Search

For the calcaneal avulsion fracture, the current method is more commonly used screws or Kirschner wire to fix fracture fragment. This article intended to explore the feasibility and clinical efficacy for the treatment of avulsion fractures with TwinFix suture anchors.From July 2007 to November 2010, 21 patients were reviewed, including 15 males and 6 females, ranging in age from 49 to 65 years,with a mean of 58.7 years. Twelve patients had nodules in the right heel and 9 patients had nodules in the left heel. All the patients had closed fractures. The typical preoperative symptoms of the patients included pain in the upper heel and weak in heel lift. Body examination results: palpable sense of bone rubbing in the back of the heel, and swelling in the heel. Surgery treatment with TwinFix suture anchors performed as follows : to fix TwinFix suture anchors into the calcaneal body, then to drill the fracture block, to make the double strand suture through the fracture holes, to knot the suture eachother to fix the block, and to use stitch to fix the remaining suture in the Achilles tendon in order to improve the block fixation. The criteria of the AOFAS Foot and Ankle Surgery by the United States Association of ankle-rear foot functional recovery was used to evaluate the Achilles tendon.Total average score was (95.5 +/- 3.12) points, including pain items of(38.5 +/- 2.18) points,the average score of functional items of (49.5 +/- 3.09) points,and power lines of 10 points in all patients. Twenty-one patients got an excellent result, 16 good and 5 poor.The methods of treatment for the calcaneal avulsion fractures with TwinFix suture anchors is a simple operation, and have excellent clinical effect, which is worthy of promotion.

Two Gram-negative, aerobic strains, Y215T and Y226T, were isolated from sediment from Yueqing Bay, Zhejiang Province, China. The two novel strains were both positive for oxidase activity, nitrate reduction, and aesculin and casein decomposition, but negative for gelatin and tyrosine decomposition. Catalase activity, and starch and Tween 80 decomposition differed between the two strains. Cells of both novel strains were rod-shaped in young cultures and ovoid in older cultures. Optimum NaCl concentration and pH range for growth of both strains were 2.0–3.0 % (w/v) and 7.0–8.0, respectively, whereas the optimum growth temperature for strain Y215T (25–30 °C) was lower than that for strain Y226T (30–37 °C). The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains Y215T and Y226T were 54.0 and 56.7 mol%, respectively. The major fatty acids in both isolates were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c, which was also the case in the reference strains apart from Microbulbifer salipaludis, which possessed C18 : 1ω7c as the predominant fatty acid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8 and the major polar lipids of both strains were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown glycolipid. Both strains had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the genus Microbulbifer. Strain Y215T was closely related to the type strains of Microbulbifer maritimus (97.6 %) and Microbulbifer donghaiensis (97.5 %), whereas strain Y226T was closely related to the type strain of M. salipaludis (97.6 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains Y215T and Y226T fell into two separate clusters. The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain Y215T with M. maritimus TF-17T and M. donghaiensis CN85T were 34.1 and 32.8 %, respectively, whereas that between strain Y226T and M. salipaludis SM-1T was 38.0 %; these values are significantly lower than the threshold value for the delineation of bacterial species. On the basis of their distinct taxonomic characteristics, the two isolates represent two novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, for which the names Microbulbifer marinus sp. nov. and Microbulbifer yueqingensis sp. nov. are proposed; the type strains are Y215T ( = CGMCC 1.10657T = JCM 17211T) and Y226T ( = CGMCC 1.10658T = JCM 17212T), respectively.

