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Understanding the fracture behavior of concrete plays a major part in predicting and designing novel high-performance and functional concrete materials. This paper presents a new numerical model based on Peridynamics (PD) for investigating the fracture behavior and mechanical properties of concrete, in terms of the effect of boundary friction, randomness, and slenderness. Meso-structure models of concrete were constructed to perform uniaxial compression tests. The results show that due to the restraint of boundary friction, the peak stress, fracture energy, and peak strain under high friction (HF) boundary condition are higher than that under low friction (LF) case implying that the specimen in the HF case can sustain larger deformation and bear higher stress. In term of fracture pattern, in the LF case, the cracks are free to propagate along the weakest part of the concrete specimen and form vertical cracks paralleled to the compressive loading direction while under the HF boundary condition the frictional restraint in cracks has an impact on the fracture process as the boundary friction can prevent local fracture. The randomness introduced to account for the heterogeneity of concrete material will cause a decrease in strength and an increase in the damage degree of specimens. The slenderness has a strong effect on the mechanical properties of specimens: the stress and fracture energy increase with the decreasing slenderness. The simulated mechanical properties and fracture patterns in this study agree well with experimental results indicating that the application of PD theory in concrete has sufficient accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, the normal growth, development, and quality of plants are significantly affected by many abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, low temperature, and heavy metals. Among heavy metals, copper is an essential element for plant growth and development but also has a toxic effect on plants when its concentration is excessive. Therefore, plants have evolved a complex regulatory network to regulate the balance of copper ions in cells. Heavy metal ATPases (HMAs), which transport heavy metals to intracellular compartments or detoxify heavy metals present at excessive concentrations, have been extensively studied in model plant species. However, no comprehensive and systematic surveys of members of the HMA gene family have been conducted in the model legume species Medicago truncatula. Here, nine putative MtHMA s were identified in the M. truncatula genome. These MtHMA s were phylogenetically divided into two distinct groups. The members in each group had a relatively conserved gene structure and motif composition. The number of introns in the MtHMA s varied from 5 to 16, with the majority of these genes containing 8 introns. The expression patterns showed that MtHMA s exhibit preferential or distinct expression patterns among different tissues. Finally, the expression patterns of the members of this gene family were verified in the leaves and roots of plants under Cu stress. Our findings will be valuable for the functional investigation and application of members of this gene family in M. truncatula and other related legume species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa) is one of the most economically important forage legumes, with high nutritional value and multiple uses. Although microsatellite markers have been developed and applied on a large scale for evaluation of common vetch germplasm, intron-length polymorphic (ILP) markers have not been systematically investigated and exploited. In this study, introns within the common vetch genome were located by aligning the RNA-Seq sequences of common vetch with barrel medic (Medicago truncatula), soybean (Glycine max) and Arabidopsis thaliana genome sequences, and then used for VsILP marker development. In total, 10 400 markers were generated from 44 582 common vetch unigenes. Of 300 randomly selected VsILP markers, 283 were successfully amplified in common vetch. Among these markers, 40 produced length variation in 30 accessions of common vetch, collectively yielding 166 alleles with an average of 4.0 alleles per locus. The polymorphic information content values extended from 0.06 to 0.81 with a mean of 0.49. Of the 283 VsILP markers, 84.8% exhibited transferability to other species, both leguminous (common vetch, lucerne (Medicago sativa), barrel medic, soybean, yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis), Lotus corniculatus and Sophora alopecuroides) and non-leguminous (rice (Oryza sativa), Arabidopsis and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)). Here, we present the first large-scale development of ILP markers in common vetch and their utility in germplasm evaluation and transferability, which will be valuable for further comparative genomic studies, genetic relationship assessments, and marker-assisted breeding of leguminous and non-leguminous species. We provide the first large-scale development of intron-length polymorphic (ILP) markers in common vetch. The common vetch ILP markers exhibited relatively high levels of transferability to leguminous and non-leguminous species. The developed common vetch ILP markers will be valuable for assessment of genetic relationships, comparative genomic studies, and marker-assisted breeding for leguminous and non-leguminous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of HimalanuraBaijal, 1958 is described here and it is the first report of the genus from China. H. shanxiensis sp. nov. is characterized by its colour pattern and chaetotaxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A known species and a new species of Salina Mac Gillivray, 1894 from China are described here, S. yunnanensisDenis, 1929 and S. similis sp. nov.. The original description of S. yunnanensis is simple and only provided colour pattern and a few characters, here, the detail description were added. S. similis sp. nov. is characterised by its colour pattern and chaetotaxy on Abdominal segment I–III as 11-15, 4, 2 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Two new species, Sinella yunnanensis sp. nov. and Sinella similis sp. nov., collected from China were described. Both species have a large outer tooth on unguiculus, acuminate tenent hair and 7+7 dorsal macrochaetae on Abd. IV, but the eyes are different between them. Some characters in Sinella triseta Yuan & Pan, 2013 are described and a key to the Chinese eyed species of the genus Sinella is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-scale MD-PD simulation method is proposed. • The size effect of concrete is observed and studied at nanoscale. • The mechanical properties of two scales are well connected. • The resulted mechanical properties agree well with previous results. Fully understanding the fracture behavior of concrete is a challenging work since concrete is a complex multiscale composite material with a heterogeneous structure at different length scales ranging from nanoscale to macroscale. A new multiscale model framework was proposed in the present study to explore the mechanical properties, including Young's modulus E and ultimate tensile strength UTS , and fracture behavior of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) from the nanoscale to mesoscale. The nanoscale C-S-H globule models were built and simulated via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and then the obtained mechanical properties were employed as the input parameters for the mesoscale Peridynamics (PD) simulations to acquire the E , UTS , and fracture behavior of C-S-H gel. The results reveal that at nanoscale, the mechanical performance of C-S-H is anisotropic: As the size of C-S-H model increases, the E and UTS of C-S-H decrease because the extension of crack in a larger C-S-H model will release more stored energy. At mesoscale as the packing fraction φ increases, the E and UTS of C-S-H gel increase. The resulted E and UTS are in line with former simulations and experimental data implying the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed multiscale model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multicellular organisms, cells actively sense and control their own population density. Synthetic mammalian quorum-sensing circuits could provide insight into principles of population control and extend cell therapies. However, a key challenge is reducing their inherent sensitivity to "cheater" mutations that evade control. Here, we repurposed the plant hormone auxin to enable orthogonal mammalian cell-cell communication and quorum sensing. We designed a paradoxical population control circuit, termed "Paradaux," in which auxin stimulates and inhibits net cell growth at different concentrations. This circuit limited population size over extended timescales of up to 42 days of continuous culture. By contrast, when operating in a non-paradoxical regime, population control became more susceptible to mutational escape. These results establish auxin as a versatile "private" communication system and demonstrate that paradoxical circuit architectures can provide robust population control. [Display omitted] • Engineered mammalian cells send and perceive signals using the plant hormone auxin • Auxin signaling allows quorum sensing by engineered cells • Coupling auxin sensing to survival allows cells to control their own population size • A paradoxical design makes population control robust to cheater mutations Mammalian cells were engineered with both a plant hormone system, which provides a diffusive communication channel, and robust synthetic signaling pathways that allow for population sensing and control through auxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, spherical calcium carbonate particles were prepared by using CaCl2 aqueous solution + NH3·H2O + polyoxyethylene octyl phenol ether-10 (OP-10) + n-butyl alcohol + cyclohexane inverse micro emulsion system. Then, nanoscale spherical silica was deposited on the surface of micron calcium carbonate by Stöber method to form the composite material. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the morphology and structure of the composite material. It is found that the surface of the composite material has a micro-nano complex structure similar to the surface of a "lotus leaf", making the composite material show hydrophobicity. The contact angle of the cubic calcium carbonate, spherical calcium carbonate and CaCO3@SiO2 composite material were measured. They were 51.6°, 73.5°, and 76.8°, respectively. After modification with stearic acid, the contact angle of cubic and spherical CaCO3 were 127.1° and 136.1°, respectively, while the contact angle of CaCO3@SiO2 composite was 151.3°. These results showed that CaCO3@SiO2 composite had good superhydrophobicity, and the influence of material roughness on its hydrophobicity was investigated using the Cassie model theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we considered a class of fourth order equation modeling epitaxial thin film growth. We establish a blow up result for the initial and boundary value problem. Furthermore, the lower bound of the blow up time and the blow up rate are derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, polyamine-functionalized carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by means of low temperature (<100°C) carbonization of citric acid at the presence of polyethylenimine (PEI), resulting spherical calcium carbonate micro-particles from inverse micro-emulsion system. Nanoscaled spherical silicas were prepared by Stöber method via deposition on the surface of micron calcium carbonate. Scanning- and transmission-electron microscopic analysis confirmed a micro-/nano-complex structure, enabling the composite material coating possessed coarser surface similar to those of 'lotus leaf'. After modification with 1 H, 1 H, 2 H, 2 H-perfluorodecanethiol, both good super hydrophobicity and good fluorescent performance were confirmed by the water contact angle of 154.1°±1.5°, their surface-free energy, and fluorescence quantum yield of 14.1%, which provides an inexpensive and easy way to fabricate superhydrophobic material with fluorescence characteristics and promotes high value application of inorganic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between sleep-related disorders and inflammation has been demonstrated in previous studies. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel inflammatory index based on leukocytes, but its relationship with sleep-related disorder is unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep-related disorder and SII in a nationally representative nonhospitalized sample. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Exposure variables included self-reported sleep-related disorders, such as sleep duration, sleep problems, high risk of OSA, and daytime sleepiness. SII and other traditional markers of inflammation were considered as outcome variables, including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the correlation between sleep-related disorders and inflammatory markers. Subgroup interactions were analyzed using likelihood ratio tests, and nonlinear relationships were explored by fitting restricted cubic splines. Results: A total of 8,505 participants were enrolled in this study. Overall, sleep-related disorders were found to have a stronger association with SII compared to the PLR and NLR. The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that participants who experienced sleep problems (β: 21.421; 95% CI 1.484, 41.358), had symptoms of OSA (β: 23.088; 95% CI 0.441, 45.735), and reported daytime sleepiness (β: 30.320; 95% CI 5.851, 54.789) exhibited a positive association with higher SII. For the analysis of other inflammatory markers, we only found that daytime sleepiness was associated with increased NLR levels (β: 0.081; 95% CI 0.002, 0.159). Conclusion: Sleep problems, symptoms of OSA, and daytime sleepiness were found to have a positive association with the SII in US adults. However, further prospective studies are necessary to establish whether there is a causal relationship between these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A controlled-release inerting inhibitor (CRII) was prepared by embedding the little inhibiting balls (LIB) into the sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel. The water retention and flowability of the SA hydrogel were studied, and the controlled-release effect of the CRII was analyzed by CO2 production rate and scanning electron microscopy. At last, the inhibiting performance and the long-lasting effect of the CRII were investigated. The experimental results show that the 1.5 wt% SA hydrogel has the best water retention and good flowability. Meanwhile, the SA hydrogel also has a great effect on CO2 retention. During the heating process, 88.86% of CO2 produced by the LIB escaped into the air, while only 42.57% of the CRII did. As the temperature gradually increases, a large number of micropores are formed on the surface of LIB, which achieves the controlled-release of inhibitory components. In comparison to the raw coal, the temperature at which CO enters the exponential growth is delayed by 18.8°C for the CRII-treated coal sample, and the release of CO is reduced by 86.3% at 127.8°C. Comparing the CRII-treated coal samples placed for 1 and 8 days, the average inhibition rate of the latter decreased by 0%, −1.81%, 0.56% and 2.59% in four stages (45 ~ 75°C, 75 ~ 100°C, 100 ~ 160°C and 160 ~ 180°C), respectively. The average inhibition rate of the coal samples treated by CRII did not decrease basically before 160°C, while the coal samples treated by NaCl aqueous solution under the same conditions showed a significant decrease in the early stage. In future studies, it is a worthwhile focus that how to optimize the ratio of each component in the LIB and further study the controlled-release performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association of myosin heavy chain protein 11 (MYH11) and transforming growth factor β signaling-related gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of DeBakey type III aortic dissection (AD) and its clinical outcomes. Four single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) (MYH11 rs115364997, rs117593370, TGFB1 rs1800469, and TGFBR1 rs1626340) were analyzed in patients with DeBakey III AD (173) and healthy participants (335). Gene–gene and gene–environment interactions were evaluated using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction. The patients were followed up for a median of 55.7 months. MYH11 rs115364997 G or TGFBR1 rs1626340 A carriers had an increased risk of DeBakey type III AD. MYH11, TGFB1, TGFBR1, and environment interactions contributed to the risk of DeBakey type III AD (cross-validation consistency = 10/10, P = 0.001). Dominant models of MYH11 rs115364997 AG + GG genotype (HR = 2.443; 95%CI: 1.096–5.445, P = 0.029), TGFB1 rs1800469 AG + GG (HR = 2.303; 95%CI: 1.069–4.96, P = 0.033) were associated with an increased risk of mortality in DeBakey type III AD. The dominant model of TGFB1 rs1800469 AG + GG genotype was associated with an increased risk of recurrence of chest pain in DeBakey type III AD (HR = 1.566; 95%CI: 1.018–2.378, P = 0.041). In conclusions, G carriers of MYH11 rs115364997 or TGFB1 rs1800469 may be the poor prognostic indicators of mortality and recurrent chest pain in DeBakey type III AD. The interactions of gene–gene and gene–environment are associated with the risk of DeBakey type III AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CYP4A11 is a member of the cytochrome P450 enzymes and is responsible for metabolizing arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a metabolite involved in the regulation of blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate whether or not the CYP4A11 gene polymorphism T8590C (rs1126742) is involved in essential hypertension in the western Chinese Han population. Methods: In a case-control study, the participants included 864 (523 males and 341 females) patients with essential hypertension and 661 (422 males and 239 females) healthy subjects. The T8590C polymorphism of the CYP4A11 gene was analyzed by using the TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assay. Results: For men, the frequencies of the CC genotype and the C allele were higher in essential hypertension than in the control group ( p = 0.022 and p = 0.016, respectively). After adjustment of confounding factor such as diabetes, smoking, BMI, TG and TC, the significant difference was observed in CC genotype (OR = 1.897, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.026-3.508; p = 0.041). No difference was found in all participants and females. Conclusions: The CC genotype and C allele were associated with essential hypertension in the male western Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study is aimed at investigating the association of Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling-related gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility of Stanford type B aortic dissection (AD) and its clinical prognostic outcomes. Methods: Five single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) (FBN1rs 145233125, rs201170905, rs11070646, TGFB1rs1800469, and TGFB2rs900) were analyzed in patients with Stanford type B AD (164) and healthy controls (317). Gene–gene and gene–environment interactions were assessed by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction. A 4-year follow-up was performed for all AD patients. Results: G carriers of FBN1 rs201170905 and TGFB1 rs1800469 have an increased risk of Stanford type B AD. The interaction of FBN1, TGFB1, TGFB2 and environmental promoted to the increased risk of type B AD (cross-validation consistency = 10/10, P = 0.001). Dominant models of FBN1rs145233125 TC + CC genotype (P = 0.028), FBN1 rs201170905 AG + GG (P = 0.047) and TGFB1 rs1800469 AG + GG (P = 0.052) were associated with an increased risk of death of Stanford type B AD. The recessive model of FBN1 rs145233125 CC genotype (P < 0.001), FBN1rs201170905 GG (P < 0.001), TGFB1 rs1800469 AG + GG genotype (P = 0.011) was associated with an increased risk of recurrence of chest pain in Stanford type B AD. Conclusions: The interactions of gene–gene and gene–environment are related with the risk of Stanford type B AD. C carriers of rs145233125, G carriers of rs201170905 and G carriers of rs1800469 may be the poor clinical outcome indicators of mortality and recurrent chest pain in Stanford type B AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2J2 is expressed in the vascular endothelium and metabolizes arachidonic acid to biologically active epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). The EETs are potent endogenous vasodilators and inhibitors of vascular inflammation. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the human CYP2J2 gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Han and Uygur population of China. Methods: We use two independent case–control studies: a Han population (206 CAD patients and 262 control subjects) and an Uygur population (336 CAD patients and 448 control subjects). All CAD patients and controls were genotyped for the same three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs890293, rs11572223 and rs2280275) of CYP2J2 gene by a real-time PCR instrument. Results: In the Uygur population, for total, the distribution of SNP3 (rs2280275) genotypes showed a significant difference between CAD and control participants (P=0.048). For total and men, the distribution of SNP3 (rs2280275) alleles and the dominant model (CC vs CT+TT) showed a significant difference between CAD and control participants (for allele: P=0.014 and P=0.035, respectively; for dominant model: P=0.014 and P=0.034, respectively). The significant difference in dominant model was retained after adjustment for covariates (OR: 0.279, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.176–0.440, P=0.001; OR: 0.240, 95% CI: 0.128–0.457, P=0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The CC genotype of rs2280275 in CYP2J2 gene could be a protective genetic marker of CAD and T allele may be a risk genetic marker of CAD in men of Uygur population in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: CYP4A11 converts arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), which has a crucial role in the modulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. We assessed the association between the human CYP4A11 gene and coronary artery disease (CAD) in Han and Uygur populations in China. Methods and Results: In the Han population, 361 CAD patients and 315 controls were genotyped for four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human CYP4A11 gene (rs9332978, rs4660980, rs3890011, rs1126742). In the Uygur population, 331 CAD patients and 182 controls were genotyped for the same four SNPs. Data were assessed via haplotype-based case–control studies. For the Han population, the significance of the recessive model of SNP3 (GG vs. CC+GC) between CAD patients and control subjects was retained after adjustment for EH, DM and smoking (for men, 95% CI: 1.173–3.013, P =0.009). The G-G-T haplotype in CAD was significantly higher than that in the control group (P =0.037). In the Uygur population, neither the distribution of genotypes and alleles for the four SNPs nor the distribution of haplotypes constructed with the same three SNPs showed a significant difference between CAD and control subjects. Conclusions: The GG genotype of rs3890011 and the G-G-T haplotype in the CYP4A11 gene could be a useful genetic marker of CAD in Han populations in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In nature, heavy metals significantly affect crop growth and quality. Among various heavy metals, copper (Cu) is both essential and toxic to plants depending on the concentration and complex homeostatic networks. The Cu transporter family (COPT) plays important roles in Cu homeostasis, including absorption, transportation, and growth in plants; however, this gene family is still poorly understood in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). In this study, a total of 12 MsCOPTs were identified and characterized. Based on the conserved motif and phylogenetic analysis, MsCOPTs could be divided into four subgroups (A1, A2, A3, and B). Gene structure, chromosomal location, and synteny analyses of MsCOPTs showed that segmental and tandem duplications likely contributed to their evolution. Tissue-specific expression analysis of MsCOPT genes indicated diverse spatiotemporal expression patterns. Most MsCOPT genes had high transcription levels in roots and nodules, indicating that these genes may play vital roles in the absorption and transport of Cu through root. The complementary heterologous expression function of yeast once again indicates that root-specific COPT can supplement the growth of defective yeast strains on YPEG medium, suggesting that these genes are Cu transporters. In summary, for the first time, our research identified COPT family genes at the whole-genome level to provide guidance for effectively improving the problem of Cu deficiency in the grass-livestock chain and provide theoretical support for the subsequent development of grass and animal husbandry. • A total of 12 COPT genes were identified in M. sativa. • Genome-wide characterization of COPT family was conducted in M. sativa. • The Cu transporter function were confirmed in M. sativa. • MsCOPT7 and MsCOPT10 specifically transport copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a catastrophic cardiovascular disease with high disability and mortality due to multiple fatal complications. However, the molecular changes of the serum proteome after AAD are not very clear. Here, we performed isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation- (iTRAQ-) based comparative proteomic analysis to investigate the proteome profile changes after AAD by collecting plasma samples from 20 AAD patients and 20 controls. Out of the 345 identified proteins, 266 were considered as high-quality quantified proteins (95 % confident peptides ≥ 2), of which 25 proteins were accumulated and 12 were reduced in AAD samples. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the 25 AAD-accumulated proteins were enriched in high-density lipoprotein particles for the cellular component category and protein homodimerization acidity for the molecular function category. Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that serum amyloid A proteins (SAAs), complement component proteins, and carboxypeptidase N catalytic chain proteins (CPNs) possessed the key nodes of the network. The expression levels of six selected AAD-accumulated proteins, B2-GP1, CPN1, F9, LBP, SAA1, and SAA2, were validated by ELISA. Moreover, ROC analysis showed that the AUCs of B2-GP1 and CPN1 were 0.808 and 0.702, respectively. Our data provide insights into molecular change profiles in proteome levels after AAD and indicate that B2-GP1 and CPN1 are potential biomarkers for AAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal artery involvement has not received sufficient attention despite the fact that aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) examinations of Stanford B-type aortic dissection patients usually show renal artery involvement [3]. To study the influence of renal artery involvement on aortic dissection, we performed a retrospective study on acute Stanford B-type aortic dissection patients with or without renal artery involvement to investigate its effect on the prognosis of aortic dissection.Methods: A total of 221 patients with acute Stanford-B type aortic dissection between January 2012 and January 2014 were enrolled. The patients were divided into a renal artery involvement group and a non-renal artery involvement group based on aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) results. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors related to in-hospital mortality. The effect of renal artery involvement on the prognosis of Stanford B-type aortic dissection patients was analysed.Results: Among the 221 patients with acute Stanford type-B aortic dissection, 100 patients (45.2%) exhibited renal artery involvement. The percentage of patients with a past history of hypertension in the renal artery involvement group was significantly higher than that in the non-renal artery involvement group (84.0% vs. 74.8%, p=0.025). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine level, and urea nitrogen level at admission were not significantly different between the renal artery involvement group and the non-renal artery involvement group. The in-hospital mortality rate in the renal artery involvement group was higher than that in the non-renal artery involvement group; the difference in the percentage of in-hospital mortality between these two groups was statistically significant (12.0% vs. 4.1%, p<0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that renal artery involvement was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in acute Stanford B-type aortic dissection patients (odds ratio (OR)=3.536 (1.127∼11.095)). In the renal artery involvement group, the in-hospital mortality rate in the conservative treatment group was significantly higher than that in the interventional treatment group (30.8% vs. 5.4%, p=0.001).Conclusions: Although renal artery involvement was not associated with short-term renal function damage, it was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality after acute Stanford B-type aortic dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to investigate platelet parameters in populations with hypertension subtypes among the Han, Uygur, and Kazakh ethnic groups and their associated risk factors in Xinjiang, northwestern China. In total, 9816 adult participants were recruited from a multiethnic, cross-sectional cardiovascular risk survey. Our results indicated that the platelet counts in Han, Uygur, and Kazakh participants with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and systolic diastolic hypertension (SDH) varied significantly (P < 0.001). Additionally, the mean platelet volume (MPV) in Han, Uygur, and Kazakh participants with ISH was significantly different (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the individual platelet parameters had different associated risk factors. For example, the risk factors for platelet counts were Uygur ethnicity, Kazakh ethnicity, drinking, ISH, diabetes, and high triglycerides (TGs). The risk factors for MPV were Uygur ethnicity, smoking, overweight, obesity, ISH, IDH, diabetes, and high TGs. Gender was a risk factor for abnormal plateletcrit (PCT) values. Only a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was found to be a risk factor for platelet distribution width (PDW). We suggest that more attention should be paid to platelet parameters and the associated risk factors to reinforce the effect of antiplatelet therapy and to provide a clinical basis for preventing the occurrence of thrombosis complications and cerebro- and cardiovascular diseases effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings suggest that cell and gene transplantation in the infarcted myocardium may improve heart function. The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanism involved in improving heart function following the co-injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a rat model of myocardial infarction. In this study, ADSCs were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissues. The ADSCs were induced to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts and cardiac myocytes in vitro. bFGF was co-injected with the ADSCs into the left ventricular wall in a rat myocardial infarction model. The structural and functional outcomes resulting from this transplantation were determined through detailed histological analysis and echocardiography. The graft size was significantly larger in the bFGF + ADSC group than in the PBS + ADSC group and PBS + bFGF group 4 weeks after injection ( p < 0.05). The ADSCs were able to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo. There was a significant improvement in arteriole density within the infarcted area in the bFGF + ADSC group compared with the PBS + ADSC group and the PBS + bFGF group 4 weeks after transplantation ( p < 0.05). The results of Western blot analysis showed that all of the treatments significantly reduced MMP2 and MMP9 protein levels compared with the PBS control group ( p < 0.05) and that the levels of these proteins displayed the largest decrease in the bFGF + ADSC group ( p < 0.05). In addition, the results of a quantitative analysis revealed that the proportion of fibrotic areas was significantly lower in the PBS + ADSC and bFGF + ADSC groups compared with the PBS-only group and PBS + bFGF group ( p < 0.05). The combined application of bFGF and ADSC transplantation may significantly increase the number of arterioles, reduce the infarcted size, attenuate ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function. This ADSC + bFGF treatment strategy (or a variation thereof) may prove to be broadly applicable to other candidate cell preparations used in regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and are influenced by both heredity and dietary habits. The Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1) protein mediates efficient dietary cholesterol absorption and contributes to variations in human LDL-C levels. Methods In the present study, using high throughput sequencing we identified three non-synonymous (NS) variations and 64 synonymous variations in the NPC1L1 gene from subsets of Chinese Han, Uygur and Kazakh populations with high or low LDL-C. Subsequently, three NS variations encoding R174H, V177I and V1284L substitutions were observed only in Uygur and Kazakh individuals with limited maximal plasma LDL-C levels. Results In further experiments, we investigated cholesterol-regulated recycling and glycosylation and stability of these NS NPC1L1 variants. However, no significant differences between WT and variant NPC1L1 proteins were observed using in vivo assays in mouse livers with adenovirus-mediated expression, demonstrating that none of the three NPC1L1 NS variants caused decreased uptake of biliary cholesterol. Conclusions Simultaneously, these data indicate that R174H, V177I and V1284L NPC1L1 variations in high or low LDL-C individuals may not directly influence cholesterol absorption by NPC1L1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether the rate of drug elution and polymer absorption affects clinical outcomes of biodegradable polymer-based drug-eluting stents (DES) is unknown. The widely used polylactide polymer-based Excel stent (JW Medical, Weihai, China) elutes sirolimus within 180 days, and the polylactide polymer is completely absorbed within 6 to 9 months. In contrast, the poly-lactide-co-glycolide polymer-based BuMA stent (Sino Medical, Tianjin, China) elutes sirolimus within 30 days, and the poly-lactide-co-glycolide polymer is completely absorbed within 3 months. Thus, both metallic DES elute sirolimus, isolating major differences to the polymer and elution kinetics.Objectives: The goal of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness between the BuMA sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) and Excel SES in an "all-comers" population.Methods: PANDA III was a multicenter trial with few exclusion criteria, powered for sequential noninferiority and superiority testing. The primary endpoint was 1-year target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization.Results: Between December 2013 and August 2014, 2,348 patients were randomly assigned to treatment with BuMA (n = 1,174) or Excel SES (n = 1,174). The 1-year primary endpoint of TLF occurred in 6.4% of patients in each group (difference: 0.06%; 95% confidence interval: 1.93% to 2.04%; pnoninferiority = 0.0003; psuperiority = 0.95). There were no significant between-group differences in any of the secondary endpoints other than the incidence of definite/probable stent thrombosis, which occurred less frequently with the BuMA stent (0.5% vs. 1.3%; log-rank p = 0.048).Conclusions: The BuMA SES was demonstrated to be noninferior to the Excel SES for 1-year TLF, with a lower incidence of stent thrombosis. (Comparison of BuMA eG Based BioDegradable Polymer Stent With EXCEL Biodegradable Polymer Sirolimus-eluting Stent in "Real-World" Practice [PANDA-III]; NCT02017275). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To investigate how affects electrical-conduction function following myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Main methods Thirty SD rats of either sex (220–250 g) were anesthetized using chlorine hydrate and were randomly divided into three groups: control group, MI group and transplantation group. The field potential (FP) morphology and activation–conduction duration were recorded with microeletrode array techniques. Key findings The MEA recorded clear FP morphology. Activation–conduction duration was (6.5 ± 2.12) ms in the control group, (17.5 ± 3.54) ms in the MI group, and (9.13 ± 1.31) ms in the transplantation group. Significance EHT transplantation can improve electrical-conduction and function of MI rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: The Golgi SNAP receptor complex member 2 (GOSR2) gene is a Golgi-associated soluble factor attachment receptor (SNARE) protein involved in intra-Golgi protein trafficking on chromosome 17q21, which is the hypertension linkage peak on the human chromosome. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the human GOSR2 gene and essential hypertension (EH) using a haplotype-based case–control study. Methods: A total of 320 EH patients and 205 age-matched controls were genotyped for the five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) used as genetic markers for the human GOSR2 gene (rs197932, rs3785889, rs197922, rs17608766, and rs16941382). Data were analyzed for three separate groups: the total subjects, men, and women. Results: The overall distribution of the haplotypes in men was significantly different between the EH patients and the control subjects (P =0.002). Additionally, the frequency of the T–A–G haplotype (rs197932–rs3785889–rs197922) for men was significantly higher in the EH patients than in the control subjects (P =0.049). After adjustment for the major risk factors, multiple logistic regression analysis also revealed that the frequency of men with the T–A–G haplotype (homozygous and heterozygous diplotypes) was significantly higher than that in men without the haplotype (OR=1.756, P =0.039). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the T–A–G haplotype may be a useful genetic marker for EH in Japanese men. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Smoothelin is a specific type of cytoskeletal protein found in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Several previous research studies have examined the relationship between smoothelin and atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of the present study was to further assess the association between the human SMTN gene and cerebral infarction (CI) using a haplotype-based case–control study. A total of 168 CI patients and 259 supercontrols were genotyped for the five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) used as genetic markers for the human SMTN gene (rs2074738, rs5997872, rs56095120, rs9621187 and rs10304). Data were analyzed for three separate groups that included total subjects, men and women. The genotypic distribution of rs10304 for men showed a significant difference between the control and CI groups. In addition, the frequency of the C-T-T-A haplotype (established by rs5997872, rs56095120, rs9621187 and rs10304) was significantly higher in the CI versus the control group (p = 0.013), while the frequency of the C-A-T-G haplotype (established by rs5997872, rs56095120, rs9621187 and rs10304) in the CI group was significantly lower than that seen in the controls (p = 0.021). In conclusion, we confirmed that the haplotype constructed using rs5997872, rs56095120, rs9621187 and rs10304 was a useful genetic marker of CI in Japanese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoothelin is a specific cytoskeletal protein that is associated with smooth muscle cells. The human SMTN gene encodes smoothelin-A and smoothelin-B, and studies using SMTN gene knockout mice have demonstrated that these animals develop hypertension. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the human SMTN gene and essential hypertension (EH) using a haplotype-based case-control study. This is the first study to assess the association between essential hypertension and this gene. A total of 255 EH patients and 225 controls were genotyped for the five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2074738, rs5997872, rs56095120, rs9621187 and rs10304) used as genetic markers for the human SMTN gene. Data were analyzed for three separate groups: total subjects, men and women. Although there were no differences for genotype distributions, or the dominant and recessive model distributions noted for total subjects, men and women for all of the SNPs selected for the present study, for the total subjects group, the frequency of the G-C-A-C haplotype constructed with rs2074738-rs5997872-rs56095120-rs9621187 was significantly lower in the essential hypertension patients than in the controls (P = 0.002). The G-C-A-C haplotype appears to be a useful protective marker of essential hypertension in Japanese, and the SMTN gene might also be a genetic marker for essential hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a meta-analysis of 2 genome-wide association studies of coronary artery disease comprising 1,515 cases and 5,019 controls followed by replication studies in 15,460 cases and 11,472 controls, all of Chinese Han ancestry. We identify four new loci for coronary artery disease that reached the threshold of genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10?8). These loci mapped in or near TTC32-WDR35, GUCY1A3, C6orf10-BTNL2 and ATP2B1. We also replicated four loci previously identified in European populations (in or near PHACTR1, TCF21, CDKN2A-CDKN2B and C12orf51). These findings provide new insights into pathways contributing to the susceptibility for coronary artery disease in the Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CYP4A11, which is a member of the cytochrome P450 family, acts mainly as an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a metabolite involved in the maintenance of cardiovascular health. Recently, it was reported that many subfamilies of CYP genes have an association with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the human CYP4A11 gene and MI, using a haplotype-based case-control study with a separate analysis of the gender groups. A total of 239 MI patients and 285 controls were genotyped for 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human CYP4A11 gene (rs2269231, rs1126742, rs9333025). The data obtained via haplotype-based case-control studies were assessed for 3 separate groups: total subjects, men, and women. For the total, men and women groups, the distribution of the genotypes and alleles of the 3 SNPs did not show any significant difference between the MI patients and the control subjects. For the total and the men groups, the overall distribution of the haplotypes constructed with the 3 SNPs significantly differed between the MI patients and control subjects ( P < 0.001). Also, for the total and for the men, the frequency of the T-T-A haplotype constructed with the 3 SNPs was significantly lower for the MI patients than for the control subjects (both P < 0.001). The T-T-A haplotype constructed with the 3 SNPs appears to be a protective genetic marker for MI in Japanese men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulates neoangiogenesis. The sustained release of bFGF by using biomaterials helped to enhance its angiogenic activity in vivo. In this study we investigated the effects of co-injection of bFGF with temperature-responsive chitosan hydrogel on myocardial performance in a rat model of infarction. Methods: Myocardial infarction was induced in rats using coronary artery ligation. Temperature-responsive chitosan hydrogel was prepared and injected intramyocardially into the left ventricular wall of rat infarction models alone or together with bFGF. Detailed histologic analysis and echocardiography were used to determine the structural and functional consequences 4 weeks after injection. Results: Heart function improved significantly in the chitosan+bFGF group compared with the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)+bFGF group with regard to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV fractional shortening (LVFS) 4 weeks after transplantation (p < 0.05, n = 8 per group). In addition, arteriole densities within the infarcted area improved significantly (p < 0.01) in the chitosan+bFGF group (259 ± 22/mm2) compared with the PBS+bFGF group (95 ± 18/mm2; n = 8 per group) at 4 weeks after transplantation. Infarct size and fibrotic area decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the chitosan+bFGF group (39.64 ± 1.75% and 25.09 ± 3.31%, respectively) compared with the PBS+bFGF group (48.91 ± 1.39% and 48.0 ± 3.83%, respectively; n = 8 per group). No significant difference (p > 0.05) was noted between the PBS and PBS+bFGF groups. Conclusions: Co-injection of bFGF with temperature-responsive chitosan hydrogels enhanced the effects of bFGF on arteriogenesis, ventricular remodeling and cardiac function. Our findings suggest a new approach to improve infarcted repairs in the prevention of adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study assessed associations between the CYP4F2 gene and myocardial infarction (MI), using a haplotype-based case-control study of 234 MI patients and 248 controls genotyped for 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3093105, rs3093135, rs1558139, rs2108622, rs3093200). For men, G allele frequency of rs2108622 and frequency of the T-C-G haplotype were significantly higher, and frequency of the T-C-A haplotype was significantly lower for MI patients than for controls (P =0.006, P =0.001 and P =0.002, respectively). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the effect of Polyp-Au-GO nanocomposite on VSMC proliferation, cell cycle proteins, down-regulation of mRNA in the rat was tested. Briefly, Polyp-Au-GO composite material was synthesized and characterized by UV–Vis spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Polyp-Au-GO composite exhibited the absorbance peak at 530 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline particle with size ranging between 16.5 and 32.6 nm. The crystallinity differences of the nanocomposite were examined by Raman spectroscopy analysis. The presence of a strong band (1500 cm−1) and the absence of other lower frequency bands confirmed that the absence of crystallinity of Polyp-Au-GO nanocomposite. The thermal properties of Polyp-Au-GO nanocomposite were determined by TGA analysis. The results revealed that 15% of its weight loss has occurred at 300 °C. Further, the growth of VSMCs was inhibited by the treatment of Polyp-Au-GO composite at 72 h. The IC 50 value was registered at 0.57 μg/mL. Additionally, the Polyp-Au-GO composite arrest G1 cell cycle and down-regulated cell cycle proteins. These Polyp-Au-GO composite also reduced the extracellular ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, Polyp-Au-GO composite inhibited TNF-R-evoked inflammatory responses. Moreover, Polyp-Au-GO composite inhibited of CEC proliferation. These results suggest that Polyp-Au-GO composite inhibits VSMC proliferation and TNF-R-mediated inflammatory responses. This study suggested the therapeutic role of Polyp-Au-GO composite in cardiovascular disease. Unlabelled Image • Synthesized polyphenol‑gold co -loaded graphene (poly-Au-GO) nano composite. • Growth of VSMCs was inhibited by Polyp-Au-GO composite at 72 h. • Polyp-Au-GO composite arrest G1 cell cycle and down-regulated cell cycle proteins. • Polyp-Au-GO composite inhibited TNF-R-evoked inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]