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To explain the differences found in cytotoxicity, interactions of an optically pure rosin derivative 2-amino-5-dehydroabietyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (L) and its two copper(II) complexes [CuL4Cl]Cl·2CH2C...

A novel optically pure dinuclear copper(II) complex of a rosin derivative dehydroabietic acid (DHA, HL) was synthesized and fully characterized. The in vitro antitumor activities of the copper(II) complex Cu2(µ2-O)(L)4(DMF)2 (1) were explored and compared with those of a trinuclear iron(III) complex [Fe3(µ3-O)(L)6(CH3OH)2(CH3O)]·H2O (2). 1 was more cytotoxic than 2, and the in vitro cytotoxicity of 1 was comparable to that of cisplatin and oxaliplatin. The metal coordination improved the cytotoxicity of DHA. 1 could arrest cycle in G1 phase and induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cell. 1 increased reactive oxygen species level, GSSG/GSH ratio, and Ca2+ production, and caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) in MCF-7 cells. The up-regulated Bax and down-regulated Bcl-2 expression levels, caspase-9/caspase-3 activation, and the release of Cyt c demonstrate that 1 triggered mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Caspase-8/caspase-4 activation and up-regulated Fas expression indicate that death receptor-mediated extrinsic apoptosis was included. Comet assay and up-regulated γ-H2AX and p53 expressions confirmed that 1 caused DNA damage in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, 1 led to enhancement of the biomarker of lipid peroxidation and the indicator of protein carbonylation in MCF-7 cells. All the results suggest that 1 could kill MCF-7 cells by generating oxidative stress, impairing DNA, promoting lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation, and inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, 1 also displayed antimetastatic activities with inhibition of cell invasion and migration, together with antiangiogenesis properties. On the whole, copper complex based on rosin derivatives is worth developing as metal-based antitumor drugs.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the hook wire system in the simultaneous localizations for multiple pulmonary nodules (PNs) before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and to clarify the risk factors for pneumothorax associated with the localization procedure. Between January 2010 and February 2016, 67 patients (147 nodules, Group A) underwent simultaneous localizations for multiple PNs using a hook wire system. The demographic, localization procedure-related information and the occurrence rate of pneumothorax were assessed and compared with a control group (349 patients, 349 nodules, Group B). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for pneumothorax during the localization procedure. All the 147 nodules were successfully localized. Four (2.7%) hook wires dislodged before VATS procedure, but all these four lesions were successfully resected according to the insertion route of hook wire. Pathological diagnoses were acquired for all 147 nodules. Compared with Group B, Group A demonstrated significantly longer procedure time (p

To explore the biological properties of rosin derivatives, two dehydroabietic acid derivatives N-(5-dehydroabietyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole)-yl-pyridine-2-carboxamide (DTPC) and di-N-(5-dehydroabietyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole)-yl-pyridine-2,6-carboxamide (DDTPC) with 1,3,4-thiadiazole, pyridine and amide moieties were designed and synthesized according to superposition principle of activity group. They interact with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) via intercalation based on the results of circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy, DNA denaturation and viscosity studies. Fluorescence and CD spectral experiments indicate that they might be transported and stored by protein like bovine serum albumin (BSA). MTT assay was further carried out to examine their cytotoxicity, they both showed selective cytotoxicity and DTPC exhibited better cytotoxicity. The antiproliferative effect of DTPC toward A431 cell line was stronger than that of clinically used cisplatin and oxaliplatin. In addition, the cytotoxicity of DTPC and DDTPC was closely related with their DNA binding ability.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) histogram analysis for assessing World Health Organization (WHO) pathological classification and Masaoka clinical stages of thymic epithelial tumours. METHODS: 37 patients with histologically confirmed thymic epithelial tumours were enrolled. ADC measurements were performed using hot-spot ROI (ADC(HS-ROI)) and histogram-based approach. ADC histogram parameters included mean ADC (ADC(mean)), median ADC (ADC(median)), 10 and 90 percentile of ADC (ADC(10) and ADC(90)), kurtosis and skewness. One-way ANOVA, independent-sample t-test, and receiver operating characteristic were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were significant differences in ADC(mean), ADC(median), ADC(10), ADC(90) and ADC(HS-ROI) among low-risk thymoma (type A, AB, B1; n = 14), high-risk thymoma (type B2, B3; n = 9) and thymic carcinoma (type C, n = 14) groups (all p-values

In the research of urban disaster risk assessment, data is the most basic element. Accurate, comprehensive, high quality data is essential to ensure the accuracy of disaster analysis and disaster risk classification. The systematic methods of data acquisition, processing and management and analysis need to be studied. In this paper, based on the analysis of characteristics of urban-disasters composite risk assessment data, the risk assessment database is designed. According to processing phase, the database is divided into four sub-databases: gathering database, general database, study area database and history database. The logic design for all the databases are discussed. The updating mechanism is built for the database and continuance updating is realized.

Vibrio mimicus is the causative agent of ascites disease in fish. The heat-labile hemolytic toxin designated VMH is an immunoprotective antigen of V. mimicus. However, its epitopes have not been well characterized. Here, a commercially available phage displayed 12-mer peptide library was used to screen epitopes of VMH protein using polyclonal rabbit anti-rVMH protein antibodies, and then five positive phage clones were identified by sandwich and competitive ELISA. Sequences analysis showed that the motif of DPTLL displayed on phage clone 15 and the consensus motif of SLDDDST displayed on the clone 4/11 corresponded to the residues 134–138 and 238–244 of VMH protein, respectively, and the synthetic motif peptides could also be recognized by anti-rVMH-HD antibody in peptide-ELISA. Thus, both motifs DPTLL and SLDDDST were identified as minimal linear B-cell epitopes of VMH protein. Although no similarity was found between VMH protein and the consensus motif of ADGLVPR displayed on the clone 2/6, the synthetic peptide ADGLVPR could absorb anti-rVMH-HD antibody and inhibit the antibody binding to rVMH protein in enhanced chemoluminescence Western blotting, whereas irrelevant control peptide did not affect the antibody binding with rVMH. These results revealed that the peptide ADGLVPR was a mimotope of VMH protein. Taken together, three novel B-cell epitopes of VMH protein were identified, which provide a foundation for developing epitope-based vaccine against V. mimicus infection in fish.

Objective To assess the performance of a whole-tumor histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in differentiating thymic carcinoma from lymphoma, and compare it with that of a commonly used hot-spot region-of-interest (ROI)-based ADC measurement. Materials and Methods Diffusion weighted imaging data of 15 patients with thymic carcinoma and 13 patients with lymphoma were retrospectively collected and processed with a mono-exponential model. ADC measurements were performed by using a histogram-based and hot-spot-ROI-based approach. In the histogram-based approach, the following parameters were generated: mean ADC (ADCmean), median ADC (ADCmedian), 10th and 90th percentile of ADC (ADC10 and ADC90), kurtosis, and skewness. The difference in ADCs between thymic carcinoma and lymphoma was compared using a t test. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to determine and compare the differentiating performance of ADCs. Results Lymphoma demonstrated significantly lower ADCmean, ADCmedian, ADC10, ADC90, and hot-spot-ROI-based mean ADC than those found in thymic carcinoma (all p values < 0.05). There were no differences found in the kurtosis (p = 0.412) and skewness (p = 0.273). The ADC10 demonstrated optimal differentiating performance (cut-off value, 0.403 × 10−3 mm2/s; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.977; sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 93.3%), followed by the ADCmean, ADCmedian, ADC90, and hot-spot-ROI-based mean ADC. The AUC of ADC10 was significantly higher than that of the hot spot ROI based ADC (0.977 vs. 0.797, p = 0.036). Conclusion Compared with the commonly used hot spot ROI based ADC measurement, a histogram analysis of ADC maps can improve the differentiating performance between thymic carcinoma and lymphoma.

TiAl(3)-Al coating was deposited on orthorhombic Ti(2)AlNb alloy substrate by cold spraying with the mixture of pure Al and Ti as the feedstock powder at a fixed molar ratio of 3:1 when the spraying distance, gas temperature and gas pressure for the process were 10 mm, 250 degrees C and 1.8 MPa, respectively. The as-sprayed coating was then subjected to heat treatment at 630 degrees C in argon atmosphere for 5 h at a heating rate of 3 degrees C/min and an argon gas flow rate of 40 mL/min. The obtained TiAl(3)-Al composite coating is about 212 mu m with a density of 3.16 g/cm(3) and a porosity of 14.69% in general. The microhardness and bonding strength for the composite coating are HV525 and 27.12 MPa.

Two novel zinc(II) coordination complexes [Zn 2 (L)(CO 3 )]Br 2 · 7H 2 O ( 1 ) and [Zn 2 (L)(CO 3 )]Br 2 · 0. 5CH 3 COCH 3 · 5H 2 O ( 2 ) with new macrocyclic ligand 3, 6, 9, 12, 20, 23, 26, 29-octaazatricyclo[29.3.1.1 14,18 ] hexatriaconta-1(34), 14, 16, 18(36), 31(35), 32-hexaene (L) were synthesized at an initial pH of ca. 9.5 with evaporation and diffusion methods, respectively. The dinuclear units of [Zn 2 (L)] 4+ in both complexes are linked together by carbonate anions to form 1D infinite chain structure. The results show that carbon dioxide from air was absorbed and converted to carbonate anion in the formation of complexes 1 and 2 . To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of absorption and hydration of atmosphere carbon dioxide to form the 1D chain structure in the zinc(II) macrocyclic complexes.

Four novel metal complexes [Cd(L)Cl](BF4)·H2O (1), [Cd(L)Br]2[CdBr4]·2H2O (2), [Cu(L)Br]Br (3), and [Cu(L)](NO3)2 (4) were prepared by the reactions of ligand N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N1-(2-imidazolethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine (L) with metal salts under different reaction conditions. All of these complexes exhibit 1D chains, but different structures. The results showed that the pH value of the reaction solution and counter ions have remarkable impact on the structure of the complexes. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 represent fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.

Three novel silver(I) complexes [Ag2(L)2](NO3)2 (1), [Ag2(L)2](BF4)2 (2) and [Ag2(L)2](CF3CO2)2 (3) have been synthesized by reactions of Schiff base ligand 1-(imidazol-4-yl)-5-(imidazol-1-yl)-2-azapent-1-ene (L) with the corresponding metal salts and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 has one dimensional (1D) chain structure, while complex 2 has two-dimensional (2D) network structure, in which two unique 1D chains with different shapes are linked together via Ag···Ag interactions. Complex 3 features a discrete M2L2 molecular ring. The results show that the nature of the counterions has remarkable impact on the structure of the supramolecular structures. The photoluminescent properties of the synthesized complexes were studied in the solid state at room temperature. In addition, complex 1 was further investigated by electrospray mass spectrometry.

Assembly of bidentate ligand 1-(1-imidazolyl)-4-(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (IIMB) with varied metal salts of ZnII, CdII and PbII provide three new complexes, [Zn(IIMB)2](ClO4)2·2H2O (1), [Cd(IIMB)2(SCN)2] (2) and [Pb(IIMB)2(SCN)](SCN) (3). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that complexes 1 and 2 display a similar one-dimensional double stranded chain structure, while complex 3 is a slight distorted rhombohedral grid network with (4,4) topology. The results indicate that the coordination geometry of the metal ion and the counter anion have great impact on the structure of the complexes. In addition, the photoluminescence properties of ligand IIMB and complexes 1–3 were studied in the solid state at room temperature.

Three novel coordination polymers [Cd3( L )2(μ-Br)(μ-Cl)Br3Cl] (1), [Cd3( L )2(μ-Cl)2Cl4] (2) and [Cd( L )Cl]2[CdCl4]·H2O (3) were obtained by reactions of an imidazole-containing tripodal ligand N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N1-(2-imidazolethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine (L) with Cd(II) salts. Their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data for 1, monoclinic system, P21/c, a=7.752(4) A, b=31.70(2) A, c=14.012(7) A, β=109.439(7)°, V=3247(3) A3, Z=4. 2, monoclinic system, P21/c, a=7.6564(15) A, b=31.433(6) A, c=13.925(3) A, β=109.89(3)°, V=3151.1(11) A3, Z=4. 3, orthorhombic system, Pbcn, a=22.950(2) A, b=8.435(7) A, c=17.360(2) A, V=3360.3(51) A3, Z=4. Complexes 1 and 2 have similar one-dimensional (1D) branched-chain structure while complex 3 features a 1D zigzag cationic chain with [CdCl4]2− serving as counter anion. The photoluminescent measurements reveal that all the complexes exhibit blue fluorescence at room temperature in the solid state.

An imidazole-containing tripodal polyamine ligand N 1 -(2-aminoethyl)- N 1 -(2-imidazol-1-ylethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine (L) was prepared and its dinuclear zinc(II) complex [Zn(L)(H 2 O)] 2 (ClO 4 ) 4 · 4 H 2 O ( 1 ) was obtained and examined as a catalyst for the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl acetate (NA). X-ray crystal structure analysis of the complex revealed that the complex features a dinuclear cation unit with a Zn ⋯ Zn distance of 8.34 A and both Zn(II) centers adopt distorted trigonal-bipyramid geometry. The solution complexation investigation performed at 25 °C by means of potentiometric titration revealed that the mononuclear species [ZnL] 2+ is predominating in the pH rage of 7.0–9.7 in the solution and the p K a1 for the Zn-bound water is 8.50 ± 0.01. Complex 1 promoted hydrolysis of NA showed a second-order rate constant of 0.046 ± 0.004 M −1 s −1 at pH 9.0 in 10% (v/v) CH 3 CN aqueous solution at 25 °C. The pH-rate profile for the second-order rate constant of NA hydrolysis with complex 1 gave a sigmoidal curve. And the results show that in the hydrolysis process the two Zn(II) centers of the dinuclear deprotonated species do not cooperate with each other and the Zn-bound hydroxide servers as reactive nucleophile toward the ester.

Three metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [La(bta)(H2O)]n (1), [La(bta)(H2O)2·H2O]n (2) and [Er(bta)(H2O)2·H2O]n (3) with different structures were synthesized by reactions of 1,3,5-benzenetriacetic acid (H3bta) with the corresponding lanthanide salts under different conditions. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 have the same metal atom and ligand but different structures. In 1, each bta3 − adopts cis, cis, cis conformation and acts as a μ6-bridge linking six lanthanum atoms to form a 2D framework; while in 2, the bta3 − has cis, trans, trans conformation and serves as a μ5-bridging ligand, which results in a 3D channel-like structure. In the case of 3, each bta3 − also adopts cis, trans, trans conformation but acts as a μ4-bridge linking four erbium atoms to form a 3D channel-like framework. The results imply that the reaction conditions have great impact on the structure of MOFs, and the flexible triacid ligand H3bta is versatile and can adopt different conformations in the formati...

Three coordination polymers [Co(L) 2 (SCN) 2 ] ( 1 ), [Mn(L) 2 (SCN) 2 ] ( 2 ) and [Cd(H 4 L) 2 Cl 2 ] ( 3 ), were obtained by the reaction of Co II , Mn II , Cd II salts with di-Schiff base ligand N , N ′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-4,4′-biphenylenedimethyleneimine (L) and its reduced form (H 4 L), respectively and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, complexes 1 and 2 feature 1D hinged chains, while complex 3 has a 2D network structure. Complex 2 was found to show optical limiting property with a 3 ns pulsed laser at 532 nm in DMF solution.

A novel two-dimensional coordination polymer [Ag(µ3-hexamethylenetetramine)(H2O)](BF4) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Pnnm with a = 15.561(7) A, b = 10.754(5) A, c = 6.514(3) A, and Z = 4. Each Ag center is four-coordinated in a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The structure consists of 2D wavy layers of hexagonal units; these 2D layers are further connected to form a 3D network by O-H⋯F, C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds with counter anions BF 4 − in the layers.

Five novel coordination polymers, [Co(bpb)2Cl2] (1), [Co(bpb)2(SCN)2] (2), [Cd(H4bpb)0.5(dmf)(NO3)2] (3), [Cd2(H4bpb)Br4] (4), and [Hg2(H4bpb)I4] (5) [bpb=N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-benzenedimethyleneimine, H4bpb=N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-benzenedimethylamine], were synthesized and their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, complex 1 is a 1D hinged chain, while 2 has 2D network structure with the ligand bpb serving as a bridging ligand using its two pyridyl N atoms. The imine N atoms keep free of coordination and bpb acts as a bidentate ligand in both 1 and 2. Complexes 3, 4, and 5 with reduced bpb ligand, i.e. H4bpb, show similar 2D network structure, in which ligand H4bpb serves as a tetradentate ligand. Thermogravimetric analyses for complexes 1–5 were carried out and found that they have high thermal stability. The magnetic susceptibilities of compounds 1, 2 were measured over a temperature range of 75–300 K.

To assess the role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) using dual-source computed tomography in the preoperative evaluation of old patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery.A retrospective review of the clinical data of patients who underwent CTA in our hospital between May 2011 and May 2013 was performed, and totally 111 old patients with risk factors of coronary artery diseases scheduled for noncardiac surgery were found to coronary CTA for preoperative evaluation. Prospectively electrocardiograph-triggered sequence scan protocol with dual-source computed tomography was performed. The imaging quality, coronary artery stenosis, the treatment before operation, and perioperative complications were assessed.For 1 779 coronary artery segments in 111 patients, the number of evaluable segments was 1 676 (97.4%). The mean effective dose of CTA was (2.7 ± 0.9) mSv. Among them, 71 patients with coronary artery stenosis50% underwent surgery without cardiac complication and 17 patients with coronary artery stenosis ≥ 70% underwent conventional coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA in detecting ≥ 50% stenosis were 95% and 96%, and the sensitivity and specificity of CTA in detecting ≥ 70% stenosis were 97% and 98%. For 19 patients with coronary artery stenosis between 50% and 70%, the levels of myocardial enzyme were transiently higher for two patients, and no other cardiac complication occurred.Coronary artery CTA is reliable in artery stenosis evaluation and can be used as cardiac risk stratification for old patients scheduled for noncardiac surgery.

Vibrio mimicus is a pathogen that causes ascites disease in fish. We have previously demonstrated that the outer membrane protein U (OmpU) is an important adhesin in V. mimicus. Here eight specific OmpU-binding phage clones, which presented three different OmpU-binding peptides (designated P1, P2, P3), were screened from a commercially available phage displayed 12-mer peptide library using rOmpU protein as target. Then, synthetic OmpU-binding peptides were measured for their adhesion antagonistic activity and binding affinity via adhesion inhibition test and non-competitive ELISA, respectively. The results showed that after co-incubated with the mixture of rOmpU and P3, visible green fluorescence could be observed on the epithelioma papulosum cyprinidi (EPC) cells surface; while the EPC cells co-incubated with the mixture of rOmpU and P1/P2 exhibited little green fluorescence. The average adhesion number of V. mimicus 04–14 isolate before and after treatment with peptide was 21.4 ± 1.5, 20.8 ± 0.8 (irrelevant peptide), 20.2 ± 0.5 (P3), 5.1 ± 0.7 (P1) and 3.4 ± 0.8 (P2), respectively. There was a significant decrease in the adhesive level of 04–14 isolate treated with P1/ P2 compared to the untreated isolate (p

To investigate the feasibility of in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging tracking of transplanted bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) dual-labeled with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) and red fluorescence protein (RFP).BMSCs were incubated with culture medium containing USPIO for 24 hours. The Prussian-blue staining, transmission electron microscopy and trypan-blue staining were used to study the efficacy and safety of labeling. F344 rat model of acute myocardial infarction was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The dual-labeled BMSCs were injected into the margin of the infraction myocardium. Then MRI and fluorescence imaging were performed to trace the cells both in vitro and in vivo. Postmortal study was carried out to observe the distribution of transplanted cells in myocardium.The percentage of dual-labeled BMSCs reached 99% after co-incubating with USPIO for 24 hours. USPIO particles were mainly located in lysosomes. As demonstrated by trypan-blue staining, there was no significant deference in viability between labeled and unlabeled groups (P0.05). All dual-labeled transplanted BMSCs showed a significant decreasing signal on MRI, and the signal intensity changes had no significant difference over 4 weeks (P=0.66). In vitro cell tracing with fluorescence imaging of isolated heart from F344 rats was successful,while in vivo cell tracing with fluorescence imaging failed. Prussian blue staining showed that USPIO distributed near the infarcted myocardium, corresponding with the fluorescence imaging.MRI can be used to trace the dual-labeled BMSCs transplanted into F344 rat hearts in vivo, while fluorescence imaging and pathological fluorescence imaging can trace the transplanted cells in vitro.

To evaluate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) sequence in assessing the cardiac structure and function.A total of 36 healthy volunteers were examined with fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition cine MR sequence. All the MR images were processed on Report Card software to test the cardiac dimensions and function. The relationships between the CMR results and the ultrasonic cardiography (UCG) results were analyzed.CMR analysis showed that interventricular septum thickness, left ventricle posterior wall thickness, end diastolic dimension of left ventricle, and end systolic dimension of left ventricle were (9.2 +/- 2.1), (8.0 +/- 2.1), (48.6 +/- 5.5), and (30.3 +/- 5.3) mm, respectively. Major dimension of right ventricle, minor dimension of right ventricle, index of major, dimension of right ventricle and index of minor dimension of right ventricle were (69.2 +/- 9.7), (30.6 +/- 6.6) mm, and (39.4 +/- 5.5), (18.1 +/- 3.4) min/m2, respectively. The left ventricle indicators above measured by CMR correlated with those by UCG (r = 0.843, 0.784, 0.686, 0.730, all P0.01). CMR analysis showed that left ventricular end diastolic volume, right ventricular end diastolic volume, left ventricular end systolic volume, and right ventricular end systolic volume were (93.6 +/- 17.2), (108.6 +/- 28.2), (39.5 +/- 13.0), and (45.6 +/- 15.1) ml, respectively. The left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular ejection fraction were (58.5 +/- 8.19)% and (58.2 +/- 7.4)% , respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction measured by CMR was correlated with that (64.1 +/- 6.8)% by UCG (r = 0.75, P0.01).CMR sequence with standard location is well applicable for accurate measurement of left and right ventricle dimensions and function, especially for right ventricle. CMR can be used to diagnose the heart disease and monitor the efficacy.

To investigate the clinical value of 64-slice spiral CT (64SCT) in assessing global left ventricular function in patients with old myocardial infarction (OMI), with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard.A total of 28 patients (23 men and 5 women) with OMI underwent contrast-enhanced 64SCT with retrospective electrocardiographic-gating, MRI, and transthoracic echocardiography (Echo). The data sets of 64SCT and MRI were reconstructed at both end-diastole and end-systole to measure left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejective fraction (EF), and myocardial mass at end-diastole (MM). The data acquired with 64SCT and Echo were compared with the results obtained on MRI as the standard of reference respectively.The parameters of global left ventricular function obtained with 64SCT were significantly correlated with the MRI data (r = 0.788-0.976, P0.001). EDV, ESV, SV, EF, and MM were slightly overestimated by 64SCT compared with MRI; however, there was no significant difference among the measurements. 64SCT was in good agreement with MRI. For the EDV, ESV, SV, and EF, the limits of agreement with Echo were significantly larger than with 64SCT compared with MRI (P0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 64SCT to identify EF value less than 50% were 84.6%, 100% and 92.9%, respectively, whereas those of Echo were 61.5%, 66.7% and 64.3%, respectively. The accuracy of 64SCT was significantly higher than that of Echo (P0.01). There was a significantly larger overestimation of EDV, ESV, and SV with Echo than with 64SCT compared with MRI (P0.05), whereas EF was not significantly different.A strong correlation between 64SCT and MRI is found for all parameters. 64SCT agrees well with MRI, and allows more reliable and accurate evaluation of global left ventricular function in patients with OMI than Echo compared with MRI.

To determine the accuracy of dual-source CT (DSCT) coronary angiography (CAG) for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) that induces perfusion defects at myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), by using SPECT and conventional CAG as the reference standard.Thirty-five patients with suspected or known CAD underwent both DSCT coronary angiography and MPI (using exercise or adenosine stress-rest protocol) with technetium-99m sestamibi SPECT. All the patients were beta-blockers-naïve before DSCT scan. The DSCT CAG studies were classified as having no stenosis, non-obstructive (50% luminal narrowing) stenosis, or obstructive (or = 50% luminal narrowing) stenosis. MPI examinations were classified as showing normal or abnormal (reversible and/or fixed defects). A comparative regional analysis of coronary stenosis on DSCT versus myocardial perfusion on SPECT was made. In a subset of 20 patients, CAG was performed as a reference standard for CT angiography.On the basis of the DSCT data, 98.4% of coronary segments were assessable. Twenty-seven branches were classified as having no stenosis, among which 85% had normal MPI. Nine branches showed non-obstructive stenosis and 69 branches showed at least one obstructive lesion. Only 50 (64%) branches with an abnormal DSCT had abnormal MPI; even in branches with obstructive stenosis on DSCT, 23 (33%) still had a normal MPI. By receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, at the optimal cutoff value of 58% stenosis, the sensitivity and specificity of DSCT to detect myocardial perfusion defect as defined by SPECT were 85% and 65%. In the subgroup compared with CAG, the sensitivity and specificity of DSCT to identify obstructive stenosis were 93% and 96%.DSCT and SPECT provide mutually complementary information on CAD. CT angiography can help rule out functionally relevant CAD, but has poor capability in predicting ischemia. DSCT provides high-quality diagnostic image without heartbeat controlling and has a high accuracy in detecting obstructive stenosis.

A new Cd(II) complex [Cd3(L)3(mu3-CO3)](ClO4)4.2CH3CN (1) with two-dimensional (2D) network structure was obtained by reaction of an imidazole-containing tripodal polyamine ligand N1-(2-aminoethyl)-N1-(2-imidazolethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine (L) with Cd(ClO4)2.6H2O at pH 9.0 in air. The carbonate anions (CO3(2-)) are from the hydration of the atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is the same as in the previously reported Cu(II) complex [Cu3(L)3(mu3-CO3)](ClO4)4.3CH3CN (2). However, the coordination mode of CO3(2-) in 1 is mu3-eta2:eta2:eta2 while the one in 2 is mu3-eta1:eta1:eta1. One-dimensional (1D) chain Cd(II) and Cu(II) complexes [Cd(L)Cl]ClO4.H2O (3) and [Cu(L)(H2O)](ClO4)2 (4) without CO3(2-) were prepared by a similar method as that for 1 and 2 except for the different reaction pH, namely, 3 and 4 were obtained at pH 7 while 1 and 2 were obtained at pH 9. In addition, when Cu(NO3)2 was used to react with L at pH 9, a unique 1D double-stranded helical chain complex [Cu(L)Cl]NO3.1.25H2O (5) was obtained. The results revealed that the reaction pH and the counteranion have great impact on the carbon dioxide absorption and hydration as well as on the assembling and structure of the complexes. The magnetic property of complex 2 was investigated in the temperature range of 1.8-300 K, and weak ferromagnetic coupling among the mu3-eta1:eta1:eta1-CO3(2-) bridged Cu(II) atoms was observed.

To evaluate the clinical value of assessment of coronary stent patency by 64-slice spiral CT coronary angiography.Totally 29 patients (59 stents) were investigated using a retrospective ECG-gated enhanced scan by 64-slice spiral CT at a mean interval of (28.4 +/- 21.2) months after coronary stent implantation. Axial multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) of the stents and curved-planar reconstruction (CPR) through the stents were evaluated for image quality on a 5-point scale (1 = excellent, 5 = uninterpretable) and lumen diameter. Stent lumen diameter was compared with the vessel diameter proximal of the stents to assess the in-stent lumen visibility. Conventional coronary angiography was performed in 5 patients, and 9 stents were evaluated.The image quality was good to excellent on average (scores: 1.94 +/- 0.84), depending on heart rate, breath movement, and stent location. Stent lumen was visible, on average a percentage off (76.1 +/- 11.1)% of the lumen diameter. All the 9 stents were correctly detected as being patent, which was confirmed by conventional coronary angiography.64-slice spiral CT is a useful tool to assess the coronary stent patency.

To investigate the value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in the determination of global left ventricular function.Twenty-nine patients with confirmed or suspected coronary heart diseases were imaged with a contrast-enhanced retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) -gated technique on a 64-slice spiral CT scanner. The data sets were reconstructed at both end-diastolic and end-systolic phases in order to measure left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The results were compared with corresponding values obtained from conventional left ventriculography (LVG).LVEDV, LVESV, LVSV, and LVEF obtained with 64-slice spiral CT were significantly correlated with the LVG data (r = 0. 887-0.956, P0.001). According to the Bland-Altman approach, the mean differences for LVEDV, LVESV, LVSV, and LVEF were -2.3 ml, 4.1 ml, -6.4 ml, and - 3.5%, respectively. The limits of agreement for LVEDV, LVESV, LVSV, and LVEF were -27.2-22.4 ml, -10.2-18.4 ml, -26.4-13.6 ml, and -9.8%-3.0%, respectively.MSCT has clinically acceptable agreement with LVG for the quantification of global left ventricular function.

To compare the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) imaging between 16-slice spiral CT and 64-slice spiral CT.Totally 27 patients with CABG received multi-slice spiral CT imaging and the results were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 8 patients received 16-slice spiral CT scanning, 19 patients received 64-slice spiral CT scanning.The evaluability rates of 64-slice spiral CT in evaluating the proximal anastomosis, bypass graft, distal anastomosis, and distal blood vessel were 100%, 100%, 90.2%, and 93.9%, respectively, while those of 16-slice spiral CT were 92.3%, 95.2%, 90.0%, and 90.0%, respectively. The patency rates of the above four aspects of 64-slice spiral CT were 66.7%, 70.0%, 71.7%, and 70.0%, respectively, while those of 16-slice spiral CT were 83.3%, 85.0%, 83.3%, and 88.9% .64-slice spiral CT is superior to 16-slice spiral CT in CABG imaging. It can be used as a non-invasive tool for the post-operative follow-up of CABG.

To compare the image quality and visibility of arteries of 64-slice spiral coronary CT angiography (CTA) with those of 16-slice spiral coronary CTA, and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice spiral CT for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis.Totally 100 patients (Group A) with suspected coronary artery diseases (CAD) were examined by 64-slice spiral CT, 48 of whom also underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG). Another 100 patients (Group B) with suspected CAD were studied by 16-slice spiral CT. Patients with a heart rate above 70 bpm received oral beta-blockers before the scan. Data were retrospectively analyzed and reviewed by two observers. Image quality was assessed by using a 3-point grading scale from excellent (1) to non-assessable (3) and the rate of displayed coronary branches was calculated. The left main artery (LM), left anterior descending artery (LAD), circumflex artery (CX), and right coronary artery (RCA) were screened for the presence of over 50% stenosis.The mean heart rates of two groups showed no significant difference [(61 +/- 8) bpm vs. (61 +/- 7) bpm, P0.05]. The mean scan time of Group A was significantly shorter than that of Group B [(11.9 +/- 0.9) s vs. (22.2 +/- 1.1) s, P0.01]. In the evaluation of image quality, better results were obtained in Group A than in Group B (1.20 +/- 0.47 vs. 1.37 +/- 0. 63, P0.05). The visibility of proximal arteries was similar between two groups, while the visibility of some distal arteries and small branches was found higher in Group A than in Group B (LAD distal 92% vs. 48%, CX distal 98% vs. 89%, the first obtuse marginal (OMI) 93% vs. 84%, cone branch (CB) 86% vs. 71%, P0.05). Compared with CAG, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64-slice spiral coronary CTA to identify over 50% stenosis were 94.9% (56/59), 93.2% (124/133), 86.2% (56/65), and 97.6% (124/127), respectively.With higher temporal and spatial resolution, 64-slice spiral CT provides improved image quality and visibility of small branches as compared with 16-slice spiral CT. 64-slice spiral coronary CTA allows reliable non-invasive diagnosis of obvious coronary artery stenosis.

Five novel lanthanide complexes with the formulas [Nd(bta)(H2O)2.4.35H2O]n(1), [Sm(bta)(H2O)2.4.5H2O]n (2), [Eu(bta)(H2O).1.48H2O]n (3), [Tb(bta)(H2O).1.31H2O]n (4), and [Yb(bta)(H2O).H2O]n (5) (H3bta = 1,3,5-benzenetriacetic acid) have been prepared by using the corresponding lanthanide salt and H3bta. The results of an X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that all the complexes have three-dimensional channel-like structures, in which the bta3- ligands adopt different coordination modes: monodentate and mu2-eta2:eta1-bridging coordination modes in 1, 2, and 5 and mu2-eta1:eta1-bridging and mu2-eta2:eta1-bridging coordination modes in 3 and 4, respectively. Complexes 1 and 2, as well as 3 and 4, are isostructural, respectively, in which all the Ln(III) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, and Tb) atoms are nine-coordinated, while the Yb(III) atoms in complex 5 are eight-coordinated. Both complexes 3 and 4 showed strong luminescence upon excitation, and their luminescence decay curves fit well with single exponential decays of which the lifetime is 0.45 ms for 3 and 1.0 ms for 4. The magnetic properties of the complexes were investigated in the temperature range of 1.8-300 K.

To evaluate the value of 16-slice spiral CT in the demonstration of coronary artery and in the diagnose of coronary artery stenosis.Plain and enhanced CT scans were performed with a 16-slice CT scanner (Sensation 16, Siemens, Germany) in 230 patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD). Parameters of the plain scan were: 120 kV, 133 mA, slice collimation 16 mm x 1.5 mm, rotation time 0.42 seconds, increment 1.5 mm, and slice width 3 mm. Parameters of the enhanced scan were: 120 kV, 500 mA, slice collimation 16 mm x 0.75 mm, rotation time 0.42 seconds, increment 0.5 mm, and slice width 1 mm. Enhanced CT scan was performed with a rapid intravenous injection of 100 mL iothalamate meglumine (Ultravist) (370 mgI/mL) or Omnipaque (350 mgI/mL) and 30 mL 0.9% NaCl chaser bolus at a flow rate of 3.5 mL/s. Calcium scoring with plain scan images and two and three dimensional reconstruction with enhanced scan images were made in all cases, among which 30 cases underwent conventional coronary angiography. Demonstration of coronary arteries and their stenosis were evaluated and the factors that might influence the image quality were analyzed.Coronary calcium scores were calculated and coronary artery was demonstrated in our study. In the evaluation of image quality with volume rendering technique (VRT) images, 78.3% of the images were of the first class, 12.2% the second class, and 9.6% the third class. Multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and maximal intensity projection (MIP) were better than VRT in the demonstration of small branches. The image quality was related to the heart rate, with or without arrhythmia, and breath-hold ability of patients. Comparative study of the stenosis of coronary arteries in 30 cases showed that the sensitivity and specificity of 16-slice coronary CT angiography (CTA) to diagnose significant stenosis were 95.8% and 94.8% respectively.As a non-invasive and quick method, 16-slice coronary CTA is sensitive and specific to diagnose the stenosis of coronary arteries and can be used as a screening method in the diagnosis of CHD.

Two novel metal-organic frameworks with different structures were obtained by reactions of PbI2 with N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,4-biphenylenedimethyleneimine (L) under different M/L ratios. When t...