Objective: The studies were carried out on the endogenous phytohormone changes of Panax notoginseng seeds during the after-ripening process in order to understand the machanism of endogenous phytohormones (GA, IAA, ZR, and ABA) in the process of embryo development and dormancy release. Methods: Dynamic changes of endogenous phytohormones of P. notoginseng seeds were measured by ELISA method through the entire after-ripening process. Results: The contents of endogenous GA, IAA, and ZR increased with the embryo development, while the ABA content decreased contrarily. Conclusion: The change of phytohormone balance is one of determining factors for relieving dormancy and promoting germination of P. notoginseng seeds.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of cardiovascular computed tomography angiography(CTA) in 128-slice DSCT with low tube voltage and low dosage contrast media in children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods Forty patients with TOF were randomly divided into group A and group B by random number table method, patients in group A received a conventional scan with 80 kVp and contrast media of 1.2 ml/kg, patients in group B, 70 kVp and contrast media of 1.0 ml/kg were used. The injection time of the two groups were both fixed for 12 s. CT attenuation, image noise and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ascending aorta, the main pulmonary artery, left ventricle and right ventricle were quantified. Radiation dose and volume of the contrast medium were recorded. Subjective image quality was assessed by two radiologists in consensus. The Student's t test was performed to analyse the differences between the two groups regarding CT attenuation, image noise, SNR, radiation dose and volume of the contrast medium. The image quality scores between the two groups were compared by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results No significant difference was found in the attenuation, noise, SNR between the two groups in the same evaluated anatomic regions and no significant difference was found in the image quality. Effective dose (ED) was(0.17±0.05),(0.13±0.04)mSv respectively, there was significant reduction in group B than that in group A (t=2.48, P=0.019). The consumed iodine amount was(10.00±1.84),(8.29± 1.45) ml respectively, there was significant reduction between the two groups (t=2.89, P=0.007). Conclusions In children with TOF, the cardiovascular CTA with diagnostic quality can be adequately acquired with low tube voltage (70 kVp) and low concentration contrast media (1.0 ml/kg), there is significant reduction in radiation dose and contrast medium amount.

Objective To explore the optimal reconstruction windows in patients with heart rate (HR) over 91 (beats per minute) bpm, and to explore the feasibility of prospective ECG-gated DSCT coronary angiography.Methods Two hundred and thirty-two patients[body mass index (BMI):23-25 kg/m2, with stable HR, and average HR ≥91 bpm]with suspected or known coronary artery disease underwent retrospective ECG-gated DSCT coronary angiography.They were divided into 3 groups (A-C) according to the average HR of scanning.Images were reconstructed from 29% to 80% of the R-R interval in 3% increments.Two independent readers assessed the overall image quality by a five-point scale and determined the optimal reconstruction windows of each coronary segment and the ranges.Coronary arteries were segmented according to the guideline of the American Heart Association (AHA).The degree of interobserver agreement was determined by Kappa statistics.Results Three thousand three hundred and fortythree segments were considered to have diagnostic image quality in 232 patients.The ranges of optimal reconstruction windows of images were concentrated on 81%-61% and 51%-31%.In group A(91-95 bpm), there were 1183 segments in 83 patients, and the according proportions were 5.49%, 94.51%,respectively; In group B(96-100 bpm), there were 986 segments in 68 patients, and the according proportions were 0.20%, 99.80%, respectively; In group C(≥ 101 bpm), there were 1174 segments in 81 patients, and the according proportions were 0.17%, 99.83%, respectively.The optimal construction windows in 3274 segments out of 3343 segments in 232 patients were concentrated in 41%, ranged from 51%-31%.The image quality assessment in 3343 segments in 232 patients have a high inter-observe agreement (Kappa=0.883,P <0.05).Conclusion The optimal reconstruction windows of patients with stable HR(≥91 bpm) was concentrated in 41%, ranged from 51%-31%.When nothing except the window of data acquisition is considered, the prospective ECC,-gated DSCT coronary angingraphy can be used in patients with stable HR(≥91 bpm).

