[Marked improvement in rheumatoid lung nodules after treatment with tocilizumab combined with glucocorticoids and leflunomide: a case report and literature review]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disorder, is characterized by erosive inflammation of bone and cartilage, leading to progressive joint destruction. Pulmonary involvement occurs in approximately 60% of RA patients, manifests most commonly as interstitial lung disease and, less commonly, as rheumatoid lung nodules. Here, we report a 50-year-old woman, non-smoker, with recurrent cough and sputum of 7 years' duration, accompanied by a chest CT showing multiple cavitary nodules in both lungs. She had been treated empirically at several medical centers and was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid lung nodules. Marked improvement in rheumatoid lung nodules was observed after treatment with tocilizumab in combination with glucocorticoids and leflunomide. The aim of this study was to improve clinicians' understanding of rheumatoid lung nodules by analyzing the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of this case, and reviewing the relevant medical literature.

Protective Effects of Danmu Extract Syrup on Acute Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice through Endothelial Barrier Repair

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Danmu Extract Syrup (DMS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism.

METHODS

Seventy-two male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table (n=12), including control (normal saline), LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS+DMS 2.5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 10 mL/kg, and LPS+Dexamethasone (DXM, 5 mg/kg) groups. After pretreatment with DMS and DXM, the ALI mice model was induced by LPS, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to determine protein concentration, cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. The lung tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was calculated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 β in BALF of mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of Claudin-5, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

DMS pre-treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF were obviously reduced after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of cells in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DMS pre-treatment decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β (P<0.01). Meanwhile, DMS activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and reversed the expressions of Claudin-5, VE-cadherin and VEGF (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

DMS attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice through repairing endothelial barrier. It might be a potential therapeutic drug for LPS-induced lung injury.

[Prognosis and related risk factors of acute respiratory distress syndrome in elder patients]

Objective: To study the risk factors associated with the hospital survival rate of elder patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Medical/Respiratory Intensive Care Units (MICUs/RICUs) by evaluating the prognosis, and therefore to provide insight into patient treatment strategy. Methods: Twenty MICUs/RICUs of 19 general hospitals in mainland China participated in the multicenter prospective cohort study carried out from Mar 1^st, 2016 to Feb 28^th, 2018. Patients who met the criteria of Berlin ARDS and older than 65 years were recruited. Baseline data, risk factors of ARDS, ventilator setup and prognosis data were collected from all patients. Univariant and multivariant regression analysis were conducted to analyze the factors associated with the prognosis. Results: 170 elder ARDS patients (age≥65 years) met the Berlin ARDS criteria, among whom 8.8% (15/170), 42.9% (73/170) and 48.2% (82/170) patients had mild, moderate and severe ARDS, respectively. The most common predisposing factor for elder ARDS was pneumonia, which was present in 134 patients (78.8%). 37.6% (64/170) patients were treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), but 43.8% (28/64) cases experienced treatment failure. 76.5% (130/170) patients were treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. All patients 80 years or older were given invasive mechanical ventilation. 51.8% (88/170) cases had complications of non-pulmonary organ failure. 61.8% (105/170) patients deceased during hospital stay. Multivariant logistic analysis showed that the independent risk factors for hospital survival rate in elder patients with ARDS were SOFA score (P=0.030, RR=0.725, 95% CI 0.543-0.969), oxygen index after 24 hours of ARDS diagnosis (P=0.030, RR=0.196, 95% CI 0.045-0.853), accumulated fluid balance within 7 days after diagnosis of ARDS (P=0.026, RR=1.000, 95% CI 1.000-1.000) and shock (P=0.034, RR=0.140, 95% CI 0.023-0.863). Conclusion: Among 20 ICUs, the high mortality rate of elder patients with ARDS was correlated with higher 24 hour SOFA score, lower 24 hour oxygen index after ARDS diagnosis, more positive fluid balance within 7 days and concomitant shock. The conservative fluid strategy within 7 days of ARDS diagnosis may benefit the elder ARDS patients.

[Multi-center empirical study of virtual gastroscopy simulator in the examination of clinical practice skills of specialist physicians]

Objective: To study the role of virtual gastroscopy simulator in the examination of clinical practice skills of gastrointestinal specialists. Methods: A multi-center empirical study was carried out. In June 2018, ninety participants from three tertiary care teaching hospitals in China, including Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Tongji Hospital and Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, took part in the examination. Participants were selected as follows: 30 specialists without any experience of gastroscopy exams, 30 with basic knowledge (gastroscopy exams <500 cases) and 30 with good skill (gastroscopy exams ≥500 cases). These 90 students participated in this empirical study after theoretical study and simulator training. Among them, 50 (55.6%) were undergraduates, 25 (27.8%) masters, and 15 (16.7%) doctors; 42 (46.7%) were residents, 39 (43.3%) attending physicians, and 9 (10.0%) deputy chief physicians. The assessment was divided into two parts. The first part was to use the simulator (GI mentor II) for ballooning within 10 minutes, with a total score of 40 points. The second part was a complete gastroscopy exam on the simulator, including preparation before gastroscopy exam, gastroscopy exam, post - exam management and related knowledge quiz. The difficulty and discrimination of the assessment plan were evaluated by the extreme grouping method parameters (difficulty P definition: <0.3 was difficult, 0.3 to 0.7 was medium, ≥0.7 was easy; discrimination degree D definition: <0 was poor, 0 to 0.2 was medium, ≥0.2 was good), and by comparing the virtual gastroscopy assessment scores of different experience, academic, and professional title groups. The score analysis of the student group was expressed using the mastering rate (the average score divided by the total score). The data of the normal distribution was represented by (mean±SD) (range), and the data of the nonnormal distribution was represented by M (P25, P75). Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test was used for comparison between groups. Results: The total score of 90 students was (82.9±10.9) (55.8 to 99.0), and the mastering rate was 82.9%. The overall difficulty of the first and the second parts were 0.78 and 0.76, respectively, and the difficulty level was easy. The overall discrimination of the first and the second parts were 0.70 and 0.67, respectively, and the discrimination was good. The stratified analysis was performed according to the professional title. The median score was 83.2 (75.5, 89.0) in the residents, 82.5 (71.7, 93.6) in the attending physicians, and 93.5 (88.5, 99.0) in the deputy chief physicians, and the difference was statistically significant (H=6.213, P=0.045). According to the stratification analysis of academic qualifications, the median score was 81.7 (73.0, 87.5) in participants with undergraduate degree, 91.0 (79.0, 95.0) in those with master degree and 88.0 (81.7, 93.5) in those with doctor degree, whose difference was statistically significant (H=9.233, P=0.010). The stratified analysis of the second part showed that the median scores of the "operational process" part of the low, medium and high basis group were 33.0 (30.5, 36.5), 34.0 (32.0, 36.0) and 37.0 (35.0, 37.5), respectively, whose difference was statistically significant (H=7.603, P=0.022). The median scores of the "operational process" section of the resident, attending physician, and deputy chief physician were 33.0 (30.5, 35.0) points, 36.0 (34.0, 37.5) points and 37.0 (37.0, 37.5) points, respectively, whose difference was statistically significant (H=18.563, P=0.001). Conclusions: The virtual gastroscopy simulator can reflect the true level of gastroscopy exam skills of the students. The examination questions are moderately difficult, and there is a good discrimination of the exam.

[Application of MDCT and post-processing in children with tracheal foreign body]

Objective:To explore the clinical value of MDCT and post-processing in children with suspected foreign body in trachea.Method:Two hundred patients with suspected tracheal foreign body were treated with 64-slice spiral CT (MDCT) and simulated endoscopic imaging,then compared with seen in bronchoscopy; Compare the results of MDCT and post-processing with the coincidence of intraoperative findings.Result:One hundred and eighty-four cases of positive children were examined by MDCT postprocessing technique and bronchoscopy,179 cases were obstructed by exogenous foreign body,5 cases were phlegm thrombosis (endogenous foreign body) obstruction; 16 cases of children with no foreign body diagnosed by MDCT post-processing technique were also examined by bronchoscopy. The results showed that there was a foreign body in 1 case,and the foreign body was located in the pharyngeal cleft (watermelon spermoderm),and the remaining 15 cases had no foreign body. MDCT and post-treatment techniques for children with tracheal foreign body diagnosis of 99.4% sensitivity,specificity of 75%.There was no significant difference in the detection rate of foreign body between the two techniques of MDCT and post-processing technique and bronchoscopy (P>0.05). Examed by MDCT and postprocessing,we can understand the specific location and size of foreign body,nature,shape preoperatively.Conclusion:Although MDCT and post-processing techniques can not be used to treat tracheal foreign bodies,but the diagnostic rate of bronchial foreign bodies is comparable to that of bronchoscopy. We could apply MDCT examination and post processing before the bronchoscopy,for foreign body inhalation history is not clear,or suspected airway foreign body. We can improve the level of diagnosis and treatment through guiding the operation of bronchoscopy focus.

[Changes and implications of esophageal function in patients with chronic cough induced by gastroesophageal reflux]

