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Speech perception declines independent of hearing thresholds in middle-age, and the neurobiological reasons are unclear. In line with the age-related neural dedifferentiation hypothesis, we predicted that middle-aged adults show less distinct cortical representations of phonemes and acoustic-phonetic features relative to younger adults. In addition to an extensive audiological, auditory electrophysiological, and speech perceptual test battery, we measured electroencephalographic responses time-locked to phoneme instances (phoneme-related potential; PRP) in naturalistic, continuous speech and trained neural network classifiers to predict phonemes from these responses. Consistent with age-related neural dedifferentiation, phoneme predictions were less accurate, more uncertain, and involved a broader network for middle-aged adults compared with younger adults. Representational similarity analysis revealed that the featural relationship between phonemes was less robust in middle-age. Electrophysiological and behavioral measures revealed signatures of cochlear neural degeneration (CND) and speech perceptual deficits in middle-aged adults relative to younger adults. Consistent with prior work in animal models, signatures of CND were associated with greater cortical dedifferentiation, explaining nearly a third of the variance in PRP prediction accuracy together with measures of acoustic neural processing. Notably, even after controlling for CND signatures and acoustic processing abilities, age-group differences in PRP prediction accuracy remained. Overall, our results reveal "fuzzier" phonemic representations, suggesting that age-related cortical neural dedifferentiation can occur even in middle-age and may underlie speech perceptual challenges, despite a normal audiogram.

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Modulating mass transfer is crucial for optimizing the catalytic and separation performances of porous materials. Here, we systematically developed a series of continuously tunable MOFs (CTMOFs) that exhibit incessantly increased mass transfer. This was achieved through the strategic blending of ligands with different lengths and ratios in MOFs featuring the fcu topology. By employing a proportional mixture of two ligands in the synthesis of UiO-66, the micropores expanded, facilitating faster mass transfer. The mass transfer rate was evaluated by dye adsorption, dark-field microscopy, and gas chromatography (GC). The GC performance proved that both too-fast and too-slow mass transfer led to low separation performance. The optimized mass transfer in CTMOFs resulted in an exceptionally high separation resolution (5.96) in separating p-xylene and o-xylene. Moreover, this study represents the first successful use of MOFs for high-performance separation of propylene and propane by GC. This strategy provides new inspiration in regulating mass transfer in porous materials.

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Introduction: Salvia L., representing the largest genus within the mint family, is noted for its global distribution of approximately 1000 species, with East Asia, and particularly China, recognized as a critical center of diversity for the genus. Methods: Our research was conducted through extensive fieldwork in Guidong County, Hunan Province, China, where we identified a previously undescribed species of Salvia. The identification process involved detailed morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses, and plastid genomics. Results: The newly discovered species, Salvia guidongensis, exhibits unique characteristics not commonly observed in the East Asian lineage of Salvia, including dual floral colors within natural populations-either pale purple or pale yellow. Morphologically, while it shares similarities with members of sect. Glutinaria, S. guidongensis is distinct in its floral morphology, stature, and specific foliar traits. Phylogenetic analysis places S. guidongensis in a unique clade within the East Asian lineage of Salvia, suggesting it may serve as an important evolutionary link. Additionally, we explored the plastome features of S. guidongensis, comparing them with those of closely related species. Discussion: The discovery of S. guidongensis not only entriches the taxonomic tapestry of Salvia but also provides critical insights into the biogeography and evolutionary pathways of the genus in East Asia. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the novel status of S. guidongensis and highlight its significance in bridging taxonomic and evolutionary gaps within Sect. Glutinaria of Salvia.

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Ice clouds affect the energy balance of the atmosphere through absorption, reflection, and scattering of solar radiation. We have developed a new experimental technique to simultaneously measure thin ice film extinction and its thickness (about 0.06-0.21 µm) by combining Brewster angle cavity ring-down spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance. The ice film serves as a proxy for ice clouds. Thin ice films were formed by water vapor deposition on a silica surface at 258 K. The average extinction cross sections of ice films were determined to be about 6.6 × 10-23, 8.1 × 10-23, 5.3 × 10-23, 5.6 × 10-23, 5.2 × 10-23, 5.1 × 10-23, and 3.9 × 10-23 cm2/molecule at wavelengths of 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 nm at 258 K, respectively. Atmospheric implications of the results are discussed.

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The classification and phylogenetic relationships within the Phaseoleae tribe (Leguminosae) have consistently posed challenges to botanists. This study addresses these taxonomic intricacies, with a specific focus on the Glycininae subtribe, by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the highly conserved plastome in Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth., a critical species within this subtribe. Through meticulous genomic sequencing, we identified a plastome size of 148,650 bp, composed of 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Comparative genomic analysis across seven Glycininae species illuminated a universally conserved circular and quadripartite structure, with nine genes exhibiting notable nucleotide diversity, signifying a remarkable genomic variability. Phylogenetic reconstruction of 35 Phaseoleae species underscores the affinity of Amphicarpaea with Glycine, placing Apios as a sister lineage to all other Phaseoleae species, excluding Clitorinae and Diocleinae subtribes. Intriguingly, Apios, Butea, Erythrina, and Spatholobus, traditionally clumped together in the Erythrininae subtribe, display paraphyletic divergence, thereby contesting their taxonomic coherence. The pronounced structural differences in the quadripartite boundary genes among taxa with unresolved subtribal affiliations demand a reevaluation of Erythrininae's taxonomic classification, potentially refining the phylogenetic contours of the tribe.

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Objective To investigate the efficacy of Dingxuan Decoction combined with vestibular function rehabilitation training in the treatment of Meniere's disease and to observe its effect on clinical symptoms and blood flow of vertebral artery.Methods A total of 100 patients with Meniere's disease of liver-kidney yin deficiency complicated with wind-water upward stirring type were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 50 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional treatment and vestibular function rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with Dingxuan Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.The two groups were treated for 4 weeks and then were followed up for 6 months.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI)score,Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI)score,hearing visual analogue scale(VAS)score and vertebral artery blood flow in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the TCM syndrome efficacy,hearing improvement and follow-up results were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy of the observation group was 86.00%(43/50),and that of the control group was 62.00%(31/50),and the intergroup comparison showed that the TCM syndrome efficacy in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(2)After 4 weeks of treatment,the hearing of patients in both groups was improved,and the total effective rate for the efficacy of hearing improvement in the observation group was 76.00%(38/50),while that in the control group was 46.00%(23/50).The intergroup comparison showed that the efficacy of hearing improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,DHI score,THI score and hearing VAS scores in the two groups were all decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the decrease in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the average blood flow velocity of the left vertebral artery(LVA)and the right vertebral artery(RVA)in the two groups were both increased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the increase in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)The results of 6-month follow-up after treatment showed that the incidence of Meniere's disease and the frequency of attack in the observation group were significantly reduced compared with those in the control group,and the episode duration in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group,the differences being all statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion Dingxuan Decoction combined with vestibular function rehabilitation training exert certain effect in treating patients with Meniere's disease of liver-kidney yin deficiency complicated with wind-water upward stirring type,and the therapy is effective on improving patients'clinical symptoms and vertebral artery blood flow,reducing the risk of recurrence and improving the quality of life of the patients.

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The lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is a common lumbar vertebral variation characterized by unilateral or bilateral enlarged transverse processes. When the enlargement of the transverse processes alters the local biomechanics of LSTV, it may give rise to a series of clinical symptoms known as Bertolotti syndrome. The main manifestations include pain in the lumbosacral region, buttocks, outer side of the lower limbs, numbness, and symptoms related to the sciatic nerve. LSTV is often classified using the Castellvi classification. The presence of lumbosacralization and sacralization of vertebrae in LSTV makes it challenging to accurately locate and number LSTV. So various anatomical landmarks and spinal parameters have been proposed to assist in the localization and numbering of LSTV, but they all have a certain error rate. Even after the lumbar vertebrae is clearly numbered, there is often controversy over the baseline selection for preoperative spinal parameters. Currently, the horizontal level of S 1 is considered the optimal measurement baseline, but this conclusion needs further confirmation in a clinical context. The main basis for LSTV diagnosis is imaging signs, while the diagnosis of Bertolotti syndrome requires local injection of local anesthetics or corticosteroids into the pseudo-joint and the exclusion of other degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine. The treatment of Bertolotti syndrome includes conservative and surgical approaches. Common surgical procedures include fusion and decompression, both of which can achieve good short-term outcomes. However, due to the limited number of patients studied or a lack of direct comparisons, it is challenging to determine the superiority of these two methods in terms of medium to long-term effectiveness. This article provides a comprehensive review of the symptoms and causes of Bertolotti syndrome, preoperative localization and numbering of LSTV, baseline selection for preoperative spinal parameter measurements, and treatment methods.

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Hormone supplementation is one of the common therapies for menopause-related disorders. Among different tools, the ovariectomy (OVX) rodents are widely accepted as an appropriate menopausal pain model. Our previous study has showed that OVX produces a significant pain facilitation in both acute pain and tonic pain, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of OVX treatment and estradiol (E2) supplementation on formalin-induced nociceptive responses, and explored the associated spinal mechanisms. Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral OVX, and E2 supplementation was given subcutaneously from the 5th week after surgery (30 µg/day for 7 days). Our results showed that formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors did not differ between diestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous in intact rats. However, OVX exacerbated formalin-evoked inflammatory pain, especially in the late phase at 4-5 weeks but not 2 weeks post-surgery. E2 supplementation significantly reversed the OVX-triggered hyperalgesia. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that both ERα and ERß in the spinal dorsal horn were co-labeled with the neuronal markers, but not with markers of astrocytes or microglia. The spinal ERα (but not ERß) expression significantly increased in the OVX group, which was reversed by E2 supplementation. Moreover, the OVX individuals showed an increased protein kinase B (AKT) level in lumbar spinal cord, and E2 supplementation diminished the AKT expression in OVX rats. Finally, intrathecal injection Wortmannin, an inhibitor for AKT signaling, effectively reduced the nociceptive behaviors in the late phase and the number of c-fos positive cells. Together, our findings indicate that E2 supplementation alleviates the OVX-induced hyperalgesia, which might be involved in spinal ERα and AKT mechanisms.

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PURPOSE: Intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) in women is a debatable topic and there is no clear consensus in its management and treatment strategies. Previous treatment measures have limitations which necessitates to consider effective measures for prevention of recurrence of IUAs. Hence, the aim of this study to explore the efficacy and safety of intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet gel (APG) and medical chitosan in preventing recurrence of IUAs in females after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA). METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 80 patients presented with moderate to severe IUAs. Patients were randomized into two groups, APG group (n = 40) and medical chitosan group (n = 40). All patients were injected with either APG or medical chitosan after TCRA. RESULTS: The postoperative recurrence rate of adhesions in APG group was significantly lower than those in medical chitosan group (21% vs 49%). The median AFS score during the second-look hysteroscopy was significantly lower in APG group than in medical chitosan group (P = 0.008). The median AFS score reduction after TCRA surgery was significantly higher in APG group than in medical chitosan group (median, 95% CI 7.000, 6.0 to 8.3 vs. 6.000, 5.0 to 7.0, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis of platelet concentration (1000 as cut-off value) into high- and low-dose subgroups reported no significant correlation existed between APG and baseline characteristics, recurrence rate and postoperative AFS reduction score except for previous intrauterine operation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thus, after TCRA, intrauterine injections of APG provides better efficacy and safety compared with intrauterine injections of medical chitosan in preventing recurrence of intrauterine adhesions.

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Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of natural microbial biopolyesters with the same basic chemical structure and diverse side chain groups. Based on their excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, thermoplastic properties and diversity, PHAs are highly promising medical biomaterials and elements of medical devices for applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. However, due to the high cost of biotechnological production, most PHAs have yet to be applied in the clinic and have only been studied at laboratory scale. This review focuses on the biosynthesis, diversity, physical properties, biodegradability and biosafety of PHAs. We also discuss optimization strategies for improved microbial production of commercial PHAs via novel synthetic biology tools. Moreover, we also systematically summarize various medical devices based on PHAs and related design approaches for medical applications, including tissue repair and drug delivery. The main degradation product of PHAs, 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), is recognized as a new functional molecule for cancer therapy and immune regulation. Although PHAs still account for only a small percentage of medical polymers, up-and-coming novel medical PHA devices will enter the clinical translation stage in the next few years.

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Social adversity not only causes severe psychological diseases but also may improve people's ability to learn and grow. However, the beneficial effects of social adversity are often ignored. In this study, we investigated whether and how social adversity affects learning and memory in a mouse social defeat stress (SDS) model. A total of 652 mice were placed in experimental groups of six to 23 mice each. SDS enhanced spatial, novelty, and fear memory with increased synaptosome associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) level and dendritic spine density in hippocampal neurons among young but not middle-aged mice. Chemogenetic inhibition of hippocampal CaMK2A+ neurons blocked SDS-induced enhancement of learning or memory. Knockdown of SNAP-25 or blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit GluN2B in the hippocampus prevented SDS-induced learning memory enhancement in an emotion-independent manner. These findings suggest that social adversity promotes learning and memory ability in youths and provide a neurobiological foundation for biopsychological antifragility.

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Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine. In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials, biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, such materials have mechanical adaptability, microstructure interconnectivity, and inherent bioactivity, making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine. This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials (BNBMs), including advances in their preparation, functionality, potential applications and future challenges. We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM. Moreover, we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications. Finally, we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.

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Eleven monoterpenes including seven new chemical structures or new natural products covering two pairs of scalemic enantiomers, together with four known analogues, were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head (Guitou) by separation techniques of column chromatography over macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and Toyopearl HW-40C, together with preparative thin-layer chromatography as well as reversed phase and chiral HPLC. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis, combined with theoretic calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The new structures or new natural products named (+)-/(-)-angelinones A and B [(+)-/(-)-1 and (+)-/(-)-2], angelinones C and D (3 and 4), and angelinol A (5), respectively, while the known analogues were 6β,9-dihydroxy-(+)-α-pinene (6), 1,1,5-trimethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-cyclohexa-2,5-dien-4-one (7), jasminol E (8), and (+)-trans-sobrerol (9). All the isolates were reported in this plant for the first time, except for the previously reported 6 from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of A. sinensis, of which the structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography in this study.

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Ten dimeric phthalide racemates (1-10) were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head (Guitou) by separation techniques of column chromatography over macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20, together with preparative thin-layer chromatography and reversed phase HPLC. The racemates were further separated into (+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-10 with chiral HPLC. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, combined with electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and NMR calculations as well as single crystal X-ray diffractions. Compounds (+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-10 are either new structure or new natural product, named (+)-/(-)-angelidipthalidic acids A-H [(+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-8] and (+)-/(-)-angelidipthalidols A and B [(+)-/(-)-9 and (+)-/(-)-10], respectively. Meanwhile, dimeric phthalide mono- and bis-lactone derivatives with 3.3′a,8.6′- and 3.6′,8.3′a-coupling patterns as well as determination of their relative configurations are discussed.

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We aimed to study radiomics approach based on biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for determining significant residual cancer after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Ninety-two post-ADT prostate cancer patients underwent MRI before prostatectomy (62 with significant residual disease and 30 with complete response or minimum residual disease [CR/MRD]). Totally, 100 significant residual, 52 CR/MRD lesions, and 70 benign tissues were selected according to pathology. First, 381 radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Optimal features were selected using a support vector machine with a recursive feature elimination algorithm (SVM-RFE). Then, ADC values of significant residual, CR/MRD lesions, and benign tissues were compared by one-way analysis of variance. Logistic regression was used to construct models with SVM features to differentiate between each pair of tissues. Third, the efficiencies of ADC value and radiomics models for differentiating the three tissues were assessed by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The ADC value (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]) of significant residual lesions ([1.10 ± 0.02] × 10-3 mm2 s-1) was significantly lower than that of CR/MRD ([1.17 ± 0.02] × 10-3 mm2 s-1), which was significantly lower than that of benign tissues ([1.30 ± 0.02] × 10-3 mm2 s-1; both P < 0.05). The SVM feature models were comparable to ADC value in distinguishing CR/MRD from benign tissue (AUC: 0.766 vs 0.792) and distinguishing residual from benign tissue (AUC: 0.825 vs 0.835) (both P > 0.05), but superior to ADC value in differentiating significant residual from CR/MRD (AUC: 0.748 vs 0.558; P = 0.041). Radiomics approach with biparametric MRI could promote the detection of significant residual prostate cancer after ADT.

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Lipid-formulated RNA vaccines have been widely used for disease prevention and treatment, yet their mechanism of action and individual components contributing to such actions remain to be delineated. Here, we show that a therapeutic cancer vaccine composed of a protamine/mRNA core and a lipid shell is highly potent in promoting cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses and mediating anti-tumor immunity. Mechanistically, both the mRNA core and lipid shell are needed to fully stimulate the expression of type I interferons and inflammatory cytokines in dendritic cells. Stimulation of interferon-β expression is exclusively dependent on STING, and antitumor activity from the mRNA vaccine is significantly compromised in mice with a defective Sting gene. Thus, the mRNA vaccine elicits STING-dependent antitumor immunity.

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ObjectiveTo observe the protective effect and mechanism of Tianhuang formula (THF) against renal injury in hyperuricemia nephropathy (HN) mice through network pharmacology. MethodAll mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a febuxostat group (5 mg·kg-1), a low-dose THF group (L-THF, 60 mg·kg-1), and a high-dose THF group (H-THF, 120 mg·kg-1). The mice in the normal group were treated with 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) by gavage daily. The HN model was induced by oral administration of 500 mg·kg-1 hypoxanthine and intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg·kg-1 oteracil potassium in mice except for those in the blank group. The mice in the groups with drug intervention were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage for three weeks. The levels of serum uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and 24-h albuminuria were measured. The renal injury was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and PAS staining, and renal fibrosis was observed by Sirius red staining. The effects and molecular mechanism of THF in HN mice were analyzed by Western blot, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. ResultBiochemical results indicated that compared with model group, BUN and 24 h urinary protein levels were significantly decreased in L-THF group (P<0.05), SUA and SCr levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and SUA, BUN, SCr and 24 h urinary protein levels in H-THF group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of pathological staining showed that the kidney injury and interstitial fibrosis were improved in different doses of THF groups (P<0.05). Western blot results showed that the Nod-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatorome, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), fibronectin (FN), uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1), phosphorylated p65 (p-p65) and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor (NF) -κB were inhibited in the H-THF group The expression of protein-producing α (p-IκBα) was reduced to the normal level (P<0.01), but the expression of IL-1β, URAT1 and p-IκBα in HN mice was not affected in the L-THF group. ConclusionTHF ameliorates renal inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes to alleviate HN

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Objective:To detect the abnormal changes of myocardial blood perfusion in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM) by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) combined with adenosine stress test.Methods:Fifteen adult patients with HCM who were treated in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from May 2021 to March 2022 were prospectively selected as the HCM group, and eighteen healthy volunteers matched by gender, age and body surface area during the same period were chosen as the control group. All subjects underwent routine echocardiography, rest and adenosine stress MCE. The MCE images were analyzed by QLab software to obtain the myocardial perfusion parameters: peak signal intensity (A value), rising slope of the curve (β value) and A×β value, and the differences of above parameters between the two groups were compared.According to whether the end-diastolic wall thickness ≥12 mm, the myocardial segments in the HCM group were divided into hypertrophic segments and non-hypertrophic segments. The differences in myocardial perfusion parameters were compared among control group segments, hypertrophic segments and non-hypertrophic segments of the HCM group. The correlations of stress myocardial blood flow with maximal left ventricular wall thickness (MLVWT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) in the HCM group were analyzed.Results:Compared with the control group, the A value, β value and A×β value of whole myocardium, hypertrophic segments and non-hypertrophic segments in the HCM group were significantly decreased in the rest and adenosine stress state, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). In the stress state, the A value, β value and A×β value of the hypertrophic segments were significantly lower than those in the non-hypertrophic segments in the HCM group, and the detection rate of abnormal perfusion segments in the HCM group was significantly higher than that in the rest state(all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the myocardial blood flow reserve of whole myocardium, hypertrophic segments and non-hypertrophic segments in the HCM group were significantly decreased, and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). The stress myocardial blood flow in the HCM group was negatively correlated with MLVWT, LVMI and LAVI ( r=-0.815, -0.805, -0.742; all P<0.05). Conclusions:Myocardial blood perfusion abnormalities can occur in both hypertrophic and non-hypertrophic myocardial segments in patients with HCM, and adenosine stress MCE can significantly improve the sensitivity of detecting myocardial perfusion abnormalities. The stress myocardial blood flow in patients with HCM is negatively correlated with MLVWT, LVMI and LAVI.

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Objective:To evaluate the relationship between microRNA-27a (miR-27a) and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods:Fifty clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 220-280 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=10 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), myocardial I/R group (I/R group), AAV9-miR-27a overexpression + myocardial I/R group (AAV+ I/R group), miR-27a antagomir + myocardial I/R group (AG+ I/R group) and AAV9-miR-27a negative control+ myocardial I/R group (NC+ I/R group). The myocardial I/R injury model was prepared by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. At day 14 before ischemia, AAV9-miRNA-27a adeno-associated virus 2×10 11 v. g was injected via the tail vein in AAV+ I/R group, and AAV9-miR-27a NC 2×10 11 v. g was injected via the tail vein in NC+ I/R group. miR-27a antagomir 10 mg/kg was injected via the tail vein once a day at 3 days before ischemia in AG+ I/R group. At the end of 120 min of reperfusion, serum cardiac troponin T(cTnT), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations and contents of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in myocardial tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the percentage of myocardial infarct volume by TTC staining, the expression of miR-27a in myocardial tissues by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of SIRT1 in myocardial tissues by Western blot. Results:Compared with Sham group, the percentage of myocardial infarct volume and serum concentrations of cTnT, CK-MB and LDH were significantly increased, the contents of GSH and SOD in myocardial tissues were decreased, MDA contents were increased, miR-27a expression was up-regulated, and SIRT1 expression was down-regulated in I/R group ( P<0.05). Compared with I/R group, the percentage of myocardial infarct volume and serum concentrations of cTnT, CK-MB and LDH were significantly increased, the contents of GSH and SOD in myocardial tissues were decreased, MDA contents were increased, miR-27a expression was up-regulated, and SIRT1 expression was down-regulated in AAV+ I/R, and the percentage of myocardial infarct volume and serum concentrations of cTnT, CK-MB and LDH were significantly decreased, the contents of GSH and SOD in myocardial tissues were increased, MDA contents were decreased, miR-27a expression was down-regulated, and SIRT1 expression was up-regulated in AG+ I/R group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in NC+ I/R group ( P>0.05). Compared with AAV+ I/R group, the percentage of myocardial infarct volume and serum concentrations of cTnT, CK-MB and LDH were significantly decreased, the contents of GSH and SOD in myocardial tissues were increased, MDA contents were decreased, miR-27a expression was down-regulated, and SIRT1 expression was up-regulated in AG+ I/R group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:miR-27a is involved in the pathophysiological mechanism underlying myocardial I/R injury probably through inhibition of SIRT1 expression in rats.

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A case of IgG4-related disease presented with a duodenal ulcer to improve the understan-ding of IgG4-related diseases was reported. A 70-year-old male presented with cutaneous pruritus and abdominal pain for four years and blackened stools for two months. Four years ago, the patient went to hospital for cutaneous pruritus and abdominal pain. Serum IgG4 was 3.09 g/L (reference value 0-1.35 g/L), alanine aminotransferase 554 U/L (reference value 9-40 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase 288 U/L (reference value 5-40 U/L), total bilirubin 54.16 μmol/L (reference value 2-21 μmol/L), and direct bilirubin 29.64 μmol/L (reference value 1.7-8.1 μmol/L) were all elevated. The abdominal CT scan and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography indicated pancreatic swelling, common bile duct stenosis, and secondary obstructive dilation of the biliary system. The patient was diagnosed with IgG4-related disease and treated with prednisone at 40 mg daily. As jaundice and abdominal pain improved, prednisone was gradually reduced to medication discontinuation. Two months ago, the patient developed melena, whose blood routine test showed severe anemia, and gastrointestinal bleeding was diagnosed. The patient came to the emergency department of Beijing Hospital with no improvement after treatment in other hospitals. Gastroscopy revealed a 1.5 cm firm duodenal bulb ulcer. After treatment with omeprazole, the fecal occult blood was still positive. The PET-CT examination was performed, and it revealed no abnormality in the metabolic activity of the duodenal wall, and no neoplastic lesions were found. IgG4-related disease was considered, and the patient was admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Beijing Hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. The patient had a right submandibular gland mass resection history and diabetes mellitus. After the patient was admitted to the hospital, the blood test was reevaluated. The serum IgG4 was elevated at 5.44 g/L (reference value 0.03-2.01 g/L). Enhanced CT of the abdomen showed that the pancreas was mild swelling and was abnormally strengthened, with intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilation and soft tissue around the superior mesenteric vessels. We pathologically reevaluated and stained biopsy specimens of duodenal bulbs for IgG and IgG4. Immunohistochemical staining revealed remarkable infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells into duodenal tissue, the number of IgG4-positive cells was 20-30 cells per high-powered field, and the ratio of IgG4/IgG-positive plasma cells was more than 40%. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone at 40 mg daily dosage and cyclophosphamide, and then the duodenal ulcer was healed. IgG4 related disease is an immune-medicated rare disease characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. It is a systemic disease that affects nearly every anatomic site of the body, usually involving multiple organs and diverse clinical manifestations. The digestive system manifestations of IgG4-related disease are mostly acute pancreatitis and cholangitis and rarely manifest as gastrointestinal ulcers. This case confirms that IgG4-related disease can present as a duodenal ulcer and is one of the rare causes of duodenal ulcers.

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