Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and reliability for coronary artery stenosis and in-stent restenosis detection using 64-slice spiral computed tomography(multislice CT,MSCT) angiography and digital subtraction angiography(DSA).Methods A pulsating cardiac phantom with two simulated coronary arteries was scanned on a 64- slice CT scanner and underwent DSA at static state,at 4 different sinus rhythms of 0,50,70,and 90 beats per minute(bpm).One simulated artery was 3 mm in lumen diameter with 3 segments of 25%,50%,and 75% stenoses.A stent with 2 segments of 50% and 75% stenoses was placed into the other artery with 4mm in lumen diameter.Images from MSCT were analyzed and compared with those from DSA.Results(1)The mean values of the 25%,50%,and 75% stenoses measured with MSCT were(30.0?1.4)%,(49.5?1.3)%,and(72.9?3.9)%,respectively (P values were 0.005,0.531,and 0.369 respectively).The mean values of the 25%,50%,and 75% stenoses measured with DSA were(24.8?2.0)%,(48.2?2.1)%,(75.3?2.4)% respectively (P values were 0.883,0.180,and 0.796,respectively).(2)MSCT was susceptible to heart rate,with artifact increasing as heart rate increasing,especially when the heart rate were ≥70 bpm.(3)There was a good correlation between 64-slice MSCT and DSA(r=0.995,P=0.000).(4)64-slice MSCT could show the stent and in- stent restenosis simutaneously.Its capability to depict in-stent restenosis was limited.The depiction rate of 50% in- stent restenosis were(46.4?4.5)%(0 bpm)and(43.6?5.7)%(50 bpm) respectively(P

Trichinella spiralis nudix hydrolase (TsNd) gene encoding a 46 kDa protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and the potential of recombinant TsNd protein (rTsNd) as an antigen for the serodiagnosis of trichinellosis was investigated by ELISA and compared with those of ELISA with T. spiralis muscle larval excretory–secretory (ES) antigens. The sensitivity of both ELISA was 100% (30/30), for the detection of anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in sera of the experimentally infected mice, and the specificity of rTsNd-ELISA and ES-ELISA was 100% (54/54) and 98% (53/54), respectively (P>0.05). Serum anti-Trichinella antibodies were firstly detected by rTsNd-ELISA at 14 days post infection (dpi), then continued to increase with a detection rate of 100% at 36 dpi. The anti-Trichinella antibody levels at different times after infection were statistically different (P<0.05). The results showed that the rTsNd might be a potential candidate antigen for specific serodiagnosis of trichinellosis. But, it needs to be further evaluated with sera of the patients with trichinellosis and other helminthiasis.

Cancer, also known as malignant tumor, is the second largest disease after heart disease, which is characterized by genomic instability and mutagenicity. Ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related kinase (ATR) are members of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIKK) family, belonging to serine/threonine kinase, one of the key kinases in DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair pathway. This paper reviews the latest progress in the ATR inhibitor field including mechanism of action (MOA), therapeutic applications, and the combination therapy from the perspective of medicinal chemistry. It also discusses the possible challenges and future directions of developing ATR inhibitor antitumor drugs, which could provide the scientists in this field the convenience for access the information and application guidance for clinical studies.

OBJECTIVETo observe the imaging findings of congenital megaureter in order to enhance the understanding of this disease.

METHODSImage data of 5 patients with congenital megaureter and 2 misdiagnosed patients were analyzed, and image findings of congenital megaureter were summarized.Elscint Prestig 2.0T superconductive magnetic resonance urography (MRU) with conventional sequence (spin-echo, T1WI560 ms/16 ms; fast spin-echo, T2WI 9600 ms/96 ms ) was performed. Raw data were acquired with fastspin-echo sequence from heavy T2-weighted image (9600 ms/120 ms). Post-processing method of MRU was the maximum intensity projection with three-dimensional reconstruction in the workstation. Intravenous pyelography (IVP) was conducted, in which X-rayfilms were taken 7 minutes, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes after injecting contrast agent, exceptthat in 2 patients the films were taken delayed at 60 and 90 minutes .X-ray retrograde pyelography was performed on 2 patients, successful in one butfailed in the other.