To analyze the peri-operative risk factors of mortality in patients with aortic dissection (AD).Between January 2003 and June 2008, 361 AD patients at our hospital were enrolled. Their demographics, history, clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty pre-operative variables were analyzed to identify the predictors of perioperative mortality of AD patients by the analyses of univariate and multivariate logistic regression.The analysis of univariate logistic regression showed that history of hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 0.465, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.229 - 0.947, P = 0.035], Stanford type A (OR 2.758, 95%CI 1.054 - 7.213 P = 0.039), acute course (OR 7.897, 95%CI 1.874 - 33.275 P = 0.005), neurological symptoms (OR 0.275, 95%CI 0.140 - 0.541, P0.001) and operation or not (OR 8.206, 95%CI 4.205 - 16.012, P0.001) had a higher mortality in AD patients. The multivariate analysis revealed that acute course (OR 8.178, 95%CI 1.796 - 37.242, P = 0.007), Stanford type A (OR 3.236, 95%CI 1.104-9.487 P = 0.032), neurological symptoms (OR 0.350, 95%CI 0.159 - 0.770, P = 0.009) and operation or not (OR 9.429, 95%CI 4.456 - 19.952, P0.001) were significant independent predictors of perioperative mortality in AD patients.History of hypertension, acute course, Stanford A and positive neurological symptoms are the independent predictors of perioperative mortality in AD patients. Operation or not is a determinant of patient outcome.

Two Gram-negative, motile, aerobic bacterial strains, designated B2T and 1_C16_27T, were respectively isolated from a seawater sample collected from the East China Sea and a semi-coke sample from north-eastern Estonia. Their genetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties were studied. The isolates were short rods with polar flagella and were positive for catalase and oxidase activities. Q-10 was the predominant respiratory ubiquinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified glycolipids. The major fatty acids were nonadecanoic (C19 : 0 cyclo), octadecanoic (C18 : 0 and C18 : 0 3-OH), octadecenoic (C18 : 1) and hexadecanoic (C16 : 0) acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 58.1–59.3 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the two isolates represent a distinct lineage within the family Hyphomicrobiaceae. The phylogenetically closest relatives were Cucumibacter (92.7–93.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Devosia (92.9–94.4 %) and Zhangella (91.7–92.1 %). Differential phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strains B2T and 1_C16_27T could be differentiated from each other and from members of the genera Cucumibacter, Devosia and Zhangella. Therefore, it is proposed that strains B2T and 1_C16_27T represent two novel species in a new genus, for which the names Pelagibacterium halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species; type strain B2T = CGMCC 1.7692T = JCM 15775T) and Pelagibacterium luteolum sp. nov. (type strain 1_C16_27T = CGMCC 1.10267T = JCM 16552T = CELMS EEUT 1C1627T) are proposed.

The Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) is located in the northeastern equatorial Pacific and contains abundant polymetallic nodules. To investigate its bacterial diversity, four libraries of 16S rRNA genes were constructed from sediments of four stations in different areas of the CCFZ. In total, 313 clones sequenced from the 4 libraries were assigned into 14 phylogenetic groups and 1 group of 28 unclassified bacteria. High bacterial diversity was predicted by the rarefaction analysis. The most dominant group overall was Proteobacteria, but there was variation in each library: Gammaproteobacteria was the most dominant group in two libraries, E2005-01 and ES0502, while Alphaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria were the most dominant groups in libraries EP2005-03 and WS0505, respectively. Seven groups, including Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, were common to all four libraries. The remaining minor groups were distributed in libraries with different patterns. Most clones sequenced in this study were clustered with uncultured bacteria obtained from the environment, such as the ocean crust and marine sediment, but only distantly related to isolates. Bacteria involved in the cycling of metals, sulfur and nitrogen were detected, and their relationship with their habitat was discussed. This study sheds light on the bacterial communities associated with polymetallic nodules in the CCFZ and provides primary data on the bacterial diversity of this area.

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated S3-22T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from a ballast water tank of a commercial ship and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate formed small, light-yellow, semi-translucent and circular colonies on solid complex media. The strain was oxidase- and catalase-positive and metabolized a large number of carbon sources. Chemotaxonomic analysis showed ubiquinone Q-10 as predominant respiratory quinone, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid as major polar lipids and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c as major fatty acids and the hydroxy fatty acids iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0 3-OH. The genomic DNA G+C content was 54.9 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate has 96.1 % similarity to the type strain of Kordiimonas gwangyangensis, the sole described species within the order Kordiimonadales, and less than 91.0 % similarity to other recognized species. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain S3-22T represents a novel species of the genus Kordiimonas, for which the name Kordiimonas lacus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain S3-22T (=CGMCC 1.9109T =JCM 16261T). An emended description of the genus Kordiimonas is also presented.

An ultra-wideband 0.1–12-GHz low noise amplifier employing an inductive feedback technique is implemented in this paper. Adopting the technique, the designed amplifier achieves the wideband input matching, sufficient power gain, and effective suppression of noise at the high frequency. Therefore, a comprehensive noise analysis in the circuit is executed using equivalent circuit model in this study. Using foundry 0.13µm CMOS process, the amplifier consumes 30mW power and occupies 0.356 mm2 chip area. Afterward, the RF measure shows that the power gain (S 21 ) is 10.6 dB, input and output return loss is smaller than −10 dB, the 3-dB bandwidth is 12 GHz, and the noise figure is less than 5dB over the operation band.

Microbial diversity of sediments from the northern slope of the South China Sea was studied by constructing bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Fourteen bacterial phylogenetic groups were detected, including Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Alphaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Nitrospirae, candidate divisions OP8 and OP11, and an unknown group. Gammaproteobacteria was the predominant group in bacterial libraries with the percentage ranging from 31.8% to 63.2%. However, archaeal libraries had relatively lower diversity, with most clones belonging to marine archaeal group capital I, Ukrainian uncultured Crenarchaeota. In addition, two novel euryarchaeal clones were detected not to match any culture-dependent or -independent isolates. Compared with other gas hydrate-rich ecosystems and different areas of the South China Sea, a distinct microbial community was revealed in this study.

A Gram-stain-positive, neutrophilic, rod-shaped bacterium, strain A1gT, was isolated from activated sludge of a bioreactor and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate grew in the presence of 0–17.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0–9.0; optimum growth was observed in the presence of 3.0–5.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0. Strain A1gT was motile, formed cream-coloured colonies, was catalase- and oxidase-positive and was able to hydrolyse aesculin, Tween 40 and Tween 60. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed menaquinone-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 as major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain A1gT was 36.3 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the new isolate belonged to the genus Oceanobacillus and exhibited closest phylogenetic affinity to the type strains of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis (97.9 % similarity) and O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi (97.5 %), but less than 97 % sequence similarity with respect to the type strains of other recognized Oceanobacillus species. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain A1gT and reference strains O. oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis DSM 16557T, O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi JCM 12661T and Oceanobacillus iheyensis DSM 14371T were 29, 45 and 38 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain A1gT is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus neutriphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A1gT (=CGMCC 1.7693T =JCM 15776T).

A Gram-positive, neutrophilic, non-motile and non-spore-forming actinobacterium, strain FS24T, was isolated from a bioreactor treating salt-containing wastewater. This isolate grew in the presence of 0–15 % (w/v) NaCl and at 10-37 °C. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth of FS24T was 5 % (w/v) at 37 °C or 1 % (w/v) at 25 °C. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed MK-9(H2) as the predominant menaquinone and the major cellular polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, four unknown glycolipids, two unknown phospholipids and an unknown lipid. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 66.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain FS24T clustered with members of the genus Citricoccus, exhibiting high sequence similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the type strains of Citricoccus alkalitolerans (98.9 %) and Citricoccus muralis (98.8 %), respectively. The DNA–DNA relatedness values of strain FS24T to C. alkalitolerans DSM 15665T and C. muralis DSM 14442T were 54 and 39 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain FS24T represents a novel species of the genus Citricoccus, for which the name Citricoccus zhacaiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FS24T (=CGMCC 1.7064T =JCM 15136T).

Strain CN83T, a Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from sediment of the East China Sea. The isolate was catalase- and oxidase-positive and cells were motile by means of polar flagella. The DNA G+C content was 44.9 mol%. The major fatty acids were C16:1omega7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH, C16:0, C18:1omega7c, C14:0 and C12:0. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain CN83T belonged to the genus Vibrio and had the highest sequence similarity to Vibrio agarivorans (98.4%) and Vibrio campbellii (97.8%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that strain CN83T formed a monophyletic clade adjacent to the type strain of V. agarivorans. The DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain CN83T with V. agarivorans DSM 13756T and V. campbellii DSM 19270T were 44.6 and 25.5%, respectively. On the basis of the phenotypic and genotypic data, strain CN83T represents a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio hangzhouensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CN83T (=CGMCC 1.7062T=JCM 15146T).

Two Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacteria, designated strains 908033(T) and 908087(T), were isolated from a seawater sample collected from the East China Sea. Chemotaxonomic characteristics of the two isolates included the presence of iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 1)omega9c as the major cellular fatty acids and Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains 908033(T) and 908087(T) were 45.5 and 45.2 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the new isolates were related to members of the genus Pseudidiomarina, showing levels of similarity of 95.8-96.6 % with the type strains of recognized species of the genus. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments among these two isolates and Pseudidiomarina sediminum CICC 10319(T), in combination with chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, demonstrated that the new isolates represent two novel species of the genus Pseudidiomarina, for which the names Pseudidiomarina donghaiensis sp. nov. (type strain 908033(T)=CGMCC 1.7284(T)=JCM 15533(T)) and Pseudidiomarina maritima sp. nov. (type strain 908087(T)=CGMCC 1.7285(T)=JCM 15534(T)) are proposed.

Two strains, CN44(T) and CN47(T), isolated from marine sediment of the East China Sea, were characterized by using a polyphasic approach. The isolates were Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming rods. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of these isolates included the presence of C(18 : 1)omega7c, C(16 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)omega7c and C(10 : 0) 3-OH as the major cellular fatty acids and Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone. The DNA G+C contents of strains CN44(T) and CN47(T) were 62.5 and 56.3 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CN44(T) was related to members of the genus Marinobacterium. The most closely related described organism was the type strain of Marinobacterium rhizophilum (95.3 % sequence similarity). Strain CN47(T) showed the highest sequence similarity to the type strain of Marinobacterium stanieri (97.8 %) and

To investigate the clinical profile of myocardial infarction (MI) due to retrograde aortic dissection of aortic root and the relevant predictors of in-hospital death.The clinical data of 207 consecutive patients with type A aortic dissection (AD), who were hospitalized and underwent operation between December 2003 and October 2007, were analyzed retrospectively.Eight of the 207 patients were diagnosed as with MI due to retrograde aortic dissection of aortic root, 6 males and 2 females, aged (49 +/- 14). Surgical repair of the aorta and coronary revascularization was implanted: ascending aorta replacement in 2 cases, hemi-arch replacement in 5 cases, arch replacement in 1 case; coronary artery bypass grafting in 5 cases, and coronary repair in 3 cases. In-hospital death occurred in 4 of the 8 patients (50%) who all had preoperative renal insufficiency and developed acute renal failure (ARF) after surgery. Univariate analysis identified preoperative renal insufficiency an independent predictor of in-hospital death (The preoperative serum creatinine (sCr) level of the surviving patients was (80 +/- 30) micromol/L, significantly lower than that of the deceased patients [(176 +/- 67) micromol/L, P = 0.02]. There were no significant differences in other parameters between the surviving and deceased groups.MI due to type A AD is associated with high operative mortality. Preoperative renal insufficiency attributes to development of ARF after surgery and the unfavorable outcome. Renal function before surgery is essential for risk stratification in this lethal condition.

To investigate the effects of manipulative reduction on pain and clinical curative effect in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.Eleven thousands one hundred and twenty-eight patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation from our hospital were enrolled from November 1986 to June 2007. They were randomly divided into control group and treatment group. Patients of the control group received lumbar traction and various physiotherapies. Patients of the treatment group received manipulative reduction, besides the treatment in the control group. The treatment was performed once a day,ten times as a course. Curative effects were assessed three courses later. Pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale before and after the treatment.No significant difference in the score of visual analogue scale was found before the treatment in the two groups (P0.05). As compared with the score before treatment,it was decreased by 4.73 points after treatment in the control group, and decreased by 6.37 points in the treatment group. The decrease was more significant in the treatment group than the control group (P0.01). The healing rate was 47.28% and total effective rate was 96.37% in the control group; The healing rate was 73.44% and total effective rate was 98.61% in the treatment group (P0.01).Manipulative reduction for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation can remarkably relieve lumbar pain and improve clinical curative effect.

To evaluate the risk factors of postoperative renal failure (RF) in the patients with type A dissection of aorta operated on with cerebral perfusion and deep hypothermia circulatory arrest (DHCA).From January 2004 to October 2007, 157 patients with type A dissection of aorta underwent surgical procedures with cerebral perfusion and DHCA. There were 115 male patients and 42 female patients with the age from 17 to 76 years old. Antegrade selective cerebral perfusion through axillary artery was performed for 129 patients and retrograde cerebral perfusion from superior cava vein was performed for 28 patients. All the factors underwent univariate and multivariate analysis.Mean cardiopulmonary bypass duration was (188.0 +/- 10.8) min and mean cerebral perfusion time was (36.0 +/- 3.1) min. Fifteen patients died in hospital and the hospital mortality was 9.6%. Permanent neurological dysfunction (PND) occurred in 8 patients (5.1%). Postoperative RF was observed in 20 patients (12.8%). Multivariate analysis showed the preoperative renal dysfunction (P = 0.042, OR = 4.41) and over seventy-year-old patients (P = 0.049, OR = 4.94) were found to be the risk factors of postoperative RF. There was a higher incidence of death (45%, P = 0.001) and PND (25%, P = 0.009) in the patients of postoperative RF when compared with the other patients.The preoperative renal dysfunction and elderly patients were found to be the risk factors of postoperative RF after type A dissection of aorta surgery.

Three Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, halophilic, rod-shaped strains (CN46(T), CN71 and CN74(T)) were isolated from sediment of the East China Sea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strains CN46(T) and CN71 had identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and phenotypic characteristics. Strain CN46(T) was moderately halophilic. Growth of strain CN46(T) was observed between 0.5 and 10.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimal growth at 3.0-5.0 %) and between pH 6.5 and 9.0. Strain CN74(T) grew over a wider range of pH (pH 6.0-9.5); the optimum NaCl concentration for growth was 1.0-3.0 %. The major fatty acids of strain CN46(T) were C(16 : 1)omega9c, C(16 : 0) and C(12 : 0), whereas strain CN74(T) contained C(16 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega9c, C(18 : 1)omega9c and C(12 : 0). The DNA G+C contents of the three isolates were between 58.0 and 58.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains CN46(T), CN71 and CN74(T) grouped together within the cluster of Marinobacter species. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of the three strains with the type strains of Marinobacter species ranged from 94.0 to 97.1 %. The DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain CN74(T) with strains CN46(T) and CN71 were 35.0 and 36.0 %, respectively. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains CN46(T) and CN74(T) and Marinobacter pelagius CGMCC 1.6775(T), Marinobacter gudaonensis CGMCC 1.6294(T) and Marinobacter koreensis DSM 17924(T) were 15.3-45.2 %. The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations, fatty acid analysis, and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolates from closely related species. Two novel species are proposed, named Marinobacter mobilis sp. nov. (type strain CN46(T) =CGMCC 1.7059(T) =JCM 15154(T)) and Marinobacter zhejiangensis sp. nov. (type strain CN74(T) =CGMCC 1.7061(T) =JCM 15156(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, halophilic bacterium, designated strain BC7(T), was isolated from a salt mine in north-western China and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate was able to grow in the presence of 0.5-20 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0-9.0 and 4-48 degrees C; optimum growth was observed with 3 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0 and 30 degrees C. Cells were long rods, 0.8-1.2 microm wide and 4.0-6.0 microm long. The major fatty acids were C(18 : 1)omega7c, C(16 : 0) and C(16 : 0)omega7c. The DNA G+C content was 65.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BC7(T) belonged to the genus Halomonas and showed highest sequence similarity to the type strain of Halomonas pacifica (99.2 %). Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain BC7(T) and H. pacifica CGMCC 1.2314(T) and Halomonas taeanensis DSM 16463(T) were 51 and 38 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain BC7(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas salifodinae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BC7(T) (=CGMCC 1.6774(T) =JCM 14803(T)).

