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Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty seems a safe and effective option for specific de novo coronary lesions. However, the beneficial effect of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided DCB angioplasty in de novo lesions remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the benefits of IVUS guidance over angiography guidance during DCB angioplasty in de novo coronary lesions. A total of 260 patients with high bleeding risk who had a de novo coronary lesion (reference vessel diameter 2.0-4.0 mm, and lesion length ≤15 mm) were randomly assigned to either an IVUS-guided or an angioplasty-guided DCB angioplasty group. The primary endpoint was in-segment late lumen loss (LLL) at 7 months after procedure. The secondary endpoint was target vessel failure at 6 months. A total of 2 patients in the angiography-guided group and 7 patients in the IVUS-guided group underwent bailout stent implantation (P = 0.172). The primary endpoint of 7-month LLL was 0.03 ± 0.52 mm with angiography guidance vs −0.10 ± 0.34 mm with IVUS guidance (mean difference 0.14 mm; 95% CI: 0.02-0.26; P = 0.025). IVUS guidance was also associated with a larger 7-month minimal lumen diameter (2.06 ± 0.62 mm vs 1.75 ± 0.63 mm; P < 0.001) and a smaller diameter stenosis (28.15% ± 13.88% vs 35.83% ± 17.69%; P = 0.001) compared with angiography guidance. Five target vessel failures occurred at 6 months, with 4 (3.1%) in the angiography-guided group and 1 (0.8%) in the IVUS-guided group (P = 0.370). This study demonstrated that IVUS-guided DCB angioplasty is associated with a lower LLL in patients with a de novo coronary lesion compared with angiography guidance. (Intravascular Ultrasound Versus Angiography Guided Drug-Coated Balloon [ULTIMATE-III]; NCT04255043) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the difference in target vessel failure (TVF) 3 years after intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance versus angiographic guidance among all comers undergoing second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. The multicenter randomized ULTIMATE (Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Drug Eluting Stents Implantation in "All-Comers" Coronary Lesions) trial showed a lower incidence of 1-year TVF after IVUS-guided DES implantation among all comers compared with angiographic guidance. However, the 3-year clinical outcomes of the ULTIMATE trial remain unknown. A total of 1,448 all comers undergoing DES implantation who were randomly assigned to either IVUS guidance or angiographic guidance in the ULTIMATE trial were followed for 3 years. The primary endpoint was the risk for TVF at 3 years. The safety endpoint was definite or probable stent thrombosis (ST). At 3 years, TVF occurred in 47 patients (6.6%) in the IVUS-guided group and in 76 patients (10.7%) in the angiography-guided group (p = 0.01), driven mainly by the decrease in clinically driven target vessel revascularization (4.5% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.05). The rate of definite or probable ST was 0.1% in the IVUS-guided group and 1.1% in the angiography-guided group (p = 0.02). Notably, the IVUS-defined optimal procedure was associated with a significant reduction in 3-year TVF relative to that with the suboptimal procedure. IVUS-guided DES implantation was associated with significantly lower rates of TVF and ST during 3-year follow-up among all comers, particularly those who underwent the IVUS-defined optimal procedure compared with those with angiographic guidance. (Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Drug Eluting Stents Implantation in "All-Comers" Coronary Lesions; NCT02215915) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of stool-based Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay versus other assays for the detection of paediatric pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).Methods: A prospective head-to-head comparative study was conducted from Dec 2017 to May 2019 in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre. Samples were collected from children (< 15 years) with abnormal chest imaging (X-ray or CT scan) results for the following tests: Ultra on stool sample (Ultra-Stool), Ultra on respiratory tract sample (Ultra-RTS), Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) on RTS (Xpert-RTS), acid-fast bacilli smear on RTS (AFB-RTS), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) culture on RTS (Culture-RTS). The results were compared with a composite reference standard.Results: A total of 126 cases with paired results were analysed. Against a composite reference standard, Ultra-RTS demonstrated the highest sensitivity (52%) and specificity (100%). Ultra-Stool showed 84.1% concordance with Ultra-RTS, demonstrating 45.5% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity (kappa = 0.65, 95% CI= 0.51-0.79). The sensitivity of Ultra-Stool was similar to Mtb culture (45.5%, p = 1.000) and higher than AFB-RTS (27.3%, p < 0.05). Assay positivity was associated with age and infiltration range in chest imaging.Conclusions: When RTS is difficult to obtain, stool sample-based Ultra is a comparable alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective This study is to examine the influence of familiarity on energy intake, eating behavior, and concentration of the plasma gut hormones in lean and overweight young male subjects. Methods Twenty-eight lean and twenty-eight overweight participants were recruited. Their food consumption was documented and analyzed when they had a test meal while they were paired with friends or strangers at the same weight stature. Their eating behavior was recorded with cameras hidden in the carton, and postprandial plasma gut hormone concentration were measured. Results Compared with overweight strangers (OS), overweight friends (OF) had increased food consumption, prolonged and decreased number of chews per 10 g food. Compared with OS, postprandial plasma concentration of cholecystokinin-8 was significantly lower in OF group at 30, 60, and 90 min, whereas the concentration of glucagon-like peptide 1 was significantly lower at 60 and 90 min. Plasma ghrelin concentration was significantly higher in the OF group than that in the OS group at 90 and 120 min. No significant differences in gut hormone concentration were observed between lean strangers (LS) and lean friends (LF) groups at all time points. Conclusion Familiarity plays an important role in increasing energy intake and in changing of postprandial gut hormone concentration in overweight individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The LOI of FPIR could significantly improve from 22.0 vol% to 29.5 vol% after the introduction of the reactive flame-retardant diol (BEOPMS) and DMMP together. • After adding 15 phr DMMP into the phosphorous-containing FPIR, the PHRR, THR, and TSR were observed to be depressed by 72%, 82% and 38%, respectively. • An additive effect between BEOPMS and DMMP was included to explain the beneficial effect in suppressing heat and smoke release. This study focuses on further improving flame retardancy and reducing the amount of toxic-smoke released of phosphorous-containing flame-retardant polyisocyanurate-polyurethane foams (FPIRs) through the additive effect between reactive flame-retardant diol (BEOPMS) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). The surface morphologies, combustion behavior and flame-retardant mechanism of FPIRs were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter (CC) and thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) analysis. It was found that the addition of DMMP decreased the thermal-degradation temperature and reduced the compressive strength gradually of FPIRs. More importantly, the PHRR, THR, and TSR of FPIR were observed to be depressed by 72%, 82% and 38%, respectively, in the case of adding only 15 phr DMMP in the FPIR system. The LOI of FPIR could significantly improve from 22.0 vol% to 29.5 vol% after the introduction of BEOPMS and 25 phr DMMP together. Based on CC, TG-FTIR, and SEM/EDS analysis, an additive effect mainly in the gas phase between BEOPMS and DMMP was included to explain the beneficial effect in suppressing heat and smoke release. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the cutoff of post–drug-eluting stent (DES) fractional flow reserve (FFR) for prediction of 1- to 3-year target vessel failure (TVF). Background FFR immediately after a DES implantation correlates with clinical events. However, the cutoff of post-DES FFR for predicting long-term clinical events remains understudied. Methods Between May 2012 and September 2013, a total of 1,476 patients who had FFR <0.8 at maximal and at baseline underwent DES implantation were prospectively studied in 9 centers. Post-DES FFR was repeat measured. The primary endpoint was the 1-year TVF rate after procedures. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the post-DES FFR value for TVF, then patients were classified on the basis of this value and followed up for 3 years. Results By the end of the first year, 88 (6.0%) TVFs were recorded. A post-DES FFR ≤0.88 strongly correlated with TVF. Disease in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), stent length, and stent diameter were independent factors of impaired post-DES FFR, whereas post-procedure FFR ≤0.88 was the only predictor of TVF, with 40 (4.0%) TVFs in the FFR >0.88 and 48 (8.0%) in the FFR ≤0.88 group (p = 0.001), mainly driven by target vessel revascularization (3.8% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.005) and cardiac death (0.2% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.017). The difference in TVF between 2 groups was maintained through 3-year follow-up (p = 0.002). For patients with LAD lesions, a post-DES FFR ≤0.905 predicted 1-year TVF. Conclusions Post-DES FFR strongly correlated with TVF rate. Mechanisms attributed to and treatments for impaired FFR after stenting should be studied in future studies. (Post-DES FFR Predicts the Clinical Outcomes: DK CRUSH-VII, A Prospective, Multicenter, Registry Study [DK CRUSH-VII]; ChiCTR-PRCH-12001976 ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The present study aimed to analyze the incidence of SF and its correlation with clinical events after DES implantation and the outcome of re-intervention for symptomatic in-stent restenosis (ISR) induced by stent fracture (SF). Background SF is associated with a high rate of clinical events after the implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES). However, the chronological rate of SF and the effect of SF on clinical outcomes from a large patient population remain underreported. Methods A total of 6,555 patients with 16482 DES in 10751 diseased vessels and surveillance angiography between November 2003 and January 2014 were prospectively studied. The primary endpoints included the incidence of SF, in-stent restenosis (ISR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and definite stent thrombosis (ST) at the end of follow-up before and after propensity score matching. Clinical outcomes after TLR were also followed up. Results The SF rate was detected in 803 (12.3%) patients, 3,630 (22.0%) stents, and 1,852 (17.2%) diseased vessels. SF increased over time. SF was associated with higher unadjusted rates of ISR (42.1%), TLR (24.8%, n = 379), and definite ST (4.6%) compared with stents without fracture (10.7%, 6.6%, and 1.03%, all p < 0.001), and the differences remained significant after propensity score matching (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any-cause or cardiac mortality between patients with and without SF. After 1,523 days of follow-up since the first surveillance angiography, repeat ISR was detected in 90 of 379 (23.8%) stents after reintervention, and 6 (7.5%) stents required repeat TLR. Conclusions SF is more frequently observed after DES implantation. TLR was required in almost one-fourth of fractured stents. Increased events in the SF group did not translate into a difference in mortality compared with the non-SF group. Reintervention was associated with acceptable clinical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study sought to compare the outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR)–guided and angiography (Angio)–guided provisional side-branch (SB) stenting for true coronary bifurcation lesions. Background Angio-guided provisional SB stenting after stenting of the main vessel provides favorable outcomes for the majority of coronary bifurcation lesions. Whether an FFR-guided provisional stenting approach is superior has not been studied. Methods A total of 320 patients with single Medina 1,1,1 and 0,1,1 coronary bifurcation lesions undergoing stenting with a provisional SB approach were randomly assigned 1:1 to Angio-guided and FFR-guided groups. SB stenting was performed for Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade <3, ostial SB stenosis >70%, or greater than type A dissection after main vessel stenting in the Angio-guided group and for SB-FFR <0.80 in the FFR-guided group. The primary endpoint was the 1-year composite rate of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target vessel revascularization). Results Comparing the Angio-guided and FFR-guided groups, treatment of the SB (balloon or stenting) was performed in 63.1% and 56.3% of lesions respectively (p = 0.07); stenting of the SB was attempted in 38.1% and 25.9%, respectively (p = 0.01); and, when attempted, stenting was successful in 83.6% and 73.3% of SBs, respectively (p = 0.01). The 1-year composite major adverse cardiac event rate was 18.1% in both groups (hazard ratio: 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.48 to 1.88; p = 1.00). The 1-year target vessel revascularization and stent thrombosis rates were 6.9% and 5.6% (p = 0.82) and 1.3% and 0.6% (p = 0.56) in the Angio-guided and FFR-guided groups, respectively. Conclusions In this multicenter, randomized trial, angiographic and FFR guidance of provisional SB stenting of true coronary bifurcation lesions provided similar 1-year clinical outcomes. (Randomized Study on DK Crush Technique Versus Provisional Stenting Technique for Coronary Artery Bifurcation Lesions; ChiCTR-TRC-07000015 ) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regioselective biomimetic synthesis of bioactive natural products dunnione and nor-β-lapachone is described. This cascade provides a new strategy of a one-pot process mediated by Lewis acid NbCl 5 involving a tandem Claisen rearrangement–cyclization reaction. This procedure was efficient, mild, and easily scalable that avoided using highly hazardous concd H 2 SO 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the nonlinear optical properties of Cu 9 S 5 nanocrystals using the open aperture Z-scan method with 20 ps and 4 ns laser pulses at 532 nm. We found that optical nonlinearity arises from free carrier absorption in the former case, whereas in the latter it occurs mostly due to nonlinear scattering. Parameters characterizing free carrier absorption and nonlinear scattering were determined. The dynamics of the nonlinear processes was confirmed by pump-probe measurements with 20 ps pulses. Observation of optical limiting at both excitation time regimes indicates the potential of Cu 9 S 5 nanocrystals in laser safety devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Mental disorders are commonly observed among surgically treated patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH), leading to serious negative impacts on the patient's treatment, rehabilitation, and prognosis. The study aimed to establish the prevalence rates and risk factors for mental disorders following the surgical treatment of HICH. Methods: This was a prospective study. Surgically treated patients with HICH were assessed 6months following surgical treatment. The sociodemographic data were obtained from each subject, and clinical characteristics were collected for each patient from his or her hospital records. Mental disorder-related risk factors were examined using unpaired t-tests for continuous variables and χ 2 for categorical data, respectively, followed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 96 patients were recruited for this study. The incidence of mental disorders following surgical treatment of HICH was 32.3%. Univariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of postoperative mental disorders was correlated with gender, income, social interaction, relationship between family members, hematoma localization, hematoma volume, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, surgical approach, Barthel Index, hospitalization time, and discharged patients' caregivers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female patients, social barriers, surgical treatment with a craniotomy, and bad relationship between family members were the independent risk factors for mental disorders following surgical treatment of HICH. Conclusions: Postoperative mental disorders in patients with HICH were more likely to occur in female patients and patients who faced social barriers, those who were treated with a craniotomy, and those who experienced bad relationships between their family members. More attention and supports should be provided to this group of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cellulose–polypyrrole (PPy) conductive paper composite was prepared using an in situ chemical polymerization process, and its conductivity stability was investigated. When the PPy-coated pulp fibers were dipped in an alkaline solution or the paper composite was exposed to an alkaline environment, the conductivity stability became poor. Contrarily, if the PPy-coated pulp fibers were dipped in an acidic solution or the paper composite was exposed to an acidic environment, the conductivity stability would be improved. The conductivity decay occurred when the paper composite was stored in air atmosphere at ambient temperature. The rate of conductivity decay also depended on temperature and atmosphere. The conductivity decay in air occurred quicker than that in nitrogen, especially at elevated temperature. The PPy-coated pulp fibers and the paper composite were characterized by TGA, XPS, SEM and SEM-EDX analyses to elucidate the mechanism of conductivity decay of the paper composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MCM-41 materials modified by organic aminopropyl groups have been successfully prepared through solvothermal process and have been used as drug-controlled delivery system of aspirin. The results show that the releasing properties of this delivery system are affected by the amount of aminopropyl groups on the pore wall and the ordered structure of mesoporous materials. These materials were characterized by XRD, TG, FT-IR, TEM, UV and N2 adsorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

EuL3·2H2O (L=pyridine carboxylic acid) was successfully incorporated into PMMA/SiO2 matrix by a sol–gel method. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that the presence of SiO2 improved the dispersion of EuL3·2H2O. Photoluminescence spectra (PL) showed that the hybrids exhibited the characteristic emission bands of Eu3+ and concentration quenching was significantly reduced by the introduction of SiO2. The refractive index of the hybrids was adjustable via changing the ratio of SiO2 and EuL3·2H2O. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cu3Se2 and Ag2Se nanocrystals have been synthesized with Se as the precursor in aqueous solutions under photo-irradiation at room temperature. The obtained products were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the tetragonal phase of Cu3Se2 with nearly spherical grains and the orthorhombic phase of Ag2Se with nanoscale dendrite were formed. The experiments also confirmed that photo-irradiation and Na2SO3 played important roles in the formation of Cu3Se2 and Ag2Se nanocrystals. The formation mechanism of Cu3Se2 and Ag2Se nanocrystals was investigated in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Grass carp is one of the most important freshwater aquaculture species in China. However, the mechanisms underlying the growth of muscle tissue in the fish are unclear. High-throughput RNA-Seq was used to analyze the transcriptome of grass carp muscle tissue between fast- and slow-growing fish family groups. Twenty-four individuals each from 4 fast-growing families and 4 slow-growing families were used to reduce background noise. 71 up-regulated and 35 down-regulated genes were identified in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed the DEGs were involved in the GH/IGF axis, calcium metabolism, protein and glycogen synthesis, oxygen transport, cytoskeletal and myofibrillar components. IGFBP1 was up-regulated in big fish while GHR2 was down-regulated. Glutamic pyruvate transaminase 2, an indicator of liver tissue damage, was down-regulated in big grass carp, which indicates that the fish was better adapted to an artificially formulated diet. GAPDH, the rate-limiting enzyme in glycolytic flux was highly expressed in fast-growing grass carp, reflecting enhanced carbohydrate metabolism. Higher expression of ALAS2 and myoglobin 1 in big grass carp, related to oxygen transport might promote aerobic exercise along with food intake and muscle growth. Genes for cytoskeletal and myofibrillar components such as tropomyosin, meromyosin, and troponin I were also up-regulated in big grass carp. These results provide valuable information about the key genes for use as biomarkers of growth in selective breeding programs for grass carp and contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulative pathways regulating growth in fish. Unlabelled Image • Transcriptomes of grass carp muscle tissue between fast- and slow-growing fish family groups were compared. • Between-group comparisons revealed 106 genes that were significantly differential expressed (DEGs). • DEGs were involved in GH/IGF axis, calcium metabolism, oxygen transport, myofibrillar components et al. • The results provide valuable information about the key genes for use as biomarkers of growth in grass carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new aqueous chemical growth method for in situ generation of ZnO clusters inside MCM-41 without modification scheme has been developed. Different from classical methods, the host MCM-41 does not need to be surface modified. Furthermore, ZnO clusters were prepared without calcinations, which could pack in the channels of mesoporous materials to produce quantum size effects. The PL emission peak was blue shifted to 420nm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the presence of poly (sodium-p-styrene sulfonate) (PSS), which was used as a surfactant agent, lead sulfate (PbSO4) nanocrystals with different morphologies were successfully synthesized in mild conditions. The obtained products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that temperature and concentration of PSS played key roles in controlling the morphologies of the products. At a certain concentration of PSS, PbSO4 nanorods with diameters of 50–200 nm and typical aspect ratios of 4–6 were obtained. Lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals can be obtained via the phase transition of PbSO4 by adding thioacetamide (TAA) as sulfur source. The lamina-like PbS nanocrystals were also obtained without adding any other surfactant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanocrystals have been synthesized in aqueous solution with Se as precursor via photo-irradiation at room temperature with the help of Na2SO3. The obtained products were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that CdSe nanoparticles with cubic phase were aggregated to an average size of 25 nm. The experiments also confirmed that Na2SO3, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and trisodium citrate (TSC) played important roles in the formation of CdSe nanocrystals. The possible mechanism for the formation of CdSe nanocrystals is also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A rare earth complex, Eu(AA)3Phen was successfully introduced into the pores of mesoporous silica, which was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and nitrogen sorption isotherms. The rare earth complex dispersed in mesoporous silica displayed characteristic fluorescence emission of the pure rare earth complex, and the fluorescence emission was enhanced, especially for that with diamine treated mesoporous silica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a varied set of hematologic neoplasms and a high risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 4-Amino-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl retinate (ATPR), a novel all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) derivative, play an important role in various types of cancer cells as a tumor inhibitor. However, little is known concerning its antitumor effect on MDS. The cell viability and the percentage of apoptotic cells were used to measure MTT, Flow Cytometry and Hoechst 33342/PI staining. In addition, real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to analyzed the expression of p53, as well as the levels of BNIP3, apoptosis proteins of Caspase-3, BAX and BCL-2. After SKM-1 cells were incubated with DAC, ATRA and ATPR, the viability of the SKM-1 cells was inhibited in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Both Hoechst staining and flow cytometry showed the apoptosis of SKM-1 cells was increased. Moreover, SKM-1 cells treated with ATPR unveiled elevated mRNA and protein levels of p53, BNIP3, BAX and Caspase-3 expression and decreased BCL-2 expression. However, silencing p53 suppressed the pro-apoptosis function of ATPR. Consequently, these data provide the first evidence for ATPR increased apoptosis in SKM-1 cells by p53 that is mutually dependent on and obligatorily linked to BNIP3 gene activation. Highlights • DAC, ATRA and ATPR inhibited the metabolic activity of SKM-1 Cells. • DAC, ATRA and ATPR induced the apoptosis of SKM-1 Cells. • p53 induced SKM-1 cells apoptosis via BNIP3, BAX, BCL-2 and Caspase-3. • ATPR up-regulated the protein level of p53 and induced SKM-1 cell apoptosis via p53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NQO1 is a dimeric flavoprotein which intimately associated with cancer and overexpressed in the cytosol of numerous human tumor cells. Given that the cellular environment is quite dynamic and versatile, further investigation of the function of NQO1 depends on tools for specific detection of it. Currently, several activity-based assays have been developed to detect NQO1-expressing cancerous tissues. Herein, we report the development of a functional affinity-based small-molecule probe which is composed of a potent small-molecule NQO1 inhibitor 3d as the recognition group, a linker and the fluorophores group FITC. The probe exhibits good inhibitory activity of NQO1 and has been successfully used to label the protein in A549 cells at the micromolar level. These features make the probe favorable for mechanistic studies and cancer diagnostic biomarker. Based on these preliminary results, our laboratory will focus on the further development of fluorescent probe for NQO1, which could be anticipated to be applied in physiological and pathological studies of NQO1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcass traits are important to the commercial chicken industry, and understanding the genetics of these traits will be useful in the development of commercially viable varieties of chickens. We conducted a genome-wide association study based on 8 carcass trait phenotypes in a population of 400 43- week-old Jinghai Yellow chickens. Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing technology was used to identify 90,961 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) distributed among 29 chromosomes and the mitochondrial genome. SNP that were significantly associated with phenotypic traits were identified by a simple general linear model. Fifteen SNP attained genome-wide significance (P < 1.87E-6) and were associated with 5 of the 8 carcass traits; only one SNP was significantly associated with 2 traits (foot weight and wing weight). Twelve genes were associated with these 15 SNP. A region of chromosome 4 between 75.5 and 76.1 Mb was associated with carcass weight, foot weight, and wing weight. An 84-kb region on chromosome 3 (51.2 Mb) was associated with eviscerated weight and semi-eviscerated weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of ortho -naphthoquinone analogs of β-lapachone were designed, synthesized and evaluated. The biological results indicated that most of our compounds were efficient substrates for NQO1. The new scaffold with water-soluble side chain resulted in greater solubility under acidic condition compared to β-lapachone. Thus avoiding the use of hydroxylpropyl β-cyclodextrin which would finally cause the rapid drug clearance from the blood and dose-limiting toxicity in the form of hemolytic anemia. The most soluble and promising compound in this series was 2-((4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)naphtho[2,1- d ]oxazole-4,5-dione ( 3k ), which inhibited cancer cell (NQO1-rich A549 cell line) growth at IC 50 values of 4.6 ± 1.0 μmol·L −1 . Furthermore, compound 3k had in vivo antitumor activity in an A549 tumor xenografts mouse model comparable to the activity obtained with β-lapachone. The results indicated that these ortho -naphthoquinones could serve as promising leads for further optimization as novel substrates for NQO1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural product (±)-dunnione ( 2 ) and its ortho -quinone analogues ( 3 – 8 ) were synthesized and found to be substrates for NQO1. The structure–activity relationship study revealed that the biological activity was favored by the presence of methyl group at the C ring and methoxy group at the A ring. The docking studies supported the rationalization of the metabolic studies. Deeper location in the active site of NQO1, interactions with hydrophobic pocket and C–H…π interactions with the adjacent Phe178 residue contributed to the better catalytic efficiency and specificity to NQO1. Cytotoxicity studies and determination of superoxide (O 2 − ) production in the presence and absence of the NOQ1 inhibitor dicoumarol confirmed that the ortho -quinones exerted their antitumor activity through NQO1-mediated ROS production by redox cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glycine has been shown to participate in protection from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. However, the cardioprotective effect of glycine after burn remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of glycine on myocardial damage in severely burned rats. Methods: Seventy-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal controls (C), burned controls (B), and glycine-treated (G). Groups B and G were given a 30% total body surface area full-thickness burn. Group G was administered 1.5g/(kgd) glycine and group B was given the same dose of alanine via intragastric administration for 3d. Serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), and blood lactate, as well as myocardial ATP and glutathione (GSH) content, were measured. Cardiac contractile function and histopathological changes were analyzed at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results: Serum CK, LDH, AST, and blood lactate increased, while myocardial ATP and GSH content decreased in both burned groups. Compared with group B, the levels of CK, LDH, and AST significantly decreased, whereas blood lactate as well as myocardial ATP and GSH content increased in group G. Moreover, cardiac contractile function inhibition and myocardial histopathological damage in group G significantly decreased compared with group B. Conclusion: Myocardial histological structure and function were damaged significantly after burn. Glycine is beneficial to myocardial preservation by improving cardiomyocyte energy metabolism and increasing ATP and GSH abundance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]