OBJECTIVE To establish the estimation model for the exposure of mycophenolic acid （MPA） in early renal transplant recipients [calculated by the area under the plasma concentration-time curve with 12 h （AUC0－12 h）]. METHODS Twenty kidney transplant recipients， who received triple immunosuppressive therapy of mycophenolate mofetil （MMF）+tacrolimus+ methylprednisolone， were selected and given MMF dispersible tablets （750 mg， q12 h） on the 15th day after the operation； the blood samples were collected from the patients before and 0.5， 1.0， 1.5， 2.0， 3.0， 4.0， 6.0， 8.0， 12.0 hours after the administration， respectively. The blood concentration of MPA was determined， and the pharmacokinetic parameters of MPA were calculated. The multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis method was used to fit an estimation formula for the finite sampling method suitable for MPA-AUC0－12 h of the recipients. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between the estimation formula and the classical pharmacokinetic method. RESULTS The main pharmacokinetic parameters of MPA in 20 renal transplant recipients： c0 was （1.53±0.84） μg/mL， cmax was （12.07±5.97） μg/mL， t1/2 was （5.41±3.67） h， tmax was （1.58±0.75） h， and the average AUC0－12 h calculated by the classical pharmacokinetic method was （33.95±13.40） μg·h/mL. MPA-AUC0－12 h was estimated with sampling points of “4.0， 8.0， 12.0 h”； the simplified calculation formula was AUC0－12 h＝12.058+2.819c4.0+7.045c8.0+ 3.879c12.0 （R 2＝0.934）. The predicted value had a good correlation and consistency with the measured value， and 95.0% of predicted values did not exceed the x±1.96SD （standard deviation） range. CONCLUSIONS The estimation model is established successfully for the exposure of MPA in early renal transplant recipients； the model has better prediction accuracy and fewer sampling points.

Objective To explore the application value of fractional anisotropy(FA)values of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)parameters in rat rat glioma grading.Methods Sixty-seven female Wistar rats were divided into the experi-mental group(n=57)and control group(n=10)according to the random number table method.All the surviving rats were exam-ined by 3.0T DTI at 1-2 weeks(22 cases)and 3-4 weeks(35 cases)after inoculation,and the FA values of the tumor were ob-tained and compared with the pathological results.Results Among 57 tumor-loading rats,there were 18 low-grade gliomas and 39 high-grade gliomas.DTI showed that the FA value of high-grade gliomas was higher than that of the low-grade glioma,the differ-ence was statistically significant[(0.167 ± 0.035)vs.(0.147 ± 0.015),t=2.34,P<0.05].Conclusion The FA value of DTI pa-rameters can provide accurate,reliable and noninvasive imaging information for preoperative glioma grading.

Objective To analyze and summarize the imaging features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE).Methods The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted.The clinicopathological data of 9 patients with EHE who were admitted to the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between June 2012 and June 2016 were collected.Patients underwent computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.Number,size,location,shape,density or signal and enhancement method of lesions,with or without lesions fusion and relationship between lesions and vessels were analyzed by 2 imaging doctors.Lesions in left lobe of liver,right lobe of liver and caudate lobe of liver were respectively counted.Real number was a standard as less than 5 lesions and more than or equal to 5 lesions was represented as ≥ 5.Observation indicators:(1) overall imaging features of EHE;(2) MRI findings of EHE;(3) CT findings of EHE;(4) treatment and pathological features of EHE and results of follow-up.Patients received the corresponding treatment after imaging examinations.Follow-up using outpatient imaging examinations was performed to detect tumor recurrence and stable condition of patients up to December 2016.Results (1) Overall imaging features of EHE:of 9 patients with EHE,6 received plain and enhanced scans of MRI,3 received plain and enhanced scans of CT (1 combined with MRI),1 received enhanced scan of CT.Lesions in right lobe of liver were more than that in left lobe of liver,and there were fewest lesions in caudate lobe of liver.Lesions were round or similar-round shape,with a maximum diameter of 2.5-6.1 cm and an average diameter of 3.6 cm.Four patients had total 2-5 lesions and less than 5 lesions in each lobe of liver,without lesions fusion,including 1 with halo sign and capsule retraction sign and 1 with halo sign.Of other 5 patients,2 had more than or equal to 5 lesions in each lobe of liver and 3 had more than or equal to 5 lesions in 2 lobes of liver;4 had halo sign,lollipop sign,capsule retraction sign and a tendency of lesions fusion,1 had halo sign and capsule retraction sign.The halo sign,lollipop sign,capsule retraction sign and a tendency of lesions fusion were 7/9,4/9,6/9 and 4/9 in 9 patients,respectively.(2) MRI findings of EHE:6 patients received plain and enhanced scans of MRI.① Four patients had clearhalo sign on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI),in portal vein phase and hepatobiliary phase.Three patients had slightly central hyperintensity and thick ring of slightly peripheral hyperintensity on T2WI.There were slightly central hyperintensity and thin ring of slightly peripheral hypointensity in 1 patient,and the halo sign was seen by enhanced scan.There were central hyperintensity and peripheral hypointensity in 2 patients,and the halo signs were clearly seen in hepatobiliary phase.Some patients were combined with multiple manifestations.② There were no obvious halo sign on T2WI,annular enhancement in arterial phase by enhanced scan,no obvious halo sign in portal vein phase and hepatobiliary phase in 2 patients.There were hypointensity on T1WI and isointensity-hyperintensity on DWI in 6 patients.(3) CT findings of EHE:plain scan of CT in 4 patients showed slightly hypodense shadow,without calcification.Enhanced scan of CT in 3 patients showed that obvious halo-like enhancement was seen in portal vein phase and halo rings were less obvious than that by MRI examination.(4) Treatment and pathological features of EHE and results of follow-up:of 9 patients with EHE,4 underwent surgical resection based on lesions ≤5 and surgical specimens were detected by pathological examination,5 underwent interventional treatment and pathologic examination with biopsy.Gross specimen examination showed that lesions were solid and stiff,with greyish white section plane and infiltrative margin.Tumor cells consisted of epithelioid cells under the microscopy,without atypia and with rare mitotic figures,and vacuoles were seen in cytoplasm.Immunohistochemistry showed CD31 and CD34 were positive.Nine patients were followed up for 6-54 months.During the follow-up,4 patients with surgery had no recurrence and 5 patients with interventional therapy remained stable condition.Conclusions Imaging manifestations of hepatic EHE are the more typical when lesions of EHE became more.Hepatic EHE has a tendency of lesion fusion,halo sign,capsule retraction sign and lollipop sign.Imaging manifestations on T2WI with fat suppression,in portal vein phase and hepatobiliary phase are helpful to improve the diagnosis of hepatic EHE.

OBJECTIVE:To study the diastolic effect and mechanism of Hui medicine Hexin oil solution on isolated thoracic aortic vascular rings of rats,and provide reference for its treatment for cardiovascular diseases. METHODS:Thoracic aortic vascu-lar rings of rats were taken and then soaked in Kelvin's nutrient solution(K-H). Using 1×10-6 mol/L norepinephrine(PE)or 60 mmol/L potassium chloride (KCl) for inducing the contraction of vascular rings,biological signal acquisition and analysis system was used to determine the diastolic effect and mechanism of Hexin oil solution with concentrations of 0.0204,0.0408,0.0612, 0.0816,0.1020 mg/mL on vascular rings,and diastolic rate was calculated. After culturing vascular rings by 0.1 mmol/L nitric ox-ide synthase inhibitor L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME),cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (INDO),and potassium ion channel blocker glibenclamide(Gli)for 20 min,the diastolic effects of above-mentioned 5 mass concentrations of Hexin oil so-lution on the contraction of vascular rings pre-contracted by PE were determined,and diastolic rate was calculated. The test was based on K-H solution as blank control. RESULTS:Compared with blank control,Hexin oil solution with concentration of 0.0204-0.1020 mg/mL had obvious diastolic effect on the contraction of vascular rings induced by PE and KCl (P<0.05 or P<0.01), showing concentration-dependent relationship. INDO pre-treatment can relieve the diastolic effect of Hexin oil solution on vascular rings pre-contracted by PE;and compared with blank control group,the diastolic rate had no statistical significance (P>0.05). While the pre-treatment of Gli,L-NAME did not affect the diastolic effect of Hexin oil solution on vascular rings pre-contracted by PE;and compared with blank control group,diastolic rate was obviously increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Hex-in oil solution can concentration-dependently conduct the relaxation of thoracic aortic vascular rings pre-contracted by PE,KCl. The mechanism may be associated with activation of cyclooxygenase pathway.

Objective To investigate the value of multi-b value DWI combined with PSA evaluation on the effect of endocrinotherapy for prostate cancer (PCa), and to study the correlation between the signal intensity(SI), apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) with PSA.Methods Forty patients with PCa diagnosed by pathology or biopsy were tested for serum PSA levels before and after endocrine therapy.All patients underwent DWI at b-value of 300,800 and 1 000 s/mm2 by using a GE Signa HDx 3.0T MRI scanner.The serum PSA,the value of SI and ADC at different b values before and after endocrine therapy,and their correlation with PSA were observed and measured, respectively.Results (1)The serum PSA before and after endocrine therapy were (35.63±20.91) ng/mL and (5.98±3.84) ng/mL, respectively.The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).(2)On the condition of different b values, ADC values were (1.06±0.06)×10-3 mm2/s, (0.83±0.04)×10-3 mm2/s, (0.73±0.03)×10-3 mm2/s, respectively before endocrine therapy, and (1.33±0.09)×10-3 mm2/s, (1.16±0.09)×10-3 mm2/s, (1.10±0.08)×10-3 mm2/s, respectively after endocrine therapy.There were significant difference between the ADC values before endocrine therapy and those after endocrine therapy (P<0.05).SI were 809.09±79.06, 417.42±26.65 and 327.42±25.26 in 40 patients with Pca before the endocrine therapy, and 780.10±78.52,409.33±33.93 and 320.00±31.10 after endocrine therapy.The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).(3)Pearsoncorrelation analysis showed that ADC value was negatively correlated with serum PSA (r300=-0.58,P<0.01;r800=-0.60,P<0.01;r1 000=-0.66,P<0.01) before endocrine therapy.ADC value was also negatively correlated with serum PSA (r300=-0.55,P<0.01;r800=-0.52,P<0.01;r1 000=-0.61,P<0.01) after endocrine therapy.In addition,SI was negatively correlated with serum PSA (r300=-0.09,P<0.01;r800=-0.18,P<0.01;r1 000=-0.28,P<0.01) before the treatment, as well.Conclusion ADC value at different b values increased after endocrine therapy in Pca, and is negatively correlated with serum PSA.The correlation is the most significant at b value of 1 000 s/mm2.The combination of DWI and serum PSA could be used to monitor and evaluate the effect of endocrinotherapy for Pca, and better guide the clinical treatment of Pca.

Objective To explore inhibition of nicotine on apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by monosodium iodoacetate ( MIA) .Methods Rat primary chondrocytes were isolated by enzyme digestion, and the cells were treated with 10 -8 , 10 -7 , 10 -6 , 10 -5 mol/L nicotine for 48 h.The cases were randomly divided into five groups, except for normal group, the other four groups were treated with 4μmol/L MIA 24 h, and three groups were treated 10 -8 , 10 -7 , 10 -6 mol/L nicotine.The viability of chondrocytes was detected by MTT assay.The apoptosis of chondrocytes was examed by Annexin V-FITC/PI flow dual-staining method.The activity of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 ( Caspase 3 ) was measured by spectrophotography method.The activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase ( PI3K)/protein kinase B ( AKT) and the expression of down-stream molecule Bax, Bcl-2 was assayed by western blot.Results 10 -7 , 10 -6 mol/L nicotine increased chondrocytes' viability (P<0.05), 10 -5mol/L nicotine reduced chondrocytes' viability (P<0.05), and 10 -8 mol/L nicotine didn't effect on chondrocytes' viability (P>0.05).10 -8, 10 -7, 10 -6 mol/L nicotine could increase MIA-induced chondrocytes' viability (P<0.05), suppress MIA-induced chondrocytes' apoptosis and the activity of MIA-induced Caspase 3 (P <0.05).Moreover, 10 -7, 10 -6 mol/L nicotine could increase the expression of PI3K and phosphorylation of AKT ( P<0.05) , down-regulate the expression of Bax and up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 in MIA-induced rat chondrocytes ( P<0.05 ) .Conclusion These results suggested nicotine could exert anti-apoptosis in MIA-induced rat chondrocytes, which might be related to PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of liver perfusion imaging of 256-slice CT in evaluating the compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. 
 METHODS: A total of 20 patients with liver cirrhosis, who were confirmed by liver biopsy, clinical symptoms and imaging, were selected from December 2012 to June 2014. According to the results of liver biopsy and the Child-Pugh classification, the patients were divided into a compensated cirrhosis group (n=8) and a decompensated cirrhosis group (n=12). Eleven cases without liver and spleen diseases were served as a control group. All subjects were under the 256-CT liver perfusion (256-CTP). The data of CTP [hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP), portal venous perfusion (PVP), total liver perfusion (TLP), hepatic perfusion index (HPI)] were obtained according to liver perfusion type, and the data of CTP [liver perfusion (LP), peak enhanced (PE), time to peak (TTP), blood volume (BV)] were obtained according to general perfusion type. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation of liver cirrhosis with perfusion parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to predict liver cirrhosis, and the maximized Youden index was served as the optimal cutoff value, then the area under curve, sensitivity and specificity were calculated.
 RESULTS: The PVP, TLP and PE values in the control group, the compensated cirrhosis group and the decompensated cirrhosis group were (76.63±37.26), (38.78±16.13) and (36.14±
15.31) mL/(100 mL·min); (98.48±43.58), (55.63±14.47) and (54.41±20.81) mL/(100 mL·min); 
(55.62±18.25), (44.11±5.79) and (41.08±7.74) HU, respectively, showing a gradual downward trend and a significant difference among the 3 groups (all P <0.05). HPI values were (19.50±6.08)%, (31.81±16.48)% and (34.47±16.04)%; TTP values were (37.32±8.59), (47.06±14.61), (59.86±20.87) s, respectively, showing a gradual upward trend and significant difference among the 3 groups ( all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the HAP, LP and BV among the 3 groups (all P>0.05). PVP, TLP, PE and LP were negatively correlated with the process of liver cirrhosis (r=-0.592, -0.567, -0.409, -0.569, all P<0.05), but HPI and TTP were positively correlated with the process of liver cirrhosis (r=0.434 and 0.538, both P<0.05). 
 CONCLUSION 256-CTP could provide useful information for the assessment of liver cirrhosis by measuring a plurality of perfusion parameters. The hepatic microvascular changes in patients with liver cirrhosis could be quantitatively assessed by perfusion CT. TTP shows high efficiency in prediction of liver cirrhosis and decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Case-Control Studies ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; diagnosis ; Perfusion Imaging ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective To investigate the imaging features of alar ligament and its extent, and provide the basis forclinical treatment.Methods 3.0 T superconducting MRI was used to scan the alar ligament with high resolution PDWI sequence (Proton density weighted imaging, PDWI)in 109 patients of emergency admissions due to head and neck trauma. Based on imaging features, ligamentous injury was classified into three degrees(Ⅰ to Ⅲ degrees).Patients with Ⅰ degree ligamentous injury were treated conservatively, andⅡtoⅢdegree injury patients were treated with surgery, then follow-up was performed with MRI for the recovery of ligaments and clinical evaluation for symptoms (6 months follow-up period). Results High-resolution PDWI showed 78 patients with no ligament injury.On follow-up, patients recovered well (atlantoaxial joint motor function and clinical symptoms). Thirty one patients had alar ligament injury in varying degrees, of which 18 patients had grade Ⅰ injury, nine patients had degree Ⅱinjury, and four patients had degreeⅢinjury .All gradeⅠinjury patients received conservative treatment. Follow-up of patients showed good recovery, MR revealed the lesions shrank in varying degrees or disappear.
Six gradeⅡinjury patients had surgical treatment, and three received conservative treatment. On follow-up, seven patients had a good recovery, two patients underwent surgical treatment within 3 months after injury and recovered well.Three gradeⅢpatients treated by surgery, and all with good recovery postoperative, and a patient died of respiratory failure. Conclusions High resolution PDWI is an effective tool to evaluate the extent of the alar ligament injury. Grade Ⅰ ligamentous injury patients treated conservatively can achieve good results, GradeⅡandⅢligamentous injury patients should receive surgical treatment early.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the imaging features for chronic whiplash alar ligament injury in elderly patients and to provide an effective diagnostic method for long-term neck pain and headaches due to alar ligament injury in elderly patients. METHODS: A total of 134 elderly patients, who engaged in the work or activities related to whiplash motion and suffered from chronic neck pain, were enrolled for the study. All patients were performed comprehensive health examination (CT, MR, ultrasound and laboratory examination) and high resolution PDWI. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the results of comprehensive health examination: a clear etiology group(CE group, n=96) and an unknown etiology group(UE group, n=38). Th e characteristics of PDWI signal in the ligament were analyzed between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Th e anatomy and signal characteristics of the alar ligament were clearly displayed by high resolution PDWI. Th e alar ligaments were effectively displayed by oblique coronal image. In the CE group, 7 patients (7/96) showed the positive sign of ligament injured, while 21 (21/38) patients showed positive sign of ligament injured in the UE group (P<0.01). Chronic whiplash ligament injury was proved to be the reason for long-term neck pain and headaches in 15.7% patients. CONCLUSION Th e whiplash injury of alar ligament is an important reason for chronic neck pain in elderly patients. High resolution PDWI is an effective method to evaluate the image features of alar ligament and can provide an accurate diagnosis for chronic neck pain and headaches caused by the alar ligament whiplash injury.
Aged ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Chronic Pain ; Fascia ; Humans ; Ligaments ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Whiplash Injuries ; diagnosis