Differential ascending projections from neurons in the cat's lateral cervical nucleus

Extracellular microelectrode recordings were made from single cells of the lateral cervical nucleus (LCN) in cats anaesthetized with chloralose and paralysed with gallamine triethiodide. The cells were tested for antidromic activation from the contralateral medial lemniscus and the contralateral tectum. Seventytwo LCN units were recorded which projected to one or both targets. Sixty (83%) projected through the medial lemniscus, and of these 36 (50% of the total) also projected to the tectum, whereas 24 (33%) projected through the medial lemniscus only; 12 (17%) projected only to the tectum. Twenty-nine units (40%) were excited by moving hairs of the coat but not by pinch of the skin, and 9 (31%) of these projected to the tectum, 11 (38%) through the medial lemniscus and 9 (31%) to both targets. Forty units (56%) were excited by hair movement and noxious pinch, and 3 (7%) of these projected to the tectum, 10 (25%) through the medial lemniscus and 27 (68%) to both targets. Three units (4%) had no discernible receptive fields and they all projected through the medial lemniscus, but not to the tectum. Of the 12 units projecting only to the tectum, 11 had receptive fields completely or partially on the trunk. Units projecting either through the medial lemniscus only, or through the medial lemniscus and also into the tectum, had receptive fields more widely distributed: these included small fields on the fore- and hind feet, on the limbs and also, a minority, on the trunk. Units with glove- or stocking-like receptive fields projected through the medial lemniscus. The results show that while most LCN cells project through the medial lemniscus, those excited by hair movement alone preferentially project either to the tectum or through the medial lemniscus, but not by both routes. The differences in receptive field properties of the differently projecting units are discussed in terms of the possible functions of the spinocervical system.     

大鼠终纹床核5-羟色胺免疫阳性神经纤维和终支的起源

本文用WGA-HRP逆行束路追踪结合免疫酶组织化学双标记法,对大鼠终纹床核5-羟色胺(5-HT)免疫阳性神经纤维和终支(5-HT纤维)的起源进行了研究。结果如下,终纹床核主要区域的5-HT纤维,除主要起源于中缝背核和中央上核外,尚有部分纤维源自B_9组细胞群和尾侧线形核;在这些发出纤维支配终纹床核的中缝核神经元中,约有1/3为5-HT免疫阳性且主要为同侧;除少数区域外,这些核群内所有类型的5-HT免疫阳性神经元均有部分发出纤维投射到终纹床核。     

Three‐dimensional parametric modeling of bicuspid aortopathy and comparison with computational flow predictions

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV)‐associated ascending aneurysmal aortopathy (namely “bicuspid aortopathy”) is a heterogeneous disease making surgeon predictions particularly challenging. Computational flow analysis can be used to evaluate the BAV‐related hemodynamic disturbances, which likely lead to aneurysm enlargement and progression. However, the anatomic reconstruction process is time consuming so that predicting hemodynamic and structural evolution by computational modeling is unfeasible in routine clinical practice. The aim of the study was to design and develop a parametric program for three‐dimensional (3D) representations of aneurysmal aorta and different BAV phenotypes starting from several measures derived by computed‐tomography angiography (CTA). Assuming that wall shear stress (WSS) has an important implication on bicuspid aortopathy, computational flow analyses were then performed to estimate how different would such an important parameter be, if a parametric aortic geometry was used as compared to standard geometric reconstructions obtained by CTA scans. Morphologic parameters here documented can be used to rapidly model the aorta and any phenotypes of BAV. t‐test and Bland–Altman plot demonstrated that WSS obtained by flow analysis of parametric aortic geometries was in good agreement with that obtained from the flow analysis of CTA‐related geometries. The proposed program offers a rapid and automated tool for 3D anatomic representations of bicuspid aortopathy with promising application in routine clinical practice by reducing the amount of time for anatomic reconstructions.     

A new device for insertion of an intraaortic balloon catheter via the ascending aorta

Although transfemoral insertion of a balloon catheter is conventionally utilized, a trans-ascending aortic approach may be selected in patients following failure of or contraindication to femoral artery cannulation. A new device was developed to insert the catheter of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) through the ascending aorta to the descending aorta securely. The device consists of three instruments: a needle dilator, a curved sheath, and a balloontipped guide catheter. We successfully inserted and placed an IABP through the ascending aorta in an experimental study in a dog. We anticipate satisfactory results in clinical application of this device.     

