Impact of Coronary Plaque on the Precision of Computational Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from CTA / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveThe fractional flow reserve （FFR） computed from coronary computed tomographic （CT） angiograms makes it possible to noninvasively assess coronary artery disease， but the impact of plaque on FFR derived from computed tomography angiography （CTA） is still unknown. The study used invasive FFR as the reference standard to analyze the impact of plaque on coronary computed tomography angiography （CCTA）-based quantitative flow ratio （CT-QFR）. MethodsThe retrospective study included 108 patients with suspected coronary heart disease （CHD） who underwent both CCTA and FFR within 60 days. CCTA images were analyzed by the software. We obtained the CT-QFR of target vessels， perfomed the quantitative and qualitative analyses on target vascular plaques， including total plaque volume （TPV）， plaque burden， calcified plaque volume （CPV）， fibrous plaque volume （FPV）， lipid plaque volume （LPV）， and the presence or absence of high-risk plaque. ResultsAccording to the difference between CT-QFR and FFR at blood vessel level， 137 target vessels of 108 patients were divided into the overestimated group （difference＞0.03， n＝29）， reference group （-0.03≤difference≤0.03， n＝88） and underestimated group （difference＜-0.03， n＝20）. The underestimated group （14.81mm3） presented higher LPV than overestimated group （1.97mm3， P < 0.05）. There was a negative correlation between LPV and the difference （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsWhen CT-QFR is used to estimate hemodynamics of coronary artery stenosis， the presence of lipid plaque may underestimate the virtual FFR.

Mechanism of gut-microbiota-liver axis in the pathogenesis of intestinal failure-associated liver disease / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Intestinal failure (IF) is defined as the critical reduction of functional intestines below the minimum needed to absorb nutrients and fluids, so that intravenous supplementation with parenteral nutrition (PN) is required to maintain health and/or growth. Although the benefits are evident, patients receiving PN can suffer from serious cholestasis due to lack of enteral feeding and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). One such complication that may arise is intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). Evidences from recent studies suggest that alterations in the intestinal microbiota, as well as intraluminal bile acid driven signaling, may play a critical role in both hepatic and intestinal injury. Since Marshall first proposed the concept of the gut-liver axis in 1998, the role of gut-liver axis disorders in the development of IFALD has received considerable attention. The conversation between gut and liver is the key to maintain liver metabolism and intestinal homeostasis, which influences each other and is reciprocal causation. However, as a "forgotten organ" , intestinal microbiota on the pathogenesis of IFALD has not been well reflected. As such, we propose, for the first time, the concept of gut-microbiota-liver axis to emphasize the importance of intestinal microbiota in the interaction of gut-liver axis. Analysis and research on gut-microbiota-liver axis will be of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of IFALD and improving the prevention and treatment measures.

Technical specification for re-evaluation of post-marketing clinical effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (first draft) / 中国中药杂志

The post-marketing re-evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a crucial stage for drug evaluation. Due to the particularity of TCM, it is necessary to re-evaluate the effectiveness of certain Chinese medicines by studying and collecting the studies on safety of long-term/extensive populations under actual clinical application, in order to verify the effectiveness of post-marketing TCM. However, there is an absence in technical specifications for relevant clinical trials on re-evaluation of effectiveness at present. As a consequence, the preliminary technical specifications were drafted in this article, focusing on several perspectives related to the re-evaluation of post-marketing clinical effectiveness of TCM, including ethical protection, research plan formulation, real-world research methods, randomized controlled trial methods, research methods of clinical pharmacological mechanism, sublimation method of TCM theory and so on. The objective of writing this article is to provide general methodological guidance for the re-evaluation of TCM post-marketing effectiveness, so that the process and results of post-marketing re-evaluation of TCM can be more scientific and reasonable.

