Internal Structural Connections in the Popliteus Tendon Complex with Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Clinical Implications / Conexiones Estructurales Internas en el Complejo Tendón Poplíteo con Ligamento Cruzado Posterior e Implicaciones Clínicas

SUMMARY: At present, the anatomical relationship the mid-portion of popliteus tendon complex (PTC) and the surrounding tissues is still unclear, especially its relationship to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). It affected the anatomical reconstruction of the posterolateral complex (PLC) injury. A total of 30 cases of the adult human knee joint fixed with formalin were used. Sagittal sections were made in 14 knee joints by the P45 plastination technique and dissection of 16 cases of knee joints. The P45 section revealed that the popliteus muscle fascia ran superiorly over the posterior edge of the tibial intercondylar eminence, and turned forward to be integrated into the PCL. Laterally, near the posterior edge of the lateral tibial plateau, the popliteus tendon penetrates through the articular capsule (AC), where two dense fibrous bundles were given off upwards by the popliteus tendon: one was the ventral fiber bundle, which ran superiorly over the posterior edge of the tibial plateau and then moved forwards to connect with the lateral meniscus; the dorsal fibers bundle ascended directly and participated in the AC. Meanwhile, the popliteus muscle dissection showed that at the posterior edge of the platform of the lateral condyle of the tibia, at the tendon-muscle transition, the PTC and AC were anchored to PCL.

En la actualidad, la relación anatómica entre la porción media del complejo tendinoso poplíteo (CTP) y los tejidos circundantes aún no está clara, especialmente su relación con el ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP). Esto afecta la reconstrucción anatómica de la lesión del complejo posterolateral (LCP). Se utilizaron un total de 30 casos de articulaciones de rodillas humanas de individuos adultos fijadas con formalina. Se realizaron cortes sagitales en 14 articulaciones de rodilla mediante la técnica de plastinación P45 y disección de 16 casos de articulaciones de rodilla. La sección P45 reveló que la fascia del músculo poplíteo discurría superiormente sobre el margen posterior de la eminencia intercondílea tibial y giraba hacia delante para integrarse en el LCP. Lateralmente, cerca del margen posterior de la platillo tibial lateral, el tendón poplíteo penetra a través de la cápsula articular (CA), donde el tendón poplíteo desprendió hacia arriba dos haces fibrosos densos: uno era el haz de fibras ventral, que corría superiormente sobre el margen posterior de la meseta tibial y luego se movió hacia adelante para conectar con el menisco lateral; el haz de fibras dorsales ascendía directamente y participaba en la CA. Por su parte, la disección del músculo poplíteo mostró que en el margen posterior del platillo del cóndilo lateral de la tibia, en la transición tendón-músculo, el CTP y el AC estaban anclados al LCP.

Clinical application of a digital positioning guide template during the extraction of maxillary wholly impacted supernumerary teeth / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical efficacy of positioning guide templates for maxillary wholly impacted supernumerary teeth to provide technological solutions for clinical applications. @*Methods @#After approval by the hospital ethics committee and informed consent given by the patients. Data from 136 patients with maxillary wholly impacted supernumerary teeth from January 2016 to April 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the usage of the positioning guide template. The experimental group included patients using the positioning guide template (71 cases), and the control group did not use the positioning guide template (65 cases). The operation time and complications were statistically analyzed to evaluate the clinical efficacy after surgery. @*Results @# All operations were successfully completed. The average operation time in the experimental group was (21.5 ± 3.4) min, significantly shorter than that in the control group (27.2 ± 4.9) min. There were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups (t = 7.599, P<0.001). One week after the operation, there were no complications in the experimental group, and there were 2 cases of adjacent tooth injury and 3 cases of gingival numbness in the control group.@* Conclusion @# A digital positioning guide template can effectively shorten the time of maxillary wholly impacted supernumerary teeth extraction and is an effective means to assist clinical maxillary wholly impacted supernumerary teeth extraction.

Bony structures at the attachment areas of the cruciate ligaments in human knee joints and their clinical significance-studied using the P45 plastination technique / Estructuras óseas en las áreas de inserción de los ligamentos cruzados en las articulaciones de la rodilla humana y su importancia clínica, estudiadas mediante la técnica de plastinación P45

SUMMARY: For treating cruciate ligament injuries, especially for characterizing the mechanics of the tunnel in cruciate ligament reconstruction, correctly understanding the bony information of the attachment area of the cruciate ligaments is significant. We studied 31 knee joints of middle-aged Chinese adults using the P45 sheet plastination technique, focusing on the attachment areas of the cruciate ligaments, especially the bony structures. The trabeculae at the attachment area were distributed radially and extended deep into the medial wall of the lateral condyle of the femur. However, in the anterior part of the intercondylar eminence, the trabeculae of the anterior group were parallelly arranged along the tendinous fibers of the anterior cruciate ligament, while the trabeculae of the posterior group were parallelly arranged along the perpendicular direction of the anterior cruciate ligament fibers. Similarly, at the attachment area of the lateral wall of the medial condyle of the posterior cruciate ligament, the trabeculae extended radially toward the deep medial condyle. Deep in the posterior part of the intercondylar eminence, the trabeculae were arranged longitudinally. In the anterior part of the intercondylar eminence, the trabeculae were parallelly arranged along the perpendicular directions of ligament fibers. The distribution patterns of the trabecular at the attachment areas of the cruciate ligaments at the ends of the femur and tibia were different. This difference should be considered when orthopedic surgeons reconstruct anterior cruciate ligaments.

Para el tratamiento de lesiones de los ligamentos cruzados, especialmente para caracterizar la mecánica del túnel en su reconstrucción, es importante comprender correctamente la información ósea del área de inserción de estos ligamentos. Estudiamos 31 articulaciones de rodilla de individuos chinos, adultos, de mediana edad, utilizando la técnica de plastinación de láminas P45, centrándonos en las áreas de unión de los ligamentos cruzados, especialmente en las estructuras óseas. Las trabéculas en el área de inserción se distribuyeron radialmente y se extendieron profundamente en la pared medial del cóndilo lateral del fémur. Sin embargo, en la parte anterior de la eminencia intercondílea, las trabéculas del grupo anterior estaban dispuestas paralelamente a lo largo de las fibras tendinosas del ligamento cruzado anterior, mientras que las trabéculas del grupo posterior estaban dispuestas paralelamente a lo largo de la dirección perpendicular de las fibras del ligamento cruzado anterior. De manera similar, en el área de inserción en la cara lateral del cóndilo medial del ligamento cruzado posterior, las trabéculas se extendían radialmente y profundas hacia el cóndilo medial. Profundamente en la parte posterior de la eminencia intercondílea, las trabéculas estaban dispuestas longitudinalmente. En la parte anterior de la eminencia intercondílea, las trabéculas estaban dispuestas paralelamente a lo largo de las direcciones perpendiculares de las fibras del ligamento. Los patrones de distribución del tejido óseo trabecular en las áreas de unión de los ligamentos cruzados en los extremos del fémur y la tibia eran diferentes. Estas diferencias deben tenerse en consideración cuando los cirujanos ortopédicos reconstruyen los ligamentos cruzados anteriores.

