A network pharmacology approach to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of effective ingredients from Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as Danshen in Chinese, has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China. Tanshinone I (Tan I) and cryptotanshinone (CST) are the lipid-soluble and effective components from Salvia miltiorrhiza. However, the molecular mechanism of Tan I and CST for treating inflammation is still not known.

Structure-Independent Conductance of Thiophene-Based Single-Stacking Junctions.

The experimental investigation of intermolecular charge transport in π-conjugated materials is challenging. Herein, we describe the investigation of charge transport through intermolecular and intramolecular paths in single-molecule and single-stacking thiophene junctions by the mechanically controllable break junction (MCBJ) technique. We found that the ability for intermolecular charge transport through different single-stacking junctions was approximately independent of the molecular structure, which contrasts with the strong length dependence of conductance in single-molecule junctions with the same building blocks, and the dominant charge-transport path of molecules with two anchors transited from an intramolecular to an intermolecular path when the degree of conjugation increased.

Room-temperature quantum interference in single perovskite quantum dot junctions.

The studies of quantum interference effects through bulk perovskite materials at the Ångstrom scale still remain as a major challenge. Herein, we provide the observation of room-temperature quantum interference effects in metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) using the mechanically controllable break junction technique. Single-QD conductance measurements reveal that there are multiple conductance peaks for the CHNHPbBr and CHNHPbBrCl QDs, whose displacement distributions match the lattice constant of QDs, suggesting that the gold electrodes slide through different lattice sites of the QD via Au-halogen coupling.

The 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor Zileuton Protects Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Remodeling via Activating PPAR.

Zileuton has been demonstrated to be an anti-inflammatory agent due to its well-known ability to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). However, the effects of zileuton on cardiac remodeling are unclear. In this study, the effects of zileuton on pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling were investigated and the possible mechanisms were examined.

LncRNA AC007271.3 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, migration and inhibits cell apoptosis of OSCC via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Aims: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) AC007271.3 has been identified to be dysregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in our previous study. However, the precise role of AC007271.

Ethylene glycol assisted synthesis of hierarchical Fe-ZSM-5 nanorods assembled microsphere for adsorption Fenton degradation of chlorobenzene.

A unique zeolite catalyst, Fe doped ZSM-5 microsphere assembled by uniform nanorod-like crystals with hierarchical pore structure, was successfully synthesized and applied for the adsorption and degradation of trace chlorobenzene (CB) in the presence of HO. The organic ferric salts as the precursors, ethylene glycol as a chelating/reducing agent and the dynamic two-stage temperature-varied hydrothermal technique, together made the synthesized hierarchical Fe-ZSM-5 nanorods assembled microspheres (FZ-CA-5EG) to be characterized by abundant highly dispersed and valency-controlled framework Fe species. As a result of these features, the FZ-CA-5EG showed excellent ability of adsorption and degradation efficiency of CB, and enhanced durability due to negligible leaching of framework Fe species.

[Comparison of clinical effects of a modified socket shield technique and the conventional immediate implant placement].

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of a modified socket shield technique (SST) and the conventional immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with one hopeless upper incisor were consecutively enrolled in this study. All patients were scheduled for immediate implant placement.

Andrographolide Protects against HG-Induced Inflammation, Apoptosis, Migration, and Impairment of Angiogenesis via PI3K/AKT-eNOS Signalling in HUVECs.

Andrographolide (Andr) is a major component isolated from the plant . Inflammation, apoptosis, and impaired angiogenesis are implicated in the pathogenesis of high glucose (HG)-induced injury of vascular endotheliocytes. Our study is aimed at evaluating the effect of Andr on HG-induced HUVEC injury and the underlying mechanism.

Identification of Candidate Biomarkers and Analysis of Prognostic Values in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer with a poor prognosis owing to limited understanding of the disease mechanisms. The aim of this study was to explore and identify the potential biomarkers in OSCC by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and differentially expressed RNAs (DERNAs) were subsequently identified in OSCC by bioinformatics analysis.

Altered Functional Connectivity and Brain Network Property in Pregnant Women With Cleft Fetuses.

Non-syndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate (NSCLP) is the most common congenital anomaly in the craniofacial region. NSCLP is a highly gene-associated malformation. We speculate that pregnant women with NSCLP fetuses (pregnancies with NSCLP) may have specific brain changes during pregnancy.

Protective role of berberine in isoprenaline-induced cardiac fibrosis in rats.

Background: Cardiac fibrosis is a crucial aspect of cardiac remodeling that can severely affect cardiac function. Cardiac fibroblasts surely influence this process. Besides, macrophage plays an essential role in cardiac remodeling after heart injury.

Single-molecule level control of host-guest interactions in metallocycle-C complexes.

Host-guest interactions are of central importance in many biological and chemical processes. However, the investigation of the formation and decomplexation of host-guest systems at the single-molecule level has been a challenging task. Here we show that the single-molecule conductance of organoplatinum(II) metallocycle hosts can be enhanced by an order of magnitude by the incorporation of a C guest molecule.

Allyl isothiocyanate may reverse the expression of MRP1 in COPD rats via the Notch1 signaling pathway.

In the present study, the roles of AITC in up-regulating the MRP1 expression and its relationship with the activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway were investigated by combining the in vivo and in vitro experiments. AITC was administered to the COPD model rats and normal rats to explore the association between Notch1 and MRP1. The human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with DAPT, the Notch1 signaling pathway inhibitor, to verify the effect of Notch1 on the expression of AITC-induced MRP1.

Causes of misdiagnosis in assessing tubal patency by transvaginal real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the causes of misdiagnosis in assessing tubal patency by transvaginal real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy), in order to improve the diagnostic efficiency of TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy.

Methods: A total of 162 oviducts of 83 infertility patients were examined by TVS RT-3D-HyCoSy. These results were compared with the gold standard for laparoscopic dye studies, and the misdiagnosed cases were analyzed.

Indigo Fruits Ingredient, Aucubin, Protects against LPS-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice.

Aucubin (AUB), which is extracted from Oliver seeds, has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Recent studies have indicated that inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are involved in the pathophysiology of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of AUB on LPS-induced acute cardiac injury.

Evaluation of Hemodynamic Changes in Fetuses With Isolated Mild-to-Moderate Ventriculomegaly by Transabdominal Ultrasound.

Objectives: To investigate fetal hemodynamic alterations using transabdominal ultrasound in fetuses with isolated mild-to-moderate ventriculomegaly (VM).

Methods: Fetuses diagnosed with isolated mild-to-moderate VM by transabdominal ultrasound were evaluated for hemodynamic changes, including changes in fetal cardiac function, the umbilical artery, the ductus venosus, and the middle cerebral artery. The fetuses with isolated mild-to-moderate VM were divided into 2 groups, namely, before 32 weeks' gestation (20 weeks-31 weeks 6 days) and after 32 weeks' gestation (32-38 weeks), and matched to corresponding healthy control fetuses.

Quantitative diagnostic advantages of three-dimensional ultrasound volume imaging for fetal posterior fossa anomalies: Preliminary establishment of a prediction model.

Objectives: To quantitatively assess prenatal diagnostic performance of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) for posterior fossa anomalies (PFA) and establish a preliminarily 3D-US prediction model.

Methods: Sixty singleton fetuses suspected of PFA by 2D-US presented their detailed 3D-US evaluation. The surface area of vermis (SAV), brainstem-vermis, and brainstem-tentorium angles were measured by 3D-US.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics of thirteen patients with Weber-Christian panniculitis.

Background: Weber-Christian disease (WCD) is an uncommon, idiopathic disease that is challenging to diagnose and has an unclear treatment protocol. We reviewed thirteen patients with WCD and analyzed their clinical characteristics. The purpose of this article was to improve the understanding of this rare disorder.

Bcl6 Suppresses Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Function via Directly Binding to Smad4.

Bcl6, a critical pro-oncogene of human B-cell lymphomas, can promote tumor progress. Previous studies have found that Bcl6 participates in hypoxia injury in cardiomyocytes. However, the effect of Bcl6 on cardiac fibroblasts is still unclear.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasia using targeted next-generation sequencing: an analysis of 30 cases.

Background: This study aims to provide genetic diagnoses for 30 cases of fetal skeletal dysplasia, and a molecular basis for the future prenatal diagnosis of fetal skeletal dysplasia.

Methods: A total of 30 cases of fetal skeletal dysplasia detected with ultrasound between January 2014 and June 2017 were analyzed. Among these fetuses, 15 fetuses had local skeletal malformations, while 15 fetuses had short limb malformations.

Zingerone attenuates aortic banding-induced cardiac remodelling via activating the eNOS/Nrf2 pathway.

Cardiac remodelling refers to a series of changes in the size, shape, wall thickness and tissue structure of the ventricle because of myocardial injury or increased pressure load. Studies have shown that cardiac remodelling plays a significant role in the development of heart failure. Zingerone, a monomer component extracted from ginger, has been proven to possess various properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic properties.

Comparative morphology refines the conventional model of spider reproduction.

Our understanding of spider reproductive biology is hampered by the vast anatomical diversity and difficulties associated with its study. Although authors agree on the two general types of female spider genitalia, haplogyne (plesiomorphic) and entelegyne (apomorphic), our understanding of variation within each group mostly concerns the external genital part, while the internal connections with the reproductive duct are largely unknown. Conventionally and simplistically, the spermathecae of haplogynes have simple two-way ducts, and those of entelegynes have separate copulatory and fertilization ducts for sperm to be transferred in and out of spermathecae, respectively.

Subchromosomal anomalies in small for gestational-age fetuses and newborns.

Purpose: To analyze copy number variants (CNVs) in subjects with small for gestational age (SGA) in China.

Methods: A total of 85 cases with estimated fetal weight (EFW) or birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age were recruited, including SGA associated with structural anomalies (Group A, n = 20) and isolated SGA (Group B, n = 65). In all cases, cytogenetic karyotyping and infection screening were normal.

Cordycepin ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy via activating the AMPKα pathway.

Increase of myocardial oxidative stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiac hypertrophy. Cordycepin, also known as 3'-deoxyadenosine, is a natural bioactive substance extracted from Cordyceps militaris (which is widely cultivated for commercial use in functional foods and medicine). Since cordycepin suppresses oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo, we hypothesized that cordycepin would inhibit cardiac hypertrophy by blocking oxidative stress-dependent related signalling.