Correction to: Molecular characterization of Blastocystis sp. in captive wild animals in Qinling Mountains

There were errors in Fig. 1 of the originally published article. Correct fig. 1 is presented here.

Effects of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers on the structure and function of key blood components

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers have a variety of promising biomedical applications; however, the biological safety of the dendrimers has not been well clarified. This study focuses on the effects of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (G3, G4, G5, G5–OH) on the structure and function of key blood components, in order to elucidate the impacts of the dendrimers on the aggregation, morphology, lysis of human red blood cells, structural and conformational change as well as polymerization of fibrinogen, and the coagulation of blood tissue. The poly(amidoamine) dendrimers caused aggregation, morphological changes, and lysis of red blood cells, depending on the dendrimer concentration, generation, and surface functional groups. All the dendrimers induced fibrinogen structural and conformational changes, but only cationic dendrimers impaired fibrinogen polymerization ability at high concentrations. In addition, the cationic dendrimers inhibited the activity of clotting factors and fibrinogen in the coagulation of whole blood. Therefore, the surface functional groups, generation, and concentration of the dendrimers play important roles in affecting the structure and function of key blood components. These results provide a critical theoretical basis for the molecular design and clinical application of the poly(amidoamine) dendrimers.

[A case-control study on genetic and environmental factors regarding polydactyly and syndactyly]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the genetic and environmental factors related to the development of polydactyly and syndactyly, and to provide evidence for prevention on birth defects.

METHODS

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. 111 cases and 222 controls were interviewed with standardized questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to select risk factors.

RESULTS

Research data through univariate analysis showed that the occurrence of polydactyly and syndactyly were associated with educational level, annual average income per family member, meat and egg intake during early pregnancy, family heredity history, exposure to hazardous substance before pregnancy, serious pregnant reaction etc. of the pregnant women. As shown in multivariable logistic model, some factors, including annual average income of per family member (OR = 0.240), meat and egg intake during early pregnancy (OR = 0.182), could reduce the risk of the development of polydactyly and syndactyly. Other factors including family heredity history (OR = 10.187), exposure to hazardous substance before pregnancy (OR = 3.029), could increase the risk of developing polydactyly and syndactyly. The attributable risks (%) of family heredity history and exposure to hazardous substance before pregnancy were 90.18% and 66.99% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Genetic factor was the leading cause on the development of polydactyly and syndactyly. In addition, environmental factors, such as family economic condition, nutritional status during early pregnancy and working condition before pregnancy were associated with the development of polydactyly and syndactyly.

Nicotine stimulates angiogenesis and promotes tumor growth and atherosclerosis

We provide anatomic and functional evidence that nicotine induces angiogenesis. We also show that nicotine accelerates the growth of tumor and atheroma in association with increased neovascularization. Nicotine increased endothelial-cell growth and tube formation in vitro, and accelerated fibrovascular growth in vivo. In a mouse model of hind-limb ischemia, nicotine increased capillary and collateral growth, and enhanced tissue perfusion. In mouse models of lung cancer and atherosclerosis, we found that nicotine enhanced lesion growth in association with an increase in lesion vascularity. These effects of nicotine were mediated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at nicotine concentrations that are pathophysiologically relevant. The endothelial production of nitric oxide, prostacyclin and vascular endothelial growth factor might have a role in these effects.

Magnetic resonance angiography by selective inversion recovery using a compact gradient echo sequence

We have studied a pulse sequence using compact imaging gradients for MR angiography by selective inversion recovery. By acquiring signals approaching a half-echo, we achieve significant immunity to artifacts from flow-induced dephasing. Initial clinical results on carotid arteries accurately depict stenoses without the problems of signal dephasing.