Chemical Flexibility of Atomically Precise Metal Clusters.

Ligand-protected metal clusters possess hybrid properties that seamlessly combine an inorganic core with an organic ligand shell, imparting them exceptional chemical flexibility and unlocking remarkable application potential in diverse fields. Leveraging chemical flexibility to expand the library of available materials and stimulate the development of new functionalities is becoming an increasingly pressing requirement. This Review focuses on the origin of chemical flexibility from the structural analysis, including intra-cluster bonding, inter-cluster interactions, cluster-environments interactions, metal-to-ligand ratios, and thermodynamic effects. In the introduction, we briefly outline the development of metal clusters and explain the differences and commonalities of M(I)/M(I/0) coinage metal clusters. Additionally, we distinguish the bonding characteristics of metal atoms in the inorganic core, which give rise to their distinct chemical flexibility. Section 2 delves into the structural analysis, bonding categories, and thermodynamic theories related to metal clusters. In the following sections 3 to 7, we primarily elucidate the mechanisms that trigger chemical flexibility, the dynamic processes in transformation, the resultant alterations in structure, and the ensuing modifications in physical-chemical properties. Section 8 presents the notable applications that have emerged from utilizing metal clusters and their assemblies. Finally, in section 9, we discuss future challenges and opportunities within this area.

Histamine 2/3 receptor agonists alleviate perioperative neurocognitive disorders by inhibiting microglia activation through the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway in aged rats.

BACKGROUND: Microglia, the principal sentinel immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play an extensively vital role in neuroinflammation and perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). Histamine, a potent mediator of inflammation, can both promote and prevent microglia-related neuroinflammation by activating different histamine receptors. Rat microglia express four histamine receptors (H1R, H2R, H3R, and H4R), among which the histamine 1 and 4 receptors can promote microglia activation, whereas the role and cellular mechanism of the histamine 2 and 3 receptors have not been elucidated. Therefore, we evaluated the effects and potential cellular mechanisms of histamine 2/3 receptors in microglia-mediated inflammation and PND. METHODS: This study investigated the role of histamine 2/3 receptors in microglia-induced inflammation and PND both in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo experiments, rats were injected with histamine 2/3 receptor agonists in the right lateral ventricle and were then subjected to exploratory laparotomy. In the in vitro experiments, primary microglia were pretreated with histamine 2/3 receptor agonists before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cognitive function, microglia activation, proinflammatory cytokine production, NF-κb expression, M1/M2 phenotypes, cell migration, and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) expression were assessed. RESULTS: In our study, the histamine 2/3 receptor agonists inhibited exploratory laparotomy- or LPS-induced cognitive decline, microglia activation, proinflammatory cytokine production, NF-κb expression, M1/M2 phenotype transformation, cell migration, and TLR4 expression through the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we conclude that histamine 2/3 receptors ameliorate PND by inhibiting microglia activation through the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway. Our results highlight histamine 2/3 receptors as potential therapeutic targets to treat neurological conditions associated with PND.

MiR-520c-3p alleviates LPS-induced A549 cell and mice lung injury via targeting NLRC5.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the progression of acute lung injury (ALI). So far, little is known about the role of miR-520c-3p in ALI. In this study, the mechanism of the occurrence and development of ALI was explored. We firstly found that miR-520c-3p could inhibit the expression of NLRC5. A549 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro to simulate ALI cells and inducing ALI model mice. Moreover, miR-520c-3p overexpression enhanced the viability of damaged cells, inhibited LPS-induced apoptosis, and decreased LPS-induced IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, the NLRC5 was a direct target of miR-520c-3p. And NLRC5 partially aggravated inflammation injury. In conclusion, miR-520c-3p alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory injury via regulating NLRC5.

Pro-inflammatory role of high-mobility group box-1 on brain mast cells via the RAGE/NF-κB pathway.

High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine contributing to the occurrence of many central inflammatory and infectious disorders. Brain mast cells (MCs) are the first responders to peripheral inflammatory stimulation because of their rapid response to external stimuli coupled with their release of preformed and newly synthesized reactive chemicals. Little is known about the involvement of brain MCs in the pro-inflammatory effects of HMGB-1 on the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, we investigated the activation process of MCs by HMGB-1 and explored whether this process is involved in the pro-inflammatory effects of HMGB-1 on the CNS. In this study, we used P815 cells to study the activating role of HMGB-1 on MCs and to explore its potential mechanism in vitro. In an in vivo study, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received i.c.v. injection of sterile saline or cromoglycate (stabilizer of MCs) 30 min prior to i.p. injection of HMGB-1. Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor and IL-1ß were observed in the P815 cells, as well as in the rats' brains, after HMGB-1 treatment. Pretreatment with the receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE)-siRNA inhibited the HMGB-1-induced inflammatory process in the P815 cells. Activation of the RAGE/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was observed in both the P815 cells and rats' brains. In addition, HMGB-1 induced the accumulation of brain MCs in the hippocampal CA1 region, and the blood-brain barrier was disrupted. Pretreatment with cromoglycate, a stabilizer of MCs, mitigated these HMGB-1-induced pro-inflammatory processes in rats. These findings indicate that brain MCs are involved in the pro-inflammatory effect of HMGB-1 on the CNS, probably via activating the RAGE/NF-κB pathway.

Effectiveness and safety of chemotherapy with cytokine-induced killer cells in non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are the most commonly used cellular immunotherapy for multiple tumors. To further confirm whether chemotherapy with CIK cells improves clinical effectiveness and to reveal its optimal use in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we systematically reevaluated all relevant studies. METHODS: We collected all studies about chemotherapy with CIK cells for NSCLC from the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Full-Text Database (VIP), Wanfang Data, China Biological Medicine Database (CBM), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese clinical trial registry (Chi-CTR), World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and U.S. clinical trials. We evaluated their quality according to the Cochrane evaluation handbook of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (version 5.1.0), extracted the data using a standard data extraction form, synthesized the data using meta-analysis and finally rated the evidence quality using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Thirty-two RCTs with 2250 patients were included, and most trials had unclear risk of bias. The merged risk ratios values and their 95% confidence intervals of meta-analysis for objective response rate, disease control rate, 1- and 2-year overall survival rates, 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were as following: 1.45 (1.31-1.61), 1.26 (1.16-.37), 1.42 (1.23-1.63), 2.06 (1.36-3.12), 1.93 (1.38-2.69) and 3.30 (1.13-9.67). Compared with chemotherapy alone, all differences were statistically significant. CIK cells could increase the CD3+ T cells, CD3+ CD4+ T cells, NK cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells. The chemotherapy with CIK cells had a lower risk of hematotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, liver injury and a higher fever than that of chemotherapy alone. The evidence quality was "moderate" to "very low." CONCLUSIONS: The available moderate evidences indicate that chemotherapy with CIK cells, especially autologous CIK cells, can significantly improve the tumor responses, 1- and 2-year overall and progression-free survival rates in patients with advanced NSCLC. This treatment does have a high risk of fever. The optimal use may be treatment with one or two cycles and in combination with vinorelbine and cisplatin, paclitaxel and cisplatin, or docetaxel and cisplatin.

Two new naphthalene glycosides from the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia.

A phytochemical study on the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia was carried out, which finally led to obtain two naphthalenes (1 and 2), two naphthopyrans (3 and 4) and twelve anthraquinones (5-16). The structures of all compounds were established mainly by NMR and MS experiments as well as the necessary chemical evidence. Among them, 1 and 2 (obtusinaphthalensides A and B) were identified to be new naphthalene glycosides.

A new and important relationship between miRNA-147a and PDPK1 in radiotherapy.

It was found that the expression level of miR-147a was significantly increased and the pathway of PI3K/AKT was dramatically inhibited after radiation. In view of the relationship between miRNA and target genes, we put forward the question, what is the relationship between PI3K/AKT and miR-147a? In order to find the answer to the question, we used bioinformatics techniques to analyze the relationship between miR-147 (a or b) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. miR-147a overexpression plasmid and PDPK1 3'UTR luciferase reporter gene plasmid were constructed. Dual luciferase reporter gene system validation experiments were carried out on miR-147a and PDPK1 relationship. The verification experiments were also carried out. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there is a miR-147a binding site in the non-coding region (3'UTR) of PDPK1. In the experimental groups transfected with wild type PDPK1 gene of 3'UTR plasmid, the luciferase activity decreased (or increased) significantly in miR-147a (or inhibitor) group compared with miR-NC (or anti-miR-NC); There was no significant difference between the miR-147a group (or inhibitor) and the miR-NC group (or anti-miR-NC) in the transfection of PDPK1-3'UTR-Mut gene vector. PDPK1 was a target gene for direct regulation of miR-147a downstream. Verifying test results showed that the expression of PDPK1 mRNA and protein was reduced after overexpression of miR-147a, which was up-regulated after silencing miR-147a in TC, and V79 cells. These results suggest that miR-147a could be involved in the regulation of PDPK1 transcription by binding to the target site in PDPK1 mRNA 3'UTR, and then regulated AKT.

Flavonoids of Rosa roxburghii Tratt offers protection against radiation induced apoptosis and inflammation in mouse thymus.

The present study evaluated the protective effect of the natural compound flavonoids of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (FRT) against γ-radiation-induced apoptosis and inflammation in mouse thymus cells in vivo and in vitro. Thymus cells and mice were exposed to 60Co γ-ray at a dose of 6 Gy. The radiation treatment induced significant cell apoptosis and inflammation. Radiation increased the expressions of cleaved caspase 3/8-10, AIF, and PARP-1, and FRT could mitigate their activation and inhibit subsequent apoptosis in the thymus both in vitro or in vivo. Irradiation increased the mRNA expression of ICAM-1/VCAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-κB. Our results also indicated that FRT alleviated gene expression of some inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1/VCAM-1, TNF-α/NF-κB, but not IL-1α/IL-6. Irradiation increased the protein expression levels of ICAM-1/VCAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-Κb, and our results also indicated that FRT alleviated protein level expression of certain inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6, TNF-α/NF-κB, but not VCAM-1. Our results suggested that FRT enhanced radioprotection at least partially by regulating caspase 3/8-10, AIF, and PARP-1 to reduce apoptosis and by regulating ICAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6, TNF-α/NF-κB to reduce inflammation.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE genes and their response under abiotic stresses in Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Four typical ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE genes have been identified in tea plants, and their sequence features and gene expression profiles have provided useful information for further studies on function and regulation. Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a terminal oxidase located in the respiratory electron transport chain. AOX catalyzes the oxidation of quinol and the reduction of oxygen into water. In this study, a genome-wide search and subsequent DNA cloning were performed to identify and characterize AOX genes in tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze cv. Longjing43). Our results showed that tea plant possesses four AOX genes, i.e., CsAOX1a, CsAOX1d, CsAOX2a and CsAOX2b. Gene structure and protein sequence analyses revealed that all CsAOXs share a four-exon/three-intron structure with highly conserved regions and amino acid residues, which are necessary for AOX secondary structures, catalytic activities and post-translational regulations. All CsAOX were shown to localize in mitochondria using the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-targeting assay. Both CsAOX1a and CsAOX1d were induced by cold, salt and drought stresses, and with different expression patterns in young and mature leaves. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated strongly after 72 and 96 h cold treatments in both young and mature leaves, while the polyphenol and total catechin decreased significantly only in mature leaves. In comparison to AtAOX1a in Arabidopsis thaliana, CsAOX1a lost almost all of the stress-responsive cis-acting regulatory elements in its promoter region (1500 bp upstream), but possesses a flavonoid biosynthesis-related MBSII cis-acting regulatory element. These results suggest a link between CsAOX1a function and the metabolism of some secondary metabolites in tea plant. Our studies provide a basis for the further elucidation of the biological function and regulation of the AOX pathway in tea plants.

A Highly Selective Naphthalimide-Based Chemosensor: "Naked-Eye" Colorimetric and Fluorescent Turn-On Recognition of Al3+ and Its Application in Practical Samples, Test Paper and Logic Gate.

A novel naphthalimide-based colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on chemosensor for Al3+ was synthesized and characterized with spectroscopic techniques. In MeOH solution, BPAM showed high selectivity and sensitivity to Al3+ by a 60-fold fluorescence enhancement and blue-shift absorption with visible color changes attributed to the contribution of chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) and inhibition of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). A 1:1 BPAM-Al3+ complex confirmed by job's plot and HRMS with a binding constant of 6.37 × 104 M- 1, and the detection limit for Al3+ was as low as 1.59 × 10- 7 M. BPAM was successfully applied in real sample detection and assessing the existence of Al3+ by a colorimetric method on filter paper. Furthermore, the fluorescent signals of BPAM were designed to construct an INHIBIT molecular logic gate.

Loss of ICA69 potentiates long-lasting hyperalgesia after subcutaneous formalin injection into the mouse hindpaw.

Islet-cell autoantigen 69 kDa (ICA69) plays an important role in many diseases and physiological activities by forming heteromeric complexes with protein interacts with C-kinase 1 (PICK1). PICK1 is critical for inflammatory pain hypersensitivity by regulating trafficking of AMPA receptor subunit GluA2 in spinal neurons. However, the role of ICA69 in inflammatory pain has not yet been investigated. Here we reported that expression of PICK1 in spinal cord was reduced largely in ICA69 knockout mice. The pain hypersensitivity was enhanced in the second phase 7 days after formalin administration. Meanwhile, increased Ser880 phosphorylation in GluA2 and decreased surface GluA2 were concordant with the pain. Furthermore, the number of activated microglia in spinal dorsal horn increased in line with pain hypersensitivity. Together, ICA69 deficiency promoted the internalization of GluA2 and FML-induced long-lasting pain hypersensitivity. In addition, microglia activation might be an important factor in the development of the pain hypersensitivity.

Maternal Abortion History and the Risk of Congenital Heart Defects. A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between maternal abortion history and congenital heart defect (CHD) risk in subsequent pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: A multihospital-based case-control study was conducted. The cases included 370 women whose fetuses were diagnosed with CHDs. The controls were 413 women with fetuses without an apparent malformation in the same hospital. All of the participants were investigated by trained interviewers. Univariate analysis was performed, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratio and 95% confidence interval to evaluate the risk of maternal abortion history on CHD risk. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant positive associations between maternal abortion (induced abortion and spontaneous abortion) occurrence and the risk of CHDs. There were no statistically significant positive associations between the number of maternal abortions (induced and spontaneous) and the risk of congenital heart defects. CONCLUSION: Maternal abortion history may not be associated with fetal CHDs.

[Cloning, expression and transcription specificity analysis of two tyrosinases from Schistosoma japonicum].

OBJECTIVE: To clone and express the recombinant proteins based on the whole open reading frame of two tyrosinases (tyrosinase 1 and tyrosinase 2) from Schistosoma japonicum, and study the transcription specificity of the two tyrosinases in different sex and developmental stages of S. japonicum. METHODS: The full-length of SjTYR1 and SjTYR2 were amplified with specific primers and subcloned into pSJ2. The recombinant plasmids were transformed into E. coli Rosetta Gami strains and induced with IPTG for expression. The recombinant proteins were purified by Ni-NTA agarose. The recombinant proteins SjTYR1 and SjTYR2 were used to produce the specific antibodies by immunizing the rabbits. The immunogenicity of the recombinant proteins SjTYR1 and SjTYR2 were detected by Western blotting using sera of recombinant proteins-immunized rabbits and S. japonicum-infected rabbit serum as the primary antibody, respectively. The reactivity of sera from recombinant proteins-immunized rabbits was analyzed by Western blotting against the native protein of S. japonicum worm. Total RNA was extracted from 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28-day male and female worms. Transcription levels of the two tyrosinases in different sex and different stage were determined via RT-PCR method. RESULTS: The expression vector of SjTYR1/pSJ2 and SjTYR2/pSJ2 were constructed and the recombinant pro teins SjTYR1 and SjTYR2 were expressed in inclusion body in E. coli (about M(r) 55 000 and M(r) 56 800). The sera of S. japonicum-infected rabbits reacted positively with the purified recombinant protein SjTYR1, but not with recombinant protein SjTYR2. The native protein of S. japonicum worm could be recognized by sera of rSjTYR1-immunized rabbits (M(r) 100 000), but not by sera of rSjTYR2-immunized rabbits. Transcription levels of the two tyrosinases in male worms were nearly zero. In female worms, the transcription levels of the two tyrosinases increased sharply from the 24th day post-in- fection and reached maximum on the 28th day. CONCLUSION: The recombinant proteins of SjTYR1 and SjTYR2 show immunogenicity and immunoreactivity. SjTYR1 and SjTYR2 are both expressed specifically in female worms and the transcription levels increase in 24-28 days after infection.

Risk factors associated with intraoperative persistent hypotension in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative persistent hypotension (IPH) during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes, yet its risk factors remain unclear. AIM: To clarify the risk factors associated with IPH during PD, ensuring patient safety in the perioperative period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patient records from January 2018 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University identified factors associated with IPH in PD. These factors included age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, comorbidities, medication history, operation duration, fluid balance, blood loss, urine output, and blood gas parameters. IPH was defined as sustained mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg, requiring prolonged deoxyepinephrine infusion for > 30 min despite additional deoxyepinephrine and fluid treatments. RESULTS: Among 1596 PD patients, 661 (41.42%) experienced IPH. Multivariate logistic regression identified key risk factors: increased age [odds ratio (OR): 1.20 per decade, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-1.33] (P < 0.001), longer surgery duration (OR: 1.15 per additional hour, 95%CI: 1.05-1.26) (P < 0.01), and greater blood loss (OR: 1.18 per 250-mL increment, 95%CI: 1.06-1.32) (P < 0.01). A novel finding was the association of arterial blood Ca2+ < 1.05 mmol/L with IPH (OR: 2.03, 95%CI: 1.65-2.50) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IPH during PD is independently associated with older age, prolonged surgery, increased blood loss, and lower plasma Ca2+.

Pigmentiphaga kullae CHJ604 improved the growth of tobacco by degrading allelochemicals and xenobiotics in continuous cropping obstacles.

Plant autotoxicity is considered to be one of the important causes of continuous cropping obstacles in modern agriculture, which accumulates a lot of allelochemicals and xenobiotics and is difficult to solve effectively. To overcome tobacco continuous obstacles, a strain Pigmentiphaga kullae CHJ604 isolated from the environment can effectively degrade these compounds in this study. CHJ604 strain can degrade 11 types of autotoxicity allelochemicals and xenobiotics (1646.22 µg/kg) accumulated in the soil of ten-years continuous cropping of tobacco. The 11 allelochemicals and xenobiotics significantly reduced Germination Percentage (GP), Germination Index (GI), and Mean Germination Time (MGT) of tobacco seeds, and inhibited the development of leaves, stems, and roots. These negative disturbances can be eliminated by CHJ604 strain. The degradation pathways of 11 allelochemicals and xenobiotics were obtained by whole genome sequence and annotation of CHJ604 strain. The heterologous expression of a terephthalate 1,2-dioxygenase can catalyze 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde, respectively. The phthalate 4,5-dioxygenase can catalyze phthalic acid, diisobutyl phthalate, and dibutyl phthalate. These two enzymes are conducive to the simultaneous degradation of multiple allelochemicals and xenobiotics by strain CHJ604. This study provides new insights into the biodegradation of autotoxicity allelochemicals and xenobiotics as it is the first to describe a degrading bacterium of 11 types of allelochemicals and xenobiotics and their great potential in improving tobacco continuous obstacles.

Throat microbiota drives alterations in pulmonary alveolar microbiota in patients with septic ARDS.

OBJECTIVES: The translocation of intestinal flora has been linked to the colonization of diverse and heavy lower respiratory flora in patients with septic ARDS, and is considered a critical prognostic factor for patients. METHODS: On the first and third days of ICU admission, BALF, throat swab, and anal swab were collected, resulting in a total of 288 samples. These samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA analysis and the traceability analysis of new generation technology. RESULTS: On the first day, among the top five microbiota species in abundance, four species were found to be identical in BALF and throat samples. Similarly, on the third day, three microbiota species were found to be identical in abundance in both BALF and throat samples. On the first day, 85.16% of microorganisms originated from the throat, 5.79% from the intestines, and 9.05% were unknown. On the third day, 83.52% of microorganisms came from the throat, 4.67% from the intestines, and 11.81% were unknown. Additionally, when regrouping the 46 patients, the results revealed a significant predominance of throat microorganisms in BALF on both the first and third day. Furthermore, as the disease progressed, the proportion of intestinal flora in BALF increased in patients with enterogenic ARDS. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with septic ARDS, the main source of lung microbiota is primarily from the throat. Furthermore, the dynamic trend of the microbiota on the first and third day is essentially consistent.It is important to note that the origin of the intestinal flora does not exclude the possibility of its origin from the throat.

Effects of Ilex latifolia and Camellia sinensis on cholesterol and circulating immune complexes in rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet.

Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Ilex latifolia or green tea (Camellia sinensis) on the levels of plasma total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and circulating immune complexes in Sprague Dawley rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet. We demonstrated that daily administration by gavage of I. latifolia or C. sinensis at doses of 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg body weight for 30 days resulted in a significant decrease in plasma total cholesterol levels and circulating immune complexes and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet compared with levels in the high-cholesterol diet control group. C. sinensis was more effective than I. latifolia. I. latifolia and C. sinensis could be used as food supplements to protect against the development of hypercholesterolaemia.

[Epidemiological analysis of selected congenital limb malformations in Hengyang].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of selected congenital limb malformations (CLM) in newborns of Hengyang. METHODS: During the period of 2008-2010, cluster sampling survey was adopted to investigate the congenital limb malformations of neonates born to women resident in Hengyang, including Nanyue District, Zhuhui District, Changning City and Hengshan County. Each newborn was examined for the screening of CLM after birth. Limb malformations were grouped into the isolated (ILM) and the syndromic (SLM) form, depending on associated malformations of the affected. Prevalence rates, CLM spectrum and clinical manifestations were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 170 CLM cases were identified among 52,307 newborns during the study period, resulting overall rate of 32.50/10(4). The rates for isolated and syndromic CLM were 28.29 and 4.21 per 10 000 births respectively. The rates for polydactyly, congenital talipes equinovarus, syndactyly and limb reduction defects were 13.00/10(4), 9.56/10(4), 5.16/10(4) and 3.63/10(4), respectively. No significant difference in rates of overall CLM or specified CLM was observed across urban-rural, gender and maternal age groups. Of the cases affected by polydactyly, syndactyly and limb reduction defects, malformation involved upper limbs, lower limbs and the both accounted for 68.14%, 14.16% and 17.70%. Preterm birth, low birth-weight, still birth and neonatal death were observed more frequently in syndromic cases than in isolated patients. CONCLUSION: The high CLM prevalence rate and fatality rate in Hengyang suggest that effective measures should be taken to prevent malformations and to improve survival of the affected.

Circularly polarized luminescence enlargement from crystals to oriented films of enantiopure 2D hybrid perovskites.

Chiral 2D organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (C-2D-OIHPs) with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) have important promising applications in optical, electronic, and chiroptoelectronic devices. Herein, we report enantiomeric crystals of R/S-FMBA)2PbBr4. (FMBA = 4-fluorophenethylamine), which demonstrated bright room-temperature CPL emission. For the first time, the oriented films along the c-axis of this pair of C-2D-OIHPs exhibited a 16-fold increase in the asymmetry factors of absorbance (gCD) and a 5-fold rise in the asymmetry factors of CPL (glum), reaching up to ± 1 × 10-2.

Inhibiting 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 alleviates pathological changes of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Extracellular amyloid beta (Aß) plaques are main pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease. However, the specific type of neurons that produce Aß peptides in the initial stage of Alzheimer's disease are unknown. In this study, we found that 5-hydroxytryptamin receptor 3A subunit (HTR3A) was highly expressed in the brain tissue of transgenic amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 mice (an Alzheimer's disease model) and patients with Alzheimer's disease. To investigate whether HTR3A-positive interneurons are associated with the production of Aß plaques, we performed double immunostaining and found that HTR3A-positive interneurons were clustered around Aß plaques in the mouse model. Some amyloid precursor protein-positive or ß-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1-positive neurites near Aß plaques were co-localized with HTR3A interneurons. These results suggest that HTR3A -positive interneurons may partially contribute to the generation of Aß peptides. We treated 5.0-5.5-month-old model mice with tropisetron, a HTR3 antagonist, for 8 consecutive weeks. We found that the cognitive deficit of mice was partially reversed, Aß plaques and neuroinflammation were remarkably reduced, the expression of HTR3 was remarkably decreased and the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cell 4 signaling pathway was inhibited in treated model mice. These findings suggest that HTR3A interneurons partly contribute to generation of Aß peptide at the initial stage of Alzheimer's disease and inhibiting HTR3 partly reverses the pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease.