Combined myocardial deformation to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy response in nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: 20-30% of patients do not benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) when the established selection criteria were applied. We hypothesized that a combined assessment of mechanical dyssynchrony, myocardial deformation, and diastolic function would identify patients who would benefit most from CRT.

Method: In 36 CRT patients, clinical evaluation and echocardiography were performed before and after CRT.

Nup88 mRNA overexpression in colorectal cancers and relationship with p53.

Objectives: We measured nucleoporin 88 (Nup88) mRNA expression in primary colorectal cancers to investigate its relationship with clinicopathological features and p53.

Methods: The primary cancer tissues, adjacent noncancerous tissues and the proximal and distant margins of normal mucosa were collected from 73 colorectal cancer patients during surgery. Nup88 mRNA expression was measured on these fresh specimens and on colon cell lines HCT-116^{p53 + / + } and HCT-116^{p53 - / - } by RT-PCR while p53 mRNA and β-actin as controls.

[Effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier function of rats with obstructive jaundice].

Objective: To investigate the effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier function of rats with obstructive jaundice.

Methods: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, obstructive jaundice, and ulinastatin treatment groups (groups A, B, and C, respectively). In groups B and C, the common bile duct was ligated to induce obstructive jaundice.