Search

Luminescent cuprous complexes are an important class of coordination compounds due to their relative abundance, low cost and ability to display excellent luminescence. The title heteroleptic cuprous complex, [2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,1′-binaphthyl-κ2 P,P′](2-phenylpyridine-κN)copper(I) hexafluoridophosphate, rac-[Cu(C44H32P2)(C11H9N)]PF6, conventionally abbreviated rac-[Cu(BINAP)(2-PhPy)]PF6 (I), where BINAP and 2-PhPy represent 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,1′-binaphthyl and 2-phenylpyridine, respectively, is described. In this complex, the asymmetric unit consists of a hexafluoridophosphate anion and a heteroleptic cuprous complex cation, in which the cuprous centre in a CuP2N coordination triangle is coordinated by two P atoms from the BINAP ligand and by one N atom from the 2-PhPy ligand. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD–DFT) calculations show that the UV–Vis absorption of I should be attributed to ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) characteristic excited states. It was also found that the paper-based film of this complex exhibited obvious luminescence light-up sensing for pyridine.

Fibrosis serves a critical role in driving atrial remodelling‐mediated atrial fibrillation (AF). Abnormal levels of the transcription factor PU.1, a key regulator of fibrosis, are associated with cardiac injury and dysfunction following acute viral myocarditis. However, the role of PU.1 in atrial fibrosis and vulnerability to AF remain unclear. Here, an in vivo atrial fibrosis model was developed by the continuous infusion of C57 mice with subcutaneous Ang‐II, while the in vitro model comprised atrial fibroblasts that were isolated and cultured. The expression of PU.1 was significantly up‐regulated in the Ang‐II‐induced group compared with the sham/control group in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, protein expression along the TGF‐β1/Smads pathway and the proliferation and differentiation of atrial fibroblasts induced by Ang‐II were significantly higher in the Ang‐II‐induced group than in the sham/control group. These effects were attenuated by exposure to DB1976, a PU.1 inhibitor, both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, in vitro treatment with small interfering RNA against Smad3 (key protein of TGF‐β1/Smads signalling pathway) diminished these Ang‐II‐mediated effects, and the si‐Smad3‐mediated effects were, in turn, antagonized by the addition of a PU.1‐overexpression adenoviral vector. Finally, PU.1 inhibition reduced the atrial fibrosis induced by Ang‐II and attenuated vulnerability to AF, at least in part through the TGF‐β1/Smads pathway. Overall, the study implicates PU.1 as a potential therapeutic target to inhibit Ang‐II‐induced atrial fibrosis and vulnerability to AF.

Microbial secondary metabolites have long been considered as potential sources of lead compounds for medicinal use due to their rich chemical diversity and extensive biological activities. However, many biosynthetic gene clusters remain silent under traditional laboratory culture conditions, resulting in repeated isolation of a large number of known compounds. The co-culture strategy simulates the complex ecological environment of microbial life by using an ecology-driven method to activate silent gene clusters of microorganisms and tap their metabolic potential to obtain novel bioactive secondary metabolites. In this review, representative studies from 2017 to 2020 on the discovery of novel bioactive natural products from co-cultured microorganisms are summarized. A series of natural products with diverse and novel structures have been discovered successfully by co-culture strategies, including fungus–fungus, fungus–bacterium, and bacterium–bacterium co-culture approaches. These novel compounds exhibited various bioactivities including extensive antimicrobial activities and potential cytotoxic activities, especially when it came to disparate marine-derived species and cross-species of marine strains and terrestrial strains. It could be concluded that co-culture can be an effective strategy to tap the metabolic potential of microorganisms, particularly for marine-derived species, thus providing diverse molecules for the discovery of lead compounds and drug candidates. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s42995-020-00077-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Although successful ablation of the accessory pathway (AP) eliminates atrial fibrillation (AF) in some of patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome and paroxysmal AF, in other patients it can recur. Hypothesis Whether adding pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) after successful AP ablation effectively prevents AF recurrence in patients with WPW syndrome is unknown. Methods We retrospectively studied 160 patients (102 men, 58 women; mean age, 46 ± 14 years) with WPW syndrome and paroxysmal AF who underwent AP ablation, namely 103 (64.4%) undergoing only AP ablation (AP group) and 57 (35.6%) undergoing AP ablation plus PVI (AP + PVI group). Advanced interatrial block (IAB) was defined as a P‐wave duration of >120 ms and biphasic (±) morphology in the inferior leads, using 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG). Results During the mean follow‐up period of 30.9 ± 9.2 months (range, 3‐36 months), 22 patients (13.8%) developed AF recurrence. The recurrence rate did not differ in patients in the AP + PVI group and AP group (15.5% vs 10.5%, respectively; P = .373). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that PVI was not associated with the risk of AF recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.26‐1.68; P = .380). In WPW patients with advanced IAB, the recurrence rate was lower in patients in the AP + PVI group vs the AP group (90% vs 33.3%, respectively; P = .032). Conclusions PVI after successful AP ablation significantly reduced the AF recurrence rate in WPW patients with advanced IAB. Screening of a resting 12‐lead ECG immediately after AP ablation helps identify patients in whom PVI is beneficial.

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value-added chemicals should reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and counteract global warming caused by CO2 generation. Nonetheless, CO2 is rather stable and chemically inert, calling for effective electrocatalysts to avoid problems such as sluggish kinetics, low reaction efficiency and poor product selectivity during CO2 conversion. Recently, single-atom catalysts have shown maximum atom utilization and unique catalytic performance during electrochemical reactions. Catalysts used have been developed from poorly controlled nanoparticles or nanoclusters to isolated atomic structures. Herein, we review the preparation, characterization, anchoring strategies and electrochemical applications of single-atom catalysts. Concerning methods of preparation, the use of organometallic ligands shows high potential for synthesis and industrial applications. Both characterization and calculations using the density functional theory allow to assess the atomic distribution, the coordination environment and the catalytic mechanism. To improve synthesis, we present four anchoring strategies: defect engineering, atom coordination, spatial confinement and sacrifice template. Applications in electrochemical reduction of CO2 to liquid and gaseous products reveal Faraday efficiency higher than 90%, excellent activity, selectivity, stability and kinetic properties.

BACKGROUND: Degradation of pro-inflammatory macrophage-mediated connexin 43 (Cx43) plays an important role in post-myocardial infarction (MI) arrhythmogenesis, microRNA (miR)-155 produced by macrophages has been shown to mediate post-MI effects. We hypothesized that miR-155 inhibition attenuated MI-induced Cx43 degradation by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. METHODS: MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male C57BL/6 mice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mice bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and hypoxia-induced neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were used in vitro models. qRT-PCR, Western-blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze relevant indicators. RESULTS: The expression levels of miR-155, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)7 were higher in MI mice and LPS-treated BMDMs than in the sham/control groups, treatment with a miR-155 antagomir reversed these effects. Moreover, miR-155 inhibition reduced ventricular arrhythmias incidence and improved cardiac function in MI mice. Cx43 expression was decreased in MI mice and hypoxia-exposed NRCMs, and hypoxia-induced Cx43 degradation in NRCMs was reduced by application of conditioned medium from LPS-induced BMDMs treated with the miR-155 antagomir, but increased by conditioned medium from BMDMs treated with a miR-155 agomir. Importantly, NRCMs cultured in conditioned medium from LPS-induced BMDMs transfected with small interfering RNA against IL-1β and MMP7 showed decreased hypoxia-mediated Cx43 degradation, and this effect also was diminished by BMDM treatment with the miR-155 agomir. Additionally, siRNA-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) knockdown in LPS-induced BMDMs promoted Cx43 degradation in hypoxia-exposed NRCMs, and the effect was reduced by the miR-155 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-155 inhibition attenuated post-MI Cx43 degradation by reducing macrophage-mediated IL-1β and MMP7 expression through the SOCS1/nuclear factor-κB pathway.

Background Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently occurs in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome. Although successful ablation of the accessory pathway (AP) eliminates paroxysmal AF in some patients, in other patients it can recur. Hypothesis We investigated the clinical utility of advanced interatrial block (IAB) for predicting the risk of AF recurrence in patients with verified paroxysmal AF and WPW syndrome after successful AP ablation. Methods This retrospective study included 103 patients (70 men, 33 women; mean age, 44 ± 16 years) with WPW syndrome who had paroxysmal AF. A resting 12‐lead electrocardiogram was performed immediately after successful AP ablation to evaluate the presence of advanced IAB, which was defined as a P‐wave duration of >120 ms and biphasic [±] morphology in the inferior leads. Results During the mean follow‐up period of 30.9 ± 20.0 months (range, 2‐71 months), 16 patients (15.5%) developed AF recurrence. Patients with advanced IAB had significantly reduced event‐free survival from AF (P 50 years (hazard ratio, 12.64; 95% CI, 1.33‐119.75; P = .027) as independent predictors of AF recurrence. Conclusions Advanced IAB was an independent predictor of AF recurrence after successful AP ablation in patients with WPW syndrome.

Background: The efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is not known. The aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of catheter ablation for AF in patients with functional MR and LVSD, and to validate its effects on the severity of MR and cardiac reverse remodeling.Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 54 patients with functional MR who underwent AF ablation, including 21 (38.9%) with LVSD and 33 (61.1%) with normal LV systolic function (LVF). The primary outcomes evaluated were freedom from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa), severity of MR, and left atrial (LA) and LV remodeling.Results: During a mean follow-up of 20.7 ± 16.8 months, freedom from recurrent ATa was not significantly different between patients with LVSD and those with normal LVF after the first ablation (P = 0.301) and after multiple ablations (P = 0.728). Multivariable predictors of recurrent ATa were AF duration [hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.25; P = 0.039), previous stroke (HR 5.28, 95% CI 1.46–19.14; P = 0.011), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99; P = 0.012). Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction in severity of MR (P = 0.007), LA size (P < 0.001) and LV end-systolic dimension (P = 0.008), and improvement in the LV ejection fraction (P = 0.001) after restoring sinus rhythm in patients with LVSD.Conclusion: Catheter ablation is a valid option for the treatment of AF in patients with functional MR and LVSD, even though multiple procedures may be required.

Interatrial block (IAB) is associated with a multitude of medical conditions. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke) score is positively associated with the development of IAB. A total of 1072 patients (men, 555; women, 517; mean age, 61 ± 14 years) were included in the study. P-wave duration was measured manually using a caliper. IAB was defined as a P-wave duration of ≥ 120 ms on a 12-lead electrocardiogram. CHADS2 scores were calculated retrospectively. Among the 1072 patients, the prevalence of IAB was 36.1% (387/1072). In multivariate analysis, increased CHADS2 score (odds ratio [OR], 1.810; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.577-2.077; P < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR, 1.536; 95% CI, 1.065-2.216; P = 0.022), and increased left atrial diameter (OR, 1.039; 95% CI, 1.008-1.071; P = 0.013) were independently associated with IAB. The percentages of patients with IAB among those with a CHADS2 score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were 20.6%, 33.0%, 45.0%, 55.9%, 61.9%, 77.8%, and 100%, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a greater percentage of patients with a CHADS2 score of ≥ 2 with IAB compared with a CHADS2 score of < 2 (26.5% vsrsus 52.0%; P < 0.001). In receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, CHADS2 score (area under the curve, 0.670; 95% CI, 0.636-0.704; P < 0.001) was predictive of IAB. In conclusion, CHADS2 score was significantly associated with the development of IAB in this study population.

Oxidative stress and apoptosis serve an essential role in cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity, which limits its clinical use, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a natural drug, the antioxidant and antitumor effects of cyanidin have been recognized, but its protective effect on cisplatin-induced cardiomyocyte cytotoxicity remains unclear. H9c2 cells were treated with cisplatin (1-40 µM) in the presence or absence of cyanidin (40-80 µM), subsequently; oxidative stress, apoptosis and mitochondrial function were assessed using several techniques. The results demonstrated that cyanidin was able to dose-dependently reverse cisplatin-induced cell damage and apoptosis, attenuate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer, upregulate the expression of apoptosis regulator Bcl-2, and reduce the activation of caspase 3, caspase 9, but not caspase 8. Furthermore, the results revealed that the translocation of apoptosis regulator Bax (Bax) from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial membrane serves an essential role in cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Cyanidin was able to block the translocation of Bax and reduce the release of cytochrome c from cytoplasm. These data indicate that cyanidin attenuates cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ROS-mediated apoptosis, while the mitochondrial and extracellular regulated kinase signaling pathways may also serve important roles.

Increased expression of adhesion molecules is thought to serve an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Myricitrin, a bioactive compound of Myrica cerifera, has been demonstrated to exhibit anti‑atherogenic effects. However, the effect of myricitrin on the expression of adhesion molecules in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of myricitrin on tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α)‑induced expression of adhesion molecules in VSMCs in vitro. The results revealed that myricitrin inhibited the adhesion of human THP‑1 monocyte cells to TNF‑α‑stimulated mouse MOVAS‑1 VSMC cells, and reduced the expression of adhesion molecules in TNF‑α‑stimulated MOVAS‑1 cells. In addition, myricitrin significantly inhibited the TNF‑α‑induced expression of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65, and prevented the TNF‑α‑induced degradation of nuclear factor of κ light chain enhancer in B‑cells inhibitor α. Furthermore, myricitrin inhibited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species in TNF‑α‑stimulated MOVAS‑1 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that myricitrin inhibits the expression of vascular cell adhesion protein‑1 and intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 in TNF‑α‑stimulated MOVAS‑1 cells potentially via the NF‑κB signaling pathway. Therefore, myricitrin may be an effective pharmacological agent for the prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis.

AIM To evaluate the role of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in predicting the risk of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) outcomes in patients with interatrial block (IAB) without a history of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS A retrospective study was conducted, including 1,046 non-anticoagulated inpatients (612 males, 434 females; mean age: 63±10 years) with IAB and without AF. IAB was defined as P-wave duration ＞120 ms using a 12-lead electrocardiogram. CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were retrospectively calculated. The primary outcomes evaluated were ischemic stroke or TIA. RESULTS During the mean follow-up period of 4.9±0.7 years, 55 (5.3%) patients had an ischemic stroke or TIA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the CHADS2 score [area under the curve (AUC), 0.638; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.562-0.715; P=0.001] and the CHA2DS2-VASc score (AUC, 0.671; 95% CI, 0.599-0.744; P＜0.001) were predictive of ischemic strokes or TIA. Cut-off point analysis showed that a CHADS2 score ≥3 (sensitivity=0.455 and specificity=0.747) and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4 (sensitivity=0.564 and specificity=0.700) provided the highest predictive value for ischemic stroke or TIA. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CHADS2 [hazard ratio (HR), 1.442; 95% CI, 1.171-1.774; P=0.001] and CHA2DS2-VASc (HR, 1.420; 95% CI, 1.203-1.677; P＜0.001) scores were independently associated with ischemic stroke or TIA following adjustment for smoking, left atrial diameter, antiplatelet agents, angiotensin inhibitors, and statins. CONCLUSIONS CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores may be predictors of risk of ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with IAB without AF.

In this study, samples were taken of the surface dust of main roads in Xinxiang City, and the concentrations of five heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn) and fifteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Meanwhile, the effects of vehicle emissions on the pollution characteristics were investigated. The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs ranged from 2.58 to 1560 mg·kg

Background It has been demonstrated that advanced interatrial block (IAB) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the impact of advanced IAB on recurrence of paroxysmal AF after catheter ablation is not clear. Methods 204 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent index circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation were prospectively enrolled. In all patients, a resting electrocardiogram in sinus rhythm was evaluated for the presence of advanced IAB, defined as a P-wave duration >120 ms and biphasic (±) morphology in the inferior leads. Advanced IAB was detected in 20.1% of patients. AF recurrence was defined as the occurrence of confirmed atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting more than 30 s beyond 3 months after the catheter ablation in the absence of any antiarrhythmic treatment. Results During the mean follow-up period of 13.9 ± 6.2 months (range, 3–27 months), 62 patients (30.4%) developed recurrence of AF. The recurrence rate was higher in patients with advanced IAB than those without advanced IAB (46.3% vs. 26.4%, p = 0.006). Cox regression analysis with adjustment for age, P-wave duration, CHADS2 score, and PV isolation identified advanced IAB (hazard ratio, 2.111; 95% confidence interval, 1.034–4.308; p = 0.040) and left atrial diameter (hazard ratio, 1.051; 95% confidence interval, 1.004–1.100; p = 0.034) as two independent predictors of recurrence of AF. Conclusions Patients with advanced IAB were at an increased risk of AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Based on a weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme, the multiple interactions of a flame interface with an incident shock wave and its reshock waves are numerically simulated by solving the compressible reactive Navier–Stokes equations with a single-step Arrhenius chemical reaction. The two-dimensional sinusoidally perturbed premixed flames with different initial perturbed amplitudes are used to investigate the effect of the initial perturbation on the flame evolutions. The results show that the development of the flame interface is directly affected by the initial perturbed amplitudes before the passages of reshock waves, and the perturbation development is mainly controlled by the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI). After the successive impacts of multiple reshock waves, the chemical reaction accelerates the consumption of reactants and leads to a gradual disappearance of the initial perturbed information. The perturbation developments in frozen flows with the same initial interface as those in reactive flows are also demonstrated. Comparisons of results between the reactive and frozen flows show that a chemical reaction changes the perturbation pattern of the flame interface by decreasing the density gradient, thereby weakening the baroclinic torque in the flame mixing region, and therefore plays a dominant role after the passage of reshock waves.

Interatrial block (IAB) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of a combination of IAB and the CHADS2 score, an AF-related risk score for ischemic stroke, with new onset AF in patients in sinus rhythm. A total of 1,571 patients (803 males, 768 females; mean age: 58 ± 16 years) were included in this study. IAB was defined as a P-wave duration > 120 ms in the 12-lead electrocardiogram, and a high CHADS2 score as ≥ 2 points. During the mean follow-up period of 4.8 ± 0.7 years, new onset AF occurred in 122 patients (16.1 per 1,000 patient-years). The incidence of new onset AF was 4.0 per 1,000 patient-years in patients with no IAB and a low CHADS2 score, and 44.0 per 1,000 patient-years in patients with IAB and a high CHADS2 score. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio for IAB and a high CHADS2 score compared with no IAB and a low CHADS2 score was 12.18 (95% confidence interval: 6.22-23.87, P < 0.001), after adjustment for age, sex, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, smoking, medications, and echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, IAB and a high CHADS2 score independently and synergistically predict new onset AF in patients in sinus rhythm, indicating an approximately 12-fold higher risk in patients with both IAB and a high CHADS2 score. Patients meeting these criteria should have more aggressive early intervention to prevent AF.

The offset angle, which is adjustable, is a key parameter of gas wave refrigerator, affecting refrigeration performance. When the high pressure moist gas injects into the oscillation tube of the refrigerator, the non-equilibrium condensation will occur. Phase transition will impact the wave system in the tube and then change the optimal offset angle of the gas wave refrigerator. In this paper, a 2D model of the non-equilibrium condensation in oscillation tube is established to investigate the condensation influence on the optimal offset angle. The results show that: at constant offset angle, with the increase of rotation speed, refrigeration efficiency raises first and then decreases resulting from wave system difference. It shows optimal offset angle truly exists under every working condition, going for optimal wave system match. Condensation process will cause temperature-jump and condensation compression wave which affects wave system in the tube, so the optimal offset angle changes. Since the final Mach number of shock wave increases linearly with the raise of RH (0~0.8), the optimal offset angle decreases linearly. When RH= 0.8, the optimal offset angle decreases by 7%.

A low resting heart rate (RHR) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), and this is common in older people. Whether a low RHR in older people can predict recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is unclear. A total of 329 consecutive patients ≥65 years of age with paroxysmal AF who underwent index circumferential pulmonary vein isolation were prospectively enrolled. A 10-second standard resting 12-lead electrocardiogram in sinus rhythm was recorded to measure the RR interval, P-wave duration, and PR interval. The RHR was calculated based on the mean RR interval. During a mean follow-up period of 17.0 ± 8.3 months (range, 3 to 32 months), 96 (29.2%) patients developed recurrence of AF. The AF recurrence rate was 46.2%, 32.3%, and 25.4% in patients with an RHR50, 50 to 59, and ≥60 beats/min, respectively (log-rank test, p = 0.009). Cox regression analysis with adjustment for P-wave duration and the CHADS

The thermo-mechanical behavior and material design of functionally graded materials (FGMs) has been gaining increasing attention in the past two decades. However, little work can obtain the exact solution of FGM vessel consisting of a finite length hollow cylinder and two closed ends due to the difficult in calculating the axial strain. By constructing an exponentially function determining the material properties and based on the steady state thermo-elastic theory and Euler-Cauchy formula, the closed-form analytical solutions of the thermo-mechanical stresses for the FGM vessel subjected to an internal pressure and a thermal load were firstly established taking the effect of closed ends into consideration. And then, a numerical model of the FGM pressure vessel was developed using the finite element (FE) method for validating the analytical solution. Lastly, a double-variable optimization model was proposed for determining the optimal material distribution of the FGM pressure vessel. The results demonstrated the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed stress formulations and optimization model in this paper, which would be helpful for better understanding and scientific design of FGM vessel or related structures.

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to the development of vascular remodeling. In the present study, the effect of paeoniflorin (PAE) on the platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced proliferation of primary cultured rat VSMCs and its molecular mechanism was investigated. The toxicity was determined by the try pan blue exclusion test. Cell proliferation was determined using a CCK-8 assay, DNA synthesis was assessed by measuring the incorporation of BrdU. Cell cycle progression was determined using PI staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed using dichlorodihydro fluorescein diacetate. mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Changes of p38, JNK, ERK1/2 signaling pathways were determined by western blot analysis. Cell migration was detected by scratch assay. PAE was demonstrated to significantly inhibit VSMC proliferation induced by PDGF-BB in a dose-and time-dependent manner without cell cytotoxicity. Thus, PAE blocked progression through the G0/G1 to Sphase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, inhibition of the cell cycle was associated with the inhibition of them RNA expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and CDK2 as well as with increased cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A mRNA expression in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Further studies showed that the beneficial effect of PAE on blocking VSMCs proliferation was related to the suppression of the ROS-mediated extra cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 signaling pathways, although PAE had no significant effect on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signalling pathway. These results demonstrated that PAE suppressed PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation through the ROS-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways, suggesting that it may be a feasible therapy for vascular remodelling diseases.

Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by myocardial ischemia is the primary cause of cardiac cell death. Specific removal of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy may be beneficial for cardiomyocyte protection against ischemia. Regulator of calcineurin 1-1L (Rcan1-1L) has been implicated in mitophagy induction in neurons. However, whether or not Rcan1-1L can evoke mitophagy in cardiomyocytes during hypoxia remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of Rcan1-1L overexpression on cardiomyocytes during hypoxia and the possible underlying mechanism. The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that Rcan1-1L overexpression inhibited cell growth under normoxic conditions, whereas Rcan1-1L overexpression significantly reversed the growth inhibition induced by hypoxia. The results of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end-labeling assay showed that cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia was markedly reduced by Rcan1-1L overexpression. In addition, Rcan1-1L overexpression inhibited the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated death promoter and increased that of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Rcan1-1L overexpression opened the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and decreased mitochondrial mass. Meanwhile, the release of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria was suppressed by Rcan1-1L. Autophagy flow activation represented by mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) upregulation was also demonstrated. Compared with endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus protein markers, the mitochondrial protein marker translocase of outer mitochondrial membranes 20 (TOM20) was downregulated by Rcan1-1L overexpression. Moreover, Rcan1-1L increased mitophagy receptor Parkin translocation into mitochondria from cytosol. Additionally, the effect of Rcan1-1L on cell growth, cell apoptosis and mitochondria mass was blocked by Parkin expression silencing. Overall, these data suggest that Rcan1-1L protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis by inducing mitophagy partly through Parkin. This study provided novel insights into the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart disease.

The problem of air pollution is very serious now, so it is important for developing a monitoring mechanism of PM2.5. An automatic changing film mechanism is designed and manufactured in the paper. Then static stress, vibration analysis and structural optimization are carried out by Solidworks software. Experiments show that the mechanism of PM2.5 is reasonable and reliable.

Cardiac perforation during catheter-based radiofrequency ablation procedures is relatively uncommon but potentially fatal if tamponade ensues. This complication should be promptly recognised. We present a case of incomplete perforation of the left ventricle with transient ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V3 during catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Complete perforation was avoided because of rapid diagnosis by the detection of subtle changes in electrode potentials and by performing angiography via an externally irrigated ablation catheter lumen.

Two new unsaturated fatty acids, 6R,8R-dihydroxy-9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid (1) and methyl-6R,8R-dihydroxy-9Z,12Z-octadecadienoate (2), and two known 9Z,12Z-octadecadienoic acid analogues (3, 4) together with a known sesquiterpenoid (5) were isolated from the mangrove rhizosphere soil-derived fungus Penicillium javanicum HK1-22. An acetonide derivative (1a) from 1 was also prepared. The relative configuration of 1 was determined by analysis of the 1D and 2D NOE spectra of 1a. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned on the basis of biogenetic considerations. The antifungal activity of the high yield compound 5 was evaluated against four strains of crop pathogens and it showed significant antifungal activities against all the tested strains.

Interatrial block (IAB) is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of a combination of IAB and the CHADS2 score, an AF-related risk score for ischemic stroke, with new onset AF in patients in sinus rhythm. A total of 1,571 patients (803 males, 768 females; mean age: 58 ± 16 years) were included in this study. IAB was defined as a P-wave duration120 ms in the 12-lead electrocardiogram, and a high CHADS2 score as ≥ 2 points. During the mean follow-up period of 4.8 ± 0.7 years, new onset AF occurred in 122 patients (16.1 per 1,000 patient-years). The incidence of new onset AF was 4.0 per 1,000 patient-years in patients with no IAB and a low CHADS2 score, and 44.0 per 1,000 patient-years in patients with IAB and a high CHADS2 score. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio for IAB and a high CHADS2 score compared with no IAB and a low CHADS2 score was 12.18 (95% confidence interval: 6.22-23.87, P0.001), after adjustment for age, sex, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, smoking, medications, and echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, IAB and a high CHADS2 score independently and synergistically predict new onset AF in patients in sinus rhythm, indicating an approximately 12-fold higher risk in patients with both IAB and a high CHADS2 score. Patients meeting these criteria should have more aggressive early intervention to prevent AF.

Hyperhomocysteine has become a critical risk for atherosclerosis and can stimulate proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) is a receptor of homocysteine and mediates the effects of homocysteine on VSMCs. Bioinformatics analysis has shown NMDAR is a potential target of microRNA-217 (miR-217), which exerts multiple funct ions in cancer tumorigenesis and carotid plaque progression. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of miR-217 in VSMCs phenotype transition under homocysteine exposure and elucidate its effect on atherosclerotic plaque formation. After treating with several doses of homocysteine (0~8×10-4 M) for 24 h, the expression of miR-217 in HA-VSMCs and rat aortic VSMCs was not altered. Intriguingly, the expression of NMDAR mRNA and protein was reduced by homocysteine in a dose-dependent manner. Transfection of miR-217 mimic significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs with homocysteine treatment, while transfection of miR-217 inhibitor promoted VSMCs migration. Moreover, miR-217 mimic down-regulated while miR-217 inhibitor up-regulated NMDAR protein expression but not NMDAR mRNA expression. Through luciferase reporter assay, we showed that miR-217 could directly bind to the 3’-UTR of NMDAR. MiR-217 mimic transfection also released the inhibition of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-PGC-1α signaling induced by homocysteine. Additionally, restoration of PGC-1α expression via AdPGC-1α infection markedly suppressed VSMCs proliferation through the degradation of NADPH oxidase (NOX1) and reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, our study identified the role of miR-217 in regulating VSMCs proliferation and migration, which might serve as a target for atherosclerosis therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Because of bilateral pulse tubes, wave rotor refrigerators (WRRs) have excellent fluidic operation performance. In this work, a WRR experimental rig with throughput of 3×104Nm3/d and expansion ratio 3 for hydrated gases has been built. A number of experiments show that the temperature of low pressure port of WRR has little influence on refrigeration efficiency. This makes possible of maintaining excellent refrigeration efficiency when WRR operating with high-liquid gases. Actual liquid experiments do show the excellent fluidic operation performance: the refrigeration performance remains almost unchanged even if WWR operates with 13.7 %( w) liquid ratio.

Reservoir history matching provides an effective way to accurately understand petrophysical characteristics and evaluate reservoir development potential. At present, history matching methods mainly include manual work and automatic history matching. Compared with manual history matching, automatic history matching can not only avoid randomness and blindness caused by researchers, but also reduce the workload significantly. In this paper, an automatic history matching method of reservoir numerical simulation based on improved genetic algorithm was proposed, the validity of which was proved by taking the SZ 36-1 typical reservoir of Bohai oilfield for example. Results show that the method proposed in this paper is effective for reservoir history matching problems due to its strong reliability and fast convergence speed.

The unsteady flow behaviors in devices like gas wave machines, wave rotor refrigerators and so on are complex due to real gas effect at high operational pressure and low temperature. In this work, a detail computational model for unsteady flow analysis of real natural gases is established. The real effect on unsteady behaviors of natural gases in shock tubes have been studied extensively. Results show that the non-classical flow of the gases will not exist. The discipline of reflection and refraction of various gas waves or discontinuities remain unchanged for natural gases. Attention should be paid only to the deviations between perfect gas model and real gas model for gasdynamic waves.

Real gas effect has great impact on unsteady flow behaviors in wave rotor refrigerator (WRR). In this work, the main thermal separation effect and propagation speed of gasdynamic wave of real gases are briefly studied. Numerical results have shown the large deviations between perfect gas model and real gas model for gasdynamic waves. A corrected wave diagram of WRR has been achieved based on real gas PVT relations, through which the problem of offset design of port timing can be completely solved.

The heat transfer in granular materials can be found in many industry processes. But the phenomenon is not well understood. A particle contact heat transfer model (PCHM) was developed by taking each independent mechanism into account. The model combined with DEM was used to simulate heat transfer between particles and inserted heating surface. Comparing with each mechanism, the heat conduction through contact area has the most contribute to apparent effective quantity of heat transfer. The key factors effecting on Qeff include: the number of particles contacting with heating surface, the contact time, and the contact area. When the average diameter is same, the diameter distribution has little effects on heat transfer. While the average diameter is different, the effective heat transfer coefficient decreases with the increasing of particle diameter. The quantity of heat transfer is spatially non-uniform.

Screening of crop genotypes with high K efficiency plays a fundamental role in understanding their physiological mechanisms. In this study, pot culture experiment was conducted to reveal the differences in uptake and use of K among 56 barley varieties. The coefficient of variation (CV) of K uptake (Ku) and K dry matter production index (KDMPI) of these varieties were higher than other indices and both Ku and KDMPI were significantly different among the barley varieties. Furthermore, Ku and KDMPI were positively correlated with dry matter weight (DMW) during the whole growth period; K use efficiency (KUE) and K harvesting index (KHI) were significantly related to dry grain weight (DGW) at maturing stage. Through cluster of these indices, Sandrime and AC Westech were found to be the most K-efficient and K-inefficient genotypes of barley, respectively. Significant differences were observed in uptake and use capacity of K between the two genotypes. During the whole growth period, Ku, K dry matter production efficiency (KDMPE), KDMPI and DMW of the K-efficient genotype were found to be 1.5-1.8, 1.4-2.3, 2.1-3.9, and 1.7-2.1 times higher than those of the K-inefficient genotype, respectively, and at maturing stage, DWG, KUE, and KHI of efficient genotype were higher than those of the inefficient one. The results also showed that Sandrime was the most efficient candidate among the tested varieties for K efficiency and further studies should be conducted to investigate its physiological and biochemical characteristics.

The flow characteristics of solid particles in a silo were studied experimentally and theoretically. A multi-scale study of the particles flow was performed by means of discrete element method (DEM). The dependence of flow behaviors on the particles diameter distribution and silo geometry was analyzed to establish the spatial and statistical distributions of microdynamic variables related to flow and silo structures such as velocity, porosity, coordination number, and interaction forces between particles. The results show that the distribution of particle diameter has great effects on particles flow, and the mixing of multi-sized particles is propitious to granular flow. The geometry of silos has greater effects on granular flow than particle size distribution, and inserts can improve the flow behaviors of “funnel flow” type to “mass flow”. Linear equations can be used to describe the relationship between discharge rate and orifice size by G 2/5 vs. D o for the same distribution of particles diameter. The flow structure of particles in the silos is spatially non-uniform, which is illustrated by spatial and statistical distributions of porosity and coordination number. Both porosity and coordination number are affected by the mode of particles packed, which is affected by the geometry of silos and particle size distribution. The distribution of contact forces between particles is spatially non-uniform too. In flat-bottomed silo, there are arched stress chains in the vicinity of the orifice under the “bridging action”, which disappeared in wedge-shaped hopper silo.

Granular materials are utilized in a wide variety of industrial applications. The complex hydrodynamics of granular flow is still not fully understood. The flow characteristics of solid particles in a two-dimensional moving bed were studied experimentally and theoretically. The effects of mass velocity, properties of particles and the shape of moving bed on flow pattern were examined. The experiments show that the mass velocity of solid particles and the placement of baffles in stagnant zones have no effect on flow pattern. The shape, size and repose angle of particles affect the flow pattern greatly. The particles have more liquidity and the mixture between particles is easier with the increasing of sphericity degree of particles and the decreasing of particle size. The shape of flowing zone becomes more sharp-angled with the increasing of the repose angle, and the stagnant zone becomes larger. The kinematic model was used to simulate the particle flow. For center discharge the simulation results are in agreement with experiment data very well, while for eccentric discharge the simulation couldn't show the effects of side walls on particle flow. An analytic solution of kinematic model was obtained by Lie transformation group. It shows that the velocity of particle flow is the maximum when x equals 0. The method of translational coordinate was used to modify the traditional kinematic model in order to make sure the x value of each point on the maximum particles velocity distribution lines is zero. The modified kinematic model could simulate the eccentric discharge well, and the field of kinematic model applications was expanded.

This paper deals with the design of flexible multiple plant water networks. Some practical features of multiple plant integration such as operating flexibility and expensive operating cost have made the number of cross plant interconnections (CPIs) an important parameter of water minimization problem. By combining pinch insight with mathematical programming, target freshwater usage and CPI conditions are obtained first without considering the detailed network design. Subsequently, an MILP model is established for the design of flexible water networks of individual plants. The proposed systematic approach can be applied for both fixed contaminant (FC) operations and fixed flow rate (FF) operations, limited to a single contaminant. An example from literature and a practical example of a chlor−alkali complex are used to illustrate the applicability of the approach.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is associated with the increased expression of adhesion molecules in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cordycepin is one of the major bioactive components of Ophiocordyceps sinensis that has been demonstrated to exert anti-atherogenic activity; however, its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro effects of cordycepin on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced suppression of adhesion molecule expression. The results of the present study demonstrated that cordycepin markedly inhibited the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in TNF-α-stimulated human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs). Cordycepin significantly inhibited the TNF-α-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt) activation (P

Pressure vessels covered with overlaying layer or coating are widely applied due to its strong heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and load-carrying capacity. However, limited work has been reported on investigating the thermomechanical behavior of a pressure vessel with a functionally graded material (FGM) coating. In this study, a closed-form analytical solution was first derived for calculating the stress distribution in a pressure vessel with an FGM coating subjected to an internal pressure and a thermal load. Afterwards, a numerical solution was also established for validating the analytical solution using finite element (FE) method. It was found out that the analytical solution agreed well with the numerical ones, and the thermomechanical properties of FGM coating were also discussed in detail. This work would be helpful for better understanding and scientific design of pressure vessels with an FGM coating or related thin-walled structures.

Regeneration of Pb-loaded magnetic biochar prepared with eucalypts leaf residue was studied by using EDTA-2Na as a regenerant. The desorption efficiency was found to be 84.1% in 120 min with iron leaching amount of 1.1 mg g−1. Higher SBET and pore volume were observed in regenerated magnetic biochars and no significant band shifts occurred in FTIR spectra during 6 regeneration cycles. The decrease of Pb(II) adsorption capacity (from 52.4 to 41.5 mg g−1) was only found in the first regeneration cycle. Magnetic separation performance of adsorbents was not significantly affected by multiple regeneration cycles.

Mitochondrial autophagy is an important adaptive stress response and can be modulated by various key molecules. A previous study found that the regulator of calcineurin 1-1L (Rcan1-1L) may regulate mitochondrial autophagy and cause mitochondria degradation in neurocytes. However, the effect of Rcan1-1L on cardiomyocytes has not been determined. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of Rcan1-1L in angiotensin II (Ang II)-exposed human cardiomyocytes. Above all, Human adult cardiac myocytes (HACMs) were exposed to 200nmol/L Ang II for 4 days. Enhanced H2O2 production, cytochrome C release and mitochondrial permeability were observed in these cells, which were blocked by valsartan. Consistently, Ang II exposure significantly reduced cardiomyocyte viability. However, transfection of Rcan1-1L vector promoted cell viability and ameliorated the apoptosis caused by Ang II. Rcan1-1L clearly promoted mitochondrial autophagy in HACMs, with elevated autophagy protein (ATG) 5 and light chain 3 (LC3) expression. Transient mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced cytochrome C release was also induced by Rcan1-1L. Additionally, Rcan1-1L significantly inhibited calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling. We thus conclude that Rcan1-1L may play a protective role in Ang II-treated cardiomyocytes through the induction of mitochondrial autophagy, and may be an alternative method of cardiac protection.

Catheter ablation has been established to be an effective therapy for drug-refractory paroxysmal AF and is recommended as the treatment of choice for many patients, including those with a permanent pacemaker (PM). However, the clinical efficacy of catheter ablation of paroxysmal AF in patients with a permanent PM for atrioventricular block (AVB) is not clear. Twenty-nine patients with a permanent PM for AVB (AVB + PM group), and 145 age- and gender-matched control patients (on a 1:5 basis) without AVB and without a permanent PM (no-AVB + no-PM group), were included in this study. Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence was defined as the occurrence of confirmed atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting more than 30 seconds beyond 3 months after catheter ablation in the absence of any antiarrhythmic treatment. During a mean follow-up period of 14.2 ± 8.6 months (range, 3-30 months), 54 patients (31.0%) developed recurrence of AF. The recurrence rate was higher in the AVB + PM group than in the no-AVB + no-PM group (48.3% versus 27.6%, P = 0.005). Cox regression analysis with adjustment for age, valvular heart disease, AVB and a PM together, left atrial (LA) diameter and PV isolation identified LA diameter (hazard ratio 1.054, 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.110, P = 0.047) and AVB and a PM together (hazard ratio 2.095, 95% confidence interval 1.109-3.960, P = 0.023) as two independent predictors of recurrence of AF. Patients with a permanent PM for AVB were at an increased risk of recurrence of AF after catheter ablation.