Salt Restriction and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Improve the Responsiveness of the Small Artery in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension.

For salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH), salt restriction and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are essential treatments, but their effect on the function of resistance arteries is unclear. Here, we present an intravital study to detect the effect of salt restriction and ACE inhibitors on the function of the mesenteric small artery (MSA) in SSH. Dahl salt-sensitive rats were randomized into the following groups: ACE inhibitor gavage, salt restriction, ACE inhibitor combined with salt restriction, and high-salt diet. After a 12-week intervention, the mesenteric vessels maintained their perfusion in vivo, and the changes in the diameter and blood perfusion of the MSAs to norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh) were detected. Switching from a high-salt diet to a low-salt diet (i.e., salt restriction) attenuated the vasoconstriction of the MSAs to NE and promoted the vasodilatation to ACh, while ACE inhibitor improved the vasodilatation more obviously. Pathologically, changes in local ACE, AT1R, and eNOS expression were involved in these processes induced by a high-salt diet. Our study suggests that salt restriction and ACE inhibitor treatment improve high salt intake-induced MSA dysfunction in SSH, and salt restriction is a feasible and effective treatment. Our findings may provide a scientific basis for the treatment of hypertension.

Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese Population: A Beijing Heart Society Expert Scientific Statement.

Elevated concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and so on. Emerging data suggest that Lp(a) contributes to the increased risk for cardiovascular events even in the setting of effective reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Nevertheless, puzzling issues exist covering potential genetic factors, Lp(a) assay, possible individuals for analysis, a cutoff point of increased risk, and clinical interventions. In the Chinese population, Lp(a) exhibited a distinctive prevalence and regulated various cardiovascular diseases in specific ways. Hence, it is valuable to clarify the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular diseases and explore prevention and control measures for the increase in Lp(a) prevalence in the Chinese population. This Beijing Heart Society experts' scientific statement will present the detailed knowledge concerning Lp(a)-related studies combined with Chinese population observations to provide the key points of reference.

The association between vascular access satisfaction and quality of life and depression in maintained hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access (VA) is known to be critical for the survival of patients on maintained hemodialysis (MHD) treatment. However, the association between VA satisfaction and psychiatric state in MHD patients is still not fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship among VA satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and depression in MHD patients with different VA types. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two dialysis centers with MHD-dependent patients. The Short Form Vascular Access Questionnaire (VAQ) was administered to estimate the level of MHD patients' satisfaction with their VA. HRQOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Zung's self-rating depression scale (SDS). RESULTS: Of the total 252 patients, AVF was used by 84.13%, AVG was used by 2.78%, and TCC was used by 13.09%. There was no significant difference in satisfaction and SDS scores by access type in patients with AVF, AVG, and TCC. However, HRQOL was worst in patients with TCC, and highest in the AVF group. Further analysis showed that VAQ scores in the domains of overall and dialysis-related complications exhibited a negative correlation with HRQOL. And SF-36 HRQOL scores, including the total score, PCS and MCS, were all negatively correlated with SDS scores (p < 0.05). The results of multivariable analyses found that VAQ scores in the domains of overall score and physical symptom, and total score of HRQOL influenced the depression. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, no significant difference in satisfaction scores by access type was found in patients with AVF, AVG, and TCC. The HRQOL score was higher in patients with AVF than in those with AVG or TCC. And the result suggested a negative association between HRQOL and depression. Vascular access satisfaction and HRQOL might be risk factors for the presence of depression in MHD patients.

Microbial and Nonvolatile Chemical Diversities of Chinese Dark Teas Are Differed by Latitude and Pile Fermentation.

Understanding the microbial and chemical diversities, as well as what affects these diversities, is important for modern manufacturing of traditional fermented foods. In this work, Chinese dark teas (CDTs) that are traditional microbial fermented beverages with relatively high sample diversity were collected. Microbial DNA amplicon sequencing and mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics show that the CDT microbial ß diversity, as well as the nonvolatile chemical α and ß diversities, is determined by the primary impact factors of geography and manufacturing procedures, in particular, latitude and pile fermentation after blending. A large number of metabolites sharing between CDTs and fungi were discovered by Feature-based Molecular Networking (FBMN) on the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) web platform. These molecules, such as prenylated cyclic dipeptides and B-vitamins, are functionally important for nutrition, biofunctions, and flavor. Molecular networking has revealed patterns in metabolite profiles on a chemical family level in addition to individual structures.

Ultrasound Irradiation Assisted Synthesis of Luminescent Nano Amide-Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks; Application Toward Phenol Derivatives Sensing.

Two nano amide-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with molecular formula [Co(oba) (bpta)]·(DMF)2 TMU-50 and [Co2(oba)2 (bpfn)]·(DMF)2.5 TMU-51 obtained under ultrasonic method without any surfactants. The only difference between the two selected amide functionalized pillar ligands, N,N'-bis(4-pyridinyl)-terephthalamide (bpta), and N,N'-bis-(4-pyridylformamide)-1,5-naphthalenediamine (bpfn), is related to the naphthyl group, which led to the different luminescence properties of the nano frameworks. In this study, the special ability of the luminescent nano MOFs were investigated to sensitize nitroaromatic compounds. Due to its unique and porous framework, Nano TMU-50 shows a good sensitivity towards nitro phenol by strong fluorescence emission with a detection limit of 2 × 10-3 mM-1. Both nano MOF structures were characterized via many analyses such as powder X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), elemental analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, the effect of a number of important parameters including initial reagent concentrations, power of ultrasound, time on morphology, and size of nano structures were examined. According to the fluorescence titration results, the activated nano-TMU-50 detected NP selectively with a quick response.

A palladium-catalyzed ring-expansion reaction of cyclobutanols with 2-haloanilines leading to benzazepines and quinolines.

A general synthesis of 2-aryl benzazepines has been developed through palladium-catalyzed ring-expansion reactions of cyclobutanols with 2-haloanilines; the further oxidative rearrangement reaction of benzazepines provided an efficient synthesis of 2-acyl quinolines. These transformations feature the efficient construction of six- and seven-membered N-containing heterocycles from easily obtained materials with excellent functional group tolerance.

Hexavalent Octahedral Template: A Neutral High-Nucleus Silver Alkynyl Nanocluster Emitting Infrared Light.

The first silver nanocluster with an octahedral template of TeO66- was synthesized as a neutral 36-nucleus nanocluster, and its structure was demonstrated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The peripheral ligands of the cagelike skeleton of the nanocluster are CF3COO- and tBuC≡C-. During the synthesis, the TeO66- template arranged the nanocluster, and a 36-nucleus nanocluster was formed. The effect of the template nature was displayed on the structural features of the nanocluster in comparison with an 8-nucleus cluster, with the same synthesis conditions. The photoluminescence and UV-vis absorption analyses of the nanocluster were also investigated. The nanocluster displayed near-infrared luminescence emission at 690 nm.

Synthesis, Characterization and DNA Binding Investigations of a New Binuclear Ag(I) Complex and Evaluation of Its Anticancer Property.

AIM: A new Ag(I) complex (A3) was synthesized and evaluated for its anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The complex A3 was characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectra, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The interaction of the complex with CT-DNA was studied by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry; cell viability (%) was assessed by absorbance measurement of the samples. RESULTS: The interaction mode of the complex A3 with DNA is electrostatic, and this complex shows good potential in anticancer properties against HCT 116 (human colorectal cancer cells) and MDA-MB-231 (MD Anderson-metastatic breast) cell lines with 0.5 micromolar concentrations. CONCLUSION: The Ag(I) complex could interact with DNA noncovalently and has anticancer properties.

Investigation of the Effect of a Mixed-Ligand on the Accommodation of a Templating Molecule into the Structure of High-Nucleus Silver Clusters.

Advancement of the synthesis and control of the self-assembly process of new high-nucleus silver clusters with desired structures is important for both the material sciences and the many applications. Herein, three new silver clusters, 20-, 22-, and 8-nucleus, based on alkynyl ligands were constructed and their structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). For the first time, the trivalent tetrahedron anion of AsO43-, as a template, and the surface ligand of Ph2PO2H, with new coordination modes, were employed in preparation of the silver clusters. The role of surface ligands and template anions in the size and structure of the clusters was investigated. The presence of the template in the structure of the clusters led to the formation of the high-nucleus clusters. Also, in this report, it was shown that the participation of the template in the assembly of a cluster can be controlled by the surface ligands. UV-vis absorption and luminescent properties of the clusters and the thermal stability of the 8-nucleus cluster were also studied.

High Sodium Intake Impairs Small Artery Vasoreactivity in vivo in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats.

The effects of high sodium intake on the functionality of resistance arteries have been repeatedly studied in vitro, but no study has focused on salt-sensitive hypertension in vivo. We studied the in vivo reactivity of mesenteric small arteries (MSAs) to vasoactive agents in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats with various sodium diets. Twenty-four male DS rats were randomized into 3 groups: LS (0.3% NaCl diet), NS (0.6% NaCl diet), and HS (8% NaCl diet). After a 12-week intervention, the diameter changes of the MSAs after noradrenaline (NA) and acetylcholine (ACh) exposure were detected by a microscope, and changes in blood perfusion through the MSAs were measured by full-field laser perfusion imaging. HS enhanced the constrictive response of the MSAs to NA and attenuated the relaxing response to ACh. Low sodium intake reduced the response of the MSAs to NA and promoted ACh-induced vasodilatation. HS also aggravated NA-induced blood perfusion reduction and impaired ACh-induced hyperperfusion of the MSAs. Pathologically, HS was associated with arteriolar structural damage and fibrosis of the MSAs. We conclude that sodium intake affects the responsiveness of the MSAs to vasoactive agents in DS rats and might play important roles in modulating blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.

Trivalent Tetrahedral Anion Template: A 26-Nucleus Silver Alkynyl Cluster Encapsulating Vanadate.

In order to study the charge effect on the formation of an anion-templated silver cluster, a trivalent tetrahedral anion was incorporated into the silver assembly. A 26-nuclear silver cluster was prepared, and its structure was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Also, the resulting structure was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction data. Its light absorption and photoluminescent properties were studied by solid-state UV diffuse-reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy. Compared with the other reported silver clusters with tetrahedral anion templates, the more negative VO43- anion led to the formation of a bigger silver cluster. Also, the supramolecular motif O-H(CH3OH)···O(trifluoroacetate) was confirmed on the cluster surface for the first time.

The effects of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on high-density lipoprotein functions: implications for coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation was associated with improved prognosis of coronary artery disease. This study was designed to investigate the effect of smoking cessation on high-density lipoprotein functionality in coronary artery disease patients. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized and parallel controlled study, coronary artery disease smokers ( n = 28) and healthy smokers ( n = 30) were divided into smoking cessation group and continuous smoking group, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and after three-month smoking cessation. Plasma high-density lipoprotein was isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The ability of high-density lipoprotein against copper-induced oxidation of lipoprotein was determined to evaluate the antioxidative property of high-density lipoprotein, and the macrophage migration inhibited by high-density lipoprotein was tested to identify the antichemotactic property of high-density lipoprotein. High-density lipoprotein-induced macrophage cholesterol efflux was measured by fluorescence spectrometry using NBD cholesterol analogue. Healthy non-smoking volunteers were enrolled as the baseline control. RESULTS: The baseline antioxidative, antichemotactic ability of high-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein-induced cellular cholesterol efflux in coronary artery disease smokers and healthy smokers were significantly attenuated when compared with those in healthy non-smokers. After three-month smoking cessation, both the antioxidative ability and antichemotactic ability of high-density lipoprotein were improved significantly in coronary artery disease smokers. However, high-density lipoprotein-induced cellular cholesterol efflux was not increased by smoking cessation. In in vitro experiments, carbon monoxide reduced the antioxidative ability and nicotine enhanced the antichemotactic ability of high-density lipoprotein. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation is an effective measure to improve high-density lipoprotein functions in coronary artery disease smokers. Our study re-emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.

Analysis of differential gene expression by RNA-seq data in ABCG1 knockout mice.

AIMS: The previous studies on ABCG1 using genetically modified mice showed inconsistent results on atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether accurate target knockout of ABCG1 would result in transcriptional changes of other atherosclerosis-related genes. METHODS: ABCG1 knockout mouse model was obtained by precise gene targeting without affecting non-target DNA sequences in C57BL/6 background. The wildtype C57BL/6 mice were regarded as control group. 12-week-old male mice were used in current study. We performed whole transcriptome analysis on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from ABCG1 knockout mice (n = 3) and their wildtype controls (n = 3) by RNA-seq. RESULTS: Compared with wildtype group, 605 genes were modified at the time of ABCG1 knockout and expressed differentially in knockout group, including 306 up-regulated genes and 299 down-regulated genes. 54 genes were associated with metabolism regulation, of which 13 were related to lipid metabolism. We also found some other modified genes in knockout mice involved in cell adhesion, leukocyte transendothelial migration and apoptosis, which might also play roles in the process of atherosclerosis. 7 significantly enriched GO terms and 19 significantly enriched KEGG pathways were identified, involving fatty acid biosynthesis, immune response and intracellular signal transduction. CONCLUSIONS: ABCG1 knockout mice exhibited an altered expression of multiple genes related to many aspects of atherosclerosis, which might affect the further studies to insight into the effect of ABCG1 on atherosclerosis with this animal model.

The Acute Effects of Cigarette Smoking on the Functional State of High Density Lipoprotein.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking disturbs plasma lipid level and lipoprotein metabolism; however, the effects of smoking on the functional state of high density lipoprotein (HDL) are still not clear. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and antichemotactic properties of HDL and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux in healthy subjects after cigarette smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy male subjects, including nonsmokers (n = 16) and chronic smokers (n = 8), were enrolled. After smoking 8 cigarettes within 2 hours, plasma HDL was isolated and tested. Copper-induced low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation was used to determine the antioxidant ability of HDL. The concentration of serum amyloid A was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Chemotaxis was detected by transwell assay. HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was measured using fluorescent cholesterol analog. RESULTS: LDL baseline oxidation state was higher in chronic smokers than that in nonsmokers. Meanwhile, HDL-induced cholesterol efflux in macrophages in chronic smokers was significantly enhanced compared with that in nonsmokers. After acute smoking, both the antioxidant and antichemotactic ability of HDL declined in nonsmokers. However, in healthy chronic smokers, the effect of HDL on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation was compensatorily enhanced. Nevertheless, their bodies were still in a higher oxidation state. Also, acute smoking did not affect HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux significantly in both nonsmokers and chronic smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that acute smoking attenuates the antioxidant and antichemotactic abilities of HDL in nonsmokers. Chronic smokers are in a higher oxidative state, although the antioxidant function of their HDL is compensatorily enhanced.

Cerebral embolism secondary to cardiac amyloidosis: A case report and literature review.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) describes a group of heterogeneous diseases that are characterized by the extracellular fibril deposition of amyloid protein in the myocardium. The abnormal protein is usually derived from light-chain amyloidosis, mutant transthyretin amyloidosis and wild-type transthyretin. Patients with ischemic strokes and amyloidosis have been sporadically reported, however, they are not well summarized. In the present study, a case of cerebral ischemic stroke, secondary to CA was described. This patient presented with dyspnea on exertion, without any evidence of atrial fibrillation. A biopsy revealed deposition of amyloid in the myocardium and Congo Red staining was positive. He suffered from acute infarction of left basal ganglia, resulting from occlusion of the left middle cerebral arterial 6 months prior to admission. However, re-examination of cerebral magnetic resonance imaging in the present hospital revealed an old infarction in the region of the left basal ganglia with a normal appearance of the left middle cerebral artery. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) both discovered intra-cardiac thrombi, confirming the diagnosis of cardiogenic cerebral embolism. The present study indicates that patients with CA may additionally present with cardiogenic cerebral embolism, and TEE and CMR imaging may help to avoid missing the presence of intra-cardiac thrombi.

Retrospective Examination of Q Fever Endocarditis: An Underdiagnosed Disease in the Mainland of China.

BACKGROUND: Q fever endocarditis, a chronic illness caused by Coxiella burnetii, can be fatal if misdiagnosed or left untreated. Despite a relatively high positive rate of Q fever serology in healthy individuals in the mainland of China, very few cases of Q fever endocarditis have been reported. This study summarized cases of Q fever endocarditis among blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) patients and discussed factors attributing to the low diagnostic rate. METHODS: We identified confirmed cases of Q fever endocarditis among 637 consecutive patients with infective endocarditis (IE) in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2006 and 2016. The clinical findings for each confirmed case were recorded. BCNE patients were also examined and each BCNE patient's Q fever risk factors were identified. The risk factors and presence of Q fever serologic testing between BCNE patients suspected and unsuspected of Q fever were compared using the Chi-squared or Chi-squared with Yates' correction for continuity. RESULTS: Among the IE patients examined, there were 147 BCNE patients, of whom only 11 patients (7.5%) were suspected of Q fever and undergone serological testing for C. burnetii. Six out of 11 suspected cases were diagnosed as Q fever endocarditis. For the remaining136 BCNE patients, none of them was suspected of Q fever nor underwent relevant testing. Risk factors for Q fever endocarditis were comparable between suspected and unsuspected patients, with the most common risk factors being valvulopathy in both groups. However, significantly more patients had consulted the Infectious Diseases Division and undergone comprehensive diagnostic tests in the suspected group than the unsuspected group (100% vs. 63%, P= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Q fever endocarditis is a serious yet treatable condition. Lacking awareness of the disease may prevent BCNE patients from being identified, despite having Q fever risk factors. Increasing awareness and guideline adherence are crucial in avoiding misdiagnosing and missed diagnosing of the disease.

Syntheses and structural characterization of two new nanostructured Bi(III) supramolecular polymers via sonochemical method.

Two new bismuth(III) coordination supramolecular polymers, {[Bi2(Hbpp)(bpp)(µ-I)2I6](Hbpp)·MeOH}n (1) and [Bi(Hbpp)(Br4)] (2), (bpp=1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)propane) were prepared and were structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Single crystalline one-dimensional materials were prepared using a heat gradient applied a solution of the reagents using the branched tube method. The structural determination by single crystal X-ray crystallography shows that compounds 1 and 2 form monoclinic polymers with symmetry space group P21 in the solid state. These new nanostructured Bi(III) supramolecular compounds, {[Bi2(Hbpp)(bpp)(µ-I)2I6](Hbpp)·MeOH} (1) and [Bi(Hbpp)(Br4)] (2), were also synthesized by sonochemical method. The nanostructures were characterized by Field Emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and IR spectroscopy.

Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity of (E,Z)-1-(dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-phenyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-propen-1-ones.

A series of (E,Z)-1-(dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)-3-phenyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-propen-1-ones (C1-C35) were designed and synthesized, and the structures of compounds (Z)-C27 and (Z)-C29 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The antitumor activities of these novel compounds against cervical cancer (HeLa), lung cancer (A549), and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines were evaluated in vitro. Majority of the title compounds exhibited strong antitumor activities and were much more promising than the positive control Taxol, which were also accompanied by lower cytotoxicity to normal cells. In particular, compounds (E,Z)-C24 exhibited the most consistent potent activities against three neoplastic cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.2 to 7.1 µm. Further researches demonstrated that compounds (E,Z)-C24 could induce cell apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at the G2/M and S phases. Meanwhile, the structure-activity relationship between the configurations and cytotoxicity of the compounds was also investigated.