Peripheral blood biological markers for early screening in children with autism spectrum disorder / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the specifity of amyloid precursor protein(APP), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)and gamma aminobutyric acid(GABA) in peripheral blood in children with autism spectrum disorder, so as to explore the biomarkers for early screening of ASD and its relationship with the severity of ASD.@*Methods@#A total of 41 children diagnosed with autism from January to December 2019 were enrolled in the ASD group. Meanwhile, 41 healthy children with normal growth and development who were examined in the same period were selected as control group. And the sera total sAPP, sAPP α, sAPP β, BDNF and GABA of all participants were tested by sensitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and were compared between the two groups.@*Results@#The serum sAPP level in ASD group(2 132.98±333.28 ng/mL) was higher than control group(1 734.76 ±357.97 ng/mL),the serum sAPP α level(335.11±33.87 pg/mL) was higher than control group(274.84±32.12 pg/mL) and the serum GABA level(4.17±0.95 μmol/L)was lower than control group(6.35±0.84 μmol/L). GABA level (4.17±0.95 μmol/L) was lower than that of control group (6.35±0.84 μmol/L), the differences were statistically significant ( t =3.92, 4.25, -7.27, P < 0.05 ). In addition, the serum GABA level in children with severe ASD (3.48±0.77 μmol/L)was lower than children with mild to moderate (4.94±0.98 μmol/L).The difference was significant ( t =-3.31, P <0.05). ROC curve showed that total sAPP( AUC = 0.77 ,95% CI =0.66-0.87), sAPP α( AUC =0.77,95%CI=0.67-0.87), and GABA ( AUC =0.95,95% CI =0.90-0.93)had diagnostic efficacy for ASD( P <0.05), among which the AUC of GABA was the largest (0.95)and its sensitivity(85.65%) and specificity(80.76%) were the highest. The results of binary Logistic regression showed that the abnormal expression of sAPPα ( OR =1.04,95% CI = 1.00- 1.07) and GABA( OR =0.02,95% CI =0.00-0.32) were associated with risk for ASD( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Considering the specific change of total sAPP, sAPPα andGABA in peripheral blood in ASD children, total sAPP, sAPP α and GABA can be considered as promising biomarkers in the early diagnosis of ASD, among which GABA has the highest sensitivity and specificity.

The feasibility of a public-private mix program on pulmonary tuberculosis screening in Penang:A pilot study

@#Background: The low detection rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Malaysia remains a challenge in the effort to end TB by 2030. The collaboration between private and public health care facilities is essential in addressing this issue. As of now, no private-public health care collaborative program in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) screening exists in Malaysia. Aim: To determine the feasibility of a collaborative program between private general practitioners (GPs) and the public primary health clinics in PTB screening and to assess the yield of smearpositive PTB from this program. Methods: A prospective cohort study using convenient sampling was conducted involving GPs and public health clinics in the North-East District, Penang, from March 2018 to May 2019. In this study, GPs could direct all suspected PTB patients to perform a sputum acid fast bacilli (AFB) direct smear in any of the dedicated public primary health clinics. The satisfaction level of both the GPs and their patients were assessed using a self-administered client satisfaction questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistical Software was used to analyze the data. Results: Out of a total of 31 patients who underwent the sputum investigation for PTB, one (3.2%) was diagnosed to have smear-positive PTB. Most of the patients (>90%) and GPs (66.7%) agreed to continue with this program in the future. Furthermore, most of the patients (>90%) were satisfied with the program structure. Conclusion: It is potentially feasible to involve GPs in combating TB. However, a more structured program addressing the identified issues is needed to make the collaborative program a success.

Patient perception of pre-pregnancy care and family planning among reproductive-age female diabetes mellitus patients in a primary care clinic in Penang, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Pre-pregnancy care (PPC) is an important part of diabetic care among females in the reproductive age group, as it improves feto-maternal outcomes. Objective: We aimed to assess female diabetic patients’ perception of PPC and family planning prior to PPC care. Method: This was an observational, cross-sectional survey performed from June 2019 to September 2019, using universal sampling of registered female diabetic patients who fit the inclusion criteria prior to integrated PPC care. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patients’ perception of PPC. Results: A total of 67 patients were recruited for the study. Only 39.4% (n=26) of the patients had heard of PPC. In our study, Code 1 contraception included those methods with a Pearl index of ≤9. Code 2 & 3 contraception included those methods with a Pearl index of >9. Only onethird of patients, 29.9% (n=20), were using Code 1 contraception, although the majority, 79.1% (n=53), felt that they had completed their family. 45 patients (68.2%) felt that they were at risk of developing complications if they were to become pregnant, and 46 patients (69.7%) felt that their health condition was not suitable for another pregnancy. However, only 31.1% (n=14) and 34.8% (n=16) of these patients were using Code 1 contraception, respectively. There were 30 patients (65.2%) who perceived that their health was not suitable for another pregnancy but were only using Code 2 or 3 contraception. Conclusion: The patients’ perception of PPC was poor. Patients had an inadequate knowledge of the effectiveness of their current contraceptive practice in relation to their intentions for further pregnancy and their self-perceived risk in case of future conception. We suggest that integration of PPC into routine follow-ups for other high-risk medical diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, and epilepsy, be considered in future practice.

