Diagnosis of membranous supravalvular aortic stenosis with severe aortic valve insufficiency.

Although the clinical manifestations of membranous supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) are distinctive, its diagnosis remains challenging. Failure to initiate surgical treatment in a timely manner greatly increases the risk of sudden cardiac death. We report a case of membranous SVAS, detailing the clinical presentation and imaging manifestations.

Carbon Nanotube Template-Assisted Synthesis of Conjugated Microporous Polytriphenylamine with High Porosity for Efficient Supercapacitive Energy Storage.

Engineering of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with high porosity, redox activity, and electronic conductivity is of significant importance for their practical applications in electrochemical energy storage. Aminated-multiwall carbon nanotubes (NH2 -MWNT) are utilized to modulate the porosity and electronic conductivity of polytriphenylamine (PTPA), which is synthesized via Buchwald-Hartwig coupling reaction of tri(4-bromophenyl)amine and phenylenediamine as constitutional units in a one-step in situ polymerization process. Compared to PTPA, the specific surface area of core-shell PTPA@MWNTs has been greatly improved from 32 to 484 m2  g-1 . The PTPA@MWNTs exhibites an improved specific capacitance, with the highest value 410 F g-1 in 0.5 M H2 SO4 at a current of 10 A g-1 achieve for PTPA@MWNT-4 due to the hierarchical meso-micro pores, high redox-activity and electronic conductivity. Symmetric supercapacitor assemble by PTPA@MWNT-4 has a capacitance of 216 F g-1 of total electrode materials and retains 71% of initial capacitance after 6000 cycles. This study gives new insights into the role of CNT templates in the adjustment of molecular structure, porosity, and electronic property of CMPs for the high-performance electrochemical energy storage.

Multimodal imaging of morning glory syndrome with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

Morning glory syndrome (MGS) and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) are congenital abnormity, which may be related to the increased incidence of systemic abnormalities and retinal detachment，diagnosed by ultrasound, identified by CT, MRI, and with the confirmation of fundus examination.

The confusing pelvic cystic mass: A case of giant prostatic utricle cyst diagnosed by ultrasound.

The giant prostatic utricle cyst, located behindthe bladder with removable irregular mixed echo, communicating with the urethraat the level of the seminal colliculus, was diagnosed by ultrasound andverified by pathology and surgery.

Clinical application and evaluation of health economics for non-invasive prenatal testing of fetuses in Tianjin / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the clinical efficacy and health economic value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for the prenatal screening of common fetal chromosomal aneuploidies.@*METHODS@#10 612 pregnant women from October 2017 to December 2019 presented at the antenatal screening clinic of the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University were selected as the study subjects. Results of NIPT and invasive prenatal diagnosis and follow-up outcome for the 10 612 pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Meanwhile, NIPT data for two periods were analyzed for assessing the health economic value of NIPT as the second- or first-tier screening strategy for the prenatal diagnosis of fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13.@*RESULTS@#The NIPT was successful in 10 528 (99.72%) subjects, with the sensitivity for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 being 100%, 92.86% and 100%, and the positive predictive value (PPV) being 89.74%, 61.90% and 44.44%, respectively. The PPV of NIPT for sex chromosome aneuploidies was 34.21%. Except for one false negative case of trisomy 18, the negative predictive value for trisomy 21, trisomy 13 and other chromosomal abnormalities were 100%. For pregnant women with high risk by serological screening, advanced maternal age or abnormal ultrasound soft markers, NIPT has yielded a significantly increased high risk ratio. There was no statistical difference in the PPV of NIPT among pregnant women from each subgroup. NIPT would have higher health economic value as a second-tier screening until 2019, while compared to 2015 ~ 2017, its incremental cost-effectiveness ratio as a first-tier screening had declined clearly.@*CONCLUSION@#The screening efficacy of NIPT for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 for a mixed population is significantly better than conventional serological screening, but it is relatively low for sex chromosomal abnormalities. NIPT can also be recommended for populations with relatively high risks along with detailed pre- and post-test genetic counselling. From the perspective of health economics, except for open neural tube defects, it is possible for NIPT to replace the conventional serological screening in the future as its cost continues to decrease.

Construction of a Few-Layered COF@CNT Composite as an Ultrahigh Rate Cathode for Low-Cost K-Ion Batteries.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are attracting great interest for large-scale energy storage owing to the abundant resources and low redox potential of K+/K. However, the large volume changes and slow kinetics caused by the larger ionic radius of K+ for cathode materials remain a critical challenge for PIBs. Herein, we construct few-layered covalent organic frameworks integrated with carboxylated carbon nanotubes (DAAQ-COF@CNT) as cathode materials for PIBs. The synthesized DAAQ-COF@CNT features numerous active sites, a stable conductive framework, and an appropriate surface area with nanopores, which can render high electrical conductivity, shorten the ion/electron diffusion distance, and accelerate K+ diffusion. In consequence, the DAAQ-COF@CNT delivers a high reversible capacity of 157.7 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, an excellent rate capability of 111.2 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1, and a long cycling stability of 77.6% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 0.5 A g-1. The integrated characterization of ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and theoretical simulation discloses that the storage mechanism of DAAQ-COF@CNT is based on the reversible reaction between electroactive C═O groups and K+ during two successive steps. This work provides a promising high-performance cathode material for PIBs and encourages the development of new types of covalent organic frameworks for PIBs.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside Promotes Expression of the Longevity Gene Klotho.

The longevity gene klotho has numerous physiological functions, such as regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, delaying senescence, improving cognition, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting vascular endothelial cells. This study tested whether 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside (THSG), a small molecule with antiaging effects, regulates the expression and physiological effects of klotho. Our results showed that THSG dose-dependently increased the luciferase reporter activity of the klotho gene, reversed the decrease in mRNA and protein expression of klotho which was induced by angiotensin II in NRK-52E renal tubular epithelial cells, and increased klotho mRNA expression in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, testis, and kidney medulla of spontaneously hypertensive rats. THSG also reduced the number of senescent cells induced by angiotensin II and improved the antioxidant capacity and enhanced the bone strength in vivo. Based on klotho's role in promoting cognition, regulating bone metabolism, and improving renal function, the effect of THSG on klotho expression will be beneficial to the functional improvement or enhancement of the expressed organs or tissues.

ERK5/HDAC5-mediated, resveratrol-, and pterostilbene-induced expression of MnSOD in human endothelial cells.

SCOPE: Mitochondrial oxidative stress is closely correlated with numerous cardiovascular diseases. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is an important antioxidant enzyme in mitochondria. Although polyphenols can induce the expression of MnSOD, their corresponding mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that resveratrol and pterostilbene can activate the expression of MnSOD through an AMPK-ERK5/HDAC5-KLF2 pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our results revealed that two stilbenes reduced mitochondrial superoxide-free radicals, and endothelial cell senescence, and increased the mRNA expression of several genes related to mitochondrial function, including MnSOD. Moreover, two stilbenes upregulated the activation of human MnSOD promoter luciferase reporter gene and protein level in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Similarly, two stilbenes also stimulated LKB1, AMPKα, extracellular-signal related kinase 5 (ERK5) phosphorylation, and histone acetylase 5 (HDAC5) and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) expression. The knockdown of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), ERK5, and HDAC5 by using short-hairpin RNA blocked pterostilbene-induced phosphorylation of their downstream signaling proteins and the expression of KLF2. Furthermore, using a chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR detection method, we found that resveratrol and pterostilbene promoted KLF2 binding to CACCC sites of the human MnSOD promoter. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol and pterostilbene can activate MnSOD expression through ERK5/HDAC5 pathway, thus alleviating mitochondrial oxidative stress in endothelial cells that relates to cardiovascular disease.

Aortic Remodelling Is Improved by 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside Involving the Smad3 Pathway in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Hypertension is a common health problem that substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The condition increases blood pressure, which causes alterations in vascular structure and leads to the development of vascular pathologies. 2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-D-glucoside (THSG), a resveratrol analogue extracted from a Chinese medicinal plant, has been proven to have numerous vascular protection functions. This study investigated whether THSG can improve vascular remodeling, which has thus far remained unclear. Orally administering THSG to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) aged 12 weeks for 14 weeks significantly inhibited intima-media thickness in the lower parts of the aortic arch, increased the vascular diastolic rate in response to acetylcholine, and reduced remodelling-related mRNA expression, such as that of ACTA2, CCL3, COL1A2, COL3A1, TIMP1 WISP2, IGFBP1, ECE1, KLF5, MYL1 BMP4, FN1, and PAI-1. Immunofluorescence staining also showed an inhibitory effect similar to that of THSG on PAI-1 protein expression in rat aortas. Results from immunoprecipitation and a Western blot assay showed that THSG inhibited the acetylation of Smad3. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that THSG prevented Smad3 binding to the PAI-1 proximal promoter in SHR aortas. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of THSG on aortic remodelling involved the deacetylating role of Smad3 with increasing blood flow and with constant blood pressure.

Effect of RhoA gene silencing on proliferation and migration of gastric MGC-803 cells.

In this study, the expression of silencing RhoA gene in gastric MGC-803 Cells was investigated, in order to discuss the effect of RhoA gene on cell proliferation, cell cycles and tumor migration. SiRNA sequence of RhoA gene was designed and synthesized; MGC-803 cells were transfected by Lipofectamine(TM2000). The expression of RhoA gene in mRNA and protein after interference was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot; flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle; cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and cell migration was detected by scratch healing assay. RhoA expression in mRNA and protein of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group and blank group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The growth rate significantly slowed down in experimental group; the cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase and the number of cells in S-phase reduced; there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Scratch healing assay showed that cell migration of the experimental group was significantly decreased, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Specific interference on RhoA gene expression could inhibit the proliferation and migration of MGC-803 cells; therefore, siRNA sequences of RhoA gene may be an effective target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Alterations of miR-132 are novel diagnostic biomarkers in peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients.

Alterations in microRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered to have diagnostic implications in most diseases, but few studies have reported dysregulated miRNAs in schizophrenia (SCZ). In order to observe an association between miRNAs and SCZ, this study was designed to investigate expression profiling of miRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). miRNA microarray technology was employed to compare the expression of miRNAs in PBMCs from SCZ patients (n=105) and normal controls (n=130), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was used to analyze the results. Several important miRNA levels were examined before and after antipsychotic treatment in first-onset SCZ patients. In addition, an SCZ-like rat model was established using dizocilpine (MK-801), and miR-132 expression in PBMCs and whole-brain tissue from SCZ-like rats was studied using QPCR. In humans, dysregulated miRNAs were observed before treatment and QPCR verified that miR-132, miR-134, miR-1271, miR-664(⁎), miR-200c and miR-432 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01 for all) in PBMCs of SCZ patients compared with healthy controls. After antipsychotic treatment there was a marked increase in miR-132 (P<0.01), miR-664(⁎) (P<0.05) and miR-1271 (P<0.05) levels in SCZ patients compared with the levels before treatment. In the animal assays, miR-132 levels declined in PBMCs and whole-brain tissues (both P<0.05) of the SCZ-like rats compared to controls. For the first time, our results suggest that miR-132 is a potential and superior biomarker in peripheral blood that will allow discrimination of SCZ patients from healthy controls.

Bavachalcone-induced manganese superoxide dismutase expression through the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in human endothelial cells.

Mitochondrial oxidative stress has been suggested as a major etiological factor in cardiovascular diseases. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is an essential antioxidant mitochondrial enzyme. Although polyphenols can induce MnSOD expression, their mechanism of action remains unclear. We examined the effect of bavachalcone, a bioactive compound isolated from Psoralea corylifolia, on MnSOD protein expression and explored whether this effect is mediated through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Our data showed that bavachalcone enhanced the luciferase activity of the MnSOD promoter and increased MnSOD mRNA and protein expressions. Moreover, bavachalcone suppressed the mitochondrial superoxide production in endothelial cells. Conversely, bavachalcone stimulated liver kinase B1 and AMPKα phosphorylation. mRNA interference by using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) of AMPK inhibited bavachalcone-induced MnSOD expression. A-769662, an AMPK activator, also stimulated AMPK activity and increased MnSOD expression. Furthermore, AMPK knockdown by shRNA-AMPK reversed the inhibitory effects of bavachalcone on mitochondrial superoxide production in endothelial cells. These findings indicate that bavachalcone can protect the endothelial function by increasing AMPK activity and MnSOD expression and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. .

Genetic polymorphisms of HPRTB, DXS6803 and DXS6809 STR loci in Tianjin Han female population / 天津医药

Objective To investigate genetic polymorphisms of HPRTB, DXS6803 and DXS6809 STR loci in Tianjin Han female population, and to provide experimental data in the prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies accurately and rapidly. Methods A total of 150 blood samples were collected in Tianjin Han population. QF-PCR and capillary electrophoresis were used in this study. The relevant data were analyzed by ABI Prism GeneMapper v3.0 software. Two homozygotes were se?lected from each locus for sequencing. The frequencies of the genotypes were checked using Chi-square test to verify Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Data of genetic polymorphisms were calculated by PowerStatsV12 software. Results A total of 150 samples were successfully amplified in 24 hours. The 10, 6 and 10 alleles and 22, 12 and 29 genotypes were found respec?tively in HPRTB, DXS6803 and DXS6809 loci. The most common alleles were 14, 13 and 14. The higher frequencies of gen?otypes were 14-14, 12-13 and 13-14. No significant deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed in these three STR loci (χ2=10.554, 5.783 and 15.355, respectively, P>0.05). Values of He were 0.748, 0.649 and 0.806 for these three STR loci respectively. Values of Ho were 0.607, 0.700 and 0.713 respectively. Values of PIC were 0.706, 0.599 and 0.775 respectively. Values of PD were 0.894, 0.814 and 0.931 respectively. And values of PE were 0.299, 0.428 and 0.449 respectively. Conclusion HPRTB, DXS6803 and DXS6809 STR loci were highly polymorphic, which are favorable genetic markers on chromosome X and can be used in rapid prenatal genetic diagnosis.

Scropolioside B inhibits IL-1ß and cytokines expression through NF-κB and inflammasome NLRP3 pathways.

Chronic inflammation is associated with various chronic illnesses including immunity disorders, cancer, neurodegeneration, and vascular diseases. Iridoids are compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. However their anti-inflammatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report that scropolioside B, isolated from a Tibetan medicine (Scrophularia dentata Royle ex Benth.), blocked expressions of TNF, IL-1, and IL-32 through NF-κB pathway. Scropolioside B inhibited NF-κB activity in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 1.02 µmol/L. However, catalpol, similar to scropolioside B, was not effective in inhibiting NF-κB activity. Interestingly, scropolioside B and catalpol decreased the expression of NLRP3 and cardiolipin synthetase at both the mRNA and protein level. Our results showed that scropolioside B is superior in inhibiting the expression, maturation, and secretion of IL-1ß compared to catalpol. These observations provide further understanding of the anti-inflammatory effects of iridoids and highlight scropolioside B as a potential drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis.

2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-d-glucoside ameliorates vascular senescence and improves blood flow involving a mechanism of p53 deacetylation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-d-glucoside (THSG), a resveratrol analog with glucoside, has been shown in various studies to inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, attenuate inflammation, and prevent vascular endothelial dysfunction. In the study, we examined the effects of THSG on vascular senescence and blood flow. METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of THSG for 14 weeks, resulted in notable increases in blood flow in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs); and effective inhibition of vascular senescence as indicated by senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining, phosphorylation of γH2AX observed by stain analysis of immunofluorescence, and K373 acetylation of p53 in the aortic arches of SHRs. Oral administration of THSG also induced eNOS expression and urinary NOx production. THSG weekly activated SIRT1 activity, stimulated eNOS promoter reporter gene activity, and ameliorated H(2)O(2)-induced cellular senescence and K373 acetylation of p53 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). CONCLUSIONS: THSG improves blood flow and ameliorates vascular senescence by increasing eNOS expression and Sirt1 activity and decreasing acetylation of p53 at K373 site, at least in part, both in vitro and in vivo.

[Climatic suitability of single cropping rice planting region in China].

To clarify the leading climate factors affecting the distribution of single cropping rice planting region in China at national and annual temporal scales and to reveal the potential distribution and climatic suitability divisions of this planting region in China could not only provide scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of single cropping rice production, modifying planting pattern, and introducing fine varieties, but also ensure the food security of China. In this paper, the potential climate factors affecting the single cropping rice distribution in China at regional and annual scales were selected from related literatures, and the single cropping rice geographic information from the national agro-meteorological observation stations of China Meteorological Administration (CMA), together with the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) and spatial analyst function of Arc-GIS software, were adopted to clarify the leading climate factors affecting the potential distribution of single cropping rice planting region in China, and to construct a model about the relationships between the potential distribution of the planting region and the climate. The results showed that annual precipitation, moisture index, and days of not less than 18 degrees C stably were the leading climate factors affecting the potential distribution of single cropping rice planting region in China, with their cumulative contribution rate reached 94.5% of all candidate climate factors. The model constructed in this paper could well simulate the potential distribution of single cropping rice planting region in China. According to the appearance frequency, the low, medium and high climatic suitability divisions of single cropping rice planting region in China were clarified, and the climate characteristics of the planting region in each climatic suitability division were analyzed.

Fingerprint of Hedyotis diffusa Willd. by HPLC-MS.

A HPLC-MS fingerprint method has been developed based on the consistent chromatographic features of the major chemical constituents among 10 batches of Hedyotis diffusa Willd. Chromatographic separation was conducted on a Hypersil-Keystone Hypurity C(18) column using methanol:water:acetic acid as the mobile phase. Major compounds, including oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and ferulic acid, were analysed by HPLC-MS. Their analysis was ascertained by comparison with data derived from the standard compounds. The HPLC-MS fingerprint was successfully applied to analyse and differentiate samples from different geographical origins, or processing methods. H. diffusa was well distinguished from Hedyotis chrysotricha by HPLC-MS. Therefore the establishment of fingerprint of H. diffusa is critical in assessing and controlling its overall quality.

Subchronic toxicity studies of Radix Astragali extract in rats and dogs.

Radix Astragali extract (RAE) is obtained from Astragalus membranaceus. It consists of Astragalus polysaccharide and Astragalus membranaceus saponins. In the study, we observed the subchronic toxicity of RAE in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs to evaluate the safety dosage range in clinical application. These subjects were daily administered of RAE by intra-peritoneum or vein for three consecutive months. General index were observed such as food-intake, behavior, body weight, hematological parameters, etc. Body weight, the weight of principal organ and hematology index are normal in experimental groups and control groups. The hematological biochemistry examination and histopathology examination of experimental groups are similar to control groups. In conclusion, our studies clearly demonstrated that RAE was safe without any distinct toxicity and side effects, the safety dosage range is 5.7-39.9g/kg for rats and 2.85-19.95g/kg for beagle dogs, which is equal to 70 or 35 times of that of human (0.57g/kg, say, average BW 70kg), respectively.

[Round window area temporal bone section versus CT].

OBJECTIVE: To locate round window area and its related structure on auris transection and CT for anatomical evidence of image diagnosis and clinical operation. METHODS: Fifteen normal head specimen fixed with 10% dehyde were scanned by high-resolution computed tomography on canthomeatal line. CT image (depth 1.00 mm, thick 1.00 mm) was obtained. Temporal bone-centered tissues were taken, decalcified, desiccated and socked with collodion, then embedded and made into sequential transactions (thick 1.00 mm). Lower surface of section was observed by both naked eyes and microscope, then scanned and photographed. Versus CT image, auditory ossicle, osseous semicircular canals, vestibule, round window, niche, cochlea, pyramidal eminence, internal acoustic meatus and cochlear aqueduct were identified respectively. RESULTS: There were 18-22 layers of temporal transection on CT image. Round window and round window niche always appeared on the 10th layer (R) and the 11th layer (L). The mean of the depth of anterior wall was 0.92 mm (R) and 0.90 mm (L), and depth 1.89 mm (R) and 2.04 mm (L). The average distance from niche to jugular fossa wall was 2.10 mm (R) and 2.39 mm (L). No significant difference among of thickness, depth and distance from niche to jugular fossa wall. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal bone transection specimen had a clear picture of anatomical position between round window area and its related structure. Versus CT, the result contributed to image diagnosis and operation on auris diseases.