Data mining-based analysis of formulation rules for prescriptions containing herbal pair Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-Polygalae Radix / 中国中药杂志

By the in-depth excavation of prescriptions containing herbal pair Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-Polygalae Radix in the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions, this study analyzed their formulation rules, so as to provide reference for their clinical application and new drug development. First, the prescriptions containing Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-Polygalae Radix were collected from the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions, and their indications, herbal compatibility, and dosage forms were analyzed statistically using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System(TCMISS). Meanwhile, the formulation rules and common dosage forms for the top four indications(amnesia, palpitation, mania, and epilepsy) sorted by frequency were analyzed with Apriori algorithm. A total of 507 prescriptions containing Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-Polygalae Radix were screened out, involving 15 indications(frequency>10) like amnesia, palpitation, mania, and epilepsy. There were 30 commonly used Chinese herbs(frequency≥60), with the Qi-tonifying herbs(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome), mind-tranquilizing herbs(Poria and Poria cum Radix Pini), and Yin-nourishing herbs(Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Ophiopogonis Radix) being the core ones. The commonly used dosage forms were honey pill, paste pill, decoction, and powder. These have indicated that the herbal pair Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma-Polygalae Radix is often combined with Qi-tonifying, Yin-nourishing, and mind-tranquilizing herbs for the treatment of "heart or brain diseases" caused by phlegm production due to spleen deficiency, Qi and blood deficiency, and phlegm-turbidity blocking orifice. In the treatment of amnesia, supplementing essence and replenishing marrow are considered on the basis of tonifying Qi, nourishing Yin, and tranquilizing mind. In the treatment of palpitation and mania, tranquilizing mind is emphasized. In the treatment of epilepsy, the emphasis is placed on resolving phlegm, extinguishing wind, and stopping convulsion.

Effect of Gegen Qinliantang on Structure of Intestinal Flora in Dysbacterial Diarrhea Rats Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the effect of Gegen Qinliantang （GQT） on the structure of intestinal flora in dysbacterial diarrhea rats by 16S rRNA sequencing. Method:Sixty healthy SD rats were randomly and equally divided into a control group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose GQT groups， and a Bifidobiogen group. The rat model was induced in the five groups except the control group by administration of mixed antibiotics （178.6 mg·kg^-1 cefradine and 31.25 mg·kg^-1gentamicin sulfate） according to the dose. Drug intervention was carried out in each group （7.02， 3.51， and 1.755 g·kg^-1 GQT for the high-， medium-， and low-dose GQT groups， 0.125 g·kg^-1 bifidobacterium capsules for the Bifidobiogen group， and sterile distilled water for the control and model groups） with a volume of 10 mL·kg^-1 for seven days. Colon contents of rats were obtained under anesthesia. The extracted fecal DNA underwent 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and the results were analyzed. Result:GQT was proved capable of adjusting the species number and Alpha and Beta diversity， improving the biological richness and diversity of the flora， and positively regulating three differential phyla （Firmicutes， Proteobacteria， and Bacteroidetes） and 14 differential genera （<italic>Bacteroides</italic>，<italic> Parabacteroides</italic>，<italic> Blautia</italic>， etc.） in rat model of dysbacterial diarrhea. Conclusion:The present study confirmed the regulatory effect of GQT on intestinal flora of dysbacterial diarrhea rats， and revealed the physiological and pathological mechanism between intestinal flora and dysbacterial diarrhea.

Nucleic acid aptamer-based traditional Chinese medicine application:therapy,targeting and diagnosis / 中国中药杂志

Nucleic acid aptamers, broad-spectrum target-specific single-stranded oligonucleotides, serve as molecules in targeted therapy, targeted delivery and disease diagnosis for the treatment of tumor or microbial infection and clinical detection. Due to the existence of components in the use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), the target is difficult to concentrate and the specificity of treatment is poor. The effective components of TCM are toxic components, so a highly sensitive detection method is urgently needed to reduce the toxicity problem at the same time. The combined application of TCM and modern medical treatment strategy are difficult and cannot improve the therapeutic effect. Aptamers, advantageous in biosensors, aptamer-nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, and aptamer-siRNA chimeras, are expected to connect Chinese medicinals with nanotechnology, diagnostic technology and combined therapies. We summarized the preparation, screening, and modification techniques of nucleic acid aptamers and the biomedical applications and advantages in therapy, targeting, and diagnosis, aiming at providing a reference for the in-depth research and development in TCM.

A poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with low expression of DPP4

This study aimed to explore the prognostic role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DPP4 expression was measured in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens that were gathered from 327 HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry analyses were utilized to examine DPP4 expression characteristics and prognostic values (overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence) of DDP4 in HCC tissues. In addition, a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model was used to assess the correlation between DPP4 expression and tumor growth in vivo. DPP4 was expressed in low levels in HCC tissues in contrast to paired peritumoral tissues (38 cases were down-regulated in a total of 59 cases, 64.4%. P=0.0202). DPP4 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage (P=0.038), tumor number (P=0.035), and vascular invasion (P=0.024), and significantly reduced in patients who were in TNM stages II and III-V, with multiple tumors, and with microvascular invasion compared to patients with TNM stage I, single tumor, and no microvascular invasion. Notably, HCC tissues with low expression of DPP4 had poor OS (P=0.016) compared with HCC tissues with high expression of DPP4, and results from PDX model showed that tumor growth was significantly faster in HCC patients that lowly expressed DPP4 compared to those with highly expressed DPP4. Our findings suggested that low levels of DPP4 could impact the aggressiveness of HCC and contribute to a poor prognosis.

Chemical constituents of Cassia siamea / 中国中药杂志

A total of ten compounds were isolated from the 90% Et OH extract of Cassia siamea by using various chormatographic techniques,and their structures were established as( 2' S)-2-( propan-2'-ol)-5,7-dihydroxy-benzopyran-4-one( 1),chrobisiamone( 2), 2-( 2'-hydroxypropyl)-5-methyl-7-hydroxychromone( 3), 2,5-dimethyl-7-hydroxychromone( 4), 2-methyl-5-acetonyl-7-hydroxychromone( 5),3-O-methylquercetin( 6),3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonone( 7),luteolin-5,3'-dimethylether( 8),4-( trans)-acetul-3,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl-dihydronapht halenone( 9) and 6-hydroxymellein( 10) based on the spectroscopic data.Compound 1 was a new compound,and 3,4,6,8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Grade Standard of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Through the analysis of the characteristics and main chemical components of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma,the correlation between the characteristics and components of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma was explored,and a new evaluation standard of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma grade was established to provide a more comprehensive and scientific basis for the quality evaluation of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma. Method:The appearance characteristics of 48 batches of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma samples were quantitatively measured. The contents of 9 kinds of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma were determined. The results of correlation analysis,principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to classify ginseng medicinal materials according to the analysis results,and the grade evaluation criteria were constructed. Result:First-class ginseng medicinal materials:diameter of main root>1.72 cm,length of reed head>2.61 cm,weight of single branch>14.15 g,content of ginsenoside Rb1>0.612 1%,content of ginsenoside Re>0.385 8%,content of ginsenoside Rg1>0.320 8%,no scar,impurities,moth,mildew. Second-class ginseng medicinal materials:the diameter of main root is 1.55-1.72 cm,the length of reed head is 1.74-2.61 cm,the weight of single branch is 10.24-14.15 g,the content of ginsenoside Rb1 is 0.496 8%-0.612 1%,the content of ginsenoside Re is 0.323 3%-0.385 8%,the content of ginsenoside Rg1 is 0.263 6%-0.320 8%,and there are no scars,impurities,worms and mildew. Third-class ginseng medicinal materials:main root diameter 1.29-1.55 cm,reed head length 1.34-1.74 cm,single branch weight 6.90-10.24 g,ginsenoside Rb1 content 0.389 5%-0.496 8%,ginsenoside Re content 0.235 2%-0.323 3%,ginsenoside Rg1 content 0.217 1%-0.263 6%,no impurities,worms,mildew. Fourth-class ginseng medicinal materials:diameter of main root11Conclusion:The appearance indexes of ginseng medicinal materials were divided according to the standards of taproot diameter,reed head length and single ginseng weight,and the content of ginsenoside Rg1,Re,Rb1 was used as the internal quality evaluation index. Ginseng commercial specifications were divided into four grades,which integrated the appearance and internal indicators,and had more scientific and comprehensive characteristics,which could be used as the basis for the classification of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma medicinal materials.

Grade Standard of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between the characters and chemical constituents of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma through the analysis of characters and main chemical constituents of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,and establish the grade evaluation criteria of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, so as to provide reference for the quality evaluation and quality control of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Method:Correlation analysis,principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out for appearance and intrinsic indexes of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Result:Class Ⅰ of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma:the diameter of big end was more than 1.60 cm,middle circumference was more than 3.76 cm,inner core chromaticity b* was more than13.88,outer skin chromaticity a* was more than 37.61,glycyrrhizin content was more than 1.13%,with no worm,rot and impurity. Class Ⅱ of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma:the diameter of big end was 1.39-1.60 cm,the middle circumference was 3.09-3.76 cm,the inner core chromaticity b* was 10.22-13.88,the skin chromaticity a* was 35.57-37.61,glycyrrhizin content was 0.69%-1.13%,with no worm,rot and impurity. Class Ⅲ of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma:the diameter of the big end was 1.08-1.39 cm,the middle circumference was 2.41-3.09 cm,the inner core chromaticity b* was 5.16-10.22,the skin chromaticity a* was 29.19-35.57,glycyrrhizin content was 0.55%-0.69%,with no worm and rot. Substandard Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma:the diameter of the big end was lower than 1.08 cm,the central circumference was lower than 2.41 cm,the inner core color b* was lower than 5.16,the outer skin color a* was lower than 29.19, and glycyrrhizin content was lower than 0.55%. Conclusion:The grade evaluation standards established in this paper include appearance and intrinsic indexes, with scientific,comprehensive and practical characteristics. It can be used for the grade evaluation of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma medicinal materials.

Mechanism of Huangliantang in Treatment of Chronic Non-atrophic Gastritis Based on Harmonization Method / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: Harmonization method is one of the eight unique methods of traditional Chinese medicine with important application value in clinic. Based on the effect of harmonization method in regulating cold and heat, the mechanism of Huangliantang in treating chronic non-atrophic gastritis(CNAG) on rats were studied. Method: Rats were divided into normal group (n=10) and CNAG model group (n=50). The model of CNAG rats was induced by chemical stimulation combined with hunger and satiety. The model group was randomly divided into 5 groups, namely the model group, the Jinghua Weikang pill treatment group, and the high, middle and low-dose Huangliantang groups, with 8 rats in each group. After the model was successfully established, the Jinghua Weikang pill treatment group (0.04 g·kg-1), the high, middle, low dose Huangliantang group (11.00,5.48,2.74 g·kg-1), the blank group and the model group were given the same dose of saline for 4 weeks, and then the samples were collected. The histological changes of gastric mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and its inhibitory protein receptor (IκBα), protein expression. Real-time quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect IκBα, NF-κB mRNA expressions. Result: In the model group, the gastric mucosa was damaged, a large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated, the serum inflammatory factors increased significantly, mRNA and protein expressions of IκBα decreased, and mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB increased in the gastric tissue (PκBα was up-regulated, IκBα protein was increased, while the expression of NF-κB mRNA was down-regulated, and NF-κB protein was decreased. The Jinghua Weikang pill treatment group and the high-dose Huangliantang group had the most obvious improvement (PPConclusion: Huangliantang for regulating cold and heat based on the harmonization method can effectively alleviate the degree of gastric mucosal injury, and reduce serum inflammatory factors in CNAG rats. The mechanism is related to the up-regulation of IκBα mRNA expression, and the down-regulation of NF-κB mRNA expression and NF-κB protein expression in gastric mucosa.

Grade Standard of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Pieces / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: On the basis of traditional experience identification,and appearance characteristics and intrinsic index components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces,a comprehensive evaluation was carried out to explore the method of grading Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces and establish grading standards. Method: Based on the investigation of 44 batches of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces,including their properties,glycyrrhizin content and ammonium glycyrrhizinate content,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces were classified according to the market grading to establish the grading standards. Result: Based on the above data,the Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces were classified into four grades. First-class:average diameter>1.66 mm,average weight>0.54 g,glycyrrhizin content>1.10%,glycyrrhizic acid content>2.12%. Second-class:the average diameter is between 1.40-1.66 mm,the average weight is between 0.42-0.54 g,the content of glycyrrhizin is between 0.74%-1.10%,and the content of glycyrrhizic acid is between 1.95%-2.12%. Third-class:the average diameter is between 1.07-1.40 mm,the average weight is between 0.29-0.42 g,the content of glycyrrhizin is between 0.65%-0.74%,and the content of glycyrrhizic acid is between 1.88%-1.95%. Substandard:the average diameterConclusion: This experiment combines the traditional experience and modern analysis method,in order to develop a scientific,reasonable and accurate classification method.

Effect of Haima Bushen Pills on nourishing yin and reinforcing kidney / 中草药

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Haima Bushen Pills (HBP) on nourishing yin and reinforcing kidney, and study the mechanism of the action with aim to provide the experimental evidence for the clinic. Methods: Rats model with kidney-yang deficiency was induced by hydrocortisone through intramuscular injection to observe the anti kidney-yang deficiency effect of HBP. The effect of HBP against kidney-yin deficiency was observed using the kidney-yin deficiency model induced by oral administration of thyroxine and reserpine. The effect of HBP on erectile function was observed by intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone in rats. Castrated male rats and normal young male rats were administered orally to observe the androgenic effect of HBP. Results: After 10 d of administration, HBP at dose of 1.1 g/kg and 2.2 g/kg significantly increased the number of autonomic activities of kidney-yang deficiency mice, extended the duration of low-temperature swimming, and increased the organ coefficients of thymus and spleen. It also significantly reduced the number of platform jumping errors and prolonged the incubation period of errors, significantly increased the pain threshold and increased the organ coefficients of thymus and spleen in mice with kidney-yin deficiency. After 2 weeks of administration, HBP at doses of 0.56 g/kg and 1.12 g/kg significantly increased the bR/rR ratio and intravitreal pressure in rats, significantly improved the erectile function, significantly increased the serum testosterone (T) concentration and the viscera coefficients of prostate, foreskin gland and levator ANI of castrated rats. The serum concentration of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and viscera index of seminal vesicle were significantly increased in normal young rats after administration of HBP. Conclusion: HBP has obvious effect on nourishing yin and reinforcing kidney.

A new lupane-type triterpenoid from Dichroa hirsuta / 中国中药杂志

The chemical constituents from methanol extract of Dichroa hirsuta were separated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography,high pressure preparative liquid chromatography( HPLC) and recrystallization. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS. Nine compounds were obtained and their structures were identified as 3β,21α-O-diacetyl-lup-9( 11)-en-7β-ol( 1),( Z)-methyl p-hydroxycinnamate( 2),cis-p-coumaric acid ethyl ester( 3),( E)-methyl p-hydroxycinnamate( 4),trans-p-coumaric acid ethyl ester( 5),4( 3 H)-quinazolinone( 6),7-hydroxycoumarin( 7),hydrangenol( 8) and thunberginol C( 9). Compound 1 is a new lupane-type triterpenoid,and compounds 1-5,8-9 were firstly isolated from this plant. Dual reporter assay results showed that compounds 2-5 could activate the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

Role of cytochrome P450 epoxygenase-dependent arachidonic acid metabolites in kidney physiology and diseases / 生理学报

Kidney diseases are important causes of mortality world widely. Renal microvascular dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the development of kidney diseases. Pharmacological and biochemical tools have been used to conduct detailed studies on the metabolization of arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in renal microvasculature. CYP450 epoxygenase metabolites epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are mainly produced in renal microvessels. EETs exhibit renoprotective effects through vasodilation, anti-hypertension, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation, and were reported as therapeutic targets of renal diseases. However, the ability of the kidney in generating EETs is reduced in renal diseases. Recently, the studies from transgenic animal overexpressing CYP450 epoxygenases and application of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors revealed that increasing of EETs exhibits renoprotective effects in vivo. The present review focuses on the protective mechanisms of EETs in kidney physiology and diseases.

Chemical constituents from roots and rhizomes of Rubia oncotricha and their cytotoxic activities / 中国中药杂志

Fourteen compounds, including rubiprasin D (1), rubiprasin B (2), rubiprasin C (3), oleanolic acid (4), methyl-5-hydroxy-dinaphtho[1, 2-2'3']furan-7, 12-dione-6-carboxylate (5), rubioncolin C (6), mollugin (7), furomollugin (8), 3-amino-2-methoxycarbonyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone (9), 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-9, 10-anthraquinone (10), 2-hydroxy-6-methyl-9, 10-anthraquinone (11), 1, 4-dihydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-9, 10-anthraquinone (12), 2-hydroxy-1-methoxy-9, 10-anthraquinone (13), and 1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-6-methyl-9, 10-anthraquinone(14), were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots and rhizomes of Rubia oncotricha using various column chromatographies. Their structures were mainly determined on basis of NMR and MS spectroscopic data analyses. Among them, 1 is a new oleanane triterpene, and compounds 2-5, 9 and 11-13 were obtained from this plant for the first time. Cytotoxic and nematicidal activities of all these compounds were evaluated, and the results showed that only 4, 6, 11 and 12 exhibited cytotoxicities against A549, SGC-7901 and HeLa cancer cell lines. The IC₅₀ of 6 were 19.42, 2.74, 8.07 μmol·L⁻¹, respectively.

MRI Study of Strain Feature of Left Ventricular Long-axis Myocardium in Normal Young Adults / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To measure the longitudinal and transverse strain and displacement parameters of each segment of long axis myocardium on cardiac MRI film images of normal young volunteers using feature tracking technique (FT), and to analyze the regularity of left ventricular long axis strain and establish peak and time to peak (TTP) reference range concerning the longitudinal and transverse strain and displacement. Materials and Methods Cardiac film images of 29 healthy volunteers aged 24 to 34 were collected using Philips Multiva 1.5T MRI scanner, including three typical long axis planes of the left ventricular long axis, left ventricular outflow tract, and four-chamber view. The MRI film images were analyzed drawing on myocardial feature tracking software TOMTEC, and the peak value and TTP of longitudinal and transverse strain and displacement of the 16 AHA segments excluding apex cordis were obtained thereby. The regularity of each parameter concerning the plane, layer, and segment was summarized and analyzed. Results The TTP of longitudinal strain, longitudinal displacement and transverse strain were consistent among each myocardial segment, which was a constant indicator in (41.24±12.51) ％ RR interphase. The peak value of longitudinal displacement was represented by apex cordis (2.56±0.89) mm < middle (6.09±2.03) mm < cardiac base (8.07±2.05) mm, and the peak value of transverse displacement was manifested as apex cordis (4.57±1.18) mm < middle (5.65±0.84) mm < cardiac base (8.48 ±1.18) mm, which was consistent with cardiac geometric deformation visually observed. The longitudinal strain showed consistency on 2CH-3CH-4CH plane, whose peak reference value was (-22.46±13.19)％; while the peak value of transverse strain displayed no consistency on different planes. Conclusion The longitudinal strain of the left ventricular on different planes has consistent peak value and TTP, suggesting good reference value.

Four-dimensional Quantitative Analysis of Right Ventricular Systolic Function in Hypertension / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To explore the change of right ventricular systolic function in hypertensive patients with or without left ventricular hypertrophy at different stages using four-dimensional right ventricular quantitative analysis (4D-RV-Volume). Materials and Methods Ninety-six cases of clinically diagnosed hypertension were divided into left ventricular mass index (LVMI) normal group (49 cases) and LVMI increased group (47 cases) according to LVMI, and 53 cases were chosen from healthy control group for echocardiography to check parameters of right ventricular systolic function such as right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF), end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), end-systolic volume (RVESV), longitudinal strain rate of free wall (RVFLS), longitudinal strain rate of ventricular septum (RVSLS), fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and the difference among groups were compared. Results Compared with control group, RVEF, RVFLS, and RFAFC in all hypertension groups decreased, the difference of which was statistically significant (P<0.05); compared with LVMI normal group, RVEF, RVFLS, TAPSE and RFAFC in LVMI increased group further decreased, the difference of which was statistically significance (P<0.05); RVEF was positively correlated with RFAFC (r=0.721, P<0.01); when RVEF was 46.5% (AUC=0.859, P<0.001), the diagnostic value was the highest with a sensitivity of 68.0%, and specificity of 85.7%. Conclusion Right ventricular systolic dysfunction exists in different periods of hypertension, and 4D-RV-Volume provides a new approach for early evaluation of right ventricular dysfunction in hypertensive patients.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty Under Echocardiographic Guidance Only / 中国循环杂志

Objectives: The present first-in-human study aimed to assess the feasibility of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) for the treatment of isolated mitral stenosis (MS) under echocardiography guidance only. Methods: Data were obtained from 24 consecutive patients with severe MS, who underwent PBMV from October 2016 to October 2017 under the guidance of echocardiography only. Outpatient follow-up including chest radiography, electrocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiography was conducted at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post procedure. Results: PBMV was successful in all 24 patients under echocardiography guidance without radiation and contrast agent. Mitral transvalvular pressure gradient derived invasive catheterization measurement dropped from(15.0±5.1) mmHg to (6.7±2.9) mmHg (P<0.01). Mitral valve area increased from (0.8±0.1) cm2at pre-PBMV to (1.7±0.1) cm2post-PBMV (P<0.01). Mean balloon diameter was (26.7±1.2) mm. Mild mitral regurgitation developed in 8 patients. Mean follow-up duration was (7.4±3.1) months. At the last follow-up, mitral valve area remained high (1.6±0.1) cm2and mean transmitral pressure gradient remained low (9.0±4.3) mmHg. No pericardial effusion or peripheral vascular complications occurred. Conclusions: In this patient cohort, PBMV could be successfully performed with echocardiography as the single imaging guidance modality, this procedure is safe and effective and avoids the radiation exposure and contrast agent use.

Correlation Factor Analysis for Cardiac Morphology and Valvular Regurgitation in Normal Tibetan Population at High Altitude Area / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the correlation factors for cardiac morphology and valvular regurgitation in normal Tibetan population at high altitude area. Methods: Based onTibetan permanent resident population, a 4-stage cluster random sampling was conducted to drawn normal Tibetan subjects. Personal information and medical history were collected; physical parameters including blood and urine tests, ECG, chest X-ray and echocardiography were examined; cardiac morphology and valvular stenosis and regurgitation were detected. Canonical correlation study and Logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the correlation factors for cardiac structure and function. Results: A population of 4 688 in Tibetan area were involved and 1 820 normal subjects were studied including 694 from Lhasa, 575 from Naqu, 286 from Nyingchi and 265 from Shigatse area. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that in normal Tibetan population, the major relevant physiological parameters for measuring right ventricle were age, blood oxygen saturation and body weight; for left ventricle were body weight, age and height; gender had no real differences. Logistic regression analysis presented that body weight, pulse and blood oxygen saturation were negatively related to mild tricuspid regurgitation; age was positively related to mild mitral and aortic regurgitations, all P<0.01. Conclusion: Age and body weight were the correlation factors for cardiac morphology and mild valvular regurgitation in normal Tibetan population at high altitude area, which should be alert in heart disease investigation.

Application of Pulmonary Vein Deployment Technique for Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defect Solely Under Echocardiography Guidance / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein deployment technique for percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASD) solely under echocardiography guidance. Methods: A total of 38 ASD patients received pulmonary vein deployment in our hospital from 2012-10 to 2016-09 since the conventional method could not deliver the occluder to correct place. The patients were with the mean age at (16.0±15.6) years, body weight at (37.2±22.9) kg and ASD diameter at (17.1±4.2) mm. Operative effect was assessed by echocardiography. Follow-up study was conducted at 1, 3, 6, 12 months post-operation and at each year thereafter. Results: 37 patients were successfully finished pulmonary vein deployment for percutaneous closure of ASD solely under echocardiography guidance. One patient was successfully treated by a controlled steerable sheath. The mean operative time was (25.2±5.1) min and mean diameter of ASD occluder was (22.9±5.6) mm. 2 patients had trivial residual shunt at the early post-operative stage. No peripheral vascular injury, pulmonary vein and cardiac perforation occurred. All 38 patients were recovered and discharged. The average in-hospital time was (2.9±0.7) days. The patients were followed-up for (23.9±15.4) months, without complications of residual shunt, pericardial effusion, aortic regurgitation and pulmonary vein stenosis. Conclusion: Pulmonary vein deployment technique for percutaneous closure of ASD solely under echocardiography guidance was safe and effective; it can avoid radiation damage and provided a simple and practical method for ASD patients who failed to conventional method under echocardiography guidance.

Eff ect of interventional therapy on chronic total occlusion by doubutamine stress echocardiography evaluation / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on chronic total occlusion (OCT) by doubutamine stress echocardiography. Methods Forth-six CTO patients were categorized into the reopening group and failed-reopening group based on the results of PCI. All patients had undergoing low dose doubutamine stress echocardiography before PCI and at 6-month follow-up, measuring rest and stress wall motion score index (WMSI) with semi-quantitative method. Cardiac volumes and ejection fraction were measured with 3D full volume echocardiographic. Results The two groups showed no differences in general clinical data and all baseline echocardiography data before PCI. During follow-up, the reopening group was observed to have improvement in ejection fraction[(60.00±3.22)% vs.(62.65±3.58)%,P=0.017)],and WMSI in stress status[(1.42±0.37)vs.(1.32±0.36),P<0.001], compared with pre-PCI results. The reopening group showed improvement in ejection fraction[(62.65±3.58)% vs.(57.7±5.61)%,P=0.001)]and WMSI in stress status[(1.32±0.36)vs.(1.62±0.47),P<0.001)],when compared with the failed-reopening group. Conclusions Low dose doubutamine stress echocardiography can be nsed for evaluation of the eff ect of revascularization of CTO. The cardiac volumes and contractile function representing by wall motion in stress status were improved after recanalization of CTO.

Restoration of maxillary premolars: a finite element analysis of three repair methods and four kinds of dental restoration materials / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Prognosis in tooth restoration is affected by different repair methods due to the different biomechanical effects.OBJECTIVE:To analyze three kinds of repair methods and four kinds of repair materials by using three-dimensional finite element analysis.METHODS:Tomographic images of isolated human maxillary first premolars were obtained by Micro CT scanning with a thickness of 0.019 mm.The Mimics output point cloud was used to generate the surface in Geomagic studio and the tooth model was generated respectively.The model was introduced into ABAQUS 6.13 software for Boolean operation,to simulate Inlay,Onlay of the medullary cavity retention type,and Core & Crown repair model.After the grid was divided into four ways of mechanical loading,six-point vertical loading or two-point loading at an angle of 0°,45°,90° with the long tooth shaft was done.The loading force was 75 N at each point.Four repair materials,cobalt-chrome,pure titanium,zirconia,IPS e.MAX,were used in this study.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Under the four loading conditions of the same material,the maximum principal stress in the remaining dentin after Inlay restoration was the highest,followed by the Onlay repair and Core&Crown group.(2) Under the four loading conditions via the same approach,the maximum principal stress of the cobalt-chrome alloy in the enamel was the largest,and that of the IPS e.MAX porcelain was the smallest after repair.(3) The stress distribution of the parts was uniform after tooth restoration with the Core & Crown and the Onlay.To conclude,from the stress distribution,the Core&Crown and the Onlay are two ideal methods.Moreover,from the aspects of stress distribution and dentin preservation,Onlay is a more rational and safer way for large-area tooth defects.