VitaminD deficiency in patients with short bowel syndrome / 医学研究生学报

Vitamin D is typically acquired from sunlight exposure (specifically UVB radiation) and a combination of natural and fortified foods. However, patients with short bowel syndrome are at significantly increased risk of developing suboptimal vitamin D status. Notably, beyond the key role in calcium and phosphate balance and bone structure, vitamin D has been proved to be associated with modulation of the immune system, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, stimulation of intestinal epithelial cell turnover, and regulation of the endocrine. In this review, we summarize the status and biological function of vitamin D in short bowel syndrome.

Effects of volatile components in Oroxyli Semen on H22 bearing mice and its possible mechanisms / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the inhibitory effect of volatile components in Oroxyli Semen on liver cancer and its possible mechanisms.Methods H22 bearing mouse model was used,the mice were divided into six groups:blank,model,positive (cytoxan,100 mg · kg-1),low-,mid-,and high-dose (17.5,35,and 70 mg · kg-1) volatile components groups,and then the mice were ig given once daily for consecutive 12 d.Then the tumor growth inhibitory rate,spleen and thymus indexes were calculated;the serum levels of IL-2,IL-6 were determined.HE staining was used to study of the apoptosis of the solid tumor.After treatment of SMMC-7721 cells with 0 ～ 1 g · L-1 of volatile components for 24,48 and 72 h,MTT assay was used to examine the proliferation.TUNEL method was applied to detect cell apoptosis,and RT-PCR method to detect Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3 mRNA experssion.Results The inhibitory rate of volatile components high-dose on H22 bearing mice was 42.08％.The thymus index and the contents of serum IL-2 and IL-6 of H22 bearing mice were significantly higher than those in model group.Volatile components could significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells,downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA,and up-regulate the expression of Bax,caspase-3 mRNA.Conclusions The volatile components in Oroxyli Semen have obvious anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo,and its mechanism may be related to enhancing immune system and promoting tumor cell apoptosis.

Classification and development of high altitude medical equipment / 军事医学

Objective To explore the classification , strengths and weaknesses and military value of high altitude medical equipment.Methods Based on the currently-used high altitude medical equipment, we explored the characteristics of its tasks and altitude adaptability combined with the demand of high altitude health service support .Results The high altitude medical equipment is divided into three categories: high altitude general medical equipment , high altitude professional medical equipment and high altitude special-demand medical equipment .Conclusion The research and development strategies of high altitude medical equipment should be based on the domestic conditions , have priorities of research, develop high-altitude medical equipment systems based on basic equipment , main equipment and frontier high-tech special equipment .

Classification and development of high altitude medical equipment / 军事医学

Objective To explore the classification , strengths and weaknesses and military value of high altitude medical equipment.Methods Based on the currently-used high altitude medical equipment, we explored the characteristics of its tasks and altitude adaptability combined with the demand of high altitude health service support .Results The high altitude medical equipment is divided into three categories: high altitude general medical equipment , high altitude professional medical equipment and high altitude special-demand medical equipment .Conclusion The research and development strategies of high altitude medical equipment should be based on the domestic conditions , have priorities of research, develop high-altitude medical equipment systems based on basic equipment , main equipment and frontier high-tech special equipment .

Pathologic features of the epididymis in patients with epididymal obstructive azoospermia: Observation of 11 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To search for potential therapeutic targets for epididymal obstructive azoospermia (EOA) secondary to epididymal infection by observing the pathologic features and analyzing the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eleven 28－53 years old infertile men with the history of epididymal infection were enrolled in this study, all diagnosed with azoospermia by routine semen examination and centrifugation. EOA was confirmed by further examinations of reproductive hormones and seminal plasma biochemical markers and scrotal ultrasonography, followed by surgical exploration and observation of the pathological characteristics of the epididymis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The gross epididymal specimen showed fluid accumulation in the epididymal tube to be the main pathologic feature. Under the microscope, the epididymal duct lumen was structurally intact but distended and with no sperm. Most of the cases revealed no inflammatory cell invasion in the wall of the duct. A small number of the patients with a longer course of disease exhibited cell infiltration in the lumen, hyperblastosis and glassy degeneration of the interstitial fibers, and scattered infiltration of lymphocytes and acidocytes in addition to expansion of the epididymal duct.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EOA secondary to epididymal infection is pathologically characterized mainly by fluid accumulation in the epididymal duct, and its pathogenesis remains to be further studied.</p>

Comparative analysis of WBC,N%,CRP and PCT detection in bacterial infections / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate and compare the applications of white blood cell count (WBC),neutrophil percentage (N%),C reactive protein (CRP)and procalcitonin (PCT)in the detection of bacterial infections.Methods Patients were randomly recruited in the study,70 patients with bacterial infection disease were recruited in the study as bacterial infection group,81 patients without bacterial infection were enrolled as no infection group.WBC,N%,CRP and PCT were detected,then comparative analysis of test results performed.Results Compared with no bacterial infection group,WBC,N%,CRP and PCT were increased in bacterial infection group(P <0.05),CRP and PCT increased obviously.The positive rate of WBC,N%,CRP and PCT in bacterial infection group was significantly higher than that of no bacterial infection group(P <0.05).In the bacterial infection group,the positive rate of N%,CRP and PCT was significantly higher than that of WBC(P <0.05),the positive rate of CRP was higher than PCT(P <0.05).But the positive rate of CRP was relatively high,and PCT was low in no bacterial infection group,suggesting that the false positive rate of CRP was higher,while that of PCT was lower,which had higher specificity.Conclusion WBC,N%,CRP and PCT all have clinical value for bacterial infections diagnosis.For the diagnosis of bacterial infections,N%,CRP and PCT is superior to WBC.CRP is more sensitive,but less specific,therefore,PCT with higher specificity was more suitable in the diagnosis of bacterial infections.

Study on glucolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in lipoprotein lipase gene knockout heterozygous / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The levels of triglyceride(TG)and free fatty acid(FFA)in serum,liver,skeletal muscle,and pancreas of lipoprotein lipase gene knockout heterozygous(LPL+/-)mice and C57 mice were determined.Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT)was performed to evaluate insulin sensitivity and β-cell function.The results showed that the Iipid content in 16 weeks LPL+/- group did not increase significantly.The TG and FFA contents in 28 weeks LPL+/- group were significantly higher than those in control and 16 weeks LPL+/-group(all P<0.05).In 50 weeks LPL+/- group,FFA levels in serum and pancreas,and TG content in pancreas increased significantly compared with other three groups(all P<0.05).The IPGTT result showed that the blood glucose levels increased from 15 to 120 min,not at 0 and 5 min.The blood glucose levels during 30-120 min increased significantly in 50 weeks LPL+/- group compared with other three groups(P<0.05).Fasting insulin(FINS),homoestasis assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and pancreatic β cell function also increased gradually with age.FINS and HOMA-IR in 28 weeks LPL+/- group were higher than those in control and 16 weeks LPL+/- group.These results suggest that LPL is a key enzyme in lipid metabolism and plays a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance and diabetes.

A comparative study of target vessel assessments by three- and two-dimensional quantitative coronary X-ray angiography and visual estimation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) quantitative coronary X-ray angiography (QCA) and visual estimation in the assessment of target vessels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The radiographic data of 60 patients (65 vessel segments) receiving coronary angiography and interventional stent placement were retrospectively analyzed. The area stenosis, diameter stenosis, lesion length, and reference diameter assessed by Medis 3D QCA, Siemens 2D QCA and visual estimation were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three-dimensional reconstruction was successfully performed for 65 vessel segments, and 3 target vessel were excluded due to the lack of a second angiographic view for 3D reconstruction. There were significant differences in the assessments of the area stenosis [(73.87 ∓ 8.98)% vs (79.10 ∓ 8.06)% vs (83.53 ∓ 8.19)%, P<0.001], lesion length (28.95 ∓ 17.31 mm vs 26.20 ∓ 16.04 mm vs 27.21 ∓ 16.58 mm, P<0.001), reference diameter (28.95 ∓ 17.31 mm vs 26.2 ∓ 16.04 mm vs 27.21∓16.58 mm, P<0.001) by 3D QCA, 2D QCA and visual estimation; the diameter stenosis assessed by 3D [(54.21 ∓ 9.48)%] and 2D QCA [(57.84 ∓ 10.17)%] also differed significantly (P=0.016).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>3D QCA allows successful three-dimensional reconstruction of the target vessel and restores the actual dimensions of the vessel for a more accurate assessment of coronary artery disease than 2D QCA and visual estimation.</p>

