Vascular perfusion distribution in fibroids contrast-enhanced ultrasound images provides useful pathological and physiological information, because the extraction of the vascular perfusion area can be helpful to quantitative evaluation of uterine fibroids blood supply. The pixel gray scale in vascular perfusion area of fibroids contrast-enhanced ultrasound image sequences is different from that in other regions, and, based on this, we proposed a method of extracting vascular perfusion area of fibroids. Firstly, we denoised the image sequence, and then we used Brox optical flow method to estimate motion of two adjacent frames, based on the results of the displacement field for motion correction. Finally, we extracted vascular perfusion region from the surrounding background based on the differences in gray scale for the magnitude of the rich blood supply area and lack of blood supply area in ultrasound images sequence. The experimental results showed that the algorithm could accurately extract the vascular perfusion area, reach the precision of identification of clinical perfusion area, and only small amount of calculation was needed and the process was fairly simple.
Algorithms ; Contrast Media ; Female ; Humans ; Leiomyoma ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Motion ; Perfusion ; Ultrasonography

At present, cancer is still one of the most serious threats to human health. Despite the wide application of multiple cancer therapies in clinical practice, the therapeutic effects of most cancers are still far from satisfactory. In recent years, the discovery of regulated cell death may be a good first step on the road to treat cancer. Ferroptosis is triggered by lipid peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in cell membrane catalyzed by iron ion. It has been widely concerned as an emerging target for cancer therapy. With the booming of biomedical nanotechnology, ferroptosis as an emerging therapeutic target has attracted extensive attention. Here, we review the advance on the intersection of ferroptosis and biomedical nanotechnology. First, the research background of ferroptosis and nano-preparation as well as the feasibility of ferroptosis-based nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDS) for cancer treatment are presented and analyzed. Then, the strategies for inducing ferroptosis based on nano-DDS are summarized, mainly including: the promotion of Fenton reaction, the inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX-4) and the restriction of the cysteine-glutamate exchange transporter (system Xc^-). Furthermore, the combination therapy strategies based on biomedical nanotechnology induced ferroptosis are also discussed. Finally, we shine the spotlight on the prospects and challenges of ferroptosis-based nanotherapeutics in clinical application.

Abstract: Objective　China was certified by World Health Organization as a malaria-free country in 2021. Malaria has become a rare infectious disease, and preventing the re-transmission of imported malaria and reducing deaths are the main challenges facing China after elimination of malaria. To analyze and clarify the characteristics of imported malaria deaths, and to provide prevention and treatment recommendations for overseas workers and health care workers. Methods　The data of 17 imported malaria deaths in the analysis of malaria deaths from 2016 to 2020 by the National Severe Malaria Treatment Expert Group were collected, and the relevant clinical epidemiological data and disease course records were analyzed. Results　The 17 malaria deaths were all imported from Africa with Plasmodium falciparum infection (malarial cerebral type), with no obvious regularity in the month of onset. Among them, 16 were male patients, 5 cases with underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, and 10 patients were first diagnosed in a second-level or lower hospital. Excluding patients who died of respiratory cardiac arrest in ambulances, the mean time difference between first onset and malaria diagnosis in 16 patients was 6.8 days (median 5.5 days), and the mean time between first onset and antimalarial treatment was 7.4 days (median 6 days), the mean time difference from initial onset to death was 10.3 days (median 8.5 days). Excluding cases with onset abroad and unknown time of return, all 14 patients developed the disease within 30 days after returning to China. Conclusion　All the fatal cases were infected with Plasmodium falciparum imported from Africa. The patients' awareness of actively seeking medical treatment is weak, and the delay in seeking medical treatment caused by the insufficient diagnosis and treatment capacity of health institutions at the township level and below is the main reason for the deaths. It is recommended to strengthen the self-protection awareness of staff in malaria-endemic areas overseas and raise their awareness of malaria. For returnees from areas with high malaria risk, primary medical institutions should pay attention to the patient's travel history in Africa, improve the awareness of malaria diagnosis, malaria diagnosis and treatment capabilities.

Objective To study the correlation between time of fever onset in the course of patients'illness and etiologies of fever of unknown origin (FUO).Methods A total of 1 570 patients with FUO admitted from January 2013 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed, and clinical data ( sex, age, time of fever onset) of 348 patients meeting FUO diagnosis criteria with definite etiology diagnosis and time of fever onset were collected for multivariate logistic regression analysis after bias check.Results No statistically significant bias was found between 348 selected cases and 1 570 overall cases in gender (χ2 =0.029, P=0.903) and age (t=-1.040, P=0.299), and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed positive correlation between fever onset during 13: 00-18: 00 and infection (P=0.044, B=1.275), 18:00-24: 00 and connective tissue diseases ( P =0.029, B =0.838 ) , and showed negative correlation between age and miscellaneous (P =0.010, B =-0.042).Conclusions Characteristics of fever onset time may have significant value in preliminary diagnosis and guiding the correct direction of final definite diagnosis by means of targeted examinations or diagnostic treatments.It is worth to be further studied and discussed.

