Evaluation of Renal Impairment in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease by Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the factors related to renal impairment in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspective of integrated Chinese and Western medicine.@*METHODS@#Totally 492 patients with DKD in 8 Chinese hospitals from October 2017 to July 2019 were included. According to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) staging guidelines, patients were divided into a chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1-3 group and a CKD 4-5 group. Clinical data were collected, and logistic regression was used to analyze the factors related to different CKD stages in DKD patients.@*RESULTS@#Demographically, male was a factor related to increased CKD staging in patients with DKD (OR=3.100, P=0.002). In clinical characteristics, course of diabetes >60 months (OR=3.562, P=0.010), anemia (OR=4.176, P<0.001), hyperuricemia (OR=3.352, P<0.001), massive albuminuria (OR=4.058, P=0.002), atherosclerosis (OR=2.153, P=0.007) and blood deficiency syndrome (OR=1.945, P=0.020) were factors related to increased CKD staging in patients with DKD.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Male, course of diabetes >60 months, anemia, hyperuricemia, massive proteinuria, atherosclerosis, and blood deficiency syndrome might indicate more severe degree of renal function damage in patients with DKD. (Registration No. NCT03865914).

Inhibitory Effect of Cinobufotalin on Macrophage Inflammatory Factor Storm and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the inflammatory effects of Cinobufotalin on monocytes in resting state and macrophages in activated state and its molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#THP-1 cells were stimulated with Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to induce differentiation into macrophages. Lipopolysaccharides was added to activate macrophages in order to establish macrophage activation model. Cinobufotalin was added to the inflammatory cell model for 24 h as a treatment. CCK-8 was used to detect cell proliferation, Annexin V /PI double staining flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis, flow cytometry was used to detect macrophage activation, and cytometric bead array was used to detect cytokines. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the gene expression profile regulated by Cinobufotalin. Changes in the significantly regulated molecules were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#1∶25 concentration of Cinobufotalin significantly inhibited the proliferation of resting monocytes(P<0.01), and induced apoptosis(P<0.01), especially the activated macrophages(P<0.001, P<0.001). Cinobufotalin significantly inhibited the activation of macrophages, and significantly down-regulated the inflammatory cytokines(IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8) released by activated macrophages(P＜0.001). Its mechanism was achieved by inhibiting TLR4/MYD88/P-IκBa signaling pathway.@*CONCLUSION@#Cinobufotalin can inhibit the inflammatory factors produced by the over-activation of macrophages through TLR4/MYD88/P-IκBa pathway, which is expected to be applied to the treatment and research of diseases related to the over-release of inflammatory factors.

Brain removal through a posterior incision on the scalp of both ears / 解剖学报

Objective The traditional round incision or cross incision brain harvesting method can not meet the requirements of protecting the donor's remains. In this study, the method of brain removal through a posterior incision on the scalp of both ears was proposed, which effectively protected the donor's remains. Methods Adopting the incision 2. 0 cm above the external occipital protuberance to the most front edge of the auricle to obtain a complete brain. Results The incision did not involve the head and face skin, which was small and conducive to suture repair and reduce exudation. Conclusion The incision effectively protects the donor' s remains, and it will be conducive to the establishment and development of the brain bank.

Progress of the talin and the mechanical basis theory of memory / 解剖学报

Memory loss induced by aging and hypoxia is very common, so exploring the mechanism of memory production, storage and retrieval is of great significance to daily life and clinical work. The storage and retrieval of memory is probably similar to the computer. We summarized the research progress of MeshCODE theory, the mechanical basis of memory. Memory loss in certain diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease) or pathological conditions (such as aging, lack of oxygen) may be associated with abnormal folding of talin, a mechanosensitive protein. It can dynamically regulate synaptic activity by changing the state of the domain, storing or updating information about small changes in mechanical forces in binary form, and initiating chemical processes such as ligand redistribution in neurons, so that memory is stored in the brain in a binary format, known as the MeshCODE theory.

