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ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of aryl organophosphate esters (aryl-OPEs) on female reproductive health. MethodsUrine samples from 571 women with infertility who sought in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment at the Reproductive Center of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 were tested for concentrations of four aryl-OPE metabolites: diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), 4-hydroxyphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4-OH-TPHP), 2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl diphenyl phosphate (5-OH-EHDPP), and 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl di-p-tolyl phosphate (4-OH-MDTP). Continuous independent variable data were converted into categorical variables, divided into four levels (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) using the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles as cut-off points. After reassigning values to the independent variables in each group, they were incorporated into the regression model as continuous variables for trend testing. Using multivariable linear mixed models, the correlations between aryl-OPE metabolite concentrations and reproductive hormones [estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL)] and infertility causes were assessed by adjusting for relevant covariates (age, BMI, smoking status, education level, infertility reason, and primary infertility diagnosis). ResultsThe detection rates of the four aryl-OPE metabolites were all > 80%. The results of the multivariable linear regression model showed that the concentrations of 4-OH-MDTP and 5-OH-EHDPP in urine were associated with decreased E2 levels (P < 0.05). The E2 level in the 4-OH-MDTP Q3 group was significantly lower by 20.59% compared to the Q1 group, and in the 5-OH-EHDPP Q4 group, it decreased by 34.52% compared to the Q1 group. The exposure concentrations of 4-OH-TPHP and DPHP showed a significant positive correlation with progesterone levels (P < 0.05). The progesterone level in the 4-OH-TPHP Q3 group was significantly increased by 42.42% compared to the Q1 group, and in the DPHP Q4 group, it was significantly increased by 32.85% compared to the Q1 group. In the analysis of infertility causes, the concentrations of 4-OH-TPHP and 4-OH-MDTP in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis were significantly higher than those in women undergoing in vitro fertilization due to male factors. Moreover, the risk of PCOS and endometriosis increased in the 4-OH-TPHP and 4-OH-MDTP Q2-Q4 groups compared to the Q1 group. ConclusionAryl-OPEs can interfere with estrogen and progesterone levels in women. The parent compounds and metabolites may be associated with the occurrence of PCOS and endometriosis and could be one of the causes of infertility.

In order to study the interaction between betanin and whey protein isolate (WPI) and the effect of whey protein isolate on the thermal stability of betanin, WPI-Betanin complex was constructed by self-assembly method. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to verify the formation of complex. The mechanism of complex formation and the changes of protein structure were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism, and the complex was visualized by molecular simulation technology. The results showed that betanin and whey protein isolate formed a complex mainly through van der Waals force and hydrogen bond, and the number of binding sites was about 1. The formation of the complex resulted in increased turbidity and decreased surface hydrophobicity of the protein, and the quenching mechanism was static, with a quenching constant of 1.78×103 L/mol at room temperature. The interaction changed secondary structure contents and the microenvironment of tryptophan and tyrosine in whey protein isolate. Moreover, the thermal stability of betanin was improved by WPI. The retention rate of betanin increased from 6.17% to 27.26% after heating at 80 ℃ for 1 h. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application and development of functional protein pigment complex and the color protection of betanin.

The present study was carried on assess the lifespan extension of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) by astaxanthin (AST) and its related molecular mechanisms. The effect of AST on the lifespan of wild-type (WT) nematodes was observed, the relative expression of antioxidant (sod-3, ctl-1) and autophagy-related genes (bec-1, lgg-1) in WT nematodes was detected by qRT-PCR, the effect of AST on ROS levels in WT nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, the effect of AST on LGG-1::GFP fluorescent protein expression in DA2123 nematodes was detected by Western blot, and after oxidative stress was induced by juglone, the mRNA expression levels of bec-1 and lgg-1 in WT nematodes under oxidative stress were detected by qRT-PCR, and the effect of AST on the lifespan of C. elegans under oxidative stress was further examined. The results showed that AST could prolong the lifespan of WT nematodes, up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of sod-3, ctl-1, bec-1, and lgg-1 genes, scavenge excessive ROS in nematodes, up-regulate autophagy levels and prolong nematode lifespan under oxidative stress. Therefore, AST might prolong nematode lifespan by regulating ROS levels in C. elegans and then regulating autophagy.

Eye-hole wave communication frame was proposed first time.Tracking and pointing model of communication was put forward.New era of short distance optical communication was pioneered.Acguisition method of beaconing light was researched and acquisition time was computed.Two dimension pointing error normal distribution and rayleigh dis-tribution were simulated.Dithering Rician distribution of target pointing was simulated.Attenuation losing formula of receiving len’ diaphragm detection was calculated and simulated.Three dimension pointing error normal distribution and rayleigh distribution were proposed.Three dimension rayleigh fold dithering distribution was proposed.Simulation re-sults are computed and the results is shown.The concept of eye-hole wave communication is proposed first time.The two dimension and three dimension theory model of tracking/pointing dithering problem of robot are put forward and attenua-tion model is presented also.

For the primal-mixed form of the steady diffusion-reaction equation, a new conforming discontinuous finite element scheme is proposed by using the idea of discontinuous finite element method and the least-square method. Then the method is extended to the case of unsteady diffusion-reaction equation and a fully discrete conforming discontinuous finite element scheme is given. This scheme avoids the LBB condition and can be applied to polygon mesh. Under the energy norm, the optimal convergence order error estimates for the primary and flux variables are established. Finally, for the steady and unsteady equations, some numerical examples in general and convection dominated cases are given to verify the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of breakdown property of the vacuum gap in long distance, investigations were made on the vacuum circuit-breaker (VCB) with double-breaks or multi-breaks in high voltage power system. The improvement factor Kn of breakdown-voltage is theoretically induced for VCBs with multiple breaks compared with single-break ones which have the same equivalent gap length. From the research on the breakdown weak points in high voltage vacuum gaps, their turn out and distribution, some theoretical work was made to set up the models for describing the statistical property of multi-breaks VCBs' breakdown. The single and triple-break models were set up for experimental research to prove the theoretical results. The results show that the triple-break vacuum interrupters in series have the higher improvement factor of breakdown-voltage and lower breakdown probability compared with the single-break one. It can be demonstrated in a preliminary study that the experimental results do confirm the previous theoretical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical application of percutaneous injection of hemostatic agents guided by ultrasound for arresting active hemorrhage after renal biopsy. MethodsFrom January 2019 to December 2022, 10 cases of active hemorrhage after renal biopsy on ultrasound were retrospectively examined. Hemorrhage continued despite simple compression and it was treated by a percutaneous injection of hemostatic agents under ultrasonic guidance. Then hemostatic outcomes were also evaluated by ultrasound. ResultsUltrasound could detect the hemorrhagic site to enable an accurate injection of hemostatic agents. After injection, there was no active hemorrhage. ConclusionsPercutaneous injection of hemostatic drugs guided by ultrasound for arresting active hemorrhage after renal biopsy offer the advantages of rapid, accurate, effective, simple, repeatable and non-radioactive. This technique is a novel alternative for bedside immediate management of active hemorrhage after renal biopsy. At the same time, considering the safety of two kinds of hemostatic agents, hemocoagulase may be preferentially selected for local hemostasis of active hemorrhage after renal biopsy. When hemocoagulase fails to control active hemorrhage, thrombin can be replaced for hemostasis.

Subdural abscesses are located between the dura mater and the subarachnoid space， which are primarily caused by Staphylococci and Streptococci， etc. Subdural abscesses caused by Salmonella Typhi are extremely rare. In this article， a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome （AIDS） presented with a subdural abscess with fever and headache. Blood culture and next-generation sequencing （NGS） of cerebrospinal fluid were indicative of Salmonella Typhi infection. He was treated with sensitive antibiotics based on drug sensitivity testing combined with surgical drainage， and Salmonella Typhi was cultured in the drainage sample. During 4-month postoperative follow-up， relevant symptoms were mitigated and imaging examination results were normal. This case prompts that intracranial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi is extremely rare， which can occur in immunocompromised population. Blood culture， pus culture and NGS are of significant value in differential diagnosis of Salmonella Typhi infection. After the diagnosis is confirmed， sensitive antibiotics combined with surgical treatment can achieve high efficacy.

