PADGEM (GMP140) is a component of Weibel-Palade bodies of human endothelial cells

PADGEM protein (PADGEM), also known as GMP140, is a platelet alpha- granule membrane protein that is translocated to the external membrane after platelet activation. Although the biosynthesis of this protein was originally thought to be confined to megakaryocytes, the synthesis of PADGEM in endothelial cells was recently demonstrated (McEver et al: Blood 70:1974a, 1987). We now describe the subcellular localization of this protein in endothelial cells. Immunofluorescence staining of permeabilized human umbilical vein endothelial cells with KC4, a well characterized monoclonal antibody to PADGEM, showed positively stained elongated structures similar in distribution and shape to Weibel-Palade bodies. Their identity as Weibel-Palade bodies was confirmed by double label immunofluorescence using KC4 and a polyclonal antiserum to von Willebrand factor (vWf), a protein known to be specifically stored in these organelles. All Weibel-Palade bodies were found to contain PADGEM. In contrast to strong perinuclear staining produced with anti- vWf antibodies, no significant perinuclear staining was obtained with KC4, indicating that relatively little PADGEM is present in the endoplasmic reticulum and in the Golgi apparatus. In endothelial cells treated with secretagogues that stimulate vWf release the elongated structures positive for PADGEM disappeared, further identifying these structures as Weibel-Palade bodies. This observation extends the parallels between Weibel-Palade bodies and alpha-granules and suggests a possible functional association between vWf and PADGEM.     

Zolpidem induced nocturnal sleep‐related eating disorder (NSRED) in a male patient

Nocturnal Sleep‐Related Eating Disorder (NSRED) is a well‐documented sleeping disorder where the person is reported to experience bizarre eating behavior during sleep. Although various causes are implicated in this disorder, role of drugs cannot be ruled out. Here we narrate an interesting rare case report of a drug‐induced new onset NSRED, where a 45‐year‐old man on zolipdem performed an unexpected and bizarre eating behavior during somnambulistic state, type of which has not been reported earlier in the literature. The case falls under even rarer category as such behavior in sleep is reported mainly in woman. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009     

152例老年高血压病的诊治体会

目的:观察中西医结合治疗老年高血压的疗效。方法:将152例老年高血压患者随机分成两组,对照组76例采用西药治疗,治疗组76例除用西药治疗外辅助中药治疗。结果:治疗组显效30例,有效44例,总有效率97.4%;对照组显效24例,有效40例,总有效率为84.2%。结论:中西医结合治疗老年高血压有较好的疗效。     

水稻亚种间杂种优势利用研究

本试验探讨了华南双季稻区利用亚种同杂种优势的特点和问题,结果表明:当前,两系亚种问杂种一代主要存在的问题是结实率低和谷草比低;籼粳交杂种易受环境条件的影响;每穗实粒数和单株有效穗数是决定单株产量的重要因子;每穗实粒数增加的关键在于结实率的提高,本文还就提高结实率和谷草比等问题提出了意见。     

A Biomechanical Double Sac (Pericardium-Pebax) for Specially Shaped Artificial Ventricles: A Computerized Study to Evaluate Its Mechanical and Volumetric Properties

Abstract: For original ovoid shaped artificial ventricles. a biomechanical double sac consisting of a biological sac (porcine pericardium) as the blood contact interface and a synthetic sac (Pebax 3533) as the mechanical support to assume systolic-diastolic dynamic constraints was conceived. The volumetric and mechanical properties were assessed with a three-dimensional modeling of Pebax sacs and computerized simulations of their systolic distortions for both right and left ventricular configurations. The stresses and strains of these sacs were represented as quantitative mappings for a maximum end-systolic state and were below the respective threshold values above which the Pebax material is jeopardized for permanent structure impairment. After fatigue tests applied on Pebax strips under the alleged working conditions of Pebax sacs, the material structure was unchanged and maintained its intrinsic mechanical properties. The theoretical maximum stroke volumes were 74.4 cm³ and 62.4 cm for the left and right ventricular configurations, respectively. With these mechanical and volumetric features, the biomechanical double sac concept was considered valid and could be provided for a consequent specific total artificial heart.     

Physiological analysis of motor reorganization following lower limb amputation.

It is now known that amputation results in reorganization of central motor pathways, but the mechanism for the changes is unclear. One possibility is alteration of the excitability of the alpha motoneurons. We studied motor reorganization and excitability of alpha motoneurons to Ia input in 6 subjects with unilateral lower limb amputation. A Cadwell MES-10 stimulator was used to deliver transcranial magnetic stimuli through a circular coil centered on the sagittal axis 4 cm anterior to Cz and through an 8-shaped coil positioned over scalp locations 1 cm apart along the coronal axis. Surface EMG was recorded bilaterally from quadriceps femoris, the first muscle immediately proximal to the site of amputation. Excitability of the spinal alpha motoneuron pool to Ia afferents was assessed by determining the ratio of the maximal H reflex to the maximal M response (H/M ratio) elicited in the quadriceps femoris. Stimuli of equal intensity delivered to optimal scalp positions recruited a larger percentage of the alpha motoneuron pool in muscles ipsilateral to the stump than in those contralateral to the stump (P less than 0.01). Mean onset latencies of motor evoked potentials were shorter in ipsilateral muscles than in contralateral muscles (P less than 0.01). Muscles ipsilateral to the stump showed a trend toward activation from a larger number of scalp positions than those contralateral to the stump (P = 0.06). There was no difference in the quadriceps H/M ratios (7.2% ipsilateral vs. 10.9% contralateral). The absence of changes in the excitability of the alpha motoneuron pool in the presence of motor reorganization targeting muscles proximal to the stump suggests that reorganization occurs proximal to the alpha motoneuron level.     

跟骨骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨跟骨骨折手术治疗方法。方法 采用外侧切口，通过跟骨外侧骨皮质开门．将骨折复位后植骨．重建钢板螺钉内固定术．治疗24例（26足)。结果 术后均获5～32个月随访，按门振武等评分际准．优17例，良5例，差2例．结论 严重跟骨骨折手术治疗效果较满意。     

Advanced primary breast cancer: assessment at mammography of response to induction chemotherapy

The response to induction chemotherapy is an important prognostic factor in patients with nonmetastatic, locally advanced breast carcinomas. Assessment at mammography of the response of 60 breast cancers in 59 women was performed between 1974 and 1986. Responses were excellent in 13 tumors, moderate in 34, and poor in 13 (excellent moderate = 78%). Assessment of response of discrete masses in a fatty breast was easiest; assessment of response of tumor areas that were poorly defined-such as a focal area of architectural distortion or mass in dense breast parenchyma-was more difficult. Of 17 patients with excellent pathologic responses-that is, minimal or no residual tumor-15 (88%) had complete responses (no residual tumor) as determined with mammography, physical examination, or both. Mammography provides information complementary to physical examination and is essential in the accurate assessment of the response to chemotherapy of locally advanced breast cancer.