[Effect of growth hormone supplementation on liver and lung function in patients with hypopituitarism]

To analyze the clinical features of patients with anterior hypopituitarism (HP) complicated with cirrhosis, and to explore the effects of growth hormone supplementation on liver and lung function. A total of 11 patients with HP complicated with cirrhosis admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were included in the study, including 8 males and 3 females, aged [M(Q1, Q3)]31 (20, 37) years. There were 6 patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, 4 patients after craniopharyngioma resection, and 1 patient after germinal cell tumor chemoradiotherapy. Cirrhosis appeared at [M(Q1, Q3)]7 (1, 16) years after the diagnosis of HP. There were 7 cases complicated with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). The liver and lung function of 5 patients were improved significantly after the addition of growth hormone, and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen increased from (47±11) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (84±12) mmHg. Timely supplementation of growth hormone can improve the symptoms of fatty liver, cirrhosis and HPS, and postpone or even avoid the transplantation of liver and other organs.

[Bibliometric and visual analysis of pneumoconiosis based on Cite Space]

Objective: Through the bibliometrics analysis and visual analysis of Chinese and English literature related to pneumoconiosis through CiteSpace, to understand the research situation, research trend and hotspots of pneumoconiosis, so as to provide reference for further research. Methods: In August 2022, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) data baseand Web of Science core collection database were used as data sources for literature retrieval. Cite Space.5.8.R3c software was used to analyze the cooperation between authors and institutions, keyword co-occurrence analysis, keyword clustering analysis and keyword emergence analysis. Results: A total of 4726 Chinese literature and 2490 English literature related to pneumoconiosis were included; The annual publication volume of Chinese literature shows a fluctuating downward trend, while the annual publication volume of English literature shows a fluctuating upward trend. The Institute of Labor Health and Occupational Disease of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medical Sciences and the Institute of Occupational Health and Poisoning Control of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention have the highest publication volume (55 articles) in the institutional cooperation network; The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States has the highest publication volume (153 articles) in the institutional collaboration network. The results of keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and prominence analysis show that Chinese literature focuses more on clinical research on pneumoconiosis, while English literature focuses more on experimental research related to the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis. Conclusion: In the related field of pneumoconiosis research, the experimental research and clinical research on the pathogenesis are the main research hotspots.

Symmetry collapse due to the presence of multiple local aromaticity in Ge244

Understanding the structural changes taking place during the assembly of single atoms leading to the formation of atomic clusters and bulk materials remains challenging. The isolation and theoretical characterization of medium-sized clusters can shed light on the processes that occur during the transition to a solid-state structure. In this work, we synthesize and isolate a continuous 24-atom cluster Ge₂₄⁴⁻, which is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, showing an elongated structural characteristic. Theoretical analysis reveals that electron delocalization plays a vital role in the formation and stabilization of the prolate cluster. In contrast with carbon atoms, 4 s orbitals of Ge-atoms do not easily hybridize with 4p orbitals and s-type lone-pairs can be localized with high occupancy. Thus, there are not enough electrons to form a stable symmetrical fullerene-like structure such as C₂₄ fullerene. Three aromatic units with two [Ge₉] and one [Ge₆] species, connected by classical 2c-2e Ge-Ge σ-bonds, are aligned together forming three independent shielding cones and eventually causing a collapse of the global symmetry of the Ge₂₄⁴⁻ cluster.

Gaining insight on the structural transformations from atomic clusters to bulk materials is challenging. Here the authors synthesize a continuous cluster of germanium Ge₂₄⁴⁻, which can be viewed as two terminal Ge₉ units bridged via a Ge₆ central fragment, and characterize it by several techniques including X-ray diffraction; theoretical analysis indicates the presence of three aligned independent aromatic fragments.

[Co2@(Ge17Ni)]4-: the first edge-sharing double-cage endohedral germanide

We report here a new double-cage endohedral Ge cluster, [Co₂@(Ge₁₇Ni)]^4-, fused through two [Co@(Ge₉Ni)] moieties with a shared Ni-Ge edge. This ternary Co-Ge-Ni species not only represents the first double-cage example of an 18-vertex Zintl cluster, but also fills in the missing link of the edge fusion model in the double-cage systems.

[Cardiometabolic disease patterns among elderly patients with colorectal cancer in China]

Objective: To explore the distribution patterns of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in elderly patients with colorectal cancer, and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular metabolic diseases in these patients. Methods: Clinical data of 3 894 elderly patients with colorectal cancer from January 2008 to March 2018 admitted in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were recruited and the incidence rate of CMD was retrospectively analyzed. The influence factors of elderly patients with colorectal cancer combined with CMD were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression model. Results: The morbidity rate of CMD in elderly patients with colorectal cancer is 33.4% (1 301/3 894), among them, the morbidity rate of the male was 31.9% (768/2 409), and that of the female was 35.9% (533/1 485). There was not significant difference between these two sex (P=0.074). The morbidity rates of CMD in patients of 65-74 years, 75-84 years and ≥85 years were 30.6% (754/2 462), 37.0% (479/1 294) and 49.3% (68/138), respectively, with significant differences (P<0.001). Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that female (OR=1.213, 95%CI: 1.056-1.394), age (75-84 years group: OR=1.344, 95%CI: 1.164-1.552; ≥85 years group: OR=2.345, 95%CI: 1.651-3.331) and body mass index (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) group: OR=1.319, 95%CI: 1.065-1.638; ≥25 kg/m(2) group: OR=2.041, 95%CI: 1.627-2.561) were independent risk factors for elderly colorectal cancer patients with CMD. Conclusion: The morbidity rate of CMD in elderly patients with colorectal cancer increases with age and it is urgent to strengthen multidisciplinary cooperation and develop reasonable treatment plans to extend the survival and life quality of these patients.

[Effects and mechanisms of allogeneic epidermal stem cells on the survival of allogeneic full-thickness skin grafts in nude mice with full-thickness skin defect wounds]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of allogeneic epidermal stem cells (ESCs) on the survival of allogeneic full-thickness skin grafts in nude mice with full-thickness skin defect wounds. Methods: Experimental research methods were applied. Primary ESCs that appeared paving stone-like after being cultured for 7 d were obtained by enzymatic digestion method from one 4-week-old male BALB/c-NU nude mouse (the same strain, age, and sex below). The cells of third passage were identified by flow cytometry to positively express ESC marker CD44 and negatively express CD45, meanwhile, the positive expression of ESC markers of p63 and integrin 6α, and negative expression of CD71 were identified by immunofluorescence method. The ESCs of third passage in the logarithmic growth phase were used for the following experiments. Twenty-six nude mice were equally divided into phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group and ESCs group according to the random number table. A full-thickness skin defect wound was made on the back of each nude mouse, and then the wounds of the two groups were sprayed with equal volumes of PBS and ESCs, respectively. The wounds were transplanted with full-thickness skin grafts cut from the backs of 4 other nude mice. Each ten nude mice from the two groups were selected, the wound healing and skin survival on post surgery day (PSD) 0 (immediately), 3, 7, 14, and 21 were observed, and the survival ratio and shrinkage rate of skin grafts on PSD 3, 7, 14, and 21 were calculated (the number of sample was the number of surviving skin grafts at each time point); the blood perfusion in the skin grafts on PSD 3, 7, and 14 was detected by the laser speckle blood flow imager, and the blood flow ratio of nude mice skin grafts in ESCs group to PBS group at each time point was calculated (the number of sample was the pair number of surviving skin grafts in group pairing at each time point). The skin graft tissue of each 3 nude mice remained in the two groups were collected on PSD 7, and the mRNA expressions and protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the tissue were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with Log-rank test, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, independent sample t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: Taking the condition on PSD 0 as a reference, the wounds of nude mice in the two groups healed gradually on PSD 3, 7, 14, and 21, and the shrinkage of skin grafts was gradually obvious. Among them, the shrinkage healing of wound of nude mice in PBS group was more significant than that in ESCs group. On PSD 3, the skin graft of 1 nude mouse failed in ESCs group, while the skin graft of 3 nude mice failed in PBS group. On PSD 7, the skin graft of another nude mouse failed in PBS group. The survival ratio of skin grafts of nude mice in the two groups was similar on PSD 3, 7, 14, and 21 (P>0.05). On PSD 3, 7, 14, and 21, the shrinkage rates of skin grafts of nude mice in ESCs group were (9.2±0.4)%, (19.7±1.2)%, (53.6±3.5)%, and (62.2±5.1)%, respectively, which was significantly lower than (11.0±0.9)%, (47.8±2.8)%, (86.1±7.1)%, and (89.7±9.0)% in PBS group (t=5.719, 26.650, 11.940, 7.617, P<0.01). On PSD 3, 7, and 14, blood perfusion signals were observed in the skin grafts of nude mice in the two groups. The average blood perfusion ratios of the skin grafts of nude mice in ESCs group to PBS group were greater than 1, and there was no statistically significant difference in the overall comparison of 3 time points (P>0.05). On PSD 7, compared with those of PBS group, the mRNA and protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-8, type Ⅰ collagen, and type Ⅲ collagen in the skin graft tissue of nude mice in ESCs group were significantly reduced, while the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-10 and MMP-9 in the skin graft tissue of nude mice in ESCs group were significantly increased (in mRNA comparison, t=2.823, 2.934, 2.845, 2.860, 3.877, 2.916, P<0.05). Conclusions: Allogeneic ESCs can reduce the shrinkage of allogeneic full-thickness skin grafts transplanted on full-thickness skin defect wounds in nude mice, promote the formation of new blood vessels between the skin graft and the wound, reduce inflammation and collagen protein expression, and promote the expression of MMP-9, thus improving the survival quality of skin grafts.

[Sn8 ]6- -Bridged Mixed-Valence ZnI /ZnII in {[K2 ZnSn8 (ZnMes)]2 }4- Inverse Sandwich-Type Cluster Supported by a ZnI -ZnI Bond

Since [Sn₈ ]^6- was discovered from the solid-state phase in 2000, its solution chemistry has been elusive due to the high charges and chemical activity. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of an inverse sandwich-type cluster dimer {[K₂ ZnSn₈ (ZnMes)]₂ }^4- (1 a), in which the highly charged [Sn₈ ]^6- is captured by mixed-valence Zn^I /Zn^II to form the dimer {closo-[Zn₂ Sn₈ ]}₂ moieties bridged by a Zn-Zn bond. Such Zn-Sn cluster not only exhibits a novel example of mixed-valence Zn^I /Zn^II for stabilizing highly active anion species, but also indicates the [Sn₈ ]^6- cluster can act as a novel bridging ligand, like arene, with a η⁴ :η⁴ -fashion. Theoretical calculations indicate that a significant delocalization of electrons over Zn atoms plays a vital role in the stabilization of the [Sn₈ ]^6- species. The AdNDP and magnetic response analyses clearly showed the presence of local σ-aromaticity in three cluster fragments: two ZnSn₄ caps and Sn₈ square antiprism.

Real-time monitoring of caspase-3/8 activity by self-assembling nanofiber probes in living cells

Caspase-3/8 are key members of the cysteine-aspartyl protease family with pivotal roles in apoptosis. We have designed and synthesized self-assembling probes, Nap-GFFpYDEVD-AFC and Nap-GFFpYIETD-AFC, with fluorescence 'turn-on' properties for real-time monitoring of Caspase-3/8 activity in living cells.

The Value of Serum Cell-Free DNA Levels in Patients With Schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, which has a major impact on the quality of life and imposes a huge burden on the family. However, the pathogenesis of schizophrenia remains unclear and there are no specific biomarkers. Therefore, we intend to explore whether cf-DNA levels are related to the occurrence and development of schizophrenia. Methods: We analyzed and compared the concentration of cf-DNA in 174 SZ patients and 100 matched healthy controls by using quantitative real-time PCR by amplifying the Alu repeats. Results: We found that cf-DNA levels in peripheral blood reliably distinguished SZ patients from healthy controls (P < 0.05). The ROC analysis also supports the above conclusion. By tracking the absolute concentration of serum cf-DNA in primary cases, we found a distinct increase before treatment with antipsychotics, which decreased progressively after treatment. Conclusions: The present work indicates that cf-DNA may improve the efficiency of disease diagnosis, and the level of cf-DNA plays a predictive role in the development of schizophrenia. By evaluating the level of cf-DNA, we might play a certain role in a more reasonable and standardized clinical treatment of schizophrenia.

[Epidemiological analysis on 1 052 cases of COVID-19 in epidemic clusters]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of the cases of COVID-19 epidemic clusters, and explore the influence of family factors and social factors such as group activities on the spread of the disease. Methods: The data of cases of COVID-19 epidemic clusters from 19 January, 2020 to 25 February, 2020 were collected from the official platforms of 36 cities in 6 provinces in China. Descriptive statistical methods, χ(2) test and curve fitting were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the clustered cases. Results: By 25 February, 2020, the data of 1 052 cases in 366 epidemic clusters were collected. In these clustered cases, 86.9%(914/1 050) occurred in families. Among the 1 046 cases with gender information, 513 were males (49.0%) and 533 were females (51.0%). The cases were mainly young adults between 18 and 59 years old, accounting for 68.5% (711/1 038). In the 366 epidemic clusters , the clusters in which the first confirmed cases with the history of sojourn in Wuhan or Hubei accounted for 47.0%(172/366). From 19 January to 3 February, 2020, the first confirmed cases with Wuhan or Hubei sojourn history accounted for 66.5%. From 4 to 25 February, the first confirmed cases who had Wuhan or Hubei sojourn history accounted for only 18.2%. The median of interval between the first generation case onset and the second generation case onset was 5 (2-8) days. The median of onset- diagnosis interval of the initial cases was 6 (3-9) days, and the median of onset-diagnosis interval of the secondary cases was 5 (3-8) days. Conclusions: Epidemic clusters of COVID-19 were common in many cities outside Wuhan and Hubei. Close contact in family was one of the main causes for the spread of household transmission of the virus. After 4 February, the epidemic clusters were mainly caused by the first generation or second generation cases in local areas, and the time for diagnosis became shorter.

4-Methylumbelliferone fused oxazole thioether derivatives: synthesis, characterization and antifungal activities

Series of thioether derivatives containing 4-methylumbelliferone fused oxazole moiety were designed and synthesised, their structures were fully characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HR-ESI-MS as well. Moreover, the in vitro antifungal potency of the title compounds were preliminarily evaluated for their possible use as a fungicide. Meanwhile, ethyl thioethers 3aa and 3ba displayed remarkable inhibitory effect against the mycelium growth of Valsa mali and Botrytis cinerea with EC₅₀ of 12-16 μg/mL. Furthermore, compounds 3aa and 3ba also exhibited > 88% protective and curative effect against B. cinerea on tomato fruits at 90 μg/mL. Additionally, the environmental toxicity of the title compounds against the brine shrimp Artemia salina were evaluated as well. The results indicated that most of the title compounds exhibited weak toxic to aquatic organism A. salina.

[Pay attention to the exposure risk of patients with chronic wounds on the way to hospital during coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic prevention and control]

Statistics show that 76.74% (4 688) of 6 109 patients with chronic wounds are over 50 years of age; the proportion of patients with underlying diseases in all age groups above 50 years ranges from 78.25% to 100.00%. Among the underlying diseases of chronic wound patients, the top four diseases are diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, and respiratory diseases. The above underlying diseases and ages of patients are the susceptibility factors of coronavirus disease 2019 released by National Health Commission of China. It is an unavoidable fact that the patients with chronic wounds have to go to the hospital for treatment prescribed by the physician. At the same time, we found that quite a few patients preferred going far afield in choosing hospital for treatment due to various reasons. During the prevention and control of coronavirus epidemic, this " go far afield" style of seeking medical treatment may increase the exposure risk during travelling. Accordingly, we convened 36 wound care clinics in different regions in Shanghai to implement the " Five Measures" encouraging the patients with chronic wounds to seek medical treatment nearby. The principle of this operation is that when seeking medical treatment, patients with chronic wounds should try their best to reduce the travel distance as much as possible to minimize the exposure risk during the epidemic period, which will in turn support the campaign of epidemic prevention and control.

[Analysis on epidemic situation and spatiotemporal changes of COVID-19 in Anhui]

We used the epidemic data of COVID-19 published on the official website of the municipal health commissions in Anhui province to map the spatiotemporal changes of confirmed cases, fit the epidemic situation by the population growth curve at different stages and analyze the epidemic situation in Anhui Province. It was found that the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was 156/100 000 by February 18, 2020 and the trend of COVID-19 epidemic declined after February 7 with a change from J-shaped curve to S-shaped curve. As the reporting time of cases might be 3-5 days later than the actual onset time, the number of new cases in Anhui province actually began to decline around February 2 to February 4, 2020.

[A clinical performance study of modified CT angiography in detecting bronchial artery-pulmonary artery fistula]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of modified computed tomography angiography(CTA) in detecting bronchial artery-pulmonary artery fistula(BPF). Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 246 patients with hemoptysis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from July 2017 to December 2018, who underwent modified CTA and DSA examination at the same time. CT was performed with Toshiba Aquilion one 320 row 640-slice spiral CT scanner. All modified CTA images were read blindly by two radiologists above the attending doctors. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the modified CTA in diagnosing BPF were calculated with the DSA results as the reference,and the consistency of the two tests was analyzed. Results: DSA detected 186 cases of positive and 60 cases of negative, modified CTA detected 160 cases of positive and 86 cases of negative. The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of modified CTA for BPF diagnosis was 85.5%(159/186),98.3%(59/60), 88.6%(218/246) respectively, and they were with high consistency with DSA examination results (kappa=0.73,P<0.01). Conclusion: Modified CTA has high diagnostic specificity for BPF,which can be used as the preferred method for non-invasive screening of suspected BPF patients.

[Association of health literacy and smoking behaviors among middle school students in six cities of China]

Objective: To explore the association between the health literacy (HL) and smoking behaviors in middle school students. Methods: From November 2015 to January 2016, middle school students in Shenyang City of Liaoning Province, Bengbu City of Anhui Province, Xinxiang City of Henan Province, Ulanqab City of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Chongqing City and Yangjiang City of Guangdong Province were enrolled by using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. A total of 23 137 questionnaires were issued and 22 628 questionnaires were valid. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect demographic information, HL and smoking behaviors. The low, middle, and high-level group were classified according to the tertile of HL score. A multiple logistic regression model was conducted to explore the association between the HL and smoking behaviors. Results: The age of subjects was (15.4±1.8) years old, and HL score was (104.1±18.7) points. The proportion of former smoking, recent smoking and passive smoking was 9.2% (2 071), 2.8% (635) and 27.9% (6 304), respectively. The proportion of former smokers who tried to quit smoking was 50.1% (1 037/2 071). Compared to the high-level HL, the low-level HL increased the risk of former smoking [OR (95%CI): 1.85 (1.61-2.13)], recent smoking [OR (95%CI): 1.68 (1.33-2.14)] and passive smoking [OR (95%CI): 1.34 (1.23-1.46)], and decreased the likelihood of smoking cessation [OR (95%CI): 0.70 (0.53-0.92)], after adjusting for the gender, school type, registered residence, household structure, accommodation type, educational level of patients, and self-reported family economic status. Conclusion: The HL of middle school students was related to their smoking behaviors.

[Correlation of health literacy and mobile phone use dependence with psychopathological symptoms in middle school students]

Objective: To explore the correlation of health literacy and mobile phone use dependence with psychopathological symptoms in middle school students. Methods: 22 628 middle school students in Shenyang, Bengbu, Xinxiang, Ulanqab, Chongqing and Yangjiang were enrolled by multistage cluster sampling method from November 2015 to January 2016. Chinese Adolescent Interactive Health Literacy Questionnaire (CAIHLQ), Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use (SQAPMPU) and Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents (MSQA) were applied to acquire basic characteristics, health literacy, mobile phone use dependence and psychopathological symptoms of subjects. Subjects were classified into three groups, low level (<P(25)), medium level (P(25)-P(75)) and high level (>P(75)), according to the percentile of the questionnaire score. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation of health literacy, mobile phone with psychopathological symptoms. Results: The students were (15.4±1.8) years old with 10 990 boys (48.6%). The score of health literacy of students were (104.1±18.7) points. The rate of mobile phone use dependence was 25.4% (5 752/22 628) and the rate of psychopathological symptoms was 29.1% (6 581/22 628). Compared with high health literacy level, medium and low health literacy levels were related to psychopathological symptoms, with OR (95%CI) about 2.30 (2.10-2.52) and 5.40 (4.89-5.97), respectively. Compared with mobile phone use independence, mobile phone use dependence was related to psychopathological symptoms, with OR (95%CI) about 3.60(3.37-3.85). The highest rate of psychopathological symptoms occurred in students with mobile phone use dependence and low health literacy level [68.0% (1 345/1 977)], with OR (95%CI) about 19.59 (17.07-22.48). Conclusion: Health literacy and mobile phone use dependence are related factors of psychopathological symptoms in middle school students.

[A multicenter, retrospective study of pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug resistance in febrile neutropenic patients with hematological diseases in Shanghai]

目的

了解上海地区中性粒细胞缺乏（粒缺）伴发热血液病患者致病细菌的分布及耐药情况。

方法

回顾性分析2012年1月至2014年12月上海市12家医院血液科粒缺伴发热住院患者的临床分离菌株，用纸片扩散法进行药敏试验，WHONET 5.6软件分析病原菌分布及药敏数据。

结果

从上海地区粒缺伴发热患者中共分离出1 260株细菌，其中革兰阳性菌420株（33.3%），革兰阴性菌840株（66.7%）。排在前七位的分别是肺炎克雷伯菌158株（12.5%）、嗜麦芽窄食单胞菌120株（9.5%）、大肠埃希菌115株（9.1%）、铜绿假单胞菌109株（8.7%）、鲍曼不动杆菌83株（6.6%）、金黄色葡萄球菌70株（5.6%）和屎肠球菌63株（5.0%）。呼吸道分泌物标本中，非发酵菌占56.2%（350/623）。其中嗜麦芽窄食单胞菌占15.3%（95/623）。血液标本中，肠杆菌科细菌占42.3%（104/246），凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌占34.6%（85/246）。脓液标本中肠杆菌科细菌占39.4%（76/193），肠球菌属细菌占28.5%（55/193）。耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌葡萄球菌（MRSA）和耐甲氧西林凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌（MRCNS）的检出率分别为54.3%和82.5%，未发现耐利奈唑胺、万古霉素、替考拉宁葡萄球菌属菌株，耐万古霉素屎肠球菌的检出率为8.9%，肠球菌属未检出耐利奈唑胺的菌株。肠杆菌科细菌对碳青霉烯类药物高度敏感。铜绿假单胞菌对亚胺培南和美罗培南的耐药率已分别达34.1%和15.8%。嗜麦芽窄食单胞菌对米诺环素、左氧氟沙星、复方磺胺甲恶唑等药物敏感。鲍曼不动杆菌仅对头孢哌酮/舒巴坦的耐药率低于10.0%。肺炎克雷伯菌、嗜麦芽窄食单胞菌、铜绿假单胞菌、鲍曼不动杆菌等革兰阴性菌对大多常用抗菌药物的耐药率低于CHINET监测的数据。

结论

粒缺伴感染患者常见感染部位致病菌株分布有其特点，细菌耐药率整体低于CHINET全国医院大样本监测。

[Interactive effects between health literacy and mobile phone dependence as well as its relation with unintentional injuries in middle school students]

Objective: To investigate the interaction between health literacy, mobile phone dependence and unintentional injuries in middle school students, and to provide guidance for prevention on unintentional injuries in adolescents. Methods: From November 2015 to January 2016, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 22 628 middle school students in Shenyang of Liaoning province, Bengbu of Anhui province, Xinxiang of Henan province, Ulanqab of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Chongqing and Yangjiang of Guangdong province. Chinese Adolescent Interactive Health Literacy Questionnaire (CAIHLQ), Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use (SQAPMPU), and Unintentional Injuries Assessment Scale and demographic variables were used to measure the health literacy, mobile phone dependence and unintentional injuries among the Chinese middle school students. Results: The detection rates of mobile phone dependence and unintentional injuries were 25.4% and 46.7%, respectively. The rates of unintentional injuries of middle school students with mobile phone dependence and with low, medium and high health literacy were 53.6%, 44.4% and 48.8%, 48.1%, 41.7%. Factors as mobile phone dependence, low and middle health literacy were positively related to unintentional injuries (OR=1.452, 1.196, 1.364). However, the multiplicative interaction between mobile phone dependence and health literacy on unintentional injuries was noticed significant (OR=1.217, 95%CI: 1.041-1.422). Conclusions: Our results showed that the prevalence of unintentional injuries was relatively high in middle school students. Health literacy and mobile phone dependence seemed related to unintentional injuries. Interaction between health literacy and mobile phone dependence on unintentional injuries appeared significant.

Identification of eight new MHC-DPB1 alleles in the Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)

We report here the identification of eight new Math-DPB1 alleles in the Tibetan macaques.

First identification of the MHC-DPB2 alleles in the rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

We report here the identification of three MHC-DPB2 alleles in the rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

[CT perfusion analysis on the association of permeability surface with hematoma and edema volume in acute spontaneous putaminal and thalamic hematoma]

Objective: To discuss the correlation of permeability surface (PS) with hematoma and edema volume in acute spontaneous putaminal and thalamic hematoma using CT perfusion imaging. Methods: A total of 48 acute spontaneous putaminal and thalamic hemorrhage patients were enrolled in this study during October 2015 and December 2016 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. At the image slice with maximum size of hematoma, PS was measured by drawing various regions of interest (ROI) including"hot spots", perihematomal regions, outward regions, hemisphere regions and contralateral mirror regions. The relative PS (rPS) was calculated as the ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral PS value in each ROI. Hematoma and edema volumes were traced and obtained with commercial software. Results: The"hot spots"PS ((2.8±1.5) ml·100 g(-1)·min(-1)) and perihematomal PS ((2.1±1.4) ml·100 g(-1)·min(-1)) were both significantly higher than the PS of the contralateral mirror regions ((1.1±0.5) ml·100 g(-1)·min(-1)) (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in outward regions PS and contralateral mirror regions PS (P>0.05), nor in hemisphere regions PS and contralateral mirror regions PS (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in"hot spots"rPS and perihematomal rPS (P=0.218). The"hot spots"rPS and Perihematomal rPS were both higher than the rPS of the outward and hemisphere regions (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the outward and hemisphere regions (P<0.01). The median hematoma volume was 12.63 ml and the median edema volume was 12.36 ml. The edema volume had a positive association with the hematoma volume(r=0.799, P<0.001) and perihematomal PS(r=0.465, P=0.001). Perihematomal PS had a positive association with the hematoma volume (r=0.386, P=0.007). Conclusion: The damage of blood-brain barrier around acute spontaneous hematoma can be measured via CT perfusion imaging. Perihematomal PS was associated with the hematoma and edema volume.

[Analysis of CT perfusion imaging in chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency and its relationship with crossed cerebellar diaschisis]

Objective: To investigate the change of cerebral microcirculation of chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency(CCCI) patients and the relationship between CCCI and crossed cerebellar diaschisis(CCD)by using 320-detector row of low-dose volume CT perfusion imaging. Methods: A total of 158 patients (103 males, 55 females, from 45 to 82 years old, the mean age was 62.9) with symptoms of CCCI were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2013 to January 2016. Low-dose CTP imaging of whole brain was performed to them using 320-detector row volume CT scanner. The perfusion parameters such as cerebral blood flow(CBF), cerebral blood volume(CBV), mean transit time(MTT), time to peak(TTP) and DLY in both cerebral blood supply areas and cerebellum were got, so were the 4-dimensional CTA images, and rCBF, rCBV, rMTT and rTTP were calculated by ipsilateral/contralateral value. Comparative t-test and independent t-test were applied to analyzing these parameters quantitatively.Chi-square test and Logistic regression model were applied to analyzing the related clinical risk factors. Results: (1) All 108 patients in CCCI group showed asymmetric perfusion within two cerebral hemispheres in CTP images. The CBF, CBV of diseased side were lower than the contralateral mirror area (t(CBF)=-12.89, t(CBV)=-7.031, P(CBF, CBV)<0.001); the MTT of the diseased side was shorter than the contralateral mirror area (t(MTT) =13.310, P(MTT)<0.001); the TTP of the diseased side was longer than the contralateral mirror area (t(TTP)=-4.012, P(TTP)<0.001). The rCBF and rCBV of CCCI group were lower than that in non-CCCI group (t(rCBF)=3.079, t(rCBV)=2.760, P(rCBF, rCBV)<0.01), while the rTTP of CCCI group was longer than that in non-CCCI group (t(rTTP)=4.846, P(rTTP)<0.001). (2)The results of Chi-square test showed that the differences of gender (χ(2)=4.036, P=0.045), hyperlipidemia (χ(2)=7.687, P=0.006), as well as smoking (χ(2)=11.868, P=0.001) had statistical significance between CCCI group and non-CCCI group.Multi-factor Logistic regression analysis showed that hyperlipidemia (OR value=3.736, P=0.016) and smoking (OR value=4.641, P=0.01) were the risk factors of CCCI, while gender had no relationship with it.(3)The incidence of CCD was 18.5% in the CCCI group, and at the same time, the supratentorial corresponding blood supply areas were classified.A total of 10(34.5%) cases were in blood supply area of posterior cerebral artery, 6(20.7%) cases were in blood supply area of middle cerebral artery, 12(41.4%) cases were of anterior cerebral artery, while only 1(3.5%) case was of basal ganglia, in which 4 cases were in blood supply area of posterior cerebral artery, another 4 cases were middle cerebral artery, 7 cases were of anterior cerebral artery and no case of basal ganglia respectively leading CCD alone. Conclusions: CTP could display the microcirculation situation of abnormal brain tissue perfusion area intuitively and quantitatively. Additionally, it could reflect the degree of relationship between cerebral several blood supply areas and cerebellum.

Ten novel MHC-DPB1 alleles identified in Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana)

Ten novel MHC-DPB1 alleles of Tibetan macaque, were identified by cloning and sequencing.

[The clinical features of patients with allergic rhinitis of Nantong city in China]

Objective:To comprehensively analyze the clinical features of patients with AR by a retrospective study. Method:A total number of 8 102 patients diagnosed with AR were enrolled in Nantong area, and detailed clinical data were documented in all cases. Skin prick tests with standardized aeroallergens were conducted in these patients; The samples were divided into two groups(children and adults group) and the clinical features between two groups were analysed. Result:Children in schoolage were the majority of AR patients in children group. There were 4 581 cases(56.54%) with ocular symptoms, 3 977 cases(49.09%)with lower respiratory tract symptoms. Nasal congestion (97.37%) was the most common symptoms in patients with AR,while eye itching(32.68%) was the most common ocular symptoms in patients with AR, followed by the dacryorrhea(23.57%);and cough(44.72%) was the most common lower respiratory tract symptoms. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and dermatophagoides farinae had the highest positivity among all allergens, and the shrimp was the main food allergen. Conclusion:We analyzed the clinical features of patients with AR, that would provide a more scientific basis for prevention,clinical diagnosis, treatment and epidemiological studies for AR.

Cloning of three genes involved in the flavonoid metabolic pathway and their expression during insect resistance in Pinus massoniana Lamb

Pinus massoniana Lamb. is an important timber and turpentine-producing tree species in China. Dendrolimus punctatus and Dasychira axutha are leaf-eating pests that have harmful effects on P. massoniana production. Few studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying pest resistance in P. massoniana. Based on sequencing analysis of the transcriptomes of insect-resistant P. massoniana, three key genes involved in the flavonoid metabolic pathway were identified in the present study (PmF3H, PmF3'5'H, and PmC4H). Structural domain analysis showed that the PmF3H gene contains typical binding sites for the 2OG-Fe (II) oxygenase superfamily, while PmF3'5'H and PmC4H both contain the cytochrome P450 structural domain, which is specific for P450 enzymes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that each of the three P. massoniana genes, and the homologous genes in gymnosperms, clustered into a group. Expression of these three genes was highest in the stems, and was higher in the insect-resistant P. massoniana varieties than in the controls. The extent of the increased expression in the insect-resistant P. massoniana varieties indicated that these three genes are involved in defense mechanisms against pests in this species. In the insect-resistant varieties, rapid induction of PmF3H increased the levels of PmF3'5'H and PmC4H expression. The enhanced anti-pest capability of the insect-resistant varieties could be related to temperature and humidity. In addition, these results suggest that these three genes maycontribute to the change in flower color during female cone development.

Menstrual Disturbances in Premenopausal Women with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate menstrual disturbances and sex hormonal status in premenopausal women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study consisted of 184 patients with ESRD treated with one of four treatment modalities (46/modality): conventional hemodialysis (CHD), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) and renal transplantation (RT). Blood samples were collected to determine sex hormone levels. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. A questionnaire was administered to analyze menstrual patterns, and the final analysis included 46, 43, 40 and 36 patients in the CHD, CAPD, NHD and RT groups, respectively.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of menstrual disturbances was 64.2% for all four treatment modalities (RT: 50%; NHD: 55%; CAPD: 72.1%, and CHD: 76.1%). Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the NHD (25.1 ± 10.9 ng/ml) and RT (13.4 ± 5.1 ng/ml) groups than in the CHD group (55.2 ± 10.8 ng/ml). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the NHD (25.7 ± 8.3 nmol/l) and RT (30.1 ± 5.9 nmol/l) groups than in the CHD group (17.7 ± 7.3 nmol/l). Moreover, the hormonal status (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone) was much closer to normal in the NHD and RT groups compared to the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, successful transplantation and NHD partially improved the symptoms of menstrual disturbances. Therefore, we recommend that further studies are necessary to confirm our finding in ESRD patients.

Expression patterns of melatonin receptors in chicken ovarian follicles affected by monochromatic light

Artificial illumination is an important exogenous factor in the control of many physiological and behavioral processes as well as an important environmental factor in the management of laying hens. Melatonin receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. The hormone melatonin is secreted primarily by the pineal gland, with highest levels occurring during the dark period of a circadian cycle. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of monochromatic light on chicken egg reproduction and expression of melatonin receptors in chicken ovarian follicles. A total of 552 19-week-old hens were randomly divided into 4 groups with 138 birds in each group. Each group was randomly divided into 3 replicates with 46 birds in each replicate. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum. Light treatments were: control cool white (400-760 nm), blue (480 nm), green (560 nm), and red (660 nm). The short wavelength (blue light) group produced a greater total number of eggs at 300 days of age than did the long wavelength (red light) group, and the red light group showed higher melatonin receptor type 1A and melatonin receptor type 1C mRNA and protein expression. These results suggest that the wavelength of light is closely related to chicken egg number at 300 days of age; there is no effect of monochromatic light on melatonin receptor type 1B.

[Characteristics and perioperative management of hemophilia patients with fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics and perioperative management of hemophilia patients with fracture.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we analyzed 8 patients with hemophilia combined with fracture, who were admittted to our department from 2005 to 2013. Six patients were with hemophilia A and two with hemophilia B; Based on the severity of hemophilia, 2 cases were light, 3 moderate and 3 severe; Based on the location of fracture, 4 cases were femoral neck fractures, 1 femoral intertrochanteric fracture, 1 bilateral distal femur fractures, 1 tibiofibula fracture, and 1 humerus intercondylar fracture. Blood coagulation factor replacement therapy was conducted preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively, All the patients underwent closed or open reduction and internal fixation or joint replacement. Also, we analyzed the perioperative complications and observed whether the fracture healed.

RESULTS

The average age was 33.5 years (14 to 47 years); In 6 cases, fractures occurred at femur, accounting for 75% of all the fractures; Femoral neck fracture was treated by closed reduction and hollow screws fixation; Femoral intertrochanteric fracture, distal femur fracture, and tibiofibula fracture were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plate; Humerus intercondylar fracture was treated by elbow joint replacement. Intraoperative bleeding was from 50 to 600 mL, an average of 262 mL; Perioperatively, the average use of FVIII/activated prothrombin complex concentrates (APCC) was 358 U/kg (125 to 554 U/kg). Postoperatively, poor wound healing was observed in 2 patients, and the condition improved after symptomatic treatment; In patients with internal fixation, all the fractures united, and the average healing time was 14 weeks. No complications such as fixation loosening or rupture occurred after internal fixation.

CONCLUSION

Hemophilia combined with fracture mainly occurred in the young, and the site of fracture was given priority to femur. With perfect preoperative preparation, on the basis of the replacement therapy, hemophilia combined with fractures was safe for surgical treatment, and postoperative fractures healing wasgood. But the risk of poor wound healing was high.

Sequence characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 gene in the Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana)

In this study, the complete coding region sequence of an innate immune-related TLR4 gene was obtained from the Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) genome via PCR and direct sequencing. The sequence had a total length of 2481 bp, contained 3 complete exons, and encoded 826 amino acids (AAs); its isoelectric point was 5.703, and the molecular weight was 94.72 kDa. The high structure prediction showed that the protein was comprised of one extracellular region, one transmembrane region, and one intracellular region. There were 48 potential functional sites in the protein, including glycosylation, phosphorylation, and acetylation sites. A homology analysis among 9 primate species, including the Tibetan macaque, human, chimpanzee, gibbon, rhesus macaque, cynomolgus monkey, pig-tailed monkey, squirrel monkey, and small-eared galago, showed that the homology of the nucleotide and AA sequences ranged from 60.9-99.5% and 51.4- 99.0%, respectively. Higher variability was identified in the extracellular region of the TLR4 protein, and its variable sites accounted for 88.79% (AA) of the total variable sites. Additionally, the number of AAs at the 3' end of the intracellular region was notably different among the primate lineages. The phylogenetic tree based on TLR4 gene exons of 9 primate species showed that the Tibetan macaque clustered with the rhesus macaque, cynomolgus monkey, and pig-tailed monkey; it was most distant from the small-eared galago. This study will provide an important basis for further study on the expression, regulation, and polymorphism of the TLR4 gene and the relationship between polymorphisms and host disease susceptibility.

Uneven evolutionary rate of the melatonin-related receptor gene (GPR50) in primates

The melatonin-related receptor GPR50 plays an important role in mammalian adaptive thermogenesis in response to calorie intake. The evolutionary history of the GPR50 gene is poorly understood in primates; however, it has been reported that GPR50 is the mammalian ortholog of Mel1c, which has been well characterized. In this study, the complete coding sequences of the GPR50 gene in the Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) and Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) were sequenced, and the orthologous nucleotide acid sequences of the GPR50 gene in 11 other primate species were downloaded from GenBank. Thirteen species representing 6 major primate lineages (human, great ape, lesser ape, Old World monkey, New World monkey, and prosimian monkey) were subjected to statistical analyses. A selective test showed that the entire GPR50 gene sequence is under strong purifying selection in these primates but has a significantly different evolutionary rate among the 6 major primate lineages. Notably, both the Homo and Pan branches exhibited an ω ratio >1, indicating accelerated evolution of the two lineages. Further analysis of different domains revealed that the acceleration trend was more significant in the C-terminal domain (CTD). Interestingly, in the alignment of 13 primate GPR50 nucleotide acid sequences, numerous insertions or deletions were only found in the CTD region, implying that this region may play a key role in the process of primate GPR50 evolution. The results provide deeper insight into the functional evolution of GPR50 in mammals at the molecular level.

Expression of KL-6 mucin, a human MUC1 mucin, in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its potential involvement in tumor cell adhesion and invasion

AIMS

Aberrant expressions of KL-6 mucin were proved to be associated with worse tumor behaviors of many carcinomas. This study was to evaluate the expression KL-6 mucin, a human MUC1 mucin, in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and its significance in tumor progression.

MAIN METHODS

KL-6 mucin expressions in 21 patients with CC, 12 with combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC), and 78 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The effects of two glycosylation inhibitors (tunicamycin and benzyl-alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine (BAG)) on CC cell proliferations were assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. KL-6 mucin expressions were detected by immunocytochemical staining and western blotting after tunicamycin or BAG treatment. Cell adhesive and invasive properties were evaluated by adhesion tests and transwell chamber assays after tunicamycin or BAG treatment.

KEY FINDINGS

Positive KL-6 mucin staining was observed in all CC tissues and CC areas of cHCC-CC tissues. Immunocytochemical staining and western blotting showed that KL-6 mucin expressions were significantly reduced after both inhibitors treatment. Cell adhesive properties were significantly decreased after both inhibitors treatment, while cell invasive abilities were significantly decreased after BAG but not tunicamycin treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study indicated that KL-6 mucin might be a specific tumor target for CC. Therapeutic strategies that target glycosylation of KL-6 mucin may be useful to control aggressive behaviors of CC.

Effect of benzyl-N-acetyl-α-galactosaminide on KL-6 mucin expression and invasive properties of a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line

KL-6 mucin is a type of MUC1 mucin and its aberrant expression has been shown to be associated with aggressive metastasis and poor clinical outcome in tumors. The present study is to investigate the effects of benzyl-N-acetyl-α-galactosaminide (GalNAc-O-bn), an O-glycosylation inhibitor, on KL-6 mucin expression and invasive properties of a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line, Suit-2 cells. Expression profiles of KL-6 mucin in the cells pretreated with or without 5 mM GalNAc-O-bn for 48 h were examined by Western blotting and immunocytochemical staining and invasive properties were examined by transwell chamber assay. Western blotting and immunocytochemical staining showed that the expression profiles of KL-6 mucin changed significantly after GalNAc-O-bn treatment. Meanwhile, the invasive ability of Suit-2 cells decreased significantly after GalNAc-O-bn treatment (p < 0.05). These results suggest that glycosylation of KL-6 mucin may be closely related to aggressive behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells like metastasis and invasion.

Dynamic of modernizing traditional Chinese medicine and the standards system for its development

This article reviewed the process of Traditional Chinese Medicine's modernization on a global scale. This process is motivated by the potential need for traditional medicine as a result of health transitions and increasing drug R&D based on know-how from TCM. The established standards system for modern medicine serves as a basic model yet has limitations in terms of comprehensively evaluating TCM. Spurred by policy committments, research to provide supplements suited to TCM's features and principles is underway. Advanced and interdisciplinary technology and methodology is expected to play an essential role in TCM development.

Remote time-resolved filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy of biological materials

We report, for what we believe to be the first time, on the feasibility of remote time-resolved filament-induced breakdown spectroscopy (FIBS) of biological materials. The fluorescence from egg white and yeast powder, induced by femtosecond laser pulse filamentation in air, was detected in the backward direction with targets located 3.5 m away from the detection system. The remarkably distinct spectra of egg white and yeast allow us to propose that this technique, time-resolved FIBS, could be potentially useful for remote detection and identification of harmful biological agents.

Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectosigmoid colon

Diffuse cavernous hemangioma of the rectosigmoid colon is an uncommon benign vascular lesion. We report 5 cases of diffuse cavernous hemangioma, focusing on the clinical features, diagnosis procedure and treatment. Five patients have undergone sphincter-saving procedures, 3 cases had coloanal sleeve anastomoses and 1 patient each had pull-through anastomosis and lower anterior resection. During the follow-up, which ranged from 3 to 10 years, 3 patients had no further anal bleeding and 2 patients had minor intermittent anal bleeding. Continence for normal stool was satisfactory in all patients. In conclusion, sphincter-saving procedure is most appropriate and curative approach for the treatment of diffuse cavernous hemangioma. Imaging study plays an important role in the diagnosis, preoperative staging and follow-up.

Genetic evidence of a strong functional constraint of neurotrypsin during primate evolution

Neurotrypsin is one of the extra-cellular serine proteases that are predominantly expressed in the brain and involved in neuronal development and function. Mutations in humans are associated with autosomal recessive non-syndromic mental retardation (MR). We studied the molecular evolution of neurotrypsin by sequencing the coding region of neurotrypsin in 11 representative non-human primate species covering great apes, lesser apes, Old World monkeys and New World monkeys. Our results demonstrated a strong functional constraint of neurotrypsin that was caused by strong purifying selection during primate evolution, an implication of an essential functional role of neurotrypsin in primate cognition. Further analysis indicated that the purifying selection was in fact acting on the SRCR domains of neurotrypsin, which mediate the binding activity of neurotrypsin to cell surface or extra-cellular proteins. In addition, by comparing primates with three other mammalian orders, we demonstrated that the absence of the first copy of the SRCR domain (exon 2 and 3) in mouse and rat was due to the deletion of this segment in the murine lineage.

Influence of the glia limitans on pial arteriolar relaxation in the rat

We examined whether damage to the glia limitans (GL), via exposure to the gliotoxin l-alpha-aminoadipic acid (l-alphaAAA), alters hypercapnia-induced pial arteriolar dilation in vivo. Anesthetized female rats were prepared with closed cranial windows. Pial arteriolar diameters were measured using intravital microscopy. l-alphaAAA (2 mM) was injected into the space under the cranial windows 24 h before the study, and injury to the GL was confirmed by light microscopy. l-alphaAAA was associated with a reduction in pial arteriolar CO(2) reactivity to 40-50% of the level seen in vehicle-treated controls, with no further reduction in the CO(2) response after nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibition via N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA). Subsequent blockade of prostanoid synthesis, via indomethacin (Indo), reduced CO(2) reactivity to 10-15% of normal. In vehicle-treated controls, l-NNA, followed by Indo, reduced the response to approximately 50% and then to 15-20% of the normocapnic value, respectively. On the other hand, l-alphaAAA had no effect on vascular responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine or the NO donor SNAP and did not alter cortical somatosensory evoked responses. This indicates an absence of any direct l-alphaAAA actions on pial arterioles or influence on neuronal transmission. Furthermore, l-alphaAAA did not alter the vasodilation elicited by topical application of an acidic artificial cerebrospinal fluid solution, suggesting that the GL influences the pial arteriolar relaxation elicited by hypercapnic, but not local extracellular (EC), acidosis. That differences exist in the mechanisms mediating hypercapnia- versus EC acidosis-induced pial arteriolar dilations was further exemplified by the finding that topical application of a neuronal NOS (nNOS)-selective blocker (ARR-17477) reduced the response to hypercapnia (by approximately 65%) but not the response to EC acidosis. Disruption of GL gap junctional communication, using an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) connexin43 knockdown approach, was accompanied by a 33% lower CO(2) reactivity versus missense ODN-treated controls. These results suggest that the GL contribution to the hypercapnic vascular response appears to involve the NO-dependent component rather than the prostanoid-dependent component and may involve gap junctional communication. We speculate that the GL may act to facilitate the spread, to pial vessels, of hypercapnia-induced vasodilating signals arising in the comparatively few scattered nNOS neurons that lie well beneath the GL.

Nascent EDHF-mediated cerebral vasodilation in ovariectomized rats is not induced by eNOS dysfunction

In estrogen-depleted [i.e., ovariectomized (Ovx)] animals, an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-like mechanism may arise to, at least partially, replace endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)-derived NO in modulating cerebral arteriolar tone. Additional findings show that eNOS expression and function is restored in estrogen-treated Ovx female rats, while the nascent EDHF-like activity disappears. Because NO has been linked to repression of EDHF activity in the periphery, the current study was undertaken to examine whether the nascent EDHF role in cerebral vessels of Ovx females relates to a chronically repressed eNOS-derived NO-generating function. We compared the effects of chronic NOS inhibition with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME; 100 mg. kg-1. day-1 for 3 wk) on EDHF-mediated pial arteriolar vasodilation in anesthetized intact, Ovx, and 17beta-estradiol-treated (0.1 mg. kg-1. day-1 ip, 1 wk) Ovx (OVE) female rats as well as in male rats that were prepared with closed cranial windows. In the chronic NOS inhibition groups, pial arteriolar responses were monitored in the absence (all groups) and presence (females only) of indomethacin (Indo; 10 mg/kg iv). Finally, the gap junction inhibitory peptide Gap 27 (300 muM) was applied to block EDHF-related vasodilation. NO donor (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine) responses were similar in all rats studied. Acetylcholine (ACh) reactivity was virtually absent in control Ovx rats and chronically NOS-inhibited intact female, OVE, and male rats. However, a partial recovery of ACh reactivity was seen in L-NAME-treated Ovx females. In addition, in the presence of L-NAME, a normal CO2 reactivity was observed in all females, whereas a 50% reduction in CO2 reactivity was seen in males. In intact and OVE rats, both chronic and acute (NG-nitro-L-arginine suffusion) NOS inhibition, combined with Indo, depressed ADP-induced dilation by > or =50%, and subsequent application of Gap 27 had no further effect on ADP-induced vasodilation. ADP reactivity was retained in Ovx rats after combined chronic NOS inhibition and acute Indo, but was attenuated significantly by Gap 27. In males, Gap 27 had no effect on arteriolar reactivity. Taken together, our data demonstrate that in the cerebral microcirculation, NO does not have an inhibitory effect on EDHF production or action. The increased EDHF-like function in chronic estrogen-depleted animals is not due to eNOS deficiency, suggesting a more direct effect of estrogen in modulating EDHF-mediated cerebral vasodilation.

Semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of food waste using a hybrid anaerobic solid-liquid bioreactor

A hybrid anaerobic solid-liquid (HASL) bioreactor was developed to enhance food waste conversion. The HASL bioreactor is a modified two-phase anaerobic digestion system with a solid waste reactor and a high-rate anaerobic wastewater reactor, which was a UASB reactor. In this study, the methanogenesis in the UASB reactor was investigated under a semi-continuous operation of the food waste digestion system. The HASL process, including 7 days of start-up and 23 days of semi-continuous operation followed by 6 days of batch operation, was commenced by loading 2.8 kg of shredded food waste. During the semi-continuous operation, 0.2 kg of the same waste was loaded daily. The leachate from acidification phase, i.e., solid waste reactor, remained acidic (pH 4.9-5.5) and high in total VFA (TVFA), 9,500-11,500 mg/L, and COD (8,000-11,800 mg/L) levels. In the methanogenesis phase, i.e., UASB reactor, effective TVFA and COD removals (88 +/- 5% and 85 +/- 7%, respectively) were obtained, while the methane content was 71%. At the end of operation, about 78% of VS added in the HASL bioreactor was removed, while TOC and total COD reductions were 78% and 79%, respectively. The results showed that the use of UASB reactor in the semi-continuous HASL system can enhance the methanogenesis process and increase the methane content in biogas production.

A comparative study of anaerobic digestion of food waste in a single pass, a leachate recycle and coupled solid/liquid reactors

A single pass reactor (R1), a leachate recycle reactor (R2) and a coupled solid/liquid bioreactor (R3-Rm) for anaerobic digestion of food waste were comparatively investigated in terms of digestion process and treatment efficiency. The coupled solid/liquid bioreactor is an enhanced two-phase system and distinctive from a traditional two-phase process with an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor as the methanogenic phase and a circulation of treated leachate between the acidification and methanogenic phases. In comparison with R1 and R2, R3-Rm enhanced the digestion process and increased the methane content of biogas. 100% of the R3-Rm methane yield was from the methanogenic phase with average methane content of 71%. The significant enhancement was also confirmed by the removal of 79% of total organic carbon (TOC), 60% of volatile solids (VS) and 80% of total COD in 12 days running of R3-Rm. However, no active methane fermentation was detected in R1 and R2 during 60 days operation. The results in this laboratory-scale study show that the rapid accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) due to the rapid acidification of food waste inhibits the development of effective methane fermentation in single pass and leachate recycle reactors. The coupled solid/liquid bioreactor is more efficient in converting food waste into methane and carbon dioxide.

ADP-induced pial arteriolar dilation in ovariectomized rats involves gap junctional communication

It was previously shown that, despite the loss of nitric oxide (NO) dependence, ADP-induced pial arteriolar dilation was not attenuated in estrogen-depleted [i.e., ovariectomized (Ovx)] rats. Additional evidence suggested that the NO was replaced by an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-like mechanism. To further characterize the nascent EDHF role in Ovx females, the current study was undertaken to test whether, in Ovx rats, ADP-induced pial arteriolar dilation retained its endothelial dependence and whether gap junctions are involved in that response. A closed cranial window and intravital microscopy system was used to monitor pial arteriolar diameter changes in anesthetized rats. The endothelial portion of the ADP-induced dilation was evaluated using light dye endothelial injury (L/D). The study was organized around three experimental approaches. First, the responses of pial arterioles to ADP before and after L/D exposure in intact and Ovx female rats were tested. L/D reduced the ADP response by 50-70% in both groups, thereby indicating that the endothelium dependence of ADP-induced vasodilation is not altered by chronic estrogen depletion. Second, the NO synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) and the prostanoid synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (Indo) were coapplied. In intact females, L-NNA-Indo attenuated the response to ADP by 50%, with no further changes upon the addition of L/D. On the other hand, L-NNA-Indo did not affect ADP reactivity in Ovx rats, but subsequent L/D exposure reduced the ADP response by >50%. The NO-prostanoid-independent, but endothelium-dependent, nature of the response in Ovx females is a hallmark of EDHF participation. Third, gap junctional inhibition strategies were applied. A selective inhibitor of gap junctional function, Gap 27, did not affect ADP reactivity in intact females but reduced the the ADP response by 50% in Ovx females. A similar result was obtained following application of a connexin43 antisense oligonucleotide. These findings suggest that the nascent EDHF dependency of ADP-induced pial arteriolar dilation in Ovx females involves connexin43-related gap junctional communication.

A hybrid two-phase system for anaerobic digestion of food waste

A hybrid two-phase system, consisting of a solid waste reactor as the acidification reactor and a wastewater reactor, i.e. an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, as the methanogenic reactor, for anaerobic digestion of food waste was investigated. After the pre-acidification stage, COD and total VFA removals in the methanogenic phase were in the ranges of 74-93% and 77-100%, respectively, while leachate COD and total VFA concentrations in the acidification phase decreased by 95% and 97-99%, respectively. Some 99% of the total CH4 generated was from the methanogenic phase with the CH4 content of 68-70%. About 77-79% of TOC, 57-60% of volatile solids and 79-80% of total COD were removed. The results of this laboratory-scale study show that the hybrid two-phase anaerobic batch reactor system is suitable for effective conversion of food waste into CH4 and CO2. The hybrid two-phase system can be further developed into an effective and efficient way to enhance waste stabilization in operating bioreactor landfills.

Chronic estrogen depletion alters adenosine diphosphate-induced pial arteriolar dilation in female rats

We examined pial arteriolar reactivity to a partially endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-dependent vasodilator ADP as a function of chronic estrogen status. The eNOS-dependent portion of the ADP response was ascertained by comparing ADP-induced pial arteriolar dilations before and after suffusion of a NOS inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 1 mM) in intact, ovariectomized (Ovx), and 17beta-estradiol (E2)-treated Ovx females. We also examined whether ovariectomy altered the participation of other factors in the ADP response. Those factors were the following: 1) the prostanoid indomethacin (Indo); 2) the Ca2+-dependent K+ (K(Ca)) channel, iberiotoxin (IbTX); 3) the ATP-regulated K+ (K(ATP)) channel glibenclamide (Glib); 4) the K(Ca)-regulating epoxygenase pathway miconazole (Mic); and 5) the adenosine receptor 8-sulfophenyltheophylline (8-SPT). In intact females, the eNOS-dependent (L-NNA sensitive) portion of the ADP response represented approximately 50% of the total. The ADP response was retained in the Ovx rats but L-NNA sensitivity disappeared. On E2 replacement, the initial pattern was restored. ADP reactivity was unaffected by Indo, Glib, Mic, and 8-SPT. IbTX was associated with 50-80% reductions in the response to ADP in the intact group that was nonadditive with L-NNA, and 60-100% reductions in the Ovx group. The present findings suggest that estrogen influences the mechanisms responsible for ADP-induced vasodilation. The continued sensitivity to IbTX in Ovx rats, despite the loss of a NO contribution, is suggestive of a conversion to a hyperpolarizing factor dependency in the absence of E2.

[Effects of CS-866, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, in 5/6 nephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats]

To assess the chronic antihypertensive and renal protective effects of the specific angiotensin II receptor antagonist, CS-866, in the remnant kidney model of chronic renal failure, we administered it alone or in combination with temocapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, to 5/6 nephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for 8 weeks. At the age of 10 weeks, 5/6 nephrectomized SHR were allocated to receive two doses of CS-866 (CS-3; 3 mg/kg/day, or CS-10; 10 mg/kg/day), temocapril (TEM; 10 mg/kg/day), a combination of CS-866 (3 mg/kg/day) and temocapril (10 mg/kg/day) or the vehicle alone via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary protein excretion (UprotV) were measured every two weeks. At the age of 18 weeks, the rats were decapitated and the blood, remnant kidney, aorta and heart were collected and used for biochemical measurements and histopathological studies. There was no significant difference in body weight among the groups during the study. All drug treatments significantly reduced SBP, UprotV, glomerular sclerosis index (GSI), relative interstitial volume (RIV) and the heart weight to body weight ratio. The hypotensive effects were in the order of combination therapy > CS-10 = TEM > CS-3. For correlational analysis, we used values for SBP and UprotV derived from the average of values in rats over the age of 12 weeks through 18 weeks. UprotV, GSI and RIV were found to be highly correlated with SBP among the individual rats pooled from all groups (r = 0.511, r = 0.754, r = 0.817, respectively) and the correlation was maintained among the group means (r = 0.945, r = 0.989, r = 0.918, respectively). Furthermore, the heart weight to body weight ratio was found to be highly correlated with SBP among the individual rats pooled from all groups (r = 0.923) and the correlation was maintained among the group means (r = 0.996). We conclude that organ protective effects of CS-866, TEM, or combination therapy are closely related to the magnitude of their antihypertensive effects.

Renal protective effects of chronic exercise and antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive rats with chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVES

Patients with chronic renal failure are restricted to mild physical activity and tend to a lack of exercise. However, there have been few reports regarding the influence of chronic exercise on the progression of renal disease. Similarly, there are few animal models concerned with the effect of exercise training on improving renal function. Therefore, we assessed the renal effects of moderate chronic treadmill exercise in a remnant kidney model of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with chronic renal failure. We also assessed the effects of exercise and antihypertensive therapy on renal function.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight-week-old SHR were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy by removal of the left kidney and excision of two-thirds of the right kidney. The rats were divided into four groups: (i) no exercise (Non-EX); (ii) moderate exercise with treadmill running (20 m/min, 0 grade incline for 60 min) (EX); (iii) EX with an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril (2 mg/kg per day, i.p.); and (iv) EX with an angiotensin receptor antagonist, losartan (5 mg/kg per day, i.p.), for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Chronic EX significantly attenuated the increase in proteinuria (P < 0.01) and significantly protected against increases in the index of glomerular sclerosis (IGS). Both enalapril and losartan with EX significantly decreased blood pressure (P < 0.001), and further decreased the IGS. In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, only antihypertensive drug remained in the model as a significant predictor of IGS (P < 0.0001). In contrast, exercise, antihypertensive drug and mean systolic blood pressure (weeks 1-4) remained in the model as a significant predictors of mean proteinuria (weeks 1-4) (all P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that exercise does not worsen renal function and has renal-protective effects in this model of rats. Moreover, the antihypertensive therapy has additional renal-protective effects in this model of rats.