Objective To further investigate the accuracy of the real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE) in evaluating right ventricular(RV) systolic function.Methods RT-3DE,MRI and SPECT were used to study a total 30 patients including 10 with coronary artery disease,7 with hypertension,5 with cardiomyopathy,5 with atrial septal defect,and 3 with pulmonary hypertension.The RV end-diastolic volume(RVEDV),RV end-systolic volume(RVESV),RV stroke volume(RVSV) and RV ejection fraction(RVEF) were measured.The correlation and the difference between different modalities were compared.Results RT-3DE had a good correlation with MRI in RVEDV,RVESV,RVSV and RVEF (rEDV =0.811,rESV =0.837,rSV =0.818,and rEF =0.701).Also RT-3DE had a correlation with SPECT in RVEDV,RVESV,and RVSV(rEDV =0.526,rESV =0.493,rSV =0.514),but there was no correlation between RT-3DE and SPECT in RVEF (rEF =0.235).Conclusions RT-3DE can assess RV systolic function accurately.

Objective To research expression changes of COX-2 gene in Barrett′s esophageal mucosa before and after argon plasma coagulation (APC)operation and to explore it′s clinical curative effect and possible mechanism .Methods 66 barrett′s e-sophageal diagnosed with gastroscope and pathology were randomly divided into normal esophageal group (the negative control group ,group A) ,the APC with acid suppression therapy group(group B) ,Acid antimicrobial drug treatment group(group C) .Ob-serve symptom relief condition ,barrett esophagus epithelium ablation under gastroscope before and after treatment ,esophageal mu-cosa tissue samples was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technique .Expression of COX-2 gene in barrett′s esoph-ageal mucosa were compared among groups .Results Compared with group A ,both Group B and group C could effectively relieve symptoms (P<0 .05) .Symptom remission rate had no no statistically significant difference in Group B and group C .Barrett esopha-gus epithelium was not significantly narrowed under gastroscope follow-up Group A and group C ,while Barrett esophageal mucosal occurred ablation with pink mucous covered in Group B .The expression of Cox-2 mRNA in group B decreased ,which was similar to group A .The expression of Cox-2 mRNA in group C also decrease ,but there was no significant differences before and after treat-ment .Conclusion APC with acid suppression therapy could effectively relieve symptoms ,melting Barrett esophagus epithelium ,and is of a safe and effective treatment on Barrett′s esophagus .

Since Nei Jing, through the development and supplement of ancient physicians, syndrome differentiation of TCM ophthalmology has been gradually improved. To the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, LI Dong-yuan's Pi Wei Lun paid attention to spleen and stomach,which made raising yang therapy has been accepted and widely used in medical subjects. After 40 years of clinical practice and inheritance and innovation of LI Dong-yuan's raising yang therapy, Professor LV Hai-jiang gradually formed his own experience features of using raising yang therapy to treat ophthalmic diseases. Combined with the clinical medical records, this article reviewed diagnosis and treatment experience of Professor LV in using raising yang therapy to treat ophthalmic diseases from the aspects of raising yang and removing obstruction in collaterals, raising yang and dissipating heat, activating blood circulation and expelling stasis, and eliminating dampness and phlegm.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] and carotid artery intimal medial thickness (IMT) in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients.

METHODSSerum 25(OH)D and carotid IMT were measured in 300 T2DM patients. Patients were divided into four quartile groups according to the serum 25(OH)D levels (Q1: < 26.17 nmol/L, 74 cases; Q2: 26.17 - 32.75 nmol/L, 76 cases; Q3: 32.75 - 42.93 nmol/L, 78 cases; Q4 > 42.93 nmol/L, 72 cases).

