The role of wall shear stress in the parent artery as an independent variable in the formation status of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine which hemodynamic parameters independently characterize anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysm formation and explore the threshold of wall shear stress (WSS) of the parent artery to better illustrate the correlation between the magnitude of WSS and AcomA aneurysm formation. METHODS: Eighty-one patients with AcomA aneurysms and 118 patients without intracranial aneurysms (control population), as confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) from January 2014 to May 2017, were included in this cross-sectional study. Three-dimensional-DSA was performed to evaluate the morphologic characteristics of AcomA aneurysms. Local hemodynamic parameters were obtained using transcranial color-coded duplex (TCCD). Multivariate logistic regression and a two-piecewise linear regression model were used to determine which hemodynamic parameters are independent predictors of AcomA aneurysm formation and identify the threshold effect of WSS of the parent artery with respect to AcomA aneurysm formation. RESULTS: Univariate analyses showed that the WSS (p < 0.0001), angle between the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) (p < 0.001), hypertension (grade II) (p = 0.007), fasting blood glucose (FBG; > 6.0 mmol/L) (p = 0.005), and dominant A1 (p < 0.001) were the significant parameters. Multivariate analyses showed a significant association between WSS of the parent artery and AcomA aneurysm formation (p = 0.0001). WSS of the parent artery (7.8-12.3 dyne/cm2) had a significant association between WSS and aneurysm formation (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-2.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WSS ranging between 7.8 and 12.3 dyne/cm2 independently characterizes AcomA aneurysm formation. With each additional unit of WSS, there was a one-fold increase in the risk of AcomA aneurysm formation. KEY POINTS: • Multivariate analyses and a two-piecewise linear regression model were used to evaluate the risk factors for AcomA aneurysm formation and the threshold effect of WSS on AcomA aneurysm formation. • WSS ranging between 7.8 and 12.3 dyne/cm 2 was shown to be a reliable hemodynamic parameter in the formation of AcomA aneurysms. The probability of AcomA aneurysm formation increased one-fold for each additional unit of WSS. • An ultrasound-based TCCD technique is a simple and accessible noninvasive method for detecting WSS in vivo; thus, it can be applied as a screening tool for evaluating the probability of aneurysm formation in primary care facilities and community hospitals because of the relatively low resource intensity.

Highly efficient green TADF organic light-emitting diodes by simultaneously manipulating hole and electron transport.

This work demonstrates effective performance improvement by simultaneous manipulating of the hole injection and electron transport layers for (4s,6s)-2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl)isophthalonitrile (4CzIPN) based green thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). A 3 wt% sorbitol doped PEDOT:PSS layer results in the highest maximum current efficiency (CEmax) of 28.28 cd A-1 and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17.04%. Single carrier devices denote that hole mobility gradually rises with the sorbitol ratio. The electroluminescence mainly originates from the emission of 4CzIPN. Atomic force microscopy images imply that 3 wt% sorbitol doped PEDOT:PSS film includes the largest PEDOT aggregate, which contributes to a higher electric conductivity thus the better performance of 3 wt% sorbitol doped device. Also the 4CzIPN ratio in the emissive layer was optimized, and 4 wt%-4CzIPN in CBP achieves the highest EQE of 20.99% and CEmax of 34.99 cd A-1. The EL spectrum is independent of the luminous angle at a low 4CzIPN ratio but becomes more sensitive to the luminous angle at a high 4CzIPN ratio. Finally, we find out that the TADF OLED performance is very sensitive to TPBi thickness ranging from 20 nm to 65 nm, and 40 nm of TPBi achieves a CEmax up to 64.10 cd A-1 and an excellent EQE of 25.14%, ascribing from its more balanced carrier transport.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Hepatic Portal Reocclusion as a New Option for Detecting Bile Leakage during Hepatic Resection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To explore the possibility and feasibility of hepatic portal reocclusion for detecting bile leakage during hepatectomy. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from 200 patients who underwent hepatectomy alone for removal of various benign or malignant tumors between March 2014 and November 2014. The surgical procedure used a conventional method for all patients, and one additional step (hepatic portal reocclusion) was included in group B. The postoperative outcomes of the patients in group A (subjected to the traditional procedure) and group B (subjected to hepatic portal reocclusion) were compared during the same period, and the incidence rates of postoperative bile leakage and other complications in the 2 groups were also analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative bile leakage in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (1.0 vs. 9.2%, p = 0.009), although no significant differences in postoperative indicators of liver dysfunction and other complications were observed between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic portal reocclusion effectively reduced the incidence of bile leakage compared to the traditional procedure, without significantly affecting liver function. Therefore, this method might be an alternative to other tests for bile leakage.

Treatment of giant/large internal carotid aneurysms: parent artery occlusion or stent-assisted coiling.

PURPOSE: Treatment of giant/large internal carotid aneurysm is a challenge for neurologists. Previously, parent artery occlusion was the classic therapy; now the stent-assisted coil embolization has become available in recent years, but the optimal therapy is under debate. The goal of the present study was to compare two endovascular treatment modalities in terms of safety, efficacy and short-term outcomes. METHODS: All the patients were divided into two groups: Group A: patients who underwent parent artery occlusion, and Group B: patients who underwent stent-assisted coil embolization. Follow-up outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: After 12 months of follow-up, the favorable outcome (mRS: 0-2) had no statistical significance in both groups (p = 1.00). Patients in group A had greater ischemia compared with patients in group B, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.421). In group B, patients had a higher rate of partial occlusion (p = 0.255) and recurrence (10% vs. 0%; p = 0.586). CONCLUSIONS: Stent-assisted coiling may not be superior to parent artery occlusion in selected patients after short-term follow-up. Parent artery occlusion is a simple, safe and effective treatment for large/giant internal carotid aneurysms.

Treatment of unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms: internal trapping or stent-assisted coiling.

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment is an attractive approach for the treatment of unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms, and includes internal trapping and stent-assisted coil embolization. However, the optimal therapy remains debatable. We reviewed our experience with both endovascular treatment modalities and compared the safety, efficacy, and short-term outcomes for each approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 65 consecutive patients with unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment between January 2003 and January 2014. 24 patients underwent endovascular internal trapping (group A) while 41 patients underwent stent-assisted coiling (group B). Thirteen patients underwent single stent with coiling while 28 patients underwent double or three stent-assisted coiling. Short-term outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: A favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 58 of 65 patients. Procedure-related complications included ischemic symptoms (n = 6) and recurrence (n = 4). There was no statistical difference in modified Rankin Scale scoring between groups. Group A patients had more ischemia symptoms compared with group B patients (p = 0.043), Group B patients had higher recurrence rates compared with group A patients, but the difference had no statistical significance (p = 1.00). However, recurrence only occurred in patients who underwent stent-assisted coiling alone (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Stent-assisted coiling for unruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms may maintain artery patency. Multilayer disposition of stents with coils may decrease complications and facilitate aneurysm occlusion. Larger, prospective studies are necessary to determine the long-term outcomes of reconstructive therapy.

Comparative efficacy of Glubran and polyvinyl-alcohol particles in the embolization of meningiomas.