To study the in vitro anti-angiogenesis effect of three curcumin pigments (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin). In the study, the inhibitory effect of the three curcumin pigments on proliferation of HUVEC cells induced by OX-LDL and the effect on migration of HUVEC cells were detected. The effect on neovascularization was observed by chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) test. The effect on cell adhesion factors ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 of HUVECs were tested by Real-time RT-PCR. It was found that the three curcumins could inhibit the proliferation of HUVEC cells induced by OX-LDL within the dosage range 4, 8, 16 mg x L(-1), with a dose-dependence. The proliferative effect of curcumins on HUVECs was greater than the other two derivatives (P < 0.01). All of the three curcumin pigments inhibited the migration of HUVEC cells and the angiogenesis of chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The migration inhibition rate of curcumins at middle and high concentrations was greater than the other two (P < 0.01). All of the three curcumin could down-regulate the expression of VEGF and ICAM-1, and curcumins showed more obvious effect in down-regulating VEGF than demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin(P < 0.01); Bisdemethoxycurcumin showed the most significant effect in down-regulating ICAM-1 (P < 0.01). All of the three showed no remarkable effect on expression of VCAM-1, and only bisdemethoxycurcumin showed the down-regulating effect (P < 0.05). According to the findings, all of the three curcumin pigments could resist angiogenesis by inhibiting proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and down-regulating the expression of VEGF and adhesion molecules ICAM-1.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chorioallantoic Membrane ; drug effects ; Curcumin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; genetics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore Chinese medical theory of Fei and Dachang being interior-exteriorly correlated by observing changes of inherent immune response and acquired immune response in the lung tissue and the intestinal tissue of ulcerative colitis (UC) model rats and the intervention of Chinese compounds (CM).

METHODSSeventy rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the normal control group (n = 10), the model group (n = 15), the treatment 1 group (n = 15, treated from Fei), the treatment 2 group (n = 15, treated from the intestine), and the Western medicine (WM) group [n = 15, treated with Sulfasalazine (SASP). Except those in the normal control group, the UC rat model was prepared by allergizing colon mucosa combined with TNBS-alcohol (50%) enema, and then intervened by medication (treated with CM complex prescription of treatment from lung, CM complex prescription of treatment from intestine, and SASP). After intragastric administration for 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed and samples taken. The expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-8 contents in the lung tissue, the intestinal tissue, and the serum were detected by radioimmunoassay. Serum MedCAM-1 contents were detected using ELISA. Changes of the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), neutrophil migration inhibition factor (MIF), mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MadCAM-1) mRNA in the lung tissue and the intestinal tissue were detected by real time PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the expression levels of TNF-α, TLR4 mRNA, IL-8, MIF mR- NA, and MadCAM-1 mRNA obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of TNF-α, TLR4 mRNA, IL-8, MIF mRNA, and MadCAM-1 mRNA obviously decreased in the treatment 1 and 2 groups (P < 0.01). The expression of MadCAM-1 mRNA in the intestinal tissue was obviously higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P < 0.01), while the expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB mRNA was obviously lower in the model group than in the normal control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of MadCAM-1 mRNA all significantly deceased in each treatment group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Serum TNF-α contents were higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, serum TNF-α contents could be lowered in the treatment 1 and 2 groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe main mechanisms of the intestinal injury in this UC model might be related with activation of acquired immune response, accompanied with lowered functions of inherent immune response. The main mechanisms of the lung injury in this UC model might be related acquired immune response and inherent immune response. Treatment from Fei and treatment from Dachang both could obviously improve the immunodissonance of Fei and Dachang, indicating the special relation between the lung tissue and the intestinal tissue, thus providing experimental evidence for Chinese medical theory of Fei and Dachang being interior-exteriorly correlated.

Aleurites ; Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Enema ; Interleukin-8 ; metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa ; immunology ; Intestines ; immunology ; Lung ; immunology ; Lung Injury ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

This study aimed to explore the impact of depression caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on in vivo activity of six kinds of CYP450 isoforms in rats. According to 'Katz' method, the model of CUMS was established. Tolbutamide, chlorzoxazone, theophylline, midazolam, omeprazole and dextromethorphan were chosen as probe substrates of CYP2C6, CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP3A2, CYP2D1 and CYP2D2 of rats. Plasma concentration of six kinds of CYP450 in control group and model group were determined by LC-MS/MS and computed pharmacokinetic parameters. Consequently, metabolism of theophylline and chlorzoxazone accelerated significantly (P < 0.01), but tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, omeprazole and midazolam had no significant difference. The present study proved that depression caused by CUMS had strong induction to CYP1A2 and medium induction to CYP2E1.
Animals ; Chlorzoxazone ; metabolism ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; metabolism ; Depression ; Dextromethorphan ; metabolism ; Liver ; enzymology ; Midazolam ; metabolism ; Omeprazole ; metabolism ; Rats ; Stress, Physiological ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Theophylline ; metabolism ; Tolbutamide ; metabolism

Aim To investigate the effect of dihydromyricetin on canine carotid artery and the underlying mechanism.Methods The in vitro isometric tension measurement technique was employed to investigate the effect of dihydromyricetin on canine carotid artery rings.Laser scanning confocal microscope technique was used to measure the dynamic change of intracellular calcium concentration in single VSMC.Results Dihydromyricetin(1～300 ?mol?L-1)caused a concentration-dependent contraction of both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rings.This constrictive effect was attenuated in Ca2+-free solution(P

OBJECTIVETo observe the features of bronchopulmonary lesions in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats and the specificity with Fei and Dachang, thus providing reliance for the theory of "intestinal diseases involved Fei".

METHODSThe UC rat model was duplicated by using rabbit intestine mucosa tissue allergenic model and TNBS-ethanol model. A normal rat group was set up as the control. The pulmonary functions [including inspiratory resistance (Ri), expiratory resistance (Re), forced vital capacity (FVC); FEV. 2/FVC, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), forced expiratory flow rate (FEF25% - 75%)], and indicators of liver and kidney functions [serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr)] were detected in the two groups. The pathological changes of colon, lung, liver, and kidney were observed in the two groups.

RESULTSRats in the model group in both acute and chronic stages had weight loss, mucus and loose stool. Partial rats had such symptoms as dyspnea, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Compared with the normal group, the MW, FVC, FEV0.2 and FEF25% -75% in the acute stage; Ri, Re, MVV, FVC, and FEF25% - 75% in the chronic stage all significantly decreased (P <0.05, P <0.01), and FEV0.2/FVC significantly increased in the model group (P <0.05). The pathological results showed interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in the model group. But the indicators of liver and kidney functions were all in the normal range. No obvious pathological change was seen in the renal and liver tissues in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSUC could specifically induce bronchopulmonary lesions. Lung injury was one of UC's intestinal manifestations. The theory of "Fei and Dachang being interior-exteriorly correlated" was demonstrated from the theory of "intestinal diseases involved Fei".

Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; diagnosis ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Intestinal Mucosa ; pathology ; Lung ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Lung Injury ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of recombinant BmKIM (poly-peptide derived from Asian Scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch) on the sodium current (I(Na)) of isolated ventricular myocytes, transmembrane action potential and aconitine induced arrhythmia in vivo in rabbits.

METHODSVentricular myocytes were enzymatically dissociated from adult rabbits. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record voltage-dependent I(Na). Standard transmembrane action potentials in rabbit hearts in vivo were recorded by using floating glass microelectrodes. Incidence of arrhythmias, the early after depolarization (EAD) and/or delay after depolarization (DAD) were measured in vivo in rabbits post aconitine (100 microg/kg, iv) in the absence or presence of BmKIM (50 microg/kg iv).

RESULTS(1) BmKIM significantly inhibited I(Na) in a voltage-dependent manner and significantly shifted the I-V curves of I(Na) upward. BmKIM left shifted the inactivation curve of I(Na) and voltages at 50% inactivation of I(Na) were changed from (-70.8 +/- 2.6) mV to (-84.8 +/- 3.5) mV (P < 0.05). BmKIM prolonged the recovery of inactivation of I(Na). In the presence of BmKIM, the time constants of recovery (both tau(f) and tau(s)) of I(Na) were significantly prolonged from (28.9 +/- 6.1) ms and (107 +/- 21.6) ms in control group to (54.2 +/- 7.9) ms (P < 0.05) and (211.1 +/- 34.6) ms (P < 0.01), respectively. (2) BmKIM significantly shortened 50% and 90% of action potential duration (APD(50) and APD(90)), and reduced action potential amplitude (APA), declined maximum up stroke velocity of action potential (V(max)) in vivo. The Q-T duration was shortened and heart rate significantly increased post BmKIM injection. (3) Incidence of aconitine induced ventricular arrhythmias (77.8%) was significantly reduced by BmKIM (22.2%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSBmKIM significantly blocked I(Na) through affecting the inactivated state of I(Na) in rabbit ventricular myocytes. BmKIM could attenuate the influx of I(Na), therefore shorten action potential duration and reduce action potential amplitude and reduce the incidence of aconitine induced arrhythmias.

Action Potentials ; Animals ; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; pharmacology ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Peptides ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; Scorpion Venoms ; pharmacology ; Sodium Channels ; metabolism