Effect of triangle drugs as ginseng, Trichosanthes kirilowii maxim and rhubarb on the level of blood lipids and related pro-inflammatory cytokines during the process of treating atherosclerosis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of triangle drugs as ginseng, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, and rhubarb on the levels of blood lipids as [total cholesterol (TC), triglyeride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and pro-inflammatory cytokines as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) during the process of treating atherosclerosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups after one-week adaptive feeding, i.e., the normal control group (n=6), the model group (n=6), and the triangle drugs group (n=8). High fat diet was fed to rabbits in the triangle drugs group and the model group at the daily dose of 100 g for six weeks. Iliac artery was injured in the model group and the triangle drugs group at the seventh week using balloon injury. High fat diet was successively fed to those after surgery for six weeks. At the same time of modeling, preventive medication (at the daily dose of dry ginseng 0.64 g/kg, Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim 2.14 g/kg, and prepared Radix et Rhizoma Rhei with wine 0.43 g/kg, with the volume of 2 mL/kg) was administered by gastrogavage to rabbits in the triangle drugs group. Changes of blood lipids levels and related pro-inflammatory cytokines were dynamically observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>On the 7th week (before surgery), the levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C in the model group, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in the triangle drugs group significantly increased, showing significant difference when compared with those of the normal control group (P < 0.05). The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the model group and the triangle drugs group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were lower in the triangle drugs group than in the model group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). After the 8th week the levels of blood lipids and ICAM-1 in the model group, and levels of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and ICAM-1 in the triangle drugs group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). After the 12th week levels of blood lipids in the model group, LDL-C and HDL-C in the triangle drugs group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The LDL-C level was lower in the triangle drugs group than in the model group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and hs-CRP in the model group were obviously higher than those in the triangle drugs group and the normal control group, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05). The hs-CRP level was higher in the triangle drugs group than in the normal control group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The triangle drugs may postpone the process of atherosclerosis by lowering blood lipids levels, especially by lowering the elevating levels of TC and LDL-C. Its roles in decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines might be associated with lipids lowering and anti-inflammation. Its roles may also be associated with improvement of the endothelial function and inhibition of the smooth muscle proliferation.</p>

Clinical observation on effect of compound Shiwei Tablet in treating urinary tract infection / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Compound Shiwei Tablet (CST) in treating upper and lower urinary tract infection (UTI, pyretic stranguria of dampness-heat of the Lower-jiao type in 'TCM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multi-center, randomized, and opened clinical trial was conducted in the UTI patients with Sanjin Tablet (ST) as the parallel positive control medicine. The comprehensive efficacy, effect on TCM syndrome score, and change of urinary leukocyte count were observed, and the adverse reaction was recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 147 upper UTI cases and the 312 lower UTI cases after treatment, the comprehensive effect was higher and urinary leukocyte was less in the CST treated patients than in the ST treated patients (P < 0.05); but significant difference in the improvement of TCM symptoms was found between them only in the lower UTI cases ( P < 0.05); and no adverse reaction was observed during the treatment course.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CST has definite therapeutic efficacy on UTI and is safe in clinical application.</p>