RESULTSCarotid IMT, carotid artery plaque prevalence, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, CRP and PTH were significantly higher in subjects with low 25(OH)D compared subjects with high 25(OH)D (P < 0.05). Carotid artery IMT in Q1 and Q2 groups were significantly higher than that in Q4 group (1.03 ± 0.21 vs. 0.90 ± 0.20, 1.01 ± 0.26 vs. 0.90 ± 0.20, P < 0.05), was similar among Q1 and Q2 and Q3 groups. Prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in Q1 group (50.0%) was also significantly higher than in Q3 (29.5%, P < 0.05) and Q4 (16.7%, P < 0.05). Similarly, 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in patients with carotid plaque compared patients without carotid plaque [(28.31 ± 4.91) nmol/L vs. (36.31 ± 4.31) nmol/L, P < 0.01]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that carotid IMT was positively correlated with age, smoking, BMI, HbA1c, CRP, LDL-C, PTH/25(OH)D ratio (P < 0.05), and was negatively correlated with 25 (OH) D (r = -0.51, P < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed that 25(OH)D concentration was an independent predictor of carotid IMT in this cohort (β = -0.39, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSerum 25(OH)D concentration is negatively correlated with carotid IMT and low 25 (OH) D level is a risk factor for preclinical atherosclerosis in T2DM patients.

Aged ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; blood ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vitamin D ; analogs & derivatives ; blood

Streptoverticillum caespitosus ATCC27422 is a producing strain of mitomycin A for cancer therapy. Taking the advantage of the conserved sequences of genes flanking the oriC of high G + C Gram-positive bacteria, a 1.3 kb DNA fragment containing oriC and its flanking region was cloned by PCR. Nuleotide sequence comparisons revealed that the cloned fragment is more than 80% identical to the same region of S. coelicolor. There are 22 DnaA-boxes in the oriC region, and the conserved sequence of DnaA-box is TTGTCCACA. The plasmid containing the oriC of S. caespitosus was constructed (pMJ9), and it was able to transform the protoplast of Streptomyces lividans ZX7 at the frequency of 3.2 x 10(2) transformants/micrograms plasmid DNA. The colony and mycelia's morphology of the transformants are normal. The constructed plasmid can exist stable in the host as a low copy extra-chromosome replicon. The high rate of the homology and the cross genus replication initiation activity suggests close relationship between Streptomyces and Streptoverticillum in the evolution. While the maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based upon the oriC of S. caespitosus and several Streptomyces spp. revealed that S. caespitosus differed extensively from the Streptomyces spp. This result supports the separation of Streptoverticillum from Streptomyces.
Actinomycetales ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Blotting, Southern ; Cloning, Molecular ; Conserved Sequence ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmids ; Replication Origin ; genetics ; Streptomyces ; genetics ; Transformation, Bacterial

BACKGROUNDAs with many studies carried out in European countries, a quality assurance program has been established by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories in China (NCCL). The results showed that the external quality assessment significantly improves laboratory performance for quantitative evaluation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA.

METHODSSerum panels were delivered twice annually to the clinical laboratories which performed HCV RNA detection in China. Each panel made up of 5 coded samples. All laboratories were requested to carry out the detection within the required time period and report on testing results which contained qualitative and/or quantitative test findings, reagents used and relevant information about apparatus. All the positive samples were calibrated against the first International Standard for HCV RNA in a collaborative study and the range of comparison target value (TG) designated as +/- 0.5 log.

RESULTSThe numbers of laboratories reporting on qualitative testing results for the first and second time external quality assessment were 168 and 167 in the year of 2003 and increased to 209 and 233 in 2007; the numbers of laboratories reporting on quantitative testing results were 134 and 147 in 2003 and rose to 340 and 339 in 2007. Deviation between the mean value for quantitative results at home in 2003 and the target value was above 0.5 log, which was comparatively high. By 2007, the target value was close to the national average except for the low concentrated specimens (10(3) IU/ml). The percentage of results within the range of GM +/- 0.5 log(10) varied from 8.2% to 93.5%. Some laboratories had some difficulties in the exact quantification of the lowest (3.00 log IU/ml) as well as of the highest viral levels (6.37 log IU/ml) values, very near to the limits of the dynamic range of the assays.

