Dl-3-n-butylphthalide improves intestinal microcirculation disorders in septic rats by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and autophagy

PURPOSE

Sepsis has complex pathophysiological mechanisms that bring new challenges in the treatment of sepsis at a time when the intestinal microcirculation in sepsis is receiving increasing attention. Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), which is a drug that can improve multiorgan ischemic diseases, is also worth examining to improve the intestinal microcirculation in sepsis.

METHODS

In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the sham group (n = 6), CLP group (n = 6), NBP group (n = 6) and NBP + LY294002 group (n = 6). The rat model of severe sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Abdominal wall incisions and sutures were performed in the first group, and CLP was performed in the latter three groups. Normal saline/NBP/NBP + LY294002 solution was injected intraperitoneally 2 h or 1 h before modeling. Hemodynamic data (blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. Sidestream dark field (SDF) imaging and the Medsoft System were used to observe the intestinal microcirculation of rats and obtain data at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h. Six hours after the model was established, the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured to evaluate the level of systemic inflammation. Pathological damage to the small intestine was evaluated by electron microscopy and histological analysis. The expression levels of P-PI3K, PI3K, P-AKT, AKT, LC3 and p62 in the small intestine were analyzed by Western blotting. The expressions of P-PI3K, P-AKT, LC3 and P62 in small intestine were detected by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

NBP improved intestinal microcirculation disturbances in septic rats, alleviated the systemic inflammatory response, reduced the destruction of the small intestinal mucosa and the disruption of microvascular endothelial cells, and alleviated autophagy in vascular endothelial cells. NBP increased the ratio of P-PI3K/total PI3K, P-AKT/total AKT, and P62/β-actin and decreased the ratio of LC3 II/LC3 I.

CONCLUSION

NBP ameliorated intestinal microcirculation disturbances and the destruction of small intestinal vascular endothelial cells in septic rats by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and regulating autophagy.

[Pollution and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Tangxun Lake]

In order to understand the pollution characteristics, spatial distribution, potential sources, and ecological risk of heavy metals in the sediments of Tangxun Lake, the contents of heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni) in the surface sediments of Tangxun Lake were analyzed, and the pollution status and potential ecological risk degree of heavy metals in the sediments were evaluated using the geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index. The potential sources of heavy metal pollutants were analyzed by correlation and principal component analysis. The results showed that except for Cr, the contents of other heavy metals were higher than their background values. The contents of Hg, Cd, Zn, and Cu were higher in the southwest and northeast corners of the lake, which may come from the combined pollution of sewage discharge, fisheries, and surrounding industrial and agricultural activities. The geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk showed that Hg and Cd were in moderate pollution; Cu, Pb, and Zn were in non-light pollution; and As, Cr, and Ni were in non-pollution. Except for Hg and Cd, there were serious and serious potential ecological risks, and the other elements were at a low risk level. The heavy metals in the surface sediments of Tangxun Lake showed a high ecological risk level.

[Characteristics and Source Analysis of Water-soluble Inorganic Pollution in PM2.5 During Summer in Central China]