PURPOSE: Preoperative embolization of meningiomas decreases intraoperative bleeding and shortens operation time. However, in meningiomas predominantly vascularized by the internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebral artery (VA) branches, embolization of external carotid artery feeder branches may lead to a hemodynamic increase in blood supply from the ICA or VA, whereas embolization of ICA or VA feeder branches with particle embolic agents may be associated with complications. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of Glubran, a liquid embolic agent, for the embolization of this type of meningioma compared with polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) particles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2015, 157 consecutive patients (98 females; mean age = 48.3 years) who suffered from meningiomas and were preoperatively referred for embolization were retrospectively analyzed. Glubran (n = 40) and PVA (n = 55) were used to devascularize tumors. Sixty-two patients were not embolized because of dangerous anastomosis or other tumor characteristics. Intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative time, degree of angiographic devascularization and embolization-related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The intraoperative blood loss and operative time were significantly lower in the Glubran-embolized versus non-embolized group. Furthermore, Glubran embolization significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss and operative time for meningiomas that received their primary blood supply from the ICA and/or VA compared with PVA embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative meningioma embolization with Glubran decreases intraoperative blood loss and operative time. Furthermore, embolization with Glubran produces more effective devascularization compared with PVA for meningiomas supplied by the ICA and/or VA. Thus, Glubran may represent a better embolic agent for this meningioma subtype.

Nefiracetam Attenuates Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and GABA Transporter in Specific Brain Regions of Rats with Post-Ischemic Seizures.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prior studies demonstrated that pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) including IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α contribute to regulation of epilepsy-associated pathophysiological processes in the specific brain regions, namely the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. Moreover, GABA transporter type 1 and 3 (GAT-1 and GAT-3) modulating extracellular GABA levels are engaged in the role played by PICs in epileptogenesis. Note that brain ischemic injury also elevates cerebral PICs. Thus, in this report we examined the effects of nefiracetam (NEF), a pyrrolidone derivative, on the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, and expression of GAT-1 and GAT-3 in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala using a rat model of post-ischemic nonconvulsive seizure (NCS). METHODS: NCS was evoked by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). ELISA and Western Blot analysis were employed to determine the levels of PICs and GAT-1/GAT-3, respectively. RESULTS: MCAO significantly increased IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala as compared with sham control animals (P<0.05 vs. control rats). Also, in these specific brain regions expression of GAT-1 and GAT-3 was amplified; and the levels of GABA were decreased in rats following MCAO (P<0.05 vs. control rats). Systemic administration of NEF significantly attenuated the elevated PICs, amplified GAT-1 and GAT-3 as well as impaired GABA. NEF also attenuated the number of NCS events following MCAO. CONCLUSION: our data demonstrate that NEF improves post-ischemia evoked-NCS by altering PICs, GABA transporters thereby alleviating GABA in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. This support a role for PICs and GABA in engagement of the adaptive responses associated with epileptic activity, but also suggests that NEF has anti-epileptic effects via PICs-GABA mechanisms, having pharmacological implications to target the specific PICs for neuronal dysfunction and vulnerability related to post-ischemic seizures and cognitive impairment.

Predictors of Favorable Outcome of Intracranial Basilar Dissecting Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Management of intracranial basilar dissecting aneurysms has been controversial and challenging, and surgical and conservative treatments usually have a bad prognosis. Our study aimed at evaluating the outcomes of endovascular treatment for these lesions and exploring the predictors of favorable outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive patients with basilar dissecting aneurysms from January 2006 to January 2013. Twenty-four patients underwent stent-assisted coiling whereas 26 patients underwent conservative treatment. Follow-up outcomes were evaluated using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. RESULTS: Of the patients treated with stent-assisted coiling, 20 patients had a favorable outcome (mRS score, 0-1), post-treatment recurrence occurred in 3 patients, 1 had rebleeding, and 2 had no rebleeding. Of the patients treated with conservative therapy (observation or anticoagulation), 10 patients had an unfavorable outcome, 2 patients with ruptured aneurysms developed rebleeding, and 8 patients had poor outcome because of infarct progression. Stent-assisted coiling group had a more favorable outcome than the conservatively treated group (83.3% versus 55.2%, P = .019). Initial complete obliteration was related to the favorable outcome in endovascular-treated group (P = .042). Stent placement was the only independent predictor of favorable outcome in the logistic regression analysis (P = .030; odds ratio = 5.828; 95% confidence interval, 1.192-28.503). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with basilar artery dissecting aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coiling had a more favorable outcome than the conservatively treated patients. Stent placement and initial complete occlusion were the favorable factors in patients with basilar dissecting aneurysm.

Endovascular Treatment of Dissecting Aneurysms of the Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery and Predictors of Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Isolated dissecting aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare lesions, which carry high risk of rebleeding and mortality. However, the existing literature concerning predictors of outcome after endovascular treatment is limited and controversial. Our present study retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical outcome of endovascular treatment-ruptured PICA-dissecting aneurysms and explored the predictors of outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive patients with ruptured PICA dissecting aneurysms that underwent endovascular treatment from January 2003 to January 2014. Nine patients underwent selective coiling, whereas 7 patients underwent parent artery occlusion and 1 patient underwent stent-assisted coiling. Follow-up outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. The clinical outcomes of patients were categorized as favorable (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-1) or unfavorable (mRS score 2-6). RESULTS: Favorable outcomes (mRS score 0-1) were obtained in 13 of 17 patients. Post-treatment recurrence occurred in 1 patient with selective coiling in the 15-month follow-up, and the patient received stent-assisted coiling. The only patients with stent-assisted coiling developed PICA occlusion during follow-up. Aneurysm located in distal segment usually presented with intraventricular hemorrhage (P = .015). Hypertension, coexisting hydrocephalus, and time to operation (latter than 2 weeks) were associated with unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of isolated dissecting aneurysm of PICA had excellent clinical outcomes, hypertension, coexisting hydrocephalus, and time to operation (latter than 2 weeks), which were associated with unfavorable outcome. Long-term follow-ups are necessary to provide stronger conclusions.

Clinical features and endovascular treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize clinical features and evaluate the clinical outcome of endovascular embolization treatment intracranial arteriovenous malformations in pediatric patients. METHODS: A cohort of children (age ≤ 18 years) with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) from 2000 to 2012 was included. Predictors studied included patient gender, age, and angioarchitectural features, including AVM location, nidus morphology and size, venous drainage, and associated aneurysms. Treatment method, complications and outcomes were recorded. The features of AVMs were evaluated before the treatment. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven children (77 males, mean age 13.2 years) were included; 90/127 (70.9 %) children were presented with hemorrhage. AVM size and deep venous drainage were independently associated with hemorrhage; 66/127 patients (52 %) treated with endovascular embolization. Complete obliteration at the end of all endovascular procedures was achieved in 14/66 patients (21.2 %), with an average of 78 % (range, 20-100 %) volume reduction. A mean of 2.9 (range, 1-9) feeding pedicles was embolized per patient. Overall, nine complications occurred in a total of 123 procedures (7.3 %). There was no procedure-related death in this study population. There was no significant difference between patients with and without complications in terms of AVM grade, demographic characteristics, or embolization features. CONCLUSIONS: AVM size and deep venous drainage were independently associated with hemorrhage in pediatric patients. Endovascular procedure is feasible and safe for pediatric AVMs, and complete embolization can be achieved in small AVMs, while large AVMs can be adequately reduced in size for additional microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.

The recovery time of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula-induced oculomotor nerve paresis after endovascular treatment with detachable balloons.

PURPOSE: The recovery time of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula-induced oculomotor nerve paresis (ONP) after endovascular embolization with detachable balloons has not yet been adequately evaluated. This study was performed to make a deep analysis of the factors, which affect the prognosis of ONP after endovascular treatment of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (TCCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and the outcome of oculomotor nerve function in a series of 98 consecutive patients with ONP due to traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula which were endovascular treated with detachable balloons. Univariate analysis was applied to test the association between the time of ONP recovery and clinical variables. RESULTS: Ninety-eight consecutive patients (62 males, 36 females, mean age 34.2±12.7years) having presented with ONP underwent endovascular treatment with detachable balloons were enrolled in this study. ONP was complete in 22 (22.4%) patients and partial in 76 (77.6%) patients. Ninety (91.8%) patients were successfully occluded by single-session endovascular embolization. Retreatments by transarterial routes had to be performed in 8 (8.2%) patients because of recurrent fistula having occurred within 4weeks after embolization. ONP was recovered completely in all the patients, among who 4 (4.1%) were treated with occlusion of internal carotid artery. Factors showing significant association with the recovery time of ONP were the location of the fistula (P=0.007), the degree of preoperative ONP (P=0.003), the number of detachable balloon used (P=0.000) and the length of ONP before endovascular treatment (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula-induced ONP with detachable balloons is a safe and effective method. The length of ONP before endovascular treatment, the location of the fistula, the degree of preoperative ONP, the number of detachable balloons used were the statistically significant predictors of the length of ONP complete recovery.