Objective: To explore the changes in the esophageal function and their association with the therapeutic outcome in patients with gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC). Methods: One hundred thirty-five patients with definite GERC consecutively referred to our respiratory clinic were recruited into the study between January 2012 and August 2015.Cough was due to acid reflux in 81 patients and non-acid reflux in 54 patients, with the favorable response to the standard antireflux therapy in 88 patients and to the intensified antireflux treatment in 47 patients. The control groups included 26 patients with gastroesphageal reflux disease without cough and 22 healthy volunteers. All the subjects underwent an esophageal manometry from which the parameters were recorded, including the pressure, length and relaxation rate of lower esophageal sphincter, and the peristaltic contractive amplitude, wave velocity and contractive time of esophagus. The data were combined with the results of multi-channel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring to analyze the changes of esophageal function in the patients with acid or non-acid GERC and their relation to the outcomes of antireflux therapy. Results: Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with GERC presented with a lower pressure [(11±5) mmHg vs (15±5) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), q=3.70, P=0.000], shorter overall length [(2.2±0.5) cm vs (3.0±1.0) cm, q=2.78, P=0.017] and similar relaxation rate of lower esophageal sphincter(q=1.14, P=0.258). Furthermore, they also showed a decrease in esophageal peristaltic contractive amplitude [(33±13) mmHg vs (45±11) mmHg, q=2.19, P=0.030] and wave velocity [(2.6±0.8) cm/s vs (3.4±0.6) cm/s, q=2.91, P=0.010] but an increase in esophageal contractive time of esophagus [(4.9±2.2) s vs (3.1±0.8) s, q=3.25, P=0.001] in addition to a linear negative correlation between esophageal peristaltic wave velocity and bolus clearance (r=-0.603, P=0.000). However, these parameters were not different between patients with GERC and gastroesophageal reflux disease without cough. The patients with GERC due to acid and non-acid reflux presented with a similar esophageal dysmotility but different variables reflecting the acidity of refluxates as indicated by multi-channel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring. The esophageal peristaltic wave velocity was significantly lower in the patients with GERC responsive to the standard antireflux therapy than in those responsive to the intensified antireflux therapy [(2.2±0.6) cm/s vs (3.0±1.0) cm/s, t= 2.066, P= 0.041]. Conclusions: Esophageal dysfunction is present in patients with GERC. Its characteristics and severity are not associated with the types of gastroesophageal reflux inducing cough, but may predict the efficacy of medical antireflux therapy.

SERS detection of R6G based on a novel graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays structure

We present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays structure (GO/Ag/PSi). The SERS behaviors are discussed and compared by the detection of R6G. Based on the contrast experiments with PSi, GO/PSi, Ag/PSi and GO/AgA/PSi as SERS substrate, the perfect bio-compatibility, good homogeneity and chemical stability were confirmed. We also calculated the electric field distributions using Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis to further understand the GO/Ag/PSi structure as a perfect SERS platform. These experimental and theoretical results imply that the GO/Ag/PSi with regular pyramids array is expected to be an effective substrate for label-free sensitive SERS detections in areas of medicine, food safety and biotechnology.

Primary structure similarity analysis of proteins sequences by a new graphical representation

A new graphical description of the primary structure of protein sequences is introduced. First, a three-dimensional space discrete point set of a protein sequence is created based on the three main physicochemical properties of the amino acids. Secondly, a continuous cubic B-spline curve interpolating the amino acid points is constructed to represent the shape of the protein sequence. Then the geometric properties (curvature and torsion) of the continuous curve are extracted for the purpose of analyzing the similarity between protein sequences. Finally, an improved Canberra distance comparison is introduced for the similarity analysis of protein sequences with different lengths. Experimental results show that our method is effective for the similarity comparison of protein sequences.

Efficient removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater under sunlight by Fe(II)-doped TiO₂ spherical shell

Fe(II)-doped TiO2 spherical shell catalyst was synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method. The photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) from plating wastewater under sunlight of the catalyst was demonstrated. It was found that the removal effectiveness of about 99.99% for initial Cr(VI) concentration of 102.3 ppm and 99.01% for 153.4 ppm under 3h sunlight irradiation is realized. The Fe(II) ions serve not only as reducing agents for reducing the Cr(VI) to Cr(III) but also as an intermedium of a two-step reduction, in which the TiO2 photoreduces the Fe(II) ions to Fe atoms firstly, and then the Fe atoms reduce the Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The improved photocatalytic activity of the catalyst is considered due to the synergistic effect of a multi reducing process by Fe(II) doping. The extended optical response and effectively utilization of sunlight of the special spherical-shell-like morphology also contribute to the enhanced photocatalytic activity.

Sapphire-based graphene saturable absorber for long-time working femtosecond lasers

We report a long-time working femtosecond laser using metal-free sapphire-based graphene as a saturable absorber (SA). The sapphire-based graphene yielded excellent nonlinear saturable absorption properties and was demonstrated to be suitable as an SA for an ultrafast solid-state laser. Stable mode-locked pulses of 325 fs were obtained at a central wavelength of 1032 nm with a repetition rate of 66.3 MHz. At pump power of 8.23 W the average output power was 1.78 W and the highest pulse energy reached 26.8 nJ with a peak power of 72.6 kW. Our work opens up a facile route for making reliable graphene SA in the mode-locking technique and also displays an exciting prospect in making low-cost and ultrafast lasers.

The treatment of severe and multiple injuries in intensive care unit: report of 80 cases

OBJECTIVE

To summarize our case load in managing severe and multiple injuries (SMI) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 80 SMI patients treated in our ICU from January 2009 to June 2013 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Results of these 80 SMI patients, 60 (75%) were salvaged and 15 (18.75%) died. The causes of death included severe head injury (n=7), severe chest injury (n=3), destruction of injured abdominal organs (n=2), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (n=3). Five patients (7.50%) gave up treatment and were discharged upon their own requests. Early application of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and enteral nutrition (EN) improved outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The key interventions during the ICU treatment of SMI include: adequate analgesia and appropriate sedation; timely management of hypoxemia; reasonable fluid resuscitation and CRRT.

Facile synthesis of graphene on dielectric surfaces using a two-temperature reactor CVD system

Direct deposition of graphene on a dielectric substrate is demonstrated using a chemical vapor deposition system with a two-temperature reactor. The two-temperature reactor is utilized to offer sufficient, well-proportioned floating Cu atoms and to provide a temperature gradient for facile synthesis of graphene on dielectric surfaces. The evaporated Cu atoms catalyze the reaction in the presented method. C atoms and Cu atoms respectively act as the nuclei for forming graphene film in the low-temperature zone and the zones close to the high-temperature zones. A uniform and high-quality graphene film is formed in an atmosphere of sufficient and well-proportioned floating Cu atoms. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirm the presence of uniform and high-quality graphene.

Study of lipids, insulin metabolism, and paraoxonase-2-311 polymorphism in patients with different subtypes of Alzheimer's disease (translated version)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of blood lipids, insulin metabolism, and paraoxonase-2-311 (PON2-311) polymorphism among patients with Alzheimer's disease with different types of dementia.

METHODS

A total of 84 patients with Alzheimer's disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, and the Alzheimer's disease and Related Disorders Association clinical criteria for 'possible Alzheimer's disease', and with no family history of the condition, were enrolled. They were then categorised into 3 groups (senile dementia, presenile dementia, and mixed dementia) according to the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders, third edition. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to determine the presence of PON2-311 polymorphism. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood sugar were measured. Fasting plasma insulin was measured using chemiluminescence. The basal-state method was used to assess insulin resistance expressed as insulin sensitivity index. The cognitive rating scale of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Activities of Daily Living scale, and Hachinski Ischemic Scale were used to establish the clinical features and severity of cognitive impairment. Differences in PON2-311C/S polymorphism, serum insulin, blood glucose, blood lipids, and neuropsychological score were analysed.

RESULTS

The serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels of the presenile dementia group were significantly higher than those of the senile and mixed dementia groups (p < 0.01). The high-density lipoprotein level of the senile dementia group was significantly higher than that of the mixed dementia group (p < 0.05). The serum insulin level of the presenile dementia group was significantly higher than that of the senile (p < 0.05) and mixed dementia groups (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in distribution of the PON2-311 genotypes C/C, C/S, and S/S between the senile and mixed dementia groups, and no significant differences in C-allele and S-allele frequency between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and insulin levels between Alzheimer patients with senile, presenile, and mixed dementia found in this study suggest that patients with presenile dementia should monitor their lipid and insulin metabolism. No significant differences were found for PON2-311 genotypes or allele frequencies in patients with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

Ag-decorated TiO₂ nanograss for 3D SERS-active substrate with visible light self-cleaning and reactivation

The production of SERS-active substrates which are uniform, sensitive, reproducibile and durable still remains an important issue. Here, we report a strategy for the fabrication of a large-area Ag-decorated TiO₂ nanograss SERS-active substrate by a simple solvothermal approach combined with Ag evaporation. The nanograss consists of dense rutile TiO₂ nanorods of about 5 nm in diameter and the decorated Ag nanoparticles are an average of 8 nm in diameter. The Ag protrusions and gaps between them contribute to three dimensional SERS "hot spots" which can be modulated by simply controlling the Ag evaporating parameters. The Ag-decorated TiO₂ substrate is highly efficient in detecting rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) molecules and has good homogeneity. An obvious red shift and even high enhancement of b₂ vibration mode were observed in detecting 4-ATP due to the effective charge transfer from the Ag atoms to sulfur atoms. The Ag-decorated TiO₂ substrate can be easily self-cleaned and reactivated by visible light irradiation without obvious degeneration of SERS signals. Our results demonstrate that the Ag-decorated TiO₂ substrate with high and homogeneous SERS activity has potential feasibility as a sensitive SERS probe.

Recyclable magnetic photocatalysts of Fe2+/TiO2 hierarchical architecture with effective removal of Cr(VI) under UV light from water

We report the synthesis and photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) from water of hierarchical micro/nanostructured Fe(2+)/TiO(2) tubes. The TiO(2) tubes fabricated by a facile solvothermal approach show a three-level hierarchical architecture assembled from dense nanosheets nearly vertically standing on the surface of TiO(2) microtube. The nanosheets with a thickness of about 20 nm are composed of numerous TiO(2) nanocrystals with size in the range of 15-20 nm. Ferrous ions are doped into the hierarchical architecture by a reduction route. The Fe(2+)/TiO(2) catalyst demonstrates an effective removal of Cr(VI) from water under UV light and the removal effectiveness reaches 99.3% at the initial Cr(VI) concentration of 10 mg L(-1). The ferrous ion in the catalyst serves not as the photo-electron trap but as an intermedium of a two-step reduction. The TiO(2) photoreduces the Fe(2+) ions to Fe atoms firstly, then the Fe atoms reduce the Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and the later is removed by adsorption. The hierarchical architecture of the catalyst serves as a reactor for the photocatalytic reaction of Cr(VI) ions and an effective absorbent for the removal of Cr(III) ions. The catalyst can be easily magnetically separated from the wastewater after photocatalytic reaction and recycled after acid treatment.

Molecular cloning of a new wheat calreticulin gene TaCRT1 and expression analysis in plant defense responses and abiotic stress resistance

Calreticulin proteins play essential roles in regulating various metabolic processes and in molecular signal transduction in animals and plants. Using homologous PCR, we screened a cDNA library of the wheat resistance gene Yr5 from a near-isogenic line in the susceptible common wheat variety Taichung 29, which was inoculated with an incompatible race CYR32 of Puccinia striiformis. We isolated a novel full-length cDNA encoding calreticulin protein, which we named TaCRT1. Sequence analyses indicated that TaCRT1 contains an open reading frame of 1287 bp in length; it was deduced to encode 428 amino acids. Clustering analysis showed that TaCRT1 belongs to group III of the calreticulin protein family. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze expression profiles of the isolated gene under biotic and abiotic stresses. Expression of TaCRT1 was suppressed by exogenous application of phytohormones, such as abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate, and by dehydration; but it was induced by CYR32 infection and cold treatment. Based on the expression patterns, we propose that TaCRT1 participates in regulatory processes involved in defense responses and stress resistance in wheat.

The association of metabolic syndrome with reflux esophagitis: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Obesity has been associated with reflux esophagitis. However, the association of metabolic syndrome with reflux esophagitis remains unknown.

METHODS

A case-control study of 372 subjects undergoing upper endoscopy during health checkups was conducted (182 patients with reflux esophagitis vs 190 age and gender-matched controls). We further measured their height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood glucose. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors associated with the presence of reflux esophagitis.

KEY RESULTS

Reflux esophagitis cases showed higher mean waist circumference (81.37 ± 0.68 vs 79.36 ± 0.70, P < 0.05), waist hip ratio (0.86 ± 0.01 vs 0.84 ± 0.01, P < 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (5.59 ± 0.10 vs 5.32 ± 0.08, P < 0.05) than those in controls. When adjusted for gender and age, multivariate analysis demonstrated that there was a positive dose-response relationship between reflux esophagitis and waist hip ratio (men: OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.52-7.62, women: OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.61-7.06), triglyceride (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.12-3.82), fasting blood glucose (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.12-2.94), and metabolic syndrome (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.15-3.50), there was an inverse dose-response relationship between reflux esophagitis and high-density lipoprotein for men (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15-0.85).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

High waist hip ratio, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, and metabolic syndrome were associated with increased risk factors for reflux esophagitis while high high-density lipoprotein for men correlated with a reduced risk of reflux esophagitis.

Race Dynamics, Diversity, and Virulence Evolution in Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, the Causal Agent of Wheat Stripe Rust in China from 2003 to 2007

Stripe (or yellow) rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is the most destructive foliar disease of wheat in China. The pathogen populations were analyzed for virulence evolution, complexity, phenotypic dynamics, and diversity on temporal and spatial bases. A total of 41 races were identified and characterized from 4,714 stripe rust isolates collected during 2003 through 2007 from wheat growing areas in 15 provinces in China. The races were based on avirulence/virulence patterns to 19 differential host genotypes. Chinese stripe rust population exhibited high diversity with a complex virulence structure. Comparisons using the relative Shannon's index indicated that some differences in the richness and evenness of races were present in pathogen populations within years and between regions despite a national tendency to reduced diversity over time. A noticeably increased frequency of race CYR33 (Chinese yellow rust 33) with virulence for YrSu was the major virulence change recorded in this study compared to the results on an annual basis. Isolates of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici from different regions showed differences in the composition of races, distribution frequency, and diversity. The uneven distribution of major races and comparatively greater diversity in the Northwest and Southwest regions than that in the Huang-Huai-Hai region suggest that long-distance migrations of the pathogen occur from one or more over-summering areas eastward into over-wintering areas. This supports the hypothesis that southern Gansu and northwestern Sichuan comprises a "center of origin for virulence". Mutation of virulence or avirulence for host resistance in the stripe rust fungus may be the basic cause of the occurrence of new virulent types. The subsequent dominance of certain races will vary with parasitic fitness and the opportunities to be selected through large-scale cultivation of varieties with matching resistance genes. Implications of the center of origin for virulence variation and diversity in the pathogen population and an alternative strategy for limiting virulence evolution are discussed.

Quantum Chemical Prediction of Reaction Pathways and Rate Constants for Dissociative Adsorption of COx and NOx on the Graphite (0001) Surface

We present predictions of reaction rate constants for dissociative adsorption reactions of CO(x) (x = 1, 2) and NO(x) (x = 1, 2) molecules on the basal graphite (0001) surface based on potential energy surfaces (PES) obtained by the integrated ONIOM(B3LYP:DFTB-D) quantum chemical hybrid approach with dispersion-augmented density functional tight binding (DFTB-D) as low level method. Following an a priori methodology developed in a previous investigation of water dissociative adsorption reactions on graphite, we used a C(94)H(24) dicircumcoronene graphene slab as model system for the graphite surface in finite-size molecular structure investigations, and single adsorbate molecules reacting with the pristine graphene sheet. By employing the ONIOM PES information in RRKM theory we predict reaction rate constants in the temperature range between 1,000 and 5,000 K. We find that among CO(x) and NO(x) adsorbate species, the dissociative adsorption reactions of CO(2) and both radical species NO and NO(2) are likely candidates as a cause for high temperature oxidation and erosion of graphite (0001) surfaces, whereas reaction with CO is not likely to lead to long-lived surface defects. High temperature quantum chemical molecular dynamics simulations (QM/MD) at T = 5,000 K using on-the-fly DFTB-D energies and gradients confirm the results of our PES study.

A Computational Study on the Kinetics and Mechanism for the Unimolecular Decomposition of o-Nitrotoluene

The kinetics and mechanism for the unimolecular decomposition of o-nitrotoluene (o-CH(3)C(6)H(4)NO(2)) have been studied computationally at the G2M(RCC, MP2)//B3LYP/6-311G(d, p) level of theory in conjunction with rate constant predictions with RRKM and TST calculations. The results of the calculations reveal 10 decomposition channels for o-nitrotoluene and its six isomeric intermediates, among them four channels give major products: CH(3)C(6)H(4) + NO(2), C(6)H(4)C(H)ON (anthranil) + H(2)O, CH(3)C(6)H(4)O (o-methyl phenoxy) + NO, and C(6)H(4)C(H(2))NO + OH. The predicted rate constants in the 500-2000 K temperature range indicate that anthranil production, taking place initially by intramolecular H-abstraction from the CH(3) group by NO(2) followed by five-membered ring formation and dehydration, dominates at temperatures below 1000 K, whereas NO(2) elimination becomes predominant above 1100 K and CH(3)C(6)H(4)O formation by the nitro-nitrite isomerization/decomposition process accounts for only 5-11% of the total product yield in the middle temperature range 800-1300 K. The branching ratio for CH(2)C(6)H(4)NO formation by the decomposition process of CH(2)C(6)H(4)N(O)OH is negligible. The predicted high-pressure-limit rate constants with the rate expression of 4.10 x 10(17) exp[-37000/T] s(-1) for the NO(2) elimination channel and 9.09 x 10(12) exp[-25800/T] s(-1) for the H(2)O elimination channel generally agree reasonably with available experimental data. The predicted high-pressure-limit rate constants for the NO and OH elimination channels are represented as 1.49 x 10(14) exp[-30000/T] and 1.31 x 10(15) exp[-38000/T] s(-1), respectively.

Molecular mapping of stripe rust resistance gene YrCH42 in Chinese wheat cultivar Chuanmai 42 and its allelism with Yr24 and Yr26

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST), is one of the most devastating diseases in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. The objectives of this study were to map a stripe rust resistance gene in Chinese wheat cultivar Chuanmai 42 using molecular markers and to investigate its allelism with Yr24 and Yr26. A total of 787 F2 plants and 186 F3 lines derived from a cross between resistant cultivar Chuanmai 42 and susceptible line Taichung 29 were used for resistance gene tagging. Also 197 F2 plants from the cross Chuanmai 42xYr24/3*Avocet S and 726 F2 plants from Chuanmai 42xYr26/3*Avocet S were employed for allelic test of the resistance genes. In all, 819 pairs of wheat SSR primers were used to test the two parents, as well as resistant and susceptible bulks. Subsequently, nine polymorphic markers were employed for genotyping the F2 and F3 populations. Results indicated that the stripe rust resistance in Chuanmai 42 was conferred by a single dominant gene, temporarily designated YrCH42, located close to the centromere of chromosome 1B and flanked by nine SSR markers Xwmc626, Xgwm273, Xgwm11, Xgwm18, Xbarc137, Xbarc187, Xgwm498, Xbarc240 and Xwmc216. The resistance gene was closely linked to Xgwm498 and Xbarc187 with genetic distances of 1.6 and 2.3 cM, respectively. The seedling tests with 26 PST isolates and allelic tests indicated that YrCH42, Yr24 and Yr26 are likely to be the same gene.

Molecular tagging of stripe rust resistance gene YrZH84 in Chinese wheat line Zhou 8425B

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST), is one of the most damaging diseases in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). With the objective of identifying and tagging new genes for resistance to stripe rust, F1, F2 and F3 populations from the cross Zhou 8425B/Chinese Spring were inoculated with Chinese PST isolate CYR32 in the greenhouse. A total of 790 SSR primers were used to test the parents and resistant and susceptible bulks. The resulting seven polymorphic markers on chromosome 7BL were used for genotyping F2 and F3 populations. Results indicated that Zhou 8425B carries a single dominant resistance gene, temporarily designated YrZH84, closely linked to SSR markers Xcfa2040-7B and Xbarc32-7B with genetic distances of 1.4 and 4.8 cM, respectively. In a seedling test with 25 PST isolates, the reaction patterns of YrZH84 were different from those of lines carrying Yr2 and Yr6. It was concluded that YrZH84 is probably a new stripe rust resistance gene.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) signaling to the Col2alpha1 gene in chondroblasts requires the homeobox gene Dlx-2

To understand the role of Dlx genes in the process of chondrogenesis, we studied the expression of Dlx-2 and Dlx-5 mRNAs in a mouse clonal chondroblast cell line, TMC23. We also examined the involvement of Dlx2 in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) signaling to the type II collagen gene, Col2alpha1, in this cell line. In this report, we show that the TMC23 cells express Dlx-2 and Dlx-5 mRNAs, and the levels can be upregulated by recombinant BMP-2 at an early stage of chondroblast differentiation. Addition of rBMP-2 dramatically increased type II collagen expression at both the mRNA and the protein level. Also, rBMP-2 increased transcription of Col2alpha1, as shown by stimulation of a chondrocyte-specific Col2alpha1 enhancer. The mechanism involves Dlx-2, as the stimulatory effect of rBMP-2 on the Col2alpha enhancer was blocked by an antisense oligonucleotide against Dlx-2 mRNA. The rBMP-2 signaling to the Col2alpha1 enhancer was also blocked by a dominant-negative Smad1 expression vector. These data demonstrate that Dlx-2 is a downstream target of the BMP-2 signaling pathway in chondroblasts. Therefore, we propose a model in which rBMP-2 stimulates Dlx-2 expression, which then serves as a necessary transcription factor for Col2alpha1 gene expression through a chondrocyte-specific enhancer fragment.

A Dense Grid of Reference Iodine Lines for Optical Frequency Calibration in the Range 595-655 nm

A dense grid of reference lines in the hyperfine structure of the B-X transitions of molecular iodine ((127)I(2)) is presented. Frequencies of 481 "t"-hyperfine components in 15 vibrational bands covering the wavelength range 595-655 nm were determined with an absolute accuracy of 1.0 MHz (1varsigma uncertainty). Spectra were obtained by Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy using a cw ring-dye laser of 1-MHz bandwidth. Center-of-gravity frequencies of rovibronic lines, determined by correcting for the calculated hyperfine shift, are included separately in a least-squares parametrization for each band. From the obtained molecular constants a prediction is made for all t-hyperfine components of the 15 bands covering 595-655 nm. Hence a dense grid of reference lines of 1 MHz (1varsigma) absolute accuracy is created, with a line in each interval of 1 cm(-1) in the entire range. This spectral atlas of about 3400 lines may provide a useful calibration tool in many laboratories. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

[Gastric mucosa blood-supply analyzer]

A new medical device, using a gastroscope and the OMA technology, is intoduced in this paper. It is used to determine the blood-supply parameters (oxygen saturation, hemoglobin and onygenated hemoglobin) of gastric mucosa quickly and noninvasiuely. Besides, its testing principles and structure are described here. The clinical testing resuets obtained from various parts of the stomach and gastric ulcer show that they are very important and very useful informations for clinicd diagnosis.

Captopril cardioplegia on myocardial protection in the hypertrophied rat hearts

Hearts with pressure-overload hypertrophy show an increased intracardiac activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) which may contribute to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. This study investigates whether the hypertrophied myocardium is more vulnerable to ischemia and reperfusion injury and whether the specific inhibition of the cardiac RAS by captopril would modify ischemia and reperfusion injury in the hypertrophied myocardium. By using the isolated working rat heart model, hypertrophied hearts, induced by abdominal aortic banding for 6 weeks, were subjected to 120 min of hypothermic ischemic arrest followed by 30 min of reperfusion. The postischemic cardiac function recovery was measured in both the untreated (n = 10) and the captopril-treated (n = 11) groups and was compared with that of the sham-operated non-hypertrophied control hearts (n = 10). Captopril (23.0 microM) was given to one group with the hypertrophied hearts from the beginning of ischemia to the end of reperfusion. In comparison with the normal control hearts, the cardiac function recovery after 30 min reperfusion was poorer in the hypertrophied hearts, which was associated with a lower recovery of coronary flow (CF), a higher myocardial lactate content and a retarded peak myocardial creatinkinase (CK) release. Captopril significantly improved the cardiac function recovery, which was associated with an increased CF recovery and a lower myocardial lactate content, and a rapid peak CK release. In conclusion, this study shows that the hypertrophied myocardium leads to an increased susceptibility to ischemia and reperfusion injury. Captopril, most likely by its inhibition of the cardiac RAS, is effective in preventing the ischemia and reperfusion injury in the hypertrophied heart.

Effect of captopril cardioplegia on renin-angiotensin system, prostaglandins, free radicals and electrolytes in the isolated hypothermic ischemic and reperfusion rabbit hearts

The effect of captopril cardioplegia on ischemic and reperfusion myocardium after 3 hours of hypothermic (13 +/- 1 C) arrest and 35 minutes of reperfusion was studied in the isolated working rabbit heart. In comparison with the control group, captopril cardioplegia reduced the content of angiotensin II (381 +/- 56 vs 507 +/- 84 pg/g wt of the control group, P < 0.01) and MDA (50.0 +/- 9.2 vs 85.1 +/- 16.1 pmol/mg pr, P < 0.01) in the reperfusion myocardium; augmented the renin activity of ischemic (1050 +/- 353 vs 669 +/- 301 pg/g wt/h, P < 0.05) and reperfusion myocardium (1261 +/- 421 vs 498 +/- 353 pg/g wt/h, P < 0.01) increased the 6-K-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 ratio in the reperfusion myocardium (by 48.1% of the control group). Meanwhile, captopril cardioplegia could also decrease the content of calcium (0.027 +/- 0.015 vs 0.045 +/- 0.014 microM/mg pr, P < 0.05) and sodium (0.54 +/- 0.26 vs 0.82 +/- 0.15 microM/mg pr, P < 0.05) in the reperfusion myocardium, but had no effect on the potassium content. The results show that the protective effect of captopril on hypothermic myocardium may be related to the free radical scavenging action, inhibition of angiotensin II production, improvement of PGI2/TXA2 ratio and decrease of calcium and sodium overload in the myocardium.

Defensive secretion of the millipede Floridobolus penneri

Six quinones were identified from the defensive secretion of the millipede Floridobolus penneri. The two major components, 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone [1] and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone [3], previously characterized, comprise 95% of the secretion. One of the minor compounds, 2,5-dimethyl-3-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone [4], is a new natural product. Another, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone [2], had been tentatively characterized from a microbial source. The other two components are 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone [5] and 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone [6]. No sex difference in the composition of the secretion was noted.

Myocardial protective effect of captopril cardioplegia on ischemia and reperfusion injury in the isolated rabbit heart

The myocardial protective effect of captopril cardioplegia was investigated through the recovery of cardiac functions, biochemical changes and ultrastructural assays in the isolated working rabbit heart after hypothermic ischemic arrest for 3 hours. Hearts were randomly divided into 3 groups with 8 in each. Another 3 groups of hearts (8 in each) were arranged for studying the biochemical changes and ultrastructure during the ischemic period. In the control group (I), the hearts were protected by the modified St. Thomas' cardioplegic solution No. I, while in Group II and III the cardioplegic solutions contained 2.3 mumol/L and 23 mumol/L captopril respectively. The results showed that the percent recoveries of cardiac function in the 23 mumol/L captopril group compared with the control group were 97.9 +/- 9.8% vs 84.9 +/- 7.3% in left ventricular peak systolic pressure (P less than 0.01), 118 +/- 33% vs 79 +/- 20% in +dp/dt max (P less than 0.01), 111 +/- 22% vs 75 +/- 18% in -dp/dt max (P less than 0.01), 145.6 +/- 44.8% vs 76.7 +/- 18% in coronary flow (P less than 0.01), 120.2 +/- 45.7% vs 36.4 +/- 22.2% in aortic flow (P less than 0.01), 127.4 +/- 27.3% vs 56.1 +/- 14% in cardiac output (P less than 0.01), and 118.2 +/- 33.5% vs 52.5 +/- 19.9% in stroke volume (P less than 0.01) respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Captopril as a component of cardioplegia in protecting the myocardium from global ischemia during open heart surgery. A preliminary clinical report

It was demonstrated recently that a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists in the heart and coronary vessels, and the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors can protect the heart from ischemia. Eight patients with NYHA class II-IV subjected to valve replacement were studied in protecting the heart from global ischemia with captopril during open heart surgery. After the ascending aorta was clamped, 500-1000 ml 4 degrees C modified St. Thomas No 1 cardioplegic solution containing 0.058-0.23 mmol/L captopril was perfused into coronary arteries under pressure until the electrocardiogram showed disappearance of myocardial electroactivity. The cardioplegic perfusion was repeated every 30 minutes thereafter during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). All the hearts rebeat after reperfusion either spontaneously or from defibrillation without any trouble. Three patients developed an A-V dissociation which returned to sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation after a tiny dose of dopamine or isoprenaline intravenously. All the patients weaned from the CPB easily with a stable heart rate and a reasonable MAP. None of them needed inotropic support, even those with severe heart failure before operation did not either, and all recovered uneventfully.