Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Tandem hydroalkylation and deoxygenation of lignin-derived phenolics to synthesize high-density fuels

Lignin is the most abundant naturally phenolic biomass,and the synthesis of high-performance renewable fuel from lignin has attracted significant attention.We propose the efficient synthesis of high-density fuels using simulated lignin cracked oil in tandem with hydroalkylation and deoxygenation reactions.First,we investigated the reaction pathway for the hydroalkylation of phenol,which competes with the hydrodeoxygenation form cyclohexane.And then,we investigated the effects of metal catalyst types,the loading amount of metallic,acid dosage,and reactant ratio on the reaction results.The phenol hydroalkylation and hydrodeoxygenation were balanced when 180℃ and 5 MPa H_(2)with the alkanes yield of 95%.By extending the substrate to other lignin-derived phenolics and simulated lignin cracked oil,we obtained the polycyclic alkane fuel with high density of 0.918 g·ml^(-1)and calorific value of41.2 MJ·L^(-1).Besides,the fuel has good low-temperature properties(viscosity of 9.3 mm^(2)·s^(-1)at 20℃ and freezing point below-55℃),which is expected to be used as jet fuel.This work provides a promising way for the easy and green production of high-density fuel directly from real lignin oil.

A model for fast electron-driven high-density plasma in the double-cone ignition scheme

A model for fast electron-driven high-density plasma is proposed to describe the effect of injected fast electrons on the temperature and inner pressure of the plasma in the fast heating process of the double-cone ignition(DCI)scheme.Due to the collision of the two low-density plasmas,the density and volume of the high-density plasma vary.Therefore,the ignition temperature and energy requirement of the high-density plasma vary at different moments,and the required energy for hot electrons to heat the plasma also changes.In practical experiments,the energy input of hot electrons needs to be considered.To reduce the energy input of hot electrons,the optimal moment and the shortest time for injecting hot electrons with minimum energy are analyzed.In this paper,it is proposed to inject hot electrons for a short time to heat the high-density plasma to a relatively high temperature.Then,the alpha particles with the high heating rate and PdV work heat the plasma to the ignition temperature,further reducing the energy required to inject hot electrons.The study of the injection time of fast electrons can reduce the energy requirement of fast electrons for the high-density plasma and increase the probability of successful ignition of the high-density plasma.

Kinetic-Thermodynamic Promotion Engineering toward High-Density Hierarchical and Zn-Doping Activity-Enhancing ZnNiO@CF for High-Capacity Desalination

Despite the promising potential of transition metal oxides(TMOs)as capacitive deionization(CDI)electrodes,the actual capacity of TMOs electrodes for sodium storage is significantly lower than the theoretical capacity,posing a major obstacle.Herein,we prepared the kinetically favorable Zn_(x)Ni_(1−x)O electrode in situ growth on carbon felt(Zn_(x)Ni_(1−x)O@CF)through constraining the rate of OH^(−)generation in the hydrothermal method.Zn_(x)Ni_(1−x)O@CF exhibited a high-density hierarchical nanosheet structure with three-dimensional open pores,benefitting the ion transport/electron transfer.And tuning the moderate amount of redox-inert Zn-doping can enhance surface electroactive sites,actual activity of redox-active Ni species,and lower adsorption energy,promoting the adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic of the Zn_(0.2)Ni_(0.8)O@CF.Benefitting from the kinetic-thermodynamic facilitation mechanism,Zn_(0.2)Ni_(0.8)O@CF achieved ultrahigh desalination capacity(128.9 mgNaCl g^(-1)),ultra-low energy consumption(0.164 kW h kgNaCl^(-1)),high salt removal rate(1.21 mgNaCl g^(-1) min^(-1)),and good cyclability.The thermodynamic facilitation and Na^(+)intercalation mechanism of Zn_(0.2)Ni_(0.8)O@CF are identified by the density functional theory calculations and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring,respectively.This research provides new insights into controlling electrochemically favorable morphology and demonstrates that Zn-doping,which is redox-inert,is essential for enhancing the electrochemical performance of CDI electrodes.

Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as a predictor of the activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

AIM:To evaluate the relationship between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR)and the disease activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO).METHODS:A total of 87 patients were classified into two groups based on clinical activity score(CAS)scoring criteria:high CAS group(n=62,the CAS score was≥3);low CAS group(n=25,the CAS score was<3).In addition,a group of healthy people(n=114)were included to compared the MHR.Proptosis,MHR,average signal intensity ratio(SIR),average lacrimal gland(LG)-SIR,average extraocular muscles(EOM)area from 87 patients with TAO were calculated in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and compared between these two groups.Correlation testing was utilized to evaluate the association of parameters among the clinical variables.RESULTS:Patients in high CAS group had a higher proptosis(P=0.041)and MHR(P=0.048).Compared to the healthy group,the MHR in the TAO group was higher(P=0.001).Correlation testing declared that CAS score was strongly associated with proptosis and average SIR,and MHR was positively associated with CAS score,average SIR,and average LG-SIR.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of MHR was 0.6755.CONCLUSION:MHR,a novel inflammatory biomarker,has a significant association with CAS score and MRI imaging(average SIR and LG-SIR)and it can be a new promising predictor during the active phase of TAO.

Low Stress TSV Arrays for High-Density Interconnection

In three-dimensional(3D)stacking,the thermal stress of through-silicon via(TSV)has a significant influence on chip performance and reliability,and this problem is exacerbated in high-density TSV arrays.In this study,a novel hollow tungsten TSV(W-TSV)is presented and developed.The hollow structure provides space for the release of thermal stress.Simulation results showed that the hollow W-TSV structure can release 60.3%of thermal stress within the top 2 lm from the surface,and thermal stress can be decreased to less than 20 MPa in the radial area of 3 lm.The ultra-high-density(1600 TSV∙mm2)TSV array with a size of 640×512,a pitch of 25 lm,and an aspect ratio of 20.3 was fabricated,and the test results demonstrated that the proposed TSV has excellent electrical and reliability performances.The average resistance of the TSV was 1.21 X.The leakage current was 643 pA and the breakdown voltage was greater than 100 V.The resistance change is less than 2%after 100 temperature cycles from40 to 125℃.Raman spectroscopy showed that the maximum stress on the wafer surface caused by the hollow W-TSV was 31.02 MPa,which means that there was no keep-out zone(KOZ)caused by the TSV array.These results indicate that this structure has great potential for applications in large-array photodetectors and 3D integrated circuits.

Predictive value of intracranial high-density areas in neurological function

BACKGROUND Intracranial high-density areas(HDAs)have attracted considerable attention for predicting clinical outcomes;however,whether HDAs predict worse neurological function and mental health remains controversial and unclear,which requires further investigation.In this prospective study,96 patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)who accepted endovascular mechanical thrombectomy(EMT)were included.The enrolled patients underwent cranial computed tomography(CT)examination within 24 hours after EMT.Clinical data in terms of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),the 3-month modified Rankin Scale(mRS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)scores were collected and compared between patients with HDAs and non-HDAs and between patients with good and poor clinical prognosis.Compared to patients without HDAs,patients with HDAs presented severe neurological deficits(admission NIHSS score:18±3 vs 19±4),were more likely to have post-stroke disabilities(mRS<3:35%vs 62%),and suffered more severe depression(SDS score:58±16 vs 64±13)and anxiety disorder(SAS score:52±8 vs 59±10).Compared to patients with a good prognosis,patients with a poor prognosis presented severe neurological deficits(admission NIHSS score:17±4 vs 20±3),were more likely to have HDAs on CT images(64%vs 33%),and suffered more severe depression(SDS score:55±19 vs 65±11)and anxiety(SAS score:50±8 vs 58±12).Multivariate analysis revealed that HDAs were independent nega-tive prognostic factors.CONCLUSION In conclusion,HDAs on CT images predicted poor prognosis and severe depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with AIS who underwent EMT.

Correlation of Helicobacter pylori infection with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and pulse wave conduction velocity

Background:Helicobacter pylori(HP)is associated with several gastrointestinal diseases,including peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer,and non-gastrointestinal diseases such as hypertension and Alzheimer's disease.However,the relationship between HP and lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis remains unclear.This study aims to investigate the association between H.pylori infection and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and pulse wave conduction velocity.Methods:This is a report of a cross-sectional study that collected data from 2,827 participants.The data collected included results of life questionnaires,laboratory tests,13C-urea breath test(13C-UBT),and pulse wave conduction velocity test.Based on the results of the 13C-UBT test,the subjects were divided into two groups:the HP-uninfected group(HP−)and the HP-infected group(HP+).The study compared the differences in HDL-C levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV)between the two groups.One-way regression analysis was used to identify potential factors affecting HDL-C levels in the study population.Multiple regression equations were presented to analyze whether HP infection was an independent risk factor for abnormal HDL-C metabolism in the population.Results:Univariate analysis demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were significantly lower in the HP+group compared to the HP−group,with a mean difference ofβ=−18.1 mg/dl(95%CI:−19.3 to−17.0,P<0.001).After adjusting for all variables,the HDL-C levels remained lower in the HP+group compared to the HP-group,with a mean difference ofβ=−17.4 mg/dl(95%CI:−18.2 to−16.7,P<0.001).These findings suggest that H.pylori infection is independently associated with abnormal HDL-C metabolism.Additionally,brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV)was higher in the HP+group than in the HP−group on both sides.On the right side,the baPWV was 1,713.4±231.4 cm/s in the HP+group compared to 1,542.8±237.5 cm/s in the HP−group(t=−18.30,P<0.001).On the left side,the baPWV was 1,743.7±238.8 cm/s in the HP+group compared to 1,562.8±256.3 cm/s in the HP−group(t=−18.23,P<0.001).These results indicate a significant association between H.pylori infection and increased arterial stiffness,as measured by baPWV.Conclusion:Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and an increase in pulse wave conduction velocity.

Conversion of lignin oil and hemicellulose derivative into high-density jet fuel

Synthesizing high-density fuel from lignocellulose can not only achieve green and low-carbon development,but also expand the feedstock source of hydrocarbon fuel.Here,we reported a route of producing high-density fuel from lignin oil and hemicellulose derivative cyclopentanol through alkylation and hydrodeoxygenation,HY with SiO_(2)/Al_(2)O_(3) molar ratio of 5.3 was screened as the alkylation catalyst in the reaction of model phenolic compounds and mixtures,and the reaction conditions were optimized to achieve conversion of phenolic compounds higher than 87%and selectivity of bicyclic and tricyclic products higher than 99%.Then two phenolic pools simulating the composition of two typic lignin oils were studied to validate the alkylation and analyze the competition mechanism of phenolic compounds in mixture system.Finally,real lignin oil from depolymerized of beech powder was tested,and notably80%of phenolic monomers in the oil were converted into fuel precursor.After hydrodeoxygenation,the alkylated product was converted to fuel blend with a density of 0.91 g/mL at 20℃and a freezing point lower than-60℃,very promising as high density fuel.This work provides a facile and energyefficient way of synthesizing high-performance jet fuel directly from lignocellulosic derivatives,which decreases processing energy consumption and improve the utilization rate of feedstock.

QTL mapping for berry shape based on a high-density genetic map constructed by whole-genome resequencing in grape

Grape berry shape is an important agricultural trait.Clarifying its genetic basis is significant for cultivating grape varieties that meet market demands.However,the current study by forward genetics has not achieved in-depth results.Here,a high-density map was constructed to identify quantitative trait loci(QTLs)for berry shape.A total of 358709 polymorphic SNPs were obtained using whole-genome resequencing(WGS)based on 208 F2 individuals derived from round grape‘E42-6’and oblong grape‘Rizamat’.The 1635.65 cM high-density map was divided into 19 linkage groups with an average distance of 0.37 cM.Using this map,three significant QTLs for fruit shape index(ShI:ratio of berry length to berry width)identified over three years were mapped onto LG4 and LG5,including one stable QTL on Chr5 with the genomic region of 0.47–1.94 Mb.Combining with gene annotation and expression patterns based on RNA-seq data from two contrasting F2 individuals with round and oblong berry(their average ShI was 1.89 and 1.10,respectively)at four developmental stages,four candidate genes were selected from the above QTLs.They were mainly involved in DNA replication,cell wall modification,and phytohormone biosynthesis.Further analysis of RNA-seq data revealed that several important phytohormone synthesis and metabolic pathways were enriched based on differentially expressed genes(DEGs),which was consistent with the results of QTL mapping for genes related to plant hormone biosynthesis in the F2 population.Furthermore,a comparison of plant hormone content showed that there were significant differences in IAA and tZ content between the two contrasting F2 individuals at different developmental stages.Our findings provide molecular insights into the genetic variation in grape berry shape.Stable QTLs and their tightly linked markers offer the possibility of marker-assisted selection to accelerate berry shape breeding.

Monitoring Study of Long-Term Land Subsidence during Subway Operation in High-Density Urban Areas Based on DInSAR-GPS-GIS Technology and Numerical Simulation

During subway operation,various factors will cause long-term land subsidence,such as the vibration subsidence of foundation soil caused by train vibration load,incomplete consolidation deformation of foundation soil during tunnel construction,dense buildings and structures in the vicinity of the tunnel,and changes in water level in the stratum where the tunnel is located.The monitoring of long-term land subsidence during subway operation in high-density urban areas differs from that in low-density urban construction areas.The former is the gathering point of the entire urban population.There are many complex buildings around the project,busy road traffic,high pedestrian flow,and less vegetation cover.Several existing items requiremonitoring.However,monitoring distance is long,and providing early warning is difficult.This study uses the 2.8 km operation line between Wulin Square station and Ding’an Road station of Hangzhou Subway Line 1 as an example to propose the integrated method of DInSAR-GPS-GIS technology and the key algorithm for long-term land subsidence deformation.Then,it selects multiscene image data to analyze long-termland subsidence of high-density urban areas during subway operation.Results show that long-term land subsidence caused by the operation of Wulin Square station to Ding’an Road station of Hangzhou Subway Line 1 is small,with maximumsubsidence of 30.64 mm,and minimumsubsidence of 11.45 mm,and average subsidence ranging from 19.27 to 21.33 mm.And FLAC3D software was used to verify the monitoring situation,using the geological conditions of the soil in the study area and the tunnel profile to simulate the settlement under vehicle load,and the simulation results tended to be consistent with the monitoring situation.

Identification of the dominant loop of a dual-loop macro-reentry left atrial flutter without prior intervention using high-density mapping technology:A case report

BACKGROUND Left atrial flutter without prior cardiac interventions is uncommon,especially dual-loop macro-reentry atrial flutter.The critical step to ablate dual-loop macroreentry atrial flutter is to identify the dominant loop and key isthmus.Although entrainment mapping could help identify the dominant loop and key isthmus,it may alter or terminate tachycardia.High-density mapping allows the generation of electroanatomic maps without altering or terminating tachycardia.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of symptomatic left atrial flutter without prior intervention.In this case,high-density mapping revealed a dual-loop macro-reentry around the mitral annulus and central scar of the anterior wall.The propagation result showed that the dominant loop was around the mitral annulus,and the key isthmus was between the central scar and mitral annulus.The atrial flutter terminated successfully after ablation was performed.CONCLUSION In this case,we demonstrate that high-density mapping technology may help identify the dominant loop of dual-loop atrial flutter without entrainment,which makes ablation easier.

Research and Application of High-Density Resistivity Method in Seawater Intrusion Investigation in Laizhou Bay

The disaster of seawater intrusion seriously affects people's lives and restricts economic development,so the detection and treatment of seawater intrusion is a long-term task.On the basis of field investigation and water quality analysis,according to the change characteristics of apparent resistivity of groundwater after Cl-reaches 250 mg/L,the theoretical basis for the application of high-density resistivity method was determined,and the characteristic values of apparent resistivity for seawater intrusion interfaces in different geological characteristic regions in Laizhou Bay area were determined by typical profile tests.Combined with water quality investigation and other means,profiles for the high-density resistivity method were arranged,and the interfaces between saline and fresh water were accurately divided.

Contrast between 2D inversion and 3D inversion based on 2D high-density resistivity data

The 2D data processing adopted by the high-density resistivity method regards the geological structures as two degrees, which makes the results of the 2D data inversion only an approximate interpretation;the accuracy and effect can not meet the precise requirement of the inversion. Two typical models of the geological bodies were designed, and forward calculation was carried out using finite element method. The forward-modeled profiles were obtained. 1% Gaussian random error was added in the forward models and then 2D and 3D inversions using a high-density resistivity method were undertaken to realistically simulate field data and analyze the sensitivity of the 2D and 3D inversion algorithms to noise. Contrast between the 2D and 3D inversion results of least squares inversion shows that two inversion results of high-density resistivity method all can basically reflect the spatial position of an anomalous body. However, the 3D inversion can more effectively eliminate the influence of interference from Gaussian random error and better reflect the distribution of resistivity in the anomalous bodies. Overall, the 3D inversion was better than 2D inversion in terms of embodying anomalous body positions, morphology and resistivity properties.

High-density lipoprotein and atherosclerosis: Roles of lipid transporters

Various previous studies have found a negative cor-relation between the risk of cardiovascular events and serum high-density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol levels. The reverse cholesterol transport, a pathway of choles-terol from peripheral tissue to liver which has several potent antiatherogenic properties. For instance, the particles of HDL mediate to transport cholesterol from cells in arterial tissues, particularly from atherosclerotic plaques, to the liver. Both ATP-binding cassette trans-porters(ABC) A1 and ABCG1 are membrane cholesterol transporters and have been implicated in mediating cholesterol effluxes from cells in the presence of HDL and apolipoprotein A-I, a major protein constituent of HDL. Previous studies demonstrated that ABCA1 and ABCG1 or the interaction between ABCA1 and ABCG1 exerted antiatherosclerotic effects. As a therapeutic approach for increasing HDL cholesterol levels, much focus has been placed on increasing HDL cholesterol levels as well as enhancing HDL biochemical functions. HDL therapies that use injections of reconstituted HDL, apoA-I mimetics, or full-length apoA-I have shown dramatic effectiveness. In particular, a novel apoA-I mi-metic peptide, Fukuoka University ApoA-I Mimetic Pep-tide, effectively removes cholesterol via specific ABCA1 and other transporters, such as ABCG1, and has an an-tiatherosclerotic effect by enhancing the biological func-tions of HDL without changing circulating HDL choles-terol levels. Thus, HDL-targeting therapy has significant atheroprotective potential, as it uses lipid transporter-targeting agents, and may prove to be a therapeutic tool for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

High temperature and high pressure rheological properties of high-density water-based drilling fluids for deep wells

To maintain tight control over rheological properties of high-density water-based drilling fluids, it is essential to understand the factors influencing the theology of water-based drilling fluids. This paper examines temperature effects on the rheological properties of two types of high-density water-based drilling fluids （fresh water-based and brine-based） under high temperature and high pressure （HTHP） with a Fann 50SL rheometer. On the basis of the water-based drilling fluid systems formulated in laboratory, this paper mainly describes the influences of different types and concentration of clay, the content of a colloid stabilizer named GHJ-1 and fluid density on the rheological parameters such as viscosity and shear stress. In addition, the effects of aging temperature and aging time of the drilling fluid on these parameters were also examined. Clay content and proportions for different densities of brine-based fluids were recommended to effectively regulate the rheological properties. Four theological models, the Bingham, power law, Casson and H-B models, were employed to fit the rheological parameters. It turns out that the H-B model was the best one to describe the rheological properties of the high-density drilling fluid under HTHP conditions and power law model produced the worst fit. In addition, a new mathematical model that describes the apparent viscosity as a function of temperature and pressure was established and has been applied on site.

High-resolution crustal velocity imaging using ambient noise recordings from a high-density seismic array:An example from the Shangrao section of the Xinjiang basin,China

A profile of shallow crustal velocity structure(1–2 km) may greatly enhance interpretation of the sedimentary environment and shallow tectonic deformation.Recent advances in surface wave tomography, using ambient noise data recorded with high-density seismic arrays, have improved the understanding of regional crustal structure. As the interest in detailed shallow crustal structure imaging has increased, dense seismic array methods have become increasingly efficient. This study used a high-density seismic array deployed in the Xinjiang basin in southeastern China, to record seismic data, which was then processed with the ambient noise tomography method. The high-density seismic array contained 203 short-period seismometers, spaced at short intervals(～ 400 m). The array collected continuous records of ambient noise for 32 days. Data preprocessing,cross correlation calculation, and Rayleigh surface wave phase-velocity dispersion curve extraction, yielded more than 16,000 Rayleigh surface wave phase-velocity dispersion curves, which were then analyzed using the direct-inversion method. Checkerboard tests indicate that the shear wave velocity is recovered in the study area, at depths of 0–1.4 km,with a lateral image resolution of ～ 400 m. Model test results show that the seismic array effectively images a 50 m thick slab at a depth of 0–300 m, a 150 m thick anomalous body at a depth of 300–600 m, and a 400 m thick anomalous body at a depth of 0.6–1.4 km. The shear wave velocity profile reveals features very similar to those detected by a deep seismic reflection profile across the study area. This demonstrates that analysis of shallow crustal velocity structure provides high-resolution imaging of crustal features.Thus, ambient noise tomography with a high-density seismic array may play an important role in imaging shallow crustal structure.

High-density lipoprotein as a potential carrier for delivery of a lipophilic antitumoral drug into hepatoma cells

AIM: To investigate the possibility of recombinant highdensity lipoprotein (rHDL) being a carrier for delivering antitumoral drug to hepatoma cells. METHODS: Recombinant complex of HDL and aclacinomycin (rHDL-ACM) was prepared by cosonication of apoproteins from HDL (Apo HDL) and ACM as well as phosphatidylcholine. Characteristics of the rHDL-ACM were elucidated by electrophoretic mobility, including the size of particles, morphology and entrapment efficiency. Binding activity of rHDL-ACM to human hepatoma cells was determined by competition assay in the presence of excess native HDL. The cytotoxicity of rHDL-ACM was assessed by MTT method. RESULTS: The density range of rHDL-ACM was 1.063-1.210 g/mL, and the same as that of native HDL. The purity of all rHDL-ACM preparations was more than 92%. Encapsulated efficiencies of rHDL-ACM were more than 90%. rHDL-ACM particles were typical sphere model of lipoproteins and heterogeneous in particle size. The average diameter was 31.26±5.62 nm by measure of 110 rHDL-ACM particles in the range of diameter of lipoproteins. rHDL-ACM could bind on SMMC-7721 cells, and such binding could be competed against in the presence of excess native HDL. rHDL-ACM had same binding capacity as native HDL. The cellular uptake of rHDL-ACM by SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells was significantly higher than that of free ACM at the concentration range of 0.5-10 μg/mL (P<0.01). Cytotoxicity of rHDL-ACM to SMMC-7721 cells was significantly higher than that of free ACM at concentration range of less than 5 ug/mL (P<0.01) and IC50 of rHDL-ACM was lower than IC50 of free ACM (1.68 nmol/L vs3 nmol/L). Compared to L02 hepatocytes, a normal liver cell line, the cellular uptake of rHDL-ACM by SMMC-7721 cells was significantly higher (P<0.01) and in a dose-dependent manner at the concentration range of 0.5-10 μg/mL.Cytotoxicity of the rHDL-ACM to SMMC- 7721 cells was significantly higher than that to L02 cells at concentration range of 1-7.5μg/mL (P<0.01). IC50 for SMMC-7721 cells (1.68 nmol/L) was lower than that for L02 cells (5.68 nmol/L), showing a preferential cytotoxicity of rHDL-ACM for SMMC-7721 cells. CONCLUSION: rHDL-ACM complex keeps the basic physical and biological binding properties of native HDL and shows a preferential cytotoxicity for SMMC-7721 hepatoma to normal L02 hepatocytes, HDL is a potential carrier for delivering lipophilic antitumoral drug to hepatoma cells.

QTL mapping for grain number per spikelet in wheat using a high-density genetic map

Grain number per spikelet (GNS) is a key determinant of grain yield in wheat.A recombinant inbred line population comprising 300 lines was developed from a cross between a high GNS variety H461 and Chinese Spring from which the reference genome assembly of bread wheat was obtained.Both parents and the recombinant inbred lines were genotyped using the wheat 55K single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) array.A high-density genetic map containing 21,197 SNPs was obtained.These markers covered each of the 21 chromosomes with a total linkage distance of 3792.71 c M.Locations of these markers in this linkage map were highly consistent with their physical locations in the genome assembly of Chinese Spring.The two parents and the whole RIL population were assessed for GNS in two consecutive years at two different locations.Based on multi-environment phenotype data and best liner unbiased prediction values,three quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GNS were identified.One of them located on chromosomes 2B and the other two on 2D.Phenotypic variation explained by these loci varied from 3.07%to26.57%.One of these QTL,QGns.sicau-2D-2,was identified in each of all trials conducted.Based on the best linear unbiased prediction values,this locus explained 19.59%–26.57%of phenotypic variation.A KASP(Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR) marker closely linked with this locus was generated and used to validate the effects of this locus in three different genetic backgrounds.The identified QTL and the KASP marker developed for it will be highly valuable in fine-mapping the locus and in exploiting it for markerassisted selection in wheat breeding programs.

Proso Millet Protein Elevates Plasma Level of High-Density Lipoprotein:A New Food Function of Proso Millet

We examined the effects of dietary proso-millet protein on plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in different rats from animals reported in our previous studies. The results showed also, in this animal, that the ingestion of the millet protein elevates plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol like our earlier works. Taking into account the anti-atherogenic function of HDL, therefore, the millet protein would be useful as a new food ingredient which has the function that regulates cholesterol metabolism