CONCLUSIONSThe comparison of these results with the previous study confirms that a regular participation in external quality assessment (EQA) assures the achievement of a high proficiency level in the diagnosis of HCV infection. During the 5-year external quality assessment, sensitivity and accuracy of detection in most of the clinical laboratories have been evidently improved and the quality of kits has also been substantially improved.

Hepacivirus ; genetics ; Humans ; Laboratories ; standards ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Quality Control ; RNA, Viral ; analysis ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic

OBJECTIVETo investigate an safe and effective new technology (treatment) to repair maxillofacial region penetrating defect.

METHODSThe lower trapezius musculocutaneous flap is parallel just like as two leaves which is connected to each other, and was folded to provide the liner of oral cavity and external cover.

RESULTSTotally twelve folding lower trapezius musculocutaneous pedicle flap survived. Postoperative follow-up for 1 approximately 3 years, the patients restored the function as well as the shape of maxillofacial region.

CONCLUSIONSThe lower trapezius musculocutaneous pedicle flap is a suitable material for maxillofacial region reconstruction, further more, the successful rate is perfect.

Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mouth Neoplasms ; surgery ; Muscle, Skeletal ; transplantation ; Oral Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome

ObjectiveTo study the mRNA expression of rat Insulin-like growth factors- Ⅰ (IGF- Ⅰ ) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in thyroid and placenta with different iodine intakes during pregnancy.MethodsOne hundred and fifty female Wistar rats,weighting 80 - 100 g,were randomly divided into five groups according to body weight,30 rats in each group.Each group was given deionized water containing different concentrations of iodine,50 μg/L(control group,NI),0 μg/L(iodine deficiency 1 group,LI1 ),5 μg/L(iodine deficiency 2 group,LI2),3000 μg/L(iodine excess 1 group,HI1 ),and 10 000 μg/L(iodine excess 2 group,HI2),respectively.After feeding for 12 weeks,the female rats were mated with male rats.The female rats were sacrificed at first(6,7 days),trimester( 12,13 days),and third trimesters( 19,20 days),respectively,then their thyroid and placenta were collected.The mRNA expressions of IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-1 in thyroid and placenta were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Results①The actual thyroid weights of LI1 and LI2 groups[ (12.17 ± 5.41 ) × 10-2 g,(3.54 ± 1.21) × 10-2 g] were significantly higher than that of NI group[ (2.05 ± 0.50) × 10-2 g,all P ＜ 0.05] ;actual weights of HI1 and HI 2 groups[ (1.64 ± 0.27) × 10-2 g,(1.66 ± 0.29) × 10-2 g] were compared with that of NI group,the difference was not statistically significant(all P ＞ 0.05).②The mRNA expression of IGF- Ⅰ: at the first trimester,LI1 and LI2 groups(l.98 ± 0.35,1.47 ± 0.22) were all higher than that of NI group(1.01 ± 0.18,all P＜ 0.01 ),HI1 and HI2 groups(0.68 ± 0.16,0.75 ± 0.09) were lower than that of NI group(all P ＜ 0.01 );at the second trimester,HI2 group( 1.14 ± 0.17) was lower than that of NI group( 1.58 ± 0.33,P ＜ 0.01 ) ; at the third trimester,LI2 and HI2 groups(1.47 ± 0.20,1.45 ± 0.35) were lower than that of NI group(2.20 ± 0.37,all P＜0.01).The mRNA expression of IGF- I level in NI group at the first,second,and third trimesters(1.01 ±0.18,1.58 ±0.33,2.20 ± 0.37) was up regulated gradually,pairwise comparisons were statistically significant(all P ＜ 0,01 ).③The mRNA expression of TGF-β1: at the first trimester,LI1 group (1.37 ± 0.13) was higher than NI group (1.05 ±0.18,P ＜ 0.01 ),HI1 and HI2 groups(0.50 ± 0.09,0.44 ± 0.11) were lower than NI group(all P＜ 0.01); at the second trimester,LI1 and HI2 groups(1.39 ± 0.28,1.17 ± 0.12) were higher than NI group(0.63 ± 0.22,all P ＜0.01 ) ; at the third trimester,LI1 and LI2 groups ( 1.57 ± 0.30,1.23 ± 0.20) were higher than NI group ( 0.68 ± 0.17,all P＜ 0.01).TGF-β1 mRNA expressions of NI group at the second (0.63 ± 0.22) and third trimesters(0.68 ± 0.17) were lower than that of the first trimester (1.05 ± 0.18,all P ＜ 0.01).④ Rats' IGF-Ⅰ mRNA expression in placental: at the second trimester HI1 group,HI2 group( 1.48 ± 0.16,1.45 ± 0.25) were all higher than the NI group ( 1.00 ± 0.10,all P ＜ 0.01 ) ; at third trimester,HI1 group ( 1.75 ± 0.15 ) were higher than the NI group ( 1.54 ± 0.29,P＜ 0.05),HI2 group(l.94 ± 0.31) were higher than the NI group(P ＜ 0.01 ).IGF- Ⅰ mRNA expression in placental of NI group at the third trimester was higher than the second trimester(P＜ 0.01).⑤ Rats' TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the placenta: at the second trimester and the third trimester of pregnancy there were no significant difference between the five groups(all P ＞ 0.05) ; NI group at the third trimester(0.83 ± 0.16) was lower than the second trimester(0.98 ± 0.20,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions During pregnancy,IGF- I mRNA expression increases in thyroid under the conditions of iodine deficiency,and this effect is particularly significant in the first trimester; at the same time,TGF-β1 mRNA expression is increased,and this inhibition becomes clear with the deepening of iodine deficiency.Under the condition of iodine excess,the functions of IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β1 in thyroid above-mentioned were relatively weak.With the development of gestational period,promoting tissues growth and differentiation effect of placenta's IGF- Ⅰ was more significant gradually,but,inhibited effect of TGF-β1 was weaken.

