Search

Hydro(solvo)thermal reactions of cobalt(ii) salts, N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)sebacoamide, and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid afforded diverse coordination polymers that exhibit structural transformations.

Hydrothermal reactions of cobalt(II) salts and bis(N-pyrid-3-ylmethyl)adipoamide (L) with various polycarboxylic acids in water and NaOH solutions afforded {[Co(L)0.5(1,3,5-HBTC)(H2O)]·H2O}n (1,3,5-H3BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), 1, {[Co1.5(L)1.5(1,3,5-BTC)(H2O)4]·4H2O}n, 2, [Co(L)(5-tert-IPA)(H2O)2]n (5-tert-H2IPA = 5-tert-butylbenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 3, and {[Co(L)(5-NH2-IPA)]·H2O}n (5-NH2-H2IPA = 5-aminoisophthalic acid), 4, respectively, which have been structurally characterized by using single crystal X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1–3 display two-dimensional (2D) networks, showing bey, bex and hcb topologies, respectively, while complex 4 exhibits a three-dimensional (3D) framework with the xww topology (standard representation), which can be further simplified as the tfz-d topology (cluster representation), revealing the structure-directing roles of the substituent groups on the polycarboxylate ligands. Reversible structural transformation upon delivery and removal of H+ in 1 and 2 is observed, which can be ascribed to the various bonding modes of the benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate anions and the flexible nature of L.

Zn(II) and Cd(II) coordination polymers constructed from a new angular bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligand and naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2NDC), {[Zn2(L)(1,4-NDC)2]·2H2O} [L = 4,4′-oxybis(N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)benzamide)], 1, and {[Cd2(L)(1,4-NDC)2]·EtOH}, 2, have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. While complex 1 displays a 2D double layer with the rare (46·64)-5 L4 topology, complex 2 shows a 3D framework with a new (4·5·6)(45·55·69·7·8) topology. Both complexes 1 and 2 display luminescence properties and 2 exhibits a high sensitivity toward the detection of Fe3+ ions with a Ksv value of 1.9 × 104 M−1. The quenching effect can most probably be ascribed to the interactions between the metal ions and the amide carbonyl oxygen atoms.

Background To investigate the combined enhancing effects of microbubble-contrast SonoVue and oxytocin on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of adenomyosis. Methods 330 patients with adenomyosis were randomly assigned to SonoVue and oxytocin group (group A, n = 82), oxytocin (group B, n = 85), SonoVue (group C, n = 81), or the control (group D, n = 82) for HIFU ablation. In group A, oxytocin was dripped 0.32 IU/min, and HIFU ablation was started one minute after SonoVue injection. In group B, oxytocin was dripped 0.32 IU/min during ablation. In group C, HIFU ablation was started one minute after SonoVue injection. In group D, neither oxytocin nor SonoVue was applied. The clinical data, treatment results, and complications were analyzed. Results All participants underwent HIFU treatment safely, and the mean energy efficiency factor (EEF) in the four groups was 4.7 ± 0.9J/mm3, 8.5 ± 0.6J/mm3, 8.9 ± 0.7J/mm3, and 12.6 ± 1.8J/mm3, respectively, with the mean ablation time (AT) of 633.7 ± 55.1 s, 874.2 ± 65.6 s, 936.3 ± 85.2 s, and 1103.2 ± 96.2 s, respectively. The non-perfused volume ratios (NPVR) were 90.4 ± 8.8%, 88.7 ± 9.1%, 89.4 ± 7.2%, 80.5 ± 7.9%, respectively. In addition, EEF and AT were the shortest in group A (p 0.05). Conclusions Compared to the control group, oxytocin combined with SonoVue in HIFU for adenomyosis can significantly decrease the energy and time needed for the ablation and safely enhance the treatment efficiency by improving the cavitation and heating of HIFU ablation and increasing the non-perfused volume ratio.

The reactions of asymmetrical N-(4-halophenyl)-N′-cyanoformamidine (L–X, X = F, Cl, Br or I) with AgClO4 and AgNO3 afforded six coordination polymers, including {[Ag(L–Cl)](ClO4)}n [(L–Cl = N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N′-cyanoformamidine)], 1; {[Ag(L–Br)](ClO4)}n [(L–Br = N-(4-bromophenyl)-N′-cyanoformamidine)], 2; {[Ag(L–I)2](ClO4)}n [(L–I = N-(4-iodophenyl)-N′-cyanoformamidine)], 3; {[Ag(L–F)](NO3)}n [(L–F = N-(4-fluorophenyl)-N′-cyanoformamidine)], 4; {[Ag(L–Cl)](NO3)}n, 5 and {[Ag(L–Br)](NO3)}n, 6. Complexes 1 and 2 are 1D helical chains, and 3 features a 2D layer with the (63)-hcb topology. Complexes 4–6 are 1D linear chains supported by Ag---O interactions, which are further linked through Ag---Ag interactions and N–H---O hydrogen bonds to form 3D supramolecular structures. Halogen substituents on ligands and oxyanions in complexes affect the structures of complexes due to differences in the electronegativity, volume and Ag---O strengths. Although fluorine, chlorine and bromine atoms exhibit a similar structural effect and the iodine atom has the opposite effect, the larger ClO4− anion hinders the formation of the argentophilic interaction and the smaller NO3− anion is involved in this interaction.

The presence of endoleak was associated with the failure of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) treatment. The key to eliminating type II endoleak has shifted from reintervention to prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of applying fibrin sealant to prevent type II endoleak in conjunction with EVAR.All patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent EVAR from June 2019 to July 2021 were reviewed. Patients were grouped as Group A: standard EVAR with preemptive embolization and Group B: standard EVAR alone. The primary endpoint was the incidence of type II endoleak. The secondary endpoints were aneurysm sac regression, the inferior mesenteric artery patency, the numbers of patent lumbar arteries, and all-cause mortality.A total of 104 patients were included in Group A, and 116 were included in Group B. Technical success rate was 100%. The overall incidence of type II endoleak in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B (4.8% vs 19.0%). The mean time of freedom from type II endoleak was 22.71 months for Group A (95% confidence interval, 21.59-23.83 months) and 19.89 months for Group B (95% confidence interval, 18.08-21.70 months). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of freedom from type II endoleak showed a significantly longer duration of freedom from type II endoleak in Group A (81.0% vs 95.2%). Group A showed a continuous sac regression tendency. In Group B, the sac volume decreased within 12 months but increased by 3.07 cmNonselective preemptive embolization with porcine fibrin sealant during EVAR was safe and effective in preventing type II endoleak in the short and mid-term. Preemptive embolization can lead to a significantly higher sac regression rate. Larger patient populations and longer follow-ups with randomized control designed trials are expected to verify the long-term effectiveness and safety of preemptive embolization in preventing type II endoleak.

Reactions of the semi-rigid N,N&prime, bis(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide (L) with divalent metal salts in the presence of dicarboxylic acids afforded [Cd(L)0.5(1,2-BDC)(H2O)]n (1,2-H2BDC = benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), 1, {[Cd(L)1.5(1,3-BDC)(H2O)]&middot, 5H2O}n (1,3-H2BDC = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 2a, {[Cd(1,3-BDC)(H2O)3]&middot, 2H2O}n, 2b, {[Cd(L)0.5(1,4-BDC)(H2O)2]&middot, H2O}n (1,4-H2BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid), 3, and [Cu(L)0.5(5-tert-IPA)]n (5-tert-IPA = 5-tert-butylbenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 4, which have been structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 3 are two-dimensional (2D) layers with the bey and the hcb topologies, and 2a and 2b are one-dimensional (1D) ladder and zigzag chain, respectively, while 4 shows a 3-fold interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) net with the cds topology. The structures of these coordination polymers containing the semi-rigid L ligands are subject to the donor atom positions and the identity of the dicarboxylate ligands, which are in marked contrast to those obtained from the flexible bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligands that form self-catenated nets. The luminescence of 1 and 3 and thermal properties of complexes 1, 3, and 4 are also discussed.

Hydrothermal reactions of N,N′-di-3-pyridyladipoamide (L) with 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (1,2,4,5-H2btec) in water without and with NaOH afforded [Co(L)(1,2,4,5-btec)0.5]n, 1, and [Co(L)(...

Reactions of metal(II) salts (M = Cd, Ni and Zn) with 5-tert-butylbenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (5-tert-H2IPA) and N,N′-bis(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide (L1) or N,N′-bis(4-pyridyl)terephthalamide (L2) afforded {[Cd(L1)(5-tert-IPA)(H2O)]·2H2O}n, 1, {[Ni(L1)1.5(5-tert-IPA)(H2O)2]·2.5H2O}n, 2, {[Ni(L1)(5-tert-IPA)(CH3OH)]·2CH3OH}n, 3, [Zn(L1)0.5(5-tert-IPA)]n, 4, and {[Ni(L2)(5-tert-IPA)(H2O)]·2H2O}n, 5, which have been structurally determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are 1D ladders with the {4·84·12}{4}{8}-2,2,4C1 and {82·12}2{8}3-2,2,3C4 topologies, and 3 and 5 are 2D layers showing {84·122}{8}2-2,4L2 and {44·62}-sql topologies, respectively, while complex 4 exhibits a 3-fold interpenetrated 3D net with the {42·6·102·12}{42·6}-coe-3,4-C2/c topology, which can be further simplified as the {65·8}-cds topology, indicating that solvents and metal identity play important roles in determining the structural diversity. Moreover, complexes 2 and 3 display a reversible structural transformation upon coordination as well as co-crystallized solvent exchange between H2O and CH3OH, which can be ascribed to the alternations of the bonding modes of the 5-tert-IPA2− ligand upon solvent attack, together with the conformation changes of the L1 ligand. Their thermal decomposition and the luminescence properties of 1 and 4 are also discussed.

One-pot solvothermal reactions of 2-aminopyridine, triethylorthoformate and sodium hydroxide with CuX (X = Br, and I) in dimethylformamide (DMF) and methanol (MeOH) afforded extended metal chains based on the linear tetracopper units, {[Cu4Br2(Dpyf)2]·DMF}n, 1, and [Cu4I2(Dpyf)2]n, 2, which were structurally identified by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1 and 2 present closed-shell Cu(I)–Cu(I) interactions that are supported by formamidinate ligands, resulting in a face-to-side configuration and a face-to-face configuration, respectively, for the tetranuclear units. Complexes 1 and 2 represent the first example of one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers that are based on linear tetracopper units. Moreover, complexes 1 and 2 can be regarded as copper(I) halide aggregates with the unique Cu4Br22+ and Cu4I22+ cations extending into a 1D zigzag chain and a looped chain, respectively. Complexes 1 and 2 show broad emissions at 570 and 549 nm, respectively, which can most probably be ascribed to 3d(Cu) → π* metal to ligand charge transfer. Reversible crystal-to-crystal transformation and luminescence change were observed for complex 1 upon solvent exchange, which can be regarded as a potential luminescent sensor for selective detection of water and methanol.

This paper investigates tensile performances of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) with different curing ages varying from 3d to 28d. Cracking properties of SHCC specimens like the evolution of the number of cracks and the crack opening under direct tension was monitored simultaneously by using the digital images correlation (DIC) technique. Results show that the ultimate tensile strain in specimens cured for 7d is higher than that in specimens cured for 3d and 28d. The strain-hardening process involves three stages such as the initial, the intermediate, and the final stage, which are determined in terms of their cracking properties. Cracking properties of specimens cured for 3d and 7d display different rules from those of specimens cured for 28d at the intermediate strain-hardening stage, leading to different shape of stress-strain curve. Curing age influences fiber bridging stress-crack opening relation ( σ ( δ ) ) and interfacial mechanical behavior between PVA fiber and the matrix. σ ( δ ) gained by the DIC technique is similar to that observed in the tensile testing on notched specimens. The energy-based index of specimens cured for 7d has greater margin than that of specimens cured for 3d and 28d. The interfacial bond between fiber and matrix in specimens cured for 28d is larger than that in specimens cured for 3d and 7d.

A facile method to synthesize 2-nitromethyl aromatic ketones was developed. In the method, benzyne was generated in situ for the insertion to α-Nitroketones in one pot to achieve 2-nitromethyl aromatic ketones under mild conditions. Aromatic and aliphatic α-nitroketones were applied in the reaction, and the results show that aliphatic α-nitroketones gave excellent yields (up to 96%), while aromatic α-nitroketones gave moderate yields. The synthesized 2-nitromethyl aromatic ketones could be potential substrates to synthesize isoindoles.

BACKGROUND Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri) is a major pathogen causing acute intestinal infection, but the systematic oxidative damage incurred during the course of infection has not been investigated. AIM To investigate the incurred systemic RNA oxidative damage and the diagnostic value of RNA oxidative metabolites during S. flexneri-induced intestinal infection. METHODS In this study, a Sprague-Dawley rat model of acute intestinal infection was established by oral gavage with S. flexneri strains. The changes in white blood cells (WBCs) and cytokine levels in blood and the inflammatory response in the colon were investigated. We also detected the RNA and DNA oxidation in urine and tissues. RESULTS S. flexneri infection induced an increase in WBCs, C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-17a, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in blood. Of note, a significant increase in urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxo-Gsn), an important marker of total RNA oxidation, was detected after intestinal infection (P = 0.03). The urinary 8-oxo-Gsn level returned to the baseline level after recovery from infection. In addition, the results of a correlation analysis showed that urinary 8-oxo-Gsn was positively correlated with the WBC count and the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-17α. Further detection of the oxidation in different tissues showed that S. flexneri infection induced RNA oxidative damage in the colon, ileum, liver, spleen, and brain. CONCLUSION Acute infection induced by S. flexneri causes increased RNA oxidative damage in various tissues (liver, spleen, and brain) and an increase of 8-oxo-Gsn, a urinary metabolite. Urinary 8-oxo-Gsn may be useful as a biomarker for evaluating the severity and prognosis of infection.

More and more evidence support the concept that RNA oxidation plays a substantial role in the progress of multiple diseases; however, only a few studies have reported RNA oxidation caused by microbial pathogens. Urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxo-Gsn) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGsn), which are broadly used as indicators of oxidative damage of RNA and DNA, were analyzed in this study to determine which can be used as a biomarker of infection in challenged with

Purpose To systematically evaluate the correlation between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CBM, Wanfang, and CNKI) were searched through May 2020. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed by using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS), and meta-analysis was carried out by using the Review Manager 5.3 software on the studies with the quality evaluation scores ≥ 6. Meta-regression analysis was used to determine the independent role of PD-L1 expression on CRC prognosis after adjusting clinicopathological features and treatment methods. Results A total of 8823 CRC patients in 32 eligible studies. PD-L1 expression was correlated with lymphatic metastasis (yes/no; OR = 1.24, 95% CI (1.11, 1.38)), diameter of tumor (≥ 5 cm/ Conclusion PD-L1 expression independently predicted a poor prognosis of CRC.

A series of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) coordination polymers and dinuclear metallocycles containing 4-aminopyridine (4-ampy) and benzenedicarboxylate ligands, {[M(4-ampy)2(1,4-BDC)]&middot, H2O&middot, CH3CH2OH}n (M = Ni, 1a, Co, 1b, 1,4-H2BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid), {[Ni2(4-ampy)4(1,3-BDC)2]&middot, CH3CH2OH}n (1,3-H2BDC = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), 2, [M2(4-ampy)4(1,2-BDC)2] (M = Ni, 3a, Co, 3b, 1,2-H2BDC = benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), [Co(4-ampy)2(1,3-BDC)]n, 4, {[Cu(4-ampy)2(1,4-BDC)] CH3CH2OH}n, 5a, and {[Cu(4-ampy)2(1,4-BDC)]&middot, H2O}n, 5b&middot, H2O, are reported, which were hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized by using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1a and 1b are isomorphous 1D zigzag chains, while 2 displays a concave&ndash, convex chain and 3a and 3b are dinuclear metallocycles that differ in the boding modes of the 1,2-BDC2&minus, ligands, forming a 3D and a 2D supramolecular structures with the pcu and sql topologies, respectively. Complex 4 exhibit a 1D helical chain and complexes 5a and 5b&middot, H2O are 1D linear and zigzag chains, in which the Cu2-1,4-BDC2&minus, units adopt the cis and trans configurations, respectively. A novel irreversible structural transformation due to cis&rarr, trans isomerization of the Cu2-1,4-BDC2&minus, units was observed in 5b&sdot, H2O and 5a upon water adsorption of the desolvated product of 5b&middot, H2O.

Four series of pipes such as reinforced strain hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) pipe (RSHCCP), plain SHCC pipe (SHCCP), reinforced cement mortar pipe (RMP) and plain cement mortar pipe (MP) were investigated by means of Three-Edge Bearing Testing (TEBT) under monotonic and cyclic loading. Results show that RSHCCP had the highest load-carrying capacity and deflection ratio among them. The synergy reinforced effect of PVA fiber and reinforcing steel to improve load-carrying capacity and deflection ratio of pipe was validated. Under cyclic loading, the irreversible deflection at the crown of pipe increased gradually. The envelope of the load–deflection response of cyclically loading pipe was consistent with the load–deflection curve of monotonically loading pipe. The pipe stiffness of concrete pipe under TEBT was characterized using the ratio of load to the reversible deflection at the crown of pipe during cyclic loading. The pipe stiffness of RSHCCP decreased continuously after the applied load exceeded the elastic range while the pipe stiffness of SHCCP, RMP, and MP remained stable unless the imposed load was close to the ultimate load. The pipe stiffness of RSHCCP could satisfy the requirements for the installation flexural stiffness ratio of semi-rigid pipe as the applied load was more than 70% of its ultimate load. The deflection ratio of RSHCCP was greater than the minimum deflection ratio level (i.e. 3%) of semi-rigid pipe.

Nucleic acid oxidation plays an important role in the pathophysiology progress of a variety of diseases. 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGsn) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxo-Gsn), which originate from DNA and RNA oxidation, were the most widely used indicators for oxidative stress. The study investigated the relation between 8-oxo-dGsn, 8-oxo-Gsn, and CKD. 146 patients with CKD were divided into five disease stages, and their fasting blood and morning urine were collected. The levels of 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn in plasma and urine were quantified by LC-MS/MS. The ratio of urinary 8-oxo-Gsn to creatinine increased from stages 1 to 4 corresponding to the increased severity of CKD, but it decreased in stage 5. And plasma 8-oxo-Gsn gradually increased with the decline of renal function. In particular, the increased ratio of plasma and urine 8-oxo-Gsn in stage 5 exceeded the concentration of creatinine. This trend was similar to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which indicates that 8-oxo-Gsn could be an appropriate indicator for renal function. Our finding indicates that as the disease progresses, RNA oxidation is increased. The significant increase in the ratio of plasma and urinary 8-oxo-Gsn is a novel evaluation index of end-stage renal disease.

Reactions of divalent metal salts with N,N’-bis(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide (L) and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (1,3,5-H3BTC) under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions afforded five coordination polymers, {[Cd(L)(1,3,5-HBTC)]∙2H2O}n, 1, {[Cu(L)(1,3,5-HBTC)]•H2O}n, 2, {[Zn(L)(1,3,5-HBTC)]∙2H2O}n, 3, {(H2L)0.5[Ni(L)(1,3,5-BTC)(H2O)2]•H2O•}n, 4, and {[Ni1.5(L)1.5(1,3,5-BTC)(CH3OH)2]•3CH3OH}n, 5, which have been structurally characterized by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 - 3 adopt the 3,5-connected 2D nets with the {42.67.8}{42.6}-3,5L2 topology, whereas 4 shows a 1D column with the 2,4C6 topology and 5 exhibits a 2D double layer with the hexagonal channels and the 3,4,4L35 topology, indicating the significant effect of the cocrystallized solvent molecules on the structural diversity of 4 and 5. Moreover, complex 5 can be transformed to 4 irreversibly under solvothermal condition, which can be ascribed to the various coordination modes of the benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate anions. The thermal properties of complexes 1–5 and the luminescent properties of 1 and 3 are also discussed.

Strain Hardening Cementitious Composites (SHCC) is a kind of micromechanically designed cement-based composite with ultra high tensile ductility. It is used to fabricate an innovative concrete pipe to improve the structural performance of concrete pipe. The load-carrying capacity, deflection to diameter ratio, circumferential strain and crack patterns of reinforced SHCC pipes (SHCCP) in comparison to these of conventional reinforced cement mortar pipes (RMP) have been investigated under the Three-Edge Bearing Testing (TEBT). Results show that resulting from high tensile strength and high ductility of SHCC the ultimate load and deflection diameter ratios has increased about 200% and 340% for SHCCP relative to RMP. So, SHCCP had thinner walls relative to standard reinforced concrete pipes. SHCCP with diameter of 375 mm and wall thickness of 25 mm could bear the specified D ult for Class III pipes according to ASTM C76 . SHCCP also possessed high residual load-carrying capacity. SHCCP could endure higher tensile strain than RMP. The maximum tensile strain of the crown and the springline of SHCCP reached 10,000 μe and 6400 μe. The multiple cracking characteristic of SHCC existed in SHCCP under TEBT. SHCCP exhibited high ductility so that it has the potential to be classified as a type of semi-rigid pipe.

Investigate the influence of benazepril and amlodipine on the expression of secretin (PZ) and somatostatin (SS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Forty-five SHRs (14 weeks old, male) were randomly assigned into 3 groups (After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the WKY group, the expression of protein and mRNA of PZ in duodenum and SS in sinuses ventriculi was increased significantly in SHR group (The regulation disorder of PZ in duodenum and SS in sinuses ventriculi exists in SHR. The antihypertensive effect of benazepril and amlodipine may be realized by regulating the expression of PZ and SS, while the regulation of amlodipine is more obvious than benazepril.

Purpose To investigate the pain relief effect and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with a multitined electrode combined with cement injection in patients with painful metastatic bone tumors. Materials and methods Sixteen patients with 34 osteolytic metastatic lesions were treated with RFA including 4 males and 12 females (age range 54-84). Thirteen patients with spinal metastases received additional cement injection. Medical imaging, a visual analog scale (VAS) and the EORTC QLQ-C30 were performed to evaluate the metastatic lesion, pain and quality of life, respectively, before and after RFA and at follow-ups. Results The RFA and/or vertebroplasty with cement injection were successful in all patients (100%). Except for one patient who had cement leakage, no intraprocedural complications occurred. After RFA, severe refractory pain was greatly relieved in all patients, with pretreatment VAS score of 8.1 ± 1.4 significantly reduced to 5.5 ± 1.1 at 24 h, 2.8 ± 0.6 at 1 week and 1.4 ± 0.8 at 6 months (P < 0.01). The EORTC QLQ-C30 scale at 1 month demonstrated significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the physical (P = 0.03) and emotion function (P = 0.003), global health status (P = 0.002), pain (P = 0.001) and insomnia (P = 0.002). The analgesics were reduced after the procedure and stopped 2 months later in all patients, with greatly improved quality of life and no apparent pain. Followed up for 6-12 months, all patients remained alive with no recurrence of pain. Palliative pain relief and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation combined with cement injection for bone metastasis. Conclusion RFA with or without bone cement is safe and effective in the palliative treatment of pain caused by metastatic bone tumors.

Background: Mestranol is a widely used estrogen, which is converted into its active metabolite ethinyl estradiol by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9. To comprehensively examine the enzymatic activity of reported CYP2C9 variants in Chinese individuals in response to mestranol, wild-type CYP2C9*1 and 35 allelic variants were highly expressed in Sf21 insect cell microsomes and used for the detection of their enzymatic values in vitro. These results showed that the majority of tested variants exhibited decreased clearance values compared to wild type, except for CYP2C9*40 and *36. Method: Insect microsomes expressing the 36 CYP2C9 variants were incubated with 0.25-8 μmol/l mestranol for 30 min at 37°C. Then, the production of the metabolite of mestranol, ethinyl estradiol, was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Most CYP-catalyzed reactions were sufficiently described by classical Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters (e.g., Km and Vmax), while 9 variants exhibited atypical or non-Michaelis-Menten kinetic values, which were largely due to the self-inhibitory effect in response to mestranol. Conclusion: This is the first report of these rare alleles for mestranol metabolism, which provides fundamental data for further clinical studies on CYP2C9 alleles for mestranol metabolism.

Background: Clinical trials assessing the effects of salt substitutes on blood pressure (BP) have reported mixed results. Objectives: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effect of salt substitutes on BP, including systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Design: Studies were identified via systematic searches of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases through December 2013. Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled mean differences in SBP and DBP. Results: Six cohorts from 5 articles (1 trial enrolled 2 cohorts for independent intervention) consisting of 1974 participants were included. Pooled results showed that salt substitutes had a significant effect on SBP (mean difference: 24.9 mm Hg; 95% CI: 27.3, 22.5 mm Hg; P , 0.001) and DBP (mean difference: 21.5 mm Hg; 95% CI: 22.7, 20.3 mm Hg; P = 0.013). Significant heterogeneity was found for both SBP (I 2 = 76.7%) and DBP (I 2 = 65.8%). The sensitivity analysis indicated that the pooled effects of salt substitutes on SBP and DBP were robust to systematically dropping each trial. Furthermore, no evidence of significant publication bias from funnel plots or Egger’s tests (P = 0.17 and 0.22 for SBP and DBP, respectively) was found. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that salt-substitution strategies are effective at lowering SBP and DBP, which supports a nutritional approach to preventing hypertension. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;100:1448‐54.

Oxidatively generated damage to nucleic acids may play an important role in the pathophysiological processes of a variety of diseases. 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGsn) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxo-Gsn) are oxidatively generated products of DNA and RNA, respectively. Our previous studies have suggested that the amounts of 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn in urine were considerably higher than other body fluid or tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn levels in random urine samples are consistent with those in 24 h urine samples in healthy subjects and patients with renal disease. A total of 16 healthy subjects and 104 renal disease patients were enrolled in this study, and their random and 24 h urine samples were collected. The levels of urinary 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn were quantified by LC-MS/MS and corrected by creatinine. Regardless of healthy subjects or renal disease patients, the levels of oxidised nucleosides in random urine samples were consistent with 24 h urine samples. Regardless of the age bracket, there is no significant difference between random samples and 24 h urine samples. In conclusion, 8-oxo-dGsn and 8-oxo-Gsn levels in random urine samples could replace those in 24 h urine samples, and were considered as the representative of the level of systemic oxidative stress for the whole day.

Taking structure strengthen of a large hotel as the engineering background, based on superposition principle, put forward the design method of concrete two-way slab strengthened with partially bonded steel plate. According to the finite element analysis, the solid finite element model is established, and then the stress, strain and deflection of two-way slab strengthened with bonded steel plate is obtained, at the meantime compared with the load test datum in situ. The analysis results show that the finite element software is a reliable tool applied to analyze the design of two-way slab strengthened with bonded steel plate. When the increasing load is larger, partially bonding steel plate strengthening has more advantage and economize than bonding carbon fiber strengthening on two-way slab, meanwhile that slab strengthened with partially bonded steel plate has better mechanical properties, strength and stiffness.

This study aimed to assess the combined therapeutic efficacies with gene therapy and stem cell treatment and herb on the differentiation of hBMSCs into vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia condition. The third passage of hBMSCs were randomly divided into four groups, including control group (hBMSCs transfected with empty vectors), VEGF group (VEGF gene transfected to hBMSCs), AST group (cultured with AST), and VEGF + AST group (the intervention of VEGF group plus AST group). Each group was cultured at 37°C and 5% O2 for 2 weeks. Cell morphology was observed by inverted phase and were crowded and arranged irregularly in the control group and AST group, showing a fiber-like growth, while those in the VEGF group and VEGF plus AST group were mostly triangular or polygonal, exhibiting a colony-like growth, contrast microscope. CD31 was negative in the control group and AST group, while CD105 was positive in both groups, tested by flow cytometry assay. The positive rate of CD31 was significantly higher in the VEGF group than it in the VEGP + AST, and the positive rate of CD105 was lower in the VEGF group than it in the VEGF + AST group. The levels of VEGF and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by ELISA and the expression of endothelin and prostacyclin by west blot (WB) and RT-PCR were significantly higher in VEGF group and AST group and VEGF plus AST group, compared with control group. Further, the expression of endothelin and vWF and VEGFR-2 was highest in the VEGP + AST group and the expression of prostacyclin was lowest in VEGF group. AST can promote the secretion of VEGF from the differentiation of hBMSCs induced by VEGF gene transfected to hBMSCs by HIF-1α under hypoxia.

To investigate in vivo effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on swine long bones and the repair process. RFA was performed in six swine at the end and middle part of the tibia or femur. After RFA, radiological examinations were performed, and the swine were killed immediately and at different time points post-RFA for histopathological examination. All swine had successful RFA. The RFA-induced elliptical necrotic area ranged from 3.81–5.24 cm2 (mean 4.08 ± 0.73 cm2) at the bone end but 5.60–8.98 cm2 (mean 7.58 ± 1.41) at the middle part immediately after RFA until 10 days, with the necrosis area significantly smaller (P = 0.000) at the end than at the middle. RFA only damaged the cortical bone slightly (0.01 cm thick) with no damage to the soft tissues outside the compact bone at both the end and middle. Surrounding the elliptic pale zone of coagulative necrosis was a narrow brown band of hemorrhage and inflammatory exudate. From day 10 until week 12, tissue proliferation and repair became increasingly apparent, with proliferated granulation, fibrous tissue, and fresh and mature bone trabecula. RFA can quickly and effectively destroy the cancellous bone tissue without affecting the cortical bone and activate bone remodeling.

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (8): 669–677 Abstract Background A mutation in MEF2A (myocyte enhancer factor-2A) had been reported to be the first gene linked directly to coronary artery disease (CAD). However, an opposing opinion was proposed recently that MEF2A mutations are not a common cause of sporadic CAD. In this study, we screened exon 11 of the MEF2A gene in people of the Han nationality in China and finished some functional analysis of found variations. Materials and methods A gene structural investigation of MEF2A in 257 CAD patients and 154 control individuals were developed in this study. Subsequently, typical MEF2A variations were cloned and expressed in HeLa or 293T cell line to illustrate whether found structure changes could influence the main biological functions of these proteins. At last, another set of gene structural screen was initialized to get more reliable conclusions. Results Totally 16 different variations were detected in exon 11 of this gene in the first set of gene structural screen. By cloning and expressing typical MEF2A proteins in cultured cells, all the acquired MEF2A variations had transcriptional activation capabilities and subcellular localization patterns similar to those of the wild-type protein. Further larger scale genetic screening also revealed that the reported genetic variations of MEF2A did not differ significantly between CAD patients and healthy controls. Conclusions Our results reveal that structural changes of exon 11 in MEF2A are not involved in sporadic CAD in the Han population of China.

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term immunological changes after the treatment of Graves’ disease (GD) with thyroid arterial embolization and the effect of thyroid arterial embolization on the body’s immunological functions. Forty-one patients with clinically and laboratorily ascertained GD were treated with thyroid arterial embolization and followed up for 3–54 months following embolization. Prior to embolization and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months following embolization, thyroid autoimmune antibodies were tested respectively, including thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb), thyrotropin antibody (TRAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMAb), as well as subgroup lymphocytes of CD16+CD56+, CD19+, CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+. The autoimmune status of GD patients prior to embolization and the dynamic changes of the immunological function after embolization were analyzed. The therapy of thyroid arterial embolization could effectively decrease the activity/titer and positive rate of TRAb and the ratio of CD4+/ CD8+ to normal levels at 6 months following embolization, while the ratio of CD3+CD8+ increased gradually to normal level at 1 year following embolization. In patients with recurrence, TSAb and TRAb remained at a higher level, while the rate of CD3+CD8+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were not statistically significantly different from those before embolization. Immunological functional disorder exists in GD patients. The treatment method of thyroid arterial embolization can effectively resume the basic immunological function to normal range while patients with recurrence have no significant improvement, suggesting that thyroid arterial embolization has an effective role in adjusting the immunological function.