1.Research progress on the clinical application and mechanism of Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction in the treatment of neurological diseases
Yimeng KONG ; Zhiyong LIU ; Chengsi DUAN ; Lanyun SHI ; Meina ZHAO ; Mengyuan ZHANG ; Chen YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1515-1520
Neurological diseases have high morbidity and disability rates, posing a severe threat to human health. Cli nical manifestations include motor, sensory, cognitive and conscious disorders. Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction is derived from Treatise on Febrile Diseases , with the effects of harmonizing Shaoyang, activating Yang and clearing heat, and tranquilizing the mind. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in clinical application and mechanism of Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction in the field of neurological diseases. It has been found that the decoction shows favorable efficacy in various neurological diseases such as insomnia, depression, epilepsy, vertigo, migraine and vascular dementia. The specific mechanisms are related to regulating neurotransmitter levels, repairing neuronal function, alleviating neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial dysfunction and regulating intestinal flora. In the future, standardized prospective follow-up cohorts should be established, and core outcome indicators should be clearly defined to strengthen the evidence base. Furthermore, multidisciplinary research should be leveraged to expand the therapeutic value of Chaihu jia longgu muli decoction in the management of neurological diseases.
2.Deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in brain CT perfusion imaging with low tube voltage and reduced contrast agent dosage
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Luotong WANG ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Ke QI ; Weiting ZHANG ; Jiong ZHANG ; Songwei YUE ; Jianbo GAO ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(5):799-805
Objective To observe the value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm in brain CT perfusion(CTP)using a protocol of 70 kVp and 40 ml contrast agent dose.Methods Totally 105 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke(AIS)were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into 3 groups,who underwent standard dose CTP scanning with 80 kVp and 150 mA combined with reconstruction as adaptive statistic iterative reconstruction V(ASIR-V)at 50%level(CN group,n=35),low dose(LD)scanning with 70 kVp and 100 mA combined with DLIR reconstruction at the highest level(DLIR-H)(LD group,n=35),or ultra-low dose(ULD)scanning with 70 kVp and 70 mA combined with DLIR-H reconstruction(ULD group,n=35).Radiation doses were compared among 3 groups.CT values and standard deviations(SDCT)of ROI of gray matter and white matter in the frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were measured.Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)between gray and white matter were calculated and compared among groups.Then pseudo-color images of cerebral blood volume(CBV),cerebral blood flow(CBF),mean transit time(MTT)and time to maximum of the tissue residual function(Tmax)were generated.The imaging quality of CTP pseudo-color images was evaluated,and the compatibility of the subjective scores within every kind of CTP pseudo-color images were assessed using Kappa test.Quantitative perfusion parameters were measured and compared among groups.Results Compared with CN group,both LD and ULD groups demonstrated significantly reduced volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),dose-length product(DLP)and effective dose(ED)(all adjusted P<0.05).In ULD group,SDCT of white matter in frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were higher than those in CN group,and SDCT of white matter in parietal lobe was also higher than that in LD group(all adjusted P<0.05).No significant difference of SDCT of gray matter was observed among groups(all P>0.05).SNR of white matter in parietal and temporal lobes in both LD and ULD groups were lower than those in CN group(all P<0.05),while no significant difference of SNR of white matter in frontal lobe,nor of gray matter in frontal,parietal and temporal lobes was found among groups(all P>0.05).CNR of gray and white matter in the frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were not significantly different among groups(all P>0.05).High consistency of inter-observer subjective scores of CBV maps,CBF maps and Tmax maps(Kappa of 0.623,0.644 and 0.638,respectively)were noticed,which of MTT maps had moderate consistency(Kappa=0.560).No significant difference of intra-obsever subjective scores of CTP pseudo-color images was found among groups(all P>0.05).CBV,CBF,MTT and Tmax values of gray and white matter in frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were not significantly different among groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion DLIR algorithm applicated in low radiation dose and reduced contrast agent dosage might ensure imaging quality.
3.Photon-counting detector CT with virtual monoenergetic imaging in enabling a quadruple low-dose aortic CT angiography protocol: a feasibility study
Ke QI ; Kehui NIE ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Mengyuan ZHANG ; Weiting ZHANG ; Yanbo GU ; Yan CHEN ; Jianbo GAO ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(10):1133-1141
Objective:To assess the viability of reducing radiation dose, contrast media volume, injection flow rate and contrast medium concentration (quadruple low-dose protocol) by utilizing virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for aortic CT angiography (CTA), while maintaining image quality in comparison to images obtained from energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT).Methods:From April 2024 to June 2024, a total of 40 participants who underwent aortic CTA on PCD-CT were prospectively enrolled in the experimental group (PCD-CT group), while 40 patients with similar baseline characteristics who had previously undergone aortic CTA using EID-CT were retrospectively selected for the conventional group (EID-CT group). The EID-CT group used a tube voltage of 90 kVp, a contrast media volume of 60 ml of contrast, an injection flow rate of 3 ml/s, and a contrast concentration of 350 mgI/ml; the PCD-CT group used the QuantumPlus mode, with a tube voltage of 140 kVp, a total amount of iodine in the contrast media of 140 mgI/kg, and an injection flow rate=contrast media volume/(delay time+scan time), and a contrast media concentration of 320 mgI/ml. VMIs in PCD-CT group were reconstructed in 5-keV intervals ranging from 45 to 65 keV. The effective radiation dose and contrast injection protocols were recorded and compared between two groups. Objective image quality assessment was performed for each group. CT attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured at five anatomical locations (ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, abdominal aorta, and right common iliac artery), and image noise was recorded. Subjective image quality was independently evaluated by two readers using a 5-point Likert scale in a blinded manner. Based on data normality, the one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test was used for image quality assessment, with Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc analysis for multiple comparisons.Results:There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between two groups (all P0.05). The PCD-CT group demonstrated significantly lower effective radiation dose [(3.88±0.65) mSv vs. (5.97±1.15)mSv], contrast media volume [(29.25±4.56) ml vs. 60 ml], and injection rate [(2.65±0.42) ml/s vs. 3 ml/s] than the EID-CT group, with reductions of 35%, 51%, and 12%, respectively (all P0.001). For objective image quality, except for the ascending aortic CT attenuation, the CT attenuation, SNR, and CNR of other vessels in the 55 keV PCD-CT group were comparable to those in the EID-CT group. Additionally, the difference in image noise between these two groups was not statistically significant ( P0.05). Concerning subjective image quality, at 55 keV, the PCD-CT group had similar image noise scores and vessel attenuation scores (both P0.05) and better visualization of renal artery branching ( P=0.001) compared to the EID-CT group. Conclusion:In comparison to EID-CT, the use of a 55 keV image in PCD-CT for aortic CTA has demonstrated reductions in radiation dose, contrast media volume, injection flow rate and contrast medium concentration, while maintaining image quality.
4.Feasibility study of photon counting CT combined with “quadruple lows” technology in head and neck vascular imaging
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Kehui NIE ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Ke QI ; Weiting ZHANG ; Yanbo GU ; Yan CHEN ; Jianbo GAO ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(8):942-948
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of head and neck vascular imaging using photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) combined with a “quadruple lows” protocol—characterized by low contrast media volume, low iodine concentration, low injection rate, and low radiation dose—and to compare the image quality with that obtained by energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT).Methods:A total of 105 patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease were prospectively enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April and June 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups ( n=35). Group A underwent conventional head and neck CTA using EID-CT. Group B underwent PCD-CT with a protocol involving ultra-low contrast media volume, low iodine concentration, and low injection rate. Group C underwent PCD-CT with the full “quadruple low” protocol. Objective image quality parameters—including CT attenuation, image noise (standard deviation, SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)—were measured at the ascending aorta, common carotid artery, internal carotid artery, vertebral artery, basilar artery, posterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery. Two radiologists independently rated subjective image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences among groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results:Compared to Group A [contrast volume: (42.78±6.64)ml], contrast agent volume was significantly reduced in Groups B and C[ (26.26±4.45) ml and (26.54±3.83)ml, respectively], demonstrating reductions of 39% and 38% (both P<0.01). The iodine concentration was 320 mg/ml in Groups B and C, lower than 350 mg/ml in Group A (8.5%). The injection rate was also reduced in Groups B and C [(3.39±0.61) and (3.55±0.51)ml/s, respectively] compared to Group A [(4.28±0.66) ml/s], with reductions of 21% and 17% (both P<0.01). The effective dose (ED) was similar between Groups A and B [(1.40±0.15) vs. (1.40±0.19)mSv, P>0.05], while Group C demonstrated a significantly lower ED [(0.99±0.09) mSv], with a reduction of 30% compared to Group A and 29% compared to Group B (both P<0.01).In terms of objective image quality, significant differences in image noise (SD) were observed among the three groups at the vertebral artery, internal carotid artery, posterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery (all P<0.05). Groups B and C showed significantly lower SD compared to Group A ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between B and C ( P>0.05). SNR was significantly higher in Groups B and C than in Group A at multiple vascular segments (all P<0.05). CNR differed only at the internal carotid artery, where Groups B and C demonstrated superior performance compared to Group A ( P<0.05).Subjective image quality scores showed no significant difference between Groups A and C ( P>0.05), while Group B had significantly higher scores than both A and C ( P<0.05). All images were deemed diagnostically acceptable. Conclusion:Compared with conventional EID-CT, PCD-CT combined with a “quadruple lows” protocol enables substantial reductions in contrast media and radiation dose while further improving image quality in head and neck CTA.
