The application value of three‐dimensional echocardiographic automated quantification technique for assessing left heart chamber volumes and function / 中华超声影像学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of three‐dimensional echocardiographic( 3DE) automated quantification technique for assessment of left heart chamber volumes and function in consecutive patients . Methods One hundred and fifty consecutive patients underwent 3DE were enrolled in the cross‐sectional study . According to image quality , the patients were divided into satisfactory group ( n ＝ 102 ) and unsatisfactory group ( n ＝ 33 ) . T he accuracy and reproducibility of automated 3DE for measuring left ventricular end‐diastolic volume ( LVEDV ) , left ventricular end‐systolicvolume ( LVESV ) ,left atrial volume ( LAV ) and left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ) were evaluated by the traditional manual 3DE as the relative standard . Among those with satisfactory image quality ,the effects of cardiac cycle selection on automatic 3DE were analyzed . In addition ,according to LVEDV index and LAV index ,the patients were grouped as enlargement group and normal group ,and the significance of editing the endocardial boundaries for both groups were analyzed . Results ① One hundred and thirty‐five patients were successfully analyzed by the automated 3DE . T he inter‐technique comparisons showed good correlations ( r‐values :LVEDV 0 .90 ,LVESV 0 .87 ,LAV 0 .86 ,LVEF 0 .67 ;all P ＜ 0 .01 ) and small biases( LVEDV 11 .9 ml ,LVESV 6 .4 ml ,LAV 9 .0 ml ,LVEF －0 .4% ) for all measurements in all patients . ② T he various parameters in satisfactory group had better correlations and consistency than those in the unsatisfactory group( all P ＜0 .05) . ③Between the two different cardiac cycles ,the automated 3DE measurements showed good correlations( r‐values :EDV 0 .96 ,ESV 0 .96 ,LAV 0 .95 ,LVEF 0 .80 ;all P＜ 0 .01 ) . ④ After optimized boundary of the automated 3DE ,LVEDV ,LVESV increased and LVEF decreased in the left chamber enlargement group( all P ＜0 .05) . ⑤All automated measurements were more reproducible than conventional manual measurements in both intra‐/inter‐observer studies . Conclusions Since automated 3DE is accurate and reproducible for the assessment of left heart chamber volumes and function ,it can be widely used in clinical practice as a feasible and objective ultrasound technique .

Research progress of three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging in evaluation of left atrial structure and function / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI) is a new ultrasonic technology developed in recent years, which is based on gray-scale imaging. 3D-STI can accurately quantify the global and regional myocardial function by tracking trajectory of the spot signal myocardial echo in three-dimensional space. Recently, 3D-STI has been used to assess the structure and function of left atrium. The relative advancements were reviewed in this article.

Masticatory efficiency and oral health-related quality of life with implant-retained mandibular overdentures

To evaluate masticatory efficiency [ME] and oral health-related quality of life [OHRQoL] in patients rehabilitated with implant-retained mandibular overdentures. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 50 edentulous patients visiting the Implant Center and Department of Prosthodontics, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China between June 2010 and June 2012 were selected and received 2 implant-retained mandibular overdenture treatments. All patients were rehabilitated with maxillary complete dentures. The ME and OHRQoL were determined both one month before the mandibular complete denture was anchored to the osseointegrated implants, and 6 months after anchoring. Paired t-tests were used to compare means of ME, and oral health impact profile-49 [OHIP-49] domains scores between pre- and post-implant. Linear regression models were utilized to seek correlations between ME and OHIP domains scores. The ME increased from pre- to post-implant retained mandibular overdentures significantly [p<0.001]. The total OHIP score and 4 subscales scores were changed significantly from pre- to post-implant; namely, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical disability, and physical pain. The total OHIP score, functional limitation, physical disability, and physical pain subscale scores were related to ME. Implant-retained mandibular over dentures can significantly improve patients' ME and OHRQoL. The improvement in OHRQoL is mainly because of the improved ME. An improved chewing experience, and pain relief also contributes to improvement of OHRQoL