A new insights of mesorectum / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Total mesorectal excision (TME) represents the gold standard for radical resection in rectal cancer. The development in radiology and laparoscopic surgical equipment and the advancement in technology have led to a deepened understanding of the mesorectum and its surrounding structures. Both the accuracy of preoperative staging and the preciseness of the planes of TME surgical dissection have been enhanced. The postoperative local recurrence rate is reduced and the long-term survival of rectal cancer patients is improved. The preservation of the pelvic autonomic nervous system maintains the patient's urinary and sexual functions to the greatest extent possible, which in turn improves the patient's postoperative quality of life. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the mesorectum and its surrounding structures is a prerequisite for successful TME. Herein, we review the basic concepts and the anatomy of the mesorectum in the current literature. Some important clinical issues are also discussed systematically in terms of imaging, surgery, and pathology.

Construction of aquaporin 9 gene knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system / 解剖学报

Objective To construct homozygous aquaporin 9(AQP-9)

Dihydromyricetin down-regulating the expression of nod-like receptor protein-3 in the brain tissue of ischemic stroke in rats / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the role of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in the treatment of ischemic stroke in rats, and to explore the effect of DHM on the expression of inflammasome. Methods The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was induced by endovascular suture method. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of DHM were investigated by Longa score, TTC staining, Nissl staining, immunohistochemical staining and Western bloting. Results After DHM treatment, the motor capacity of MCAO rats was significantly improved, the infarct volume was significantly reduced, the brain structure and neuron morphology were improved, and the expressions of nod-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3) and interleukin-1(IL-1) decreased significantly. Conclusion DHM can down-regulate the expression of NLRP3 and thus reduces the cerebral infarction volume and improves neurobehavioral performance in MCAO rats.

Clinical anatomy of cast specimens of the pancreatic duct / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the distribution and structure of pancreatic ducts and lobules in human pancreas and explore their clinical application value. Methods Three human pancreatic specimens were dissected, 2 of which were fresh whole pancreas samples which were collected from the donated human bod)' after dead,UW organ preservation solution was immediately perfused, and the pancreatic duct was rinsed at low pressure. The surface and internal structure of 1 case was observed as a fixed specimen. Paraffin sections were taken for HE staining to observe the structure of lobules and the distribution of catheters in the leaves. Results The gross specimen showed that the pancreas was composed of lobules of different sizes, with thin layers of connective tissue between the lobules. The pancreatic duct had a complete cast structure and could be clearly displayed to the main duct and the branches of the interlobular duct. The diameters of the interlobular ducts varied widely, and finally a main trunk flowed into the main duct. Each trunk was distributed independently, and the distal pancreatic duct formed a lobule-like structure with different sizes of lobules and no interlobular communication. HE staining showed that the pancreatic lobules were surrounded by connective tissue, in which vascular and ductal structures were visible. Intralobular duct could also be observed in the pancreatic lobules. Conclusion The cast specimen of the human pancreatic duct can clearly show the branch distribution of the pancreatic duct, and the study of the morphological of the pancreatic duct and lobular structure is of great reference value for understanding the clinical problems.

Clinical anatomical study on the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with classic Acupotomy / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the safety of classic Acupotomy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.@*METHODS@#Twenty six adult specimens (15 males and 11 females), aged 60 to 95(82.54±6.94) years old, were selected from 10% formalin antiseptic fixation. There were 52 sides(two of them could not be tested). The study period was from November 2017 to May 2018. The specimens were collected from the body donation center of the school of basic medicine, Peking University. The operation of releasing the transverse carpal ligament on the human body specimen was simulated by the classic acupotomy, and the distance from the four points to the surrounding anatomical structure was measured to calculate the direct injury rate to the nerve and blood vessels, and the shortest distance between the acupotomy and the nerve and blood vessels was defined as ≥2 mm as safety.@*RESULTS@#In the experimental operation, the direct injury rate of nerve and blood vessel was 14% and 12% respectively. There was significant difference in the rate of direct nerve injury between the four injection points (0.05). Among the four points, there was a statistically significant difference in the safety of nerves(<0.05), and the safety of point 1 and point 3 of radial injection was higher than that of point 2 and point 4 of ulnar injection(<0.05). There was significant difference in the safety of blood vessels between the four points(<0.05), and the safety of radial point 1 was higher than that of ulnar point 2 and point 4 (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The safety of the classic Acupotomy for carpal tunnel syndrome is related to the location of the needle entry point, and the safety of theradial proximal end of the needle is the highest.

High resolution 3D intraosseous vascular model of the scaphoid bone reconstructed by micro CT / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Objective The purpose of this study is to construct a high-resolution model focusing on the vascular pattern of the scaphoid by using micro CT and to provide anatomical reference for the daily clinical use. Methods The lead-based contrast was perfused from the brachial artery and then the scaphoid bone was harvested. 3D models of the scaphoid bones were constructed by using micro CT to show how arteries distributed in and on the bones. Results The arteries on the surface stretched from the distal radius covered with scaphoid fossa to the radial side of the waist and then head back to the distal ulna along the dorsoradial ridge, formed like a letter “Ⅴ”. The arteries gathered at the inflection point of the letter “Ⅴ” and the dorsal region. The tubercle region was anastomosed extensively with 3 to 5 major intraosseous vessels originated from the extraosseous vessels covering the waist and the tubercle. There are only 1 to 2 major intraosseous vessels entering the bone via a long route from the ulnar side. The vessels running in the scapholunate ligament didn’t spilt into any intraosseous branches. Conclusion The superficial vascularity formes a “Ⅴ”-like pattern. The inflection point of the letter “Ⅴ” and the dorsal region display a dense vascularization and these vessels contributed a lot to the intraosseous vascularity.

Features of intra-hamate vascularity and its possible relationship with avascular risk of hamate fracture / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The angiography with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been proved its great advantages on investigating the intra-osseous vascularity of carpal bones. But few researches have focused on the intra-hamate vascularity. This study aimed to illustrate the intra-osseous arteries of the hamate and the relationship between the intra-hamate vascularity and the avascular risk of different types of hamate fractures.@*METHODS@#Six normal cadaveric hamates were investigated with red lead (Pb3O4) micro-CT angiography. The intra-osseous arteries of specimens were clearly enhanced and the three-dimensional model was reconstructed. In order to study the features of the arterial entrances and intra-hamate vascularity, the diameters, quantities, locations of enhanced arteries, and the locations of transversal/proximal pole fracture lines on the body of the hamate were statistically compared. Besides, in order to analyze the relationship between intra-hamate vascularities and different hamate fractures, 127 cases of hamate fractures who presented in our hospital from March 2003 to June 2017 were retrospectively studied.@*RESULTS@#A total of 94 cases were followed up (range: 4-37 months; mean: 12.4 months) effectively. The overall union rate of hamate fractures was as high as 92.6% (87 of 94 cases), while non-union of fracture on hamate hook was more common (P = 0.031). The arterial entrances were located around the dorsal, volar, radial, ulnar non-articular surfaces of the hamate body and the hook of the hamate. Generally, there were one to two trunk arteries on the volar non-articular surface and one to three trunk arteries on the dorsal non-articular surface. They formed one or two arterial arches, from which some branches were emitted and supplied the proximal parts. The intra-osseous vascularities of the hamate body were generally located in the radial part. The blood supply of the hook was mainly from the volar non-articular surface in most specimens. Hamate fractures could be classified into four types: fractures of the transversal/proximal pole, medial tuberosity, dorsal coronal of the hamate body, and fractures of the hamate hook.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study showed new features of intra-hamate vascularity and the results will guide surgeons to reduce the vascular damage during the hamate fracture operations. The fracture lines of different types of hamate fractures may disrupt the intra-hamate arteries. The intra-hamate vascularities will have different influences on the avascular risks of different hamate fractures.

Features of intra-hamate vascularity and its possible relationship with avascular risk of hamate fracture / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The angiography with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been proved its great advantages on investigating the intra-osseous vascularity of carpal bones. But few researches have focused on the intra-hamate vascularity. This study aimed to illustrate the intra-osseous arteries of the hamate and the relationship between the intra-hamate vascularity and the avascular risk of different types of hamate fractures.@*Methods@#Six normal cadaveric hamates were investigated with red lead (Pb3O4) micro-CT angiography. The intra-osseous arteries of specimens were clearly enhanced and the three-dimensional model was reconstructed. In order to study the features of the arterial entrances and intra-hamate vascularity, the diameters, quantities, locations of enhanced arteries, and the locations of transversal/proximal pole fracture lines on the body of the hamate were statistically compared. Besides, in order to analyze the relationship between intra-hamate vascularities and different hamate fractures, 127 cases of hamate fractures who presented in our hospital from March 2003 to June 2017 were retrospectively studied.@*Results@#A total of 94 cases were followed up (range: 4-37 months; mean: 12.4 months) effectively. The overall union rate of hamate fractures was as high as 92.6% (87 of 94 cases), while non-union of fracture on hamate hook was more common (P = 0.031). The arterial entrances were located around the dorsal, volar, radial, ulnar non-articular surfaces of the hamate body and the hook of the hamate. Generally, there were one to two trunk arteries on the volar non-articular surface and one to three trunk arteries on the dorsal non-articular surface. They formed one or two arterial arches, from which some branches were emitted and supplied the proximal parts. The intra-osseous vascularities of the hamate body were generally located in the radial part. The blood supply of the hook was mainly from the volar non-articular surface in most specimens. Hamate fractures could be classified into four types: fractures of the transversal/proximal pole, medial tuberosity, dorsal coronal of the hamate body, and fractures of the hamate hook.@*Conclusions@#This study showed new features of intra-hamate vascularity and the results will guide surgeons to reduce the vascular damage during the hamate fracture operations. The fracture lines of different types of hamate fractures may disrupt the intra-hamate arteries. The intra-hamate vascularities will have different influences on the avascular risks of different hamate fractures.

Clinicopathological Features of Nondiabetic Renal Diseases from Different Age Groups: An Observational Cross-sectional Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nondiabetic renal diseases (NDRDs) have different clinicopathological features and prognosis from those of diabetic nephropathy. Our study sought to analyze the clinical and pathological features of NDRDs, in different age groups through a cross-sectional study.@*Methods@#All patients with type 2 DM at our center who underwent renal biopsy between March 1997 and March 2017 were screened and divided into three groups by age: Group 1 (youth group), 18-44 years old; Group 2 (middle-aged group), 45-59 years old; and Group 3 (elderly group), ≥60 years old. We analyzed the clinicopathological data and risk factors by univariate and multivariate logistic regression for NDRD of the patients to identify the features of NDRD in different age groups.@*Results@#We included 982 patients in the final analysis. Patients with NDRD accounted for 64.4% of all patients. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was the most common pathological pattern in young patients with NDRD, accounting for 26.3%. In the middle-aged group, the two most common pathological patterns were IgAN and membranous nephropathy. Membranous nephropathy was the most common pathological pattern in elderly patients with NDRD, accounting for 29.3%. Consistent with pathological features, glomerular hematuria is a risk factor for NDRD in Group 1 (odds ratio [OR], 26.514; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.503-280.910; P = 0.006). On the other hand, rapidly increasing proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome is a risk factor for NDRD in Group 2 (OR, 5.921; 95% CI, 2.061-17.013; P = 0.001) and Group 3 (OR, 90.409; 95% CI, 6.198-1318.826; P = 0.001).@*Conclusions@#This single-center study showed that the proportion and composition of NDRD differ among different age groups. Consistent with pathological features, some clinical indices such as hematuria and proteinuria showed different features among different age groups.

Three-dimensional architecture of intraosseous vascular anatomy of the hamate: a micro-computed tomography study / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To obtain three-dimensional intraosseous artery of the hamate and to provide the vascular anatomy basis of hamate fracture fixation.@*METHODS@#PbO (lead monoxide, Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Beijing Co. Ltd) was ground into particles less than 40 μm and suspended in turpentine oil (Chemical Reagent Beijing Co. Ltd) at ratios of 1 g : 1.5 mL, 1 g : 1 mL and 1 g : 0.5 mL. Three specimens were investigated. Brachial arteries were cannulated and perfused with lead-based contrast agent. Hamates were harvested and scanned using micro-computed tomography (microCT). The acquisition protocols were as follows: CT scan setup: total rotation [Degrees], 360; rotation steps, 360; X-ray detector setup: transaxial, 2048; axial, 2048; exposure time, 1 500 ms, Binning, 1; system magnification: high-med. X-ray tube setup: 80 kV, 500 mA current. The down-sampling factor used in the reconstruction was 2. The effective voxel size of the final image was 27.30 μm. The three-dimensional model of the hamate was generated and the distribution and pattern of vessels were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#There were abundant extraosseous vessels around the hamate. They were mainly running in the tendons and ligaments around the hamate. Four vascular zones were identified on the hamate surface. They were on the palmar platform of the hamate body, on the dorsal side, on the ulnar side and on the tip of hamulus, namely. There were anastomoses among 4 vascular zones. We did not observe any vessels penetrating through the articular cartilage. The extraosseous vessels of the vascular zones gave a number of intraosseous branches into the hamate. The hamate body received intraosseous blood supply from the dorsal, palmar and ulnar while the hamulus from the palmar, ulnar and hamulus tip. There were some intraosseous branches anastomosing with each other.@*CONCLUSION@#The extraosseous and intraosseous vessels of the hamate were more than what used to be considered. The hamate body and hamulus received blood supply from multiple directions and arteries anastomosed extensively both outside and inside the hamate, making it possible that the intraosseous perfusion survived after fracture. It is likely that the nonunion after the hamate fracture is not caused by the vascular damage but the malalignment of the fragments.

Three-dimensional Intralunate Arteries Visualization with Red Lead (PbO) Angiography / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The etiology of Kienböck's disease is controversial, and the blood supply is a possible pathogenic factor. The red lead (Pb3O4) angiography with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) of lunate to investigate intralunate arteries has rarely been reported. This study aimed to investigate a new, reasonable, and simplified technique to study the intraosseous arterial pattern of normal lunates.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study investigated the intraosseous arterial pattern of six normal cadaveric lunates through Pb3O4injection and three-dimensional reconstruction with micro-CT. The intraosseous arteries of all specimens were clearly enhanced. The data of enhanced arteries and nutrient foramina were shown as median (Q1, Q3) and analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean number of total nutrient foramina was 2.00 (1.75, 2.00) on the palmar side and 3.50 (2.50, 4.25) on the dorsal side. The number with enhanced arteries on the palmar side was 1.00 (0.75, 2.00) and on the dorsal side was 3.50 (1.75, 4.00). There were no significant differences between the number of nutrient foramina on the palmar and dorsal sides of the lunates, no matter the total number or enhanced arteries. The intraosseous arterial pattern in normal lunates can be classified into three types: the dominate stems from the palmar side, from the dorsal side, and from both sides with anastomosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The Pb3O4angiography with micro-CT is a simplified, quicker, and reliable method to study intraosseous arteries.</p>

Anatomic facial makeup of the cranial nerves in human / 解剖学报

Objective: To investigate the effect of cranial nerves makeup teaching methods on students' learning of 12 cranial nerves. Methods: During the anatomy teaching at Peking University, we had drawn and applied a facial makeup of 12 pairs of cranial nerves in recent three years. Results: The teaching method of a facial makeup of 12 pairs of cranial nerves increased the interest, ability of discussion and communication and raised test scores for medical students. Conclusion: The ideal teaching effect had been achieved with our teaching method.

Anatomical study of the anterolateral and posteromedial bundles of the posterior cruciate ligament for double-bundle reconstruction using the quadruple bone-tunnel technique / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Several techniques have been described for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. However, double-bundle PCL reconstruction using the quadruple bone-tunnel technique has been seldom reported. The current study investigated this technique, focusing on the anatomy of the femoral and tibial insertions of the anterolateral (AL) and posteromedial (PM) bundles of the PCL.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-two fresh, healthy adult cadaveric knees were dissected and measured. The PCL was divided into the AL bundle and PM bundle at the insertion footprint. The insertion footprints of the AL and PM bundles, their location, size, and the clock positions were measured and described.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>On the femur, the clock position of the footprint of the AL bundle was 11:21 ± 0:23 (left) or 0:39 ± 0:23 (right), and the PM bundle was 9:50 ± 0:18 (left) or 2:10 ± 0:18 (right), with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. The distances from the center of the femoral insertions of the AL and PM bundles to the anterior cartilage margins of the medial femoral condyle were (7.79 ± 1.22) mm and (8.36 ± 1.63) mm, respectively. On the tibia, the vertical distances from the center of the tibial insertions of the AL and PM bundles to the tibial articular surface were (3.25 ± 1.20) mm and (6.91 ± 1.57) mm, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results have led to a better definition of the anatomy of the AL and PM bundle footprint of the PCL. The technique of double-bundle PCL reconstruction using quadruple bone-tunnel is feasible. Application of these data during PCL reconstruction using the quadruple bone-tunnel technique may help optimize knee stability.</p>

Study on the knowledge, behavior and attitude of influenza A (H1N1) among residents in Shuangqiao District, Chengde city / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the the residents' knowledge, behavior and attitude of influenza A (H1N1) in Shuangqiao District of Chengde city, and provide the basis for making proper strategies of health education, prevention and control on influenza A (H1N1).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>211 residents from 1 community and 1 village of Shuangqiao District were selected to participate the questionnaire interview with multi-stage clustering sampling.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>97.6% of the interviewed had received some kind of information on influenza A (H1N1); Total awareness rate of influenza A (H1N1) knowledge was 58.5%, which increased with the level of education and varied among diverse occupations; 48.2% of respondents conceded that their lives was affected by the influenza A ( H1N1) in some degree, and 9% of selected residents believed that there would be a severe pandemicity in this winter, while 7% of respondents didn't consider any form of preventive methods in the future; 78% of respondents expressed their wishes to be vaccinated, but 11.0% of respondents refused to received inoculation explicitly; on the issue of assessment on services provided by governments and health facilities, 93% of respondents expressed their satisfaction hierarchically. Conclusion Residents in Shuangqiao District lacked of comprehensive knowledge of influenza A (H1N1), and some specific health education should be carried out.</p>

Scanning electron microscopic observation: three-dimensional architecture of the collagen in hepatic fibrosis rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In the process of hepatic fibrosis, the accumulation of collagen fibers is strongly related to the hepatic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional architecture of the collagen network in the liver of rats with hepatic fibrosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Healthy adult male Wistar rats (n = 32) were randomly divided into a control group (n = 16) and a hepatic fibrosis group (n = 16). In the control group, the rats were treated with peanut oil while the rats in hepatic fibrosis group were treated for 10 weeks with 60% CCl(4) diluted in peanut oil. The quantity of collagen fibers was detected by Western blotting; distribution of the collagen was detected by sirius red staining and polarized microscope; the three-dimensional architecture of collagen in the liver was observed under the scanning electron microscope after fixed tissues were treated with cell-maceration using NaOH. Statistical analysis was performed using the u test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The quantity of collagen fibers increased significantly in the hepatic fibrosis group. With the aggravation of hepatic fibrosis, collagen fibers gradually accumulated. They interlaced the reticulation compartment and formed a round or ellipse liver tissue conglomeration like a grape framework that was disparate and wrapped up the normal liver lobule. The deposition of collagen fibers was obvious in adjacent hepatic parenchyma, especially around the portal tracts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our experiment showed the collagen proliferation and displays clearly the three-dimensional architecture of collagen fibers in rat liver with hepatic fibrosis by scanning electron microscope. It can provide a morphological foundation for the mechanisms of changed haemodynamics and portal hypertension in hepatic fibrosis.</p>

Low-power Helium-Neon laser irradiation enhances the expression of VEGF in murine myocardium / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Low-power helium-neon (He-Ne) lasers have been increasingly widely applied in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and its vasodilation effect has been proven. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of low-power He-Ne laser irradiation directed at the precardial region of Wistar rats on capillary permeability in the myocardium and the expression of myocardial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixteen rats were divided randomly into control and irradiated groups (n = 8, each). A He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) was applied to the irradiated group with a dose of 60.5 J/cm(2). Ferritin was perfused into the left femoral vein and capillary permeability was examined under an electron microscope. VEGF expression in the myocardium was investigated by immunohistochemical methods, RT-PCR, and image analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ultrastructures of the myocardial capillaries were examined. Compared to the control group, more high-density granules (ferritin), which were present within the capillary endothelium and the mitochondrions of myocardial cells in the internal layer of the myocardium, were observed in the irradiated group. VEGF staining of the myocardium was stronger in the irradiated group than that in the control group. The optic density of the irradiated group (0.246 +/- 0.015) was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.218 +/- 0.012, P < 0.05). Finally, the levels of RT-PCR products of VEGF165 mRNA were 2.79 times higher in irradiated rats than in the control rats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our study demonstrates that He-Ne laser irradiation (in doses of 60.5 J/cm(2)) increases myocardial capillary permeability and the production of VEGF in myocardial microvessels and in myocardium. Our study provides experimental morphological evidence that myocardial microcirculation can be improved using He-Ne laser irradiation.</p>