Objective To observe the effects ofXiangsha Liujunzi Decoction (XSLJZ) on levels and mRNA of IL-6, IL-10 and protein expression of HSP70 of gastric mucosa in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats with spleen-stomach deficiency; To discuss its mechanism.Methods Rats were divided into 2 groups through random number table: normal group and model group. The model of CAG rat with spleen-stomach deficiency type was induced by synthetic methods. After successful modeling, rats were divided into model group, positive control group, XSLJZ high-, medium-, low-dose group. Rats in normal and model group received distilled water 10 mL/(kg?d) for gavage; XSLJZ high-, medium-, low-dose group received XSLJZ 24, 12, 6 g/(kg?d), respectively; positive control group received mycin 0.30 g/(kg?d) for gavage for 120 consecutive days. Generally living conditions, levels and mRNA of IL-6, IL-10 and protein expression of HSP70 in gastric mucosa tissue were detected by protein immunoblotting.Results Compared with the normal group, generally living conditions of rats in the model group were poor; mRNA and the content of IL-6 increased significantly, and mRNA and the content of IL-10 decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01); mRNA and protein expression of HSP70 in gastric tissues was much lower than that of normal group (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with model group, generally living conditions of rats in the XSLJZ high-dose groups were improved significantly; mRNA and the content of IL-6 decreased significantly, and mRNA and the content of IL-10 increased significantly (P<0.05); XSLJZ high-, medium-dose groups mRNA and protein expression of HSP70 in gastric tissues increased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion XSLJZ has protective effects on gastric mucosa of CAG rats with spleen-stomach deficiency.

Objective To investigate the effect of implanted cortical electrical stimulation (CES) on the expression of Nissl bodies and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in the brain after ischemic injury,and its mechanism.Methods Models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were established in 23 male Sprague-Dawley rats.They were randomly divided into a CES group (CES,n=13) and a no stimulation group (NS,n=10) and electrical stimulators were implanted in both groups.CES was applied for 14 d in the CES group but not in the NS group.The expression of Nissl bodies and GAP-43 around the infarct were quantified using version 6.0 of the ImagePro Plus system.Results In the CES group the Nissl bodies had a deep color,and their percentage of area was higher than that in the NS group.The GAP-43 positive expression area also had a relatively deep color,and the average percentage of positive expression area was also higher than that in the NS group.Conclusions CES can enhance the expression of Nissl bodies and GAP-43 after cerebral infarction.This suggests that CES can promote axon growth and the formation of new neural circuits.

Objective To evaluate the application of prospective ECG-gated dual source CT (DSCT) in patients with acute chest pain, and compare it's image quality and radiation dose with those of retrospective ECG-gated spiral scan. Methods Thirty consecutive patients (Group A, average HR ≥85 bpm) with acute chest pain were scanned with prospective ECG-gated scan and another 30 consecutive patients (Group B, average HR ≥85 bpm)were analyzed by retrospective ECG-gated scan. Tube voltage and tube current were adapted by the BMI of patients. MPR, MIP, CPR and VR were used to display pulmonary arteries (PA), thoracic aorta and coronary arteries (CA). Image quality as well as radiation dose were assessed in 2 groups. Qualitative image quality was compared with chi-square test between the two groups,while quantitative image quality [the image noise ( IN ), signal-to-noise ratio ( SNR ) and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)] and radiation dose were evaluated with x2 test and Student's t test. Results The proportion of valid coronary segments for diagnosis were 379/385 ( 98. 44% ) and 390/396 ( 98.48% ) respectively in Group A and Group B with no significant difference(x2 =0. 002,P =0. 961 ). The IN [( 16. 23 ±5.75)vs ( 16. 31 ±3. 32) HU] ,SNR (26. 85 ±9. 94 vs 24. 78 ±9. 91 ) and CNR (20. 99 ±9. 31 vs 18. 65 ±8. 72)showed no significant differences between 2 groups ( t = 0. 069,0. 908 and 1. 224, P ＞ 0. 05, respectively).The ED was on average ( 8. 37 ± 2. 69 ) mSv in Group A, whereas on average ( 20. 05 ± 5.52 ) mSv in Group B. There was a statistical difference between 2 groups ( t = 9. 401, P = 0. 000). Conclusion Low dose prospective ECG-gated DSCT angiography can show similar image quality as retrospective ECG-gated spiral scan with radiation dose.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Qianlie Huichun capsule on the microstructure and ultranstructure of prostate glandular tissue in the model rat.

METHODHynertophy of prostate model rat was established by injecting testosterone to gelding male rats. After having been fed with Qianlie Huichun capsule for 30 days, the rats were killed and prostate tissues were resected for pathomorphological studies with microscope and electromicroscope, and the diameter of glandular lumer and the height of glandular epithelial cells were measured under the microspcope for different groups of rats.

RESULTIn the model groups, the glandular epithelial cells mutiplycated notably, showing stratified and pseudostratified cells that made the glandular lumer cramped. Under the electromicroscope, the glandular epithelial cells became high columnor and the rough endoreticulum extremely expanded. But in treatment groups, the change of the diameter of the glandular lumer and the height of the glandular epithelial cells were less remarkable than those in model groups. So the differerence between the model group and the treatment groups was remarkable (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONQianlie Huichun capsule can depress the glandular epithelialceu multiplication of prostate gland in model rats.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; pathology ; Male ; Materia Medica ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Prostate ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; chemically induced ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of mitochondrial apoptosis in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury and the effects of Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection preconditioning intervention. Methods: Sixty Japanese rabbits were divided into sham-operated group, ischemia group, ischemia-reperfusion group (1, 6, 24 and 48 h), and Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection group (1, 6, 24 and 48 h). Clamping the abdominal aorta was used to construct the rabbit model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury. The rabbits in the ischemia-reperfusion group and the Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection group underwent reperfusion for 1, 6, 24, 48 h respectively after fifty-minute ischemia. The rabbits in the Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection group were administered with Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection at 9 mg/kg 30 minutes before ischemia. Rate of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry; contents of caspase-9 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in cytoplasm and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the sham-operated group and the ischemia group, the rates of apoptotic cells, the contents of caspase-9 and AIF in cytoplasm were increased at all time points after reperfusion, and the contents of caspase-9 and AIF in serum were decreased after 1 h and 6 h reperfusion, and increased after 24 h and 48 h reperfusion in the ischemia-reperfusion group. Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection intervention could decrease the rate of apoptotic cells and the contents of caspase-9 and AIF in cytoplasm and serum as compared with those in the ischemia-reperfusion group, and the effects appeared after 1 h reperfusion. Conclusion: The apoptosis of nerve cells after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion is related to the mitochondrial pathways. Herba Erigerontis Breviscapi Injection can inhibit nerve cell apoptosis by decreasing the contents of caspase-9 and AIF in cytoplasm and serum.

Objective To construct and identify norepinephrine ( NE) complete antigen for the preparation of high sensitive and specific anti-NE monoclonal antibody .Methods Glutaraldehyde ( GA) and 1-Ethyl-3-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl ) carbodiimide ( EDC) were used to cross-link NE with carrier pro-teins (BSA, OVA) for NE complete antigen preparation under conditions of pH 4.5 or pH9.0.Three assays including UV scanning , SDS-PAGE and FeCl3 color reaction were performed for identification of NE com-plete antigen.Serum antibody titers were evaluated in mice model induced by intraperitoneal immunization with NE complete antigen .Results NE complete antigens were successfully prepared as indicated by the three identification assays .The coupling ratio was significantly increased in a time-depended manner under the condition of pH9.0 in comparison to that in the condition of pH 4.5.Indirect ELISA results showed that , when coating antigens and serum antibodies were prepared with the same cross -linking method , the serum antibody titers were significantly higher than those with different methods .Conclusion Anti-NE antibodies were successfully prepared by immunizing mice with NE complete antigens .

Objective To explore the clinical value of dual-energy CT angiography (DE-CTA) in the diagnosis of carotid cavernous fistula. Methods Fourteen patients suspected of carotid cavernous fistula underwent DE-CTA between Dec. 2008 and Feb. 2010. Image post-processing of DE-CTA was performed with the dedicated software to obtain bone-removal and non bone-removal images. Four experienced radiologists evaluated image quality of DE-CTA, the number, location and size of fistulae and dilation of cerebral veins. The bone-removal and non bone-removal images were compared for displaying of fistulae and other related lesions. Kappa test was used to test the consistency of image quality evaluation between two radiologists. The sizes of fistulae were measured with bone-removal DE-CTA images and non bone-removal DE-CTA images respectively and their results were compared by using student's t-test and the correlation test. Results Twenty-eight intracranial internal carotid arteries of 14 patients showed acceptable image quality. Fourteen cases were diagnosed as carotid cavernous fistula with both bone-removal and non boneremoval DE-CTA images. Two patients presented with bilateral lesions, while 7 patients presented with left lesions and 5 patients had right lesions. Totally, sixteen fistulae lesions were detected in 14 patients. The mean size of fistulae was (0. 36 ±0. 10) mm by bone-removal images, whereas (0. 35 ±0. 11 ) mm by non bone-removal images. There was no significant difference between the two methods ( t = 0. 29, P ＞ 0. 05 ),and good correlation was found between the two methods ( r = 0. 97, P ＜0.05). Thirteen dilated cerebral veins in 8 cases were found by bone-removal images versus 9 dilated cerebral veins in 6 cases by non boneremoval images. Conclusions Image post-processing of DE-CTA is a simple and useful method to identify carotid cavernous fistula. DE-CTA is also useful for therapeutic planning.