腰静脉、腰升静脉及奇静脉系的应用解剖学研究

目的探讨胸腰段脊髓主要引流静脉回流异常与椎管内静脉高压发病的解剖基础。方法30具成人尸体采用加压灌注后从腹侧重点观察腰静脉、腰升静脉及奇静脉系来源、分布及瓣膜。结果腰静脉变异较大,腰静脉及交通支均未发现静脉瓣。奇静脉起自右腰升静脉,半奇静脉起自左腰升静脉,副半奇静脉收集左侧中、上部肋间后静脉的回流。结论腰静脉、腰升静脉和奇静脉系是脊髓胸腰段静脉回流的主要途径,其狭窄可造成脊髓静脉系的血液淤积,导致椎管内静脉压增高。     

超声评估二叶式主动脉瓣患者升主动脉增宽的影响因素

目的 探讨先天性二叶式主动脉瓣畸形的超声特点及升主动脉增宽的影响因素.方法 二维及彩色多普勒超声观察二叶式主动脉瓣畸形的形态、回声、启闭及血流动力学情况,心脏及主动脉结构的变化.结果 升主动脉内径的增宽与患者年龄关系密切,内径较宽的患者心脏形态学改变较重.结论 二叶式主动脉瓣畸形患者的年龄是升主动脉内径的增宽的重要的影响因素.     

Transcriptional regulation of TIMPs in ascending aorta aneurysms

The events that result in the establishment and progression of aortic aneurysms are complex and multifactorial. However, degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of aortic tunica media appears to be a consistent histopathological and biochemical feature. An increased local expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as well as an imbalance between MMP expression and the expression of their natural tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) have been demonstrated in dilated aortic wall. We hypothesized that a distinct MMP and TIMP expression pattern underlies the development of ascending aorta dilation. To test our hypothesis, expression levels of 10 MMPs and 4 TIMPs were assessed by real-time PCR in dilated and normal aortic tissue derived from patients that underwent elective surgical repair of ascending aorta aneurysm (AAA) and coronary artery by-pass grafting, respectively. We found no statistically significant up- or down-regulation of any individual MMP. Surprisingly, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-3 was significantly more expressed in dilated aortic tissue compared to control tissue, thereby reflecting an effort to counteract MMP activity. Finally, when we evaluated the MMP and TIMP co-expression pattern in normal and dilated aortic tissue, we observed that in aortic aneurysms activation of the MMP system was characterised by the co-expression of more than one proteinase and the down-regulation of TIMP-1 and -2. The latter observation is the key regulatory point that leads to ECM degradation and, subsequently, to AAA formation.     

Early rebleeding of a foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula: A case report and review of the literature

Foramen magnum dural arteriovenous fistula (FM-DAVF) is a subset of craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistulas. We report a rare case of FM-DAVF with early rebleeding and review the literature. A 50-year-old man experienced 3 episodes of intracranial bleeding from a vessel malformation in the acute stage. We identified an FM-DAVF, supplied by multiple feeding arteries (eg, left ascending pharyngeal artery) that drained into the straight sinus and left superior petrosal sinus. The draining vein had venous varices. We performed transarterial feeder embolization and surgical disconnection of the DAVF. Early rebleeding of FM-DAVF is rare. High-risk patients require risk assessment and appropriate treatment as soon as possible in the acute stage.     

“气机升降”在“肺合大肠”关系中的临床意义

采用文献研究的方法,重点研究气机升降运动在肺合大肠中的病理关系及应用规律,探讨气机升降运动在肺肠疾患中的临床意义,阐明＂肺合大肠＂的科学性和实用性。肺以宣降为本,肠以通降为要。气机升降失常是肺肠同病的病机之一,调理气机升降是治疗肺肠疾病的基本原则。     

Fetal,amniotic and maternal inflammatory responses in early stage of ascending intrauterine infection,inflammation restricted to chorio-decidua,in preterm gestation

Abstract

Objective: No data exist on the frequency and intensity of the fetal, intraamniotic and maternal inflammation in preterm-gestations with inflammation restricted to chorio-decidua, early stage of ascending intrauterine infection. The objective of the study is to examine this issue.

Study Design: The frequency and intensity of fetal (cord blood C-reactive protein [CRP] at birth >200?ng/ml), intraamniotic (amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 [MMP-8] >23?ng/ml) and maternal (maternal serum CRP >0.7?ng/ml) inflammation were compared in 304 singleton preterm-gestations (<35.4 weeks) delivered within 5 days of amniocentesis. Placental pathology was divided into placenta without any inflammation, inflammation restricted to chorio-decidua and inflammation beyond chorio-decidua.

Results: Intraamniotic inflammation, but not fetal or maternal inflammation, was significantly more frequent (43.2% versus 10.5%; p?<?0.005) and intense (median amniotic fluid MMP-8; 7.5?ng/ml versus 1.3?ng/ml; p?<?0.001) in inflammation restricted to chorio-decidua than in placenta without any inflammation. However, inflammation restriced to chorio-decidua was associated with a significantly lower rate and intensity of fetal, intraamniotic and maternal inflammation than inflammation beyond chorio-decidua (each for p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: Intraamniotic inflammation was more frequent and intense in patients with inflammation restricted to chorio-decidua than in those without placental inflammation. However, fetal and maternal inflammatory responses were similar between these two groups.