Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.

Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.

ObjectiveTo perform a predictive analysis of the quality marker（Q-Marker） for the anticoagulant activity of Kunning granules. MethodThe chemical components of Kunning granules were analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry（UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS） on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column（2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.8 μm） with the mobile phase of acetonitrile（A）-25 mmol∙L^-1 ammonium acetate aqueous solution（B） for gradient elution （0-5 min， 5%-22%A； 5-10 min， 22%-30%A； 10-15 min， 30%-95%A； 15-20 min， 95%-5%A； 20-30 min， 5%A）， flow rate of 0.2 mL∙min^-1， column temperature at 30 ℃， injection volume of 1 μL， electrospray ionization（ESI）， positive and negative ion detection modes. Interaction analysis between the targets of chemical components and the targets of abnormal uterine bleeding（AUB） was performed by network pharmacology， and the key components were screened through network topology analysis. The fingerprints of 10 batches of Kunning granules were established by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）， the anticoagulant activity of the granules was determined by blood coagulation method and fibrinogen plate method， and the spectrum-effective relationship was established. The components co-occurring in the topological analysis and spectrum-effective relationship were selected as Q-Markers， and their anticoagulant activities were verified and confirmed. ResultA total of 475 chemical components were identified from Kunning Granule， of which 22 key components such as salvianolic acid B， paeoniflorin， naringin and neohesperidin， were the potential material basis for the treatment of AUB. The spectrum-effective analysis showed that peaks 7（paeoniflorin）， 9（naringin）， 10（neohesperidin） and 11（salvianolic acid B） were the optimal principal components， and in vitro activity test showed that these four components could better characterize their anticoagulant activity. ConclusionSalvianolic acid B， paeoniflorin， neohesperidin and naringin may be Q-Markers for the anticoagulant activity of Kunning granules.

OBJECTIVE：Compare the difference of total protein content of Poria cocos from different producing areas. METHODs：Using bovine serum albumin （BSA） as control ，0.4 mol/L sodium hydroxide solution as exctraction solution ， Coomassie brilliant blue G- 250 as chromogenic reagent ，visible spectrophotometry at 595 nm was used to determine the contents of total protein of P. cocos ；cluster analysis was used to classify 34 batches（S1-S34）of P. cocos from different producing areas. RESULTS：The linear range of BSA was 1.45-17.40 μ g/mL （r＝0.999 6）. RSDs of precision ，stability （20 min） and reproducibility tests were all lower than 3％；recoveries were 100.14％-104.26％（RSD＝1.43％，n＝9）. The contents of total protein in 34 batches of P. cocos from different producing areas were 0.388 4％-1.129 7％. The results of cluster analysis showed that among 34 batches of P. cocos ，the total protein content of P. cocos produced in Yingshan county of Hubei province （S2，S3） was higher than 1％，clustered into one category ；the total protein contents of P. cocos produced in Hubei ，Yunnan，Anhui and Hunan（S1，S5-S10，S12，S13，S16，S17，S19-S21，S23-S25，S28，S30，S31）were 0.653 5％-0.946 1％，clustered into one categony，and the remaining batch content were 0.388 4％-0.601 2％，clustered into one category. CONCLUSIONS ：Established method is suitable for the content determination of total protein content of P. cocos . The protein content of P. cocos from Yingshan county of Hubei province is the highest ，followed by Yunnan and Anhui in 34 batches of P. cocos from different producing areas.

OBJECTIVE：To study “Qi-invigorating”effect and its possible mechanism of total saponins of Astragalus membranaceus on rats with Qi-deficiency ，and to provide reference for elucidating the material basis of “Qi-invigorating”effect of A. membranaceus . METHODS ：Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group ，model group ，positive control group [Buzhong yiqi pills ，4.5 g/（kg·d）]，A. membranaceus total saponins high-dose and low-dose groups [ 252，28 g/（kg·d），by the amount of total saponins] according to body weight ，with 8 rats in each group. Except for normal group ，the model of Qi-deficiency was made in other groups by the method of “diet disorder+fatigue ”. At the same time ，administration groups were given relevant medicine intragastrically ，and normal group and model group were given constant volume of water，once a day ，for consecutive 21 days. After last administration ，the general situation of rats was observed ；the body weight ，spleen index and thymus index of rats were detected ；weight-bearing swimming time was recorded ；the levels of spleen T lymphocyte subsets CD 3 and CD 4，the levels of ATP and ADP in liver tissue ，serum levels of ALB ，RBC and HBG in blood as well as the serum levels of SOD，MDA，lactate，LDH，CK，IL-2，IL-12 and TNF-α were all detected. RESULTS：Compared with normal group ，body weight，thymus index ，spleen index ，weight-bearing swimming time ，the level of spleen T lymphocyte subsets CD 3，ATP，ADP， ALB，IL-2 and IL- 12 were decreased or shortened significantly in model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The levels of MDA ， lactate，CK and TNF-α were increased significantly （P＜ 0.05）. Compared with model group ，body weight ，spleen index，weight-bearing swimming time ，the level of spleen T lymphocyte subsets CD 3 and the levels of ATP ，ADP，ALB， RBC and IL- 2 were increased significantly or prolonged（P＜0.05）；while the levels of MDA ，lactate，CK and TNF-α were decreased significantly in A. membranaceus total saponins high-dose group（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）.Weight-bearing swimming time ，the levels of ATP ，ADP and IL- 2 in A. membranaceus total saponins low-dose group were increased significantly or prolonged （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），while the levels of MDA ，lactate，CK and TNF-α were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with positive control group ，spleen index ，spleen T lymphocyte subsets CD 3，weight-bearing swimming time and ATP level of A. membranaceus total saponins high-dose group were increased significantly or prolonged （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01），while MDA levels of A. membranaceus total saponins high-dose and low-dose groups were decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ：A. membranaceus total saponins can reduce the body ’s accumulation of blood lactic acid ，the activity of CK ，the level of lipid peroxide and regulate immunity to tonify Qi ，delay fatigue and improve exercise ability.

AIM: To investigate the effect of inhibiting myosin light chain kinase ( MLCK) on endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced proliferation and apoptosis of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).METHODS: Rat PASMCs were cultured and stimulated with ET-1.The cells were randomly divided into control group , ET-1 group and ET-1+MLCK inhibitor group (ET-1+M).Western blotting, MTT assay, [3H]-TdR incorporation and flow cytometry were employed to test the expression of myosin light chain (MLC) and MLCK, cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptotic rate of PASMCs ,respectively .The phosphorylation of MLC was determined by glycerol-PAGE coupled with Western blotting .RE-SULTS:Compared with control group , the protein expression of MLCK and MLC phosphorylation significantly enhanced af -ter ET-1 stimulation.ET-1 markedly induced the proliferation and decreased the percentage of apoptotic rate in the PASMCs.However, pretreatment with ML-7, a MLCK inhibitor, significantly reversed the above effects induced by ET-1. CONCLUSION:MLCK inhibitor effectively inhibits the ET-1-induced proliferation and the cell cycle progression .

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To investigate the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors ( PPAR)α/peroxi-some proliferator activated receptor coactivator 1 alpha ( PGC-1α) in doxorubicin ( DOX) induced dilated cardiomyopathy ( DCM) and its effect on the energy metabolism and myocardial function in mice .METHODS:Forty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group, DOX group, PPARαinhibitor group and PPARαagonist group.The DCM model was established by injection of DOX.The protein levels of PPARα/PGC-1αwere detected.The PPARαinhibitor and PPARαagonist were used 2 weeks beforeinjection of DOX.The contents of adenine acid and phosphocreatine ( Pcr) in the mito-chondria were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) .The ANT activity was analyzed by the atrac-tyloside-inhibitor stop technique.The changes of the echocardiography and hemodynamics were also observed.RESULTS:DOX induced DCM model was successfully established.The protein levels of PPARαand PGC-1αin control group were significantly higher than those in DOX group (P<0.05).Both of the high-energy phosphate contents and the transport ac-tivity of ANT were decreased in DOX group (P<0.05), and the hemodynamic parameters were disordered (P<0.01). Compared with DOX group, PPARαinhibitor pre-treatment significantly reduced the PPARα/PGC-1αexpression.Mean-while, high-energy phosphate contents in the mitochondria and the ANT transport activity of the mitochondria decreased, as well as the left ventricular function ( P<0.05) .On the other hand, PPARαagonist significantly increased the expression of PPARαand PGC-1α, and improved the transport activity of ANT.In addition, the hemodynamic parameters were amel-iorated, but the high-energy phosphate contents of the mitochondria did not significantly change.CONCLUSION:PPARα/PGC-1αplays an important role in the regulation of ANT transport activity in dilated cardiomyopathy induced by DOX, and the activation of PPARα/PGC-1αhas protective effects on the DCM induced by DOX.

Objective To investigate the effects of calcium - dependent and calcium - independent in myosin light chain(MLC)dephosphorylation on pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular remodeling,and to observe whether there is a superimposition effect while intervention is conducted in two ways at the same time. Methods Ac-cording to random number table,50 rats were divided into 5 groups:sham operation group,model group,3 mg/(kg·d) ML - 7[MLC kinase(MLCK)inhibitor]treating group(M group),20 mg/(kg·d)Fasudil(Rho kinase inhibitor) treating group(F group)and 3 mg/(kg·d)ML - 7 plus 20 mg/(kg·d)Fasudil treating group(M + F group). The shunt between the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava was used to establish rat models of pulmonary hypertension in-duced by high pulmonary flow in group of C and the experimental groups. The sham operation group was given a sham operation. MLCK and Rho kinase inhibitor were administrated intraperitoneally to rats with the shunt. After 8 weeks of shunting,mean right ventricular pressure(MRVP),mean pulmonary arterial pressure(MPAP),right ventricular hyper-trophy index(RVHI)and width of inferior venacava were evaluated by the right cardiac catheterization procedure. Results Compared with the sham operation group,MRVP,MPAP,and RVHI were obviously elevated in the model group [(2. 65 ±0. 57)kPa vs(4. 19 ±0. 67)kPa;(2. 42 ± 0. 48)kPa vs(4. 04 ± 0. 61)kPa,F = 295. 368,263. 912,all P ﹤0. 01;(0. 21 ±0. 01)g/ g vs(0. 41 ±0. 03)g/ g,F =247. 024,P ﹤0. 01]. Compared with model group,the MRVP,MPAP and RVHI in M group and F group were decreased significantly[(3. 51 ± 0. 47)kPa vs(4. 19 ± 0. 67)kPa;(3. 68 ± 0. 55)kPa vs(4. 19 ±0. 67)kPa,all P ﹤0. 01;M group:(0. 29 ±0. 02)g/ g,model group:(0. 41 ± 0. 03)g/ g,F group (0. 30 ±0. 03)g/ g,F =247. 024,P ﹤0. 05]. But the MRVP,MPAP and RVHI in M group and F group were higher than those of rats in the sham operation group. The MRVP,MPAP and RVHI of M + F group were elevated much obviously compared with those of the M or F group(P ﹤0. 05). Conclusions The calcium - dependent and calcium - independent in MLC dephosphorylation can respectively restrain the development of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular re-modeling,and the obvious additive effect can be observed when the 2 drugs are used jointly.

[ABSTRACT]AIM:Toinvestigatetheeffectsofmechanicalstretchontransientoutwardpotassiumcurrent(Ito), inward rectifier potassium current ( IK1 ) and action potential duration ( APD) of cultured neonatal rat atrial myocytes . METHODS:Neonatal rat atrial myocytes were isolated and cultured on silicone sheeting with or without stretch for 24 h. The silicone membrane area was increased by 12%in stretched group.The cells without stretch served as control .Ito, IK1 and APD were recorded by the technique of whole-cell patch clamp.RESULTS:Compared with control group, Ito density in stretched myocytes was significantly reduced [(1.6 ±0.4) pA/pF vs (12.1 ±2.9) pA/pF, P<0.01], whereas IK1 density was increased [(-10.8 ±0.8) pA/pF vs (-8.8 ±0.9) pA/pF, P<0.01].The APDs at 50%and 90%levels of repolarization ( APD50 and APD90 ) in the stretched cells were obviously decreased than those in non-stretched cells [(10.5 ±1.4) ms vs (15.5 ±2.4) ms, (30.0 ±2.8) ms vs (56.3 ±3.6) ms, P<0.01].CONCLUSION: Stretch stimulation leads to the reduction of Ito density, the increase in IK1 density and the shortness of APD in cultured rat atrial neonatal myocytes , which may contribute to atrial electrical remodeling induced by pressure overload .

Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; diagnosis ; Brugada Syndrome ; Cardiac Conduction System Disease ; Coronary Vessels ; pathology ; Heart Conduction System ; abnormalities ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged