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Rationale and Objectives: Spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging is widely used in the diagnosis of various cancers. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of lung squamous cell carcinoma (SC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) using spectral CT imaging.Methods: Sixty patients who were examined via spectral CT imaging and confirmed as having AC or SC via surgery and pathology were enrolled in this research project. A spectrum CT scanner was used, and both plain and enhanced CT scans were conducted to acquire spectral images. All patients' samples were used to detect the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cancer cells via immunohistochemical methods.Results: Among the 27 cases with AC, 18 cases were identified as TTF-1 positive, 9 cases were found to be TTF-1 negative, 20 cases were confirmed as EGFR positive, and 7 cases were found to be EGFR negative. Among the 33 patients with SC, 6 cases were identified as TTF-1 positive, 27 cases were found to be TTF-1 negative, 19 cases were confirmed as EGFR positive, and 14 cases were found to be EGFR negative. No statistically significant differences were observed in normalized iodine concentration (NIC), K values, and calcium content between the TTF-1-positive and TTF-1-negative groups when considering patients. Statistically significant differences in NIC and K values were noted between the EGFR-positive and EGFR-negative groups among patients with AC, but no such difference was observed regarding calcium content. Significant differences in NIC, K values, and calcium content were observed between the EGFR-positive and EGFR-negative groups among patients with SC.Conclusions: In lung cancer cells, the parameters of spectral CT imaging, including NIC and K values, reflect the microvessel density and blood supply. Calcium content is an indicator of the growth status of lung SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A highly selective sample cleanup procedure combined with molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) was developed for the isolation of gonyautoxins 2,3 (GTX2,3) from Alexandrium tamarense sample. The molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (MIPMs) were prepared by suspension polymerization using caffeine as the dummy template molecule, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker and polyvinyl alcohol as the dispersive reagent. The polymer microspheres were used as a selective sorbent for the solid-phase extraction of gonyautoxins 2,3. An off-line MISPE method followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection for the analysis of gonyautoxins 2,3 was established. Finally, the extract samples from Alexandrium tamarense were analyzed. The results showed the imprinted polymer microspheres exhibited high affinity and selectivity for gonyautoxins 2,3. The interference matrix in the extract were obviously cleaned by MISPE and the extraction efficiency of gonyautoxins 2,3 in the sample ranged from 81.74% to 85.86%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effect of combination of felodipine+puerarin on ACE2–Ang (1–7)–Mas axis, and to explore the protective effect of the combination against kidney in renovascular hypertensive rats. Goldblatt rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as follows: 4 groups which were treated with felodipine (Felo), puerarin (Pue), Felo+Pue, and Felo+captopril (Cap), respectively, and a control group of animals that were administrated with distilled water. Contents of Ang II and Ang (1–7) in renal tissues were determined by ELISA kit. The mRNA expression of ACE2/Mas and ACE/AT1 in kidneys was analyzed by RT-PCR. After 8weeks of treatment, compared with Goldblatt group, Felo+Pue reduced SBP, DBP and HR (p<0.01 or p<0.05), ameliorated renal interstitial fibrosis, decreased the level of Ang II and increased that of Ang (1–7), upregulated mRNA expression of ACE2 and Mas, decreased that of ACE and AT1, and downregulated protein expression of TGF-β1 in kidneys (p<0.01). Compared with Felo group, Felo+Pue decreased DBP and HR more markedly, attenuated fibrosis, decreased Ang II levels and increased those of Ang (1–7), upregulated mRNA expression of ACE2 in bilateral kidneys and that of Mas in ischemic kidney, downregulated that of ACE in bilateral kidneys and that of AT1 in ischemic kidney, and decreased expression of TGF-β1 protein significantly. In a word, a combination of Felo+Pue has a more efficient therapeutic effect on DBP and HR, and contributes to a better protection against renal interstitial fibrosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]