Many alterations in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) handling proteins in atrial myocytes have been associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) in clinical patients, whereas the functional consequences of these alterations mostly remain unclear.To know whether or not ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated intracellular Ca(2+) events in AF atrial myocytes are affected by protein alterations, we investigated spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks and Ca(2+) waves in intact and permeabilized atrial myocytes of AF patients (n(patients) = 21) and normal sinus rhythm (NSR) patients (n(patients) = 22) by laser scanning confocal microscopy. It was found that the frequency, amplitude and rise time of Ca(2+) sparks were comparable between AF and NSR groups, while full width and full duration at half maximum intensity significantly increased in the AF group. Along with these changes, the frequency of small and global Ca(2+) waves increased in AF atrial myocytes.Our results clearly indicated that the spatiotemporal properties but not the frequency of Ca(2+) sparks were affected in AF atrial myocytes. In addition, the frequency of Ca(2+) waves increased. This profile of the alterations in RyR-mediated Ca(2+) events in AF atrial myocytes was different from previous studies. The underlying mechanisms, as well as possible reasons for this discrepancy, were discussed.

To investigate the changes of vessel function, vessel injury, blood viscosity and vessel regeneration in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head.Forty Chinese white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 equal groups to be injected with: horse serum intravenously twice with an interval of 3 weeks and than prednisone intraperitoneally once a day for 5 days (Group A), or injected with prednisone once a day for 5 days (Group B). Whole blood samples were collected by intracordal puncture before intravenous injection in group A and B, 24 hr after injection of horse serum in group A, and 3, 7, and 21 days after prednisone administration. Radioimmunological methods were used to detect the plasma endothelin (ET) and thrombomodulin (TM), and ELISA was used to detect the plasma intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1. Some rabbits were killed before intravenous administration, 24 hrs after injection of horse serum in group A, and 3, 7, 21, 35, and 49 days after the first treatment with prednisone respectively and their bilateral femoral heads were taken out to undergo HE staining and microscopy and SP-VEGF immunohistochemistry.The levels of plasma TM, ET, and ICAM-1 gradually increased in comparison with those before treatment in both group, however, not significantly (all P0.05). The levels of plasma TM 1 week and 3 weeks after the initial prednisone administration inn Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B (both P0.05). 3 weeks after the initial prednisone administration the levels of plasma ICAM-1 and TM began to decrease and were lower than those 1 week after, however, not significantly (both P0.05). Pathological changes could be seen 1 and 3 weeks after in both groups and then recovered by the 7th week after the treatment. The level of VEGF expression in the osteocytes, osteoblasts, and cells of bone matrix and endothelial cells increased first 1 week after and then decreased after the prednisone administration in Group A, and decreased after the prednisone administration in Group B, however, without significant differences between these 2 groups.After prednisone treatment, a pre-necrosis status occurs in femoral head with a potential to restore which can be affected by many factors. Long-term observation on this status is necessary.

To express human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF(165)) in E. coli JM109 in the form of fusion protein by genetic engineering and test the biological activity and immunological competence of the expressed protein.hVEGF(165) gene was subcloned by PCR and inserted into pQE30 plasmid. hVEGF(165) fusion protein was expressed in E. coli JM109 and purified by Ni(2+)-NTA. The immunological competence of the expressed protein was tested by means of Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and its biological activity was assayed by chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and Matrigel angiogenesis assay.The recombinant hVEGF(165) fusion protein was successfully expressed in E. coli JM109 and its expression accounted for 30% of the total cellular protein. The purified protein presented a single band of 23 kD in SDS-PAGE. Western blotting, ELISA, CAM and matrigel angiogenesis assay showed excellent immunologic competence and biological activity of the recombinant protein.Recombinant hVEGF(165) protein with excellent biological activity has been successfully expressed in E.coli JM109, which may facilitate future study in construction of prefabricated tissue-engineered bone graft.

To investigate the implication of morphological changes of the proximal femur in femoral prosthesis selection in total hip replacement for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Twenty-four patients (36 hips) admitted for cementless total hip replacement (THR) because of AS were enrolled in this study along with the control group of 30 patients (45 hips) without AS. Measurement of the Singh index, canal flare index, morphological index of the cortex, cortical index and stem-canal fit was performed in the two groups on the basis of roentgenograms.The AS patients had more serious osteoporosis in their proximal femur. There were significant differences between the two groups in Singh index, canal flare index, morphological index of the cortex and stem-canal fit (P0.05), but not in the cortical index (P0.05). The AS patients were found to have severe osteoporosis in the upper femur and massive spongy bone loss, so that the morphology of the canal was almost orthostatic in the upper femur because of the thinned femoral cortex.Cemented prosthesis is recommended for AS patients with severe osteoporosis, who should be treated with revised THR to ensure good fit of the prosthesis to the canal. Cementless prosthesis, however, can still achieve good therapeutic effect in AS patients without significant morphologic changes in the proximal femurs. Computer-aided design and manufacture of individualized prosthesis better suits the AS patients than the currently available prosthesis.

New long phosphorescent phosphors Ba(1 -x),Ca(x)Al2O4 : Eu2+, RE3+ (RE3+ = Dy3+, Nd3+) with tunable color emission have been prepared by solid state reaction. The luminescence properties of the samples are discussed and analyzed. The emission spectra show that the tuning range of the color emission of the phosphors is between 498 and 440 nm, which is determined by x, under the excitation of UV. The wavelength of afterglow increases with increasing x until x equals 0.6, and when x equals 0.6, the luminescence property of Ba(1-x) Ca(x)Al2O4: Eu2+, RE3+ (RE3+ = Dy3+, Nd3+) is similar to that of CaAl2O4 : Eu2+, RE3+. The XRD measurements were performed to investigate the single phase states of the samples, and it was found that the single phase limit in the phosphors is below an x value of 0.4. The thermoluminescence curves imply that the traps in the hosts are different with different x value, which well explains the varying delay time of the samples.

To investigate the impact of one versus two distal locking bolts on the mechanical properties of tibial interlocking intramedullary nails.Twenty 9-mm titanium alloy locking nails were divided into two equal groups in which the nails were fixed with only one and two distal locking bolts, respectively. Each group was further divided into two sub-groups for compression and torsion tests separately using a universal material-testing machine.In the compression tests, the average maximum strength of double bolts was greater than that of the single bolt (P0.05), but the number of the bolts did not significantly affect the results of the torsion tests in terms of the either the maximum torsion moment or angle (P0.05).One distal bolt is sufficient for fixing stable fractures and double bolts are recommended for management of serious fractures. The model we used is convenient and economic for examining the biomechanics of the tibial nails, especially for comparative purposes.

To summarize the clinical experience on 56 patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation.Between May 2000 and December 2003 56 patients, 47 with cardiomyopathy, 2 with end-stage valvular heart disease, 2 with end-stage ischemic heart disease, 2 with primary malignant cardiac tumor, 1 with complicated congenital heart disease, 1 with muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy, and 1 with refractory malignant ventricular arrhythmias, underwent orthotopic heart transplantation in the Transplantation Center of Fudan University. The operative procedures included 19 conventional Stanford orthotopic cardiac transplantation in 19 cases and bicaval anastomotic cardiac transplantation in 37 cases. Postoperatively, the patients were prescribed with cyclosporine A + corticosteroids + MMF or FK506 + corticosteroids + MMF as anti-rejection therapy.One patient undergoing his fifth operation died of bleeding 3 days after operation. All survivors were followed-up for 12.4 months on average. Five patients died within 1 year postoperatively with a one-year survival rate of 91%. One patient died of allograft vasculopathy 38 months after operation. Other patients enjoyed heart function recovering to class I-II (NYHA).With proper recipient selection, excellent donor heart conservation, bicaval anastomotic technique, and efficient postoperative surveillance and treatment, heart transplantion may produce satisfying mid-term results.

Background. A theory of nursing derived from nurses’ experience can reflect indigenous practice values, which in turn can act as a fertile source of ideas and inventiveness in developing a relevant knowledge base to inform practice. However, systematic study of how Chinese nurses articulate nursing in their everyday practice is lacking. Aim. The aim of this paper is to describe how Chinese nurses conceptualize the practice of nursing; and to arrive at a definition of nursing based on this common understanding. Method. A systematic inquiry using a modified version of Van Kaam's controlled explication was designed. In the prescientific phase, 254 written accounts of nurses’ views on nursing as lived in their everyday practice were collected in eight Chinese cities. In the scientific phase, concept analysis based on Aristotle's notion of four causes was adopted to capture the richness of the phrases that explain the multi-dimensionality of Chinese nurses’ concepts of nursing. This was followed by a survey of 1782 nurses to verify the findings. The most commonly held views were summarized and a Chinese definition of nursing was drafted. Findings. Nursing in the Chinese sense means to understand the dynamic health status of a person, to verify health concerns dialectically, and to consider interventions with the goal of assisting the person to master the appropriate health knowledge and skills for the attainment of optimal well-being. The survey findings show that nursing has developed into a professional caring practice in China today. The definition has some similarities with those of Western nurses, but the underpinning epistemic concerns are grounded in the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine and Eastern ideologies. Conclusion. The findings provide Chinese nurses with a definition of nursing articulated in their own language. The identification of qing, li, zhi, and xin as its epistemic concerns, and the articulation of the process of nursing as ‘dialectical verification’, provides a perspective for understanding nursing based on Eastern philosophies. The findings can enhance nurses’ engagement in a cross-cultural dialogue to promote better understanding of nursing as it is practised in different parts of the world.

To explore and sum up the characteristics of infection after cardiac transplantation and to discuss the prophylaxis and management.From May 2000 to April 2003, 36 patients received orthotopic heart transplantation, the clinical data were observed and analyzed.Infection occurred in 2 (6%) cases, both belonged to lung infection caused by human cytomegalovirus. The 2 cases were cured by ganciclovir intravenously.Good prophylactic method may decrease post cardiac transplantation infection significantly. It is very important to early diagnose and treat infection.

This paper investigates the load balancing problem in an environment of heterogeneous traffic distributions. An analytical model is proposed to determine the effect of heterogeneous traffic distributions on load balancing, in which a generic measure of load balancing level (LBL) that is a function of traffic type coefficient (TYC) and call blocking probability of cells is to analyze the expected level of the load balance. We consider both voice traffic and data traffic to determine which kind of traffic has the greater effect. The performance of cellular systems with sectorization is evaluated; they are normal case (N) of homogeneous distribution and linear case (L) of heterogeneous distribution. The analysis results indicate that the TYC has a significant effect on the accommodation capacity, in which voice calls outperform data calls because the LBL can easily distinguish between normal and linear distributions. Load balancing can be achieved more easily for voice only traffic than for data only traffic. Sectorization is more effective in achieving load balancing in the scenario of the heavier loads than in the lighter loads. The paper results are useful for network planning to optimize the channel allocation for different traffic type’s distribution.

Dense arrays of micro-columns are formed on the surface of Ti-Al alloy by cumulative nanosecond pulsed laser ablation in water. The fabric-like structure characterized by Ti-Al nano-spheres absorbed on micro-cluster in liquid is most likely responsible for the occurrence of laser micro-etching and localized melting, resulting in continuous deepening of micro-holes and the formation of micro-columns. Laser induced plasma spectroscopy is carried out to reveal the effect of micro-columns on subsequent pulse laser ablation. The intensity of spectral lines from Ti ions by additional laser ablation of the modified spot is higher than that created over a smooth surface. These results suggest that the micro-columns lead to an enhanced absorption of the following laser energy. The proposed results and relevant discussions are of importance for the development of light-trapping coatings on a metal surface.

Based on the uncertainty of vertical burning speed and the abnormal sintering states in lead-zinc imperial sintering process, an intelligent integrated predictive model for burning through point (BTP) is proposed. First, a fuzzy T-S predictive model based on the character of piecewise linearity is established to deal with the uncertainty of vertical burning speed. Then, considering the sintering states may be abnormal, a fuzzy relation predictive model based on expert experience is also established. In the end, an integrated predictive model based on the fuzzy T-S predictive model and the fuzzy relation predictive model is presented by combining these two models with a fuzzy classifier. Results of numerical simulation show that the integrated predictive model is more accurate and robust against the uncertainty of vertical burning speed.