Prediction of quantitative intrathoracic fluid volume to diagnose pulmonary oedema using LabVIEW

Pulmonary oedema is a life-threatening disease that requires special attention in the area of research and clinical diagnosis. Computer-based techniques are rarely used to quantify the intrathoracic fluid volume (IFV) for diagnostic purposes. This paper discusses a software program developed to detect and diagnose pulmonary oedema using LabVIEW. The software runs on anthropometric dimensions and physiological parameters, mainly transthoracic electrical impedance (TEI). This technique is accurate and faster than existing manual techniques. The LabVIEW software was used to compute the parameters required to quantify IFV. An equation relating per cent control and IFV was obtained. The results of predicted TEI and measured TEI were compared with previously reported data to validate the developed program. It was found that the predicted values of TEI obtained from the computer-based technique were much closer to the measured values of TEI. Six new subjects were enrolled to measure and predict transthoracic impedance and hence to quantify IFV. A similar difference was also observed in the measured and predicted values of TEI for the new subjects.     

The use of preserved tissue in finite element modelling of fresh ovine vertebral behaviour

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the predicted finite element (FE) stiffness of vertebral bone is altered when using images of preserved rather than fresh tissue to generate specimen-specific FE models. Fresh ovine vertebrae were used to represent embalmed (n = 3) and macerated dry-bone (n = 3) specimens and treated accordingly. Specimens were scanned pre- and post-treatment using micro-computed tomography. A constant threshold level derived from these images was used to calculate the respective bone volume fraction (BV/TV) from which the conversion factor validated for fresh tissue was used to determine material properties that were assigned to corresponding FE models. Results showed a definite change in the BV/TV between the fresh and the preserved bone. However, the changes in the predicted FE stiffness were not generally greater than the variations expected from assignment of loading and boundary conditions. In conclusion, images of preserved tissue can be used to generate FE models that are representative of fresh tissue with a tolerable level of error.     

Macular pigment and macular volume in eyes of patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background. Because patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer, chronic malabsorption of carotenoids associated with CF resulting in decreased macular pigment (MP) may affect macular long-term health in later-life pathology. This study compared the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and corresponding central macular volume (MV) of adult CF subjects and age-matched normal controls subjects to determine whether chronic malabsorption associated with CF could adversely affect macular photoreceptor anatomy. Objective. Our aim was to compare MPOD with measurements of central MV in CF patients with age-matched controls. Design. In nine adult CF patients (ages: 29–46) without a history of carotenoid supplementation or known retinal or optic nerve disease MPOD and MV were measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively, and compared to results obtained from 14 age-matched controls. Results. MPOD was significantly reduced at 15’ and 30’ eccentricities in CF subjects compared to normal subjects (mean difference ?0.21 at 15’, ?0.25 at 30’, p < 0.005). No significant difference, in MV noted at any of the eccentricities tested between CF and normal subjects (CF: normal MV ratios ranged from 0.94 to 1.1 for all eccentricities with p > 0.1 at all eccentricities). Best corrected vision acuity and fundus examination were normal in all subjects. Conclusions. Unsupplemented CF patients have markedly lower levels of macular carotenoids (e.g., lutein and zeaxanthin), but well-maintained visual function and no significant reductions in central MV primarily composed of macular photoreceptors. Future studies are needed to determine whether the lifelong decrease in protective central retinal carotenoids predisposes CF patients to later-life retinal pathology.     

When S1P meets ATP

Changes in intracellular calcium regulate countless biological processes. In arterial smooth muscle, voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels are major conduits for calcium entry with the primary function being determination of arterial diameter. Similarly, changes in intracellular redox status, either discrete controlled changes or global pathological perturbations, are also critical determinants of cell function. We recently reported that in arterial smooth muscle cells, local generation of hydrogen peroxide leads to colocalized calcium entry through L-type calcium channels. Here we extend our investigation into mechanisms linking hydrogen peroxide to calcium influx through L-type calcium channels by focusing on the role of protein kinase C (PKC). Our data indicate that stimulation of L-type calcium channels by hydrogen peroxide requires oxidant-dependent increases in PKC catalytic activity. This effect is independent of classical cofactor-dependent activation of PKC by diacylglycerol. These data provide additional experimental evidence supporting the concept of oxidative stimulation of L-type calcium channels.     

彩色多普勒超声测量椎动脉血流量对后循环缺血的诊断价值

目的：探讨彩色多普勒超声技术测量椎动脉血流量对后循环缺血（PCI）的诊断价值。方法：选取2012年1月至2013年1月在本院神经内科住院并接受治疗的PCI患者58例作为观察组,另选取同期住院并确诊为非后循环缺血症的患者50例作为对照组。所有患者均接受颈部血管超声检查,测量椎动脉内径及血流量,观察组患者需行头颅CTA检查,比较两组患者的椎动脉内径、血流量及颈动脉硬化斑块发生率等。结果：观察组患者的椎动脉内径及血流量明显低于对照组,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;观察组颈动脉硬化斑块的发生率为77．5％（44例）,对照组颈动脉硬化斑块的发生率为42％（21例）,两组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。无狭窄、轻度狭窄、重度狭窄及闭塞的椎动脉血流量的变化（此处所指的血流量是指小于200mL/min那部分患者）有明显差异（P〈0．05）。结论：与头颅CTA对比检查,彩色多普勒具有直接、准确、方便及可重复性等优点,可有效的诊断后循环缺血症状。     

PCI术后是否抗凝治疗的临床疗效比较

目的：研究PCI术后是否应用依诺肝素抗凝治疗对患者临床疗效的影响。方法：于2011年5月至2012年1月间,连续入选在我院行冠状动脉造影并置入了支架的患者158例,将符合标准的患者随机分为非抗凝组或抗凝组两组各79名。非抗凝组术后常规应用阿司匹林和氯吡格雷。抗凝组术后加用依诺肝素。对入选患者进行院内随访记录其主要心脏不良事件及出血事件。结果：支架植入成功率100%。术后抗凝组113处病变共置入支架135枚;非抗凝组109处病变置入支架115枚。院内随访：主要心脏不良事件和严重出血差异无统计学意义。小出血事件抗凝组多于非抗凝组（P=0.007）。结论：冠状动脉支架置入术后非抗凝治疗组缺血不良事件发生率较抗凝组无明显增加,小出血并发症明显减少。该研究结果表明,对PCI术无特殊并发症的患者术后无需常规抗凝治疗。     

Protein adaptation to high hydrostatic pressure: Computational analysis of the structural proteome

Hydrostatic pressure has a vital role in the biological adaptation of the piezophiles, organisms that live under high hydrostatic pressure. However, the mechanisms by which piezophiles are able to adapt their proteins to high hydrostatic pressure is not well understood. One proposed hypothesis is that the volume changes of unfolding (ΔV_Tot) for proteins from piezophiles is distinct from those of nonpiezophilic organisms. Since ΔV_Tot defines pressure dependence of stability, we performed a comprehensive computational analysis of this property for proteins from piezophilic and nonpiezophilic organisms. In addition, we experimentally measured the ΔV_Tot of acylphosphatases and thioredoxins belonging to piezophilic and nonpiezophilic organisms. Based on this analysis we concluded that there is no difference in ΔV_Tot for proteins from piezophilic and nonpiezophilic organisms. Finally, we put forward the hypothesis that increased concentrations of osmolytes can provide a systemic increase in pressure stability of proteins from piezophilic organisms and provide experimental thermodynamic evidence in support of this hypothesis.