Single implant in the mandibular molar region of edentulous patient

Implant-retained overdentures are a valid treatment option for edentulous patients, especially for patients with severe alveolar ridge atrophy. A central single implant is considered adequate to retain an overdenture in the edentulous mandible. However, for some patients, there is no sufficient bone height, or width in the interforaminal region of the mandible for insertion of the implant. This case report illustrates that the insertion of a single implant in the mandibular molar region might stabilize the prosthesis, and might improve the oral health-related quality of life and chewing function. A Locator attachment was used in this case to retain the overdenture. The one-year clinical results are promising. However, long-term clinical results and randomized clinical trials are needed before this method can be widely used in clinical application

Study on functions and mechanism of curcumin in inducing colorectal carcinoma cells LoVo apoptosis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the biological function and regulation mechanism of curcumin in promoting human colorectal carcinoma (LoVo) cells apoptosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Conventional in vitro culture in human colorectal carcinoma cells LoVo, When 80%-90% confluence was reached, cells were treated with curcumin at different concentrations (0-20 mg x L(-1)). Curcumin's effect on cell proliferation level was examined by MTT colorimetry. The ultrastructure of curcumin-treated LoVo cells were observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM). The amount of PI-positive LoVo cells after the curcumin treatment were determined by flow cytometry. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The mRNA level of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Bcl-xL were tested by means of RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>MTT test indicates curcumin could inhibite the growth and proliferation of LoVo cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. TEM examination showed that curcumin can make LoVo cell morphological changes, showing the typical characteristics of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry instrument analysis showed that curcumin can arrest cell cycle at S phase, and induce apoptosis of LoVo cells. RT-PCR test showed that curcumin can activate the expression of Bax and Caspase-3, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL at the mRNA level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Curcumin can significantly inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells LoVo. Such biological effect may be associated with activating Caspase-3 signal channel by activating Bax expression and inhibiting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. This study lays an important foundation for further discussing the mechanism of curcumin in inducing human colorectal carcinoma LoVo apoptosis.</p>

Effect of immune response mediated by antigen-specific T cells on plaque stability in coronary heart disease / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of immune response mediated by antigen (oxidized low density lipoprotein, oxLDL)-specific T cells on plaque stability in coronary heart disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 34 with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 27 with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 22 control subjects were enrolled in this study. MTS/PMS colorimetric assay was used to measure the proliferative response of the T cells to stimulation to 5 microg/ml oxLDL and detect IFN-gamma concentration produced in the proliferative response. The effect of C-reactive protein (CRP) on the proliferative response of the T cells to oxLDL and IFN-gamma concentration produced was examined in AMI group and UAP group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proliferative response of T cells to stimulation to 5 microg/ml oxLDL was significantly higher in AMI group and UAP group than in SAP group and the control group (P<0.05). IFN-gamma concentration produced in the proliferative response of the T cells was also significantly higher in AMI group and UAP group than in the other two groups (P<0.05). CRP at 10 microg/ml significantly increased the proliferative response of the T cells to oxLDL and IFN-gamma production in ACS group (P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The immune response mediated by the antigen-specific T cells, especially that mediated by type 1 T helper cells secreting IFN-gamma, may play an important role in the instability of plaques, and CRP may promote the inflammation of atherosclerosis through the effects on the specific immune response to oxLDL.</p>

Relationship between myocardial systolic, diastolic functions and perfusion in coronary artery stenosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the relationship between myocardial systolic, diastolic functions and perfusion in coronary artery stenosis using velocity vector imaging (VVI) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Stenoses in the anterior descending branch of the coronary artery were induced in 8 dogs. Before and after coronary artery stenosis, two-dimensional images of the left ventricular mastoid muscle section on the short axis at rest and in the peak dose of dobutamine were obtained for evaluation of VVI and MCE. The myocardial blood flow A.beta values, peak systolic strain rate (SRsys) and peak diastolic strain rate (SRdia) in the direction of the circumference of the short axis were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At rest, only severe coronary stenosis resulted in significantly lowered SRsys, SRdia and A.beta value of the stenotic bed compared to the values before the stenosis (-1.1-/+0.50 vs -1.62-/+0.50, 1.19-/+0.48 vs 1.75-/+0.51, 0.4-/+0.21 vs 0.80-/+0.47, P<0.05). In stress, SRsys, SRdia and A.beta value of the stenotic bed gradually decreased as coronary stenosis worsened (-4.31-/+1.14 vs -3.20-/+0.98 vs -1.18-/+0.64, 4.51-/+1.13 vs 3.39-/+0.98 vs 1.37-/+0.64. 3.54-/+1.95 vs 1.81-/+0.89 vs 0.82-/+0.42, P<0.05). Both at rest and in stress, good correlations were noted between SRsys and SRdia (r(rest)=0.88, r(stress)=0.96, P<0.01), between SRsys and the standard A.beta values (r(rest)0.56, r(stress)=0.71, P<0.01), and between SRdia and A.beta (r(rest)=0.57, r(stress)=0.72, P<0.01) in the direction of the circumference of the short axis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Using VVI and MCE, the changes in myocardial perfusion and the systolic and diastolic functions in the direction of the circumference can be observed dynamically. VVI may help assess the condition of myocardial perfusion by evaluating the systolic and diastolic function.</p>

Effect of phospholipid- and albumin-coated microbubbles for myocardial opacification: a comparative study / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of a phospholipid-coated microbubble contrast agent for myocardium opacification in comparison with a albumin-coated microbubble contrast agent (Quanfuxian).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In 10 dogs with single coronary artery stenosis involving the anterior descending branch or circumflex branch randomly received infusion of the two contrast agents through the femoral vein. The myocardial blood flow, heart rate and blood pressure were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The concentration and the particle diameter of the two contrast agents were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentration of the phospholipid-coated microbubbles was (1.06-/+0.22) x10(9)/ml, with a diameter of 3.04-/+0.34 microm, similar to the concentration and diameter of Quanfuxian ((1.31-/+0.33)x10(9)/ml and 2.88-/+0.58 microm, respectively, P>0.05). Both of the agents achieved grade three myocardium opacification, and produced no obvious effect on the heart rate and blood pressure. Quantitative analysis of myocardial opacification in terms of myocardial blood volume (A), blood velocity (beta), and blood flow (A x beta) revealed no significant difference between the two agents (P>0.05), and the parameters derived from the two agents showed good correlations (P<0.05, rA=0.809, r beta=0.932, rA.beta=0.925).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The phospholipid-coated microbubble contrast agent shows good effect for myocardial opacification without significant difference from Quanfuxian. Both of the agents are good ultrasound contrast agents for quantitative analysis of myocardium blood flow.</p>

Lack of telomerase activity in rabbit bone marrow stromal cells during differentiation along neural pathway / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate telomerase activity in rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) during their committed differentiation in vitro along neural pathway and the effect of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on the expression of telomerase.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BMSCs were acquired from rabbit marrow and divided into control group, GDNF (10 ng/ml) group. Cytokine.NSCs medium (prepared by our lab, Patent No. ZL02134314. 4) supplemented with 10 percent fetal bovine serum (FBS) was used to induce BMSCs differentiation along neural pathway. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry was employed to identify the expressions of Nestin, neuron-specific endase (NSE), and gial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The growth curves of the cells and the status of cell cycles were analyzed, respectively. During the differentiation, telomerase activities were detected using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TRAP-ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BMSCs were successfully induced to differentiate along neural pathway and expressed specific markers of fetal neural epithelium, mature neuron and glial cells. Telomerase activities were undetectable in BMSCs during differentiation along neural pathway. Similar changes of cell growth curves, cell cycle status and telomerase expression were observed in the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Rabbit BMSCs do not display telomerase activity during differentiation along neural pathway. GDNF shows little impact on proliferation and telomerase activity of BMSCs.</p>