Objective To investigate the value of 18F-FDG/99Tcm-MIBI SPECT myocardial imaging for the detection of myocardial viability and prognosis in patients with AMI. Methods 18F-FDG/99Tcm-MIBI SPECT myocardial imaging was performed in 98 consecutive patients [man 87, women 11; average age (58 ±11)y] with AMI. The myocardium was scored individually for nine segments: mildly decreased uptake = 1,significantly decreased uptake = 2, and no uptake = 3. Perfusion defect but preserved 18 F-FDG uptake was defined as perfusion-metabolism mismatch, indicating jeopardized but viable myocardium. Perfusion defect and decreased 18 F-FDG uptake were defined as match, indicating myocardial necrosis. Echocardiogram was performed before and after treatment for evaluating the LVEF. All patients were followed after treatment.The rate of cardiac events was calculated and compared between patients with medication and revascularization. Paired t test, Chi-square test and log-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Results In the group with viable myocardium, 27 patients received revascularization and 10 received medication. In the group with infarcted myocardium, 26 patients received medication and 35 received revascularization. Patients underwent revascularization and with medication had no significant difference in improvement of LVEF between both groups (viable myocardium group: χ2 = 0.509, P > 0. 05; infarcted myocardium group: χ2 =0.035, P > 0.05). In viable myocardium group, cardiac event rate was significantly higher in patients with medication than in those who had undergone revascularization (50.0% vs 14.8%, χ2 =4.91, P<0.05).In the infarcted myocardium group, cardiac event rate was also significantly higher in patients with medication (30.7% vs5.7% ,χ2 =6.83, P<0.05). Conclusions 18F-FDG/ -MIBI SPECT myocardial imaging may well be of value but limited for the detection of myocardial viability and prediction of improvement in cardiac function as well as prognosis. However, more prospective data are needed for final evaluation.

