Clinical characteristics of pediatric inpatients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant-a retrospective observational cohort study.

Background: The children infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are at risk of progressing to severe disease. Clinical characteristics treatment measures and prognosis of these special age group of patients have not been completely understood which necessitate more researches. This study sought to analyze the clinical characteristics of children infected with the Omicron variant to provide evidences for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the Omicron variant infection in children. Methods: The subjects of this study included children hospitalized for the Omicron variant at Tianjin Binhai Hospital in November 2022. The data were collected from the electronic medical record system, and the clinical characteristics of the children were analyzed. The primary endpoints included the clinical presentation, laboratory tests, virological characteristics, treatment regimen, and clinical prognosis of the patients. Results: A total of 49 patients were enrolled, of whom 32 (65.3%) were male. The patients had a median age of 10 (interquartile range, 6-11) years, and 34.7% of the patients received 2 or more coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. The main clinical manifestations of the patients were fever (79.6%) and cough (24.5%), with a maximum temperature of 42 ℃ and a median temperature of 39 (interquartile range, 38.4-39) ℃. The proportions of neutrophils and C-reactive protein were elevated by 50.0% and 25.0%, respectively. The total percentages of white blood cells and thrombocytopenia were 12.5% and 6.3%, respectively. D-dimer was examined in 6 cases, and was elevated to 1.77 µg/mL in 1 case (16.7%), and normal in 5 cases. The liver function, kidney function, and coagulation of 9 (100%) patients were all normal. After the anti-virus, anti-inflammatory response, antipyretic, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments, all the children were cured and discharged from the hospital. There were no severe cases. Conclusions: The main manifestations of children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant were fever and cough. Some children had a high fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, gastrointestinal symptoms, and rash. A proportion of 12.5% of patients have a white blood cell count less than 4×109/L, and 6.3% have thrombocytopenia. The prognosis of the child was favorable after treatment with antiviral, antipyretic, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Angiotensin II Mediates Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy in Atrial Cardiomyopathy via Epigenetic Transcriptional Regulation.

Aims: European Heart Rhythm Association established an expert consensus to define, characterize, and classify atrial cardiomyopathy into four subgroups based on their histopathological features. The predominant pathological feature of classes I and III is the hypertrophy of atrial cardiomyocytes. Here, we aim to investigate the mechanism of epigenetic transcriptional regulation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in atrial cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results: Compared with that of sinus rhythm control individuals, the myocardium of patients with atrial fibrillation exhibited increased levels of angiotensin II (AngII), chromatin-bound myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), acetylated histone H4 (H4ac), and H3K27ac; upregulation of hypertrophy-related genes; and decreased levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 4 and HDAC5 bound to the promoters of hypertrophy-related genes. Furthermore, incubation of atrial cardiomyocytes with AngII increased their cross-sectional area and improved the expression of hypertrophy-related genes. AngII also promoted the phosphorylation of HDAC4 and HDAC5 and induced their nuclear export. RNA sequencing analyses revealed that AngII significantly upregulated genes associated with cardiac hypertrophy. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that this correlated with increased levels of chromatin-bound MEF2, H4ac, and H3K27ac and decreased HDAC4 and HDAC5 enrichment in the promoters of hypertrophy-related genes. Moreover, these AngII-induced prohypertrophic effects could be partially reverted by treatment with the AngII receptor blocker losartan. Conclusions: AngII had a prohypertrophic effect on atrial cardiomyopathy which was epigenetic-dependent. Patients with atrial fibrillation manifest an increased susceptibility to hypertrophy and exhibit epigenetic characteristics that are permissive for the transcription of hypertrophy-related genes. AngII induces histone acetylation via the cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling of HDACs, which constitutes a novel mechanism of atrial hypertrophy regulation and might provide a promising therapeutic strategy for atrial cardiomyopathy.

Atorvastatin regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transformation by epigenetically modulating contractile proteins and mediating Akt/FOXO4 axis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease with severe morbidity and high mortality. Phenotypic regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the contractile and quiescent phenotype to the synthetic type is a critical step for the vascular remodeling of AS. Atorvastatin, as a 3­hydroxy­3­methyl­glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, presents an anti­inflammatory effect to improve vascular endothelial functions. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of atorvastatin on VSMCs phenotypic transformation and the underlying mechanism. The rat primary VSMCs were isolated and identified. The protein expression of contractile proteins, such as α­SMA, SM­MHC, and SM22α, was reduced by angiotensin II (AngII) and enhanced by atorvastatin, in which atorvastatin could reverse the effect of AngII in the VSMCs. The treatment of HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A was able to enhance AngII­inhibited expression of α­SMA and SM­MHC. Atorvastatin regulated AngII­associated VSMCs phenotypic transformation by epigenetically regulating contractile proteins. Moreover, atorvastatin modulated platelet­derived growth factor­BB (PDGF­BB)­induced VSMC phenotypic transformation by modulating the Akt/forkhead Box O4 (FOXO4) axis. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that PDGF­BB enhanced the accumulation of FOXO4 in the VSMCs, while the treatment of atorvastatin was able to attenuate this effect and the co­treatment of Akt inhibitor LY294002 could further inhibit the phenotype. The treatment of PDGF­BB enhanced the interaction of SRF with FOXO4 and myocardin in the VSMCs, in which the co­treatment of atorvastatin and LY294002 could reverse the effect of PDGF­BB in the system. Thus, atorvastatin regulates VSMCs phenotypic transformation by epigenetically modulating contractile proteins and mediating the Akt/FOXO4 axis. Findings of the present study provide new insights into the mechanism by which atorvastatin modulates VSMCs, providing valuable evidence for the application of atorvastatin in the treatment of AS.

Concurrent Primary Aldosteronism and Renal Artery Stenosis: An Overlooked Condition Inducing Resistant Hypertension.

To explore the clinical features of coexisting primary aldosteronism (PA) and renal artery stenosis (RAS), we retrospectively analyzed records from 71 patients with PA with RAS and a control group of 121 patients with PA without RAS. Aldosterone-to-renin concentration ratio tests and computerized tomography (CT) scanning of the adrenal and renal arteries were routinely conducted to screen for PA and RAS. Color Doppler flow and/or magnetic resonance imaging were used as substitute testing of patients for whom CT was contraindicated. Standard percutaneous renal arteriography (PTRA) was considered for patients with RAS exceeding 70% based on non-invasive tests and for those without PTRA contraindications. The patients with PA with RAS were further divided into severe (RAS>70%) and moderate (50% < RAS <70%) RAS groups. The prevalence of RAS among PA patients was 6.9% (71/1,033), including 3.2% (33/1,033) with severe RAS. Compared with the PA without RAS group, the severe RAS group showed higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (171.82 ± 18.24 vs. 154.11 ± 18.96 mmHg; P < 0.001) and diastolic BP(DBP) (110.76 ± 15.90 vs. 91.73 ± 12.85 mmHg; P < 0.001) and prevalence of resistant hypertension (RH) (90.9 vs. 66.9%; P = 0.008), whereas the moderate RAS group merely showed higher DBP (98.63 ± 14.90 vs. 91.73 ± 12.85 mmHg; P = 0.006). The direct renin concentrations (DRCs) (5.37 ± 3.94 vs. 3.71 ± 2.10 µU/mL; P < 0.001) and false-negative rate (33.8 vs. 3.3%; P < 0.01) of PA screening tests were significantly higher in the PA with RAS group than in the control group, but only in severe RAS group, in subgroup analysis. Among patients who underwent successful treatment for severe RAS, mean DRC decreased from 11.22 ± 9.10 to 3.24 ± 2.69 µIU/mL (P < 0.001). Overall, the prevalence of RH decreased from 81.7 to 2.8% (P < 0.001) when both PA and RAS were treated with standard methods. PA with concurrent severe RAS is a condition that induces RH. PA can be easily missed in patients with coexisting RAS. RAS patients with RH after successful revascularization for RAS should be evaluated for coexisting PA.

Saikosaponin-d improved the stemness of mouse neural stem cells and increased their thermotolerance potential.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of saikosaponin-d (Ssd) on proliferation, differentiation, and stemness of neural stem cells (NSCs), and to observe whether Ssd has a protective effect on NSCs at medium-high and high temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NSCs were extracted from 15-day fetal mice. After subculture, Ssd treatment was performed. Cell cycle and apoptosis rate were detected by flow cytometry. Western Blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the expression and spatial distribution of Nestin, NSE, GFAP, Oct4, and SOX2. Cell growth morphology was observed under a microscope; the concentration of extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the proportion of NSCs in the G0/G1 phase increased in the Ssd treatment group; on the contrary, the proportion in the G2/M phase significantly decreased. Microscopically, our results also suggested the sphere-formation rate increased significantly. Besides, the percentage of dead cells in the Ssd group at 38.5, 40°C were reduced, and the level of LDH release was dropped. CONCLUSION: Ssd improved the stemness of NSCs, inhibited their differentiation into neural cells, and reduced cell damage under high temperature. Therefore, we speculate that Ssd can improve the thermotolerance of NSCs and protect the nervous system of children with fever.

Effectiveness of Levoamlodipine Maleate for Hypertension Compared with Amlodipine Besylate: a Pragmatic Comparative Effectiveness Study.

PURPOSE: Antihypertensive treatment is the most important method to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. However, there is scant evidence of the benefits of levoamlodipine maleate for antihypertensive treatment using a head-to-head comparison in the real-world. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of levoamlodipine maleate used to treat outpatients with primary hypertension compared with amlodipine besylate in a real-world setting. METHODS: This was a pragmatic comparative effectiveness study carried out at 110 centers across China in outpatients with primary hypertension treated with levoamlodipine maleate or amlodipine besylate, with 24 months of follow-up. The primary outcomes used for evaluating the effectiveness were composite major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), adverse reactions, and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Among the included 10,031 patients, there were 482 MACCE, 223 (4.4%) in the levoamlodipine maleate group (n = 5018) and 259 (5.2%) in the amlodipine besylate group (n = 5013) (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.75-1.08, P = 0.252). The levoamlodipine maleate group had lower overall incidences of any adverse reactions (6.0% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.001), lower extremity edema (1.1% vs. 3.0%, P < 0.001) and headache (0.7% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.045). There was a nearly 100% chance of the levoamlodipine maleate being cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of 150,000 Yuan per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, resulting in more QALYs (incremental QALYs: 0.00392) and cost savings (saving 2725 Yuan or 28.8% reduction in overall costs) per patient. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, levoamlodipine maleate could reduce cost by 29% with a similar MACCE incidence rate and lower occurrence of adverse reactions (especially edema and headache) compared with amlodipine besylate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01844570 registered at May 1, 2013.

Early invasive strategy for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) benefit from coronary intervention, but the optimal timing for an invasive strategy is not well defined. This study aimed to determine whether an early invasive strategy (<12 hours) is superior to a delayed invasive strategy. METHODS: Twelve studies of nine randomized, controlled trials of 8586 patients were included. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in all-cause death (risk ratio [95% confidence interval]) (0.90, [0.77-1.06), re-myocardial infarction (re-MI) (0.95 [0.70-1.29]), major bleeding (0.97 [0.77-1.23]), and refractory ischemia (0.74 [0.53-1.05]) when we compared use of early and delayed invasive strategies. Furthermore, analysis of the effect of the chosen strategy on high-risk patients showed that the rate of composite death or re-MI was significantly decreased in patients with either a Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score >140 or with elevated troponin levels (risk ratio 0.82 [0.72-0.92]; risk ratio 0.84 [0.76-0.93], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that an early angiographic strategy does not improve clinical outcome in patients with NSTE-ACS. An early invasive strategy might reduce the rate of composite death or re-MI in high-risk patients with GRACE risk scores >140 or elevated cardiac markers.

Moderate hypothermia induces protection against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by enhancing SUMOylation in cardiomyocytes.

Moderate hypothermia plays a major role in myocardial cell death as a result of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. However, few studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of hypothermic cardioprotection. Several responses to stress and other cell functions are regulated by post­translational protein modifications controlled by small ubiquitin­like modifier (SUMO). Previous studies have established that high SUMOylation of proteins potentiates the ability of cells to withstand hypoxic­ischemic stress. The level to which moderate hypothermia affects SUMOylation is not fully understood, as the functions of SUMOylation in the heart have not been studied in depth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of moderate hypothermia (33˚C) on the protective functions of SUMOylation on myocardial cells. HL­1 and H9c2 cells were treated with the hypoxia­mimetic chemical CoCl2 and complete medium to simulate H/R injury. Hypothermia intervention was then administered. A Cell Counting kit­8 assay was used to analyze cell viability. Mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were used as functional indexes of mitochondria dysfunction. Bcl­2 and caspase­3 expression levels were analyzed by western blotting. The present results suggested that moderate hypothermia significantly increased SUMO1 and Bcl­2 expression levels, as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential, but significantly decreased the expression levels of caspase­3 and mitochondrial ROS. Thus, moderate hypothermia may enhance SUMOylation and attenuate myocardial H/R injury. Moreover, a combination of SUMOylation and moderate hypothermia may be a potential cardiovascular intervention.

Beta-blocker exposure for short-term outcomes following non-cardiac surgery: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: It remains uncertain whether there is a benefit to perioperative beta-blocker use on outcomes after non-cardiac surgery. This meta-analysis aims to update the evidence regarding the associations between beta-blocker exposure and patient major short-term outcomes following non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register from their inception to May 2019 were searched by two independent authors. Observational studies reporting associations between perioperative beta-blocker treatment and short-term outcomes including 30-day all-cause mortality (ACM), 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and 30-day stroke risk were selected for inclusion. Meta-analyses were carried out by using random effects models. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with a total of 1,711,766 participants were identified. Beta-blocker exposure was associated with reduced 30-day all-cause mortality (ACM) (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.96). No evidence of publication bias was observed. Subgroup analyses revealed that significant 30-day survival benefits were observed in prospective, population-based studies, drug exposure period last till 1-2 months after surgery, patients having abdominal gastrointestinal surgery or having 3-4 cardiac risk factors. Beta-blocker exposure was associated with increased 30-day ACM among patients with no cardiac risk factors (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.43). However, meta-analysis demonstrated a non-significant risk reduction in 30-day MACE (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.85 to 1.25) or 30-day stroke risk (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.68) with beta-blocker exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current meta-analysis indicate beta-blocker exposure may be a significant indicator for 30-day ACM, but not for 30-day MACE or 30-day stroke risk. The association between beta-blocker exposure and long-term outcomes deserves further investigation.

Overexpression of CmMYB15 provides chrysanthemum resistance to aphids by regulating the biosynthesis of lignin.

MYB transcription factors are widely involved in the development of and physiological processes in plants. Here, we isolated the chrysanthemum R2R3-MYB family transcription factor CmMYB15, a homologous gene of AtMYB15. It was demonstrated that CmMYB15 expression was induced by aphids and that CmMYB15 could bind to AC elements, which usually exist in the promoter of lignin biosynthesis genes. Overexpression of CmMYB15 in chrysanthemum enhanced the resistance of aphids. Additionally, the content of lignin and the expression of several lignin biosynthesis genes increased. In summary, the results indicate that CmMYB15 regulates lignin biosynthesis genes that enhance the resistance of chrysanthemum to aphids.

Zinc-Induced SUMOylation of Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Protects the Heart against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Zinc plays a role in mitophagy and protects cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study is aimed at investigating whether SUMOylation of Drp1 is involved in the protection of zinc ion on cardiac I/R injury. METHODS: Mouse hearts were subjected to 30 minutes of regional ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion (ischemia/reoxygenation (I/R)). Infarct size and apoptosis were assessed. HL-1 cells were subjected to 24 hours of hypoxia and 6 hours of reoxygenation (hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)). Zinc was given 5 min before reperfusion for 30 min. SENP2 overexpression plasmid (Flag-SENP2), Drp1 mutation plasmid (Myc-Drp1 4KR), and SUMO1 siRNA were transfected into HL-1 cells for 48 h before hypoxia. Effects of zinc on SUMO family members were analyzed by Western blotting. SUMOylation of Drp1, apoptosis and the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and mitophagy were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the control, SUMO1 modification level of proteins in the H/R decreased, while this effect was reversed by zinc. In the setting of H/R, zinc attenuated myocardial apoptosis, which was reversed by SUMO1 siRNA. Similar effects were observed in SUMO1 KO mice exposed to H/R. In addition, the dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is a target protein of SUMO1. The SUMOylation of Drp1 induced by zinc regulated mitophagy and contributed to the protective effect of zinc on H/R injury. CONCLUSIONS: SUMOylation of Drp1 played an essential role in zinc-induced cardio protection against I/R injury. Our findings provide a promising therapeutic approach for acute myocardial I/R injury.

Over-expression of chrysanthemum CmDREB6 enhanced tolerance of chrysanthemum to heat stress.

BACKGROUND: Chrysanthemum is among the top ten traditional flowers in China, and one of the four major cut flowers in the world, but the growth of chrysanthemum is severely restricted by high temperatures which retard growth and cause defects in flowers. DREB (dehydration-responsive element-binding) transcription factors play important roles in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, whether the DREB A-6 subgroup is involved in heat tolerance has not been reported conclusively. RESULT: In the present study, CmDREB6 was cloned from chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) 'Jinba'. CmDREB6, containing a typical AP2/ERF domain, was classed into the DREB A-6 subgroup and shared highest homology with Cichorium intybus L. CiDREB6 (73%). CmDREB6 was expressed at its highest levels in the leaf. The CmDREB6 protein localized to the nucleus. Based on the yeast one hybrid assay, CmDREB6 showed transcription activation activity in yeast, and the transcriptional activation domain was located in the 3 'end ranging from 230 to 289 amino acids residues. CmDREB6 overexpression enhanced the tolerance of chrysanthemum to heat. The survival rate of two transgenic lines was as high as 85%, 50%, respectively, in contrast to 3.8% of wild-type (WT). Over-expression of CmDREB6 promoted the expression of CmHsfA4, CmHSP90, and the active oxygen scavenging genes CmSOD and CmCAT. CONCLUSION: In this study, DREB A-6 subgroup gene CmDREB6 was cloned from chrysanthemum 'Jinba'. Overexpression of CmDREB6 enhanced heat tolerance of chrysanthemum by regulating genes involved in the heat shock response and ROS homeogenesis.

[Application evaluation of failure mode and effect analysis in optimization of vascular recanalization process].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application and effect evaluation of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) in the optimization of vascular recanalization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 389 STEMI patients admitted to the emergency department of the Fifth Central Hospital in Tianjin from January 2014 to January 2015 were served as the control group, and 398 STEMI patients admitted to the chest pain center of the Fifth Central Hospital in Tianjin from January 2016 to October 2017 were served as the experimental group. In the control group, routine emergency treatment was used. At the same time, the intervention room was 24-hour prepared for emergency vascular recanalization. The experimental group used FMEA. Through the usage of FMEA, the main factors those caused the delay in revascularization treatment were determined, and the revascularization process was optimized for these influencing factors, thereby shortening the "criminal" blood vessel opening time of patients. The door-to-balloon dilatation time (D-to-B time), troponin testing time, placement time of the catheterization room, initiation of the catheterization room to balloon dilatation time, and preoperative and 1 week postoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, heart function parameters [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular short axis shortening rate (FS), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD)] within 1 week, 3 months and 6 months after intervention, and the incidence of main cardiovascular adverse events within 1 month after intervention, hospital mortality, the length of hospital stay, and readmission within 1 year in the patients of two groups were recorded. RESULTS: D-to-B time (minutes: 70.6±3.6 vs. 79.4±8.7), troponin testing time (minutes: 17.1±2.3 vs. 65.2±6.5), placement time of the catheterization room (minutes: 28.9±9.8 vs. 52.3±12.2) and activation of the catheterization room to balloon expansion time (minutes: 47.3±9.3 vs. 65.1±7.2) in the experimental group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). The NT-proBNP levels at 1 week after intervention in the two groups were lower than the preoperative levels, slightly lower in the experimental group, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in cardiac function at 1 week and 3 months after intervention between the two groups. The LVEF and FS at 6 months after intervention in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group [LVEF: 0.622±0.054 vs. 0.584±0.076, FS: (38.1±4.3)% vs. (35.4±6.2)%, both P < 0.01], and LVESD and LVEDD were decreased significantly [LVESD (mm): 31.2±3.8 vs. 34.7±4.2, LVEDD (mm): 49.2±5.3 vs. 52.4±5.6, all P < 0.01]. The length of hospital stay in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (days: 8.3±3.2 vs. 13.2±6.8, P < 0.01), the incidence of major cardiovascular adverse events within 1 month after intervention [13.6% (54/398) vs. 19.8% (77/389)], hospital mortality [1.8% (7/398) vs. 4.9% (19/389)], and readmission rate within 1 year [9.5% (38/398) vs. 14.5% (56/389)] in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The usage of FMEA to optimize the vascular recanalization procedure can shorten the emergency treatment time of STEMI patients, reduce the occurrence of adverse events, and improve the prognosis.

CmMYB19 Over-Expression Improves Aphid Tolerance in Chrysanthemum by Promoting Lignin Synthesis.

The gene encoding the MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis vira l oncogene homolog) transcription factor CmMYB19 was isolated from chrysanthemum. It encodes a 200 amino acid protein and belongs to the R2R3-MYB subfamily. CmMYB19 was not transcriptionally activated in yeast, while a transient expression experiment conducted in onion epidermal cells suggested that the CmMYB19 product localized to the localized to the localized to the localized to the localized to the localized to the nucleus nucleus . CmMYB19 transcription was induced by aphid (Macrosiphoniella sanborni) infestation, and the abundance of transcript was higher in the leaf and stem than in the root. The over-expression of CmMYB19 restricted the multiplication of the aphids. A comparison of transcript abundance of the major genes involved in lignin synthesis showed that CmPAL1 (phenylalanine ammonia lyase 1), CmC4H (cinnamate4 hydroxylase), Cm4CL1 (4-hydroxy cinnamoyl CoA ligase 1), CmHCT (hydroxycinnamoyl CoA-shikimate/quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase), CmC3H1 (coumarate3 hydroxylase1), CmCCoAOMT1 (caffeoyl CoA O-methyltransferase 1) and CmCCR1 (cinnamyl CoA reductase1) were all upregulated, in agreement in agreement in agreement in agreement in agreement in agreement with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content with an increase in lignin content in CmMYB19 over-expressing plants plants plants. Collectively, the over-expression of CmMYB19 restricted the multiplication of the aphids on the host, mediated by an enhanced accumulation of lignin.

Drug-eluting balloons in the treatment of de-novo coronary lesions: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

AIM: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) plus bare-metal stents (BMS) for the treatment of de-novo coronary lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven trials involving 1279 patients were included in this study. The main endpoints were as follows: late lumen loss (LLL), binary restenosis, stent thrombosis (ST), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). The definition of MACEs was a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Compared with BMS alone, DEB plus BMS showed a lower risk for LLL (P=0.007) and MACEs (P=0.010). There were no significant differences in binary restenosis (P=0.212), ST (P=0.199), death (P=0.141), MI (P=0.439), and TLR (P=0.340). Compared with drug-eluting stents (DES), DEB plus BMS could increase the risk of LLL (P=0.002) and MACEs (P=0.026). The risks of binary restenosis (P=0.113), ST (P=0.832), death (P=0.115), MI (P=0.831), and TLR (P=0.111) were similar between DEB plus BMS and DES. CONCLUSION: DEB plus BMS was better than BMS alone in reducing LLL and MACEs, especially when dilatation was performed after stenting for de-novo coronary lesions, but it was inferior to DES. Therefore, the treatment strategy with DEB plus BMS should not be recommended for de-novo coronary lesions, except for patients who have contraindications for DES.

MicroRNA Expression Profile during Aphid Feeding in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression, affecting many biological processes. As yet, their roles in the response of chrysanthemum to aphid feeding have not been explored. Here, the identity and abundance of miRNAs induced by aphid infestation have been obtained using high-throughput Illumina sequencing platform. Three leaf small RNA libraries were generated, one from plants infested with the aphid Macrosiphoniella sanbourni (library A), one from plants with mock puncture treatment (library M), and the third from untreated control plants (library CK). A total of 7,944,797, 7,605,251 and 9,244,002 clean unique reads, ranging from 18 to 30 nucleotides (nt) in length, were obtained from library CK, A and M, respectively. As a result, 303 conserved miRNAs belonging to 276 miRNAs families and 234 potential novel miRNAs were detected in chrysanthemum leaf, out of which 80, 100 and 79 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the comparison of CK-VS-A, CK-VS-M and M-VS-A, respectively. Several of the differentially abundant miRNAs (in particular miR159a, miR160a, miR393a) may be associated with the plant's response to aphid infestation.

Angiotensin II in atrial structural remodeling: the role of Ang II/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Ang II/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway is known to be involved in atrial remodeling associated with development and progression of atrial fibrillation. In the present study, we used in vivo animal model and human atrial specimens to further characterize the role of this pathway in the atrial structural remodeling. We observed an elevated level of Ang II in the atrial samples of AF patients. This increase in Ang II was accompanied by increased expression of collagens I and III, MMP1, MMP2 and elevated phosphorylation of STAT3. Using rat models, we demonstrated that Ang II infusion induced profound changes in the level of apoptosis, expression of collagen subtypes I and III, caspase-3, caspase-8, MMP1, MMP2 and redistribution of cytochrome C. The data further support the key role of Ang II in the development of AF and highlight the specific mechanisms and changes associated with this process.

The role of leptin in the ventricular remodeling process and its mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the role of leptin in the ventricular remodeling process and its mechanism in the diabetic rats' model. METHODS: The diabetic SD rats model induced by streptozotocin was established. The SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (20 rats treated with citric acid/sodium citrate buffer); M0 group (10 rats treated with physiological saline); M1 group (10 rats treated with 50 µg/kg LP); M2 group (10 rats treated with 100 µg/kg LP). Ang-II was detected by ELISA. The expression levels of LP and Ob-Rb were detected by RT-PCR. MAPK phosphorylation changes were detected by western blotting. Myocardial morphology was observed. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the blood glucose concentration and Ang-II significantly increased in diabetic model groups (P < 0.01) and body weight decreased (P < 0.05). The expression levels of LP and Ob-Rb increased and heart function decreased in diabetic model groups. CONCLUSIONS: LP may be involved in the myocardial cell hypertrophy through the neuroendocrine system and associated with the JAK-STAT, Ras-Raf-MEK-MAPK and PI-3K signaling pathway, which provides a new concept for the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy.

Effects of tirofiban on platelet activation and endothelial function in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

This pilot study examined, for the first time, the effect of intracoronary administration of tirofiban, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, on platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with ST-segment-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 119 STEMI patients were randomized into either tirofiban group (n = 72, intracoronary injection of 10 µg/kg tirofiban prior to PCI, followed by intravenous infusion at 0.15 µg/kg min) or a control group (n = 47), which did not receive tirofiban. Periprocedural administration of tirofiban was associated with significantly reduced levels of platelet activation (lower levels of CD62P and PAC-1) and endothelial dysfunction (reduced levels of endothelial microparticles, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1) 48 h after PCI. At 10 days after PCI, patients in the tirofiban group had a higher incidence of complete STR (78.7 vs. 65.0%) and higher left ventricular ejection fractions (47.8 vs. 44.2) compared to those in the control group. The clinical outcomes between two groups did not differ significantly two weeks after treatment. The results demonstrated that periprocedural administration of tirofiban is associated with significantly attenuated platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. This may have contributed to the improved myocardial reperfusion and preservation of left ventricular systolic function in these patients.

Correlation between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, carotid artery intima-media thickness, ankle-brachial index, and the severity of coronary lesions.

Coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Coronary artery Gensini scoring systems measure both the extent and the degree of stenosis of coronary artery and therefore, give clinicians a more accurate, objective, and comprehensive assessment of the severity of coronary artery disease. Using Gensini scoring systems in combination with statistical analysis, we found that five variables, namely, Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), blood sugar, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were all significantly different among groups of patients with different Gensini scores. All five variables can be used for early screening and assessment of coronary artery disease as independent prognostic factors for the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular conditions. With the progression of coronary artery disease, the levels of PWV, IMT, and blood glucose are gradually increasing whereas the levels of ABI and HDL-C are gradually decreasing. These changes can be treated as warning signs and can also be helpful in evaluating the severity of coronary artery diseases. It is highly recommended to perform these five non-invasive tests as early as possible in order to identify high-risk patients at their subclinical stages. This would allow timely intervention and thereby lead to reduced morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases.