Layer-specific analysis of left ventricular myocardial contractility in patients with coronary slow-flow phenomenon.

Purpose: Coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic diagnosis characterized by delayed coronary opacification in the absence of significant epicardial coronary stenosis. We previously reported impaired left ventricular (LV) function in patients with CSFP. However, the LV wall comprises three myocardial layers whose contractility can be differently affected.

Layered sphere-shaped TiO₂ capped with gold nanoparticles on structural defects and their catalysis of formaldehyde oxidation.

We describe here a one-step method for the synthesis of Au/TiO2 nanosphere materials, which were formed by layered deposition of multiple anatase TiO2 nanosheets. The Au nanoparticles were stabilized by structural defects in each TiO2 nanosheet, including crystal steps and edges, thereby fixing the Au-TiO2 perimeter interface. Reactant transfer occurred along the gaps between these TiO2 nanosheet layers and in contact with catalytically active sites at the Au-TiO2 interface.

Targeting p38 or MK2 Enhances the Anti-Leukemic Activity of Smac-Mimetics.

Birinapant is a smac-mimetic (SM) in clinical trials for treating cancer. SM antagonize inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins and simultaneously induce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) secretion to render cancers sensitive to TNF-induced killing. To enhance SM efficacy, we screened kinase inhibitors for their ability to increase TNF production of SM-treated cells.

Evaluation of Left and Right Atrial Function in Patients with Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

Background: Coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) is an angiographic diagnosis characterized by delayed coronary opacification in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Currently, several investigators are focusing on ventricular function assessment in patients with CSFP; however, there is a paucity of data on their atrial function. This study was performed to evaluate left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) function in patients with CSFP.

Taurochenodeoxycholate relaxes rat mesenteric arteries through activating eNOS: Comparing with glycochenodeoxycholate and tauroursodeoxycholate.

The bile acids (BAs) and their conjugates have vascular activities and the serum levels of BAs and their conjugates are increased in liver diseases. In the present study, we examined the in vitro vasoactivities of BAs conjugates taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDC) (5-80 µM), glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) (20-150 µM) and tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDC) (20-150 µM) in rat mesenteric arteries and thoracic aorta. The isometric tension of rat mesenteric arteries and thoracic aorta was recorded by using multi-wire myograph systems.

OSCAR-collagen signaling in monocytes plays a proinflammatory role and may contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is an activating receptor expressed by human myeloid cells. Collagen type I (ColI) and collagen type II (ColII) serve as ligands for OSCAR. OSCAR-collagen interaction stimulates RANK-dependent osteoclastogenesis.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and gene organization of the rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata) (Perciformes: Carangidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome information can play an important role in species identification, phylogeny, evolution research, genetic differentiation, and diversity. Here we determined the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Elagatis bipinnulata (Perciformes: Carangidae). This circular genome was 16 542 bp in length, and included all 37 typical mitochondrial genes, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a putative control region.

The first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Uraspis secunda (Perciformes: Carangidae) and its phylogenetic relationship.

In this study, the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Uraspis secunda was determined by using Illumina and Sanger sequencing technology. This genome was 16 554 bp long, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. Twenty-eight genes were located on heavy strand, while nine genes were located on light strand.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationship of Caranx tille (Perciformes: Carangidae).

In the present study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Caranx tille by using Illumina and Sanger sequencing technology that was 16 593 bp in size. This mitochondrial genome was made up of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. Of these 37 genes, 28 were encoded by heavy strand, while nine were encoded by light strand.

Isolation and characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Taenioides anguillaris (Gobiidae: Amblyopinae) with phylogenetic consideration.

Here we first isolated and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome DNA of Taenioides anguillaris. It was 16 974 bp in length, and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a putative control region. The structure and the gene arrangement of this genome were identical to those isolated from other Gobiidae fishes.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and gene organization of Amblychaeturichthys hexanema (Gobiidae: Amblychaeturichthys) with phylogenetic consideration.

We sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of Amblychaeturichthys hexanema and uncovered its molecular phylogenetic relationship. This genome was 18 642 bp in size, and contained 37 classic genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. The gene organization and nucleotide composition were the same with those found in most other Gobiidae fishes.

Two transcripts of HMG-CoA reductase related with developmental regulation from Scylla paramamosain: Evidences from cDNA cloning and expression analysis.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductases (HMGRs), which catalyze the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, may have an important role in the synthesis of methyl farnesoate (MF). In this study, we obtained two HMGR cDNA sequences termed Sp-HMGR1 (membrane-bound form) and Sp-HMGR2 (soluble form), which encode 967 and 654 amino acids, respectively. The two cDNAs possess entirely identical sequences except that Sp-HMGR1 is 1,382 bp, which encodes a sterol-sensed domain (SSD; a membrane-bound domain) and was first found in crustacean HMGR, larger than Sp-HMGR2.

Incomplete excision or postoperative hematoma: primary right ventricular intramyocardial lipoma involving the right ventricular outflow tract.

Primary benign cardiac tumors are relatively rare, and lipomas are even less frequent. We presented a case of primary intramyocardial lipoma involving the right ventricular outflow tract diagnosed through transthoracic echocardiography and surgical pathology. The tumor was completely resected.

The associations between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 E670G polymorphism and the risk of coronary artery disease and serum lipid levels: a meta-analysis.

Background: Studies had investigated the associations between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) E670G polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) and lipid levels, but the results were controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the association between PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and lipid levels and the susceptibility to CAD.

Methods: All relevant articles according to the inclusion criteria were retrieved and included in the present meta-analysis.

The complete mitochondrial genome and gene organization of Cubiceps squamiceps (Perciformes: nomeidae) with phylogenetic consideration.

In this study, we reported the complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of Cubiceps squamiceps, and its phylogenetic relationship. The full length of this mitogenome was 16 510 bp, including 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and a putative control region. The location of genes in mitochondrial genome was similar to other fish species within family Nomeidae.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and gene organization of Tridentiger trigonocephalus (Gobiidae: Gobionellinae) with phylogenetic consideration.

The complete mitochondrial genome plays an important role in studies of genome-level characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. Here we determined the complete mitogenome sequence of Tridentiger trigonocephalus (Perciformes, Gobiidae), and discovered its phylogenetic relationship. This circular genome was 16 662 bp in length, and consisted of 37 typical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes.

Fabrication and Performance of Noble Metal Promoted Birnessite Catalysts for Complete Oxidation of Formaldehyde at Low Temperatures.

Noble metal (Au, Ag, Pd and Pt) promoted birnessite (Bir) catalysts were successfully prepared and tested for catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde (HCHO). The catalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hydrogen temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and N2 adsorption-desorption. The activities of noble metal (Au, Ag, Pd and Pt) promoted birnessite catalysts follow the order of 1.

HAX-1 inhibits apoptosis in prostate cancer through the suppression of caspase-9 activation.

HS1 associated protein X-1 (HAX-1), a substrate of Src family tyrosine kinases, plays a critical role in cell apoptosis. However, its functions in prostate cancer remains unclear. The present study explored the role and mechanism of HAX-1 in cancer cell apoptosis.

Regional left atrial function differentiation in patients with constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy: a study using speckle tracking echocardiography.

Left atrial (LA) function plays an important role in the maintenance of cardiac output. However, whether assessment of regional LA myocardial dysfunction is useful for differentiating between CP and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) remains unclear. Thirty-five patients with CP, 30 patients with RCM, and 30 healthy volunteers (controls) were enrolled in this study.

First mitochondrial genome for the red crab (Charybdis feriata) with implication of phylogenomics and population genetics.

In this study, we first described the complete mitochondrial genome for the red crab (Charybdis feriata), elucidated its phylogenetic relationship among 20 species within Decapoda, and estimated the population genetic diversity. The mitochondrial genome was 15,660 bp in size and encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. The gene arrangement of the mitochondrial genome was the same as that of its sister species, C.

Anionic starch-induced Cu-based composite with flake-like mesostructure for gas-phase propanal efficient removal.

Highly crystalline flake-like CuCeO2-δ composites (strCCx) with large specific surface area and developed mesoporosity were prepared using an economic and effective bio-template route. Modified starch with abundant surface carboxyl groups was adopted as the chelating agent and template for metal cations immobilization via electrostatic attraction predominately based on the process of -COO(-)⋯Cu(2+) and -COO(-)⋯Ce(3+). Physicochemical properties of prepared materials were systematically explored by FT-IR, XRD, TG, N2 adsorption/desorption, FE-SEM, TEM, H2-TPR, O2-TPD, XPS, DRUV-Vis, and XAFS techniques.

Dimethyl fumarate induces necroptosis in colon cancer cells through GSH depletion/ROS increase/MAPKs activation pathway.

Background And Purpose: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a newly approved drug for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Here, we investigated the effects of DMF and its metabolites mono-methylfumarate (MMF and methanol) on different gastrointestinal cancer cell lines and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.

Experimental Approach: Cell viability was measured by the MTT or CCK8 assay.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling reduces Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-induced macrophage necrosis through a ROS -mediated PARP/AIF-dependent pathway.

Background: Necrosis of alveolar macrophages following Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has been demonstrated to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Our previous study demonstrated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was able to promote mycobacteria-infected cell apoptosis by a caspase-dependent pathway. However, the functionality of this signaling in the necrosis of macrophage following mycobacterial infection remains largely unknown.

Ratio of maximum standardized uptake value to primary tumor size is a prognostic factor in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Purpose: Ratio of maximum standardized uptake value to primary tumor size (SUVmax/tumor size) was previously demonstrated to be a more important indicator of prognosis than primary tumor SUVmax alone in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether SUVmax/tumor size was associated with response to first-line therapy and prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of patients who had a pretreatment (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) before receiving first-line therapy for advanced (III & IV) NSCLC was performed.

MicroRNA-124 involves in ankylosing spondylitis by targeting ANTXR2.

Objectives: A recent genome-wide association study or GWAS identified that anthrax roxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2) was one of the risk loci for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Previous study also showed that ANTXR2 could potentially affect new bone formation. This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of ANTXR2 involved in AS pathogenesis.