Cloud storage applications quickly become the best choice of the personal user and enterprise storage with its convenience,scalability and other advantages,secure deduplication and integrity auditing are key issues for cloud storage.At first,convergent key encapsulation/decoupling algorithm based on blind signature was set up,which could securely store key and enable it to deduplicate.Besides,a BLS signature algorithm based on convergence key was provided and use TTP to store public key and proxy audit which enables signature and pubic key deduplication and reduces client storage and computing overhead.Finally,cloud-based secure deduplicaion and integrity audit system was designed and implemented.It offered user with data privacy protection,deduplication authentication,audit authentication services and lowered client and cloud computation overhead.

With the trend that enterprise key data moves to mobile terminal,data leakage prevention has become an im-portant issue on mobile terminal.To solve the problem,a pre-decryption transparent encryption technology was set up which solved the problem that traditional transparent encryption technology only can ensure application layer security,in addition,performance on mobile was improved.At the same time,taking advantage of the idea of combining thin client and mobile terminal to prevent leakage of data,a virtual remote desktop technology on mobile was proposed,which completely shield the shortcomings of data transmission and ensure the safe transmission of mobile terminal data.Finally,a data leakage pre-vention system for mobile terminal was set up,which makes the mobile terminal fully and effectively protected.

Objective: To investigate evidence supporting whether ultrasonic irrigation as a supplement is more effective than syringe irrigation in root canal cleaning., Methods: An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Studies were retrieved from January 1, 1985 to March 1, 2014. The Chinese journals on stomatology and the bibliography of all relevant articles were manually searched. Relevant clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT) and clinical controlled trial (CCT) were selected. Two investigators evaluated the risk of bias of the included trials in accordance with Cochrane risk of bias assessment tools and collected data of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed in RevMan 5.2., Results: Nine articles that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in this Meta-analysis. Seven studies showed low bias risk, and the remaining studies exhibited moderate bias risk. Histological results showed that ultrasonic irrigation supplement could significantly improve canal and isthmus debridement at the apical area (P < 0.01). Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by bacterial culture (P = 0.26) and polymerase chain reaction (P = 0.99) methods, no significant differences in antibacterial efficacy were observed., Conclusion: Ultrasonic irrigation supplement is more effective than syringe irrigation in root canal debridement at the apical area. However, antibacterial efficacy is not statistically significant.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of left ventricular fat replacement., Methods: We identified 45 patients [28M/17F, mean age (51.9 ± 14.7) years] with left ventricular myocardial fat replacement (CT value ≤ -30 Hu) by cardiovascular CT., Results: Among 45 patients, 25 patients [20M/5F, mean age (61.2 ± 10.4) years]were diagnosed as coronary artery disease (CAD). There was 56%single-vessel disease, 20% double-vessel disease and 24%triple-vessel disease, true left ventricular aneurysm was detected in 3 patients and left ventricular thrombi in 1 patient, the dimension of left ventricle was (54.5 ± 9.4) mm and the LVEF was (51.8 ± 13)% in CAD group. In this group, fat replacement occurred in the region of myocardial infarction and presented as curvilinear band in subendocardial region. The left ventricular wall thickness was lower than 5 mm in 21 cases. The location of fat replacement in CAD group is as follows: apical region in 18 patients, distal septal in 15 patients, distal anterior in 11 patients, mid-septal in 7 patients, mid-anterior in 7 patients and basal in 1 patients. The age of remaining 20 patients (8M/12F) without CAD were (57.8 ± 13.3) years. In the group of non-CAD, dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 3 patients, atrial septal defect in 1 patient, rheumatic heart disease in 1 patient, there was no structural heart disease in the remaining 15 patients. The dimension of left ventricle was (51.1 ± 9.1) mm and the LVEF was (59.4 ± 13.9)%. In non-CAD group, fat replacement mainly occurred in septal region, presented as curvilinear band in 17 patients and patch in 3 patients. The location of fat replacement in this group is as follows: mid-septal region in 11 patients, distal-septal in 10 patients and apical in 9 patients. The intramural fat replacement was detected in 14 patients: subendocardial fat replacement in 10 patients and both intramural and subendocardial fat replacement in 4 patients., Conclusions: Left ventricular fat replacement could be documented in CAD patients, non-CAD cardiomyopathy patients and in patients without structural heart disease. Left ventricular fat replacement often positioned in apical region in CAD patients as a consequence of infarct healing while mostly positioned in septal region in non-CAD patients, the definite clinical implication of left ventricular fat replacement in non-CAD patients remains to be clarified.

Objective: To observe the value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiation of true from false left ventricular aneurysm in patients after myocardial infraction (MI)., Methods: Twenty-six patients [22 males/4 females, mean age (59.3 ± 9.3) years] with left ventricular aneurysm after MI were imaged with MRI, echocardiography and coronary angiography. The respective findings were compared with surgical pathology results., Results: There were 24 patients with dyspnea and 15 patients with hypertension. LVEF measured by echocardiography was 36.9% ± 9.1% in this patient cohort. Cardiac MRI showed that the left ventricular end diastolic wall thickness was thinner than 5.5 mm in 24 cases, and between 5.5 to 8 mm in 2 cases. The dimension of left ventricle was (67.8 ± 9.3) mm. Dyskinesia presented in 24 cases, and akinesia in 2 cases. Delayed enhancement was shown in all cases by MRI. Cardiac MRI detected left ventricular true aneurysm in 23 cases, false aneurysm in 3 case and left ventricular thrombi in 7 cases. The diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging corresponded well to pathological findings. Echocardiography misdiagnosed pseudoaneurysm in 1 patient, and failed to detected left ventricular thrombi in 2 cases., Conclusion: Cardiac MRI could correctly differentiate true from false left ventricular aneurysm in patients after MI.

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of myocardial (18)F-FDG imaging in pilots with regular aerobic exercise training., Methods: Twenty seven healthy male pilots with regular aerobic exercise training were included in this study. The subjects were divided into fasting (n = 17) or non-fasting group (n = 10). Fluorine-18-labeled deoxyglucose and Tc-99m-sestamibi dual-nuclide myocardial imaging were obtained at rest and at target heart rate during bicycle ergometer test. The exercise and rest myocardial perfusion imaging were analyzed for myocardial ischemia presence. The myocardial metabolism imaging was analyzed with the visual semi-quantitative analyses model of seventeen segments., Results: The secondary-extreme heart rate (195-age) was achieved in all subjects. There was no myocardial ischemia in all perfusion imaging. In the visual qualitative analyses, four myocardial metabolism imaging failed in the fasting group while one failed in the non-fasting group (P > 0.05). In the visual semi-quantitative analyses, myocardial metabolism imaging scores at rest or exercise in all segments were similar between two groups (P > 0.05). In the fasting group, the myocardial metabolism imaging scores during exercise were significantly higher than those at rest in 6 segments (P < 0.05). In the non-fasting group, the scores of 3 exercise myocardial metabolism imaging were significantly higher than those at rest (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Satisfactory high-quality myocardial metabolism imaging could be obtained at fasting and exercise situations in subjects with regular aerobic exercise.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of stem cell transplantation in heart failure patients with old myocardial infarction (OMI) by MRI., Methods: Heart failure patients [NYHA 2.7 +/- 0.7, male = 18, mean age (59.5 +/- 10.1) y] with OMI were randomly divided into 2 groups (group A: CABG + stem cell transplantation, group B: CABG; n = 10 each). Left ventricular (LV) function was measured by MRI, viable myocardium was detected by (18)F-FDG myocardial metabolism imaging and late contrast-enhanced at baseline and 6 months post intervention., Results: LVEF and LVEDV at baseline for group A were (20.71 +/- 6.09)% and (172.73 +/- 32.74) ml, and for group B were (27.59 +/- 2.31)% and (155.13 +/- 28.36) ml, respectively (P > 0.05). The LVEF was equally improved in group A and B (mean 8.63% vs. 10.37%, P > 0.05) while DeltaLVEDV was significant higher in group A than that in group B [(9.91 +/- 39.50) ml vs. (-22.34 +/- 31.35) ml, P < 0.05]. Ventricular wall thickening ratio at 6 months post intervention was significantly higher in group A than that in group B [(11.40 +/- 11.53)% vs. (2.27 +/- 7.20)%, P < 0.05]. Late contrast-enhanced MRI results correlated with (18)F-FDG myocardial metabolism imaging SPECT well in assessment of myocardial viability (kappa value: 0.446, P < 0.001; sensitivity: 68.3% and specificity: 92.5%)., Conclusions: Stem cell therapy on top of CABG aggravated LV remodeling in heart failure patients with old myocardial infarction. The specificity of MRI is similar to (18)F-FDG SPECT while the sensitivity is inferior to (18)F-FDG SPECT on detecting viable myocardium.

Objective: To investigate the changes myocardial enzymes related to glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism in chronic myocardial ischemia and to evaluate the relationship between the gene expression of glycolytic metabolism related enzymes and myocardial viability., Methods: Fourteen Chinese experimental pigs underwent placement of arterial ring into the left anterior descending coronary artery so as to establish models of myocardial ischemia and infarction. (18)F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose single photon emission computed tomography was conducted to observe the viability of the myocardium. One week later the pigs were killed with their hearts taken out. Specimens of ischemic zone, infarction zone, and non-ischemic zone were obtained. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, GLUT4, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and heart-fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP). Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the protein expression of Glut1 and Glut4. Periodic Acid Schiff-hematoxylin staining was conducted to detect the glycogen., Results: Pathological examination showed 5 pigs with myocardial infarction and 5 pigs with ischemia. In the pigs with ischemia, the mRNA expression levels of GLUT1 and GLUT4 in the ischemic zone were 9466 +/- 9033 and 60 398 +/- 64 699 respectively, both significantly higher than those in the control zone (5854 +/- 5287 and 34 188 +/- 44 714 respectively, P = 0.043, P = 0.043). the RNA expression of H-FABP in the ischemic zone was 18 123 +/- 15 925, significantly lower than that in the control zone (50 718 +/- 62 412, P = 0.043), and there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of MCAD. In the pigs with infarction the mRNA expression of level of H-FABP in the infarction zone was 21 919 +/- 15 224, significantly lower than that in the control zone (87 545 +/- 92 990, P = 0.043), and there were not significant differences in the mRNA expression levels of the GLUT1, GLUT4, and MCAD genes (all P > 0.05). The mRNA expression of GLUT1 in the myocardial segments with perfusion/metabolism mismatch was significantly higher than that in the myocardial segments with perfusion/metabolism match (19 794 20 454 vs 5134 + 6022, P = 0.046). The ischemic cardiac myocytes showed hypertrophy and positive staining of anti-GLUT1 polyclonal antibody., Conclusion: The changes of mRNA and protein expression of enzymes related to glycolysis and fatty acid metabolism after myocardial ischemia play an important role in glycolytic metabolism during myocardial ischemia.

Objective: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in female coronary artery disease (CAD) patients., Methods: Two hundred and fifty-nine consecutive female patients, aged 60 +/- 8, underwent stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and coronary angiography with an interval of < 60 days. Among them, 227 patients underwent exercise MPI, injected intravenously with (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) 740 - 925 MBq when the exercise end point was reached, and 32 patients underwent pharmacologic stress MPI, injected intravenously with persantine or adenosine and then (99m)Tc-MIBI., Results: Among the 227 patients undergoing exercise MPI 79 had significant coronary artery stenosis with the overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting coronary artery disease of 63% and 97% respectively. According to the exercise heart rate, the 227 patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 137) the patients of which achieved adequate exercise end points, and group 2 (n = 90) the patients of which only reached submaximal exercise. The sensitivity of exercise MPI for detecting CAD was 86% in the group 1 and 38% in the group 2. Among the 32 patients who underwent pharmacologic stress MPI 13 had significant CAD with the sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 84% respectively., Conclusion: Stress MPI is an efficient protocol for the detection of CAD in women, and pharmacologic stress MPI is more suitable for the women with decreased exercise capacity and advanced age.

Objective: (99)Tc(m) labeled C2A domain of synaptotagmin I ((99)Tc(m)-Syt I-C2A) is used for noninvasive detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque., Methods: Recombinant C2A domain of synaptotagmin I, overexpressed in E. Coli, was thiolated with 2-iminothiolane (2-IT) and labeled with (99)Tc(m). Atherosclerotic plaques were produced in 5 rabbits by deendothelialization of the abdominal aorta and the rabbits were fed with cholesterol diet for 3 months. Three rabbits not manipulated served as normal controls. All animals were injected with (99)Tc(m)-Syt I-C2A and underwent in vivo imaging thereafter. Aortas were then explanted for ex vivo imaging and histological characterization., Results: In deendothelialized animals, intense radio-uptake in abdominal aorta, showed by gamma camera at 2 h after injection, was visualized and T/B was 3.25 +/- 0.51 by ROI measurement, quantitative uptake ratio of abdominal aortas with atherosclerotic lesions to thoracic aortas was 8.39 +/- 1.74 in ex vivo imaging. The mean uptake in specimens of abdominal aortas with lesions was 12.6-fold higher than in control abdominal aortas, and 10.2-fold higher than in thoracic aortas of deendothelialized animals by gamma-counter., Conclusion: (99)Tc(m)-Syt I-C2A has a high affinity for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque and is a suitable a gent for the noninvasive detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) for the assessment of myocardial viability in patients with myocardial infarction in comparison with (99)Tc(m)-sestamibi (MIBI) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) SPECT. Scar was defined as regionally increased MRI signal intensity 15 minutes after injection of 0.2 mmol/kg gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid or reduced perfusion and glucose metabolism defined by SPECT., Methods: A total of 34 patients with myocardial infarction (29 males, 58.0 +/- 9.8 years) were imaged with MRI and SPECT., Results: A total of 578 segments were analyzed. DE-MRI and SPECT identified 431 and 336 viable segments respectively and SPECT also identified 30 ischemic segments. Necrotic segments identified by DE-MRI and SPECT were 147 and 212 respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of DE-MRI in identifying segments with matched flow/metabolism defects (scar tissues) was 61.3% and 95.4%, respectively. Quantitatively assessed relative MRI infarct area correlated well with SPECT infarct size. The value of Kappa was 0.51., Conclusion: DE-MRI provides a good tool for differentiating viable myocardium from scar tissues and the detection accuracy is comparable between DE-MRI and SPECT.

Objective: To compare the diagnostic value of (99)Tc(m)-MAA pulmonary perfusion imaging with that of pulmonary angiography for pulmonary involvement in Takayasu's arteritis., Methods: Twenty-one patients (19 women, 2 men), with diagnosed Takayasu's arteritis and underwent both (99)Tc(m)-MAA pulmonary perfusion imaging and pulmonary angiography, were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Out of the 21 patients, pulmonary angiography detected 11 patients with pulmonary artery involvement whereas 13 patients were revealed perfusion defects by pulmonary perfusion imaging. The agreement of diagnosis by pulmonary perfusion imaging with that by pulmonary angiography existed in 19 patients (90.5%, Kappa = 0.81, P < 0.0001). There were 331 pulmonary segments consistently diagnosed by pulmonary perfusion imaging and pulmonary angiography in 378 pulmonary segments (87.5%, Kappa = 0.74, P < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Pulmonary perfusion imaging is highly accorded with pulmonary angiography in detecting the pulmonary involvement in Takayasu's arteritis. Therefore, pulmonary perfusion imaging could be used as a non-invasive screening test for the pulmonary artery involvement in Takayasu's arteritis.

Objective: To evaluate the applicative value of higenamine used as a new agent for pharmaceutical stress test in detection of coronary artery disease by radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging., Methods: Thirteen pigs with chronic coronary artery stenosis by placement of the Ameroid constrictor in the middle section of left anterior descending artery were included in this study. Rest, higenamine and dobutamine stress radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging was performed with Tc-99m-sestamibi., Results: The sensitivity for detection of coronary artery disease by radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging was 85% in both higenamine and dobutamine stress imaging. Imaging scores (9.9 +/- 8.5 vs. 9.4 +/- 8.6, P = NS) and defect severity (68% +/- 12% vs. 68% +/- 15%, P = NS) showed no significant difference between higenamine and dobutamine stress test. Agreement of imaging scores between higenamine and dobutamine stress imaging was good (kappa = 0.849, P < 0.0001)., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that detection of coronary artery stenosis and ischemic myocardium by myocardial perfusion imaging with higenamine is highly sensitive.