A novel method for measuring pulmonary artery pressure by high-frequency ultrasound-guided transthoracic puncture in rats.

Objectives: The success of the rat model of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is primarily dependent on the measurement of pulmonary artery pressure. We herein demonstrate a novel method for measuring pulmonary artery pressure through a high-frequency ultrasound-guided transthoracic puncture in rats. The efficacy and time of this novel method are also discussed.

cRGD Urokinase Liposomes for Thrombolysis in Rat Model of Acute Pulmonary Microthromboembolism.

Purpose: To study the thrombolytic effect and safety of cRGD urokinase liposomes (cRGD-UK-LIP) in rats with acute pulmonary microthromboembolism (APMTE), and explore the application value of echocardiography (ECHO) in animal models.

Patients And Methods: Ninety-six SD rats were randomized into 6 groups (16/group): normal control, sham operation, APMTE, normal saline (NS), free urokinase (UK), cRGD-UK-LIP. Four groups (APMTE, NS, UK, cRGD-UK-LIP) of rats were injected with autologous thrombus to induce APMTE.

Prognosis and risk factors for cardiac valve calcification in Chinese end-stage kidney disease patients on combination therapy with hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration.

Background: Cardiac valve calcification (CVC) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular complications. However, limited data are available concerning the prevalence, clinical features and risk factors for CVC in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. In this study, we aimed to assess these parameters in Chinese ESKD patients receiving combination therapy with hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration.