Clinical and cardiac MRI characteristics: prognosis in patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is recognized as a type of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). To date, the clinical prognosis of ACM remains a topic of debate in previous studies and there are limited studies on its cardiac MRI characteristics. The aim of this study was to summarize the clinical and MRI features of ACM patients and to identify the predictors of adverse prognosis based on clinical characteristics and MRI imaging findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who were clinically diagnosed with ACM and underwent enhanced CMR between September 2015 and August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events, including cardiac-related death, heart transplantation, hospitalization for heart failure and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or ICD shock). The risk factors associated with these primary end points were identified using multivariable Cox analysis. RESULTS: A total of 62 ACM patients (50 ± 9 years, 62 men) were included. The majority of patients presented with symptoms of heart failure. Over a median follow-up period of 30.3 months (IQR 12.2-57.7 months), 24 patients reached the primary endpoints. For clinical variables, multivariable analysis showed that drinking duration (HR=1.05; 95%CI:1.01, 1.11; p=0.03) and persistent drinking (HR=3.71; 95%CI:1.46, 9.44; p=0.01) were associated with MACE. For CMR variables, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) percent (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.14; p<0.001) stood out as an independent predictor for MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In ACM patients, persistent drinking and cardiac MRI-defined myocardial scar were associated with adverse outcomes such as cardiac death, heart transplantation, hospitalization for heart failure or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

[A clinical cohort study of split and whole liver transplantations].

Objective: To investigate the surgical efficacy of split liver transplantation. Methods: Patients who underwent liver transplantation at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into split liver transplantation group (n=60) and whole liver transplantation group (n=765)according to graft types.In the split liver transplantation group, there were 23 males and 37 females, aged (52.5±10.2) years, and the body mass index was (22.4±3.3) kg/m2. In the whole liver transplantation group, there were 630 males and 135 females, aged (51.2±9.6) years, and body mass index was (24.5±3.7) kg/m2.The basic data of the two groups were matched 1∶1 using the propensity score matching method. The independent sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare the intraoperative and postoperative recovery of the two groups of donors and recipients. The overall survival rate and the graft survival rate of the two groups were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and the cumulative survival rate was compared by the Log-rank test. Results: Fifty-one well-matched pairs of data with similar baseline characteristics were obtained. The ratio of graft mass to recipient body weight in the matched split liver transplantation group was (1.78±0.55)%. Operation time(M(IQR))(10.8(1.5)hours vs. 8.0(1.9)hours,U=6.608,P<0.01) and cold ischaemia time(5.4(1.3)hours vs. 4.6(2.2)hours,U=2.825,P=0.005) were significantly longer in the split liver transplantation group than those in the whole liver transplantation group. Intra-operative anhepatic phase(53.0(15.0)minutes vs. 57.0(24.0)minutes,U=1.048,P=0.295),bleeding volume(1 000(1 400)ml vs. 1 200(1 200)ml,U=0.966,P=0.334) and intraoperative instillation of red blood cells(9.0(6.5)U vs. 11.0(11.0)U,U=1.732,P=0.083) were not significantly different between the two groups. However,the split liver transplantation group showed significantly longer postoperative intensive care unit stay(5.0(3.0)days vs. 4.0(4.0)days,U=2.677,P=0.007) and postoperative hospital stay(30.0(15.0)days vs. 26.0(15.0)days,U=2.237,P=0.025) and significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications(56.8%(29/51) vs. 36.6%(19/51),χ2=3.935,P=0.047) than the whole liver transplantation group. Furthermore,levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher on postoperative days 1,4 and 7 in the split liver transplantation group(all P<0.05) than in the whole liver transplantation group;however,there were no significant differences in these levels on postoperative days 14 and 28. The time to restoration of normal liver function in both groups(12.5(13.7)days vs. 9.0(12.5)days,U=1.607,P=0.108) was not statistically significant. Furthermore,the median follow-up time after surgery was 25.6 months in both groups. In postoperative years 1,2,3 and 5, the graft survival rates were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,70.3%,67.3% and 60.5% in the split liver transplantation group(P=0.171),respectively. The patient survival rates in post-operative years 1,2,3 and 5 were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,75.9%,70.3% and 63.3% in the split liver transplantation group,respectively(P=0.252). However,the differences of graft survival rates and patient survival rates between the two groups were not significant. Conclusion: Although it affects the early recovery of patients after liver transplantation,split liver transplantation has no effect on long-term survival rates and demonstrates surgical efficacy similar to that of whole liver transplantation.

[Correlation between heart rate index, SBPpeak-to-SBPrest ratio and peak oxygen consumption in patients with chronic heart failure].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between heart rate index (HRI), systolic blood pressure(SBP) peak-to-SBPrest ratio (SBPR) and peak oxygen consumption (peakVO2) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and discuss the possibility of using HRI and SBPR collected during exercise to assess the exercise tolerance of CHF patients in the absence of gas analysis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 547 patients with CHF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET) in Tongji Hospital Heart Rehabilitation Center Affiliated to Tongji University from March 2007 to December 2018 were collected retrospectively, focusing on their clinical data including age, gender, type of heart failure,BMI as well as data collected during their CPETs, such as peakVO2, HRI and SBPR. Spearman univariate correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis, to unveil the correlations between peakVO2 and those parameters, and multiple linear regression analysis was also conducted. Results: A total of 547 CHF patients conducting CPET were included in this research, of which 447 were male, at age of 63(56, 69). Univariate analysis indicates that HRI, SBPR and peakVO2 showed significant positive correlation (r=0.323, 0.263, respectively, all P<0.001); Age and peak VO2 showed significant negative correlation(r=-0.207, P<0.001); Male patients showed peakVO2 higher than female(r=-0.229, P<0.001); PeakVO2 of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF) was lower than heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmrEF)and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF) (r=0.181, P<0.001). Body mass index (BMI) had no significant correlation with peakVO2 (P>0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the HRI, SBPR were positively correlated with peakVO2(t=7.68, 5.08, respectively, all P<0.05), while age and BMI showed negative correlation with peakVO2(t=-5.43, -0.31, respectively, all P<0.05). PeakVO2 of male was higher than female(t=-6.03, P<0.05), and peakVO2 of HFrEF was lower than those of HFmrEF and HFpEF(t=3.17, 4.48, respectively, all P<0.05). A linear equation (F=33.52, adjusted R2=0.29) could be constructed: peakVO2=10.65(male) or 8.53(female)+4.26HRI+3.31SBPR-0.07age-0.13BMI+0(HFrEF) or 1.05 (HFmrEF) or 1.62(HFpEF). Conclusion: HRI and SBPR are positively correlated with peakVO2. In the absence of gas analysis, it is possible to apply HRI and SBPR during exercise to predict exercise tolerance in patients with CHF.

[Application of totally visceral sac separation in abdominal wall hernia].

To investigate the application of totally visceral sac separation (TVS) in the treatment of ventral hernia, to summarize the operation procedure and to analyze its safety and effectiveness. Twenty-one consecutive primary and secondary ventral hernias cases were repaired using the TVS procedure from December 2019 to December 2020. A large mesh should be placed in retrorectus sublay or underlay preperitoneal using the minimally invasive procedure. The indications for this procedure include umbilical, incisional hernia, linea alba hernia, lumbar hernia, and parastomal hernia. All the operations were successful, of which 2 cases were converted to laparotomy because of the failure of anterior peritoneal cavity construction and the difficulty of anterior defect closure. The mean operation time was 140 mins (70-260 min), postoperative pain was mild, and the mean visual analogue scale(VAS) was 2.5 (1-4) on the first postoperative day. There were no recurrent cases during the follow-up for more than 6 months. TVS procedure is safe and highly reproducible. Without expensive anti-adhesion mesh and fixation tacker, the technology of TVS is a good technique for the surgical treatment of ventral hernia.

Primary tumour location is an important prognostic factor in colorectal cancer liver metastases following radiofrequency ablation.

AIM: To examine the outcomes and different prognoses for colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases (CRCLM) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) based on the origin of the primary tumour (rectum versus colon). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CRCLM from July 2011 to June 2018 were assessed in the study. The study included 114 patients with 176 lesions. All of the patients underwent RFA of their CRCLM. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed with Kaplan-Meier survival function estimate curves and Cox regression analysis between the group of patients with rectal cancer liver metastases (RCLM) and colon cancer liver metastases (CCLM). RESULTS: Patients with RCLM exhibited worse OS and PFS than those with CCLM. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 87.5%, 75%, and 54.2% in the RCLM group and 93.9%, 87.8%, and 81.8% in the CCLM group (p=0.001), respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS rates were 43.7%, 22.9%, and 20.8% in the RCLM group and 57.6%, 45.4%, and 36.5% in the CCLM group (p=0.001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that primary tumour location, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and response to pre-ablation chemotherapy were independent variables for OS and PFS. The N state of the primary tumour also had a significant impact on OS. CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with CCLM had better prognoses than those with RCLM following RFA treatment. If patients intend to undergo RFA for CRCLM, the location of the primary tumour should be considered in the assessment of long-term therapeutic effects.

Mechanism and dynamics of fatty acid photodecarboxylase.

Fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP) is a photoenzyme with potential green chemistry applications. By combining static, time-resolved, and cryotrapping spectroscopy and crystallography as well as computation, we characterized Chlorella variabilis FAP reaction intermediates on time scales from subpicoseconds to milliseconds. High-resolution crystal structures from synchrotron and free electron laser x-ray sources highlighted an unusual bent shape of the oxidized flavin chromophore. We demonstrate that decarboxylation occurs directly upon reduction of the excited flavin by the fatty acid substrate. Along with flavin reoxidation by the alkyl radical intermediate, a major fraction of the cleaved carbon dioxide unexpectedly transformed in 100 nanoseconds, most likely into bicarbonate. This reaction is orders of magnitude faster than in solution. Two strictly conserved residues, R451 and C432, are essential for substrate stabilization and functional charge transfer.

Novel synthesis of alpha-PNA monomers by U-4CR.

A novel synthesis of alpha-PNA monomers was carried out by U-4CR, followed by photochemical cleavage of the 2-nitrobenzyl group and selective hydrolysis in the presence of 10% HCl in THF. Three of four functional components in the U-4CR were specially protected: cyclohexenyl isocyanide, Boc for protecting the amino group of glycine, and 2-nitrobenzyl group as a photocage (photoremovable protecting group) for ammonia. The amino group of aldehyde-containing adenine is too weak to interfere with the U-4CR, so that it is not necessary to be protected.

Oxidative stress-induced C/EBPß inhibits ß-catenin signaling molecule involving in the pathology of preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress-induced trophoblast cell dysfunction is a major pathology in preeclampsia (PE). Recently, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPß) has been investigated as a tumor suppressor that participates in tumor invasion. However, the function of C/EBPß in trophoblast cells remains unknown. Our study was designed to detect the expression of C/EBPß in the preeclamptic placenta and to identify the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress. METHODS: Human placental tissues with PE were collected. The expression of C/EBPß and ß-catenin were detected. Human first trimester extravillous trophoblast cell (HTR8/SVneo) line exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was employed as an oxidative stress model in vitro to investigate the effects of C/EBPß on invasion and the expression of ß-catenin. Moreover, first trimester-derived placental villous explants were used to verify the effects of C/EBPß and ß-catenin in placentation. RESULTS: In preeclamptic placentas, C/EBPß was overexpressed and ß-catenin was decreased. In addition, C/EBPß was found to have increased expression in H/R-treated HTR8/SVneo cells and villous explants. C/EBPß knockdown and ß-catenin activation could significantly promote the invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells, enhance the outgrowth and migration in villous explants and inhibit the excessive generation of intracellular ROS. These findings might be related to the increased activities of MMP-2/9 and the decreased expression of TIMP-1/2. Meanwhile, C/EBPß knockdown remarkably increased the expression of ß-catenin. DISCUSSION: We hypothesize that the oxidative stress-induced overexpression of C/EBPß might influence the activity of MMPs by regulating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway to affect the invasion of trophoblast cells, which then participate in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Radiographic manifestations and pathologic basis of parosteal osteosarcoma. Analysis of 17 cases.

The authors reviewed the radiographic manifestations of 17 cases of parosteal osteosarcoma, with pathologic correlation in 15. There were two types of parosteal osteosarcoma radiologically. The majority of cases were type I with uniformly dense masses which had regular borders. They often adhered to the cortex and showed no evidence of soft-tissue invasion which correlated with low-grade pathologic malignancy and a relatively benign clinical course. Type II involved the bone, soft-tissue and the medullary cavity. These lesions were poorly differentiated and frequently accompanied by metastatic lesions.

Phylogeny of 12 species of genusGlycine Willd. reconstructed with internal transcribed region in nuclear ribosomal DNA.

The ITS-Is of 24 accessions belong to 10 species of subgenusGlycine, and 2 species of subgenusSoja of genusGlycine were amplified, cloned and sequenced. According to the homology of the sequences, the phylogeny of the 24 accessions were reconstructed. The reconstructed dendrogram showed that there were some divergent genomic types found in the previously classified species, such asG. tomentella, G. canescens andG. tabacina, and they might be some cryptic species by morphologic analysis.

[Construction and analysis of soybean genetic map].

Molecular linkage maps provide a powerful tool for the analysis of plant genome structure and function including the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL). The molecular linkage map of soybean was constructed using an 88-individual RIL population derived from a cross between cultivated Changnong 4 and semi-wild Xinmin 6. The map contains 22 linkage groups and 240 markers, including 100 RFLP, 33 SSR, 62 RAPD, 42 AFLP, 1 SCAR and 2 morphological markers. It covers approximately 3,713.5 cM of soybean genome. Analysis of 72 RFLP markers showed that 16 of them revealed two or more independent loci and it suggested that there is an extensive homologous region in soybean genome. This map compared very well with the other published soybean maps.

[Soybean germplasm diversity and genetic variance detected by microsatellite markers].

Microsatellite or Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) marker is a new type of molecular marker developed recently, which can be used in genotype identification, pedigree analysis, and estimation of genetic distance. Using 5 pairs of SSR primer, 21 polymorphic fragments were obtained in 15 soybean germplasm. The number of alleles at each SSR locus is from 3 to 6, and the range of gene diversity is 0.439-0.668. In addition, analysis of genetic distance was also performed in this study. Pedigree analysis showed that mutation occurred for individuals in the F8 population of RIL after multigeneration meiosis, which was caused because of the changes in the number of repeat unit, to a limited extent.

[Phylogenetic analysis of interspecies in genus Glycine through SSR markers].

The genetic diversity among 11 species of genus Glycine (altogether 37 accessions) was evaluated through SSR analysis. The number of alleles in different loci ranges from 6 to 29, averaging 15.9 per locus; alleles of subgenus soja account for 71.5% of those in subgenus Glycine, and the fingerprinting among subgenus Glycine is more divergent than that of subgenus soja. Principal factor analysis shows that the first and the second principal factor can classify genus Glycine into two groups which represent subgenus Glycine and subgenus soja. The results of UPGMA indicate that G. mas, G. soja and G. gracilis in subgenus soja are different species.

[Resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum against varied physical factors and its survival in different surroundings].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum against some physical factors and its survival in different surroundings. METHODS: Bacterium solution of Mycobacterium fortuitum was added to the carriers, then it was treated in different interval of time and physical surroundings (high temperature, maximum pressure in ultraviolet ray, dry, sunshine). The treated specimen was cultured to observe the resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum against physical factors. At the same time, some of bacterium solution were mixed into materials in different surroundings (water, wet soil, and dry soil). The specimen was cultured constantly in different time under the room temperature to observe the growth of Mycobacterium fortuitum in different surroundings. RESULTS: Mycobacterium fortuitum was killed at 60 degrees C in 135 minutes, 80 degrees C in 60 minutes, 100 degrees C in 5 minutes, and high pressure in 5 minutes (6.8 kg at 121 degrees C, 4.5 kg at 115 degrees C). It can also be killed under hot sunshine in one hour and under the ultraviolet ray at 105.5 microW/cm. Mycobacterium fortuitum can exist in water over 27 months, in wet and dry soil and in dry surroundings for more than one and a half year. With the extending of time, quantities of Mycobacterium fortuitum showed a trend of decline. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterium fortuitum possesses low resistance against high temperature, but higher resistance against ultraviolet ray. The germ shows stronger endurance in different surroundings and can exist for a long time.

[Effect of jiawei dachaihu decoction on blood T lymphocyte subsets and tumor necrosis factor in patients with obstructive jaundice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the preoperative Jiawei Dachaihu decoction in improving cellular immune functions in patients with obstructive jaundice. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly divided into two groups with (group B) and without (group A) the herbal therapy. And their preoperative T lymphocyte subsets, TNF and the postoperative dynamic changes were measured. RESULTS: CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 decreased and TNF increased in the patients. CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 decreased much less and were lower than preoperative levels 2 days after the operation. CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 were higher and TNF lower than preoperative levels in group A after 20 days of the operation (all of them P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The operation could be helpful to recover immune functions of T lymphocyte and decrease TNF levels. The perioperative herbal therapy is an important adjuvant measure.

[Studies on the infrared spectra of clusters containing O3MoS3, [Mo(x) (CO)y(O,S-C6H4-1,2)3FezLm]n- (x = 1,2 or 3, y = 0,3,7 or 4, z = 0 or 1, L = Cl, m = 0,2, n = 1 or 2) unit and the relationship between the spectra and their structures].

The IR spectra of clusters containing O3MoS3 Unit, (Et4N) [Mo(O, S-C6H4-1,2)3](1), (Et4N)2[Mo2(CO)3(O,S-C6H4-1,2)3](2), (Et4N)2[Mo3(CO)7(O,S-C6H4-1,2)3](3) and (Et4N)2[Mo2(CO)4(O,S-C6H4-1,2)3FeCl2](4) have been investigated. The characteristic frequencies, nu (Mo(n+)-OtR) (n = 4,5), nu (Mo(n+)-ObR) (n = 0,4), nu (Mo(n+)-StR) (n = 4,5), nu (Mo(n+)-SbR)(n = 0,1,4), nu (C = O), nu (Mo(n+)-C)(n = 0,1), delta (Mo(n+)-C-O)(n = 0,1), nu (Fe(2+)-ObR) and nu (Fe(2+)-Cl) were assigned by comparing the vibrational frequencies and structure parameters of them with that of Mo-Fe-S clusters. The influences of sigma donor abilities of ligands L(-OR, -SR) on nu (Mo-C) and nu (C = O) and the effect of Mo(n+)-->Mo4+ (n = 0,1) charge transfer on nu (Mo(4+)-ObR), nu (Mo(n+)-C) and nu (C = O) have been discussed. A partial oxidation of cluster 4 to [Mo2(CO)3(O,S-C6H4-1,2)3]- (5) have been inferred according to the information from the changes of IR spectra of cluster 4 in air with time and the existence of cluster 5 was also verified by NFAB-MS of cluster 4.

[Antitumor action of lignum sappan].

The aqueous extract of lignum sappan can kill cell lines of HL-60, K562, L929 and Yac-1 at the concentration of 2 microliters/ml. The survival time of mice bearing EAC is increased by 185% (P less than 0.01) by ip 0.2 ml/mouse x 7d. The three-stage sequential test standard can be passed smoothly.

Population projections for three counties in Zhejiang Province.

PIP: Using population numbers and deaths in each age group in Yayao, Jiangshan, and Huangyan counties, China, in 1978, the authors analyze current population dynamics and project population trends for the next 20-60 years. The total population of the 3 counties is 2,314,566, with 33.2% 0-14 years old and 5.7% over 65 years old. The dependency ratio is 63.7%. 24.16% of the women are of childbearing age, 15-49 years old. The birth rate averages 15.39% and the mortality rate is 5.91%. Life expectancy is 68.94 for males and 71.94 for females. Males account for 51.6% of the population and females 48.4%, primarily due to the preferential treatment given to male babies. 3 constrictions in the age pyramid reflect conditions caused by the Japanese invasion of 1941-1945, economic policy blunders during the Great Leap Forward and natural disasters, and, most recently, the family planning program. The recent 1 child family policy aims to limit China's total population to 1.2 billion by the year 2000. Achieving this goal requires careful population planning based on actual local conditions. 3 forecasts--based on different combinations of 1 and 2 child families--estimate total birth rates of 1.46, 1.184, and 1.925. These assumptions produce natural increase rates of 5.66%, 7.83%, and 10.64%. All 3 forecasts produce an aging population, but the dependency ratio decreases. China's population policy must be based on the fact that the current population is 1 billion, 800 million of whom are peasants, and that China has too little arable land and is economically undeveloped. The authors consider forecast 1--in which couples have 2 children each from 1981-1985 and half have 1 and half have 2 child families from 1986-2000--the most desirable because 1) it will be acceptable to the peasant population, 2) it maintains a large labor force, 3) it produces a stable age pyramid, and 4) it remains a reasonable possibility.^ieng

[A projection of the population of three counties in Zhejiang Province].

PIP: This report is based upon information on population statistics and death statistics by different age groups in Yuyao, Jiangshan, and Huangyan counties of Zhejiang Province since 1978. The population condition in this area is analyzed. Collected information is then used as a foundation for predicting the trends in population growth in the next 20-60 years. In addition, the changes in the population's age structure and their impact are also studied in order to provide useful reference materials for the formulation of reasonable population planning measures. According to the general trends of population growth as predicted in this report, the authors believe that efforts should be made to encourage all married couples to have only one child. The first goal should be that at least half of the married couples have only one childs, and that all parents agree not to have a third child. This basic approach is reasonable and realistic and should not be used as a guiding principle to formulate policies and regulations on population planning. More actions and practices are needed to determine how effective this guiding principle is in reality.^ieng

Limit on the electron neutrino magnetic moment from the kuo-sheng reactor neutrino experiment.

A search of neutrino magnetic moment was carried out at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station at a distance of 28 m from the 2.9 GW reactor core. With a high purity germanium detector of mass 1.06 kg surrounded by scintillating NaI(Tl) and CsI(Tl) crystals as anti-Compton detectors, a detection threshold of 5 keV and a background level of 1 kg(-1) keV(-1) day(-1) at 12-60 keV were achieved. Based on 4712 and 1250 h of reactor ON and OFF data, respectively, the limit on the neutrino magnetic moment of mu(nu;(e))<1.3x10(-10)mu(B) at 90% confidence level was derived. An indirect bound of the nu;(e) radiative lifetime of m(3)(nu)tau(nu)>2.8x10(18) eV(3) s can be inferred.