The effect of L-proline as a promoter on the condensation reaction of salicylaldehyde or its derivatives with ethyl acetoacetate in neutral ionic liquid [emim]BF4 was studied. All reactions were carried out under mild reaction conditions and achieved high yields. Moreover, the ionic liquid containing L-proline could be recycled and reused for several times without noticeably decreasing in productivity. The results show that the L-proline-[emim]BF4 system has a potential in contribution to the development of environmentally friendly and inexpensive processes in organic syntheses.
Coumarins ; chemical synthesis ; Ionic Liquids ; chemistry ; Proline ; chemistry

Objective To investigate the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 disease progression in Chinese HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Methods Cross-sectional analysis was performed among 391 HIV-infected patients for assessment of HCV-IgG, HCV-RNA, HIV-RNA, CD4 cell counts and cell surface markers of immune activation, to compare the difference of viral and immune indexes between HCV-RNA high group and HCV-RNA low group, and to elucidate the association between HCV-RNA, HIV-RNA and CD4 cell counts in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Results (1) The percentage of anti HCV-IgG positive of former plasma donor group (93%) and drug-injection group (97.5%) were significantly higher than that of sexual transmission group (20.1%). The percentage of HCV-RNA positive of drug-injection group (89.9%) was significantly higher than that of former plasma donor group (48.3%) and sexual transmission group (62.5%), P<0.01, respectively. (2) HCV-RNA levels were positively correlated to HIV-RNA levels (r=0.237,P

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of Shengli capsules on the sexual ability of normal and castrated male rats.

METHODSShengli capsules were given by intragastric administration to 100 experimental male rats at different doses of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.40 g / kg. Data were collected and analyzed, including capture latency period, times of capture, sexual endurance and times of ejaculation, to assess the effects of Shengli capsules on the sexual ability of the rats. The Castrated Animal Impotence Model was employed to determine the erectile latency period and the function parameters of the preputial gland, seminal vesicle and prostate, so as to test the effects of Shengli on the development of the rats'sexual organs.

RESULTSShengli was proved to be effective in shortening copulation latency in the dose groups of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.40 g / kg (P < 0.01), increasing significantly the frequency of capture in the high- and low-dose groups of 0.35 and 1.40 g / kg (P < 0.05), reducing the latency period to erection in the low-dose group of 0.35 g / kg, and blocking the shrink of the seminal vesicle and prostate in the medium-dose group of 0.70 g / kg.

CONCLUSIONShengli is significantly effective in enhancing the sexual ability of male rats: it can boost libido, increase erection frequency and improve sexual performance. However, further studies have yet to be done on its action mechanisms.

Animals ; Capsules ; Copulation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Orchiectomy ; Ovariectomy ; Penile Erection ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the impact of gender factor on the candidate gene study of essential hypertension (EH).

METHODSThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to analyze the ACE gene I/D polymorphism of hypertensive patients (50 men and 50 women) and normal controls (50 men and 50 women). The investigation was further focused on possible influence of sex proportion on the conclusion of this kind of research.

RESULTSThe frequency of DD genotype in male hypertensive patients is significantly higher than that in male normal controls (chi(2) = 6.98, P = 0.004). The frequency of D allele in male EH group is significantly higher than that of male normal controls (chi(2) = 6.87, P = 0.009), while no significant difference was observed for II and ID genotype between male EH group and control group (P > 0.05). For female EH group and normal controls, there were no significant differences in frequency of genotype and allele (P > 0.05), the distribution ratio of DD genotype in male EH group is significantly different from that of female EH group (chi(2) = 4.06, P = 0.044). Furthermore, males with DD genotype in EH group had higher SBP and PP than that of males with II and ID genotype (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in DBP in all three genotypes (P > 0.05). At the same time, there was no difference in SBP, DBP and PP (P > 0.05) between II and ID genotype in male EH group. In female hypertensive patients, there was no significant difference in SBP, DBP and PP between all three genotypes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe relationship between DD genotype in male and EH (especially SBP and PP) is closer than any other genotype-EH relationships in both male and female. The gender factor, as a probable confounding factor, can affect many candidate gene studies of essential hypertension including ACE gene I/D polymorphism, and thus biases the conclusion.

Aged ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sex Factors

BACKGROUNDSchizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe, debilitating, and complex psychiatric disorder with multiple causative factors. An increasing number of studies have determined that rare variations play an important role in its etiology. A somatic mutation is a rare form of genetic variation that occurs at an early stage of embryonic development and is thought to contribute substantially to the development of SCZ. The aim of the study was to explore the novel pathogenic somatic single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and somatic insertions and deletions (indels) of SCZ.

METHODSOne Chinese family with a monozygotic (MZ) twin pair discordant for SCZ was included. Whole exome sequencing was performed in the co-twin and their parents. Rigorous filtering processes were conducted to prioritize pathogenic somatic variations, and all identified SNVs and indels were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTSOne somatic SNV and two somatic indels were identified after rigorous selection processes. However, none was validated by Sanger sequencing.

CONCLUSIONSThis study is not alone in the failure to identify pathogenic somatic variations in MZ twins, suggesting that exonic somatic variations are extremely rare. Further efforts are warranted to explore the potential genetic mechanism of SCZ.

Adult ; Exome ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Schizophrenia ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Twins, Monozygotic ; genetics

Objective To investigate the prevalence of hypothyrodism during the first half of pregnancy in the Han nationality women in iodine-adequate area. Methods TSH, FT4 and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels were detected in 4 800 pregnant women during the first half of pregnancy. Both gestational age-specific reference intervals and population-based reference intervals of thyroid function were applied and the corresponding prevalences of hypothyroidism were compared with each other. Results Based on the gestational age-specific reference intervals, the prevalences of overt hypothyroidism at 4th and 8th weeks of gestation were 1.03%, 0.37% respectively. At 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th weeks of gestation, the prevalences of subclinical hypothyroidism were 4.59%, 6.15% , 4.68%, 4.53%, 5.96% respectively, while those of hypothyroxinemia were 3.69%, 1.11%, 2.92% , 1.29%, 2.29%, respectively. According to the pepulation-based reference intervals, the rates of missed diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism were 0.18%, 2.85%, 4.10%, 3.24%, 3.21% while those of hypothyroxinemia were 3.45%, 0.66%, 2.34%, 1.29%, 1.83%, respectively. During 4th, 8th, 16th weeks of gestation, the positive rates of TPOAb in the group with subclinical hypothyroidism were significantly higher than those with euthyroidism. The prevalences of subclinical hypothyroidism in TPOAb positive group were obviously higher than those in TPOAb negative group at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th gestational weeks. Conclusion The rates of missed diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinemia during the first half of pregnancy were decreased by applying the gestational age-specific reference intervals in this prospective study. Positive TPOAb is a risk factor for subclinical hypothyroidism during the first half of pregnancy.

Objective To use the first trimester-specific reference intervals of thyroid-related hormones to explore the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy and to analyze effectiveness of different screening strategies. Methods In this study 2 899 pregnant women were enrolled during the first trimester of gestation. TSH, FT4, FT3, and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured and thyroid disorders of pregnant women were diagnosed based on the first trimester-specific reference intervals. Results The prevalence of hypothyroidism was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the non-high risk group ( 16.3% vs 5.3%,RR = 3.1,95% CI 2.4-4.0, P＜0.01 ). TPOAb ( RR = 4.7, 95 % CI 3.6-6.0, P＜0.01 ), and personal history of thyroid diseases ( RR=3.2, 95% CI 1.9-5.4, P＜0.01 ) increased the risk of hypothyroidism. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was higher in the high-risk group (3.1% vs 1.4%, P = 0. 006, RR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-3.9, P=0.006). TPOAb (RR=2.6, 95%CI 1.3-5.0, P=0.007), and presence of personal history of thyroid diseases( RR=4.7, 95% CI 1.7-12.5, P=0.006) also increased the risk of hyperthyroidism. 56.7% women with hypothyroidism and 64. 7% women with hyperthyroidism were in the non-high risk group. Conclusion We recommend that screening all pregnant women for thyroid disorders in the first trimester with TSH, FT4, and TPOAb is more effective than the case-finding approach.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of gestational transient thyrotoxicosis(GTT) and analyze the cause of thyrotoxicosis encountered in this period MethodsAn epidemiologic survey in ten hospitals in Shenyang was performed and 534 pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy filled questionaire,received physical examination and had serum thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),free T4 (FT4),free T3(FT3),thyroid peroxjdase antibody(TPOAb),thyrotrophin receptor antibody(TRAb),and human chorionic gonadotrophin(hCG)tests.Results(1)The total prevalence of thyrotoxicosis was 9.75%(52/534)in the first trimester and the prevalence of Grrr was 7.86%.which accounted for 80.77%of the thyroxicosis encountered in this period.A total of 88.89%of the overt GTT showed only elevated FT3 level.(2)The level of serum hCG increased gradually in the first trimester.The medians of hCG were 25 300,85 220 and 81 780 IU/L 6,8-10 and 12 weeks after gestation.respectively(P=0.000).The medians of serum TSH were 1.45.1.10 and 0.84 mlU/I,6.8-10 and 12 weeks after gestation,respectively(P＜0.01).(3)When segum hCG was more than 50 000 IU/L,the prevalece of GTT increased obviously.When serum hCG was between 80000 IU/L and 110000 IU/L,subclinical GTT increased significantly.When serum hCG was more than 110000 IU/L,overt GTT increased significantly.Correlation analysis showed that serum hCG was related negatively with TSH(r=-0.402,P=0.000)and positively with FT3(r=0.165,P=0.000),but not related with FT4.Conclusions The prevalence of GTT is 7.86%in the first trimester and it is the main cause of thyrotoxicosis found in the first trimester,accounting for 80.77%of all the causes.The serological characteristic of overt GTT is mainly the elevation of serum FT3 leveL Serum hCG level is related with the severity of GTT.

Objective To establish the gestational month-specific reference intervals for thyrotropin and thyroxine in Han nationality women in iodine sufficient area of China. Methods In iodine sufficient area of China, 120 non-pregnant women and 1 118 pregnant women at gestational ages from 4 to 36 week (4 weeks≈1 month) were collected according to the strict criteria. Urinary iodine excretion and serum thyrotropin (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels were determined in all subjects. Results During pregnancy, serum TSH increased at week 4, and then began to decrease with the lowest level at week 12, which was 35% lower than the non-pregnant level." After that, serum TSH increased gradually and finally became stable during the third-trimester of pregnancy (T3) when the level was 29% higher than that of non-pregnant controls. Serum TT4 elevated dramatically during the first-trimester with peak at week 16, which increased by 70% compared with the non-pregnant level, then slightly decreased, and became steady with 50% increasing compared with non-pregnant level. Serum FT4 initially increased slightly with peak at week 4, and then decreased gradually until the beginning of T3 without obvious fluctuation during T3. Conclusion The gestational month-specific reference intervals for TSH, TT4 and FT4 are necessary for the early diagnosis of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinaemia.

Objective To prospectively observe the effect of levothyroxine treatment on neuropsychological development in offspring of pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods Twenty-three pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism received levothyroxine therapy (SCH+LT4 group) and 17 who did not receive levothyroxine ( SCH group) were enrolled; 24 pregnant women with normal thyroid function were referred as controls (C group). All the subjects underwent the planned thyroid tests regularly. Serum TSH, TT4, FT4, TT3,FT3, TPOAb, and TgAb levels were determined. Their 14-30 month-old children underwent the tests relating to intelligence and motor activity with the Bayley scale. Results In SCH group, SCH+LT4 group, and C group, the MDI were 115. 12, 118.56, and 117.63, respectively. And the PDI were 115.47, 120.65, and 117.50,respectively. The MDI and PDI were the highest in SCH+LT4 group and were the lowest in SCH group. Serum TSH levels remained above 2.0 mIU/L during the whole course of pregnancy in SCH group and higher than that in C group at all time points ( P＜0.05 ). Serum TT4 and FT4 levels were lower in SCH group than in C group at all time points except G28 and G32. The baseline TSH level in SCH+LT4 group was the highest ( P＜0.01 ), their TT4 and FT4 levels were the lowest among the three groups. In SCH + LT4 group, serum TSH, TT4, and FT4 levels were similar to C group after L-T4 treatment. Conclusion The prompt L-T4 treatment can maintain normal TSH levels in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism during the whole course of pregnancy, and impairment of neuropsychological development in infants may be avoided.