The sex-specific association of prenatal phthalate exposure with low birth weight and small for gestational age: A nationwide survey by the Taiwan Maternal and Infant Cohort Study (TMICS).

The Taiwan Maternal and Infant Cohort Study (TMICS) was launched with the aim to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to phthalic acid esters (PAEs) on infant health. A total of 1102 pregnant women were enrolled in this study from 2012 to 2015. All participants completed a structured questionnaire, and provided urine specimens. The urinary concentrations of PAE metabolites in the third trimester were measured using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized additive model-penalized regression splines and logistic regression models were employed to determine the risk for low birth weight (LBW) or small for gestational age (SGA) among pregnant women exposed to PAEs. After adjustments for other covariates, each incremental unit of ln-transformed mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) for pregnant women increased the odds of SGA in male neonates by 1.44 (95% CI: 0.92-2.23). An inverse association between SGA and maternal MnBP exposure level was observed in female neonates. An increase in one ln-transformed MnBP concentration unit decreased the risk of female SGA to 0.50 (95% CI: 0.24-0.97). In the penalized regression splines, increased risks of LBW/SGA in male neonates were presented while pregnant women exposed to increased MnBP levels. However, an association in the opposite direction was observed between maternal MnBP and LBW or SGA for male and female neonates. This study indicated that high maternal MnBP exposure in the third trimester was associated with LBW or SGA for male infants. Adverse effects on susceptible populations exposed to high levels of PAEs should be of concern.

Status, challenges, and future prospects of stem cell therapy in pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) represent a group of common and frequently-occurring diseases that seriously affect the life quality of women, generally including stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery has been used as a treatment for PFD, but almost 30% of patients require subsequent surgery due to a high incidence of postoperative complications and high recurrence rates. Therefore, investigations of new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Stem cells possess strong multi-differentiation, self-renewal, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis abilities and they are able to differentiate into various cell types of pelvic floor tissues and thus provide a potential therapeutic approach for PFD. Recently, various studies using different autologous stem cells have achieved promising results by improving the pelvic ligament and muscle regeneration and conferring the tissue elasticity and strength to the damaged tissue in PFD, as well as reduced inflammatory reactions, collagen deposition, and foreign body reaction. However, with relatively high rates of complications such as bladder stone formation and wound infections, further studies are necessary to investigate the role of stem cells as maintainers of tissue homeostasis and modulators in early interventions including therapies using new stem cell sources, exosomes, and tissue-engineering combined with stem cell-based implants, among others. This review describes the types of stem cells and the possible interaction mechanisms in PFD treatment, with the hope of providing more promising stem cell treatment strategies for PFD in the future.

Removal of styrene in air stream by absorption combined with electrochemical oxidation.

Aqueous solution absorptions are widely used as an effective way for the treatment of noxious gases discharged from various industrial processes. However, this technology may encounter problems in removing gaseous pollutants with low Henry constants, such as styrene from contaminated air. In this study, a novel electrochemical absorption reactor was devised to remove these air pollutants. The reactor consists of five pairs of stacked mesh electrodes. Each pair of mesh electrodes consists of a Ti/RuO2 anode and a Ti cathode. The dimension of mesh electrode is 100 mm × 100 mm with 3 mm × 5 mm rhombic holes evenly distributed. The distance between two neighbouring electrodes is 25 mm. The simulated gas was introduced into the reactor from the bottom of the reactor by a gas distributor. The experimental result shows that styrene in the air was effectively removed by the electrochemical absorption reactor, and the removal increased with the increase of current density applied to the reactor. It was found that almost 100% styrene removal was achieved in 1% NaCl solution with 1 pH value and a current density of 0.04 A/cm2 applied to the reactor. The major liquid phase products from styrene oxidation were confirmed to be 1-Phenyl-1, 2-ethanediol and benzaldehyde.

The sex-specific association between maternal paraben exposure and size at birth.

Parabens are a group of esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid and are utilized as antimicrobial preservatives in the majority of personal care products (PCPs). Epidemiological studies regarding the adverse effects of parabens on fetuses are still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the association between maternal paraben exposure and birth outcomes. One hundred and ninety-nine pregnant women were enrolled, and maternal urine was collected in the third trimester. The urine concentrations of four parabens (methyl (MP), ethyl (EP), propyl (PP), and butyl (BP)) were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Generalized additive model-penalized regression splines and a multivariable regression model were employed to determine the association between paraben exposure levels and birth outcomes. A causal mediation analysis was conducted to determine the mediation effect of oxidative stress on birth outcomes. The geometric means of urinary MP, EP, PP, and BP were 51.79, 1.26, 4.21, and 1.25 µg/g cre., respectively. In the penalized regression splines, sex-specific associations between maternal MP levels and birth outcomes were observed; a downward curvature was observed between the MP level and birth weight, length, head circumference, and thoracic circumference among female newborns. Pregnant women in the group with MP levels above the third quartile had neonates with significantly lower body weight (ß = -215.98 g, p value = 0.02) compared to those in the group with MP levels lower than the third quartile. No significant mediation of oxidative stress was observed between maternal MP exposure and female birth weight. The estimated proportion mediated ranged from -6% to 15%. The negative association between maternal paraben exposure and female birth outcomes in relation to child development should be carefully considered.

Associations between prenatal exposure to bisphenol a and neonatal outcomes in a Taiwanese cohort study: Mediated through oxidative stress?

This study determined whether maternal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure influences birth outcomes through oxidative stress and estimated the daily intake of BPA through breast milk for infants. One hundred and eighty-six pregnant women without pregnancy complications were enrolled and maternal urine was collected in the third trimester. Postnatal breast milk was collected in the first and third months after delivery. Concentrations of BPA were determined through ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Generalized additive model-penalized regression splines and a multivariable regression model were employed to determine the effects of BPA exposure and oxidative stress levels on birth outcomes. A causal mediation analysis was conducted to clarify the mediation effects of oxidative stress due to maternal BPA exposure on birth outcomes. The daily intake of BPA in breast milk was calculated using probabilistic risk assessment methods. The geometric means (geometric standard deviation) of BPA levels for maternal urine and first- and third-month breast milk were 2.19 (2.88) µg/g creatinine., 1.35 (3.53) ng/g, and 3.17 (2.97) ng/g, respectively. No significant mediation existed among maternal BPA exposure, oxidative stress level, and neonatal head circumference. Three percent of 1-monthold babies and 1% of 3-month-old babies exceeded the BPA tolerable daily intake of 4 µg/kg-bw/day proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. This study revealed the BPA exposure profile for pregnant women and infants in northern Taiwan. The marginally significant correlation between maternal BPA exposure and neonatal head circumference should be considered.

Interactive effects of nonylphenol and bisphenol A exposure with oxidative stress on fetal reproductive indices.

Nonylphenol (NP) and/or bisphenol A (BPA) may have reproductive effects. Although the mechanisms of action remain unclear, steroid hormones biosynthesis, hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis activity, oxidative stress, and crosstalk interaction of NP and BPA mixture and its pathways may play a contributory role. This cross-sectional study examined whether the interactive effects of NP/BPA and oxidative stress biomarkers played a role in reproductive indices (penis length and anogenital distance (AGD)) in 244 mother-fetus pairs. Four biomarkers of oxidative stress, (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-nitroguanine (8-NO2Gua), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPF2α), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)) were simultaneously analyzed using the high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method. No significant associations were found between reproductive indices and NP/BPA or oxidative stress biomarkers. Maternal exposure to a mixture of NP and BPA may enhance 8-OHdG. Interactive effects were found in the high 8-isoPF2α group, and prenatal NP exposure was inversely associated with penis length (ß = -3.68 mm; p = 0.01). Similar results were noted among boys who were born to mothers in the high 8-isoPF2α group, in which BPA was inversely associated with penis length (ß = -4.43 mm; p = 0.005). Our findings suggest important implications for prenatal exposure to oxidative stress, as evidenced by the 8-isoPF2α level. Thus, NP and BPA may interact to shape fetal reproductive tract development, particularly in boys. The interactive effects of NP/BPA, oxidative stress, and reproductive indices should be considered.

Prenatal Nonylphenol and Bisphenol A Exposures and Inflammation Are Determinants of Oxidative/Nitrative Stress: A Taiwanese Cohort Study.

Prenatal exposure to nonylphenol (NP) and/or bisphenol A (BPA) has been reported to be associated with adverse birth outcomes; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The primary mechanism is endocrine disruption of the binding affinity for the estrogen receptor, but oxidative stress and inflammation might also play a contributory role. We aimed to investigate urinary NP and BPA levels in relation to biomarkers of oxidative/nitrative stress and inflammation and to explore whether changes in oxidative/nitrative stress are a function of prenatal exposure to NP/BPA and inflammation in 241 mother-fetus pairs. Third-trimester urinary biomarkers of oxidative/nitrative stress were simultaneously measured, including products of oxidatively and nitratively damaged DNA (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-nitroguanine (8-NO2Gua)) as well as products of lipid peroxidation (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPF2α) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)). The antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and inflammation biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and a panel of cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), were analyzed in maternal and umbilical cord plasma samples. In adjusted models, we observed significant positive associations between NP exposure and 8-OHdG and 8-NO2Gua levels, between BPA and 8-isoPF2α levels, and between maternal CRP levels and HNE-MA levels. Additionally, BPA and TNF-α levels in cord blood were inversely associated with maternal and GPx levels in cord blood as well as maternal TNF-α levels were inversely associated with maternal GPx levels. These results support a role for exposure to NP and BPA and possibly inflammation in increasing oxidative/nitrative stress and decreasing antioxidant activity during pregnancy.

The source of circulating selenoprotein S and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Selenoprotein S (SelS) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed in the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, pancreatic islets, kidney, and blood vessels. In addition to its transmembrane localization, SelS is also secreted from hepatoma HepG2 cells (but not L6 skeletal muscle cells, 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Min6 pancreatic ß cells and human embryonic kidney 293 cells) and has been detected in the serum of some human subjects, with a detection rate of 31.1 %. These findings prove that serum SelS is secreted by hepatocytes. However, whether vascularly expressed SelS can be secreted has not been reported. Transmembrane SelS has been suggested to play different roles in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerosis (AS), but the association of secreted SelS with DM and macroangiopathy remains unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Supernatants were collected from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA/VSMCs) and human hepatoma HepG2 cells that were untransfected or transfected with the indicated plasmid and concentrated for western blotting. Serum samples were collected from 158 human subjects with or without type 2 DM (T2DM) and/or AS. Serum SelS levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Secreted SelS was only detected in the supernatants of hepatoma HepG2 cells. The SelS detection rate among the 158 human serum samples was 100 %, and the average SelS level was 64.81 ng/dl. The serum SelS level in the isolated DM subjects was lower than the level in the healthy control subjects (52.66 ± 20.53 vs 70.40 ± 21.38 ng/dl). The serum SelS levels in the DM complicated with SAS subjects (67.73 ± 21.41 ng/dl) and AS subjects (71.69 ± 27.00 ng/dl) were significantly increased compared with the serum SelS level in the isolated DM subjects. There was a positive interaction effect between T2DM and AS on the serum SelS level (P = 0.002). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum SelS level was negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells could not secrete SelS. Serum SelS was primarily secreted by hepatocytes. SelS was universally detected in human serum samples, and the serum SelS level was associated with T2DM and its macrovascular complications. Thus, regulating liver and serum SelS levels might become a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of DM and its macrovascular complications.

Nonylphenol exposure is associated with oxidative and nitrative stress in pregnant women.

Animal studies have shown that exposure to nonylphenol (NP) increases oxidative/nitrative stress, but whether it does so in humans is unknown. This study examines prenatal exposure to NP and its effects on oxidatively/nitratively damaged DNA, lipid peroxidation, and the activities of antioxidants. A total of 146 urine and blood specimens were collected during gestational weeks 27-38 and hospital admission for delivery, respectively. Urinary NP was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Urinary biomarkers of oxidatively/nitratively damaged DNA and lipid peroxidation, including 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), 8-nitroguanine (8-NO(2)Gua), 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2α) (8-isoPF(2α)) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA), were simultaneously analyzed using isotope-dilution liquid-chromatography/electron spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The activities of maternal plasma superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary NP level was significantly associated with 8-oxodG and 8-NO(2)Gua levels in late pregnancy, suggesting that NP may enhance oxidatively and nitratively damaged DNA. The adjusted odds ratios for high 8-oxodG level exhibited a significantly dose-response relationship with NP levels, stratified into four quartiles. 8-oxodG appears to be a more sensitive and effective biomarker of NP exposure than 8-NO(2)Gua. These relationships suggest NP may play a role in the pregnancy complications.

Prenatal nonylphenol exposure, oxidative and nitrative stress, and birth outcomes: A cohort study in Taiwan.

Data concerning the effects of prenatal exposures to nonylphenol (NP) and oxidative stress on neonatal birth outcomes from human studies are limited. A total of 146 pregnant women were studied (1) to investigate the association between prenatal NP exposure and maternal oxidative/nitrative stress biomarkers of DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-nitroguanine (8-NO2Gua)) and lipid peroxidation (8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPF2α), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)) and (2) to explore the associations among oxidative stress biomarkers, NP exposure, and neonatal birth outcomes, including gestational age, birth weight, length, Ponderal index, and head and chest circumferences. NP significantly increased the 8-OHdG and 8-NO2Gua levels. All infants born to mothers with urinary 8-OHdG levels above the median exhibited a significantly shorter gestational duration (Badjusted = -4.72 days; 95% CI: -8.08 to -1.36 days). No clear association was found between NP levels and birth outcomes. Prenatal 8-OHdG levels might be a novel biomarker for monitoring fetal health related to NP exposure.

Comparison of the effects of albumin and crystalloid on mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine whether albumin reduced mortality when employed for the resuscitation of adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock compared with crystalloid by meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched for and gathered data from MEDLINE, Elsevier, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science databases. Studies were eligible if they compared the effects of albumin versus crystalloid therapy on mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Two reviewers extracted data independently. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with other two reviewers until a consensus was achieved. Data including mortality, sample size of the patients with severe sepsis, sample size of the patients with septic shock and resuscitation endpoints were extracted. Data were analyzed by the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 4.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 5,534 records were identified through the initial search. Five studies compared albumin with crystalloid. In total, 3,658 severe sepsis and 2,180 septic shock patients were included in the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was determined to be non-significant (P = 0.86, I(2) = 0%). Compared with crystalloid, a trend toward reduced 90-day mortality was observed in severe sepsis patients resuscitated with albumin (odds ratio (OR) 0.88; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.01; P = 0.08). However, the use of albumin for resuscitation significantly decreased 90-day mortality in septic shock patients (OR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.97; P = 0.03). Compared with saline, the use of albumin for resuscitation slightly improved outcome in severe sepsis patients (OR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.08; P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis, a trend toward reduced 90-day mortality was observed in severe sepsis patients resuscitated with albumin compared with crystalloid and saline. Moreover, the 90-day mortality of patients with septic shock decreased significantly.

[The hepatic ChREBP expression and hyperinsulinemia in mice].

To explore the effects of serum insulin on the expression of ChREBP, ACC and FAS in vivo, KKAy mice which were characterized with high levels of both serum insulin and glucose and DIO mice which were characterized with high serum insulin level alone were utilized, separately. The age-matched C57BL/6J mice fed with standard chow were used as normal control (Con). Expressions of hepatic ChREBP, ACC and FAS were detected by Western blotting. As the results, in KKAy mice, a positive correlation between the levels of serum insulin and glucose (r = 0.902, P < 0.000), as well as between the levels of serum insulin and TG (r = 0.732, P < 0.000), was observed. Meanwhile, the expressions of hepatic ChREBP, ACC and FAS increased significantly and accompanied with its hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, separately. In DIO mice, correlation between the levels of serum insulin and TG (r = 0.722, P < 0.001) also showed positive, and the expressions of hepatic ChREBP, ACC and FAS increased significantly and also accompanied with its hyperinsulinemia. However, their blood glucose values were almost normal. These demonstrated that hyperinsulinemia may cause glycolipid metabolic disorders by up-regulating the expression of ChREBP in vivo.

Nonylphenol in pregnant women and their matching fetuses: placental transfer and potential risks of infants.

As the predominant environmental biodegradation product of nonylphenol (NP) ethoxylates and with proven estrogenic effects, NP is formed during the alkylation process of phenols. The purposes of this study were (1) to examine maternal and prenatal exposure to NP in Taiwan, (2) to determine the level of placental protection against NP exposure as well as the level of NP in breast milk, and (3) to assess the potential risk for breastfed newborns exposed to NP through the milk. Thirty pairs of maternal and fetal blood samples, placenta, and breast milk during the 1st and the 3rd months of lactation were collected. External NP exposures of these specimens were then analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupling with fluorescence detection. Next, the socio-demographics, lifestyle, delivery method, dietary and work history were collected using a questionnaire. In addition, the daily intake of NP from consuming breast milk in the 1st and 3rd months for newborns was studied through deterministic and probabilistic risk assessment methods. The geometric means and geometric standard deviation of NP levels in maternal blood, fetal cord blood, placenta, and breast milk in the 1st and 3rd months were 14.6 (1.7) ng/ml, 18.8 (1.8) ng/ml, 19.8 (1.9) ng/g, 23.5 (3.2) ng/ml, and 57.3 (1.4) ng/ml, respectively. The probabilistic percentiles (50th, 75th, and 95th) of daily intake NP in breast milk were 4.33, 7.79, and 18.39 µg/kg-bw/day in the 1st month, respectively, and were 8.11, 10.78, 16.08 µg/kg-bw/day in the 3rd month, respectively. The probabilistic distributions (5th, 25th, and 50th) of risk for infants aged 1 month old were 0.27, 0.64, and 1.15, respectively, and that for infants aged 3 month old were 0.31, 0.46, and 0.62, respectively. Through repeated exposure from the dietary intake of expectant mothers, fetuses could encounter a high NP exposure level due to transplacental absorption, partitioning between the maternal and fetal compartments. Daily NP intake via breast milk in three month-old babies exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 5 µg/kg bw/day indicated a potential risk for Taiwan infants.

[Effects of gastric versus small bowel feeding on hospital acquired pneumonia in critically ill patients: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether or not small bowel feeding can reduce the incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP). METHODS: The databases of Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science were searched to identify the relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) from January 1992 to September 2012. Meta analysis was performed to analyze the effects of gastric versus small bowel feeding on HAP. RESULTS: Ten RCTs including 830 patients were retrieved and 6 of which examined the effect of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In total, the incidence of HAP was 15% (62/407) in bowel feeding group versus 23% (97/423) in gastric feeding group. As compared with gastric feeding, small bowel feeding appeared to significantly reduce the incidence of HAP [RR 0.67, 95%CI(0.51-0.89), P = 0.005; I(2) = 0%)], but did not reduce the mortality [RR 1.08, 95%CI(0.84-1.40), P = 0.54; I(2) = 0%] and the duration of ICU stay [weighted mean difference in 0.04 days, 95%CI(-2.83-2.91), P = 0.98; I(2) = 96%]. Subgroup analysis indicated that small bowel nutrition reduced the incidence of VAP [RR 0.64, 95%CI(0.46-0.90), P = 0.01; I(2) = 9%)], but did not reduce the incidence HAP of non-VAP [RR 0.74, 95%CI(0.45-1.21), P = 0.23; I(2) = 0%)]. CONCLUSION: Compared with gastric feeding, small bowel feeding can reduce the incidence of HAP, especially VAP, but can not reduce the mortality.

[Decomposion of carbon disulfide by pulse corona under oxidizing and reducing atmosphere].

The removal of CS2 by a wire-in-tube pulsed corona reactor was experimentally investigated. The effects of O2 and H2 in Ar gas on the removal of CS2 were examined. It was shown that the removal of CS2 increased with the increase of input pulse voltage. The decomposition of CS2 was improved in the presence of O2 in gas stream and the maximal removal was over 97%. The main gaseous products of CS2 decomposition with the addition of O2 in Ar gas were CO, CO2 COS and SO2, while, with the presence of H2 in Ar gas, the main products of CS2 decomposition were H2S and CH4. It was found that with the co-existence of sorbent Ca(OH)2 in the reactor, the gaseous products of CS2 decomposition (SO2 and H2S) were not detected, showing that the products were absorbed by the sorbent Ca(OH)2. It was also found that the removal of CS2 decreased when there was water vapor in gas stream.

[Investigation of compound, compatibility of Rhodiola crenulata, Cordyceps militaris, and Rhum palmatum, on metabolic syndrome treatment VI--improving hyperglycemia-mediated renal damage].

This study is to investigate the effects of a Chinese prescription (FF), compatibility of Rhodiola crenulata, Cordyceps militaris and Rheum palmatum, on nephropathy in type 1 diabetic rats induced by streptozocin. According to fasting blood glucose level, diabetic rats were divided into three groups: model group, insulin-treated group and FF-treated group. Parameters for evaluating the glucose & lipid metabolism and the renal function were monitored dynamically. Levels of oxidative stress were detected ten weeks later. The results show that FF could significantly decrease the level of serum glucose and lipid profiles, improve the renal functions by decreasing blood urea nitrogen, urine albumin excretion and urease activity; FF could also affect on oxidative stress. In conclusion, Chinese prescription FF could ameliorate hyperglycemia-mediated renal damage in type 1 diabetic rats. These effects may be related to its regulation on the metabolism of glucose and lipid, the microcirculation disturbance and the oxidative stress.

[Evaluation of papillary muscle function of patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the papillary muscle function of patients with chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging. METHODS: 119 patients with chronic IMR and 94 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The peak systolic strain (PSS) and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) of the papillary muscle were assessed with two-dimensional strain software. The PSS and PSSR were compared between the patients with anterior myocardial infarct (AMI) and those with inferior myocardial infarct (IMI). The correlation between the degree of IMR and the position of MI was analysed. RESULTS: The patients with chronic IMR had significantly lower PSS and PSSR than the normal controls. The IMI patients had significantly lower PSS and PSSR than the AMI patients. The IMI patients had significantly higher degree of MR than the AMI patients. CONCLUSION: Two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging is a reliable method for assessing papillary muscle function.

Magic numbers of atoms in surface-supported planar clusters.

Surface-supported planar clusters can sprout active research and create numerous applications in the realm of nanotechnology. Exploitation of these clusters will be more extended if their properties on a supported substrate are thoroughly apprehended, and if they can be fabricated in a controllable way. Here we report finding the magic numbers in two-dimensional Ag clusters grown on Pb quantum islands. We demonstrate, with the images and energy spectra of atomic precision, the transition from electronic origin to a geometric one within the same system. Applying the magic nature, we can also produce a large array of planar clusters with well-defined sizes and shapes.

A new gamma-lactone from the leaves of Cinnamomum kotoense.

A new C19 gamma-lactone, cinnakotolactone (1), along with a known analogue, isolinderanolide B (2), were isolated from the n-hexane layer of the leaf extracts of Cinnamomum kotoense. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. The anti-proliferation activities of 1 and 2 were evaluated against human HT29 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, and their IC50 values ranged from 3.3 +/- 0.3 to 25.8 +/- 5.3 microM.

[Removal of NOx by nonthermal plasma combined with CuO catalyst or in situ Ca(OH)2 absorption].

The removals of NO by a wire-in-tube nonthermal plasma reactor combined with catalysis or in situ chemical absorption were investigated. Experimental results show that the plasma reduction of NO was much enhanced by the CuO catalyst in the reactor. On the other hand, for the catalytic reduction of NO, the reaction temperature was effectively decreased by the pulsed corona discharge. A NO reduction of 100% by the plasma reactor combined with CuO catalyst was achieved under the operation condition of inlet NO concentration 719 mg/m3, 1% CO, pulse voltage 18 kV and reaction temperature 473 K. For plasma combined with in situ absorption, it was found that NO removal was much higher than by the reactor without Ca(OH)2 sorbent. It was demonstrated that in situ absorption of NO oxidation products of NO2 and/or NO3 by Ca(OH)2 was responsible for the promotion of NO removal. NO removal of 100% was achieved for 1050 mg/m3 NO in a gas mixture of 2% O2 and 98% N2 with a pulse voltage of 18 kV.