Sulfur-Bridged Co(II)-Thiacalix[4]arene Metal-Organic Framework as an Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Toxic Heavy Metals.

A novel sulfur-bridged metal-organic framework (MOF) [Co(TIC4R-I)0.25Cl2]·3CH3OH (Co-TIC4R-I) based on thiacalix[4]arene derivatives was successfully obtained using a solvothermal method. Remarkably, adjacent TIC4R-I ligands were linked via Co(II) cations to form a three-dimensional (3D) microporous architecture. Subsequently, Co-TIC4R-I was modified on a glassy carbon electrode (Co-TIC4R-I/GCE) to produce an electrochemical sensor for the detection of heavy-metal ions (HMIs), namely, Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, in aqueous solutions. It was found that Co-TIC4R-I/GCE exhibited wide linear detection ranges of 0.10-17.00, 0.05-16.00, 0.05-10.00, and 0.80-15.00 µM for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, respectively, in addition to low limit of detection (LOD) values of 0.017, 0.008, 0.016, and 0.007 µM. Moreover, the fabricated sensor employed for the simultaneous detection of these metals has achieved LOD values of 0.0067, 0.0027, 0.0064, and 0.0037 µM for Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, respectively. The sensor also exhibited satisfactory selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. Furthermore, the relative standard deviation (RSD) values of Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+ were 3.29, 3.73, 3.11, and 1.97%, respectively. Moreover, the fabricated sensor could sensitively detect HMIs in various environmental samples. The high performance of the sensor was attributed to its sulfur adsorption sites and abundant phenyl rings. Overall, the sensor described herein provides an efficient method for the determination of extremely low concentrations of HMIs in aqueous samples.

Cellular messengers involved in the inhibition of the Arabidopsis primary root growth by bacterial quorum-sensing signal N-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactone.

BACKGROUND: N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are used as quorum-sensing signals by Gram-negative bacteria, but they can also affect plant growth and disease resistance. N-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL) is an AHL that has been shown to inhibit primary root growth in Arabidopsis, but the mechanisms underlying its effects on root architecture are unclear. Here, we investigated the signaling components involved in C10-HSL-mediated inhibition of primary root growth in Arabidopsis, and their interplay, using pharmacological, physiological, and genetic approaches. RESULTS: Treatment with C10-HSL triggered a transient and immediate increase in the concentrations of cytosolic free Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MPK6), and induced nitric oxide (NO) production in Arabidopsis roots. Inhibitors of Ca2+ channels significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of C10-HSL on primary root growth and reduced the amounts of ROS and NO generated in response to C10-HSL. Inhibition or scavenging of ROS and NO neutralized the inhibitory effect of C10-HSL on primary root growth. In terms of primary root growth, the respiratory burst oxidase homolog mutants and a NO synthase mutant were less sensitive to C10-HSL than wild type. Activation of MPKs, especially MPK6, was required for C10-HSL to inhibit primary root growth. The mpk6 mutant showed reduced sensitivity of primary root growth to C10-HSL, suggesting that MPK6 plays a key role in the inhibition of primary root growth by C10-HSL. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that MPK6 acts downstream of ROS and upstream of NO in the response to C10-HSL. Our data also suggest that Ca2+, ROS, MPK6, and NO are all involved in the response to C10-HSL, and may participate in the cascade leading to C10-HSL-inhibited primary root growth in Arabidopsis.

Transmissive coding metasurface with dual-circularly polarized multi-beam.

The Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase can be used to control the phase of circularly polarized electromagnetic waves. However, there are few studies on the modulation of dual-circularly polarized multi-beam using the transmissive coding metasurface. A scheme of spin-controlling multi-beam by transmissive coding metasurface is proposed for dual-circular polarization simultaneously. The transmissive coding metasurface (TCMS) can transmit linearly polarized incidence into multi-beam with orthogonally circular polarization. The phase distribution is designed based the convolution theorem, and the elements of metasurface conforming to the PB phase are arranged according to the phase distribution. In order to compensate the emitting spherical waves into plane waves and realize the transmissive waves with dual-circular polarization, an interesting scheme of elements in different regions with different rotating phase are presented based on the principle of phase compensation. TCMS can transmit linearly polarized waves into two left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) beams and two right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) beams. The prototype of TCMS is fabricated and measured, and the experimental results agree well with the simulated data. The transmissive metasurface has potential application in holograms and satellite communication.

Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Costunolide-Induced MCF-7 Cells Apoptosis by Multi-Spectroscopy, Molecular Docking and Cell Experiments.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer with high morbidity and mortality in women. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of costunolide inducing MCF-7 cells apoptosis by multi-spectroscopy, molecular docking, and cell experiments. The results manifested that costunolide interacted with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) in a spontaneous manner, and the minor groove as the preferential binding mode. Furthermore, costunolide inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation. Hoechst 33258 staining showed that cell apoptosis induced by costunolide might be related to DNA damage. The apoptosis mechanism relied on regulating the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p53, Caspase-3 and the activation of p38MAPK and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathways. This study will provide some experimental basis and potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.

[Effects of umbilical cord mononuclear cells transplantation combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy on hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of umbilical cord monoculcear cells (UCBMC) transplantation combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on the long-term behaviors and histology in neonatal rats after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD). METHODS: Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control (CON), HIBD, UCBMC and UCBMC+HBO. HIBD was induced according to the Rice-Vannucci method. The rats in the UCBMC+HBO group were treated with HBO 3 hours after HIBD, followed by UCBMC transplantation 24 hours after HIBD. IL-1ß and TNF-α protein levels were examined by Western blot analysis in the 4 groups. T-maze test and radial arm maze test were used to detect the long-term learning memory capability. Nissl staining was used to examine the histological changes of the hippocampal CA1 region. RESULTS: Twenty-four hours after transplantation, IL-1ß and TNF-α protein levels in the UCBMC+HBO group were significantly reduced compared with the HIBD (P<0.01) and UCBMC groups (P<0.05). The study and memory capabilities were impaired, and the number of the pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region was reduced in the HIBD group. The study and memory capabilities were greatly improved and the number of pyramidal cells increased significantly in the UCBMC+HBO group compared with the UCBMC and HIBD groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: UCBMC transplantation combined with HBO therapy could reduce the expression of IL-1ß and TNF-α protein, improve long-term behaviors and alleviate brain damages in the hypoxic ischemic neonatal rats.

Epidemiological trends of subarachnoid hemorrhage at global, regional, and national level: a trend analysis study from 1990 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a subtype of hemorrhagic stroke characterized by high mortality and low rates of full recovery. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of SAH between 1990 and 2021. METHODS: Data on SAH incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to evaluate changes in the age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence and mortality, as well as trends in SAH burden. The relationship between disease burden and sociodemographic index (SDI) was also analyzed. RESULTS: In 2021, the incidence of SAH was found to be 37.09% higher than that in 1990; however, the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) showed a decreased [EAPC: -1.52; 95% uncertainty interval (UI) -1.66 to -1.37]. Furthermore, both the number and rates of deaths and DALYs decreased over time. It was observed that females had lower rates compared to males. Among all regions, the high-income Asia Pacific region exhibited the highest ASIR (14.09/100,000; 95% UI 12.30/100,000 - 16.39/100,000) in 2021, with an EPAC for ASIR < 0 indicating decreasing trend over time for SAH ASIR. Oceania recorded the highest age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and age-standardized DALYs rates among all regions in 2021 at values of respectively 8.61 (95% UI 6.03 - 11.95) and 285.62 (95% UI 209.42 - 379.65). The burden associated with SAH primarily affected individuals aged between 50 - 69 years old. Metabolic risks particularly elevated systolic blood pressure were identified as the main risk factors contributing towards increased disease burden associated with SAH when compared against environmental or occupational behavioral risks evaluated within the GBD framework. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of SAH varies by gender, age group, and geographical region. Although the ASRs have shown a decline over time, the burden of SAH remains significant, especially in regions with middle and low-middle SDI levels. High systolic blood pressure stands out as a key risk factor for SAH. More specific supportive measures are necessary to alleviate the global burden of SAH.

LncRNA CASC11 upregulation promotes HDAC4 to alleviate oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced injury of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells.

Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are essential to regulate the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was conducted to analyze the functionality of long noncoding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 11 (lncRNA CASC11) in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced injury of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs). CMECs were treated with ox-LDL to induce the CAD cell model. The cellular expression levels of CASC11 and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot assay. Cell absorbance, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation were evaluated by cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, tube formation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The subcellular localization of CASC11 was examined by the nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation assay. The binding of human antigen R (HuR) to CASC11 and HDAC4 was analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation. HDAC4 stability was determined after actinomycin D treatment. CASC11 was found to be decreased in the CAD cell model. CASC11 upregulation increased cell viability and angiogenesis and reduced apoptosis and inflammation. CASC11 bound to HuR and improved HDAC4 expression. HDAC4 downregulation counteracted the protective role of CASC11 overexpression in CMECs. In summary, CASC11 alleviated ox-LDL-induced injury of CMECs by binding to HuR and stabilizing HDAC4.

[Stenting treatment of venous sinus stenosis for intractable pulsatile tinnitus].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application, effectiveness and safety of stenting in venous sinus stenosis for intractable pulsatile tinnitus via endovascular treatment. METHODS: From January 2010 to July 2011, 12 cases with intractable pulsatile tinnitus originating from cerebral venous sinus stenosis underwent stenting treatment. All of them were diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). There was ipsilateral stenosis in junction segment of sigmoid and transverse sinuses. The diverticulum of sigmoid sinus was found in 6 cases. Eleven patients underwent stenting placement and angioplasty for venous sinus stenosis. RESULTS: All pulsatile tinnitus symptoms disappeared immediately after stenting. No related complication was found during stenting and over a follow-up period of 3 - 22 months. There was no recurrence of pulsatile tinnitus. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement is a safe and effective procedure for pulsatile tinnitus with cerebral venous sinus stenosis.

[Risk factors in carotid angioplasty and stenting for extracranial carotid stenosis of elderly patients].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk factors and safety of carotid angioplasty and stenting(CAS) for extracranial carotid stenosis in elderly patients and summarize CAS on the indication of elderly patients and the prevention of complications. METHODS: The population characteristics, clinical features and vascular data of 60 elderly patients (≥ 75 years) treated between June 2001 and December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 57 male and 3 female. The median age of the patients was 78.8 years (range, 75 - 93 years ). The mean case history was 2.5 months with a range of 1 to 6 months. To summarize the prognosis of CAS according to the reduction of stenosis, NIHSS score, the incidence of early postoperative, 30 days adverse events and the follow-up status. Using χ(2) test as the statistical method. RESULTS: The mean stenosis was reduced from 81% ± 17% preoperative to 18% ± 9% postoperative. NIHSS score was reduced from preoperative 22 ± 8 to postoperative 10 ± 4. The average follow-up period was 1.5 years (range from 3 months to 3 years), and the results showed no procedure-related death occurred. Ipsilateral stroke occurred in 1 case (1.7%) and restenosis (≥ 50%) occurred in 2 patients (3.3%). Diabetes (χ(2) = 23.96, P < 0.01)and cardiac insufficiency (χ(2) = 6.446, P < 0.05)had a respectively significant impact on the incidence of early postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: CAS can be effective in restoring carotid artery stenosis of elderly patients and preventing the occurrence of stroke. The elderly, diabetes, cardiac insufficiency are more likely to increase the postoperative risk of adverse events.

Multifunctional Coding-Feeding Metasurface Based on Phase Manipulation.

Multiple functionalities on a shared aperture are crucial for metasurfaces (MSs) in many applications. In this paper, we propose a coding-feeding metasurface (CFMS) with the multiple functions of high-gain radiation, orbital angular momentum (OAM) generation, and radar cross-section (RCS) reduction based on phase manipulation. The unit cell of the CFMS is composed of a rectangular emission patch and two quasi-Minkowski patches for reflective phase manipulation, which are on a shared aperture. The high-gain radiation and multiple modes of ±1, ±2, and ±3 OAM generation were realized by rationally setting the elements and the phase of their excitation. The CFMS presents a broadband RCS reduction of 8 dB from 3.18 GHz to 7.56 GHz for y-polarization and dual-band RCS reduction for x-polarization based on phase interference. To validate the concept of the CFMS, a prototype was fabricated and measured. The results of the measurement agree well with the simulation. A CFMS with the advantages of light weight and low profile has potential application in detection and wireless communication systems for stealth aircraft.

[Evaluation of carotid angiography and stenting for patients with contralateral carotid occlusion].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the efficiency and safety of carotid angioplasty stenting (CAS) in patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion. METHODS: From January 2001 to January 2010, 56 carotid artery stenosis patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion were performed CAS and the feature and results of these cases were analyzed retrospectively. All the cases were confirmed to be carotid artery stenosis with contralateral carotid artery occlusion by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The diameter stenosis rate was 72% ± 15%. CAS were performed with distal protection device in 56 cases. RESULTS: The technique success rate of CAS were 100% in all the 56 patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion and post-procedure stenosis rate descended to 13% ± 8%, and the symptoms of cerebral ischemia were all improved. Only 1 case occurred remote hemorrhage in the position of previous cerebral infarction in the side of CAS after the procedure, and recovered with light neurological deficit after the craniotomy to remove the hematoma. No ischemic complications or death occurred. During the following up of 6 months to 3 years, no cerebral ischemic symptoms reoccurred. The rechecking results of color Doppler of 47 cases and DSA of 2 cases showed no restenosis in-stent. CONCLUSIONS: CAS is safe and effective for the patients with contralateral carotid artery occlusion. Critical election of the case, operation of skilled doctors and scrupulous post procedure general management can decrease the rate of complication.

Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis : A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is not wellunderstood. This study evaluates the effectiveness of DWI in the diagnosis of CVT. METHODS: Literature search was conducted in electronic databases for the identification of studies which reported the outcomes of patients subjected to DWI for CVT diagnosis. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to achieve overall estimates of important diagnostic efficiency indices including hyperintense signal rate, the sensitivity and specificity of DWI in diagnosing CVT, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of DWI signal areas and surrounding tissue. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (443 patients with 856 CVTs; age 40 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 33 to 43]; 28% males [95% CI, 18 to 38]; symptom onset to DWI time 4.6 days [95% CI, 2.3 to 6.9]) were included. Hyperintense signals on DWI were detected in 40% (95% CI, 26 to 55) of the cases. The sensitivity of DWI for detecting CVT was 22% (95% CI, 11 to 34) but specificity was 98% (95% CI, 95 to 100). ADC values were quite heterogenous in DWI signal areas. However, generally the ADC values were lower in DWI signal areas than in surrounding normal areas (mean difference-0.33×10-3 mm2/s [95% CI, -0.44 to -0.23]; p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: DWI has a low sensitivity in detecting CVT and thus has a high risk of missing many CVT cases. However, because of its high specificity, it may have supporting and exploratory roles in CVT diagnosis.

[Reconstructive endovascular treatment for symptomatic giant and fusiform aneurysm of vertebrobasilar artery with self-expandable stents].

OBJECTIVE: To reconstruct and affix symptomatic giant and fusiform aneurysms of vertebrobasilar artery by using self-expandable stents in 5 cases with an average volume 5.5 mm × 5.0 mm × 60.0 mm. METHODS: The clinical data of 5 patients who were suffered from giant and fusiform aneurysms of vertebrobasilar artery between October 2007 and October 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Under instructing of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images deployed the LEO and Neuroform stents for reconstructing and affixing the deferent 5 giant fusiform aneurysms of vertebrobasilar artery. And assisted embolized with 3 Orbit coils for a ruptured aneurysm to stop bleeding at the same time. RESULTS: The operative procedures were succeeded in all five cases. The damaged signs and symptoms of posterior group of cranial nerves disappeared in 3 cases by following 3 to 26 months. Trigeminal neuralgia in one case was markedly improved but a hemiparesis. One case with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) showed no relapse evidence. Follow up DSA images in 3 cases demonstrated one case with a more rule modality in the part of aneurysm affixed by stent and proximal part of aneurysm in which no covering by stent revealed a mild to expand after 26 months review. And the images of postoperative DSA following 1 month and 4 months in another 2 cases displayed the imaging enlargement of part of the original aneurysm body shrink and shape the rules than the previous view. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of symptomatic huge fusiform vertebrobasilar aneurysms by using self-expandable stents is feasible, aneurysm growth is under control, short-term effects are positive.

[The recognition and endovascular treatment of subclavian steal syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stent placement (SP) in the treatment of left subclavian steal syndrome (SSS). METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2009, 32 patients with left SSS were selected and the digital subtracted angiography (DSA) were used to evaluate before PTA and SP. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy before and after interventional treatment were taken. Then the therapeutic effect was evaluated after the procedure immediately, in the third month and the sixth month post-operatively by transcranial doppler sonography (TCD). RESULTS: DSA was used to evaluate therapeutic effect after PTA and SP, the stenosis degree in average lumens diameter of the patients descended from 87.5% to 15.0%. The stenosis of subclavian steal artery was obviously improved and the contraflow of vertebral artery was disappeared without the stent's recovery and displacement by TCD. The mean systolic blood pressure difference between left and right upper limb was obvious lower than that before therapy [51.6 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) vs 10 mmHg after 3 months]. No embolism and death was found. CONCLUSIONS: PTA and SP are effective in the treatment of SSS. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy after interventional treatment has a good therapeutic effect. TCD is a cheap, sensitive and non-invasive method for evaluating SSS.

[Clinical study on endovascular treatment for symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of basilar artery].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility, safety and validity of percutaneous angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of basilar artery. METHODS: The results of treatment and follow-up of 40 cases with symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of basilar artery performed PTAS from August 2003 to December 2009 were studied retrospectively, who had either recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or obvious ischemic symptoms and resistant to medical therapy. RESULTS: PTAS were successfully performed in all the 40 cases and the post-operative average residual stenosis descended to 14% ± 11% from pre-operative 82% ± 14%. After operation the patients were administrated with antiplatelet drugs. After procedure the clinic symptoms and signs of ischemia were improved obviously in 38 cases and deteriorated in 2 cases whose CT scanning showed that the range of infarction in brain stem enlarged. The symptoms improved after treatment but 2 patients had neurological deficit. No hemorrhagic complications occurred in the group. During the follow-up for 2 months to 7 years, transcranial doppler ultrasonography in 26 cases demonstrated the blood flow was faster than normal in 2 cases, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in 6 cases showed restenosis in-stent in 1 case. The second stent was implanted because of the symptomatic restenosis. In another case the follow-up DSA showed occlusion of basilar artery in-stent but there was no ischemia of post circulation because the generation of anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: PTAS is a feasible, safe and effective therapeutic method for the patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic stenosis of basilar artery. Further study in large number of patients is needed for long-term outcome.

[The analysis of intracranial aneurysms undergoing surgical treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To study the surgical principles and treatment options of intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: One hundred and thirty nine patients with intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively studied, including 80 open-surgery cases and 59 endovascular-treated cases from January to December in 2009. Open surgical methods included clipping, trapping or wrapping and interventional methods included simple coiling or stent-assisted coiling. Intra-operative electroencephalogram and somatosensory evoked potentials monitoring were regularly used. Microvascular doppler ultrasonography and indocyanine green videoangiography were used to assess blood flow in parent and branch vessels. RESULTS: Seventy-three aneurysms were directly clipped, 6 were trapped and 1 was wrapped. Thirty-three aneurysms were coiled and 26 were coiled assisted with stents. At discharge, 71 of the 80(88.8%) surgical treated patients had Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5 points, 3 points in 6 patients (7.5%), 2 points in 1 patient (1.2%), and 1 point in 2 patients (2.5%). Fifty-four out of 59 cases underwent endovascular treatment scored 4 or 5 points (91.5%) and 3 points in 5 patients (8.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling are two major treatment choices for intracranial aneurysms. The treatment option should be individualized based on the patients' specific conditions, which could have a safe, effective and durable outcome.

[Cause and treatment for intracranial hemorrhage during the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting].

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the possible cause of intracranial hemorrhage and treatment after carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: From January 2003 to August 2009, 403 patients with carotid artery stenosis that were performed CAS, intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5 cases after the procedure. We analyzed the feature of these cases and perioperative management retrospectively to summarize the possible cause of intracranial hemorrhage and preventive measure. RESULTS: Cerebral hemorrhage were found 30 min after CAS in 2 cases, 5 days in 2 cases and 3 days in 1 case. One patient was treated conservatively whose hemorrhage was about 2 ml, one was performed draining of ventricle and the other three cases were all performed craniotomy to remove the hematoma and to depress. The position of hemorrhage were all in the side of carotid artery stenosis, and in 2 cases of them the hemorrhage were at the region of previous cerebral infarction. One patient was cured conservatively, the one who was performed draining of ventricle died. Among the other three cases performed craniotomy, one recovered with light neurological deficit and two died of multiple organ failure. CONCLUSION: Intracranial hemorrhage is the most serious complication of CAS of carotid artery, and general measure should be taken to prevent it from occurring.

Incidence and clinical significance of abnormalities in potassium, sodium and calcium levels in elderly patients with hip fractures during the perioperative period.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the incidence and clinical significance of sodium, potassium and calcium electrolyte disturbances in elderly patients with hip fracture before an operation. METHODS: The clinical data of 220 patients with intertrochanteric fracture and 261 patients with femoral neck fracture from September 2013 to December 2016 in our hospital (≥60 years old) was reviewed. The sodium, potassium and calcium values, and the underlying diseases of patients were recorded after the first blood test. These patients were divided into two groups according to the fracture site: femoral neck fracture group and intertrochanteric fracture group. Then, the differences between these two groups were compared to analyze the proportion of electrolyte disturbances in elderly patients with hip fracture, and explore its clinical significance. RESULTS: Patients with intertrochanteric fractures were older than patients with femoral neck fracture. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of underlying diseases between these two groups. The incidence of hyponatremia, hypokalemia and hypocalcemia was 10.0%, 32.9% and 1.4%, respectively, in the femoral neck fracture group, and 24.3%, 21.1% and 7.7%, respectively, in the intertrochanteric fracture group. The incidence of hypernatremia, hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia was 1.4%, 1.4% and 0.9%, respectively, in the femoral neck fracture group, and 1.1%, 0.7% and 0.8%, respectively, in the intertrochanteric fracture group. CONCLUSION: Patients with old hip fractures before an operation are prone to hyponatremia, hypokalemia and hypocalcemia, and most of them have mild electrolyte disorders, which needs to be corrected in time. Furthermore, some patients urgently need urgent supplementation ofblood electrolytes for some diseases, the correction of electrolyte disorders, and the prevention of serious adverse consequences. KEY WORDS: Femoral neck fracture, Femoral intertrochanteric fracture, Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia, Hypocalcemia.

N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, a bacterial quorum sensing signal, enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and wheat.

BACKGROUND: N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are the quorum sensing (QS) signal molecules to coordinate the collective behavior in a population in Gram-negative bacteria. Recent evidences demonstrate their roles in plant growth and defense responses. RESULTS: In present study, we show that the treatment of plant roots with N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC6-HSL), one molecule of AHLs family, resulted in enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and wheat. We found that the growth inhibition phenotype including root length, shoot length and fresh weight were significantly improved by 3OC6-HSL under salt stress condition. The physiological and biochemical analysis revealed that the contents of chlorophyll and proline were increased and the contents of MDA and Na+ and Na+/K+ ratios were decreased after 3OC6-HSL treatment in Arabidopsis and wheat under salt stress condition. Molecular analysis showed that 3OC6-HSL significantly upregulated the expression of salt-responsive genes including ABA-dependent osmotic stress responsive genes COR15a, RD22, ADH and P5CS1, ABA-independent gene ERD1, and ion-homeostasis regulation genes SOS1, SOS2 and SOS3 in Arabidopsis under salt stress condition. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that 3OC6-HSL enhanced plant salt tolerance and ABA-dependent and ABA-independent signal pathways and SOS signaling might be involved in the induction of salt resistance by 3OC6-HSL in plants. Our data provide a new insight into the plant-microbe inter-communication.

Role of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hyperintense signal (HIS) performance on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in diagnosing cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with CVT hospitalized from January 2004 to January 2015 were retrospectively studied alongside 78 controls without intracranial organic diseases. Diagnostic accuracy indices of HIS on DWI or T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) to diagnose CVT at different sites and states were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of HIS on DWI for the diagnosis of CVT was significantly lower than that of HIS on T2WI (34.6% vs. 79.5%). HIS on T2WI was more sensitive than HIS on DWI in detecting thrombosis, especially in the superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus. HIS on DWI was inversely related to the time between disease onset and imaging. Compared with HIS on T2WI, combining HIS on DWI and T2WI did not increase the sensitivity for detecting CVT. HIS on DWI was not detected in the control group, but HIS on T2WI was detected in 26.3% of control individuals. The specificity of HIS on DWI for CVT was higher than that of HIS on T2WI (97.4% vs. 76.9%). CONCLUSION: HIS on DWI has a lower sensitivity, but a higher specificity, than HIS on T2WI for diagnosing CVT.