Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl Alter Behavior and Cause Ultrastructural Changes in the Substantia Nigra of Rats: Comparison with Inorganic Manganese Chloride.

The antiknock additive methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an organic manganese(Mn) compound. Mn neurotoxicity caused by occupational Mn exposure (mostly inorganic MnCl) is associated with motor and cognitive disturbances, referred to as Manganism. However, the impact of environmentally relevant Mn exposure on MMT-induced Manganism is poorly understood.

Anemia and risk of periprocedural cerebral injury detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Anemia is prevalent in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and has been linked to impaired outcomes after the procedure. Few studies have evaluated the impact of anemia and new ischemic lesions post TAVR.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 158 patients who received TAVR in our center.

Ascending aortic dilatation rate after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic stenosis: A multidetector computed tomography follow-up study.

Background: Current data is lacking about the progression of ascending aortic dilatation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in aortic stenosis (AS) patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). This study aims to assess the ascending aortic dilatation rate (mm/year) after TAVR in patients with BAV versus TAV using a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) follow-up and to determine the predictors of ascending aortic dilatation rate.

Methods: Severe AS patients undergoing TAVR from March 2013 to March 2018 at our center with MDCT follow-ups were included.

A hospital-based survey of patients with severe valvular heart disease in China.

Objectives: Due to increasing aging, the epidemiology of VHD may have changed in China. This study aimed to provide contemporary information on the prevalence, distribution patterns, and etiology of severe VHD in China.

Methods: This was a retrospective survey at Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, which included all consecutive patients between 2010 and 2015.

[Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel [1,3] dioxolo [4,5-f]isoindolone derivatives].

A series of [1,3]dioxolo[4,5-f]isoindolone derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterases (AChE). Furthermore, their effects on memory impairment of mice induced by scopolamine were investigated with step-through test. The results suggested that most of the target compounds exhibited potential inhibition on AChE with IC50 values at micromolar range.

Catunarosides I-L, four new triterpenoid saponins from the stem bark of Catunaregam spinosa.

Four new triterpenoid saponins, Catunaroside I [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-arjunic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside] (1), Catunaroside J [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-arjunic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside] (2), Catunaroside K [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-tormentic acid] (3), and Catunaroside L [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-pomolic acid] (4), and two known triterpenoid saponin Arjunetoside (5) and Randiasaponin VII (6), were isolated from the stem bark of Catunaregam spinosa. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of their spectral data and chemical evidence.

[Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 4-substituted-3-nitrobenzamide derivatives].

A series of novel 4-substituted-3-nitrobenzamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed with 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and element analysis. Anti-tumor activities against HCT-116, MDA-MB435 and HL-60 cell lines in vitro were evaluated by SRB assay.

In vitro antitumour activity of stearic acid-g-chitosan oligosaccharide polymeric micelles loading podophyllotoxin.

Development of successful formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs remains a longstanding critical and challenging issue in cancer therapy. The stearic acid-g-chitosan oligosaccharide (CSO-SA) micelles have been presented as potential candidates for intracellular antitumour agent delivery carrier. Herein, podophyllotoxin (PPT) loaded CSO-SA micelles (CSO-SA/PPT) were prepared by a dialysis method.

[Relation between beta-amyloid peptide-25-35 inducing cell cycle change and apoptosis of serum-deprived PC12 cell].

Objective: To study the relation between cell cycle change and apoptosis of serum-deprived PC12 cell, which are induced by beta-amyloid peptide-25-35 (alpha beta(25-35)).

Methods: PC12 cells were synchronized by cultured in deprivation of serum for 24 h and treated with different concentration of alpha beta(25-35) (0-45 micromol/L) for another 24 h,and the cell survival rate was evaluated by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by Hoechst fluorescence staining and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.

Efflux of potassium ion is an important reason of HL-60 cells apoptosis induced by tachyplesin.

Aim: To investigate the role of intercellular potassium in tachyplesin-induced HL-60 cells apoptosis.

Methods: The concentration of intercellular potassium, cell volume and mitochondrial membrane potential were examined by flow cytometry.

Results: The concentration of intercellular potassium reduced in a time-dependent manner in tachyplesin-treated HL-60 cells.

[Effects of polyporus polysaccharide on activity and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in peritoneal macrophages of mice].

Objective: To study the mechanisms of the antitumor and immunoregulation functions of polyporus polysaccharide (PPS).

Methods: The production of nitric oxide (NO), the activity and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in peritoneal macrophages of mice administered with different dose of PPS were observed by Griess reaction, fluorimetry assay and RT-PCR, respectively.

Results: PPS could elevate the iNOS activity with dose-dependence and stimulate the iNOS mRNA expression of peritoneal macrophages in mice.