Objective To study the effects of different iodine intakes on rat iodine metabolism during pregnancy.Methods One hundred and fifty female Wistar rats (body weight 80-100 g) were randomly divided into five groups:control group(NI),lower iodine 1 and 2 groups(LI1 and LI2),High iodine 1 and 2 groups(HI1 and HI2) by weight,30 rats in each group.These rats were given deionized water containing different concentrations of iodine,50(NI),0 (LI1),5(LI2),3000(HI1) and 10000 μg/L(HI2),respectively.After 12 weeks,urine samples were collected before copulation.The rats were sacrificed at the first(6-7 days),second (12-13 days) and third trimesters(19-20 days),respectively,serum and amniotic fluid samples were collected.Urinary iodine and iodine level in the fetal amniotic fluid were measured by As3+-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry.Serum iodine was measured by mild acid digestion method.Results The baseline medians of urinary iodine of LI1 and LI2 groups(5.96,15.92 μg/L) were significantly lower than that of the NI group(43.75 μg/L,all P ＜ 0.01),and the values of HI and HI2 groups(5263.96,20389.64 μg/L) were significantly higher than that of the NI group (all P ＜ 0.01).The median of urinary iodine during pregnancy was significantly lower than that of the baseline of no pregnancy(all P ＜ 0.01).The medians of urinary iodine of the NI group at the first and the second trimesters (28.97,34.34 μg/L) were significantly lower than that of the third trimester(42.31 μg/L,all P ＜ 0.01).The means of serum iodine of LI1 and LI2 groups[(3.68 ± 1.69),(10.45 ± 4.16) μg/L] were significantly lower than that of the NI group [(23.68 ± 3.85)μg/L,all P ＜ 0.05],and the means of serum iodine of HI1 and HT2 groups [(502.67 ± 97.03),(822.15 ± 139.45)μg/L] were significantly higher than that of the NI group (all P ＜ 0.01).Although the mean of serum iodine of HI group gradually decreased with the progression of gestation,the difference was not statistically significant(all P ＞ 0.05).The iodine levels in amniotic fluid of fetal rats at the second and the third trimesters in LI1 group(0.85,3.00 μg/L) were significantly lower than that of the NI group(3.56,7.91 μg/L,all P ＜ 0.01),but the difference was not statistically significant between the iodine level in amniotic fluid of fetal rats of the LI2 and the NI groups at the second and the third trimesters(all P ＞ 0.05).The iodine levels in amniotic fluid of fetal rats at the second and the third trimesters in the HI1 group(49.59,171.21 μg/L) were significantly higher than that of the NI group(all P ＜ 0.01).The iodine levels in amniotic fluid of fetal rats at the second and the third trimesters in HI2 group (98.76,544.77 μg/L) were significantly higher than that of the NI group(all P ＜ 0.01).The iodine level in amniotic fluid of fetal rats in the third trimester was significantly higher than that of the second trimester in all the groups (all P ＜ 0.01).The ratios of serum iodine and urinary iodine of the LI1 and the LI2 groups (1.29 ± 1.14,1.70 ± 1.01) were significantly higher than that of the NI group(0.51 ± 0.37,all P ＜0.01),and that of the HI1 and the HI2 groups(0.21 ± 0.07,0.11 ± 0.07) were significantly lower than that of the NI group (all P ＜ 0.01).The ratios of amniotic fluid iodine and serum iodine of the LI and the LI2 groups (0.19 ± 0.15,0.32 ± 0.17) were significantly higher than that of the NI group(0.13 ± 0.05,P ＜ 0.01),but the difference was not statistically significant between HI1 and HI2 groups(0.09 ± 0.03,0.11 ± 0.04) and NI group(all P ＞ 0.05).The ratio of amniotic fluid iodine and serum iodine of the third trimester was significantly higher than that of the second trimester(all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Different iodine intake leads to changes in the levels of maternal iodine metabolism in rats during pregnancy.There probably is a protection mechanism in the mother's body,which protects the mother and the fetal from injury by iodine excess or iodine deficiency.