A Novel SPAST Mutation Results in Spastin Accumulation and Defects in Microtubule Dynamics.

Background: Haploinsufficiency is widely accepted as the pathogenic mechanism of spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4). However, there are some cases that cannot be explained by reduced function of the spastin protein encoded by SPAST.

Objectives: To identify the causative gene of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia in three large Chinese families and explore the pathological mechanism of a spastin variant.

Effect of Shenmai Injection on ventricular diastolic function in patients with chronic heart failure: An assessment by tissue Doppler imaging.

Objective: To assess the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

Methods: Sixty-four CHF patients were randomly assigned to two groups, the observation group and the control group. Basic treatment including polarized liquid therapy was given to all the patients.