Identifying genetic susceptibility loci associated with human coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multigenic condition influenced by both nature and nurture (60% to 40%). Prognosis of CAD is based on familial patterns. This study examined and analyzed the susceptibility of CAD to genetic variants in various Pakistani families.

Transglutaminase 2 inhibition ameliorates cardiac fibrosis in myocardial infarction by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and .

Objective: Macrophages perform vital functions in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) participates in fibrosis. Nevertheless, the role of TG2 in MI and mechanisms underlying macrophage polarization are unclear.

Maternal multivitamin supplementation mitigates the risk of fetal congenital heart disease associated with high indoor total volatile organic compounds exposure in east china: a case-control study.

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common birth defect. Our previous studies suggest that indoor air pollution, especially total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), may increase fetal CHD risk, whereas vitamin and folic acid (FA) supplements in early pregnancy might offer protection against CHD. However, limited research has explored whether FA or multivitamin supplementation can mitigate the effects of TVOCs exposure on CHD.

Immunogenicity Assessment of a 14-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Candidate in Mice.

Background: Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer affecting women globally, with HPV as the primary etiology agent. Prophylactic HPV vaccines have substantially reduced the incidence of cervical cancer.

Methods: This study assessed the immunogenicity of SCT1000, a 14-valent recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine developed by Sinocelltech, Ltd.

Comprehensive analysis and outcomes of hybridization of physiologically active heterocycles targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are primarily engaged in the regulation of fundamental cellular processes. Overexpression and mutations in these tyrosine kinases cause a variety of malignancies, including lung cancer. The current study addresses the suppression of inactive and mutant variants of the EGFR target site via two primary proposals: (1) To prevent the formation of its mutant form by inhibiting inactive EGFR.

Systemic immune-inflammation mediates the association between Klotho protein and metabolic syndrome: findings from a large-scale population-based study.

Background: This study utilized large-scale population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to elucidate the relationship between the Klotho protein and metabolic syndrome along with its components. We further investigated the possible mediating effect of inflammation on these relationships. Our objective was to identify biomarkers for risk stratification and potential therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome.

NCAM and attached polysialic acid affect behaviors of breast epithelial cells through differential signaling pathways.

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), a common mammalian cell surface glycoprotein, is the major substrate of polysialic acid (polySia). Polysialylated NCAM occurs in many types of cancer, but rarely in normal adult tissues. The functional role of NCAM hypersialylation in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process remains unclear.

Towards a better understanding of ethylmercury in the environment: Addressing propylation derivatization artifact and verifying its occurrence in Chinese wetlands.

Ethylmercury (EtHg), similar to methylmercury (MeHg), is highly neurotoxic and bioaccumulative. Although recent studies suggested its occurrence in natural soils and sediments, the common propylation derivatization for EtHg analysis might generate EtHg artifacts, potentially leading to its overestimation in environmental samples. Furthermore, the extensive environmental prevalence of EtHg remains unverified, keeping its importance largely uncertain.

Exploring optimal drug targets through subtractive proteomics analysis and pangenomic insights for tailored drug design in tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, ranks among the top causes of global human mortality, as reported by the World Health Organization's 2022 TB report. The prevalence of M. tuberculosis strains that are multiple and extensive-drug resistant represents a significant barrier to TB eradication.

Preparation of Ultrafine Co- and Ni-Coated (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) Powders and Their Influence on the Microstructure of Ti(C,N)-Based Cermets.

The use of metal-coated ceramic powders not only effectively enhances the wettability of the metal-ceramic interface but also promotes a more uniform microstructure in Ti(C,N)-based cermets, which is advantageous for improving their mechanical properties. In this study, ultrafine Co- and Ni-coated (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) powders were synthesized via the spray-drying-in-situ carbothermal reduction method. Subsequently, Ti(C,N)-based cermets were effectively fabricated using the as-prepared ultrafine Co- and Ni-coated (Ti,W,Mo,Ta)(C,N) powders.

Single-Atom Catalysts on Covalent Organic Frameworks for Energy Applications.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have been investigated and applied to energy conversion devices. However, issues of metal agglomeration, low metal loading, and substrate stability have hindered realization of the SACs' full potential. Recently, covalent organic framework (COF)-based SACs have emerged as promising materials to enable highly efficient catalytic reactions.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds induces cardiovascular toxicity that may involve DNA methylation.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common air pollutants and water contaminants. We previously found maternal exposure to VOCs was associated with offspring congenital heart disease (CHD). However, little information is available about the effects of VOCs on cardiovascular development at embryonic stage and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Prognosis and outcome of intrauterine treatment of fetuses with critical congenital heart disease.

Background: Intrauterine valvuloplasty is an innovative therapy, which promotes ventricular growth and function in some congenital heart diseases (CHDs). The technique remains challenging and can only be performed in a few centers. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and mid-term outcomes of fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) in fetuses with critical CHD in an experienced tertiary center.

In-silico assessment of high-risk non-synonymous SNPs in ADAMTS3 gene associated with Hennekam syndrome and their impact on protein stability and function.

Hennekam Lymphangiectasia-Lymphedema Syndrome 3 (HKLLS3) is a rare genetical disorder caused by mutations in a few genes including ADAMTS3. It is characterized by lymphatic dysplasia, intestinal lymphangiectasia, severe lymphedema and distinctive facial appearance. Up till now, no extensive studies have been conducted to elucidate the mechanism of the disease caused by various mutations.

Characteristics and outcomes of fetal ventricular aneurysm and diverticulum: combining the use of a new technique, fetal HQ.

Objectives: Congenital ventricular aneurysms or diverticulum (VA/VD) are rare cardiac anomalies with lack prenatal evaluation data. The present study aimed to provide the prenatal characteristics and outcomes from a tertiary center and the use of new techniques to evaluate the shape and contractility of these fetuses.

Methods: Ten fetuses were diagnosed with VA or VD, and 30 control fetuses were enrolled.

Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study of six saponins in the rat after oral administration of Ilex pubescens extract using a validated simultaneous UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS assay.

Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn is a medicinal plant of the Ilex family that is mainly used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Its main medicinal ingredients are total triterpenoid saponins (IPTS).

Influences of Ultrafine Ti(C, N) on the Sintering Process and Mechanical Properties of Micron Ti(C, N)-Based Cermets.

For investigating the influence mechanism underlying ultrafine Ti(C, N) within micron Ti(C, N)-based cermets, three cermets including diverse ultrafine Ti(C, N) contents were employed. In addition, for the prepared cermets, their sintering process, microstructure, and mechanical properties were systematically studied. According to our findings, adding ultrafine Ti(C, N) primarily affects the densification and shrinkage behavior in the solid-state sintering stage.

Source Apportionment of Speciated Mercury in Chinese Rice Grain Using a High-Resolution Model.

Rice grain consumption is a primary pathway of human mercury exposure. To trace the source of rice grain mercury in China, we developed a rice paddy mercury transport and transformation model with a grid resolution of 1 km × 1 km by using the unit cell mass conservation method. The simulated total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in Chinese rice grain ranged from 0.

The association of gestational age and birthweight with blood pressure, cardiac structure, and function in 4 years old: a prospective birth cohort study.

Background: Current evidence relating birthweight and gestational age to cardiovascular risk is conflicting. Whether these factors have independent or interactive impacts on cardiovascular parameters during early childhood remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore whether there were any independent and interactive effects of gestational age and birthweight on blood pressure, left ventricle (LV) structure, and function in 4 years old.

Maternal plasma perfluoroalkyl substances concentrations in early pregnancy and cardiovascular development in offspring: A prospective cohort study.

Background: High maternal plasma perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, but data on early childhood cardiovascular health is limited. This study aimed to assess the potential association between maternal plasma PFAS concentrations during early pregnancy and cardiovascular development in offspring.

Material And Methods: Cardiovascular development was assessed through blood pressure measurement, echocardiography and carotid ultrasound examinations among 957 children from the Shanghai Birth Cohort aged at 4 years old.

Predictive value of fetal echocardiographic parameters in surgical strategy for Tetralogy of Fallot.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether fetal echocardiographic parameters were predictive of the postnatal surgical treatment required for fetuses with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Methods: The fetal echocardiographic and postnatal clinical data of all cases of prenatal TOF at Xinhua Hospital from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed. Patients were categorized based on the operation type, and cardiac parameters were compared between groups.

A two-dimensional model for the analysis of radon migration in fractured porous media.

This paper develops a new two-dimensional model to estimate the radon exhalation rate of fractured porous media. The fractal discrete fracture network is used to characterize the fracture structure in the model. The finite element method solves the governing equations of radon migrations in fractures and porous matrix.