Proteomic and Metabolomic Characterization of COVID-19 Patient Sera.

Early detection and effective treatment of severe COVID-19 patients remain major challenges. Here, we performed proteomic and metabolomic profiling of sera from 46 COVID-19 and 53 control individuals. We then trained a machine learning model using proteomic and metabolomic measurements from a training cohort of 18 non-severe and 13 severe patients. The model was validated using 10 independent patients, 7 of which were correctly classified. Targeted proteomics and metabolomics assays were employed to further validate this molecular classifier in a second test cohort of 19 COVID-19 patients, leading to 16 correct assignments. We identified molecular changes in the sera of COVID-19 patients compared to other groups implicating dysregulation of macrophage, platelet degranulation, complement system pathways, and massive metabolic suppression. This study revealed characteristic protein and metabolite changes in the sera of severe COVID-19 patients, which might be used in selection of potential blood biomarkers for severity evaluation.

Proteomics Investigation of Diverse Serological Patterns in COVID-19.

Serum antibodies IgM and IgG are elevated during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to defend against viral attacks. Atypical results such as negative and abnormally high antibody expression were frequently observed whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are elusive. In our cohort of 144 COVID-19 patients, 3.5% were both IgM and IgG negative, whereas 29.2% remained only IgM negative. The remaining patients exhibited positive IgM and IgG expression, with 9.3% of them exhibiting over 20-fold higher titers of IgM than the others at their plateau. IgG titers in all of them were significantly boosted after vaccination in the second year. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we classed the patients into four groups with diverse serological patterns and analyzed their 2-year clinical indicators. Additionally, we collected 111 serum samples for TMTpro-based longitudinal proteomic profiling and characterized 1494 proteins in total. We found that the continuously negative IgM and IgG expression during COVID-19 were associated with mild inflammatory reactions and high T cell responses. Low levels of serum IgD, inferior complement 1 activation of complement cascades, and insufficient cellular immune responses might collectively lead to compensatory serological responses, causing overexpression of IgM. Serum CD163 was positively correlated with antibody titers during seroconversion. This study suggests that patients with negative serology still developed cellular immunity for viral defense and that high titers of IgM might not be favorable to COVID-19 recovery.

Myclobutanil induces cardiotoxicity in developing zebrafish larvae by initiating oxidative stress and apoptosis: The protective role of curcumin.

Myclobutanil (MYC) is a common triazole fungicide widely applied in agriculture. MYC extensively exists in the natural environment and can be detected in organisms. However, little is known about MYC-induced embryonic developmental damage. This study aimed to unravel the cardiotoxicity of MYC and the underlying mechanisms, as well as the cardioprotective effect of curcumin (CUR, an antioxidant polyphenol) using the zebrafish model. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to MYC at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and cardiac development was assessed. As results, MYC reduced the survival and hatching rate, body length and heart rate, but increased the malformation rate and spontaneous movement. MYC caused abnormal cardiac morphology and function in myl7:egfp transgenic zebrafish, and downregulated cardiac developmental genes. MYC promoted oxidative stress through excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and suppressed the activities of antioxidant enzymes, triggering cardiomyocytic apoptosis via upregulated expression of apoptosis-related genes. These adverse toxicities could be significantly ameliorated by the antioxidant properties of CUR, indicating that CUR rescued MYC-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Overall, our study revealed the potential mechanisms of oxidative stress and apoptosis in MYC-induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish and identified the cardioprotection of CUR in this pathological process.

The influence of meteorological factors and total malignant tumor health risk in Wuhu city in the context of climate change.

With the increasing severity of the malignant tumors situation worldwide, the impacts of climate on them are receiving increasing attention. In this study, for the first time, all-malignant tumors were used as the dependent variable and absolute humidity (AH) was innovatively introduced into the independent variable to investigate the relationship between all-malignant tumors and meteorological factors. A total of 42,188 cases of malignant tumor deaths and meteorological factors in Wuhu City were collected over a 7-year (2014-2020) period. The analysis method combines distributed lagged nonlinear modeling (DLNM) as well as generalized additive modeling (GAM), with prior pre-analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that AH, temperature mean (T mean) and diurnal temperature range (DTR) all increased the malignant tumors mortality risk. Exposure to low and exceedingly low AH increases the malignant tumors mortality risk with maximum RR values of 1.008 (95% CI: 1.001, 1.015, lag 3) and 1.016 (95% CI: 1.001, 1.032, lag 1), respectively. In addition, low and exceedingly low T mean exposures also increased the risk of malignant tumors mortality, the maximum RR was 1.020 (95% CI: 1.006, 1.034) for low T mean and 1.035 (95% CI: 1.014, 1.058) for exceedingly low T mean. As for DTR, all four levels (exceedingly low, low, high, exceedingly high, from low to high) of exposure increased the risk of death from malignant tumors, from exceedingly low to exceedingly high maximum RR values of 1.018 (95% CI: 1.004, 1.032), 1.011 (95% CI: 1.005, 1.017), 1.006 (95% CI: 1.001, 1.012) and 1.019 (95% CI: 1.007, 1.031), respectively. The results of the stratified analysis suggested that female appear to be more sensitive to humidity, while male require additional attention to reduce exposure to high level of DTR.

Parental hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccination for children and associated factors in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Since July 2021, some countries and regions have initiated the vaccination of minors against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy will affect the vaccination of minors. We aimed to identify the level of parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 in Taiwan and the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, self-administered online questionnaire in Taiwan to assess parental hesitancy and the factors influencing their children's vaccination against COVID-19. RESULTS: Among 384 respondents, 64.1% were hesitant to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19. Mothers were more likely to hesitate to vaccinate their teens than their fathers (67.5% vs. 50%, P < 0.005). Multiple regression results showed that parents who were hesitant to vaccinate themselves (OR = 3.81, 95% CI:2.07-7.02) and those who scored lower on their perception of their children's vaccination (OR = 9.73, 95% CI:5.62-16.84) were more hesitant to vaccinate their children with COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study findings, 64.1% of Taiwanese parents were hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Parents who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and had negative views of the vaccine for their children were more likely to be hesitant to vaccinate their children. An in-depth discussion of the factors affecting vaccine hesitancy and targeted health education is conducive to promoting vaccination in children with COVID-19.

Research on the relationship between common metabolic syndrome and meteorological factors in Wuhu, a subtropical humid city of China.

As climate conditions deteriorate, human health faces a broader range of threats. This study aimed to determine the risk of death from metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to meteorological factors. We collected daily data from 2014 to 2020 in Wuhu City, including meteorological factors, environmental pollutants and death data of common MetS (hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes), as well as a total number of 15,272 MetS deaths. To examine the relationship between meteorological factors, air pollutants, and MetS mortality, we used a generalized additive model (GAM) combined with a distributed delay nonlinear model (DLNM) for time series analysis. The relationship between the above factors and death outcomes was preliminarily evaluated using Spearman analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). As per out discovery, diurnal temperature range (DTR) and daily mean temperature (T mean) increased the MetS mortality risk notably. The ultra low DTR raised the MetS mortality risk upon the general people, with the highest RR value of 1.033 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.065) at lag day 14. In addition, T mean was also significantly associated with MetS death. The highest risk of ultra low and ultra high T mean occured on the same day (lag 14), RR values were 1.043 (95% CI: 1.010, 1.077) and 1.032 (95% CI: 1.003, 1.061) respectively. Stratified analysis's result showed lower DTR had a more pronounced effect on women and the elderly, and ultra low and high T mean was a risk factor for MetS mortality in women and men. The elderly need to take extra note of temperature changes, and different levels of T mean will increase the risk of death. In warm seasons, ultra high RH and T mean can increase the mortality rate of MetS patients.

Nano-TiO2 aggravates bioaccumulation and developmental neurotoxicity of difenoconazole in zebrafish larvae via oxidative stress and apoptosis: Protective role of vitamin C.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (n-TiO2) could enhance the bioavailability and toxicity of coexisting organic contaminants in the aquatic environment. This study attempted to investigate the combined effects of n-TiO2 and difenoconazole (DIF) on the neurodevelopment of zebrafish and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to n-TiO2 (100 µg/L), DIF (0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/L) and their mixtures from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and neurotoxicity was evaluated. Our results indicated that n-TiO2 adsorbed DIF into the brain of zebrafish and significantly enhanced the bioaccumulation of DIF and n-TiO2 in the 0.5 mg/L co-exposure group. 100 µg/L n-TiO2 was not developmentally toxic to the zebrafish larvae, but it exacerbated DIF-induced neurobehavioral alterations in the zebrafish larvae. n-TiO2 also aggravated DIF-induced suppression of central nervous system (CNS) neurogenesis in Tg (HuC:egfp) zebrafish, motor neuron axon length in Tg (hb9:egfp) zebrafish, and downregulation of neurodevelopmental genes (elavl3, ngn1, gap43, gfap and mbp). In addition, DIF elevated oxidative stress by accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant enzymes, and triggered apoptosis by upregulation of p53, bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3, which were markedly intensified in the presence of n-TiO2. Moreover, vitamin C (VC) ameliorated n-TiO2/DIF-induced abnormal locomotor behaviors and neurotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, indicating that oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in n-TiO2/DIF-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, our data indicated that n-TiO2 enhanced the accumulation of DIF and heightened oxidative stress and apoptosis, thereby inducing neurotoxicity. This study exemplifies the importance of the toxicity assessment of chemical mixtures and novel insights to mitigate their combined toxicity.

Curcumin protects against fenvalerate-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae through inhibition of oxidative stress.

Fenvalerate (FEN), a typical type II pyrethroid pesticide, is widely used in agriculture. FEN has been detected in the environment and human body. However, the neurotoxicity of FEN has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying FEN-induced neurotoxicity using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. We also investigated whether curcumin (CUR), a polyphenol antioxidant that exhibits neuroprotective properties, can prevent FEN-induced neurotoxicity. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0, 3.5, 7 and 14 µg/L of FEN from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and neurotoxicity was assessed. Our results showed that FEN decreased the survival rate, heart rate, body length and spontaneous movement, and increased malformation rate. FEN caused neurobehavioral alterations, including decreased swimming distance and velocity, movement time and clockwise rotation times. FEN also suppressed neurogenesis in transgenic HuC:egfp zebrafish, reduced cholinesterase activity and downregulated the expression of neurodevelopment related genes (elavl3, gfap, gap43 and mbp). In addition, FEN enhanced oxidative stress via excessive reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme inhibition, then triggered apoptosis by upregulation of apoptotic genes (p53, bcl-2, bax and caspase 3). These adverse outcomes were alleviated by CUR, indicating that CUR mitigated FEN-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress. Overall, this study revealed that CUR ameliorated FEN-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant, indicating a promising protection of CUR against environmental pollutant-induced developmental anomalies.

Chromosomal microarray analysis versus noninvasive prenatal testing in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the NT value of 2.5 mm ≤ NT < 3.0 mm is an appropriate indication for CMA tests among fetuses with isolated increased NT and NIPT is more suitable instead. METHODS: A total of 442 fetuses with NT ≥ 2.5 mm were included, in which 241 fetuses underwent karyotype. CMA tests were then carried out when cytogenic analysis showed normal chromosomes and CNV status was compared between 2.5 mm ≤ NT < 3.0 mm and ≥3.0 mm subgroups. For the NIPT evaluation, 201 of 442 fetuses with smaller increased NT (2.5 mm ≤ NT < 3.0 mm) was examined by either NIPT or karyotype. RESULTS: Of the 241 fetuses with NT ≥ 2.5 mm, 47(19.50%) were identified by karyotype with chromosomal abnormalities. Among 194 cases with normal karyotype, CMA unraveled additional CNVs in 16(8.25%) cases, including 3(1.55%) pathogenic CNVs, 2(1.03%) likely pathogenic CNVs and 11(5.67%) VOUS. After the subgroup analysis, however, only one case (1.16%) of likely pathogenic was identified by CMA among 86 fetuses with NT between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm, whereas the rest of 15 CNV cases were all presented in fetuses with NT ≥ 3.0 mm. For the NIPT evaluation, the detection rate of 201 fetuses with isolated increased NT between 2.5 and 3.0 mm was 3.98%, which was indifferent to karyotype with the rate of 5%. In comparison with fetuses with 2.5-3.0 mm combined with other risks, the detection rate of karyotype was 26.92%. CONCLUSION: While no pathogenic CNVs were detected in fetuses, chromosomal aneuploidies and genomic imbalance were found to be the major type of abnormalities when NT was 2.5-3.0 mm. Therefore, our data suggested that CMA should not be recommended when fetuses with an NT value less than 3.0 mm. Instead, NIPT with similar rate of detection as karyotype was recommended for fetuses with isolated increased NT between 2.5 and 3.0 mm.

IgG response to spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy individuals and potential of intravenous IgG as treatment for COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is currently a worldwide pandemic. There are limited available treatments for severe COVID-19 patients. However, some evidence suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) provides clinical benefits for these patients. METHODS: We administered IVIg to 23 severe COVID-19 patients, and all of them survived. Four related coronaviruses can cause the common cold. We speculated that cross-reactivity of SARS-CoV-2 and other common coronaviruses might partially explain the clinical efficacy of IVIg therapy. Thus, we performed multiple alignment analysis of the spike (S), membrane (M), and nucleotide (N) proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and the common coronaviruses to identify conserved regions. Next, we synthesized 25 peptides that were conserved regions and tested their IVIg seropositivity. RESULTS: The results indicated four peptides had significant or nearly significant seropositivity, and all of them were associated with the S and M proteins. Examination of the immune responses of healthy volunteers to each synthetic peptide indicated high seropositivity to the two peptides from S protein. Blood samples from healthy individuals may have pre-existing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgGs, and IVIg is a potentially effective therapy for severe COVID-19. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, blood samples from many healthy individuals have pre-existing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgGs, and IVIg may be an effective therapy for severe COVID-19.

Hydroxytyrosol and Oleuropein Inhibit Migration and Invasion via Induction of Autophagy in ER-Positive Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MCF7 and T47D).

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein (OL), the most abundant of the phenolic compounds in olives, have anticancer properties against breast cancer (BC). However, little attention has been paid to the mechanism of HT or OL in BC cells. The objective of this study was to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of these compounds. ER-positive BC MCF7 and T47D cells were treated with HT and OL in combination with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), rapamycin (Rapa, an agonist of autophagy) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an inhibitor of autophagy). Cell viability, metastasis capability and autophagy-related proteins were evaluated by wound healing assays, Transwell assays and Western blot. HT and OL reduced the cell viability of MCF-7 and T47D cells in a dose-dependent manner. Both cells were more sensitive to HT than OL. In addition, Rapa significantly inhibited HGF-induced migration and invasion, indicating that metastases of both BC cells could be inhibited by suppression of autophagy. Moreover, HT and OL significantly blocked HGF- or 3-MA-induced cell migration and invasion by reversing LC3II/LC3I and Beclin-1 downregulation and p62 upregulation. These findings revealed that HT and OL could suppress migration and invasion by activating autophagy in ER-positive BC cells, which might be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Difenoconazole induces cardiovascular toxicity through oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Difenoconazole (DIF), a common broad-spectrum triazole fungicide, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the mechanisms underlying this association. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to DIF (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/L) from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and cardiovascular toxicity was evaluated. Our results showed that DIF decreased hatching rate, survival rate and heart rate, with increased malformation rate. Cardiovascular deformities are the most prominent, including pericardial edema, abnormal cardiac structure and disrupted vascular pattern in two transgenic zebrafish models (myl7:egfp and fli1:egfp). DIF exacerbated oxidative stress by via accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme. Cardiovascular apoptosis was triggered through increased expression of p53, bcl-2, bax and caspase 9, while DIF suppressed the transcription of key genes involved in calcium signaling and cardiac muscle contraction. These adverse outcomes were restored by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), indicating that oxidative stress played a crucial role in DIF-induced cardiovascular toxicity caused by apoptosis and inhibition of cardiac muscle contraction. Taken together, this study revealed the key role of oxidative stress in DIF-induced cardiovascular toxicity and provided novel insights into strategies to mitigate its toxicity.

Both gut microbiota and cytokines act to atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested a role for the gut microbiome and cytokines in atherosclerosis development, but combined analyses of the changes of the gut microbiota and cytokines have not been explored previously. METHODS: We treated ApoE-/- and wild-type mice with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The gut microbiome and cytokine composition were analyzed using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and RayBio Quantibody Arrays, respectively. GO and KEGG analysis were performed to rationalize the potential mechanisms involved in the process of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Gut bacterial characteristics in ApoE-/- mice were clearly separated and 21 gut bacterial clades were detected by the LEfSe analysis showing significant differences during the development of atherosclerosis. The relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Bacteroidaceae, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia showed significant positive correlations with serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Additionally, the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae was positive with the level of HDL and the abundance of Rikenellaceae showed a negative relationship with the level of TG and LDL. Thirteen differentially expressed proteins were identified with P-value < 0.05. CXCL5, FGF2, and E-Selectin were significantly negatively associated with Akkermansia and Verrucomicrobia. Additionally, CXCL5 was significantly negatively correlated with Bacteroides and Bacteroidaceae. Three "cellular component" subcategories, 24 ″molecular function" subcategories, 752 ″biological process" subcategories and 29 statistically remarkable KEGG pathway categories were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Gut microbiota changes of the mice having atherosclerosis and their relationship with the inflammatory status could be one of the major etiological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis.

Fenvalerate induces oxidative hepatic lesions through an overload of intracellular calcium triggered by the ERK/IKK/NF-κB pathway.

Fenvalerate (FEN), a mainstream pyrethroid pesticide, was initially recommended as a low-toxicity agent for controlling agricultural and domestic pests. Despite the widespread use of FEN worldwide, little data are available on FEN-induced hepatic lesions and molecular mechanisms. In the present study, we first performed an occupational cross-sectional study on FEN factory workers and found that the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total antioxidant capacity increased, whereas malondialdehyde decreased in laborers in the working areas where the levels of airborne FEN were much higher compared with the office area. The results were then confirmed by animal experiments that abnormal hepatic histology, increased ALT level, and compromised hepatic oxidative capability were observed in rats exposed to a high concentration of FEN. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis of gene microarray in rat liver tissue showed that FEN significantly changed the expressions of genes related to the regulation of intracellular calcium ion homeostasis and the calcium signal pathway. Finally, the functional experiments in Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells demonstrated that FEN first activated ERK MAPK, followed by IKK and NF-κB, which triggered the transcription of genes responsible for accelerating an overload of intracellular calcium ions, prompted reactive oxygen species generation in the mitochondria, and finally, induced hepatic cellular apoptosis. The calcium signaling pathway and in particular, an overload of intracellular calcium play a critical role in this pathophysiological process via the ERK/IKK/NF-κB pathway. Our study furthers the understanding of the mechanism of FEN-induced hepatic injuries and may have implications in the prevention and control of liver diseases induced by environmental pesticides.-Qiu, L.-L., Wang, C., Yao, S., Li, N., Hu, Y., Yu, Y., Xia, R., Zhu, J., Ji, M., Zhang, Z., Wang S.-L. Fenvalerate induces oxidative hepatic lesions through an overload of intracellular calcium triggered by the ERK/IKK/NF-κB pathway.

[Application of in situ amniocyte culture for prenatal diagnosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of in situ amniocyte culture for prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: 2716 amniotic fluid samples were cultured in situ on slides. After the culture, the slides were stained, photographed and analyzed. RESULTS: All samples were successfully analyzed, with the success rates for primary culture and subculture being 98.42% and 1.58%, respectively. 224 samples (8.25%) were detected with chromosomal aberrations, which included 125 cases with trisomy 21, 31 with trisomy 18, 3 with trisomy 13, 4 with 45,X, 17 with 47,XXY, 5 with 47,XYY, 1 with 48,XXY,+18, 1 with 48,XXYY, 26 with structural chromosomal aberrations, and 11 with mosaicisms for aneuploidies. CONCLUSION: In situ amniocyte culture is stable and has a high success rate, and is capable of identifying true and false mosaicisms, which can improve the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis.

High-fat diet aggravates 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether-inhibited testosterone production via DAX-1 in Leydig cells in rats.

Growing evidence has revealed that a high-fat diet (HFD) could lead to disorders of glycolipid metabolism and insulin-resistant states, and HFDs have been associated with the inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis. Our previous study demonstrated that 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) could increase the risk of diabetes in humans and reduce testosterone production in rats. However, whether the HFD affects BDE47-inhibited testosterone production by elevating insulin levels and inducing related pathways remains unknown. In male rats treated with BDE47 by gavage for 12 weeks, the HFD significantly increased the BDE47 content of the liver and testis and increased the weight of the adipose tissue; increased macrovesicular steatosis in the liver and the levels of triglycerides, fasting glucose and insulin; further aggravated the disruption of the seminiferous epithelium; and lowered the level of testosterone, resulting in fewer sperm in the epididymis. Of note, the HFD enhanced BDE47-induced DAX-1 expression and decreased the expression levels of StAR and 3ß-HSD in the testicular interstitial compartments in rats. In isolated primary Leydig cells from rats, BDE47 or insulin increased DAX-1 expression, decreased the expression of StAR and 3ß-HSD, and reduced testosterone production, which was nearly reversed by knocking down DAX-1. These results indicated that the HFD aggravates BDE47-inhibited testosterone production through hyperinsulinemia, and the accumulation of testicular BDE47 that induces the up-regulation of DAX-1 and the subsequent down-regulation of steroidogenic proteins, i.e., StAR and 3ß-HSD, in Leydig cells.

Identification of minor chromosomal defects causing abnormal foetus and spontaneous abortions.

BACKGROUND: Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of recurrent abortions and miscarriages (RAM), but micro-variations on chromosomes causing RAM have never been previously studied. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the single nucleotide variations frequently present at genome with the density of at least one common (>20% allele frequency) SNP per kilobase pair. It has already been reported that SNP array examination for chromosomal abnormalities has better performance than the conventional cytogenetic karyotyping. METHODS: We applied SNP array to detect the chromosomal defects in 80 placental villi and foetal tissues of abnormal foetus and spontaneous abortions. RESULTS: The analyses of data revealed that total 52.5% (42/80) cases were found to have chromosomal abnormalities. The trisomies were most commonly found 26/42 (61.9%) in current samples. Total 8/42 (19.1%) cases were found to have other structural aberrations including translocations in 2/8 (25%), duplications and deletions in 3/8 (37.5%) cases, respectively. SNP analysis also successfully detected triploidy 69,XXX and tetraploidy 92,XXXY. Total 12/80 cases were performed by cytogenetic karyotyping and results were compared with SNP data. Total 5/12 (41.7%) cases were found to have same findings with SNP data while results of 2/12 (16.7%) cases had partial similarity between both techniques. Four cases were declared as karyotypically normal (46,XY or 46,XX) by cytogenetic examination, but later on these four cases were found to have small chromosomal variation which could be the cause of RAM in women. CONCLUSION: Therefore, we conclude that use of a high-density SNP platform in diagnosis can give better understanding of molecular causes of pregnancy loss and foetal abnormalities.

Direct Difluoromethylation of Alcohols with an Electrophilic Difluoromethylated Sulfonium Ylide.

A general method for the formation of alkyl difluoromethylethers under mild reaction conditions and with good functional-group tolerance was developed. The development of the method was based on the invention of a stable, electrophilic, difluoromethylating reagent, difluoromethyl-(4-nitrophenyl)-bis(carbomethoxy) methylide sulfonium ylide, which was synthesized by reaction of the easily available 4-nitrophenyl (difluoromethyl)thioether and dimethyl diazomalonate in the presence of a rhodium catalyst.

Potent inhibition of TGF-ß signaling pathway regulator Abl: potential therapeutics for hepatic fibrosis.

Hepatic fibrosis is overly exuberant wound healing in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver. The treatment of hepatic fibrosis is still difficult and remains a challenge to the clinician. In recent years, the TGF-ß signaling pathway regulator tyrosine kinase Abl has been raised as a new and promising target of hepatic fibrosis therapy. Here, considering that there are numerous drugs and drug-like compounds being approved or under clinical development and experimental investigation, it is expected that some of the existing drugs can be re-exploited as new agents to target Abl with the capability of suppressing hepatic fibrosis. To achieve this, a synthetic protocol that integrated molecular docking, affinity scoring dynamics simulation and free energy analysis was described to systematically profile the inhibitory potency of various drugs and drug-like compounds against the kinase domain of Abl. Consequently, 4 out of 13 tested drug candidates were successfully identified to have high-Abl inhibitory activities. By visually examining the dynamics behavior, structural basis and energetic property of few typical Abl-drug complex cases, a significantly different pattern of non-bonded interactions between the binding of active and inactive drug ligands to Abl receptor was revealed; the former is defined by strong, specific chemical forces, while the latter can only form non-specific hydrophobic contacts with slight atomic collisions.

Relaxation of ferroelectric thin films of diisopropylammonium perchlorate.

Molecular ferroelectric thin films are highly desirable for their easy and environmentally friendly processing, light weight, and mechanical flexibility. A thin film of diisopropylammonium perchlorate (DIPAP) processed by a spin-coating method shows a good roughness and textured structure with (101) orientation in the ferroelectric phase with a space group of P1. Simultaneously, the thin film shows ferroelectricity and ferroelectric relaxivity above room temperature, which is completely different from crystals. These properties make DIPAP a candidate in sensing, data storage, electro-optics, and molecular/flexible electronics.