Apparent diffusion coefficient-based histogram analysis differentiates histological subtypes of periampullary adenocarcinoma.

Background: For periampullary adenocarcinoma, the histological subtype is a better prognostic predictor than the site of tumor origin. Intestinal-type periampullary adenocarcinoma (IPAC) is reported to have a better prognosis than the pan-creatobiliary-type periampullary adenocarcinoma (PPAC). However, the classification of histological subtypes is difficult to determine before surgery.

Quantitative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance enterography in ileal Crohn's disease: A systematic analysis of intra and interobserver reproducibility.

Background: Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is increasingly attractive as a noninvasive and radiation-free tool for assessing Crohn's disease (CD). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is recommended as an optional MRE sequence for CD by the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology, and has shown a superb potential as a quantitative modality for bowel inflammation evaluation. However, the measurement reproducibility of quantitative DWI analysis in MRE has not been ascertained so far.

Assessing the Early Response of Advanced Cervical Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Pilot Study.

Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model has shown promising results for providing both diffusion and perfusion information in cervical cancer; however, its use to predict and monitor the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in cervical cancer is relatively rare. The study aimed to evaluate the use of DWI with IVIM and monoexponential models to predict and monitor the efficacy of NACT in cervical cancer.

Methods: Forty-two patients with primary cervical cancer underwent magnetic resonance exams at 3 time points (pre-NACT, 3 weeks after the first NACT cycle, and 3 weeks after the second NACT cycle).

SPRC protects hypoxia and re-oxygenation injury by improving rat cardiac contractile function and intracellular calcium handling.

S-Propargyl-L-cysteine (SPRC, also named as ZYZ-802) is a new compound synthesized in our lab. We investigated whether SPRC has exerted protective effects against cardiac hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R) and also explored its mechanisms. In our study, isolated ventricular myocytes were subject to a simulated hypoxia solution for 30 min to induce cell injury.

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase 4-related signaling by sodium hydrosulfide attenuates myocardial fibrotic response.

Background: Myocardial fibrosis plays a pivotal role in the development of heart failure. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter with potent cardioprotective properties; however, whether H2S is involved in fibrotic process remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of H2S in the process of cardiac fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.

Hydrogen sulfide as an endogenous modulator in mitochondria and mitochondria dysfunction.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has historically been considered to be a toxic gas, an environmental and occupational hazard. However, with the discovery of its presence and enzymatic production through precursors of L-cysteine and homocysteine in mammalian tissues, H(2)S has recently received much interest as a physiological signaling molecule. H(2)S is a gaseous messenger molecule that has been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in mammals, including vascular relaxation, angiogenesis, and the function of ion channels, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and heart injury.

Arsenic trioxide induces the apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells via increasing intracellular calcium and ROS formation.

The present study was designed to investigate whether arsenic trioxide induced the apoptosis in rat mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which provides new insights into mechanisms of arsenic-related vascular diseases. Here, we found that arsenic trioxide significantly decreased the viability of SMCs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, higher level of arsenic trioxide directly caused cellular necrosis.