Evaluation of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling in patients with acute pulmonary embolism by the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a new ultrasonic parameter to assess right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed in 140 patients with APE diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from August 2017 to June 2020. According to the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio cutoff value 0.40 mm/mmHg reported by the European Society of Cardiology in 2020, the patients were divided into the coupling group ( n=99) and the uncoupling group ( n=41). The conventional ultrasonic parameters of the 2 groups were measured, and then several ultrasonic parameter ratios were obtained. The new ultrasonic parameter, which can replace the TAPSE/PASP ratio, was screened out by Spearman correlation analysis, and ROC curve was plotted to calculate the diagnostic efficacy of this parameter. Results:①Compared with the coupling group, patients in the uncoupling group were older and more likely to be accompanied by dyspnea and venous thrombosis in the lower extremities (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in other general data(all P>0.05); ②Compared with the coupling group, tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV), tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient(TRPG), PASP, right ventricle end-diastolic transverse diameter(RVTD), inferior vena cava(IVC) diameter and the ratio of early diastolic tricuspid inflow to tricuspid lateral annular velocity(E/e′), in the uncoupling group increased significantly (all P<0.05), and TAPSE, peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus(s′), TAPSE/PASP ratio, TAPSE/TRPG ratio, TAPSE/RVTD ratio and s′/TRPG ratio decreased significantly (all P<0.05); ③The TAPSE/TRPG ratio was highly correlated with TAPSE/PASP ratio ( rs=0.970, P<0.001); The TAPSE/TRPG ratio was still highly correlated with TAPSE/PASP ratio in the uncoupling and coupling groups ( rs=0.966, 0.922; all P<0.001). ④ROC analysis showed that the area under curve for TAPSE/TRPG in diagnosing RV-PA coupling was 0.992. At the cutoff of TAPSE/TRPG <0.625 mm/mmHg for indicating RV-PA coupling, the sensitivity and specificity were 97.6% and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusions:TAPSE/TRPG ratio can be used as a new ultrasonic parameter to reflect RV-PA coupling, which is helpful for clinical identification of APE patients with high risk and poor prognosis.

Feasibility of a novel ultrasonic scale for evaluation of sub-massive pulmonary embolism / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of a novel ultrasonic scale in the evaluation of sub-massive pulmonary embolism (sub-PE).Methods:Retrospective analyses were conducted in 137 patients with acute pulmonary embolism confirmed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the second affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University from September 2017 to June 2019. They were divided into experimental set (77 cases) and testing set(60 cases). According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for pulmonary embolism in 2019, the patients were classified into sub-PE(71 cases) and small pulmonary embolism(small-PE, 66 cases). Parameters in the experimental set were screened by statistical methods to make an ultrasonic scale, and then the patients in the testing set were scored by the scale. ROC curve was plotted to calculate the diagnostic efficacy of the ultrasonic scale for sub-PE.Results:①The patients of sub-PE were older than small-PE patients [(61.57±1.45) years vs (56.31±1.59) years, P=0.016], but there was no significant difference between the two groups in other general data( P>0.05). ②Within the 77 pulmonary embolism patients in the experimental set, 41(53.25%) were classified as the sub-PE and 36(46.75%) as the small-PE. Compared with the small-PE group, right ventricular diameter, pulmonary artery trunk diameter, right ventricle/left ventricle ratio, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, the Tei index and the inferior vena cava diameter in the sub-PE group increased significantly ( P<0.05), and right ventricular wall motion amplitude, right atrium area rate, right ventricular area rate, tricuspid annulus systolic displacement, collapse rate of inferior vena cava and pulmonary artery blood flow acceleration time decreased significantly ( P<0.05); ③Fifteen ultrasonic parameters were used in the ultrasonic scale. The scale in sub-PE group of the testing set was significantly increased compared with that in small-PE group (11.63±3.87 vs 4.43±1.96, P<0.001). ROC showed that the AUC in diagnosing sub-PE by ultrasonic scale was 0.96. When the cut-off value was 6.5, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.00% and 83.33%, respectively. Conclusions:The novel ultrasonic scale can provide a comprehensive and feasible ultrasound imaging method for evaluation of sub-PE.

Re‐evaluation of the structure , function and prognosis of bicuspid aortic valve with different anatomic morphology / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the association between bicuspid aortic valve ( BAV ) morphologic findings ( raphe vs nonraphe) ,the degree of valve dysfunction and prognosis . Methods Clinical and echocardiographic data in 317 BAV patients were analyzed retrospectively . According to the Sievers classification ,the morphologic BAV findings were categorized into no raphe ( type 0) ,one raphe ( type 1) and two raphes ( type 2 ) . T he patients with type 1 were further divided into three subtypes ,including R‐L subtype ( fusion of the left and right coronary cusps ) ,R‐N subtype ( fusion of the right and noncoronary cusps) and L‐N subtype ( fusion of the left and noncoronary cusps ) . Results Of the 317 patients ,there were 83 ( 26 .2% ) of type 0 ,232 ( 73 .2% ) of type 1 and 2 ( 0 .6% ) of type 2 .Among the 232 patients of type 1 ,there were 126 ( 54 .3% ) of R‐L subtype ,88 ( 37 .9% ) of R‐N subtype and 18 ( 7 .8% ) of L‐N subtype . BAV with raphe had a significantly higher prevalence of aortic valve calcification [ 120 ( 51 .3% ) vs 19 ( 22 .9% ) , P ＜ 0 .001 ] ,with significantly higher frequencies of aortic stenosis [ 164 ( 70 .1% ) vs 6 ( 7 .2% ) , P＜ 0 .001 ] ,aortic regurgitation [ 168 ( 71 .8% ) vs 40 ( 48 .2% ) , P ＝ 0 .001 ] ,increased left ventricular mass[ ( 253 .4 ± 113 .7) g vs ( 176 .4 ± 69 .3) g , P ＜0 .001] and left heart failure [ 34 ( 14 .5% ) vs 3 ( 3 .6% ) , P ＝0 .009] . Furthermore ,the dilation of aortic root and ascending aorta in BAV patients with raphe were significantly higher than those without raphe ( P ＜0 .01 ) ,however ,ascending aortic aneurysm rates were not significant between BAV with and without raphe[ 23( 9 .8% ) vs 4( 4 .8% ) , P ＝0 .251] . T he patients in R‐N subtype had a significantly higher proportion of aortic valve calcification than those in R‐L and L‐N subtype [ 55 ( 62 .5% ) vs 57 ( 45 .2% ) vs 6 ( 33 .3% ) , P ＝ 0 .01 ] ,with a significantly higher frequency of severe aortic stenosis [ 50 ( 56 .8% ) vs 21 ( 16 .7% ) vs 3 ( 16 .7% ) , P ＜0 .001 ] . However , there was no significant difference among different subtypes in other complications( P ＞0 .05).Conclusions T he presence of raphe is associated with a higher frequency of significant aortic valve calcification ,aortic valve dysfunction ,and increases left ventricular mass and left heart failure .T he R‐N type is also associated with aortic valve calcification and severe aortic stenosis .

Automatic evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in rats with myocardial infarction by myocardial contrast echocardiography based on neutrosophic similarity score algorithm / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the accuracy and value of automatically assessing left ventricular systolic function in rats with myocardial infarction ( MI) by myocardial contrast echocardiography ( MCE) based on neutrosophic similarity score( NSS) algorithm. Methods According to different infarction size (IS),SD rats were divided into large MI (MI-L,IS≥15% ) and small MI (MI-S,IS＜15% ) groups. MCE was performed before MI and at 7,28 days after MI. In vitro study:the automatic segmentation of the endocardial contour based on neutrosophic similarity score algorithm was compared with the manual segmentation boundary. In vivo study:the left ventricular ejection fraction( LVEF) were calculated using the NSS system,biplane Simpson and PV-loop,respectively,and then NSS-LVEF,Simpson-LVEF and PV-LVEF were acquired,respectively. The IS was calculated by Masson and HE staining. The consistency between the two LVEFs was evaluated by Bland-Altman. The intraclass correlation coefficient ( ICC) was calculated to evaluate the reproducibility of MCE analysis system. Results ① The endocardial contour obtained by automatic segmentation had good agreement with the boundary of artificial tracing. ② There was no significant difference among the three LVEFs in same group ( F ＝0.028, P ＝ 0.973),but there was significant difference in different group ( F ＝78.61, P ＜0.01). NSS-LVEF was well consistent with both Simpson-LVEF and PV-LVEF. ③ The ICC of NSS algorithm for inter-observer and intra-observer were 0.96 and 0.98,respectively. ④Compared with before MI and at 7 days after MI,the LVEF in MI-L and MI-S groups at 28 days after MI decreased significantly ( P ＜0.05),especially in MI-L group ( P ＜0.01). There was significantly negative correlation between LVEF and IS ( r ＝ －0.917, P ＜ 0.01). Conclusions Left ventricular endocardium can be identificated automatically and LVEF can be calculated rapidly and accurately by MCE based on neutrosophic similarity score algorithm in rats with myocardial infarction.

The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in evaluation of the protective effect of edaravone injection in skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluation of the protective effect of edaravone injection in rabbit skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods Thirty healthy New Zealand white rabbits were established a model of skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in left hind limb and randomly divided into the experimental group and control group.Edaravone was injected with the dose of 1.5 mg/kg at the time of 30 minutes before reperfusion in the experimental group,the control group were given an equal volume of physiological saline.Blood samples were collected respectively at the times of pre-ischemia,post-ischemia and 24 hours after reperfusion for detecting creatine kinase(CK),lactic dehydrogenase(LDH),and CEUS parameters such as peak intensity(PI),time to peak (TTP) and area under the curve(AUC) were measured at the same time.Pathological examination was carried out after the rabbits were sacrificed.Results ①Serological tests:compared to before the blocking of blood supply,the content of CK and LDH after the blocking were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.01);compared to before or after the blocking,the content of CK and LDH at the time of 24 hours after reperfusion in the two groups were increased,and was lower in the experimental group than the control group.(②CEUS:compared to before the blocking,PI,TTP and AUC in each group were significantly increased after the blocking and at the time of 24 hours after reperfusion(P ＜0.01);compared to those in the control group,PI and AUC in the experimental group were decreased at the time of 24 hours after reperfusion,but there was no significant difference in TTP(P ＞0.05).③Correlation analysis:there was a good correlation between PI,AUC and CK,LDH (r =0.87,0.81,0.86,and 0.80,respectively).④Pathological analysis:muscle fibers were swelling with no stripes,partial fractures and interstitial edema and a large amount of inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the control group,while muscle fibers were almost normal with a small amount of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the experimental group.Conclusions Edaravone injection before reperfusion can obviously improve rabbit skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury,and CEUS can be used to observe these changes directly and effectively.