5.Efficacy analysis of modified endoscopic autologous cartilage eustachian tube pharyngeal orifice tubo-plasty on patulous eustachian tube
Jingcheng ZHOU ; Zhenhao FU ; Fangyuan WANG ; Jianping JIA ; Danheng ZHAO ; Ya LIU ; Li ZHU ; Kun HOU ; Mengyuan GUO ; Haoze ZHANG ; Yulin DING ; Xiaolong LI ; Zhaohui HOU
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(5):418-423
Objective This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of modified endoscopic autologous cartilage eustachian tube pharyngeal orifice tuboplasty(MEACETT)in patients with patulous eustachian tube(PET).Meth-ods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 patients(30 ears)diagnosed with PET who underwent MEACETT.Autologous cartilage was used through the incision at the posterior end of the inferior turbi-nate and filled into the lateral wall of the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube.Without affecting the movement function of the eustachian tube during swallowing,the collapse of the pharyngeal orifice was fully filled.Before and after the surgery,the visual analogue scale(VAS),the eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7(ETDQ-7)and hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)was used for assessment to evaluate the surgical efficacy.Results There was no significant difference in depression scores before and after surgery(P>0.05).However,postopera-tive anxiety scores,ETDQ-7 scores,and VAS scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores(P<0.05).Among the 27 patients,9 showed significant symptom relief,13 exhibited partial relief,and 5 had no significant change compared to preoperative symptoms.The overall response rate of the treatment(significant relief and partial relief)was 81.48%(22/27).All surgeries were successfully performed.Except for secretory otitis media occurring in 2 cases,no major complications were observed.Conclusion MEACETT demonstrates significant symptom relief in PET patients,with high surgical safety and low complication rates,making it worthy of clinical promotion.
6.Research on the diagnostic efficiency of the"R"value of tubomanometry in detecting patulous eusta-chian tube
Zhenhao FU ; Jingcheng ZHOU ; Jianping JIA ; Fangyuan WANG ; Danheng ZHAO ; Ya LIU ; Haoze ZHANG ; Mengyuan GUO ; Li ZHU ; Kun HOU ; Yulin DING ; Xiaolong LI ; Zhaohui HOU
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(5):429-433
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the R value in tubomanometry(TMM)for the di-agnosis of patulous eustachian tube(PET).Methods The clinical data of 58 patients with PET and 65 controls were retrospectively analyzed.TMM was performed on both groups under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of the R value for PET was evaluated through receiver operating char-acteristic(ROC)curves.Results In the control group,the average R values under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar were 0.86±0.50,0.76±0.41,and 0.68±0.34 respectively.In contrast,the corresponding R values in the PET group were significantly lower,which were 0.56±0.38,0.50±0.36,and 0.46±0.38 respec-tively.According to the ROC curve analysis,the areas under the curve(AUC)at these pressures were 0.62,0.74,and 0.74 respectively.The specificity and sensitivity of the R value under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar were 76.90%and 54.30%,74.60%and 68.10%,86.90%and 54.30%,respectively.Under pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar,the incidence rates of R>1 in the control group and the PET group were 29.23%(38/130)and 12.77%(12/94)(x2=8.69,P=0.003),20.00%(26/130)and 6.38%(6/94)(x2=7.20,P=0.007),10.00%(13/130)and 3.19%(3/94)(x2=2.87,P=0.09)respectively.Conclusion Although the low R value in TMM reflects the presence of PET to some extent,it does not provide adequate sensitivity and specificity to serve as an independent diagnostic criterion for PET.