Clinicopathological significance of homeobox BP1 mRNA expression in lung cancer tissue / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of beta-protein 1 (BP(1)) gene, a novel member of DLX homeobox gene family, in lung cancer tissue and its relationship with clinical features of lung cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>RT-PCR was employed for detecting BP(1) gene expression in the lung cancer tissues, adjacent tissues, non-cancer lung tissues of 46 lung cancer patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-six lung cancer tissues and 6 adjacent tissues but none of the normal tissues were found to have BP(1) gene overexpression, showing significant difference in BP(1) expression between the tissues (P<0.01). Significant difference in BP1 gene overexpression was noted between well differentiated cancers (13 of out 21) and poorly differentiated cancers (22 of the 25), but not between cancers of different stages or between squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BP(1) gene expression is up-regulated in human lung cancer in related to the differentiation level of lung cancer but not to the clinical stage.</p>

Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in prostate cancer and its significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in prostate cancer (PCa) and its biological significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Specimens from 75 patients with PCa (32 cases), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, 16 cases), high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN, 15 cases) and normal prostate (NP, 12 cases) were comprised in the study. The PCa was divided into high Gleason score group (Gleason score > or = 7) and low Gleason score group (Gleason score < 7). Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies against HIF-1 alpha, VEGF and CD34. Microvessel density (MVD) was analyzed by staining with antibodies to CD34.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rates of HIF-1alpha were significantly higher in PCa (62.5%) and PIN (60.0%) than those in BPH (6.3%) and NP(0) (P < 0.05), respectively. The positive rates of VEGF were significantly higher in PCa (78.1%) and PIN (73.3%) than those in BPH (18.7%) and NP (8.3%) (P < 0.05), respectively. A higher concentration of MVD was observed in PCa (66.9 +/- 18.0) compared with those in BPH (28.3 +/- 6.9) and NP (15.3 +/- 2.9) (P < 0.05). MVD and the positive rates of HIF-1alpha and VEGF were significantly higher in high Gleason score group than those in low Gleason score group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that the overexpression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF are closely related to PCa, and the son score group. up-regulation of HIF-1alpha and VEGF are early events in PCa.</p>

Clinical study on Ganbi decoction in treating antituberculotic agent-caused liver injury / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect and mechanism of Ganbi decoction (GBD) in treating patients with antituberculotic agent caused liver injury (ATB-LI).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty-eight patients with ATB-LI were randomly assigned to the treated group (n = 66) and the control group (n = 62) with the envelop method. Meanwhile, 60 healthy persons were selected as the healthy control group. The treated group was treated by GBD one dose every day with the constituents modified depending on patients' symptoms, and the control group was treated with glucuronolactone tablets and inosine injection. One week was taken as one treatment course. The changes of clinical syndromes, physical signs, T-lymphycyte sub-groups and serum level of nitric oxide (NO) were observed before and after treatment and the recovery time of liver function was recorded. The outcome was compared with that in the healthy control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the treated group, 28 patients (42.4%) were cured, 30 (45.5%) improved and 8 (12.1%) ineffectively cured, the total effective rate being 87.9% (58/66). In the control group, 17 patients (27.4%) were cured, 24 (38.7%) improved, and 21 (33.9%) ineffectively cured, the total effective rate being 66.1% (41/62). The total effective rate in the treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Liver function was improved in both groups, recovery time in the treated group was 12.0 +/- 7.0 days, which was significantly shorter than that in the control group (16.0 +/- 8.0 days), showing significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The levels of CD3, CD4 and CD8 were significantly higher and level of NO significantly lower in the two groups of patients than those in the healthy control group (P < 0.05), but these parameters were improved more significantly in the treated group after treatment, when compared with those before treatment or with those in the control group, all showing significant difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GBD could prevent ATB-LI, and its mechanism could be by way of reducing NO production induced by endotoxin of macrophage and stimulating the proliferation of T-lymphycyte to elevate immunity.</p>

Application of Orem self-care theory to the patients after renal transplantation / 中国康复理论与实践

@# ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Orem self-care theory on the patients after renal transplantation.Methods102 patients after renal transplantation into were randomly divided into the observation group(52 cases),which received Orem self-care,and comparison group(50 cases),which received general care.Self-care ability,rate of infection and mental status of the 2 groups patients were observed and recorded.ResultsFor patients of the observation group,self-care ability of was obviously better(P<0.01),the rate of infection was lower(P<0.05),and mental status was improved(P<0.01) compared with patients of the observation group.ConclusionThe application of Orem self-care on patients after renal transplantation can promote self-care ability and decrease post-operation complications.

Clinical assessment on treatment of hyperlipidemia with pushen capsule / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic effect of Pushen capsule (PSC) in treating primary hyperlipidemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and forty patients with primary hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into two groups, the 120 patients in the treated group treated with PSC (4 capsules, tid) and the 120 patients in the control group treated with Zhibituo tablet (3 tablets, tid), and they were administered at the same time with Zhibituo placebo. The therapeutic course for both groups was 4 weeks. The therapeutic effect and the effects on blood lipids and viscosity were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effective rate in the treated group was 76.3%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (48.7%, P < 0.01). PSC showed a significant lowering effect on TC, TG and LDL-C and raising effect on HDL-C, and the effect in lowering TG was significantly better than that of Zhibituo (P < 0.01). PSC also showed a certain effect in decreasing whole blood viscosity of both high-sheared and low-sheared viscosity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Pushen capsule has promising blood lipid regulating effect in patients with hyperlipidemia, and some effects in lowering the blood viscosity.</p>

Establishment of an animal model with hypertrophic scar / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish an animal model of hypertrophic scar on the rabbit ears and to observe the dynamic process of scar formation on the ventral side of the rabbit ears.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Full skin defect (2 cm x 5 cm in diameter) was created on the ventral side of 60 ears in 32 New Zealand white rabbits. 1% silver sulfadiazine cream was applied to the wounds, and the dressing was changed once a week till wound healing. Four ears without operation were taken as control. Wound healing under natural condition was observed continuously for 12 months after the operation. The scar proliferation on the rabbit ears was observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope, and the scar index was determined by computer image analyzing system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The color, thickness and texture of the wounds on the rabbit ears after epithelization underwent a process of scar overgrowth, maturation and degeneration. The change in scar index was in accordance with the wax and wane of scar proliferation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The hypertrophic scar formed on the ventral side of rabbit ears after natural healing of full thickness skin wounds was similar to that in humans. The results indicated that this animal model was ideal for the study of the developmental mechanism of hypertrophic scars and for the evaluation of the efficacy of the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.</p>

Changes of pulmonary tissue area density and their mechanisms in rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of pulmonary tissue area density and their mechanisms in rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>54 Wistar rats were divided into hypoxia 10 d (n = 12), 20 d (n = 12), 30 d (n = 12) groups and control group (n = 18). The rats in hypoxia groups were exposed to a simulated hypoxia environment at a height of 5 km above sea level to establish HPH models. The changes in pulmonary tissue area density and pathological morphology were determined by image analysis, optical microscope, electron microscope and histochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After hypoxia, the pulmonary tissue area density markedly increased on 10 d (27.08% +/- 1.29%, P < 0.05), especially on 20 d (31.33% +/- 0.27%) and 30 d (31.10% +/- 1.95%) while that in control group was 22.78% +/- 1.17% (P < 0.01). The area density on 20 d was higher than that on 10 d (P < 0.05) but there wasn't significantly different between 10 d and 30 d (P = 0.057) after hypoxia. Pathological examination showed: edema and collapse of pulmonary tissue, swelling and degeneration of type II alveolus epithelial cells (PII); congestion, accumulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and platelets in capillaries; swelling and degeneration of endothelial cells, thickening of basement membranes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hypoxia can induce increase in pulmonary tissue area density and decrease in aerial exchange area in alveoli. These changes may be related to the pulmonary collapse caused by the damage of PII and pulmonary surfactant system, structural remodeling of small pulmonary arteries, increase in blood cells and protein granules in alveolar cavity.</p>