Evaluation for the evolution of achilles tendinopathy and the feature of tendon biomechanics using quantitative analysis of tissue diffusion by ultrasound elastography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To explore the application value of quantitative analysis of tissue diffusion by ultrasound elastography in evaluating the evolution of achilles tendinopathy and indirectly reflecting the feature of tendon biomechanics.Methods Rabbits underwent 0.1 ml (group M) or 0.3 ml (group S)collagenase or 0.2 ml saline (group C) injection.The percentage of area displaying blue (％AREA) in the area of interest was measured by the diffusion quantitative technique of ultrasound elastography at baseline and 1,3,7 and 14 days after model.The achilles tendon was obtained for pathological examination to observe the changes of collagen fibers and tested to measure the maximum tensile load by the universal testing machine.Results (1) The ％AREAs in group M and S at 1,3,7 and 14 days after model were smaller than those in group C (P ＜0.05),and reached its lowest value at 3 days after model.％ AREA in groupSwas significant lower than that in group M at 3 or 7 days after model (P ＜0.05).(2) The maximum tensile loads in group M at 1,3 and 7 days after model were smaller than those in group C (P ＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between group M and C at 14 days after model (P ＞0.05).The maximum tensile load in group S was significant lower than those in group M and C after model (P ＜0.05),and arrived its lowest point at 3 days after model.(3) The ％AREA was positively associated with the maximum tensile load of achilles tendon (r =0.87,P ＜0.001).Conclusions Ultrasound elastography can dynamically monitor the evolution of achilles tendinopathy and reflect the biomechanical state of achilles tendon.

3D-bioprinting manufacturing polylactic-co-glycolic acid/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold/bone morphogenetic protein-2 sustained release composite / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Tissue-engineered bone scaffold fabricated by 3D-bioprinting technique has good controlability in morphology and structure. However, construction of tissue-engineered bone/cel growth factor complex and time-dose effect of sustained-release factors are needed to be further researched. OBJECTIVE:To fabricate a sustained-release composite of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)/nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) scaffold carrying bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) using 3D-bioprinting technique, and test the biological properties of the PLGA/n-HA scaffold carrying BMP-2 and the sustained-release properties, thereby to discuss its feasibility as the tissue-engineered bone scaffold composite. METHODS:Temperature-sensitive chitosan hydrogel was prepared using chitosan andβ-glycerophosphate to construct a sustained-release composite, chitosan nanoparticles carrying BMP-2 . 3D-bioprinting technique was utilized to fabricate the PLGA/n-HA scaffold carrying BMP-2. Biological features of the scaffold composite were tested, and time-dose effect of BMP-2 sustained-release was observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The average pore size of the scaffold-cytokine composite was (431.31±18.40)μm, and the porosity was (73.64±1.82)%. The cumulative release rate of BMP-2 from the scaffold-cytokine composite that effectively controled the burst release during 48 hours and 30 days were suitable for the physiological needs. In conclusion, the porosity, pore size, release property, degradation rate, and mechanical strength of the scaffold-cytokine composite al meet the biological requirements of tissue-engineered bone construction.

Knee cartilage and synovial lesions：misconceptions and discrimination of ultrasonic diagnosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The knee joint acts as the body’s largest and most complex joint, which is a commonly seen perplex in patients because of synovium and cartilage diseases. Moreover, clinical physicians are often confused on the ultrasonic diagnosis of synovium and cartilage diseases. OBJECTIVE: To review the ultrasound misdiagnosed cases of knee cartilage and synovial lesions and to summarize the common misconceptions and discrimination methods. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in the ultrasound misdiagnosed cases of knee cartilage and synovial lesions reported from 2002 to 2014, and then the common misconceptions and corresponding identification methods were summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: High-frequency ultrasound is most likely to have six “mistaken ideas” addressing knee cartilage and synovial lesions: (1) cartilage degeneration; (2) synovial calcification; (3) echo intensity from synovial lesions; (4) blood flow in the synovium; (5) synovial effusion; (6) lesions involving intraarticular structures. High-frequency ultrasound runs through dynamical observation and contrast observation of bilateral knee joint lesions, which is a valuable imaging method for diagnosis of cartilage and synovial diseases based on vigilance at the “mistaken ideas” and mastery of the distinguishing ideas and methods.

Evaluation on the left ventricular flow field characteristics in patients with obstructive and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using vector flow mapping / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the left ventricular flow field characteristics in patients with obstructive and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using vector flow mapping (VFM),then assess the left ventricular hemodynamics.Methods 40 patients with HCM were randomly selected as case group,among which 20 patients with left ventricular outflow tract(LVOT) obstruction (group Ⅰ) and 20 patients without LVOT obstruction(group Ⅱ),40 healthy adult volunteers served as control group.The conventional parameters:left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),interventricular septal thickness and radial and pressure gradient of left ventricular outflow tract and VFM parameters:left ventricular peak systolic velocity (Vs),systolic flow (Fs),total negative systolic flow (SQ-) and vortex parameters were measured and compared.The correlation between LVOT pressure gradient and VFM parameters were assessed.Results There was no significant difference of LVEF in three groups.Compared with control group,interventricular septal thickness in group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ was much higher(P ＜0.05).Radius in group Ⅰ was much lower than that of group Ⅱ and pressure gradient of LVOT in group Ⅰ was significantly higher compared with group Ⅱ (P ＜0.05).Comparison of VFM parameters:①Compared with control group,SQ-of basal segments in case groups were lower (P ＜0.05),while SQ-of mid and apical segments were higher(P ＜ 0.05),Vs and Fs of all segments increased (P ＜0.05),and number of vortex,vortex diameter and vorticity of obstruction and non-obstruction groups were higher(P ＜0.05).②Compared with group Ⅱ,SQ-of basal segments decreased and SQ-of mid and apical segments increased in group Ⅰ,Vs and Fs of all segments were higher.The number of vortex,vortex diameter were higher in group Ⅰ (P ＜ 0.05).③ Correlation analysis:Fs in apex,the number of vortex relatively correlated with press gradient of LVOT(r =0.60,0.65,respectively).Conclusions VFM can effectively evaluate the flow field characteristics of left ventricle in patients with obstructive and non-obstructive HCM,and Fs in apex,number of vortex were correlated with the degree of obstruction,then further assess the left ventricular hemodynamics quantitively.

Automatic evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in rats with myocardial infarction by myocardial contrast echocardiography based on mathematical morphology algorithm / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and value of quantitatively assessing left ventricular systolic function in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) based on mathematical morphology algorithm.Methods SD rats model of MI were mede,then MCE were performed before MI and at 1,3 weeks after MI.In vitro study:based on the principle of binary morphology,segmentation of endocardium was acquired using dilation,erosion,closed operations and connected domain object tag-based.The automatic segmentation of endocardial contour was compared with the manual segmentation boundary.In vivo study:the left ventricular area was calculated using the software,and the area variation fraction (AVF),a new index of left ventricular systolic function,were acquired.The correlation between AVF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was analyzed.The value of AVF for diagnosis for left ventricular dysfunction was evaluated by ROC curve.Results ① The cross-correlation coefficient (CCC) and percent error (PE) between automatic contours and manual boundary were more than 0.90 and less than 9％,respectively.② AVF correlated positively with LVEF (r =0.934,P ＜ 0.001).③ ROC analyses showed the area under curves for AVF diagnosing left ventricular dysfunction was 0.834.The best cutoff value was 27.5 ％ for diagnosing left ventricular dysfunction with the sensitivity of 85 ％ and specificity of 60 ％.Conclusions Left ventricular endocardium can be identificated automatically and rapidly by MCE based on mathematical morphology algorithm.AVF can assessed quantitatively left ventricular systolic function in rats with myocardial infarction.

Combined treatment with erythropoietin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor enhances neovascularization and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Erythropoietin (EPO) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) are both potential novel therapeutics for use after myocardial infarction (MI). However, their underlying mechanisms remain unclear and the efficacy of monotherapy with EPO or G-CSF is also controversial. Therefore, we investigated the effects of combined treatment with EPO and G-CSF on neovascularization and cardiac function in post-infarction rats and explored the potential mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four groups of rats were used: control (saline injection after MI, i.h.), EPO (a single dose of 5 000 IU/kg after MI, i.h.), G-CSF (a dose of 50 µg× kg(-1)× d(-1) for 5 days after MI, i.h.), and both EPO and G-CSF (EPO+G-CSF, using the same regiment as above). Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography before and 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days after MI. CD34(+)/Flk-1(+) cells in the peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry before and 3 days, 5 days and 7 days after MI. The infarct area and angiogenesis in the peri-infarct area were analyzed. The mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal-derived factor-1a (SDF-1α) in the peri-infarct area were detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control and monotherapy groups, the EPO+G-CSF group had significantly increased CD34(+)/Flk-1(+) endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood (P < 0.05), up-regulated VEGF and SDF-1α levels in the peri-infarct region (P < 0.05), enhanced capillary density (P < 0.05), reduced infarct size (P < 0.05) and improved cardiac structure and function (P < 0.05). G-CSF alone did not dramatically increase EPCs in the peripheral blood, enhance capillary density in the peri-infarct area or reduce infarct size compared with the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Combined treatment with EPO and G-CSF increased EPCs mobilization, up-regulated VEGF and SDF-1α levels in the post-infarction microenvironment, subsequently enhanced neovascularization in the peri-infarct region and reduced infarct size. All factors contributed to its beneficial effects on cardiac function in post-infarction rats.</p>

Development and validation of a CO-T1 three-dimensional finite element model of a healthy person under physiologic loads / 生物医学工程学杂志

A comprehensive, geometrically accurate, nonlinear C0-T1 three-dimensional finite element (FE) model was developed for the biomechanical study of human cervical spine and related disorders. The model was developed with anatomic detail from the computed tomography (CT) images of a 46-year-old female healthy volunteer, and applied the finite element model processing softwares such as MIMICS13.1, Hypermesh11.0, Abaqus 6.12-1, etc., for developing, preprocessing, calculating and analysing sequentially. The stress concentration region and the range of motion (ROM) of each vertebral level under axial rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending under physiologic static loadings were observed and recorded. The model was proven reliable, which was validated with the range of motion in previous published literatures. The model predicted the front and side parts of the foramen magnum and contralateral pedicle and facet was the stress concentration region under physiological loads of the upper spine and the lower spine, respectively. The development of this comprehensive, geometrically accurate, nonlinear cervical spine FE model could provide an ideal platform for theoretical biomechanical study of human cervical spine and related disorders.

Advances of molecular targeted therapy based on Wnt signaling pathway in osteoporosis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in bone metabolism. Inducing the Wnt signaling pathway promotes bone formation while restraining it results in osteopenic states. Although the regulation of this signaling pathway may bring enormous therapeutic potential, it still requires cautious approach because of the risks of tumorigenesis. The role of the Wnt signaling pathway in bone metabolism and the molecular targets of therapeutic potential for osteoporosis are discussed in this review.

Evaluation of pulmonary arterial hypertension with simple congenital heart disease using tissue Doppler imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in diagnosing pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH) with common simple congenital heart disease(CHD).Methods 104 patients of CHD approved by operation or intervention were retrospectively analyzed.Both TDI and right cardiac catheterization were performed in all patients,whose were divided into PAH and non-PAH groups according to mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) on diagnostic right cardiac catheterization:60 PAH patients[mPAP ≥25 mmHg(1 mmHg =0.133 kPa) and pulmonary arterial capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mmHg],44 non-PAH patients (mPAP ＜25 mmHg).The PAH group was divided into mild (25 mmHg≤ mPAP≤35 mmHg),moderate (36 mmHg≤mPAP≤50 mmHg) and severe (mPAP＞50 mmHg) subgroups.The tricuspid annular systolic peak velocity (TS'),early diastolic peak velocity (TE'),late diastolic peak velocity (TA') were measured by TDI and TE'/TA' and Tei index were calculated.The correlation between TDI parameters and the cardiac catheterization findings (sPAP,mPAP and dPAP) were assessed.Results ①TS' and TE' in PAH group were significantly lower than those in non-PAH(P ＜ 0.05),but Tei in PAH group were significantly higher than that in non-PAH (P ＜0.001),however,there were no significant difference in TA' and TE'/TA' between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).②Tei correlated positively with pulmonary arterial pressure (P ＜0.001),TS' was found to be negatively correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure(P ＜0.05),but no correlation between TE',TA',TE'/TA' and pulmonary arterial pressure(P ＞0.05).③ROC analysis showed the area under curves for Tei index and TS' diagnosis for PAH was 0.893 and 0.699,respectively.At the cutoff of Tei＞0.49 and TS'＜16 cm/s for indicating PAH,the sensitivity were 86.67 ％ and 80.00％,respectively and the specificity were 79.55 ％ and 45.45 ％,respectively.④Tei in the moderate and severe PAH were significantly higher than that in mild PAH (P ＜ 0.05),TS' and TE' in severe PAH were significantly lower than those in mild and moderate PAH (P ＜ 0.05),At the cutoff of Tei＞0.55 for indicating moderate or severe PAH,the sensitivity and specificity were 95.24％ and 72.22％.Conclusions Tei index and TS' have high application value in assessing PAH and classification of PAH.Tei＞0.49 indicates PAH,while Tei＞0.55 suggests moderate or severe PAH.

Isolation, culture and osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells from the abdominal cavity of rats / 中国组织工程研究

10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2013.23.008

Study of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with myocardial infarction using vector flow mapping / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To assess the clinical application value of vector flow mapping (VFM) in evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function in patients with myocardial infarction(MI).Methods Fifty patients with MI were enrolled as patients group.Sixty healthy people were enrolled as control group.The quantitative parameters,including position of vortex,the number of laps,the half-value area (S),Diameter of half-value area of vortex (D),the maximum flow volume of vortex (Qmax),and vortex intensity (Qmax/S)were measured in the VFM imaging mode and vortex mode.Difference of the parameters was evaluated between two groups.Ea/Aa were derived via TDI.And correlation analysis was performed between Ea/Aa and Qmax/S.Results Vortex were close to midline and apex cordis.Qmax/S in patients group were decreased,but the number of turns and S and D in patients group were increased.Qmax was changed during different periods of different vortex.Qmax/S had a good correlation with Ea/Aa.Conclusions VFM is a new accurate way for clinical to analysis quantificationally left ventricular blood flow structure and provides quantitative index.

Evaluation of speckle-tracking imaging in differential diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To explore the differential diagnostic value of speckle-tracking imaging (STI) between dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM).Methods 40 DCM patients,32 ICM patients and 30 normal controls were enrolled for this study.Different views of high frame images of left ventricle were recorded.The time to peak radial strain,circumferential strain and longitudinal strain of 18 myocardial segments were measured by STI,and the maximum differential (Ts-dif) and the standard deviation(Ts-SD) of time to the peak strain were calculated.The left ventricular parameters measured by STI were compared between DCM and ICM,and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were investigated by the areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results Parameters of different segments of ICM were obviously higher than those of DCM (P ＜ 0.05),and there were significant differences between ICM and DCM.The areas under the ROC curves of Ts-dif and Ts-SD to radial strain were 0.920 and 0.946 respectively.At the cut off of 170 ms and 53 ms for diagnosing DCM and ICM,the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy were 87.5％,87.5％,87.5％ and 90.6％,90％,90.2％ respectively.Conclusions These strain parameters by STI,especially Ts-SD to peak strain can offer a new quantitative diagnostic method in distinguishing DCM from ICM.

Evaluation of wave intensity in hypertension with concentric hypertrophy and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To assess the value of wave intensity (WI) on the discrimination of hypertension with concentric hypertrophy and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(NOHCM).Methods 36 patients with hypertension with concentric hypertrophy,30 patients with NOHCM and 36 healthy volunteers were randomly selected to perform routine ultrasound examination and carotid arterial WI test.The conventional parameters,inlcuding interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSTd),left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole(LVPWd),left ventricular diameter in diastole(LVIDd) and WI parameters,including the first peak (W1),the second peak (W2),negative area (NA),the interval between the R wave of the ECG and the peak of W1 (R-1st),the interval between the peaks of W1 and W2 (1st-2nd) were archived and compared among the different groups.Results ① There were statistical significances in IVSTd among the three groups(P ＜0.01).LVPWd of hypertension group was obviously higher than that of normal and NOHCM groups (P ＜0.01),but there were no statistical significances in NOHCM and normal groups(P ＞0.05).There were no statistical significances in LVIDd among different groups(P ＞ 0.05).②Compared with the normal group,W1 in NOHCM group increased significantly,whereas W2 and R-1st was much lower (P ＜0.01);W1 and NA in hypertension group was obviously higher(P ＜0.01).W2 and R-1st in NOHCM group were much smaller than those of hypertension group (P＜0.01).③W2 in 850 mmHg · m · s-3 was an optimal cutoff value to identify NOHCM and hypertension and to yield the sensitivity of 78.9％ and specificity of 72.4％.R-1st in 98.5 ms was a cutoff point to discriminate NOHCM and hypertension and to bring the sensitivity 65.8％ and specificity 72.4％.Conclusions WI analysis can effectively distinguish the difference of NOHCM and hypertension and provide a new viewpoint for the discrimination of hypertension with concentric hypertrophy and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Evaluation of ultrasound elastography in diagnosis of thyroid small nodules using binary logistic regression / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To select sonogram features for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid small nodules by Logistics regression analysis,and to contribute the binary Logistic regression model of sonogram features as independent variable and evaluate the value of conventional ultrasonography and ultrasound elastography (UE) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid small nodules.Methods 166 thyroid nodules (≤ 10 mm) in 140 patients were reviewed and analyzed by 2D ultrasound,color Doppler flow imaging and UE.A Logistic model was obtained based on pathology as golden diagnosis criteria.The odds ratio of variables in the equation were compared to assess various variables,especially the efficacy of elastography in the diagnosis.Results Four statistically significant features were finally entering the Logistic stepwise regression model,including shape,calcification,the internal component of nodules and elasticity score.And the odds ratio of the elasticity score was higher than other features.Conclusions The analysis of binary Logistic regression can select the valuable variables for the diagnosis of pathological nature of thyroid small nodules.UE has much more dominances than other features.The combinated application of UE and 2D ultrasonic features plays a great clinical role in the final diagnosis of thyroid small nodules.

MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway regulates osteogenic gene expression in rat osteoblasts in vitro / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of inhibition and activation of MAPK-ERK1/2 pathway on the expression of osteogenic genes and proliferation of rat osteoblasts in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Primarily cultured rat osteoblasts, identified by cell morphology studies and ALP staining, were exposed to 1% or 5% rat serum for 24 h or to the specific MAPK-ERK1/2 inhibitor PD0325901. The downstream molecules of MAPK-ERK1/2 pathway including p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2, osteogenic genes such as Runx2 and Type I collagen, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were detected by Western Blotting, and alkaline phosphatase activities were analyzed quantitatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with 1% rat serum-treated cells, exposure of the cells to a higher concentration (5%) of rat serum caused a significantly increased phosphorylation level of p-ERK1/2 (P<0.05) and obviously enhanced expressions of the osteogenic genes (Runx2, type I collagen and ALP) and PCNA (P<0.05). Inhibition of the MAPK-ERK1/2 pathway with PD0325901 resulted in suppressed expressions of the osteogenic genes and PCNA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The activation of MAPK-ERK1/2 pathway promotes the expression of osteogenic genes such as Runx2, type I collagen and ALP and enhances the proliferative activity of the osteoblasts, while inhibition of this pathway suppresses the expressions of these genes and the cell proliferation, suggesting that this pathway may potentially serve as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis.</p>