RESULTSThe dilated ureter showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images in conventional MRI. The mass wall was intact, uniform in thickness, and showing hypointensity on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. The MRU images showed a retroperitoneal mass appearing as an elongated tubular cystic structure spreading from kidney to bladder. MRU also revealed dilated calices and renal pelvis, pelviureteric obstruction, and renal duplication. The main signs of congenital megaureter in X-urography was significant dilatation of ureter, or normal renal pelvis with ureter dilatation, hydronephrosis, deformity, and displacement.

CONCLUSIONSMRU with X-urography could visualizethe characteristics of congenital megaureter, including the dilation of renal pelvis and ureter, calculi, urinary tract duplication, and stenosis location. The two techniques can complement each other in disease diagnosis and provide more detailed information for preoperative treatment.

Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Ureter ; abnormalities ; pathology ; Urography

Objective To observe the effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(5-aza-CdR)on the normal epithelial specific-1 gene(NES1)and the growth of human gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice,and to explore the possible anti-tumor mechanisms and search for new treatment for gastric cancer.Methods Human gastric caner xenograft model in nude mice was established and treated with 5-aza-CdR.The growth of xenografts in nude mice was observed,and the status of methylation and protein expression of NES1 gene were detected by MSP and immunohistochemistry respectirely.Results After treatment with 5-aza-CdR,the growth of the xenografts in nude mice was greatly inhibited(P

BACKGROUNDRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Many methods have been used to observe the progress of RA. The purpose of this study was to observe the progress of RA in rats with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and arthritis score, and analyze the relationships among different methods in evaluation of RA.

METHODSSixteen healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats about 8-week old were randomly assigned to a RA group and a control group. Bovine type II emulsified incomplete Freud's adjuvant was used to induce arthritis in the RA group. Arthritis score of the rats in two groups were recorded, and (18)F-FDG PET/CT, MR imaging were performed both on the corresponding rats every 3 days. All the rats were sacrificed at week 5, and histopathological examination was performed on rat knees stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTSThe arthritis score and the standard uptake value (SUV) of knee joints in RA rats increased with the progression of arthritis gradually. Both peaks of arthritis score and SUV appeared at 21 days after the first immune injection, then the arthritis score and SUV of knee joints decreased slowly. The arthritis scores of knee joints in RA rats were positively correlated with their SUV changes. The MR images were confirmed by the histopathological studies.

CONCLUSIONPET/CT can detect the earliest molecular metabolism changes of RA, and MR imaging can follow up the dynamical anatomical changes of RA, all of which indicated that PET/CT and MR imaging may be applied as useful tools to monitor the progress of RA.

Animals ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of one Chinese herbal extract complex (GETO) on the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and protein kinasec(PKC) proteins of the hippocampus in middle cerebral artery orilusion(MCAO) rats.

METHODAll rats were subjected to MCAO by nylon thread, except the sham-group rats. Rats were divied into four groups: sham-group, cerebral ischemia model-group, GETO-group(6. 1 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) )and Duxil-group (7.3 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). Using immunohistochemistry technique we measured the expression quantity of CRF and PKC protein in hippocampus of MCAO rats at 2 h,6 h and 24 h after reperfusion, contrasted to Duxil.

RESULTCRF: There were lots of positive and deeper dyeing neurons in hippocampus of model-group rats, while there were a few of positive and lighter dyeing neurons in sham-group, GETO-group and Duxil-group. The positive expression areas of CRF protein in hippocampus of model-group was significantly bigger than that of sham-group, GETO -group and Duxil-group respectively( P <0. 01). PKC: There were a great number of denser positive granules in hippocampus of model-group rats, while there were a few of scattered positive granules in sham-group, GETO-group and Duxil-group. The positive expression areas of CRF protein in hippocampus of model-group was significantly bigger than that of sham-group, GETO-group and Duxil-group respectively( P < 0. 01). At the same time there was not significant difference about the expression of CRF and PKC protein between GETO group and Duxil-group.

CONCLUSIONThe high expression of CRF and PKC induced by cerebral ischemia may be one important factor that resulted in the delayed neuronal death in hippocampus. GETO can down-regulate the expression of CRF and PKC induced by cerebral ischemia, which may be one of the mechanisms that the Chinese herbal extract complex, protect cerebral ischemic injury.

Animals ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; metabolism ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

BACKGROUNDSeveral candidate genes of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) susceptibility have been identified, but their polymorphisms account for only a small percent of the total variance. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) is a potent ectopic ossification inducing factor. BMP4 protein and mRNA are present in cells from OPLL patients, but not non-OPLL controls. A single nucleotide polymorphism of 6007C>T(rs17563) of BMP4 has been reported to affect bone density in postmenopausal women. Thus, BMP4 may function in OPLL development. Appropriately, the relationship between BMP4 polymorphisms and OPLL was investigated.

METHODSA case-control association study investigated the genetic etiology in 179 OPLL patients and 298 non-OPLL controls. Extent of OPLL was analyzed by radiologic examinations. Whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of -5826G>A(rs1957860) 5' of the transcription start site and 6007C>T(rs17563) in exon 4 of the BMP4 gene were statistically associated with genetic susceptibility to OPLL in Chinese Han subjects was assessed.

RESULTSA significant statistical difference in genotype of 6007C>T polymorphism between male OPLL patients and male controls was evident, and the frequency of "TT" genotype in male OPLL patients was significantly higher than in male controls (P = 0.039). The frequency of the "T" allele was also significantly higher in male OPLL subjects than in male controls (P = 0.014, OR = 1.57). A significant difference was also observed between the 6007C>T polymorphism and the number of ossified cervical vertebrae in OPLL patients, while no statistical difference was apparent between the -5826G>A polymorphism and OPLL occurrence.

CONCLUSIONSThe T allele in the 6007C>T polymorphism may be a risk factor for male Han Chinese with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. Chinese Han male patients with CT and TT 6007C>T genotypes have a genetic susceptibility to OPLL and more extensive OPLL in the cervical spine.

Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics

BACKGROUNDAcute renal failure following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of all patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) subsequently develop acute renal failure (ARF). The purpose of the study was to compare early transient changes in renal function within the first post-operative week following CABG in patients that were either off-pump or on-pump.

METHODSEight hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients with isolated CABG in a single institution between January 1990 and August 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, including 518 off-pump and 331 on-pump patients. A multivariate Logistic regression model was constructed to identify risk factors for the development of AKI.

RESULTSSixty-one off-pump patients and 63 on-pump patients developed AKI. Risk factors for the development of post-operative AKI included an ejection fraction > or =50% or < or =30%, a pulse pressure > or =60 mmHg, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, emergent procedure, triple-vessel disease, body mass index, peri-operative and post-operative. intra-aortic balloon pumping, NYHA class III and IV, and cardiopulmonary bypass. An ejection fraction > or =50% and peri-operative and post-operative intra-aortic balloon pumping were protective (OR <1). Peak serum creatinine for post-operative AKI was noted 12 hours and 24 hours in the off-pump and on-pump patients, respectively. Serum creatinine kinetics revealed rapid recovery in the 24th to 48th hour (off-pump) and the 48th to 72nd hour (on-pump).

CONCLUSIONRenal protection strategies are indicated from general anesthesia induction until 48 and 72 hours post-operatively in off-pump and on-pump patients, respectively.

Acute Kidney Injury ; etiology ; Aged ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; adverse effects ; Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump ; adverse effects ; Creatinine ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDOssification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) has a strong genetic background. Previous studies have shown that bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and BMP2 mRNA are expressed in ossifying matrix and chondrocytes adjacent to cartilaginous areas of OPLL tissues and mesenchymal cells with fibroblastic features in the immediate vicinity of the cartilaginous areas. It is suggested that BMP2 plays different roles in the different stages of development of OPLL. However, it remains unknown which factors induce ligament cells to produce BMP2.

METHODSOPLL patients (n = 192) and non-OPLL controls (n = 304) were studied. Radiographs of the cervical spine were analyzed for extent of OPLL. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms of exons 3 (-726) T/C and 3 (-583) A/G in the BMP2 gene are statistically associated with genetic susceptibility to OPLL in Chinese Han subjects.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference between the occurrence of exons 3 (-726) T/C and 3 (-583) A/G and the occurrence of OPLL in the cervical spine. However, there was a significant association between occurrence of exon 3 (-726) T/C polymorphism and occurrence of OPLL in males of cases and controls in the cervical spine. In addition, no significant association was found between the exons 3 (-726) T/C and 3 (-583) A/G with number of ossified cervical vertebrae in OPLL patients.

CONCLUSIONSExon 3 (-583) A/G polymorphism in BMP2 gene is not associated with the occurrence and the extent of OPLL in the cervical spine. Chinese Han male patients with TC and CC genotypes in exon 3 (-726) T/C have genetic susceptibility to OPLL but not to more extensive OPLL in the cervical spine.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; genetics ; China ; Exons ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic