[A fluorescence method based on malachite green/aptamer for detection of ochratoxin A in traditional Chinese medicines].

A label-free fluorescence method based on malachite green/aptamer was developed for the detection of ochratoxin A(OTA) in traditional Chinese medicines. Malachite green itself exhibits weak fluorescence. Upon interaction with the aptamer specific to OTA, the G-quadruplex structure of the aptamer provides a protective microenvironment for malachite green, which significantly enhances its fluorescence signal.

Phosphorescence emission and fine structures observed respectively under ambient conditions and at ca. 55 K in a coordination polymer of lead(ii)-thiophenedicarboxylate.

Under solvothermal conditions, a robust Pb2+-based coordination polymer (CP), [Pb(TDC)]n (1), where H2TDC is thiophenedicarboxylic acid, has been achieved. Structural analysis reveals that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, where the Pb2+ ions show quadrangular prism coordination geometry. CP 1 represents a 3D coordination network based on a TDC2- ligand as bridges and quadrangular prismatic PbO8 units as nodes, among which the PbO8 units are extended through edge-sharing to form a 2D layer in the bc plane.

Overexpressed connective tissue growth factor in cardiomyocytes attenuates left ventricular remodeling induced by angiotensin II perfusion.

To evaluate the improving effects of specifically overexpressed connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in cardiomyocytes on mice with hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII) perfusion, 24 transgenic mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of CTGF (Tg-CTGF) were divided into two equal groups that were perfused with acetic acid and AngII, respectively, for 7 days. Another 24 cage-control wild-type C57BL/6 mice (NLC) were divided and treated identically. Blood pressure was detected by caudal artery cannulation.

Matrine pretreatment improves cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy via suppressing ROS/TLR-4 signaling pathway.

Aim: Matrine is an alkaloid from Sophora alopecuroides L, which has shown a variety of pharmacological activities and potential therapeutic value in cardiovascular diseases. In this study we examined the protective effects of matrine against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in rats.

Methods: Male SD rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce DCM.

[Dynamic changes of plasma VEGF, SDF-1 and peripheral CD34+ cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

Objective: To investigate the changes in plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and in peripheral CD34(+) cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and explore their role in AMI.

Methods: Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was employed for measuring the levels of VEGF and SDF-1 in AMI patients on days 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 of onset and in normal control subjects. The absolute counts of CD34(+) in the peripheral blood were measured on days 1, 7, and 14 by flow cytometry in AMI patients, with their myocardial enzyme and troponin I detected and electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (UCG) recorded.