Systematic comparison of two kinds of Bufonis Venenum derived from different Bufo gargarizans subspecies based on metabolomics and antitumor activity / 中国中药杂志

This paper compared the differences between two kinds of Bufonis Venenum produced by Bufo gargarizans gargarizans and B. gararizans andrewsi, and verified the rationality of the market value orientation of Bufonis Venenum based on the zebrafish mo-del. Twenty batches of Bufonis Venenum from Jiangsu province, Hebei province, Liaoning province, Jilin province, and Liangshan, Sichuan province, including B. gargarizans gargarizans and B. gararizans andrewsi, were collected. The UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS combined with principal component analysis was used to compare the differences between two kinds of Bufonis Venenum. According to the limiting conditions of VIP>1, FC<0.5 or FC>2.0, and peak total area ratio>1%, 9 differential markers were determined, which were cinobufagin, cinobufotalin, arenobufagin, resibufogenin, scillaredin A, resibufagin, 3-(N-suberoylargininyl)-arenobufagin, 3-(N-suberoylargininyl)-marinobufagin, and 3-(N-suberoylargininyl)-resibufogenin. The content of 20 batches of Bufonis Venenum was determined according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the 2 batches of Bufonis Venenum, CS7(8.99% of total content) and CS9(5.03% of total content), with the largest difference in the total content of the three quality control indexes of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(bufalin, cinobufagin, and resibufogenin) were selected to evaluate their anti-liver tumor activity based on the zebrafish model. The tumor inhibition rates of the 2 batches were 38.06% and 45.29%, respectively, proving that only using the quality control indexes of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the value orientation of Bufonis Venenum market circulation was unreasonable. This research provides data support for the effective utilization of Bufonis Venenum resources and the establishment of a rational quality evaluation system of Bufonis Venenum.

Application of Three Blood Stasis Models in Zebrafish in Evaluation of Anti-thrombosis and Anti-myocardial Hypoxia Activities of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish blood stasis models in zebrafish using three inducers and select the optimal model for evaluating the activity of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in promoting blood circulation. MethodArachidonic acid （AA）， ponatinib， and isoprenaline （ISO） were used to induce blood stasis models in zebrafish. A normal group， a model group， a positive drug group， and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma water extract freeze-dried powder groups at different concentrations were set up. The staining intensity of cardiac erythrocytes and the fluorescence intensity of cardiac apoptotic cells were calculated， the anti-thrombotic effect and anti-myocardial hypoxia activity of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were evaluated. The activities of water extract and 70% methanol extract of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were compared based on the preferred AA- and ISO-induced blood stasis models in zebrafish and the difference in the chemical composition was analyzed by UHPLC LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS. ResultAfter induction by AA and ponatinib， the staining intensity of cardiac erythrocytes was reduced （P<0.01）， and the fluorescence intensity of cardiac apoptotic cells increased after the induction by ISO （P<0.01）. The freeze-dried powder of the water extract of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma could antagonize the thrombosis in the AA-induced model （P<0.01） and the myocardial apoptosis in the ISO-induced model （P<0.05）， while no significant improvement in the thrombosis was observed in the ponatinib-induced model. The freeze-dried powder of 70% methanol extract of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma could inhibit myocardial apoptosis in the ISO-induced blood stasis model （P<0.01）， and the effect was stronger than that of the freeze-dried powder of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma water extract. The difference in chemical composition lay in some saponins （such as ginsenoside Re）， amino acids， and acetylenic alcohols. ConclusionAA， ponatinib， and ISO all can serve as inducers for the blood stasis model in zebrafish. AA- and ISO-induced models can be used to evaluate the activity of freeze-dried powder of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma water extract in promoting blood circulation. The chemical compositions of the freeze-dried powders of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma extracted with water and 70% methanol are quite different. For the ISO-induced blood stasis model， the freeze-dried powder of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma extracted with 70% methanol has a stronger ability against myocardial hypoxia. Saponins and acetylenic alcohols may be closely related to the effects of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis.

Comprehensive evaluation system for quality of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces based on "experience-ingredients-activity-electronic sensing" / 中国中药杂志

Quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces is vital for the development of the downstream industries, and is an important channel for implementing the strategy of "higher quality, higher price, and priority for the high quality" for traditional Chinese medicine. At the moment, the quality of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces is mainly evaluated based on chemical component examination. Considering the weak preliminary research foundation and poor research conditions, traditional experience-based evaluation is undervalued in the quality rating of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces. However, traditional experience is a summary of the quality of Chinese medicinal materials based on clinical experience, which thus can be a potential basis for the quality evaluation of the decoction pieces. It is a challenge in the evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces to objectify the traditional experience-based evaluation from multiple aspects such as chemistry, effect, and characterization via modern techniques. Therefore, this study developed the "experience-ingredients-activity-electronic sensing" evaluation system for Chinese medicinal decoction pieces on the basis of experience-based assessment, chemical ingredients that can truly reflect the traditional experience, biological effect assessment, and electronic sensory evaluation, which is expected to quantify the traditional experience of quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces via chemistry, biology, and sensory simulation. The evaluation system can serve as a reference for clinical experience-based quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces.

The Gender-Sensitive Social Risk Factors for Internet Addiction in College Undergraduate Students

Objective@#The current study aims to explore precipitating and social risk factors for internet addiction (IA) in university undergraduate students, and to provide evidence for interventions and the early prevention of IA in different genders. @*Methods@#Four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight college sophomores completed an online survey on their internet use-related behaviours and social risk factors. @*Results@#We found that more male (8.3%) than female students (5.4%) had moderate and severe IA. The main online activity in the moderate and severe IA groups was online gaming in males and online streaming in females. Roommates engaging in similar internetbased entertainment was a risk factor of IA only for males, while not being in a romantic relationship was a risk factor of IA for females only. Infatuation with the internet before college and adjustment problems for college life were shared risk factors for both genders in the mild and moderate IA groups. @*Conclusion@#IA was a common phenomenon in college students with shared and unique precipitating and social risk factors in males and females. The gender-sensitive risk factors for IA warranted earlier and individualized intervention and prevention strategies for IA in this population.

The Gender-Sensitive Social Risk Factors for Internet Addiction in College Undergraduate Students

Objective@#The current study aims to explore precipitating and social risk factors for internet addiction (IA) in university undergraduate students, and to provide evidence for interventions and the early prevention of IA in different genders. @*Methods@#Four thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight college sophomores completed an online survey on their internet use-related behaviours and social risk factors. @*Results@#We found that more male (8.3%) than female students (5.4%) had moderate and severe IA. The main online activity in the moderate and severe IA groups was online gaming in males and online streaming in females. Roommates engaging in similar internetbased entertainment was a risk factor of IA only for males, while not being in a romantic relationship was a risk factor of IA for females only. Infatuation with the internet before college and adjustment problems for college life were shared risk factors for both genders in the mild and moderate IA groups. @*Conclusion@#IA was a common phenomenon in college students with shared and unique precipitating and social risk factors in males and females. The gender-sensitive risk factors for IA warranted earlier and individualized intervention and prevention strategies for IA in this population.

Effect of Different Extracts and Monomers of Lepidium meyenii on Proliferation of Mouse Splenic Lymphocyte and Induction of IL-2 and TNF-α / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore effects of different extracts and monomers of <italic>Lepidium meyenii </italic>（Maca） on the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes and induction of interleukin-2 （IL-2） and tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>） by observing their immunomodulatory effects. Method:An octadecylsilyl （ODS） column was used to enrich the methanol extract of <italic>L. meyenii</italic> in stages to obtain six fractions and three monomers. Different groups of extracts and monomers of <italic>L. meyenii </italic>at different doses were set up. Cell counting Kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to detect the effect on the proliferation of mitogen-free， concanavalin A （Con A）-induced， and lipopolysaccharides （LPS）-induced mouse splenic lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the levels of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic>. Result:<italic>L. meyenii </italic>extracts Fr₃ and Fr₆， and monomers <italic>N</italic>-benzyl hexadecanamide and 1，2-dihydro-4-carboxaldehyde-3-benzyl-<italic>N</italic>-hydroxypyridine slightly promoted the proliferation of Con A-induced T lymphocytes and LPS-induced B lymphocytes （<italic>P</italic><0.01） as compared with the conditions in the model group. <italic>L. meyenii</italic> extracts and monomers significantly induced the secretion of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic> by splenic lymphocytes （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:<italic>L. meyenii</italic> extracts and monomers can achieve immunological enhancement by promoting the secretion of IL-2 and TNF-<italic>α</italic>， and facilitate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes. The active components are presumedly macamides and pyridine alkaloids， and the specific mechanism still needs to be further explored.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in a Chinese Population-Based Sample / 대한뇌졸중학회지

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epidemiological data of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in the general population of China are lacking. We report on the prevalence of lacunes, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in a community-based sample in China and compare the results with those of other studies. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of the population-based Shunyi Study in China. A total of 1,211 stroke-free participants (mean age, 55.6±9.3 years; 37.4% men) with available 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance images were included in this analysis. Demographic information and risk factor data were assessed. The overall and age-specific prevalence of lacunes, WMH, and CMBs was evaluated. Associations between cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of these lesions were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Our study showed a prevalence of 14.5% for lacunes, 72.1% for periventricular hyperintensity (PVH), 65.4% for deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH), and 10.6% for CMBs. When compared with other community-based samples, individuals in the same age group showed a higher burden of lacunes and a relatively lower prevalence of CMBs. Advanced age was independently associated with the prevalence of these CSVD markers, while the presence of hypertension increased the risk of lacunes, PVH/DWMH, and CMBs in deep or infratentorial locations. CONCLUSIONS: A higher burden of lacunes but a relatively lower prevalence of CMBs was observed in this Chinese population. This notable result highlights the challenge of CSVD prevention in China. Chinese have a risk factor profile for CSVD similar to those in other populations.

Association study of NOS1 gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty eight tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NOS1 in 382 schizophrenic patients and 448 healthy individuals sampled from Chinese Han population were analyzed by a Illumina GoldenGate Genotyping Assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One SNP (rs1520811) was found to be associated with schizophrenia, which however becomes negative after Bonferroni correction (P>0.05). Further analysis has failed to identify any association between particular haplotypes and the disease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results did not support a significant association between NOS1 gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia.</p>

Clinical use of magnetic resonance plaque imaging for intracranial arteries / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the value and limitations of magnetic resonance (MR) plaque imaging for intracranial arteries.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The data of MR plaque imaging of intracranial arteries in 422 patients performed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2006 to September 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The success rate for MR plaque imaging of intracranial arteries was 97%. MR plaque imaging clearly displayed the wall structure of the arteries trunk (M1 segment of middle cerebral arteries, M2-3 segment of anterior cerebral arteries, and basilar arteries). Good inter-observer (k=0.91, 95% CI=0.80-1.03) and intra-observer reproducibility (k=0.96,95% CI=0.88-1.03) was observed in the evaluation of middle cerebral arteries' atherosclerosis. The wall features had significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial arteries'stenosis; compared with asymptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis(35 cases), symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis(26 cases) had a significantly larger wall area (P=0.000), greater remodeling ratio (P=0.000), higher prevalence of expansive remodeling (outward expansion of the vessel wall) (P=0.003), and lower prevalence of constrictive remodeling (P=0.008). Arteritis of middle cerebral artery (3 cases) showed circular wall-thickening with apparent gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid-biotin enhancement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The MR plaque imaging is helpful in the evaluation of intracranial arteries stenosis, although it still has the limitations such as short scan range and low resolution.</p>

Genome-wide association study with memory measures as a quantitative trait locus for schizophrenia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between gene polymorphisms and memory function through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of schizophrenia and control group. Memory cognition was used as a quantitative trait (QT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninty-eight subjects with chronic schizophrenia and 60 matched controls were genotyped with HumanHap660 Bead Array. The results were correlated with quantitative traits including memory and memory delay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five candidate genes, including RASGRF2 (rs401758, P = 8.03×10(-5)), PLCG2 (rs7185362, P= 4.54×10(-5)), LMO1 (rs484161, P=9.80×10(-7), CSMD1 (rs2469383, P= 2.77×10(-6)) and PRKG1 (rs7898516, P=6.94×10(-5)) were associated with memory cognition deficits.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using memory cognition as a quantitative trait, this Genome- wide association study has identified 5 susceptibility loci. With their association with nervous system development, neuronal growth, axon guidance and plasticity, brain development, above loci may play a role in the development of memory dysfunction in schizophrenia.</p>

Applications of molecular imaging in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque / 中国医学科学院学报

Atherosclerosis plaque is the underline cause of ischemic stroke and acute coronary syndrome. In this article, the applications of molecular imaging in vulnerable plaque are reviewed.

Brain structure abnormality as genetic endophenotype of schizophrenia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the role of genetic factors in the brain structural variation by using magnetic resonance imaging scan in schizophrenic patients and their unaffected siblings, and to provide experimental evidence for identifying endophenotype of schizophrenia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The optimized voxel-based morphometry (OVBM) was used to process the brain magnetic resonance images in 15 first episode drug-naive schizophrenic patients, 19 unaffected siblings of the patients and 38 normal control subjects. The data were analyzed by using general linear model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the normal control subjects, significant decreases of gray matter was observed in first episode drug-naive schizophrenia in bilateral temporal lobe, bilateral occipital lobe, left insula, left frontal lobe superior frontal gyrus and right lentiform nucleus medial globus pallidus. Significant increases of gray matter in bilateral parietal lobe, bilateral limbic lobe cingulate gyrus in patients group while compared to controls were also found. In unaffected siblings, significant decreases of gray matter was observed in the right temporal lobe, bilateral occipital lobe, left insula, and left frontal lobe precentral gyrus, and significant increases of gray matter were found in left parietal lobe and bilateral cerebellum posterior lobe. Increased gray matter in left parietal lobe precuneus was found in first episode drug-naive schizophrenia when compared with their unaffected siblings.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There were similar brain structure abnormalities between the first episode drug-naive schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings. Genetic factor may play important role in brain structural abnormality in schizophrenia, which suggested that the brain structural change might be a genetic endophenotype of schizophrenia.</p>

Anti-diabetic effects of cinnamaldehyde and berberine and their impacts on retinol-binding protein 4 expression in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), as an adipocyte secreted cytokine, was recently found to be inversely correlated with expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in insulin resistance (IR) state and to have an intimate relationship with IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-diabetic efficacy of cinnamaldehyde (Cin), berberine (Ber), and metformin (Met) as well as their impacts on the RBP4-GLUT4 system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat models of T2DM were established by combination of intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin and high fat diet induction. Rats were divided into five groups: the control group, the diabetes group, the diabetes + Ber group, the diabetes + Cin group, and the diabetes + Met group. Western blotting was used to detect the serum or tissue RBP4 and GLUT4 protein levels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment for four weeks, both Cin and Ber displayed significant hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and insulin sensitizing functions (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Their effects on lowering fasting plasma glucose (FPG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) seem even better than that of Met. Cin and Ber markedly lowered serum RBP4 levels and up-regulated the expression of tissue GLUT4 protein, and Cin seemed more notable in affecting these two proteins.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both Cin and Ber display an exciting anti-diabetic efficacy in this study and may be of great value for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Their mechanisms involve the RBP4-GLUT4 system, during which the serum RBP4 levels are lowered and the expression of tissue GLUT4 protein is up-regulated.</p>

Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of intraspinal enterogenous cysts / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations of intraspinal enterogenous cysts, and to provide reliable information for further clinical management.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The MRI findings and related clinical data of 6 patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed intraspinal enterogenous cysts were retrospectively studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 6 patients, most enterogenous cysts were oval or fusiform in shape with well-defined margins. Five cysts were located in the subdural extramedullary space and one cyst was located intramedullary. The signals were hypo-or iso-intensity on T1W images and hyperintensity on T2W images. On the postcontrast images, five showed no enhancement, and one was enhanced peripherally.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The MRI findings of intraspinal enterogenous cysts are specific and the correct preoperative diagnosis may be obtained by integrating MRI findings with clinical data.</p>

Metabolic abnormalities in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy patients depicted by proton MR spectroscopy using a 3. 0t MR scanner / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate metabolic abnormalities in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) using a 3. 0T MR scanner.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-three patients (32 women and 31 men) with diagnosed MTLE underwent diagnostic MR imaging (MRI) and proton MRS using a 3. 0T MR scanner. The clinical history and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were recorded. Sixteen healthy volunteers served as control. The results of proton MRS were compared with the findings of electroencephalogram and structural MRI findings.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-seven of the 63 patients with MTLE showed unilateral hippocampal sclerosis, and 9 showed bilateral hippocampal sclerosis. The concentration ratio of N-acytelaspartate (NAA)/[creatine (Cr) + choline (Cho)] in the hippocampal region of MTLE patients (0.64 +/- 0.07) was significantly lower than control (0.80 +/- 0.05, P = 0.023). In the patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis, NAA/(Cr + Cho) in the hippocampal region ipsilateral to the sclerotic hippocampus (0.56 +/- 0.06) was significantly lower than the ratio in the contralateral hippocampal region (0.69 +/- 0.07, P < 0.001). There was significant difference in hippocampal NAA/(Cr + Cho) between the refractory patients and the non-refractory patients (0.64 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.07, P = 0.04). Forty-five patients were lateralized by IEDs, while 49 patients were lateralized by metabolite ratio. And lateralization determined by proton MRS and IEDs was concordant in 33 patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MRS as a noninvasive tool adds helpful metabolite information to routine MRI in evaluation of MTLE. The method is well established and should be a routine clinical application in the investigation of epilepsy.</p>

Evaluation of neuroprotective effects of long-term low dose hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal women brain hippocampus using magnetic resonance scanner / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of long-term low dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on postmenopausal women in hormone level, cognition score, hippocampus volume, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 182 postmenopausal women aged 50-87 years were chosen at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and assigned to HRT group and control group. The volunteers of HRT group had taken low dose hormone [estradiol (E2) 0.5-1.0 mg and progesterone 0.5-2.0 mg, once a day] for 4-33 years. The concentrations of E2, progesterone, and testosterone were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The gene types of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) were measured by polymerase chain reaction, and the subjects with susceptible genes (ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were screened. Their hippocampus volumes and MRS parameters were obtained through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and results in two groups were analyzed by statistical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, the concentrations of E2 at each age stage in HRT group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) except the 80-89 years old subgroup; yet, there were no statistical differences in the concentrations of progesterone and testosterone between the two groups. There was no obvious difference in ApoE subtypes distribution between the two groups. The results of hippocampus MRI for the subjects with susceptible genes ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 (HRT group 14 cases, control group 11 cases) showed that the ratio of bilateral hippocampus volume to whole brain volume in HRT group (0.406 +/- 0.028) was significantly higher than control group (0.369 +/- 0.031, P < 0.05). The results of 1H MRS for the subjects with susceptible genes ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 (HRT group 12 cases, control group 11 cases) showed that the N-acetylaspartate/total creatine at the area of hippocampus in HRT group (1.54 +/- 0.08) were significantly higher than control group (1.45 +/- 0.13, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For postmenopausal women, long-term low dose HRT can maintain the physiological concentration of E2 in plasma. Furthermore, the hippocampus MRI performed on those with ApoE epsilon3/epsilon4 genes shows that long-term low dose HRT can prevent hippocampus atrophy, which is beneficial to maintain the brain function and prevent AD.</p>

CT perfusion in evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics in carotid artery stenosis / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) perfusion technique in evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics in patients with severe carotid stenooclusive lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-three patients with severe carotid stenosis were enrolled for evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics, including 12 patients with carotid occlusion and 11 with severe carotid stenosis (> 70%). Among them, 16 patients had multiple arterial diseases, including contralateral carotid stenosis, vertebral arteries stenosis, and cerebral arteries stenosis or occlusion. All patients received CT perfusion examination. Ten normal persons received CT perfusion were regarded as the control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cerebral perfusion was bilaterally symmetrical in 10 normal persons. While in the patients group, cerebral hemodynamic impairments ipsilateral to the stenosis side were found by CT perfusion in 17 patients, including an delay of time to peak (TTP) (17 patients), increase of cerebral blood volume (CBV) (7 patients), and decrease of cerebral blood flow (CBF) (4 patients). No significant difference was found between occlusion group (n = 8) and stenosis group (n = 9) (P = 0.640), but incidences of hemodynamic impairment were significantly higher in multiple arterial diseases group (n = 14) than single arterial disease group (n = 3) (P = 0.045).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CT perfusion technique can sensitively reveal the cerebral hemodynamic impairments in patients with severe carotid stenooclusive diseases, and therefore valuable for clinical application.</p>

Diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis affecting carotid arteries with multi-slice spiral CT / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore changes in the carotid arteries in Tarkayasu arteritis (TA) with computed tomographic angiography (CTA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The common carotid artery intima-medial thickness (CCA-IMT) in 20 common carotid arteries (CCAs) in 10 controls and 40 CCAs in 20 patients with TA were analyzed and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Contrast-enhanced CT scanning combined with the application of 3D reconstruction clearly showed the carotid vascular luminal abnormalities, such as stenosis, occlusion, dilation, and aneurysm formation. CCA-IMT increased in all the patients with TA affecting carotid arteries. CCA-IMT was significantly larger in the patients than in controls [(0.36 +/- 0.13) cm vs. (0.03 +/- 0.02) cm, P < 0.05] , and was significantly larger in patients with active diseases than in those without active diseases [(0.44 +/- 0.09) cm vs. (0.24 +/- 0.10) cm, P < 0.05].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CCA-IMT increases in TA affecting carotid arteries, especially in active diseases.</p>

Comparison of 3D reconstructed images between the standard-dose and the low-dose chest CT / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the difference of the 3D image quality between the low-dose and the standard-dose chest CT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eleven patients were randomly scanned with the standard-dose CT and 9 with the low-dose CT. Quality of the images from both groups was evaluated by different postprocessing techniques.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effective tube current, total tube current, and CT dose index volume were (114.55 +/- 26.20) mAs, (1578.27 +/- 353.09) mAs, and (7.76 +/- 1.77) mGy, respectively, in the standard-dose scanning group, and were 20 mAs, (566.11 +/- 46.23) mAs, and (1.46 +/- 0.07) mGy, respectively, in the low-dose scanning group. All these indicators had significant differences between these two groups (P < 0.001). The image noises were (17.67 +/- 3.24) HU in standard-dose group and (31.61 +/- 9.42) HU in low-dose group (P < 0.001). As shown by different postprocessing techniques, the median score of the standard-dose group and the low-dose group were 4.52 and 4.78, respectively, which was not significantly different (P = 0.92).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The low-dose CT scanned with 20 mAs effective tube current can remarkably reduce the radiation dose, and provide satisfactory postprocessing images for diagnosis.</p>

Application of 16-slice spiral CT in lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the diagnostic accuracy of 16-slice spiral CT in assessing the lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty patients with suspected peripheral arterial occlusive diseases underwent 16-slice spiral CT angiography (CTA) of lower extremity arteries. All these patients also underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) two weeks before or after CTA. CT angiograms were produced using maximal intensity projection, volume rendering technique, and curved planar reconstruction. Using DSA as the standard reference, the diagnostic accuracy of CTA was determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When detecting segments with > or = 50% stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CTA were 94.3% (115/122), 98.4% (548/557), 97.6% (663/679), 92.7% (115/124), and 98.7% (548/555), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>16-slice spiral CT has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting lower extremity arterial occlusive diseases and may partially substitute DSA examinations.</p>