ABO and Rhesus blood groups and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups and various health outcomes. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the robustness of these associations is still lacking. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and several regional databases from their inception until Feb 16, 2024, with the aim of identifying systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies exploring associations between ABO and Rh blood groups and diverse health outcomes. For each association, we calculated the summary effect sizes, corresponding 95% confidence intervals, 95% prediction interval, heterogeneity, small-study effect, and evaluation of excess significance bias. The evidence was evaluated on a grading scale that ranged from convincing (Class I) to weak (Class IV). We assessed the certainty of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria (GRADE). We also evaluated the methodological quality of included studies using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). AMSTAR contains 11 items, which were scored as high (8-11), moderate (4-7), and low (0-3) quality. We have gotten the registration for protocol on the PROSPERO database (CRD42023409547). RESULTS: The current umbrella review included 51 systematic reviews with meta-analysis articles with 270 associations. We re-calculated each association and found only one convincing evidence (Class I) for an association between blood group B and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk compared with the non-B blood group. It had a summary odds ratio of 1.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 1.40), was supported by 6870 cases with small heterogeneity (I2 = 13%) and 95% prediction intervals excluding the null value, and without hints of small-study effects (P for Egger's test > 0.10, but the largest study effect was not more conservative than the summary effect size) or excess of significance (P < 0.10, but the value of observed less than expected). And the article was demonstrated with high methodological quality using AMSTAR (score = 9). According to AMSTAR, 18, 32, and 11 studies were categorized as high, moderate, and low quality, respectively. Nine statistically significant associations reached moderate quality based on GRADE. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a potential relationship between ABO and Rh blood groups and adverse health outcomes. Particularly the association between blood group B and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk.

An Exceptionally Stable TbIII-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Selectively and Sensitively Detecting Antibiotics in Aqueous Solution.

An exceptionally stable metal-organic framework based on one-dimensional (1D) TbIII chains with significant green emission under excitation energy, {[Tb(TATMA)(H2O)·2H2O} n (namely, 1), has been fabricated successfully under hydrothermal conditions. By virtue of the spectral overlap between the absorbance spectra of nitrofurans (NFAs) and the excitation spectrum of MOF 1, the resultant sample exhibits outstandingly sensitive and selective luminescence detectability for NFT ( Ksv = 3.35 × 104 M-1) and NFZ ( Ksv = 3.00 × 104 M-1) by quenching phenomenon. More importantly, it can detect NFAs in water from bovine serum samples. The portable MOF film can be easily prepared and used with excellent stability and recursitivity.

A Versatile Microporous Zinc(II) Metal-Organic Framework for Selective Gas Adsorption, Cooperative Catalysis, and Luminescent Sensing.

A versatile microporous zinc(II) MOF (1) with plentiful Lewis basic sites and open metal sites synchronously has been synthesized successfully. The resultant microporous material displays excellent selectivity adsorption for small gases. The IAST selectivity values for CO2/CH4, C2H6/CH4, CO2/N2, and C3H8/CH4 are 7, 21, 38, and 125 at 101 kPa and 298 K, respectively. 1 exhibits remarkably heterogeneous catalytic performance for acid-base one-pot reactions. Furthermore, 1 exhibits recyclable selective detectability for TNP. The results illustrate that 1 is a versatile material for selective gas adsorption, cooperative catalysis, and luminescent sensing.

Human papillomavirus infection and the risk of cancer at specific sites other than anogenital tract and oropharyngeal region: an umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies having evaluated the associations between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and risk of specific cancers other than anogenital tract and oropharyngeal, the findings are inconsistent and the quality of evidence has not been systematically quantified. We aimed to summarise the existing evidence as well as to evaluate the strength and credibility of these associations. METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2024. Studies with systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined associations between HPV or HPV-associated genotypes infection and specific cancers were eligible for this review. The quality of the methodology was evaluated using A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). The credibility of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. The protocol was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42023439070). FINDINGS: The umbrella review identified 31 eligible studies reporting 87 associations with meta-analytic estimates, including 1191 individual studies with 336,195 participants. Of those, 29 (93.5%) studies were rated as over moderate quality by AMSTAR. Only one association indicating HPV-18 infection associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.24-5.41) was graded as convincing evidence. There were five unique outcomes identified as highly suggestive evidence, including HPV infection increased the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 7.03, 95% CI = 3.87-12.76), oesophageal cancer (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 2.54-4.34), oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 2.05-3.54), lung cancer (OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 2.59-5.01), and breast cancer (OR = 6.26, 95% CI = 4.35-9.00). According to GRADE, one association was classified as high, indicating that compared with the controls in normal tissues, HPV infection was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. INTERPRETATION: The umbrella review synthesised up-to-date observational evidence on HPV infection with the risk of breast cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, oesophageal cancer, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and lung cancer. Further larger prospective cohort studies are needed to verify the associations, providing public health recommendations for prevention of disease. FUNDING: National Key Research and Development Program of China, Natural Science Foundation of China, Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, and 345 Talent Project of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University.

Intermittent fasting and health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials.

Background: Benefits of Intermittent fasting (IF) on health-related outcomes have been found in a range of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Our umbrella review aimed to systematically analyze and synthesize the available causal evidence on IF and its impact on specific health-related outcomes while evaluating its evidence quality. Methods: We comprehensively searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases (from inception up to 8 January 2024) to identify related systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs investigating the association between IF and human health outcomes. We recalculated the effect sizes for each meta-analysis as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were performed for populations based on three specific status: diabetes, overweight or obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The quality of systematic reviews was evaluated using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR), and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023382004). Findings: A total of 351 associations from 23 meta-analyses with 34 health outcomes were included in the study. A wide range of outcomes were investigated, including anthropometric measures (n = 155), lipid profiles (n = 83), glycemic profiles (n = 57), circulatory system index (n = 41), appetite (n = 9), and others (n = 6). Twenty-one (91%) meta-analyses with 346 associations were rated as high confidence according to the AMSTAR criteria. The summary effects estimates were significant at p < 0.05 in 103 associations, of which 10 (10%) were supported by high certainty of evidence according to GRADE. Specifically, compared with non-intervention diet in adults with overweight or obesity, IF reduced waist circumference (WC) (MD = -1.02 cm; 95% CI: -1.99 to -0.06; p = 0.038), fat mass (MD = -0.72 kg; 95% CI: -1.32 to -0.12; p = 0.019), fasting insulin (SMD = -0.21; 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.02; p = 0.030), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD = -0.20; 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.02; p = 0.027), total cholesterol (TC) (SMD = -0.29; 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.10; p = 0.003), and triacylglycerols (TG) (SMD = -0.23; 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.06; p = 0.007), but increased fat free mass (FFM) (MD = 0.98 kg; 95% CI: 0.18-1.78; p = 0.016). Of note, compared with the non-intervention diet, modified alternate-day fasting (MADF) reduced fat mass (MD = -0.70 kg; 95% CI: -1.38 to -0.02; p = 0.044). In people with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes, IF increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to continuous energy restriction (CER) (MD = 0.03 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.01-0.05; p = 0.010). However, IF was less effective at reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) than a CER diet in adults with overweight or obesity (SMD = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.36; p = 0.008). Interpretation: Our findings suggest that IF may have beneficial effects on a range of health outcomes for adults with overweight or obesity, compared to CER or non-intervention diet. Specifically, IF may decreased WC, fat mass, LDL-C, TG, TC, fasting insulin, and SBP, while increasing HDL-C and FFM. Notably, it is worth noting that the SBP lowering effect of IF appears to be weaker than that of CER. Funding: This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (Q-JW), the Natural Science Foundation of China (Q-JW and T-TG), Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (Q-JW), and 345 Talent Project of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University (T-TG).

[Free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap in the treatment of finger with skin and soft tissue defect].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effects of repairing skin and soft tissue defect of finger with free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap. METHODS: Totally 8 patients with finger skin and soft tissue defect repaired with free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap were treated from May 2021 to November 2022, including 7 males and 1 female aged from 24 to 54 years old, and soft tissue defect area ranged from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 5.0 cm×3.0 cm. The time from injury to flap repair ranged from 3 to 83 h. The free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap was applied to repair finger defect, the area of the flap ranged from 3.5 cm×2.0 cm to 5.2 cm×3.5 cm, the donor area of flap was sutured directly. The survival, appearance, texture and donor complications of the flap were observed after operation, and Dargan functional standard was used to evaluate clinical effect of finger function. RESULTS: All flap of 8 patients were survived, and followed up from 3 to 12 months. There was no obvious swelling, soft texture, obvious pigmentation, linear intaglio in donor area only, and without obvious complications were found. Among them, 3 patients'skin flaps were repaired for the defect of palm of the fingers, and sensory recovery was good, two-point discrimination ranged from 5 to 9 mm. According to Dargan functional evaluation, 3 patients excellent, and 5 good. CONCLUSION: Free posterior interosseous artery perforation branch flap could be used to repair the defect of finger. The thickness of flap is moderate, operation is convenient, appearance and texture of the operative flap are good, and the donor site is small without obvious complications, and obtain satisfactory clinical effect.

Rapidly growing extensive polypoid endometriosis after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist discontinuation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Polypoid endometriosis (PEM) is a rare and unique type of endometriosis. To date, no article has provided a systematic report of this disease. The current article provides a complete report on rare PEM based on ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, intraoperative findings and postoperative pathology data. CASE SUMMARY: A 38-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital after complaining of "vague pain in the right lower quadrant with an aggravated menstrual period for 8 mo". The patient underwent laparoscopic exploratory surgery on January 7, 2022. The postoperative pathology revealed extensive PEM. CONCLUSION: PEM is a type of endometriosis that is a benign disease but has biological properties similar to malignant tumours.

Unusual triterpenoids and steroids from Cipadessa baccifera and their biological activities.

Five undescribed triterpenoids and steroids (1-5), as well as ten known compounds, were purified from the branches and leaves of Cipadessa baccifera. Notably, 1 and 2 are rare cipadesin-type limonoids with an unusual 8,30-epoxide ring and 1,8-ether linkage, respectively. Compound 5 possessed pregnane steroid skeleton with an uncommon 5/6/6/6/5-fused ring system. Their structures were constructed by extensive spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR, UV, and HRESIMS), and their absolute configurations were confirmed by ECD calculations and quantum chemical calculations. All the isolates were in vitro assayed for their antimicrobial potentials against 6 pathogenic microorganisms and antiproliferation activities against five human cancer cell lines. As a result, compounds 5, 12, 13, and 14 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities (MIC: 25-50 µg/mL). Moreover, 5 showed cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 8.0 to 19.9 µM.

GRADE Use in Evidence Syntheses Published in High-Impact-Factor Gynecology and Obstetrics Journals: A Methodological Survey.

Objective: To identify and describe the certainty of evidence of gynecology and obstetrics systematic reviews (SRs) using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Method: Database searches of SRs using GRADE, published between 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020, in the 10 "gynecology and obstetrics" journals with the highest impact factor, according to the Journal Citation Report 2019. Selected studies included those SRs using the GRADE approach, used to determine the certainty of evidence. Results: Out of 952 SRs, ninety-six SRs of randomized control trials (RCTs) and/or nonrandomized studies (NRSs) used GRADE. Sixty-seven SRs (7.04%) rated the certainty of evidence for specific outcomes. In total, we identified 946 certainty of evidence outcome ratings (n = 614 RCT ratings), ranging from very-low (42.28%) to low (28.44%), moderate (17.65%), and high (11.63%). High and very low certainty of evidence ratings accounted for 2.16% and 71.60% in the SRs of NRSs, respectively, compared with 16.78% and 26.55% in the SRs of RCTs. In the SRs of RCTs and NRSs, certainty of evidence was mainly downgraded due to imprecision and bias risks. Conclusions: More attention needs to be paid to strengthening GRADE acceptance and building knowledge of GRADE methods in gynecology and obstetrics evidence synthesis.

Cipacinerasins A-K, structurally diverse limonoids from Cipadessa baccifera.

Eleven undescribed limonoids, cipacinerasins A-K, involving of four diverse carbon skeletal types, along with fifteen known analogues, were isolated from the branches and leaves of Cipadessa baccifera. Within them, cipacinerasins A and B feature a rearranged tetrahydropyranyl ring B formed between C-8 and C-30, are unusual miscellaneous-type limonoids. Cipacinerasins E and F are rare trijugin-type limonoids, of which the D-ring δ-lactone is cleaved. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data (HRESIMS, NMR, UV and IR), electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All compounds were evaluated in vitro cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines (K562, HeLa, PC3, LN-Cap and Hell), and cipacinerasin E showed moderate antitumor activity with IC50 values ranging from 8.0 to 24.8 µM.

The Key Role of microRNAs in Initiation and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main type of primary liver malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression mainly on post-transcriptional level has a confirmed and important role in numerous biological process. By regulating specific target genes, miRNA can act as oncogene or tumor suppressor. Recent evidence has indicated that the deregulation of miR-NAs is closely associated with the clinical pathological features of HCC. However, the precise regulatory mechanism of each miRNA and its targets in HCC has yet to be illuminated. This study demonstrates that both oncogenic and tumor suppressive miRNAs are crucial in the formation and development of HCC. miRNAs influence biological behavior including proliferation, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis by targeting critical genes. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the expression profile and function of miRNAs in HCC and discuss the potential for miRNA-based therapy for HCC.

NFATc3-dependent expression of miR-153-3p promotes mitochondrial fragmentation in cardiac hypertrophy by impairing mitofusin-1 expression.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular disorders. Although mitochondrial dynamics, including changes in mitochondrial fission and fusion, have been implicated in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain mostly unknown. Here, we show that NFATc3, miR-153-3p, and mitofusion-1 (Mfn1) constitute a signaling axis that mediates mitochondrial fragmentation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Methods: Isoprenaline (ISO) was used to stimulate the hypertrophic response and mitochondrial fragmentation in cultured cardiomyocytes and in vivo. We performed immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR to validate the function of Mfn1 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Bioinformatic analyses, a luciferase reporter assay, and gain- and loss-of-function studies were used to demonstrate the biological function of miR-153-3p, which regulates mitochondrial fragmentation and hypertrophy by targeting Mfn1. Moreover, ChIP-qPCR and a luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify transcription factor NFATc3 as an upstream regulator to control the expression of miR-153-3p. Results: Our results show that ISO promoted mitochondrial fission and enhanced the expression of miR-153-3p in cardiomyocytes. Knockdown of miR-153-3p attenuated ISO-induced mitochondrial fission and hypertrophy in cultured primary cardiomyocytes. miR-153-3p suppression inhibited mitochondrial fragmentation in ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model. We identified direct targeting of Mfn1, a key protein of the mitochondrial fusion process, by miR-153-3p. Also, miR-153-3p promoted ISO-induced mitochondrial fission by suppressing the translation of Mfn1. We further found that NFATc3 activated miR-153-3p expression. Knockdown of NFATc3 inhibited miR-153-3p expression and blocked mitochondrial fission and hypertrophic response in cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: Our data revealed a novel signaling pathway, involving NFATc3, miR-153-3p, and Mfn1, which could be a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

[Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in myocardial cells after Macleaya cordata alkaloids poisoning in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in rat's myocardial cells after Macleaya cordata alkaloids poisoning, and to provide certain molecular biology references for the detection of Macleaya cordata alkaloids poisoning. METHODS: Experimental model of Macleaya cordata alkaloids poisoning was established, the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in these cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the results were analyzed by computer image system. RESULTS: The expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in myocardial cells in poisoning groups were much greater than those in the control groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: If the clinical symptoms may not be obvious, the detection of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins level by immunohistochemistry still could be ancillary method.

[Application of spiral CT 3D reconstruction of rib fracture in clinical forensic practice].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical application of spiral CT 3D reconstruction in forensic diagnosis of rib fracture. METHODS: Thirty-five cases of rib fractures were collectively studied by X-ray, regular CT scan, and adoptive 3D reconstruction with spiral CT. RESULTS: Clear and stereoscopic images of rib fractures without interference of the surrounding soft tissue were obtained in all of 35 cases examined. CONCLUSION: Spiral CT 3D reconstruction could be a valuable means in forensic diagnosis of rib fracture.

A micrometer-sized europium(iii)-organic framework for selective sensing of the Cr2O72- anion and picric acid in water systems.

A micrometer-sized europium(iii)-organic framework with asymmetric binuclear metal subunits extended by 4,5-dichlorophthalaten (DCPA), [Eu2(H2O)(DCPA)3]n, was easily obtained using a reverse microemulsion method. The framework exhibits good dispersibility, excellent thermal and environmental stability and easy regeneration ability. More importantly, the complex displays strong red emission and can selectively and sensitively detect both inorganic Cr2O72- anions (Ksv = 8.7 × 103 M-1) and organic picric acid contaminants (Ksv = 1.07 × 104 M-1) in water systems through fluorescence quenching. A luminescent film of 1 was further prepared and successfully used to detect the Cr2O72- anion in an aqueous system. These interesting results indicate that the well-dispersed europium(iii)-organic framework can serve as a promising dual-responsive luminescent sensor for environmental pollutant monitoring.

[Apoptosis in myocardial cells after macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe pathological changes and apoptosis in rats myocardial cells after Macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning, and to provide some references for Macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning detection. METHODS: An experimental model of Macleaya cordata total alkaloids poisoning was established, and the technology of TUNEL staining was used.The results were analyzed by computer image analysis competitive system. RESULTS: Quantities of apoptosis in myocardial cells in poisoning groups were much more than those in the control groups at different tages (P<0.01). In addition the quantities of apoptosis were different after different poisoning duration. CONCLUSION: Although clinical symptoms was not obvious and could not be detected by poison analysis. Pathological changes induced by Macleaya cordata total alkaloids could be found through the apoptosis detection.

[Effects of renal artery stenting on renal function of patients with ischaemic nephropathy].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of stent revascularization on renal function of patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis with renal insufficiency. METHODS: Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty with stent (PTRAS) was performed on 27 consecutive patients with severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis for preservation of renal function, and follow-up was conducted for 6 approximately 48 months. RESULTS: Technically PTRAS was successfully performed in all 27 patients. The creatinine value was 155 micromol/L +/- 31 micromol/L before operation, and increased to 189 micromol/L +/- 38 micromol/L (P < 0.001), then decreased to 145 micrommol/L +/- 22 micrommol/L, 143 micromol/L +/- 22 micromol/L, 143 micromol/L +/- 24 micromol/L, and 139 micromol/L +/- 10 micromol/L, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after the PTRAS respectively (all P < 0.05). The severe complications related to the procedure mainly included 7 cases of acute renal failure, 4 cases being reversible. One case died of cardiac infarction with underlying coronary heart disease 9 months after and 1 case died heart failure due to valvular disease of heart 25 months after. CONCLUSION: Renal artery stent revascularization is effective for preservation of renal function in patients with ischaemic nephropathy effect on. However, complications related to the procedure frequently occurred. The long-term efficacy is to be investigated further.

Correlation research on ADMA plasma levels and left ventricular function of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been involved in the development mechanism of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the plasma ADMA levels and echocardiography, and understand the relationship between ADMA and left ventricular function. All of the patients were divided into three groups, including End-stage renal disease patients on CAPD, Conservative treatment in patients with ESRD and Control group. All the cases in the outpatient clinic or hospital at the next morning were collected fasting venous blood 2 ml. All cases were detected by American GE company Vivid7 Colour Doppler Ultrasonic Echocardiograph to detected left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), Left atrial diameter (LAD), Left ventricular posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWT), Interventricular septum thickness in diastole (IVST), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). There were significant differences among all of the three groups for the GFR, urine albumin, SGA, Hb, iPTH and ALB levels. There was statistically significant difference for serum ADMA levels among three groups (F = 34.047, P = 0.000). CAPD patient plasma ADMA levels were negatively correlated with LVEF, and positively correlated with LVMI, LVM, LVEDD, LAD. Conservative treatment group had higher proportion of average artery, left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular mass index. The peritoneal dialysis fluid ADMA levels of CAPD patients with peritoneal were positively correlated with LVEF (r = 0.367, P = 0.046), negatively correlated with LVMI. In conclusion, ADMA may be involved in change of left ventricular structure, function, and remodeling process through a complex network.

[Effects of nitrogen forms on the growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato under controlled alternate partial root zone irrigation].

The effects of nitrogen (N) forms (ammonium-N and nitrate-N) on the growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato plants (cv. Zhongyan 988) under controlled alternate partial root zone irrigation (APRI) were examined in a split-root experiment. Under the same irrigation mode and/or controlled soil water limitation treatment, ammonium-N promoted plant growth at the early stage, while nitrate-N improved plant growth and development at the later stage leading to higher biomass accumulation and fruit yield at harvest. Under APRI and the same soil water conditions, plants of the nitrate-N treatment improved the content of vitamin C and the ratio of soluble sugar to organic acid and thus facilitated fruit quality when compared with those of the ammonium-N treatment. Plant height and leaf area under APRI treatment were lower compared with conventional irrigation (CK) under the same N form, but the stem diameter under APRI treatment with 60% theta(f) (field water capacity, theta(f)) soil moisture showed a slight increase at the late growth stage. Under the same N form, fruit yield was significantly lower in APRI treatment than that of the CK. Compared with the CK, fruit yield decreased by 22.4%-26.3% under the APRI treatment with 40% theta(f) soil moisture. Under 60% theta(f) soil moisture, the APRI treatment significantly improved fruit quality and water-use efficiency compared with the CK regardless small reduction (5.3%-5.4%) in fruit yield. The experimental results suggested that the APRI treatment with the lower limitation of soil moisture controlled at 60% theta(f), and nitrate-N supply would be the optimal option in terms of sustainable use of water resource and fertilizer.