7.Deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in brain CT perfusion imaging with low tube voltage and reduced contrast agent dosage
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Luotong WANG ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Ke QI ; Weiting ZHANG ; Jiong ZHANG ; Songwei YUE ; Jianbo GAO ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(5):799-805
Objective To observe the value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm in brain CT perfusion(CTP)using a protocol of 70 kVp and 40 ml contrast agent dose.Methods Totally 105 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke(AIS)were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into 3 groups,who underwent standard dose CTP scanning with 80 kVp and 150 mA combined with reconstruction as adaptive statistic iterative reconstruction V(ASIR-V)at 50%level(CN group,n=35),low dose(LD)scanning with 70 kVp and 100 mA combined with DLIR reconstruction at the highest level(DLIR-H)(LD group,n=35),or ultra-low dose(ULD)scanning with 70 kVp and 70 mA combined with DLIR-H reconstruction(ULD group,n=35).Radiation doses were compared among 3 groups.CT values and standard deviations(SDCT)of ROI of gray matter and white matter in the frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were measured.Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)between gray and white matter were calculated and compared among groups.Then pseudo-color images of cerebral blood volume(CBV),cerebral blood flow(CBF),mean transit time(MTT)and time to maximum of the tissue residual function(Tmax)were generated.The imaging quality of CTP pseudo-color images was evaluated,and the compatibility of the subjective scores within every kind of CTP pseudo-color images were assessed using Kappa test.Quantitative perfusion parameters were measured and compared among groups.Results Compared with CN group,both LD and ULD groups demonstrated significantly reduced volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),dose-length product(DLP)and effective dose(ED)(all adjusted P<0.05).In ULD group,SDCT of white matter in frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were higher than those in CN group,and SDCT of white matter in parietal lobe was also higher than that in LD group(all adjusted P<0.05).No significant difference of SDCT of gray matter was observed among groups(all P>0.05).SNR of white matter in parietal and temporal lobes in both LD and ULD groups were lower than those in CN group(all P<0.05),while no significant difference of SNR of white matter in frontal lobe,nor of gray matter in frontal,parietal and temporal lobes was found among groups(all P>0.05).CNR of gray and white matter in the frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were not significantly different among groups(all P>0.05).High consistency of inter-observer subjective scores of CBV maps,CBF maps and Tmax maps(Kappa of 0.623,0.644 and 0.638,respectively)were noticed,which of MTT maps had moderate consistency(Kappa=0.560).No significant difference of intra-obsever subjective scores of CTP pseudo-color images was found among groups(all P>0.05).CBV,CBF,MTT and Tmax values of gray and white matter in frontal,parietal and temporal lobes were not significantly different among groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion DLIR algorithm applicated in low radiation dose and reduced contrast agent dosage might ensure imaging quality.
8.Study on the characteristics of Chinese medicine syndromes and its basic metabolites of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Qiuju ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Bishi LING ; Meilong SI ; Haoxian MENG ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Ming ZHANG ; Nini LIAN ; Wanrong KANG ; Hua JIN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(1):44-53
Objective To investigate the characteristics of Chinese medicine syndromes and the possible metabolic substance basis of spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR).Methods 10-week-old SPF SHR and WKY of the same strain were divided into SHR group and WKY group with 8 rats in each group.The general state,temperament,peripheral vascular filling,tongue characteristics,diet,water intake,urine and feces volume and characteristics,blood pressure,heart rate,respiratory rate,pain threshold,and open field behavior of SHR rats were observed and tested comprehensively to identify the possible syndrome types of Chinese medicine.At the same time,liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze non-targeted serum metabolites to preliminarily reveal the material basis of blood pressure elevation and Chinese medicine syndrome manifestations.Results Compared with WKY group,the scores of dark yellow hair color,irritable degree and peripheral capillary filling were higher in SHR group(P<0.0001).Red tongue color,dry tongue,little body fluid;24 h diet and water intake,urine volume and fecal volume were less(P<0.05),fecal water content was lower(P<0.001);systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR)and respiratory rate(RR)were significantly higher(P<0.05);Lower pain threshold(P<0.0001);The open field experiment shows that the moving distance and residence time of the edge are longer(P<0.001).Serum non-targeted metabolomics result showed that,compared with WKY group,the SHR group had 114 metabolites with significant differences(P<0.05).These differential metabolites were mainly lipids and lipid-like molecules(40.35%),organic acids and derivatives(22.8%),and organoheterocyclic compounds(15.79%).A total of 25 metabolic pathways were identified by KEGG enrichment analysis.Further differential abundance analysis showed that 16 pathways were activated,only 4 pathways were inhibited,and 5 pathways were not significantly changed.The glutamatergic synapse and GABAergic synapse were activated,while the serotonergic synapse was inhibited.Conclusions The symptoms of SHR include impatience and irritability,peripheral vascular dilation and collateral circulation formation,bulbar conjunctival congestive swelling,red tongue coloration,a dry tongue,constipation,red-yellow urine of low volume,and a rapid heart rate and high respiratory rate.All these suggest that SHR is a syndrome of hypertension with hyperactivity of liver-yang.The material basis of SHR is not only related to lipid,amino acid,and carbohydrate metabolism disorders,but also may be related to metabolic disorders of glutaminergic,GABAergic,and serotonergic neural pathways.
9.Characteristics of time-domain and time-frequency of Chinese word-picture matching task-related electroenceph-alogram in patients with post-stroke aphasia
Zihan ZHANG ; Jinzhi GUAN ; Xing HUANG ; Li ZHOU ; Yaxuan ZHANG ; Mengyuan ZHANG ; Jingling CHANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(8):947-957
Objective To explore characteristics of time-domain and time-frequency of task-related electroencephalogram(EEG)in patients with post-stroke aphasia(PSA).Methods From January,2018 to December,2021,18 PSA patients(PSA group)were recruited from Dongzhimen Hospi-tal,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,and nine healthy subjects(control group)were recruited with matched gender,age and education level.EEG data based on the Chinese word-picture matching task were col-lected,and the average amplitude of N400 and event-related synchronization(ERS)/desynchronization(ERD)were analyzed.The PSA group was assessed with Chinese Rehabilitation Research Center Aphasia Examination(CRRCAE).Results The effect of N400 was significant on left frontal,central frontal,right frontal,left central and central areas.The average amplitude of N400 was higher on the frontal area in PSA group than in the control group,and it was low-er on right temporal-parietal area.For word-picture mismatching,average amplitude of N400 at FPZ was moder-ately correlated with auditory comprehension(r=0.483,P<0.05),the average amplitude of N400 at T8 was moderately correlated with repetition(r=0.584,P<0.05)and reading aloud(r=0.556,P<0.05),and the aver-age amplitude of N400 at P6 was moderately correlated with speaking(r=0.476,P<0.05)and reading(r=0.502,P<0.05).For word-picture matching,the average amplitude of N400 at P7 was moderately negatively cor-related with calculation(r=-0.481,P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the energy decreased in θ and αfrequency bands with absence of ERS in PSA group,and it increased in β frequency band with absence of ERD.Conclusion The activities of Chinese word-picture matching task-related EEG have been inhibited on right temporal-pa-rietal area for PSA patients,and it compensatively increases on frontal area,while the energy decreases in θ and αfrequency bands with ERS deficiency,and increases in β frequency band with ERD deficiency.
10.Research progress on mechanism of interferon regulation of JAK/STAT pathway in HIV-1 infection
Qing LI ; Long FENG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Yuxuan GENG ; Mengyuan SHI ; Qingya LI ; Wentao GUO ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Jiawen LYU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(11):2779-2783,2789
Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)is the pathogen of acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS).The vi-rus is a highly contagious and highly pathogenic disease caused by the virus attacking the human immune system,which remains a ma-jor global public health problem.Interferon(IFN)is a key cytokine with antiviral and cell-regulatory properties,involved in functions such as cell proliferation,innate and adaptive immune responses.The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is a signal transduction pathway stimulated by cytokines that is involved in many important biological processes such as cell proliferation,differentiation,apoptosis,and immune regulation.With the further in-depth research on AIDS,it has been revealed that IFN and the JAK/STAT pathway play crucial roles in the activation and replication of HIV-1 in target cells.This paper summarizes the structure,signal transduction,and regulatory mechanisms of IFN and the JAK/STAT pathway,and explores the mechanism of IFN-regulated JAK/STAT signaling path-way in HIV-1.It is expected to provide new treatment strategies for the clinical treatment of AIDS.

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