Objective To establish the RP-HPLC method for the determination of paeoniflorin in Cervipower Capsules. Methods Diamonsil~(TM)C_(18)column was used,with a mobile phase of A(methanol)-B(0.025 mol?L~(-1)disodium hydro- gen phosphate,adjusting pH being 7.4 with 0.025 mol?L~(-1)potassium dihydrogen phosphate),and with a gradient elu- tion,the flow rate was 1.0 mL?min~(-1),the detection wavelength was 230 nm,and the column temperature was 30℃. Result The linear range was 15.10～105.70?g?mL~(-1),r=0.999 9,and the average recovery for paeoniflorin was 100.1%,with RSD 1.94 %(n=9).Conclusion The method is accurate and reproducible,and can be used to deter- mine the content of paeoniflorin in Cervipower Capsules.

Objective: To determine plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (sTRAIL) and its soluble death receptor (sDR4, sDR5) in essential hypertension (EH) patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure plasma levels of sTRAIL, sDR4 and sDR5 in 50 EH + LVH patients (EH + LVH group), 50 EH patients without LVH (EH group) and 50 healthy subjects (healthy control group), and the results were compared and analyzed among three groups. Results: ① Compared with healthy control group and EH group, there were significant increase in plasma levels of sTRAIL [(0.95±0.11) ng/ml vs. (1.12±0.86) ng/ml vs. (1.74±1.19) ng/ml], sDR4[(2.38±0.32) pg/ml vs. (5.63±1.05) pg/ml vs. (8.72±1.14) pg/ml] and sDR5[(< 6 pg/ml) vs. (39.19±8.23) pg/ml vs. (78.21±11.2) pg/ml] in EH + LVH group, P<0.01 all; and levels of sDR4 and sDR5 in EH group were significantly higher than those of healthy control group (P<0.01 both), but there was no significant difference in sTRAIL level between the two groups (P>0.05); ② Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there were significant positive correlation among levels of sTRAIL, sDR4 and sDR5 in EH + LVH patients (r=0.325~0.410, P<0.05 or <0.01). Conclusion: Plasma levels of sTRAIL, sDR4 and sDR5 may be valuable indexes for prediction of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension.

AIM To compare liver-protective and anti-inflammatory effects of extracts from root,stem,leaf,and flower of Gentiana rigescens.METHODS The mouse model for the immunological liver injury induced by Concanavalin A,and mouse ear swelling model for inflammation caused by dimethylbenzene were used for the comparison of the liver-protective or anti-inflammatory effects of four parts individually.RESULTS Four aqueous extracts of Gentiana rigescens showed the dose-dependent decrease in the activity of ALT and AST in serum and liver index,and alleviation of hepatic tissue injury induced by Concanavalin A in mice.The effects of the extracts from the leaf and root were better than those from the stem and flower.These extracts presented dose-dependent inhibition against the ear swelling caused by dimethylbenzene in mice.The effects of the extracts from the leaf and stem were better than those from the flower and root.CONCLUSION Extracts from the root and leaf of G.rigescens have liver-protective effect,and parts from the stem and leaf have anti-inflammatory effect.

Objective:To investigate the values of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) in predicting the degree of RV myocardial fibrosis (MF) in patients with end-stage heart failure (HF).Methods:A total of 102 consecutive patients with end-stage HF undergoing heart transplantation were enrolled in the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2018 to December 2019. Echocardiographic examinations were performed in these patients before heart transplantation. The conventional RV function parameters were obtained, including fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE), myocardial performance index, tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity(Tricuspid s′). Two-dimensional (2D) RVFWLS was calculated by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), RV end-systolic volume (RVESV), RV stroke volume (RVSV), RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and 3D-RVFWLS were measured by 3D-STE. The degree of MF was quantified using Masson′s trichrome stain in RV myocardial samples after heart transplantation. Patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the degree of MF on histology, then echocardiographic parameters were compared among the 3 groups. Pearson correlation analysis and the multiple linear regression analysis between echocardiographic parameters and RV MF were analyzed.Results:Compared with patients with mild and moderate MF, 3D-RVFWLS, 2D-RVFWLS and conventional parameters of RV function were significantly decreased in patients with severe MF.RV MF strongly correlated with 3D-RVFWLS ( r=-0.71, P<0.01), modestly correlated with 2D-RVFWLS ( r=-0.53, P<0.01), and weakly correlated with RVFAC, TAPSE, RVEF, Tricuspid s′, RVSV ( r=-0.47, -0.44, -0.35, -0.29, -0.38; all P<0.01). 3D-RVFWLS correlated best with the degree of MF compared with 2D-RVFWLS and conventional RV function parameters ( r=-0.71 vs r=-0.29~-0.53, all P<0.05). A stepwise multivariate analysis showed that 3D-RVFWLS was independently associated with RV MF (β=1.554, P<0.01, adjusted R2=0.539). Conclusions:3D-RVFWLS can provide an important imaging reference for detecting the degree of RV MF in patients with end-stage HF.

