cultured microglial cells treated by hemin. Hemin up regulated NLRP3 and IL-1b level, which was reversed by MK801 (NMDAR antagonist) in vitro. Hemin also promoted the binding of NMDAR1 to NLRP3.

CONCLUSIONOur findings suggest that NMDAR1 plays a pivotal role in hemin-induced NLRP3-mediated inflammatory damage through synergistic activation.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; complications ; Hemin ; pharmacology ; Inflammation ; etiology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; physiology ; Phosphorylation ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ; physiology ; Signal Transduction

We developed a method that allows us to label nociceptive neurons innervating tooth-pulp in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons using a retrograde fluorescence-tracing method, to record ATP-activated current in freshly isolated fluorescence-labeled neurons and to conduct single cell immunohistochemical staining for P2X1 and P2X3 subunits in the same neuron. Three types of ATP-activated current in these neurons (F, I and S) were recorded. The cells exhibiting the type F current mainly showed positive staining for P2X3, but negative staining for P2X1. The results provide direct and convincing evidence at the level of single native nociceptive neurons for correlation of the characteristics of ATP-activated currents with their composition of P2X1 and P2X3 subunits and cell size. The results also suggest that the P2X3, but not P2X1, is the main subunit that mediates the fast ATP-activated current in nociceptive neurons.
Action Potentials ; physiology ; Adenosine Triphosphate ; metabolism ; Animals ; Dental Pulp ; innervation ; physiology ; Nociceptors ; cytology ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Purinergic P2X1 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Purinergic P2X3 ; metabolism ; Tissue Distribution ; Trigeminal Nerve ; cytology ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the correlation between the perfusion data and microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian tumors, and investigate the hemodynamic features of the tumors in terms of anatomy and functional CT imaging.

METHODSSix patients with surgically confirmed benign ovarian tumors and 6 with malignant ovarian tumors underwent multi-slice CT perfusion imaging to acquire the perfusion parameters including perfusion, PEI, TTP, BV peak enhancement image(PEI), time to peak(TTP) and blood volume(BV). The tumors were stained and counted by Immunohistochemical staining of the microvessels in the tumor was performed to detect the MVD.

RESULTSs The time-density curves of the benign ovarian tumors increased slowly, reaching the peak at 40 s; the curves of the malignant tumors rose rapidly and continuously and reached the peak at 25 s. The differences in the perfusion data (PEI, TTP, BV) were statistically significant between the benign and malignant tumors (P<0.05). The MVD of the malignant tumors was significantly greater than that of the benign tumors (P<0.05). The mean BV of the malignant ovarian tumor was positively correlated to MVD (r=0.786, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMulti-slice spiral CT perfusion imaging can provide accurate enhancement data of the ovarian tumors and helps in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the ovarian tumors by presenting the changes of the hemodynamic features in the tumors.

Adult ; Aged ; Capillaries ; pathology ; Cystadenocarcinoma ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Fibroma ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods