An Exploratory Pilot Study on the Application of Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Computed Tomography-Based 3D Printing Technology.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the treatment of choice for atrial fibrillation (AF). Additionally, the utilization of 3D printing for cardiac models offers an in-depth insight into cardiac anatomy and cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to evaluate the clinical utility and outcomes of RFA following in vitro visualization of the left atrium (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) structures via 3D printing (3DP). Between November 2017 and April 2021, patients who underwent RFA at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University were consecutively enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: the 3DP group and the control group, in a 1:1 ratio. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was employed to capture the morphology and diameter of the LA and PV, which facilitated the construction of a 3D entity model. Additionally, surgical procedures were simulated using the 3D model. Parameters such as the duration of the procedure, complications, and rates of RFA recurrence were meticulously documented. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate the differences between the groups, with a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. In this study, a total of 122 patients were included, with 53 allocated to the 3DP group and 69 to the control group. The analysis of the morphological measurements of the LA and PV taken from the workstation or direct entity measurement showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, patients in the 3DP group experienced significantly shorter RFA times (97.03 ± 28.39 compared to 120.51 ± 44.76 min, t = 3.05, P = 0.003), reduced duration of radiation exposure (2.55 [interquartile range 2.01, 3.24] versus 3.20 [2.28, 3.91] min, Z = 3.23, P < 0.001), and shorter modeling times (7.68 ± 1.03 compared to 8.89 ± 1.45 min, t = 5.38, P < 0.001). 3DP technology has the potential to enhance standard RFA practices by reducing the time required for intraoperative interventions and exposure to radiation.

Clinical features and pregnancy outcomes of women with abnormal cell-free fetal DNA test results.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to examine the factors affecting attitudes regarding prenatal diagnosis and clinical treatment by analyzing the clinical data of women with positive noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results. METHODS: We collected clinical data for women with positive NIPT results. The women received prenatal genetic consultation. The women with true positive results received prenatal genetic counseling again, and decided whether to continue or terminate their pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 228 women received positive NIPT results. The prenatal diagnosis was accepted in 174 cases (76.3%), and 124 women were confirmed to have true positive NIPT results. The positive predictive values (PPV) of T21/T18/T13 and fetal sex chromosome aneuploidy were 88.4% and 42.9%, respectively. All (99/99, 100%) of the women with T21/T18/T13 terminated their pregnancies, while 25.0% (6/24) of women with fetal SCA continued their pregnancies. An NIPT result of Chr(9) microduplication was obtained in one woman, which was confirmed by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). CONCLUSIONS: NIPT exhibited good detection accuracy for T21/T18/T13, and also contributed to identifying fetal SCA and substructural chromosomal abnormalities. With a positive NIPT result, the attitudes of pregnant women regarding prenatal diagnosis and clinical treatment are related to the severity of disease, cognitive ability, and the level of prenatal genetic counseling.

Using integrated problem- and lecture-based learning teaching modes for imaging diagnosis education.

BACKGROUND: There are two parts included in traditional imaging diagnosis teaching: theoretical lessons and experimental lessons. Most of the time, the experimental lesson is a review of the theoretical lesson. The teacher is the centre of the course and students are passive learners. Thus, in this study we included the patient problem of the imaging centre in our imaging diagnosis education. The traditional theoretical lessen was used to discuss prior knowledge, the discussion and analysis of patient problems was arranged under class, and the experimental lesson was used to synthesize and test the newly acquired information. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not integration of problem- and lecture-based learning teaching modes in imaging diagnosis education was associated with a good teaching effect. Forty-six of sixty students (76.7%) like integrated problem- and lecture-based learning teaching mode and 53 of 60 students (88.3%) think that integrated problem- and lecture-based learning teaching mode can make their ability of self-study be improved. METHODS: Sixty students participated in a prospective study with a two-phase cross-over design. All of the students were divided into 2 groups of 30 each. In the first term, the first group participated in an integration of the problem- and lecture-based learning teaching mode, whereas students in the second group underwent the lecture-based learning teaching mode alone. During the second term, the teaching modes were exchanged between the two groups. A close-exam and survey were used to evaluate the teaching effect, and the data were analysed means of analysis of variance with a two-phase cross-over design and a χ2 test with a 2-tailed α of 0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the test scores between the integration of the problem- and lecture-based learning teaching mode and the lecture-based learning teaching mode alone (P < 0.05). The integration of problem- and lecture-based learning teaching mode was well-appraised. CONCLUSION: Integration of the problem- and lecture-based learning teaching modes in teaching imaging diagnosis education resulted in a good teaching effect.

Sulfate ion (SO4(2-)) release from old and new cation exchange resins used in condensate polishing systems for power plants.

In this study, a dynamic cycle test, a static immersion method and a pyrolysis experiment were combined to examine the characteristics of SO4(2-) released from several new and old cation exchange resins used in condensate polishing systems for power plants. The results show that the quantity and velocity of SO4(2-) released from new and old resins tend to balance in a short time during the dynamic cycle experiment. SO4(2-) is released by 1500H (monosphere super gel type cation exchange resins) and 001 × 7 (gel type cation exchange resins) new and old cation exchange resins, the quantity of which increases according to immersion time. In the pyrolysis experiment, the quantity of SO4(2-) released from resins increases and the pH of the pyrolysis solution transforms from alkaline to acidic with an increase in temperature.

A study on the inhibitory effect of Radix Semiaquilegiae extract on human hepatoma HEPG-2 and SMMC-7721 cells.

The main objective of this paper was to investigate the extraction process of ethanol extract of Radix Semiaquilegiae, as well as its inhibitory activity on human hepatoma HepG-2 and SMMC-7721 cells, and to compare the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of ethanol extracts against these two hepatoma cells. Ethanol reflux extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol at room temperature were used in the extraction process, and MTT assay was mainly used in the activity experiment to perform in-vitro anti HepG-2 and SMMC-7721 cell activity screening of ethanol extract, and to calculate the cell inhibition rates of the extracts. The results showed that among the two types of extracts, ethanol reflux extract had more superior antitumour activity to that of the ultrasonic extract, but all of the extracts obtained had certain anti-cancer activities, and the anti-proliferative activity increased with the increase of concentration.

[NH3, N2O, CH4 and CO2 emissions from growing process of caged broilers].

To obtain Ammonia and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors of caged broilers, ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of broilers aged 0 d to 42 days were monitored in caged broilers production systems located in Shandong province. Gas concentrations of incoming and exhaust air streams were measured by using INNOVA 1312 multi-gas monitor with multi-channel samplers. Building ventilation rates were determined by on site FANS (Fan Assessment Numeration System) measurement systems. The NH3 emission factors showed a trend of increase at the beginning and then decreased with the broiler ages. The NH3 emission rates were 8.5 to 342.1 mg x (d x bird)(-1) and the average daily emission rate was 137.9 mg x (d x bird)(-1) [48.6 g x (d x AU)(-1)] over the 42-d period. The GHGs emission rates were 19.5-351.9 mg x (d x bird)(-1) with an average of 154.5 mg x (d x bird)(-1) [54.4 g x (d x AU)(-1)] for CH4, and 2.2- 152.9 g x (d x bird)(-10 with an average of 65.9 g x (d x bird)(-1) [23.2 kg x (d x AU)(-1)] for CO2. No emission of N2O was observed. The CH4 and CO2 emission rates increased with the increase of broilers ages. The total NH3 emission over the 42 d growing period averaged (5.65 +/- 1.02) g x (bird x life cycle)(-1). The NH3 emission contribution in different growth phase to the total emission were 33.6% in growth phase 1 (0-17 day, GP1), 36.4% in GP2 (18-27 days), and 29.9% in GP3 (28-42 days), respectively. The NH3 emission in GP2 was significantly higher than emission in GP1 and GP3. CH4 and CO2 cumulative emission rates were (6.30 +/- 0.16) g x (bird(-1) x life cycle)(-1) and (2.68 +/- 0.18) kg x (bird x life cycle)(-1), respectively. The cumulative emission rates of CH4 and CO2 in GP3 were significantly higher than emission rates in GP2 and in GP1, accounting for 50% of total emissions. The results of this study could provide the data support for mitigation of gas emission from broilers production.

Prediction of boiling points of organic compounds by QSPR tools.

The novel electro-negativity topological descriptors of YC, WC were derived from molecular structure by equilibrium electro-negativity of atom and relative bond length of molecule. The quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) between descriptors of YC, WC as well as path number parameter P3 and the normal boiling points of 80 alkanes, 65 unsaturated hydrocarbons and 70 alcohols were obtained separately. The high-quality prediction models were evidenced by coefficient of determination (R(2)), the standard error (S), average absolute errors (AAE) and predictive parameters (Qext(2),RCV(2),Rm(2)). According to the regression equations, the influences of the length of carbon backbone, the size, the degree of branching of a molecule and the role of functional groups on the normal boiling point were analyzed. Comparison results with reference models demonstrated that novel topological descriptors based on the equilibrium electro-negativity of atom and the relative bond length were useful molecular descriptors for predicting the normal boiling points of organic compounds.

Application of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid in boiler water for industrial boilers.

The primary method used for boiler water treatment is the addition of chemicals to industrial boilers to prevent corrosion and scaling. The static scale inhibition method was used to evaluate the scale inhibition performance of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP). Autoclave static experiments were used to study the corrosion inhibition properties of the main material for industrial boilers (20# carbon steel) with an HEDP additive in the industrial boiler water medium. The electrochemical behavior of HEDP on carbon steel corrosion control was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization techniques. Experimental results indicate that HEDP can have a good scale inhibition effect when added at a quantity of 5 to 7 mg/L at a test temperature of not more than 100 °C. To achieve a high scale inhibition rate, the HEDP dosage must be increased when the test temperature exceeds 100 °C. Electrochemical and autoclave static experimental results suggest that HEDP has a good corrosion inhibition effect on 20# carbon steel at a concentration of 25 mg/L. HEDP is an excellent water treatment agent.

Regulation of mammalian MOR-1 gene expression after chronic treatment with morphine.

Morphine is an effective analgesic that acts by binding to the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) coded in the human by the OPRM1 gene. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of µ-opioid receptor (MOR-1) mRNA levels in all-trans-retinoic acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells under in vitro conditions with 10 µM morphine treatment for 24 h. In addition, we measured the MOR-1 levels in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, transfected with human µ-opioid receptor gene (hMOR) with 10 µM morphine treatment for 24 h. The isolated mRNA from these cells was subjected to real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis to determine the regulation of µ-opioid receptor gene expression. It was observed that morphine treatment did not alter MOR-1 levels in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells compared to undifferentiated control cells. However, the MOR-1 levels in all-trans-retinoic acid-differentiated cells were significantly higher compared to the undifferentiated cells. Morphine treatment in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells caused significant downregulation of MOR-1 expression compared to the control cells. In the morphine-treated CHO cells, the hMOR-1 mRNA levels remained the same as the untreated control. Finally, pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 10 µM naloxone, the antagonist of µ-opioid receptor, for 1 h significantly blocked the downregulation of MOR-1 mRNA levels with morphine treatment. These findings suggest that regulation of MOR-1 gene expression is cell-type specific after chronic morphine treatment and provide some evidence in the understanding of morphine tolerance.

Autoxidation of gallic acid induces ROS-dependent death in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of mortality. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural polyphenol, and we tested its in-vitro cytotoxicity after 24 h in prostate cancer LNCaP cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GA autoxidation was measured fluorimetrically for H(2)O(2), and O(2)(•-) radicals by chemiluminescence. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected with 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by crystal-violet, while apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by flow cytometry. Cytochrome c release was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and caspase-8, -9 and -3 activities were measured calorimetrically. RESULTS: GA autoxidation produced significant levels of H(2)O(2) and O2.-. Increased intracellular ROS levels with GA were reduced by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and L-glutathione (GSH). Cells were protected against GA cytotoxicity when pretreated with increasing levels of superoxide dismutase/catalase mixture, NAC, or GSH for 3 h. The number of apoptotic cells increased with GA dose. GA caused mitochondrial potential loss, cytochrome c release, and activation of caspases 3, 8 and 9. CONCLUSION: The ROS-dependent apoptotic mechanism of GA kills malignant cells effectively; it is likely that GA could be a good anticancer agent.

Regulation of rat MOR-1 gene expression after chronic intracerebroventricular administration of morphine.

The µ-opioid receptor is the primary site for the action of morphine. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of the µ-opioid receptor mRNA levels in the locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus of the rat brain following intracerebroventricular administration of morphine for 7 days. The isolated mRNA from these regions was subjected to real-time quantitative RT-PCR to determine the regulation of µ-opioid receptor gene expression. It was observed that 7 days of treatment with morphine significantly down-regulated the µ-opioid receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of the brain in comparison to the control group. However, the µ-opioid receptor levels in the locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens regions remained the same as the control levels. Down-regulation of µ-opioid receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus region of the brain indicates the probable role of opioids to influence neuroendocrine function. The results further indicate that cellular adaptation for morphine tolerance is tissue-specific. These findings help us to understand the mechanism of morphine tolerance in various regions of the brain.

Differential cytotoxicity of triphala and its phenolic constituent gallic acid on human prostate cancer LNCap and normal cells.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed solid malignancies among US men. We identified gallic acid (GA) as a major bioactive cytotoxic constituent of a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation - triphala (TPL). Both TPL and GA were evaluated on (AR)(+) LNCaP prostate cancer and normal epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total polyphenols in TPL were determined using Folin and Ciocalteu method, followed by GA quantitation by high performance liquid chromatography. Cell toxicity was evaluated by crystal violet after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. RESULTS: TPL contains 40% unidentified polyphenolic acids, of which 2.4% comprised GA. GA induced severe morphological alterations and was about 3-fold more cytotoxic towards cancer cells than TPL. This activity increased further in the presence of dihydrotestosterone. GA toxicity on normal cells was low at 72 h. Combination of GA with flutamide caused higher toxicity to cancer cells than either of the compounds alone. CONCLUSION: GA appears to have promising anticancer activity.