Objective:In this study, a gait acquisition and analysis system is developed to provide a cheap, easy-to-use solution for quantitative recording and analysis of patients' gaits.Methods:From April 2017 to October 2018, we collected the gait data of 19 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 19 healthy volunteers in the orthopaedic outpatient department. Among 19 patients, there were 9 males and 10 females, aged 50.1±9.4 years old. Among 19 healthy volunteers, there were 8 males and 11 females, aged 50.7±10.3 years old. Then, from the collected gait data, the static gait features such as gait speed, step length, stride, and dynamic gait features were automatically calculated, and the statistical difference analysis was finished to determine the correlation between these quantitative gait features and knee osteoarthritis.Results:Firstly, the gait data collected by the depth camera was compared with the data from the multi infrared camera-based motion analysis system (gold standard). The average angle error of the collected knee joint angle was 0.98 degrees, which proved the correctness of the gait data recorded by the depth camera. The statistical difference analysis of gait characteristics between the patient group and the healthy group showed that the gait characteristics with P<0.05 included: gait speed ( r=-0.922, P<0.001), step length ( r=-0.897, P=0.004), stride ( r=-0.914 , P<0.001), dynamic characteristics of angle of knee joint ( r=0.775, P=0.001). Conclusion:The gait acquisition and analysis system based on the depth camera can accurately record and store the gait data of the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, the extracted quantitative gait features have statistical differences between the patients and the healthy group, which is helpful for the gait analysis of bone joint.

Objective:To observe the distribution characteristics of fungi, bacteria and Demodex in the eyelid margin of patients with blepharitis and without blepharitis at different ages. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.A total of 98 patients diagnosed with anterior blepharitis and 99 patients diagnosed with posterior blepharitis in Henan Eye Hospital from March 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled as anterior blepharitis group and posterior blepharitis, respectively.Additionally, 100 patients with an initial diagnosis of refractive error and 200 patients with vitreous opacity were enrolled during the same period as a non-blepharitis group.All patients underwent examinations for lid margin fungi, bacteria and eyelash Demodex, as well as fungal spores and ciliary Demodex count.The differences in the positive rate and load of palpebral fungi, bacteria and eyelash Demodex were compared between anterior and posterior blepharitis groups, as well as across different ages in non-blepharitis group.This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Eye Hospital (No.HNEECKY-2019[18]).All patients were informed about the purpose and methods of the study.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Results:There were significant differences in the positive rates of bacteria, fungi and Demodex and the load of Demodex in the non-blepharitis group at different ages ( χ2=28.34, 10.36, 51.57, H=35.66; all at P<0.01).The positive rates of palpebral bacteria and ciliary Demodex and the load of Demodex were significantly higher and the palpebral fungi positive rate was significantly lower in the ≥60 years old than in the <60 years old (all at P<0.05).There were significant differences in the positive rates of bacteria and fungi among anterior blepharitis, posterior blepharitis and non-blepharitis groups ( χ2=18.99, 6.36; all at P<0.01).The palpebral bacteria positive rate was significantly higher in anterior blepharitis group than in posterior blepharitis and non-blepharitis groups, and the palpebral fungi positive rate was significantly higher in anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis groups than in non-blepharitis group (all at P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the ciliary Demodex detection rate among the three groups ( χ2=0.16, P=0.74).The number of palpebral fungi spores and eyelash Demodex counts were higher in anterior and posterior blepharitis groups than in non-blepharitis group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).The positive rate of palpebral margin bacteria in ciliary Demodex-positive group was 45.7%(156/341), which was significantly higher than 25.6%(40/156) in ciliary Demodex-negative group ( χ2=17.20, P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in the positive rate of palpebral margin fungi between them ( χ2=0.11, P=0.70). Conclusions:In the population with normal eyelid margin, the infection of Demodex and bacteria in lid margin increases and fungal infection decreases in the ≥60 years old.Fungal and bacterial infections are the main sources of palpebral infection in patients with blepharitis, and positive detection of Demodex increases the chance of bacterial infection.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of peripheral artery CT angiography (CTA)under 70 kV with 50 ml contrast medium on the third-generation dual-source CT. Methods Totally 82 patients who were equally randomized into two groups:70 kV group:the scan was performed under 70 kV tube voltage+50 ml iopromide on the third-generation dual-source CT;and 100 kV group:the scan was performed under 100 kV tube voltage+90 ml iopromide on the second-generation dual-source CT. The CT number of abdominal aorta,bilateral common iliac arteries,common femoral arteries,superficial femoral arteries,popliteal arteries and arteries of the calf were measured and contrast to noise ratio(CNR),signal to noise ratio(SNR)were calculated. The image quality was compared between these two groups. Results The dose-length product was (195.8±46.9)mGy·cm in 70 kV group,which was significantly lower than that in 100 kV group (461.6±57.9)mGy·cm,and was decreased by 57% (t=-22.848,P=0.000). Compared with the 100 kV group,the CT number of the proximal abdominal aorta in 70 kV group was significantly lower(t=-2.502,P=0.014),while the CT number of superficial femoral arteries (t=3.053,P=0.003)and popliteal arteries (t=4.013,P=0.000)was much higher in 70 kV group. SNR and CNR of proximal abdominal aorta,distal abdominal aorta,bilateral common iliac arteries,common femoral arteries,superficial femoral arteries,popliteal arteries and arteries of the calf were significantly lower in 70 kV group than those in 100 kV group (all P<0.05). The artifacts in abdominal aorta (t=2.893,P=0.000)and feet arteries (t=3.776,P=0.000)were higher in 70 kV group than those in 100 kV group,the enhancement of abdominal aorta (t=-1.000,P=0.002)and feet arteries (t=2.893,P=0.010)were lower in 70 kV group,the enhancement of femoral-popliteal arteries (t=-1.000,P=0.000)and arteries of calf (t=4.261,P=0.000)were higher in 70 kV group. Compared with the 100 kV group,the image noise in aorta (t=2.048,P=0.044),femoral-popliteal arteries (t=8.370,P=0.000),arteries of the calf (t=8.315,P=0.000)and feet arteries (t=7.202,P=0.000)were higher in 70 kV group. Conclusion Compared to conventional scan protocol,using 70 kV tube voltage with 50 ml contrast medium to perform peripheral artery CTA can assure the image quality and meanwhile remarkably reduce the radiation dose and the use of contrast medium.
Aorta, Abdominal ; diagnostic imaging ; Arteries ; diagnostic imaging ; Artifacts ; Computed Tomography Angiography ; Contrast Media ; Humans ; Iohexol ; analogs & derivatives ; Leg ; blood supply ; Radiation Dosage ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Objective:To summarize the ultrasonophic features of left atrial appendage aneurysm, and to provide an important reference for the early and accurate diagnosis of left atrial appendage aneurysm.Methods:Patients with atrial appendage aneurysm have no obvious symptoms in the early stage, and there are many difficulties and challenges in diagnosis. This paper analyzed and summarized the diagnostic characteristics of a child with left atrial appendage aneurysm by combining the prenatal and postnatal ultrasonic imaging characteristics.Results:Echocardiography is the first choice for the diagnosis of left atrial appendage aneurysm. Some cases can make precise diagnosis prenatally.Conclusions:Echocardiography is the preferred imaging examination method for evaluating left atrial appendage aneurysm. Multimodal imaging technology can identify and diagnose left atrial appendage aneurysm early and accurately, and provide important basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment plan.

Objective:To investigate the expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in corneal epithelial cells and the effects of fungus on AMPK phosphorylation and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in corneal epithelial cells.Methods:The human immortalized corneal epithelial cell line was selected.The safe concentration range of AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) (100, 300, 500, 1 000 μmol/L) and inhibitor Compound C (10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, 20.0 μmol/L) on corneal epithelial cells was screened by multi-function real-time unlabeled cell analyzer.Corneal epithelial cells without any treatment were used as the normal control group, and those co-cultured with spores were used as the spore control group.Corneal epithelial cells co-cultured with spores were treated with AICAR and Compound C for 4 hours in the AICAR group and Compound C group, respectively.The expression of phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) and AMPK in corneal epithelial cells was detected by Western blot, and the concentration of IL-6 in the culture supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:After treatment with different concentrations of AICAR for different periods, there was no statistical significance in the cell index of corneal epithelial cells (all at P>0.05). The cell index of corneal epithelial cells was increased with 10.0 μmol/L and 12.5 μmol/L Compound C treatment compared with that of the normal control group.The expression levels of p-AMPK were 0.67±0.15, 2.57±0.12, 3.67±0.58 and 1.50±0.50, respectively, in the normal control group, spore control group, AICAR group and Compound C group, showing a statistically significant difference among them ( F=32.820, P<0.001). The expression level of p-AMPK was significantly higher in the spore control group compared with the normal control group ( P<0.001). The expression level of p-AMPK in the AICAR group was higher than that in the spore control group, and the expression level of p-AMPK in the Compound C group was lower than that in the spore control group, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P=0.010). There was no significant difference in the relative expression level of AMPK among the four groups ( F=0.120, P=0.950). The expression levels of IL-6 concentration in the normal control group, spore control group, AICAR group and Compound C group were (107.81±17.15), (156.32±9.94), (167.96±14.16) and (127.42±19.75)pg/ml, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference among them ( F=15.210, P<0.001). The IL-6 concentration of the spore control group was higher than that of the normal control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). The IL-6 concentration of the AICAR group was higher than that of the spore control group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.260). The IL-6 concentration of the Compound C group was lower than that of the spore control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.010). Conclusions:In corneal epithelial cells, AMPK phosphorylation is found, which is enhanced after fungal spores stimulation, and the secretion of IL-6 increases.

Objective:To explore the feasibility, accuracy and reproducibility of a novel, fully automated three-dimensional echocardiography right ventricular(RV) quantification software(3D Anto RV) to evaluate the RV volume and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) using artificial intelligence in patients after heart transplantation (HT) comparing with the gold reference-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).Methods:Forty-six patients after HT who were scheduled for echocardiogram at their routine follow-up examinations and also agreed to undergo CMR examination within the following 24 hours in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2018 to June 2019 were prospectively included. The right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV) and RVEF of HT patients were measured by CMR 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated three-dimensional echocardiography RV quantification software (Tomtec 4D RV function 2.0). The results of the 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated Tomtec were respectively compared with CMR using paired two-tailed student′s t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses. Results:The feasibility of the 3D Auto RV was 87%.The fully automated analysis realized in 27 (59%) patients by 3D Auto RV and the analysis time required only (12±1)s. The results of the remaining 19 (41%) patients needed manual adjustment and the mean analysis time in manual adjustment was also <2 min that was shorter than the conventional semi-automated three-dimensional echocardiography RV quantification software[(108±15)s vs (160±34)s, P<0.001]. For the results of RV volumes: There were good correlations between the 3D Auto RV and CMR, conventional semi-automated Tomtec and CMR for the measurements of RVEDV, RVESV and RVSV ( r=0.77-0.84, all P<0.001). In addition, compared with CMR, although there were significantly underestimated RV volumes by the 3D Auto RV and conventional semi-automated Tomtec, the negative bias was smaller in the 3D Auto RV than the conventional semi-automated Tomtec. For the results of RVEF: the corresponding RVEF derived from 3D Auto RV and CMR showed an excellent correlation and consistency ( r=0.84, P<0.001; bias=-1.1%, Limit of agreement=-8.1%-6.0%). In addition, the correlations between the manual adjustment by 3D Auto RV and the CMR ( r=0.63-0.72, all P<0.001) was lower than the correlations between the 3D Auto RV and the CMR ( r=0.76-0.82, all P<0.001) for RV volumes and RVEF.Finally, 3D Auto RV had a good reproducibility. Conclusions:The new fully 3D Auto RV quantification software underestimate RV volumes that less than the conventional semi-automated Tomtec. And the 3D Auto RV quantification software can accurately evaluate the RVEF in patients after HT with rapid analysis and higher reproducibility, which may also support the routine adoption of this method during follow-ups of HT patients in the daily clinical workflow.