Effects of Five Lipid Sources on Growth, Hematological Parameters, Immunity and Muscle Quality in Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

This study investigated the effects of fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), peanut oil (PO) and lard oil (LO) on growth, immunity and muscle quality in juvenile largemouth bass. After 8 weeks, the results showed that FO and RO could increase weight gain and serum alkaline phosphatase and apelin values compared with LO (p < 0.05). Except lower crude lipid contents, higher amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (15.83% and 14.64%) were present in the dorsal muscle of the FO and RO groups. Meanwhile, FO and RO could heighten mRNA levels of immune defense molecules (lysozyme, hepcidin, and transforming growth factor ß1) compared with PO (p < 0.05). While SO could increase potential inflammatory risk via rising counts of white blood cells, platelets, neutrophils and monocytes, and mRNA levels of interleukins (IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-12 and IL-15), FO and RO could improve hardness, chewiness and springiness through increasing amounts of hydroxyproline, collagen and lysyl oxidase, and mRNA levels of collagen 1α2 and prolyl hydroxylase in the fish dorsal muscle. Moreover, FO and RO could improve firmness through increasing glycogen and glycogen synthase 1 levels when compared with LO (p < 0.05). Therefore, these results could provide dietary lipid source references during the feeding process of adult largemouth bass.

Dietary Soybean Lecithin Improves Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant Capability and Intestinal Barrier Functions in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Juveniles.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary soybean lecithin (SBL) on the growth, haematological indices, immunities, antioxidant capabilities, and inflammatory and intestinal barrier functions because little information of dietary SBL could be obtained in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The fish were fed identical diets except for SBL added at 0, 2, 4 and 8%. It was found that 4 and 8% SBL significantly increased fish weight gain and daily growth rate (p < 0.05), while 4% SBL was optimal for enhancing RBC, HGB, PLT, MCV, MCH, WBC and MON in blood, and ALB and ALP in serum (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) also significantly elevated the antioxidant enzymes activities of T-SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, GST and T-AOC and GSH contents; increased mRNA transcription levels of Nrf2, Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT, GR, GST3 and GPx3; and decreased MDA contents. Keap1a and Keap1b levels were markedly down-regulated (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) significantly enhanced levels of the immune factors (ACP, LZM and C3) and the mRNA expression levels of innate immune-related genes (C3, C4, CFD, HEPC and MHC-I) compared with the control groups (0%) (p < 0.05). SBL (4%) significantly increased IgM and T-NOS in the intestine (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1ß and IFN-γ and increased TGF-ß1 at both transcription and protein levels in the liver and intestine (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of MAPK13, MAPK14 and NF-κB P65 were significantly decreased in the intestine in the 4% SBL groups (p < 0.05). Histological sections also demonstrated that 4% SBL protected intestinal morphological structures compared with controls. This included increased intestinal villus height and muscular thickness (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the intestinal epithelial cell tight junction proteins (TJs) (ZO-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-5, claudin-23 and claudin-34) and mucin-5AC were significantly up-regulated in the 4% SBL groups compared with the controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested that 4% dietary SBL could not only improve growth, haematological indices, antioxidant capabilities, immune responses and intestinal functions, but also alleviate inflammatory responses, thereby providing reference information for the feed formulations in cultured largemouth bass.

Improvement strategies for quality defects and oxidation of pale, soft and exudative (PSE)-like chicken meat: effects of domestic cooking and core temperature.

This study compared the quality, oxidation, and microstructure of high-market-share PSE-like chicken meat (PSE) after domestic cooking with those of normal chicken meat (NOR). Cooking techniques included steaming (ST), boiling (BO), roasting (RO), and microwaving (MV) at 60, 70, and 80 °C. The results indicated that PSE-induced chicken breasts were of poor quality, with significantly higher cooking loss rates (NOR: 22.1% vs. PSE: 26.2%) and shear force (NOR: 50.4 N vs. PSE: 69.2 N) than normal chicken meat. In addition, PSE-like chicken meat showed higher oxidative sensitivity and more severe muscle fiber structure damage. Among the four cooking techniques, RO increased meat toughness (NOR: 78.5 N vs. PSE: 98.3 N) and intensified excessive protein oxidation and aggregation in PSE chicken breast most significantly, manifested by the increased malondialdehyde (NOR: 0.46 vs. PSE: 0.57, mg kg-1 meat) and carbonyl (NOR: 11.2 vs. PSE: 13.4, nmol mg-1 protein), reduced tryptophan and thiols (NOR: 41.3 vs. PSE: 33.7, nmol mg-1 protein), and prominent protein cross-linking such as Schiff bases and disulfide bonds during heat treatment (p < 0.05). BO was the second most destructive technique, while MV caused the least impact (p > 0.05). Principal component analysis indicated a correlation between oxidative damage and meat quality, which was attributed to variations of the PSE and normal samples by BO, RO, and ST treatments. Thus, MV is suggested to be a promising and effective cooking method in reducing the differences in quality and oxidation attributes between PSE and normal chicken meat.

Efficacy and Safety of "Bushen Huoxue Therapy"-Based Combined Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment for Diabetic Kidney Disease: an Updated Meta-Analysis of 2105 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most important cause of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the main cause of renal replacement therapy. Excessive inflammatory response and renal fibrosis are the keys to the development of this disease, and the conventional Western medical treatment is difficult to achieve and obtain long-term stable clinical results in all patients with DKD. Many studies have shown that Chinese medicine as a complementary and alternative medicine may be another therapeutic option to mitigate the progression of DKD to ESRD. In recent years, many doctors have used the Bushen Huoxue therapy to assist Western medicine in the treatment of the disease and have achieved certain clinical effects. However, most of the current studies are small sample studies, and there is no evidence-based confirmation. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Bushen Huoxue therapy combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of DKD. METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library was conducted. The screening condition was that the control group was treated with conventional Western medicine and the experimental group was treated with Bushen Huoxue therapy's RCT on top of the control group, and the RCTs were published from January 2011 to October 2021. The Cochrane risk bias assessment tool was used for literature quality evaluation, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 23 RCTs were finally included, with a total of 2,105 patients. Meta-analysis results show that the experimental group can effectively improve the clinical efficacy (RR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.22, 1.34), P < 0.01), significantly reduce Crea (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI (-0.57, -0.33), P < 0.01), 24 h UTP (SMD = -0.57, 95% CI (-0.69, -0.45), P < 0.01), BUN (SMD = -0.36, 95%CI (-0.48, -0.24), P < 0.01), UAER (SMD = -1.58, 95% CI (-1.78, -1.37), P < 0.01), and blood sugar, and have certain medication safety (RR = 0.00, 95% CI (-0.03, 0.03), P=0.87). CONCLUSIONS: Chinese medicine based on the Bushen Huoxue therapy has a good clinical effect in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease and has certain safety. However, due to the limitation of the quality and quantity of the included literature, the above conclusion still needs more rational experiments to further verify.

New method and electrophysiological characteristics of LA posterior wall isolation in persistent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial posterior wall isolation (PWI) is commonly used with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, potentials are often still recorded in the posterior wall after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), roof linear ablation, and bottom linear ablation in clinical practice. We aimed to explore the methodological approach and electrophysiological characteristics of PWI. METHODS: A total of 36 patients who attended our center with long-standing persistent AF were retrospectively analyzed. After routine PVI and roof and bottom linear ablation, complete PWI was confirmed in sinus rhythm by voltage mapping and high-output pacing. Otherwise, activation mapping and voltage mapping were used to guide ablation on the line or inside the posterior wall until bidirectional block was achieved. RESULTS: The first-pass success rate of PWI was 39%. In the remaining 61% of patients with posterior wall electrograms, activation mapping in sinus rhythm showed that the earliest activation point was not on the ablation line but in a relatively dispersed focal area, possibly related to epicardial muscular sleeve insertion. Voltage mapping revealed a focal high-voltage area in the posterior wall matching the relatively dispersed earliest activation site, in which an average of five points of ablation achieved complete PWI without serious esophageal injury. The middle zone contained 80% of the additional posterior wall ablation points. CONCLUSIONS: PWI was performed safely and effectively with an average of five additional ablation points in the posterior wall in 61% of patients under the guidance of voltage mapping.

The association between soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and long-term prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Findings regarding the prognostic value of soluble suppression of tumorigenecity-2 (sST2) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the long-term prognostic value of sST2 in patients with CAD. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 3, 2020. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) death, heart failure (HF), and myocardial infarction (MI). Pooled estimations and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles that enrolled a total of 17,432 patients with CAD were included in the final analysis. CAD patients in the highest categories of baseline sST2 had a significantly higher risk of MACEs (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.09-1.76), all-cause mortality (HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.54-2.46), and CV death (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.15-1.68), HF (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.87-2.94), but not that of MI (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: -0.73-3.04), than those in the lowest categories. These results were consistent when baseline sST2 was presented as continuous values in one unit increments. Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that elevated baseline sST2 levels increased the long-term risk of MACEs in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population (HR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.39-2.09) but only showed a trend toward higher risk of MACEs in the non-ACS population (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.87-1.30). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a higher concentration of baseline sST2 is associated with a higher risk of MACEs, all-cause mortality, CV death, and HF in patients with CAD. Elevated sST2 levels could significantly predict future MACEs in the ACS population but not in the non-ACS population.

Three-year outcomes of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds versus second-generation drug-eluting stents: Meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) completely resorb within 3 years after placement into the coronary artery. The safety and effectiveness of bioabsorbable scaffolds are of critical importance during this 3-year period. OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of BVS and second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) at 3 years after implantation. METHODS: Published randomized trials comparing BVS to second-generation DES for the treatment of coronary artery disease were identified within PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and relevant Web sites with publication dates through June 2019. The primary efficacy endpoint was target lesion failure. The primary safety endpoint was definite/probable stent/scaffold thrombosis. Secondary outcomes were cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization, and a patient-oriented composite end point. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials, with a total of 5,412 patients (BVS n = 3,177; DES n = 2,235), were included. At 3 years, BVS was associated with higher rates of target lesion failure (OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.10-1.60, P = 0.003) and definite/probable stent/scaffold thrombosis (OR = 3.75, 95% CI: 2.22-6.35, P < .00001)compared with DES. The incidence of target vessel myocardial infarction (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.30-2.17, P < .0001), ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.14-1.86, P = .003), and the patient-oriented composite end point(OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.39, P = .01) were higher for those treated with BVS compared with DES. However, there was no significant difference in risk of cardiac death (OR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.61-1.45, P = .79) between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: At the 3-year follow-up, BVS was inferior to second-generation DES in both safety and efficacy.

Highly efficient replacement of traditional intumescent flame retardants in polypropylene by manganese ions doped melamine phytate nanosheets.

The intumescent flame retardant (IFR) with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as the main component has many defects in practical applications, more than that, APP can be traced to non-renewable phosphate rock resources. For the foregoing reasons, the melamine phytate supramolecular nanosheet flame retardant incorporating manganese ion (PAMA-Mn) was successfully prepared with a facile and environmental friendly hydrothermal procedure based on renewable bio-based material phytic acid (PA). The flame retardant polypropylene composite (PPI) with 13.5 wt% APP and 4.5 wt% pentaerythritol (PER) failed to the UL-94 test, and its limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was only 26.5%. After 33 wt% of APP was replaced by PAMA-Mn, the PPMn33 incorporating only 18 wt% flame retardant additives passed the UL-94 V-0 rating, and its LOI value was increased to 31.9%. Compared with PP, pHRR and pSPR values of PPMn33 were reduced by 56% and 23%, respectively. The fire retardant mechanism of PPMn33 was thoroughly discussed via a variety of characterization methods. It was found that the peak of the Gram-Schmidt curve of PPMn33 was drastically reduced by 49% relative to that of PPI, indicating a remarkably decrease of combustible volatile products owing to the incorporation of PAMA-Mn, thereby rapidly reducing the fire hazard risk.

An Adrenal Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma with Left Renal Vein Thrombosis Extending into the Inferior Vena Cava.

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is an uncommon tumor with morphological resemblance to hepatocellular car-cinoma. HAC of the adrenal glands is extremely rare. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old man with adrenal HAC who presented with a greatly increased preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein level (> 24,200 ng/mL). The findings of magnetic resonance imaging and contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed a large mass occupying the left adrenal gland region as well as thrombosis of the renal vein extending into the inferior vena cava. Subsequently, the adrenal HAC was treated by surgical resection and targeted sorafenib therapy. How-ever, the patient died 9 months later because of systemic metastasis of the tumor. In conclusion, adrenal HAC with inferior vena cava tumor thrombosis is extremely rare and challenging to diagnose and treat. Pathological and immunohistochemical examination are helpful for diagnosis and surgical excision is the main strategy for treating the tumor.

Predisposition of six well-characterized microRNAs to syndesmophytes among Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: We quantified the expression of six well-characterized microRNAs (miRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells to see whether they can predispose to syndesmophytes in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 46 AS patients (23/23 with/without syndesmophytes) and 22 healthy controls. miRNAs expression was quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Six examined miRNAs were comparably expressed between AS patients without syndesmophytes and healthy controls (p > .05). Relative to AS patients without syndesmophytes, patients with syndesmophytes had significantly higher levels of miR-29a, miR-335-5p, miR-27a and let-7i (p = .001, .002, .013 and .029, respectively). Nine significant contributors associated with syndesmophytes in AS, including smoking, AS duration, human leukocyte antigen B27, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, miR-335-5p, miR-27a, miR-218 and sacroiliitis, were identified. The addition of miR-335-5p, miR-27a and miR-218 can significantly improve the accuracy of baseline risk factors. Based on the nine significant contributors, a nomogram was constructed, with good prediction accuracy (C-index: 0.86, p < .001). CONCLUSION: We provide evidence for the predisposition of miR-335-5p, miR-27a and miR-218 to syndesmophytes in AS patients, indicating a contributory role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of syndesmophytes. Further validation is warranted.

[Effect of Bushen Qiangdu Recipe on Histomorphology and Wnt Pathway of DBA/1 Mice].

Objective To observe the effect of Bushen Qiangdu Recipe (BQR) on the entheses ossification histomorphology of articular ligament of DBA/1 mice with spontaneous ankylosing spondylitis (AS) , and to study its mechanism for prevention and treatment of AS. Methods Thirty 12-week old male DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into the model group, the positive drug group, low, medium, high dose BQR groups, 6 in each group. Another 6 C57BLE mice of the same age were recruited as a blank control group. BQR containing 11. 25, 22. 50, 45.00 g/kg crude drugs was respectively adminis- tered to mice in low, medium, high dose BQR groups by gastrogavage, 0. 2 mL for each mouse, once per day. Celecoxib Capsule (0. 2 mL/0. 8 mg for each mouse, once per day) was administered to mice in the positive drug group by gastrogavage. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to mice in the model group and the blank control group by gastrogavage. All mice were fed and intragastically adminis- tered for 12 successive weeks. Body weight, diet, stools, and hair were routinely observed. Signs of ar- thritis were evaluated once per two weeks. Mice were sacrifice, and then general observation of achilles tendon was performed. The achilles tendon tissue was HE stained. Protein expressions of alkaline phos- phatase (ALP) , bone gamma-carboxyglutamic-acid-containing proteins (BGP) , Dickkopfl (DKK1) , and Wnt5a in the achilles tendon were detected using immunohistochemical method. Results Compared with the blank control group, the scoring of arthritis obviously increased in the model group (P <0. 05). But the scoring of arthritis was obviously lower in the 3 BQR groups and the positive drug group than in the model group (P <0. 05). Histopathological results of achilles tendon tissue showed that no infiltration of inflammatory cells or fibroblasts occurred in the normal group. Their histomorphological structures were normal. Cartilage formation and bone formation at various degrees occurred in the model group. Filtration of fibroblast-like cells occurred in inflammatory cells and attachment points. Scattered lymphocyte infiltra- tion was often seen in the achilles tendon tissue of each medicated group. Cartilage formation and bone formation were rarely seen. Compared with the blank control group, the scoring of arthritis increased in the model group (P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, the scoring of arthritis was decreased in the 3 BQR groups and the positive drug group (P <0. 05). Compared with the blank control group, protein expression of DKK1 decreased and protein expression of Wnt5a increased in the model group (P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, protein expression of DKK1 increased and protein expression of Wnt5a decreased in middle and high dose BQR groups (P <0. 05). Conclusion BQR could delay the occur- rence and development of arthritis and ossification in DBA/1 mice of spontaneous AS model possibly by inhibiting classical Wnt pathway.

Structural studies of Schiff-base [2 + 2] macrocycles derived from 2,2'-oxydianiline and the ROP capability of their organoaluminium complexes.

The molecular structures of a number of solvates of the [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocycles {[2-(OH)-5-(R)-C6H2-1,3-(CH)2][O(2-C6H4N)2]}2 (R = Me L(1)H2, tBu L(2)H2, Cl L(3)H2), formed by reacting 2,6-dicarboxy-4-R-phenol with 2,2'-oxydianiline (2-aminophenylether), (2-NH2C6H4)2O, have been determined. Reaction of L(n)H2 with two equivalents of AlR'3 (R' = Me, Et) afforded dinuclear alkylaluminium complexes [(AlR'2)2L(1-3)] (R = R' = Me (1), R = tBu, R' = Me (2), R = Cl, R' = Me (3), R = Me, R' = Et (4), R = tBu, R' = Et (5), R = Cl, R' = Et (6)). For comparative studies, reactions of two equivalents of AlR'3 (R' = Me, Et) with the macrocycle derived from 2,2'-ethylenedianiline and 2,6-dicarboxy-R-phenols (R = Me L(4)H2, tBu L(5)H2) were conducted; the complexes [(AlMe)(AlMe2)L(5)]·2»MeCN (7·2»MeCN) and [(AlEt2)2L(4)] (8) were isolated. Use of limited AlEt3 with L(3)H2 or L(5)H2 afforded mononuclear bis(macrocyclic) complexes [Al(L(3))(L(3)H)]·4toluene (9·4toluene) and [Al(L(5))(L(5)H)]·5MeCN (10·5MeCN), respectively. Use of four equivalents of AlR'3 led to transfer of alkyl groups and isolation of the complexes [(AlR'2)4L(1'-3')] (R = L(2'), R' = Me (11); L(3'), R' = Me (12); L(1'), R' = Et (13); L(2'), R' = Et (14); L(3'), R' = Et (15)), where L(1'-3') is the macrocycle resulting from double alkyl transfer to imine, namely {[2-(O)-5-(R)C6H2-1-(CH)-3-C(R')H][(O)(2-(N)-2'-C6H4N)2]}2. Molecular structures of complexes 7·2»MeCN, 8, 9·4toluene, 10·5MeCN and 11·1¾toluene·1»hexane are reported. These complexes act as catalysts for the ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide; high conversions were achieved over 30 min at 80 °C for ε-caprolactone, and 110 °C over 12 h for rac-lactide.

Manganese coordination chemistry of bis(imino)phenoxide derived [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocyclic ligands.

The [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocycles [2,2'-(CH2CH2)(C6H4N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)2-2,6-(4-RC6H2OH)]2 ((R)H2), upon reaction with MnCl2 (two equivalents) afforded the bimetallic complex [Cl3Mn(µ-Cl)Mn((Me)H2)] (1) or the salt complex [Cl3Mn(NCMe)][MnCl((tBu)H2)] (2). Under similar conditions, use of the related [2 + 2] oxy-bridged macrocycle [2,2'-O(C6H4N[double bond, length as m-dash]CH)2-4-RC6H2OH] (II(R)H2), afforded the bimetallic complexes [(MnCl)2II(R)] (R = Me 3, tBu 4), whilst the macrocycle derived from 1,2-diaminobenzene and 5,5'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3'-methylenedibenzaldehyde (H4) afforded the complex [(MnCl)2(III)]·2MeCN (5·2MeCN). For comparative studies, the salt complexes [2,6-(ArNHCH)2-4-MeC6H2O][MnCl3(NCMe)] (Ar = 2,4-Me2C6H3, 6) and {[(2-ArN[double bond, length as m-dash]CH),6-(ArNHCH)-4-Me-C6H2O]MnCl}2[MnCl4]7·8CH2Cl2 (Ar = 4-MeC6H4, ·8CH2Cl2) were prepared. The crystal structures of 1 - 7 are reported (synchrotron radiation was necessary for complexes 1, 3 and 5). Complexes 1 - 7 (not 5) were screened for their potential to act as pre-catalysts for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone; 3, 4 and 6, 7 were inactive, whilst 1 and 2 exhibited only poor activity with low conversion (<15%) at temperatures above 60 °C.

[Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Bushen Shuji Granule in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: a Clinical Study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of Bushen Shuji Granule (BSG) in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in 62 active stage AS patients with Shen deficiency Du-channel cold syndrome (SDDCS), who were randomly assigned to the BSG group (treated with BSG) and the control group (treated with Celecoxib Capsule). Twelve weeks consisted of one therapeutic course. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by ASAS20 and ASAS40 (set by Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis working group) , BASDA150, Chinese medical (CM) syndrome efficacy evaluation standards. BASDAI, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI), scores for spine pain, scores for pain at night, patient global assessment (PGA) , erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) , and C reactive protein (CRP) were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: After three-month treatment by BSG, ASAS20 standard rate was 63. 33% (19/30 cases) in the BSG group and 66.67% (20/30 cases) in the control group with no significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 0.073, P > 0.05). The efficacy for CM syndromes was 70.00% (21/30 cases) in the BSG group, higher than that in the control group [40.00% (12/30 cases), χ2 = 5.455, P < 0.05]. Scores for CM syndromes, BASDAI, night pain index, spinal pain index, PGA, CRP were improved in the BSG group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The incidence of adverse events in the BSG group was lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: BSG based on Shen supplementing, Du-channel strengthening, blood activating, and channels dredging method had good short-term clinical efficacy and safety in treating AS.

Molybdenum complexes derived from the oxydianiline [(2-NH2C6H4)2O]: synthesis, characterization and ε-caprolactone ROP capability.

The reaction of Na2MoO4 with 2,2'-oxydianiline (2-aminophenylether), (2-NH2C6H4)2O, LH4, in DME (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) in the presence of Et3N and Me3SiCl afforded either the bis(imido) molybdenum(vi) complex {Mo(L)Cl2(DME)} (), where L = (2-NC6H4)2O, or the molybdenum(v) salt [Mo(L')Cl4][Et3NH] (), where L' = [(2-NH2C6H4)(2-NC6H4)O], depending on the work-up method employed. The same diamine reacted with in situ [Mo(NtBu)2Cl2(DME)] afforded a tetra-nuclear complex [Mo4Cl3(NtBu)3(OSiMe3)(µ4-O)(L)2(L')2]·2MeCN (·2MeCN). The crystal structures of , and ·2MeCN have been determined. The structure of the bis(imido) complex contains two unique molecules paired up via weak π-stacking, whereas the structure of contains a chelating amine/imido ligand, and is made up of discrete units of two cations and two anions which are interacting via H-bonding. The tetra-nuclear structure contains four different types of distorted octahedral molybdenum centre, and a bent Me3SiO group thought to originate from the precursor synthesis. Complexes have been screened for their ability to ring open polymerize (ROP) ε-caprolactone. For and (not ), conversion rates were good (>90%) at high temperatures (100 °C) over 6-24 h, and the polymerization proceeded in a living manner.

[Exogenous hydrogen sulfide reduces vascular aging in D-galactose-induced subacute aging rats].

The present study was aimed to observe the protective effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on vascular structural and functional changes of aorta in D-galactose-induced subacute aging rats. Adult male SD rats were randomly divided to five groups: the vehicle group, the D-galactose (D-gal) group, and the three NaHS groups treated with low (1 µmol·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹), middle (10 µmol·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) or high (100 µmol·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) dose of NaHS respectively. The D-gal group rats were given subcutaneously injection of 125 mg/kg D-gal per day for eight weeks to induce subacute aging model. In the NaHS group, D-gal was administered as above but with NaHS intraperitoneally injected at a dosage of 1, 10, 100 µmol·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹ respectively. Equivalent volumes of saline were administered per day for eight weeks in vehicle group. Morphological changes of aorta were observed by HE and Masson staining. The level of H2S in serum, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as anti-superoxide anions in vascular tissue were determined by spectrophotometry. Angiotensin II (AngII) levels in plasma were measured using competitive enzyme immunoassay. The expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in aorta was determined by Western blot. The results showed that the aging aortic morphologic changes in model rats were ameliorated in NaHS groups. Decreased vascular endothelial exfoliative cells and vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation were shown in NaHS groups by HE staining. Masson staining analysis showed reduced relative contents of collagen fibers (P < 0.05) and SMC (P < 0.05) in NaHS groups. Compared to vehicle group, serum concentration of H2S in D-gal group was decreased, while it was increased in NaHS groups after treatment with NaHS (P < 0.05). In the D-gal group, the concentration of AngII in plasma was significantly increased compared with that in vehicle group, while it was decreased in NaHS groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, levels of vascular tissue anti-superoxide anion and the activity of SOD were obviously higher, MDA was significantly lower in all NaHS treated groups than those in the D-gal group respectively (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the expression of AT1R was increased in D-gal group compared with that in vehicle group, while it was decreased after treatment with NaHS compared with that in D-gal group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that exogenous H2S can ameliorate the age-related changes of aortic morphology, decrease the concentration of AngII in plasma, down-regulate the expression of AT1R in vascular tissue, and mitigate the level of oxidative stress. These changes delay the vascular aging in aging rats ultimately.