Patient perception of pre-pregnancy care and family planning among reproductive-age female diabetes mellitus patients in a primary care clinic in Penang, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Pre-pregnancy care (PPC) is an important part of diabetic care among females in the reproductive age group, as it improves feto-maternal outcomes. Objective: We aimed to assess female diabetic patients’ perception of PPC and family planning prior to PPC care. Method: This was an observational, cross-sectional survey performed from June 2019 to September 2019, using universal sampling of registered female diabetic patients who fit the inclusion criteria prior to integrated PPC care. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess patients’ perception of PPC. Results: A total of 67 patients were recruited for the study. Only 39.4% (n=26) of the patients had heard of PPC. In our study, Code 1 contraception included those methods with a Pearl index of ≤9. Code 2 & 3 contraception included those methods with a Pearl index of >9. Only onethird of patients, 29.9% (n=20), were using Code 1 contraception, although the majority, 79.1% (n=53), felt that they had completed their family. 45 patients (68.2%) felt that they were at risk of developing complications if they were to become pregnant, and 46 patients (69.7%) felt that their health condition was not suitable for another pregnancy. However, only 31.1% (n=14) and 34.8% (n=16) of these patients were using Code 1 contraception, respectively. There were 30 patients (65.2%) who perceived that their health was not suitable for another pregnancy but were only using Code 2 or 3 contraception. Conclusion: The patients’ perception of PPC was poor. Patients had an inadequate knowledge of the effectiveness of their current contraceptive practice in relation to their intentions for further pregnancy and their self-perceived risk in case of future conception. We suggest that integration of PPC into routine follow-ups for other high-risk medical diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, and epilepsy, be considered in future practice.

Existence of myodural bridge in the trachemys scripta elegans: indication of its important physiological function / Existencia del puente miodural en trachemys scripta elegans: indicación de su importante función fisiológica

The myodural bridge (MDB) is confirmed that connecting the most of suboccipital muscles to the cervical dura mater through the posterior intervertebral spaces and widely exists in mammals and birds. In order to reveal whether the MDB is universally existing in amniota of vertebrates, we explored the existence and the morphological features of the MDB in the Trachemys scripta elegans. Twenty fresh red-eared slider specimens were observed by the gross anatomy dissection and histological analysis. In the results, three kind of muscles in the postoccipital region of the red-eared slider were found. The rectus capitis dorsum minor muscle originated from the posterior margin of the occiput (C0) and terminated at the spinous process of the atlas (C1). The transversospinales muscle was attached to the vertebral arch and the postzygapophysis of the atlas and extended to the spinous process of the axis (C2). The C2-C3 intertransversales muscle were extended from the postzygapophysis of C2 and the one of C3. The three muscles covered the dorsal interspaces among C0-C3, and meantime they were closely connected with dense connective tissues, which filled in these interspaces. Each of these thick dense connective tissue membranes sent off several short and strong fibrous bundles ventrally to merge with the cervical spinal dura mater. Furthermore the connective tissues connecting these muscles with cervical spinal dura mater directly were revealed under the microscopy and they consisted of parallel and intensive collagen fibers with orientation from dorsal to ventral. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrated the existence of the MDB in the testudines, in all of the dorsal atlantooccipital, atlantoaxial and C2-C3 intervertebral spaces. Based on our results and comparative anatomical evidences in recent year, it could be inferred that the MDB might be its highly conserved structure in the evolution of amniota.

Se confirma que el puente miodural (PMD) conecta la mayoría de los músculos suboccipitales con la duramadre cervical a través de los espacios intervertebrales posteriores y existe ampliamente en mamíferos y aves. Para revelar si el MDB existe universalmente en la amniota de vertebrados, exploramos la existencia y las características morfológicas del PMD en Trachemys scripta elegans. Veinte muestras se observaron mediante disección anatómica y análisis histológico. En los resultados, se encontraron tres tipos de músculos en la región occipital. El músculo recto capitis dorsum minor se originó en el margen posterior del occipital (C0) y terminó en el proceso espinoso del atlas (C1). El músculo transverso espinal se unió al arco vertebral y el proceso del atlas y se extendió al proceso espinoso del axis (C2). El músculo intertransversario C2-C3 se extendió entre los procesos transversos de C2 y el de C3. Los tres músculos cubrían los espacios intermedios dorsales entre C0-C3 y, mientras tanto, estaban estrechamente conectados con tejidos conectivos densos, que rellenaban estos espacios. Cada una de estas membranas densas de tejido conectivo envían varios haces fibrosos cortos y fuertes ventralmente para fusionarse con la duramadre espinal cervical. Además, los tejidos conectivos que conectan estos músculos con la duramadre cervical y espinal se revelaron directamente bajo microscopía y consistían en intensas fibras de colágeno, paralelas, con orientación desde dorsal a ventral. En conclusión, este estudio demostró por primera vez la existencia del PMD en los estudios de prueba, en todos los espacios dorsales atlantooccipital, atlantoaxial e intervertebral C2-C3. Sobre la base de nuestros resultados y las evidencias anatómicas comparativas de los últimos años, se podría inferir que el PMD podría ser una estructura altamente conservada en la evolución de la amniota.

Angina after anaphylaxis treatment

@#Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency, and adrenaline is the mainstay treatment for this condition. However, there have been a few reported cases of patients experiencing cardiovascular complications, such as myocardial infarction and coronary vasospasm, after its use. We highlight such a case in a young, healthy patient and the important differentials to consider.

Indication selection and efficacy analysis of condylar fracture / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#The present study examined the effects of surgical and conservative treatment on the curative effect of patients with condylar fracture to determine the best treatment scheme and indication. @* Methods @#A total of 339 clinical cases of condylar fracture were selected, and pain severity, degree of mouth opening, angle of condylar fracture (calculated as the difference in the angle of the condylar between the fractured side and uninjured side) and the height of the mandibular ramus (calculated as the difference in the height of the mandibular ramus between the fractured side and uninjured side) of patients at admission were measured and analyzed. The effects of surgical treatment (rigid internal fixation) and conservative treatment (functional therapy) were evaluated and compared 6 months after treatment. @*Results @#Among the patients with a condylar fracture displacement angle ≥ 11.50°, Significantly more (χ2= 26.38, P < 0.05) patients exhibited good recovery 6 months after surgical treatment [69.4% (118/170)] than those after conservative treatment [35.4% (29/82)]. Among the patients with a condylar fracture displacement angle < 11.50°, there was not a significant difference (χ2= 0.55, P > 0.05) between the numbers of patients who exhibited good recovery 6 months after surgical treatment [52.4% (22/42)] and conservative treatment [44.4% (20/45)]. Among the patients with mandibular ramus height ≥ 4.19 mm, significantly more (χ2= 20.35, P < 0.05) patients exhibited good recovery 6 months after surgical treatment [64.7% (112/173)] compared with those after conservative treatment [35.6% (32/90)]. Among the patients with mandibular ramus height < 4.19 mm, there was not a significant difference (χ2= 0.21, P > 0.05) between the numbers of patients who exhibited good recovery 6 months after surgical treatment [46.7% (14/30)] and conservative treatment [41.3% (19/46)]. @*Conclusion@# Patients with a displacement angle of condyle fracture greater than 11.50° and a mandibular ramus height less than 4.19 mm exhibit the greatest pain and a better effect from surgical treatment than those from conservative treatment.

Numerical analysis on longitudinal flexibility of a NiTi coronary stent / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze the relationship between structure characteristics and longitudinal flexibility of the self-designed NiTi coronary stents by using finite element method. Methods A new type of stent geometric model was designed with the CAD software Soildworks, and then the finite element stent model was established with Hypermesh, MATLAB and ABAQUS software. In ABAQUS, the angular displacement loads were applied on the stent in 9 bending directions within one structural cycle to maintain the stent in a pure bending state. Results The stent flexibility appeared no significant difference before the self-contact occurred, while it showed obvious anisotropy after the self-contact occurred. In addition, the bending deformation occurred under in-plane pure bending loads, accompanied with the out-of-plane deflection and torsion deformation around the axis. Conclusions The bending behavior of the stent is determined by its structural characteristics, and the stent always shows anisotropic flexibility due to its spiral arrangement of the connecting body and self-contact, which will provide a scientific guidance for clinical application of the stent.

Drug-induced liver injury,drug disposition and metabolite profiling / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a leading cause responsible for the failure of drug development and for the withdrawal of commercial drug products.The high frequency of DILI is due in part to the physiology of the liver,since in many cases elimination of drug molecules from the body is dependent on hepatic clearance via either metabolism or biliary excretion.Many of the mechanistic details underlying DILI remain poorly defined in spite of extensive studies of the pathogenesis.In this regard,metabolomics may become a powerful tool for investigation of DILI,leading to better mechanistic understanding and biomarkers identification.

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and death receptor pathway in a rat model of coronary microembolization / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the dynamic changes of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the role of death receptor apoptotic pathway in a rat model of coronary microembolization (CME).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult rats were randomized to coronary microembolization (CME group, n = 63) or sham-operated group (S group, n = 55). CME model was established by aortic injection of 0.1 ml microspheres (42 microm, 3 x 10(4)/ml) into the left ventricle when the ascending aorta was temporarily clamped.S group received 0.1 ml saline injection and survived rats were randomly examined at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hour post CME (n = 10 each). Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography. Myocardium sample was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and hematoxylin-basic fuchsin-picric acid to detect infarct areas. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected with TUNEL staining. The expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 was measured by Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with S group, the left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly decreased and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly increased in CME group (all P < 0.05) except 0 hour CME group. The infarct sizes were similar in 3 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour, and 24 hour CME groups (P > 0.05). The apoptosis index (AI) in CME group were significantly higher at each time point compared to S group (P < 0.05) except 0 hour CME group and peaked at 6 hours. Apoptotic cardiomyocytes were found mainly in the myocardial microinfarcted area and border zones. The relative expression of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in CME group were both significantly increased at 3 hours and peaked at 6 hour post CME (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was significantly increased after coronary microembolization via activating death receptor apoptotic pathway in this coronary microembolization model.</p>

Association between myocardial calpain activation and apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic mouse model / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>in septic mice, myocardial calpain was activated and induced caspase-3 activation, the association between calpain activation and apoptosis was explored in this experiment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>in in vivo model, adult C57 mice were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 4 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce sepsis. Myocardial calpain and caspase-3 activities, protein levels of calpain-1, calpain-2, calpastatin, Bcl-2 and Bid were detected by Western blot analysis and myocardial apoptosis was detected by TUNEL, myocardiac function was evaluated by Langendorff system. In in vitro model, adult rat cardiomyocytes were incubated with LPS (1 microg/ml) or co-incubated with calpain inhibitor-III (10 micromol/L), calpain activity, caspase-3 activity, protein levels of Bcl-2 and Bid, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>in septic mice, myocardial calpain and caspase-3 activity were increased up to 2.7- and 1.8-folds, respectively. Both calpain inhibitor-III and PD150606 significantly attenuated the increase of caspase-3 activity. Myocardial protein levels of calpain-1, calpain-2, calpastatin, Bcl-2 and Bid were similar between control and septic mice, and no cleavage of both Bcl-2 and Bid was found in septic mice. Calpain inhibitor-III significantly improved myocardial function in septic mice. In in vitro model, calpain and caspase-3 activities were increased after 4 h LPS treatment, co-treatment with calpain inhibitor-III prevented caspase-3 activity increase, protein Bcl-2 and Bid were similar between normal cardiomyocytes and LPS-treated cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was similar in in vivo and in vitro septic models.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>myocardial calpain activity is increased in LPS induced septic mice, subsequent caspase-3 activation may contribute to myocardial dysfunction in septic mice without aggravating myocardial apoptosis and Bcl-2 and Bid are not involved on calpain induced caspase-3 activation in our model.</p>

Association between GATA-4 mutations and congenital cardiac septal defects in Han Chinese patients / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To elucidate the association between GATA-4 gene mutations and congenital cardiac septal defects in Han Chinese patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty Han Chinese patients with congenital cardiac septal defects and 100 normal subjects with the same ethnical background were studied. Total six exons and the intron-exon boundaries of GATA-4 were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. The polymerase chain reaction products were purified and directly sequenced with automatic sequencer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two novel heterozygous mutations were discovered in the GATA-4 gene of patients with congenital cardiac septal defects, His28Tyr in exon 2 and His436Tyr in exon 7 respectively, which were absent in the control population and not reported in the SNP database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/SNP).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our finding suggests that the mutations in the transcription factor GATA-4 may be related to congenital cardiac septal defects in Han Chinese patients.</p>

Preliminary functional analysis of a novel mutation in GATA-4 gene in Chinese patients with congenital cardiac septal defects / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To perform the functional analysis of a novel H436Y mutation of GATA-4 gene identified in Han Chinese patients with congenital cardiac septal defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using bioinformatics to predict if the H436Y mutation in the GATA-4 gene affects its protein function. H436Y mutation in the GATA-4 gene was generated by Quick Change Lightning site-directed mutagenesis kit and verified by DNA sequencing. GATA-4-wt or GATA-4-mut DNA was cotransfected into Hela cells with DNA for the luciferase reporter gene atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), and luciferase activity was measured by an LKB luminometer 48 h after transient transfection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Alignment of the GATA-4 amino acid sequence indicated that the histidine residue at position 436 was conserved, and H436Y mutation in the GATA-4 gene is expected to affect its protein function. The H436Y mutation significantly reduced the transcriptional activation of downstream reporter ANF when compared to wild-type GATA-4 (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mutation c.1306C-->T of the GATA-4 gene impaired the activation of the downstream target, suggesting that the H436Y mutation in the C-terminal region of the GATA-4 gene might prevent its biological function.</p>

Effects of Astragalus injection in reversing left ventricular hypertrophy induced by renal hypertension in rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore whether the Astragalus injection (AI) has effect for reversing left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis induced by renal vascular hypertension in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male SD rats were randomized equally into three groups: the AI group, the control group and the sham-operated group. All rats, except those in the sham-operated group, were established into the hypertension models by two kidney one clip (2K1C) operation. Blood pressure was measured before operation and every 4 weeks after operation. AI intervention was given to rats in the AI group starting from the 4th week of experiment at dose of 8 g/kg by peritoneal injecting once a day for 8 weeks, while for rats in the other 2 groups, equal volume of normal saline was given instead. All rats were sacrificed 12 weeks after operation by cervical breaking. And indexes including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT), inter-ventricular septal thickness (IVST), left ventricular diameter (LVD), cardiomyocytes diameter (CCD), collagen volume fraction (CVF), and peri-vascular volume collagen area (PVCA) in rats were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Blood pressure was not different in the three groups before operation (P>0.05), whereas it rose in the control group and the AI group 4, 8 and 12 weeks after operation correspondingly, showing no difference between the two groups, but significantly higher than that in the sham-operated group (P<0.05). The related indexes in the sham-operated group, control group and AI group were: LVMI, 2.71 +/- 0.24, 3.42 +/- 0.26, 3.13 +/- 0.23, respectively; LVWT (mm), 2.25 +/- 0.42, 4.26 +/- 0.48, 3.28 +/- 0.36; IVST (mm), 2.13 +/- 0.38, 3.98 +/- 0.32, 3.02 +/- 0.28; and LVD (mm), 3.76 +/- 0.29, 2.18 +/- 0.27, 2.82 +/- 0.20 respectively. Comparisons showed that LVMI, LVWT and IVST were significantly higher, but LVD was significantly lower in the control group than those in the sham-operated group (P<0.05); LVMI, LVWT and IVST were significantly lower but LVD was significantly higher in the AI group than those in the control group (P<0.05). CCD, CVF and PVCA in the three groups (in the fore-mentioned order) were: CCD (microm), 14.54 +/- 2.25, 19.56 +/- 2.53, 16.58 +/- 2.46; CVF(%), 3.83 +/- 1.40, 11.21 +/- 2.96, 7.83 +/- 1.67; PVCA (%), 15.71 +/- 3.85, 30.58 +/- 6.25, 21.76 +/- 4.36, respectively. These indexes showed that CCD, CVF, PVCA in the control group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group (P<0.05); and those were significantly lower in the AI group than in the control group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AI intervention can reverse the left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis induced by renal vascular hypertension in rats.</p>

Clinical research of improved plastic and reconstruction of anus in situ / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of the improved plastic and reconstruction of the anus in situ.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Improved plastic and reconstruction of anus in situ was performed in 38 cases of low rectal cancers operated while Miles radical operation. Improvement includes: (1) The internal sphincter was rebuilt with 4 layers of muscle layer of the endmost of colon. (2) The last of gracilis was divided into 2 parts to reconstruct the superficial part and deep part of external sphincter muscle. (3) The rectum cape improvement is to firmly stitch the levator ani outside the external sphincter muscle in front of the colon. (4) The rectum valve is improved into three artificial rectum valves.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The form and function and their long term survival rate were good, the rate of superior anus function was 94.73%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It mains the results of improved plastic and reconstruction of anus in situ is near that of normal persons.</p>

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Pulmonary Tissue of Newborn Rats with Pulmonary Hemorrhage / 实用儿科临床杂志

950 mL/L for 2 hours.Gross anatomical changes and histological changes(HE staining)of lungs were observed,VEGF expression was detected by immunohistochemical method.Results Two rats in hypothermia-hypoxia group and 4 rats in rewarming-reoxygenating group died while none in control group.Lungs of hypothermia-hypoxia group and rewarming-reoxygenating group represented edema and punctiform,local and diffuse pulmonary hemorrahge.Histopathological changes included pulmonary edema,alveolar septum broken,pulmonary alveoli fusion and pulmonary hemorrahge.More severe pathological change could be found in rewarming-reoxygenating group.Optical density value of VEGF expression in 3 groups were 0.29?0.06,0.36?0.05,0.22?0.05,respectively,there were significant diffe-rences of VEGF expression between 3 groups(F=15.64 P

Survey on blood pressure and serum lipids in Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese living in Guangxi / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the levels of blood pressure and serum lipids, and examine the relationship between hypertension and hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese living in Guangxi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1056 people of Hei Yi Zhuang ethnicity were studied. Blood pressure, body height, body weight, and serum levels of lipids and apolipoprotein were measured. The data were compared with those in 925 people of Han ethnicity, who live in the same region.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were significantly higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.001). The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension and hypertension was also significantly higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.001). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia were significantly lower in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the Apo A1 to Apo B ratio were significantly higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than Han Chinese (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang Chinese was positively associated with triglycerides (r = 0.425, P < 0.05), whereas the prevalence of hypertension in Han Chinese was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.623, P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The present study revealed a significant difference in blood pressure and serum lipids between Hei Yi Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, and an association between hypertension and hyperlipidemia.</p>