Molecular Mechanism of Mouse Uterine Smooth Muscle Regulation on Embryo Implantation.

Myometrium plays critical roles in multiple processes such as embryo spacing through peristalsis during mouse implantation, indicating vital roles of smooth muscle in the successful establishment and quality of implantation. Actin, a key element of cytoskeleton structure, plays an important role in the movement and contraction of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, the function of peri-implantation uterine smooth muscle and the regulation mechanism of muscle tension are still unclear.

Insufficient procedural anticoagulation during leadless pacing led to catheter-related thrombosis in a hemodialysis patient.

Background: Leadless pacemaker was a promising innovation than traditional transvenous pacemaker, the procedural complications were prone to be bleeding-related. However, very few reports also concerned about the thrombus formation during the procedure.

Case Presentation: A hemodialysis patient with diabetic gangrene of right foot suffered from catheter-related thrombosis during leadless pacing, resulting in failure of recapture the pacemaker.

Effects of Excess Copper Ions on Decidualization of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of copper ions on decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) cultured in vitro. Firstly, non-toxic concentrations of copper D-gluconate were screened in HESCs based on cell activity. Then, the effects of non-toxic concentrations of copper ions (0~250 μM) were examined on decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells.

Association Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Atrial Fibrillation Risk.

Background: Several studies were published to assess the association between serum uric acid levels and atrial fibrillation risk, but no consistent results were reported. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence of the association between hyperuricemia and atrial fibrillation risk.

Material/methods: Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for prospective cohort studies assessing the association between hyperuricemia and atrial fibrillation risk.

[Antiviral effects of the combination of glycyrrhizin and ribavirin against influenza A H1N1 virus infection in vivo].

Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent and glycyrrhizin has activities of anti-inflammation, immunoregulation and anti-viral infections. To enhance antiviral efficacy and weaken side-effects of ribavirin, antiviral effects of the combination of glycyrrhizin and ribavirin were studied in the present study. Firstly, a mouse model of viral pneumonia was established by inoculation of influenza H1N1 virus.

[Prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide in people with viral myocarditis].

Objective: To explore the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on prognostic value in patients with viral myocarditis.

Methods: A total of 48 patients with viral myocarditis and 42 healthy people were enrolled and followed up for two years. The NYHA class and LVEF were recorded and the concentration of BNP were measured.

A novel angiographic technique, StentBoost, in comparison with intravascular ultrasound to assess stent expansion.

Background: StentBoost (SB) is a novel angiographic technique which can enhance stent visualization and improve detection of inadequate stent expansion. Studies of SB that compare it with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), which is the current gold standard for detection of stent underexpansion, remain inadequate. This study aimed to test the correlation of IVUS and SB, and to evaluate the effect of SB guiding the stent postdilatation.

Intraurethral brachytherapy for prevention of recurrent urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy or transurethral resection of scar.

Background Purpose: Restricture after internal urethrotomy is the major limitation to the long-term success of the procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraurethral brachytherapy after internal urethrotomy or transurethral scar resection on recurrent urethral stricture.

Patients And Methods: From January 1998 to June 1999, catheter-based intraurethral brachytherapy with 192-iridium was performed in 17 patients with recurrent urethral stricture to prevent restricture after internal urethrotomy or transurethral resection of scar.