[Chemical constituents of Hyptis rhomboidea and their antifungal activity].

The present work is to investigate the chemical constitutions of Hyptis rhomboidea and their antifungal activities. The compounds were isolated by Toyopearl HW-40, Sephadex LH-20, MCI-Gel CHP-20, RP-18, PTLC and silica column chromatographic methods and subjected to evaluate some monomers antifungal activity of eight kinds of plant pathogenic bacteria. Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as ethyl caffeate (1), ursolic acid (2), oleanolic acid (3), vanillactic acid (4), methyl rosmarinate (5), kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6) -beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), ilexgenin A (8), beta-amyrin (9), kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (astrgalin, 10) and cholest-5-ene-3beta, 4beta-diol (11). Compound 1 showed the strongest inhibitory effect on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with the MIC 16.2 mg x L(-1), and compound 5 showed the strongest inhibitory effect on S. minor and Exserohilum turcicum with MIC 16.2, 8.1 mg x L(-1), respectively. All compounds were isolated from the H. rhomboidea for the first time, and compounds 1 and 5 showed antifungal activity.

Surgical cannulation of the superior ophthalmic vein for the treatment of previously embolized cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: serial studies and angiographic follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transorbital puncture for the retreatment of previously embolized cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) via a superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 12-year period, 9 consecutive patients with previously embolized cavernous sinus DAVFs underwent retreatment via the transorbital SOV approach. RESULTS: All of the nine cases of previously embolized cavernous sinus DAVFs were successfully embolized. Clinical follow-ups were conducted in all nine cases at the duration of 17-141 months (61.22 ± 39.13 months). No recanalization occurred during the follow-up period. A subtle ptosis appeared in two patients and disappeared in one of the two cases after a 4-year follow-up. One patient suffered from paroxysmal positional vertigo and bruit for nearly 2 years after the treatment, but the follow-up angiography demonstrated no recurrence. One patient had persistent visual impairment caused by the initial venous stasis retinopathy. One patient with a history of a procedure-related transient decrease in visual acuity had it return to the normal level. The remaining four cases had clear improvement in the ocular symptoms and became completely asymptomatic during the follow-up period. No patient worsened or developed new symptoms. CONCLUSION: The approach of surgical cannulation of the SOV for the retreatment of previously embolized cavernous sinus DAVFs was proved feasible and efficient, especially when the transarterial and transfemoral venous approaches were inaccessible. However, if the SOV is not dilated enough or is located deeply in the orbit, transorbital venous puncture access may not be possible.

Sorafenib down-regulates c-IAP expression post-transcriptionally in hepatic carcinoma cells to suppress apoptosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of leading causes of cancer-related death with a heterogeneous patient demographic and divergent pathogenic pathways. Sorafenib is the first effective drug approved for the treatment of HCC. Although it is known that sorafenib promotes apoptosis of HCC cells, the underlying mechanism remains largely obscure. Here we report that sorafenib down-regulates protein expression of the anti-apoptotic protein c-IAP1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that sorafenib represses c-IAP1 levels without altering its transcription or protein stability. Instead, sorafenib attenuates c-IAP1 translation by targeting the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) within the c-IAP1 mRNA. Finally, ectopic expression of c-IAP1 alleviates sorafenib induced cancer cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our data highlight a previously unidentified pathway that contributes to sorafenib mediated HCC cell apoptosis and as such provide novel mechanistic insight into the rational use of sorafenib in treating HCC.

Nonlinear Association of Glycosylated Hemoglobin With Single Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The published literature linking diabetes mellitus (DM) to intracranial aneurysm (IA) ruptured has been controversial and limited by methodology. Thus, this study was performed to examine whether hyperglycemia control status is independently associated with single IA rupture in patients with DM. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on two Chinese hospitals between January 2010 and November 2017. Medical records of 223 patients with single IA and DM were reviewed and analyzed. We used glycosylated hemoglobin (GHB) as the independent variable of interest, and the outcome variable was ruptured status of IA. Covariates included data on demographics, morphological parameters, lifestyle habits, clinical features, and comorbidities. Results: Multivariable adjusted binary logistic regression and sensitivity analyses indicated that GHB was not associated with IA rupture (odds ratio OR, = 1.07, 95% CI 0.84-1.35). A nonlinear association between GHB and IA rupture was observed, whose inflection points were 5.5 and 8.9. The OR values (95% confidence intervals) were 0.38 (0.16-0.9) at the range of 1.88-5.5% of GHB, 1.6 (1.03, 2.5) at the range of 5.5-8.9%, and 0.56 (0.06-5.34) at the range of 8.9-10.1, respectively. Conclusion: The independent correlation between GHB and risk of IA rupture presented is nonlinear. The good glycemic control in single IA patients with DM can reduce the risk of IA rupture, and vice versa.

Elucidating the Synergistic Effect of Multiple Chinese Herbal Prescriptions in the Treatment of Post-stroke Neurological Damage.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the treatment of human diseases. However, the synergistic effects of multiple TCM prescriptions in the treatment of stroke have not been thoroughly studied. Objective of the study: This study aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of these TCM prescriptions in stroke treatment and identify the active compounds. Methods: Herbs and compounds in the Di-Tan Decoction (DTD), Xue-Fu Zhu-Yu Decoction (XFZYD), and Xiao-Xu-Ming Decoction (XXMD) were acquired from the TCMSP database. SEA, HitPick, and TargetNet web servers were used for target prediction. The compound-target (C-T) networks of three prescriptions were constructed and then filtered using the collaborative filtering algorithm. We combined KEGG enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and network analysis approaches to identify active compounds, followed by verification of these compounds with an oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model. Results: The filtered DTD network contained 39 compounds and 534 targets, the filtered XFZYD network contained 40 compounds and 508 targets, and the filtered XXMD network contained 55 compounds and 599 targets. The filtered C-T networks retained approximately 80% of the biological functions of the original networks. Based on the enriched pathways, molecular docking, and network analysis results, we constructed a complex network containing 3 prescriptions, 14 botanical drugs, 26 compounds, 13 targets, and 5 pathways. By calculating the synergy score, we identified the top 5 candidate compounds. The experimental results showed that quercetin, baicalin, and ginsenoside Rg1 independently and synergistically increased cell viability. Conclusion: By integrating pharmacological and chemoinformatic approaches, our study provides a new method for identifying the effective synergistic compounds of TCM prescriptions. The filtered compounds and their synergistic effects on stroke require further research.

Poly[[tetra-kis-(µ-2-anilinobenzoato-κO:O')tetra-µ(1,1,1)-azido-tetra-µ(1,1)-azido-octa-methano-lhexa-nickel(II)] methanol hexa-solvate].

