Progress in the physiological and pathophysiological functions of sodium calcium exchangers / 生理学报

Sodium calcium exchanger (NCX), which is widely expressed in the plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane and secretory vesicles in diverse kinds of cells, belongs to a type of cation translocators. NCX works in two modes, the forward mode and reverse mode, to regulate the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration bi-directionally. In the forward mode, NCX carries Ca(2+) out of the cell against its electrochemical gradients coupled to the influx of Na(+) down its electrochemical gradients; alternatively, Ca(2+) enters through the reverse mode of NCX, and Na(+) is carried out of the cell. Exactly through the two-way modes, NCX can regulate intracellular Ca(2+) concentration fleetly and accurately, and plays a critical role in a series of physiological processes including intracellular signal transduction, growth and development of cells, excitation and its coupled functions of excitable cells. NCX are acknowledged to be involved in myofiber contraction, neurotransmission, migration and differentiation of neurogliocyte, activation of immune cells, secretion of cytokines and hormones etc. Moreover, abnormal activation of the reverse mode of NCX plays a vital role in many pathological processes including cell apoptosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, insulin secretion, tumor etc. Here we reviewed the research status about the NCX's participation in some physiological and pathophysiological processes, so as to provide comprehensive understanding about its functions.

Manufacture of high frequency direct current dental X-ray machine / 中国医疗器械杂志

This paper introduces five dental X-ray machines which are manufactured with IGBT to realize high frequency, real-time sampling and PWM to ensure the closed-loop control for tube current and Anodes's high voltage. These five machines also use microcomputer and combined X-ray tube for precise control. The sets don't have high voltage outside. The error of tube voltage is less than 1% and exposure time is less than 3%. The photos of pulp cavity and surrounding tissue can be seen clearly. These sets surely meet the requirements of perspective use in clinical.