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ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the protective effects of Cordyceps sinensis against renal injury induced by low-dose contrast medium (CM) in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) imaging, and to evaluate its efficacy using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsTwenty Beagle dogs with induced renal insufficiency were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 5 per group). Group A received Cordyceps sinensis for 1 week prior to undergoing heart rate-dependent personalized CM CCTA scanning; Group B received Cordyceps sinensis for 1 week followed by conventional dose CM CCTA scanning; Group C did not receive Cordyceps sinensis but underwent HR-dependent CM CCTA scanning; and Group D did not receive Cordyceps sinensis but underwent conventional dose CM CCTA scanning. Renal function was assessed using MRI before and after the intervention, with IVIM (Intravoxel Incoherent Motion) and BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent) imaging of the kidneys. Key parameters, including the pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), and R2*values, were quantified. Laboratory renal function markers were measured multiple times before and after the intervention, and their correlation with fMRI parameters was analyzed.ResultsCCTA imaging revealed that the CT values of the major coronary artery branches in all groups met the international diagnostic criteria for coronary arteries. No statistically significant differences in image quality were observed among the four groups (P > 0.05). In Groups A and D, significant changes were observed in renal function parameters, as well as in D, D*, f, and R2* values, both pre- and post-CCTA (P < 0.05). However, Groups B and C exhibited no significant changes pre- and post-CCTA (P > 0.05). A significant correlation was found between MRI parameters and laboratory renal function markers, with excellent inter- and intra-observer reproducibility, and high repeatability in the measurements.ConclusionHR-dependent personalized CM CCTA imaging did not compromise image quality. Administration of Cordyceps sinensis demonstrated a potential protective effect on renal function. The combination of IVIM and BOLD functional MRI offers a reliable, non-invasive approach to assess the protective effects of Cordyceps sinensis on renal injury induced by low-dose CCTA in Beagle dogs.

A series of colorized and magnetic polystyrene/Fe3O4 (PS/Fe3O4) composite beads with millimeter size are successfully synthesized by introducing hydrophobic Fe3O4via in situ suspension polymerization of styrene for the first time. Effects of the hydrophobic Fe3O4 content, stirring speed, and surfactant dosage on the macromorphology and particle size of PS/Fe3O4 beads are systematically investigated to realize the controllable synthesis. Moreover, three kinds of hydrophobic pigments are also employed to synthesize colorized polystyrene, which demonstrates the versatility, simplicity, and wide applicability of the proposed method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element mapping (EM) images demonstrated that the hydrophobic Fe3O4 is well dispersed in the polystyrene matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the resultant PS/Fe3O4 beads possess a better thermal stability than neat PS. PS/Fe3O4 beads have a promising application in the fields of colorized extruded PS board, colorized expanded PS foam particle, and board.

This paper investigates the impact of marketing innovation on firms' participation in global value chains (GVCs) marketing activities. We test the moderating effect of international experience and technological turbulence on the relationship between firms' participation in GVCs marketing activities and firm performance, using data from 503 Chinese firms. The results highlight that firms' GVC marketing activity participation relies on marketing innovation to improve performance. Moreover, international experience strengthens the positive relationship between participation in GVCs marketing activities and firm performance. Surprisingly, the positive moderating effect is different under different levels of technological turbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) as functional nanomaterials based on the skeleton of lysine were synthesised by the co-condensation of lysine-bridged organosilicane (Lys-BOS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate in acidic medium using P123 as template. Furthermore, a large content of Lys-BOS was incorporated into the silica framework. Amino acid organosilicane (Lys-BOS) was first prepared by the multi-step reaction between traditional orgnaosilicane [(3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane] and carboxyl protected lysine. The small-angle X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms indicate that these PMO materials still retain ordered mesostructure in the high molar concentration of Lys-BOS. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirms that lysine is incorporated in the framework of the PMO materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]