In order to investigate the pollution characteristics and sources of water-soluble ions in atmospheric PM_2.5 in different regions of central China during summer, Wuhan, Suizhou, and Pingdingshan were selected as urban, suburban, and rural monitoring stations, respectively, to collect PM_2.5 samples, and the mass concentration of PM_2.5 in the atmosphere and the contents of eight water-soluble ions were analyzed. The results showed that ρ(water-soluble ions) at the three sites showed obvious spatial distribution characteristics, with Pingdingshan[(36.29±9.82) μg·m^-3] > Wuhan[(32.55±10.05) μg·m^-3] > Suizhou[(26.10±6.23) μg·m^-3], accounting for 52.47%, 51.32%, and 48.61% of the PM_2.5 mass concentration, respectively. In the Pingdingshan station, the proportion of water-soluble ions was the largest due to biomass combustion in the rural area. Additionally, SNA (SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, and NH₄⁺) were the main ionic components, accounting for 95.65%, 96.12%, and 97.33% of the total water-soluble ions, respectively. The mean values of SOR of the Wuhan (0.64) and Suizhou (0.63) stations were higher than that of the Pingdingshan station (0.50), whereas the NOR values of the Wuhan (0.18) and Pingdingshan (0.19) stations were higher than that of the Suizhou station (0.15). The difference in SOR and NOR among stations was affected by the secondary conversion mechanism, the ammonia-rich environment, and the surrounding traffic sources, respectively. The PM_2.5 at the Wuhan and Pingdingshan stations was in general alkaline, whereas at the Suizhou station it was neutral or weakly acidic, which was mainly caused by differences in NH₄⁺. NH₄⁺ mainly existed in the form of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and NH₄NO₃ at the Wuhan and Pingdingshan stations, whereas at the Suizhou station it mainly existed in the form of (NH₄)₂SO₄ or (NH₄)HSO₄. PCA-MLR analysis revealed that the Wuhan (89.27%) and Suizhou (67.38%) stations were the most affected by secondary conversion sources, whereas the Wuhan station was also affected by industrial sources (8.54%) and coal sources (2.27%). The pollution sources of the Suizhou station also included biomass combustion (24.42%) and dust sources (8.25%). The Pingdingshan station was most affected by biomass combustion (58.37%), followed by dust and combustion sources (38.05%) and traffic sources (3.58%). The analysis of potential sources of SNA (PSCF) showed that the main potential source areas of Wuhan were the boundary of Hubei, Henan, and Anhui and the southwest area of Anhui. Suizhou and Pingdingshan were affected by long-distance transport, and the main potential source regions were distributed in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces from the east coast to the west.

[Characteristics and Origin Analysis of Air Pollution During the Spring Festival in Linfen, Fenwei Plain]

In recent years, frequent haze episodes have resulted in the deterioration of air quality of the Fenwei Plain during winter and holidays. Besides coal combustion and industrial emissions, the topography and climate of the Fenwei Plain were also the main causes of the haze. The samples were collected in Linfen of Fenwei Plain during the Spring Festival from February 2 to February 13, 2019. The 13 elements(Li, Be, Ti, Rb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Zr, V, Tl, U, and Sn) in PM_2.5 were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). Combined with the meteorological data, the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants and potential source analysis were evaluated by cluster analysis and backward trajectory. The average concentration of SO₂ was 58.39 μg·m^-3 during the sampling period, which exceeded the 24 h average mass concentration limit(50.00 μg·m^-3) of national ambient air quality standard(GB 3095-2012). The average concentrations of O₃, NO₂, and CO was 52.15 μg·m^-3, 29.02 μg·m^-3, and 2.29 mg·m^-3, respectively. The results showed that SO₂ was the dominated pollutant. NO₂ and CO were mainly affected by diffusion from urban areas. The backward trajectory analysis indicated that the basin topography of the Fenwei Plain may be the main cause of the haze. The analysis of potential source contribution function(PSCF) of soil sources showed that the potential dominated areas included Northern Shaanxi, southern Gansu and Southern Ningxia., which were mainly affected by the monsoon climate.

[Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in PM2.5 Under Winter Haze Conditions in Central China: A Case Study of Huanggang, Hubei Province]

To explore the pollution characteristics and potential health risks of heavy metals in PM_2.5 on haze days in Central China, PM_2.5 samples were collected from the Huanggang monitoring station, a regional observation point in Central China, between January 13 and 24, 2018. The contents of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, and Pb in PM_2.5 were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS), and the enrichment factor method was used to determine the potential risk based on the exposure model recommended by the Environmental Protection Administration(EPA). The results showed that during the observation period, the concentrations of Zn in PM_2.5 were highest, and the concentrations of the carcinogens As and Cd were higher than the secondary standard limits of China's ambient air quality standard(GB 3095-2012), with 70% of these elemental concentrations accounting for the largest proportion in the middle haze period. The enrichment factor analysis showed that Cd, Sn, Co, Pb, and Zn were the most abundant elements, especially during the middle haze period, and were mostly derived from transportation and coal combustion. The results of the human health risk assessment showed that exposure via hand-mouth feeding was the main non-carcinogenic risk, and the exposure and non-carcinogenic risks of children were significantly higher than those of adults. Pb poses a non-carcinogenic risk to children, while heavy metals in PM_2.5 pose no non-carcinogenic risks to adults and carcinogenic heavy metals pose no carcinogenic risks.

[Characteristics and Sources of 12 Trace Amount Elements in PM2.5 During a Period of Heavy Pollution in Huanggang, Central China]

This study provides data and theoretical support for the prevention and control of air pollution in central China. From January 13, 2018, to January 25, 2018, 48 PM_2.5 samples were collected in Huanggang by particulate matter samplers during a severe pollution episode. Twelve elements (Li, Be, V, Se, Sr, Mo, Ag, Ba, Tl, Th, Bi, and U) were analyzed by ICP-MS. A positive definite matrix factor (PMF), trajectory model of the cluster analysis, potential source analysis (PSCF), and the concentration weight analysis method (CWT) were applied to analyze the potential pollution sources and determine the transmission channel. The results showed that the internal cause of the pollution was the appearance of static, stable, and high humidity meteorological conditions, while the external cause was the input of pollution. Five types of pollution source were determined:fuel combustion (10.59%), crustal (24.22%), industry (3.16%), coal (47.57%), and traffic (14.45%). Two main types of air flow path were found; short distance transmission accounted for 62.50% whereas long distance transport accounted for 37.50%. The major contributors to the pollution included central and eastern Hubei, northeastern Hunan, southwestern Anhui, and southern Henan. North-south transmission channels were observed for central China. In addition to local pollution, the impact of regional transmission should not be ignored. In the emergency response period for heavy pollution during the autumn and winter, all regions need to control emission reduction measures. Joint prevention and control are the keys to air pollution control.

[Pollution Characteristics of PAHs in Soil from a Remote Mountain Wetland-Dajiuhu Lake, Shengnongjia]

Ten sampling points were distributed approximately equidistantly in the Dajiuhu lake wetland, and soils from the depths 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm were collected in April 2012. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the remote mountain wetland shallow soils, and 16 kinds of USEPA priority controlled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants were identified. The ∑₁₆PAHs content ranges of the shallow soils of this region were 48.55-984.73 ng·g^-1, 14.36-806.47 ng·g^-1, and 12.84-1191.53 ng·g^-1 in the 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm layers, with a mean of 302.94 ng·g^-1, 142.98 ng·g^-1, and 208.68 ng·g^-1 in the three layers, respectively. The concentrations of seven carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 21.20-844.29 ng·g^-1, 2.96-592.06 ng·g^-1 and 0.66-964.70 ng·g^-1 in the three soil layers, with means of 197.25 ng·g^-1, 93.16 ng·g^-1, and 147.16 ng·g^-1 that accounted for 65.12%, 65.13%, and 69.08% of the total PAHs in the three soil layers, respectively. The concentrations of PAHs in the areas with peat were significantly higher than that in the soil. PAHs having 4-6 rings were the dominant ones. The ratios IcdP/(IcdP+BghiP) and Pyr/BaP showed that the PAHs in the shallow soil form the Dajiuhu lake wetland mainly came from burning fossil fuels and wood. In recent years, the entry of tourist vehicles has contributed significantly to the increase in PAHs. The regression analysis on peat surface layer single body PAH and total PAHs showed that Chr, BbF, IcdP, and BaA could be used as a signaling property of mountain wetland PAH pollution.

[Characteristics and Source Apportionment of VOCs of a Petrochemical Industrial Park During Autumn in China]

An online continuous monitoring system was used to determine the volatile organic carbons (VOCs) in the ambient air of a typical petrochemical industrial park in autumn (Sep., Oct., Nov.) of 2014. The composition, photochemical reactivity, temporal variation, and source of VOCs were analyzed. The results indicated that the mixing ratio of VOCs in autumnal ambient air of the study area was higher than those of other cities and industrial areas. Alkanes were the most abundant group in the VOC mixing ratio, and no significant temporal difference was observed among the three months studied. However, the alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics presented obvious diurnal variation, with single peak and trough values, while the acetylene exhibited "W"-shaped variation, with two minimum and one maximum values. Source apportionment using positive matrix factorization (PMF) indicated that the sources of VOCs in the study area of natural gas transportation and solvents, such as from leakage or volatile oil refinery processing, followed by other traffic sources and asphalt have some contribution. Alkenes and alkanes were the dominant groups of the source apportionment composition, as expressed by the propylene-equivalent (Propy-Equiv) and maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) methods, respectively.

[Characteristics of VOCs Pollution in the Winter Atmosphere of a Typical Petrochemical Industry Park]

Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air of a typical petrochemical industry park were measured using an on-line monitor (TH-300B) from December 2014 to February 2015. The composition, temporal variations, sources, and photochemical reactivity of VOCs were analyzed. Alkanes were the most abundant VOC species and contributed to 86.73% to total VOC concentrations in winter. Concentrations of TVOCs, alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons were high at night and low during the day. The changes in alkane and alkene concentrations were consistent with those in TVOC concentrations. Using principal component analysis and multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) in combination, five sources of VOCs were identified; fuel evaporation, industrial emissions, a mix of gasoline vehicle exhaust and plant emissions, diesel vehicle exhaust emissions, and fuel combustion with contributions of 60.02%, 8.50%, 2.07%, 12.21%, and 17.20%, respectively. Propylene-equivalent concentration (Propy-Equiv) and maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) method were used to calculate the contributions of VOCs measured in the study area to ozone production. Alkanes contributed most to ozone production followed by alkenes and aromatic hydrocarbons. The contribution rate of cyclopentane, n-butane, and 1-pentene were higher owing to their long photochemical age in the study area.

[Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Atmosphere of Dajiuhu, Shennongjia, China]

The concentration, potential source and health risks of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere of Dajiuhu, Shennongjia, China, were studied. Polyurethane foam (PUF) Passive air samplers (PAS) were settled. The results indicated that the total concentrations of 16 PAHs in different samples ranged from 6.94 to 184.23 ng·m^-3, with the mean of 30.36 ng·m^-3. The dominant compounds were low rings PAHs, such as Phe, Nap, Pyr, Fla, Flu and Ant. Compared with other regions, the PAHs pollution of Dajiuhu atmosphere was at a low level. Higher PAHs concentrations were detected in nearby Deer farm, Dajiuhu peat area and Dajiuhu Wetland Authority. Higher PAHs concentrations were detected in autumn and winter, whereas lower concentrations were detected in spring and summer. Potential pollution sources of PAHs were investigated by diagnostic ratios and backward trajectory analysis, which indicated that coal and biofuel combustion, vehicle emissions and petroleum were the main sources. PAHs of Dajiuhu in air not only came from local emission, but also originated from Hubei, Henan and Hunan's atmosphere transport for most part and long range transport from northwest direction for small part. Health risks assessment results showed that the annual average concentration of total Benzo(a)pyrene-equivalent carcinogenic potency (∑BaP_eq) was 0.208 ng·m^-3, lower than the value recommended by Ambient Air Quality Standard of China(GB 3095-2012, 1 ng·m^-3), indicating a low carcinogenic risk for the local residents.

[Distribution, Sources and Risk Assessment of the PAHs in the Surface Sediments and Water from the Daye Lake]

8 surface sediments and 8 water samples were collected from the Daye Lake in August 2015.The 16 kinds of EPA control polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed by GC-MS.The results showed that the PAHs concentrations of surface sediments and water ranged from 35.94 ng·g^-1 to 2032.73 ng·g^-1 and from 27.94 ng·L^-1 to 242.95 ng·L^-1,with average contents of 940.61 ng·g^-1 and 107.77ng·L^-1,respectively.The distribution of PAHs in surface sediments indicated that the contents in the center samples were higher than those in the bank samples,but the water showed nearly the opposite tendency.The 4-5 rings high molecular weight PAHs were the main components in the surface sediments,and the 2,4 and 5 rings PAHs were given priority in water.Compared with the other domestic and oversea lakes,the PAHs pollution of the Daye Lake was at a moderate level.Source apportionment showed that the PAHs in surface sediments and water from the Daye Lake came from the combustion source,HWM-PAHs were the dominant part of the PAHs in the sediment,reflecting the sediment PAHs pollution under the effects of mining and smelting over a long period;All monomer PAHs and total PAHs content in sediment did not exceed the ERM and FEL limiting values,showing that there was no particularly serious ecological risk caused by PAHs in the surface sediments from the Daye Lake;the incremental lifetime cancer risks assessment showed that the uptake risk of PAHs in Daye Lake water through the ingestion and dermal absorption were both in the acceptable range recommended by the USEPA,but all sites had higher risk than the acceptable risk level recommended by the Sweden environmental protection agency and Royal society.The pollution of seven carcinogenic PAHs needs prevention and control.

[Concentration, Water-Soluble Ionic and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Composition and Sources of PM2.5 During Summer in Hongshan District, Wuhan]

Atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected in Hongshan district, Wuhan from June 12^th to July 22^th, 2014. This study analyzed the characteristics and chemical composition of PM_2.5, and the concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), to discuss the pollution sources and formation mechanism. The results indicated the total concentrations of PM_2.5 ranged from 36.41 to 220.02 μg·m^-3, with the mean of 97.38 μg·m^-3. and the exceeding criteria rate was 59.26%. Furthermore, the concentration of PM_2.5 correlated significantly with wind speed in meteorological parameters, when the wind speed increased, the concentration of PM_2.5 showed a trend of decline. The water-soluble ionic components of PM_2.5 were SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, NH₄⁺ and K⁺ which accounted for 40.67%, and the aerosol partial acid. The influencing factors of formation process of SO₄^2- were different from those of NO₃^-, and NH₄HSO₄ and (NH₄)₂SO₄ were the main compounds of NH₄⁺ in PM_2.5. The average concentration of PAHs in PM_2.5 was 11.30 ng·m^-3, and the dominant compounds were 4-6 ring PAHs. Industrial waste gas and vehicle emissions were the sources of PM_2.5. The various sources of the PAHs had contribution of 83.90% from vehicle emission and combustion of coal, 10.17% from petroleum sources, and 5.08% from coking emission. The concentration of toxic benzo[a]pyrene equivalent (TEQ_BaP) ranged from 0.22 to 11.19 ng·m^-3 (mean, 1.74 ng·m^-3), and the exceeding criteria rate was 7.41%.

Comparison of Ligasure Versus Conventional Surgery for Curative Gastric Cancer Resection: a Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The LigaSure vessel sealing system has been proposed to save operation time and reduce intraoperative blood loss for various surgeries. However, its usage for gastric cancer is still controversial. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of LigaSure with conventional surgery in gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sources were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Google Scholar until February, 2015. All randomized controlled trials comparing LigaSure with conventional surgery in curative gastric cancer resection were selected. After data extraction, statistics were performed by Review Manager 5.1 software.

RESULTS

Three eligible randomized controlled trials were evaluated, with a total of 335 patients. The quality of the included trials was good, yet some methodological and clinical heterogeneity existed. There were no significant differences between the LigaSure and conventional groups in operative time (weighted mean difference [WMD], -22.95 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], [-59.75, 13.85]; P = 0.22), blood loss (WMD, -45.8 ml; 95% CI, [-134.5, 42.90]; P = 0.31), nor the incidence of surgical complications (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, [0.68, 2.05]; P = 0.54). But there was a longer duration of hospital stay in LigaSure group (WMD, 1.41 days; 95% CI, [0.14, 2.68]; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

All available randomized evidence has been summarized. LigaSure does not confer significant advantage over conventional surgery for curative gastric cancer resection. The usefulness of the device may be limited in gastrectomy. But, more trials are needed for further assessment of the LigaSure system for gastric cancer.