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Ni(6)(C(13)H(10)NO(2))(4)(N(3))(8)(CH(3)OH)(8)]·6CH(3)OH, consists of a centrosymmetric hexa-nuclear [Ni(II) (6)(C(13)H(10)NO(2))(4)(N(3))(8)(CH(3)OH)(8)] mol-ecule and six methanol solvent mol-ecules. In the hexa-nuclear unit, the six octa-hedrally coordinated Ni(II) atoms are linked by four µ(1,1,1)-azide and four µ(1,1)-azide bridges, forming a face-sharing Ni(6)N(8) tetra-cubane-like unit with four missing corners. The Ni(II) atoms are further bridged by four µ(1,2)-carboxalate groups. Neighbouring hexa-nuclear units are connected via N-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions into a three-dimensional structure. Although the H atoms of the methanol OH groups could not be located, O⋯N/O contacts between 2.65 and 2.86 Šsuggest that these mol-ecules participate in hydrogen bonding.

Bis[N-(pyridin-2-ylcarbon-yl)pyridine-2-carboxamidato]iron(III) perchlorate monohydrate.

The structure of the title salt complex, [Fe(C(12)H(8)N(3)O(2))(2)]ClO(4)·H(2)O, contains one Fe(III) cation, two N-(pyridin-2-ylcarbon-yl)pyridine-2-carboxamidate (bpca(-)) anions, one perchlorate anion and one water mol-ecule. The Fe(III) cation has an approximate octa-hedral geometry, defined by six N atoms from two bpca(-) anions. The nearly parallel [dihedral angle = 1.50 (1)°] bpca(-) anions form two-dimensional supermolecules along the a axis by the way of weak π-π stacking inteactirons [centroid-centroid distances = 3.948 (2), 4.000 (2), 3.948 (2), 3.911 (2), 3.897 (2), 3.984 (2) and 3.929 (2) Å]. Intra- and inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonding occurs. The water mol-ecule [occupancies 0.520 (5) and 0.480 (5)], two carbonyl O atoms [occupancies 0.622 (7) and 0.378 (7)] and the four perchlorate O atoms [occupancies 0.887 (4) and 0.113 (4)] are each disordered over two positions.

Simultaneous imaging of hypochlorous acid and nitric oxide in live cells based on a dual-channel fluorescent probe.

Both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are inevitably produced during normal human metabolism. Various ROS and RNS together form tangled networks that play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Here we used 1,8-naphthalene diamine as a reactive group to develop a fluorescent probe, N-[2-(6-phenylethynyl)quinolinylmethyl]-1,8-diamino naphthalene (QBN), for HOCl and NO. QBN showed a "turn-on" fluorescent response at 464 nm to HOCl in the range of 0-75 µM with rapid responding time (10 s) and detection limit (0.11 ± 0.03 µM). Furthermore, a "turn-on" fluorescent responses at 512 nm to NO in the range of 0-40 µM with responding time (20 s) and detection limit (25.7 ± 3.4 nM) was found. The response mechanisms of QBN to HOCl and NO were discussed based on mass analysis of the different products. The dual-channel probe was then successfully applied for simultaneous imaging of both exogenous and endogenous HOCl and NO in live cells.

Protective effect of prednisolone on ischemia-induced liver injury in rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of prednisolone on cell membrane bleb formation, calpain mu activation and talin degradation during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: The hilar area of the left lateral and median lobes of rat liver (68%) was clamped for 60 min and followed by 120 min reperfusion. Prednisolone was administered at 1.0, 3.0, or 10 mg/kg at 30 min before ischemia. In addition to biochemical and microscopic analyses, activation of calpain micro was determined using specific antibodies against the intermediate (activated) form of calpain mu. Degradation of talin was also studied by Western blotting. RESULTS: In the control and prednisolone (1.0 mg/kg) groups, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) level were elevated, and cell membrane bleb formation was observed after 120 min of reperfusion. Moreover, calpain mu activation and talin degradation were detected. Infusion of prednisolone at 3.0 or 10 mg/kg significantly suppressed serum AST and ALT, and prevented cell membrane bleb formation. At 10 mg/kg, prednisolone markedly suppressed calpain mu activation and talin degradation. CONCLUSION: Prednisolone can suppress ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat liver. Its cytoprotective effect is closely associated with the suppression of calpain mu activation and talin degradation.