Search

Nanomaterials have been widely used in the detection of heavy metal ions in food due to their large specific surface area, good stability, special structure, easy modification, and good biocompatibility. This review focuses on the research and application status of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, metal-organic frameworks and nanoenzymes in the detection of heavy metal ions in food. The challenges and application prospects of nanomaterials in the detection of heavy metal ions in food are also discussed.

The uranium-containing wastewater produced from uranium ore mining and uranium separation/purification processes may present a serious pollution to environment and ecosystem. The separation of U(Ⅵ) from uranium-containing wastewater by adsorption can not only effectively recover uranium resources, but also reduce environmental pollution. For the high-efficiency separation of U(Ⅵ) in uranium-containing wastewater, the ion-imprinted chitosan/carbon (ICC) nanotube composite membranes were prepared by combining ion-imprinted and chemical cross-linking technologies, and the adsorption performance of ICC for U(Ⅵ) in aqueous solution was investigated by static adsorption method. The results of comprehensive characterization such as SEM, XRD, FT-IR and XPS suggest that the ICC has a porous structure and abundant functional groups (amino, carboxyl), and the CNT is uniformly dispersed in the chitosan matrix. The results of adsorption experiments show that among the ICC prepared with different mass ratios of raw materials, ICC-2 with a mass ratio of CS to CNT of 1∶0.3 has the best adsorption performance for U(Ⅵ), owing to its rich pore structure and the presence of abundant cavities produced by ion-imprinted which can match with uranyl ions and thus are favorable for the adsorption of U(Ⅵ). The adsorption isotherms could be fitted by the Langmuir model, indicating mono-layer adsorption of U(Ⅵ) onto ICC, and the maximumad adsorption capacity reaches 215.83 mg/g at pH=5.0 and 298 K. The adsorption kinetics could be described by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemisorption is the rate-controlling step. ICC-2 could selectively remove U(Ⅵ) in aqueous solution, and the adsorption of U(Ⅵ) is a spontaneous endothermic process. The U(Ⅵ)-loaded ICC-2 could be desorbed and regenerated by 0.2 mol/L HNO3, with the desorption efficiency of 95.2%. ICC-2 could also maintain a high adsorption capacity after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating its good reusability. The XPS analysis indicates that the main mechanism for U(Ⅵ) adsorption onto ICC is related to U(Ⅵ) chelation by the functional groups, which accounts for 73.6% of total U(Ⅵ) adsorption. The ICC-2 presents high adsorption capacity, fast adsorption rate, and good selectivity for U(Ⅵ), and thus it could be potentially used for the effective treatment of radioactive wastewater.

In order to study the spread characteristics of virus droplets in the bus and predict the risk probability of airborne virus infecting passengers in the bus, a numerical model of the bus with the refrigeration and air conditioning on in summer is established based on the numerical simulation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in combination with the Wells-Riley equation. Through the analysis of the characteristics of the flow field in the bus in combination with the Lagrangian method, the spread process of the droplets produced by the cough of the virus carrier in the bus is calculated. The infection risk of virus-carrying droplets to the passengers in the bus in the four ventilation mades is analyzed. It is found that the longitudinal airflow in the bus is a key factor affecting the spread of droplets. Compared with the asymmetrically arranged circular air outlets, the longitudinal airflow in the bus can be reduced by the use of slit-type air outlets. Only 6% of passengers have a higher than 5% probability of contracting diseases in the bus with displacement ventilation, which is more effective in reducing the risk of droplet-borne infection. The research results can provide guidance for the structural design of bus air supply systems and reduce the risk of droplet-borne infections.

Fiber length is one of the important characteristics of cotton fiber quality. It is of great significance to explore fiber length genes for breeding of cotton varieties with elite fiber quality. In the first phase of the study, 15 quantitative trait loci(QTLs) of fiber length were mapped based on a set of Gossypium mustelinum introgression lines,and an introgression line IL9 with elite fiber quality was selected by molecular marker-assisted breeding. A large F2 population was constructed by crossing of IL9 with the recurrent Upland cotton parent PD94042. Four DNA pools,namely DNA pools with the longest fiber length, the shortest fiber length, and the two parents, were subjected to nextgeneration sequencing-based bulked-segregant analysis(BSA-seq). Totally 34 potential candidate genes controlling fiber length were located in three regions on Chr.7, Chr.10, and Chr.18. By comparing the results of QTL mapping and BSA-seq, three candidate genes, namely Gh＿D13 G1294, Gh＿D13 G1295, and Gh＿D13 G1296 were obtained by functional annotation. These genes may play important roles in the improvement of fiber length in Upland cotton.

After annealing and secondary aging treatment at different temperatures, it was found that oxygen content and grain size would affect the yield behavior of Ti-Zr binary alloy with different oxygen contents. The relationship between yield point elongation and microstructure was studied by tensile tests, metallographic analysis, TEM observation, strain aging and EDS. The results showed that Ti-12Zr-0.25O alloy exhibited typical yield plateau phenomenon within the grain size range of 1-15 μm, while the yield phenomenon faded gradually with the increase of grain size; with the increase of oxygen content from 0.1 wt% to 0.3 wt%, Ti-12Zr alloy showed the peak yield drop and yield point elongation, which were 47 MPa and 5.2%, respectively; only when Zr and O atoms coexisted would yield point elongation be significantly enhanced, Ti-12Zr-0.25O especially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of solution coordination environment on the extraction of vanadium by P204 were investigated. The effects of chloride, fluoride and sulfate ions on the extraction of vanadium and their coordination with vanadium were examined at different pH. The results show that for the extractant using an organic phase composition of 20%P204+5%TBP+75 % sulfonated kerosene, at phase ratio of VO/VA=1/2 and extraction time of 8 min, chloride ions can effectively enhance vanadium extraction. At pH = 1. 0 and [Cl-]=5 mol/L, the vanadium extraction can reach 87. 93%. When the pH is 1. 4~2. 2, fluoride ions in a certain concentration range can promote the extraction, and the best promotion effect is achieved when [F-]=0. 05 mol/L. The concentration of fluoride ion is greater than 0. 2 mol/L, and the extraction is inhibited. When pH=1. 8 and 2. 2, the concentration of sulfate has little effect on vanadium extraction. But when pH=1. 0 and [SO42-] = 1. 5 mol/L, the vanadium extraction rate is only 52. 22%, and the high concentration of sulfate can significantly inhibit vanadium extraction. The thermodynamic results show that coordination groups VOCl+ and VOF+ can enhance vanadium extraction process. When the concentration of fluoride ion is higher than 0. 2 mol/L, the coordination anion VOF3 formed by VO2+ and multiple F- prevents the cation exchange reaction of P204. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To establish the first dento-maxillofacial deformity diagnosis and treatment database in China, provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of dento-maxillofacial deformity in China, and lay the data foundation for prospective and retrospective clinical research. Methods The database was designed by surgeons combined with clinical practice, and then the programmer is responsible for the programming of the database. Personal files were established for patients at the time of the initial diagnosis. In future diagnosis and treatment processes, patients’ medical information will be recorded, patients’ case data will be collected, the database system will be improved according to clinical feedback, and the adjustment and improvement phases will be continued. Results A database and statistical analysis system was successfully established for dental and maxillofacial deformities, the clinical diagnosis and treatment information of patients were recorded, and the effective management of clinical data of patients with dental and maxillofacial deformities was achieved. The database functions include data entry management, data query, statistical analysis, image management, information exporting, system management, database management and updating. Conclusion Patients with dental and maxillofacial deformities have a longer folow-up period and greater regularity of diagnosis and treatment, information of which suitable for the collection and management using this database. The application of this database will improve the management of diagnosis and treatment information for patients with dental and maxillofacial deformities, and the database has a statistical analysis function. It has provided assistance for clinical research, which is conducive to the cultivation of specialist talents and the treatment of dental and maxillofacial deformities.

Neuromancer, the masterpiece of the renowned American-Canadian writer of science fiction William Gibson, is a landmark of cyberpunk science fiction. It creates an imaginary era in the near future, in which, due to the impact of globalization, technology and capital would share the dominant power, resources and information would circulate in high frequency, and metropolitan culture would advance rapidly. Neuromancer mainly explores three particular spaces in this era: first, it depicts a contemporary multi-ethnic and crime-ridden city, refracting its highly realistic "inner city" complexity and high-crime crisis; secondly, it presents a new cyber picture of the "world cities" emphasizing their importance, their distinctive functions, and their latent political potential; thirdly, it delineates the cultivation of the orbital space station, revealing the hidden concern over a possible reoccurrence of the imbalance between the inner city and suburbs in a metropolis on the earth and the enclave-like gated space station communities, and exploring the youthful subculture within the "prefigurative culture." What the construction and rendering of the multiple spaces in Neuromancer conveys is a strong implication of social criticism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate and analyze the distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution among patients with primary hypertension in Luzhou, China, and to provide reference for the prevention and nursing care of primary hypertension by TCM syndrome differentiation. Methods A convenience sample of patients who were diagnosed with primary hypertension in a certain grade-A tertiary hospital in Luzhou, China between December 2016 and October 2017. A total of 649 participants were recruited, in which 322 patients with primary hypertension were set as the observation group, and another 327 healthy participants were included as the control group. The general information and TCM constitution types of patients were analyzed. Results There were significant diferences in body mass index, education level, eating habits, alcohol drinking habits, daily activity and family history between two groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant diference in distribution of constitution of Ordinary, Qi deficiency and blood stasis between patients with diferent grade of hypertension! A <0. 05) . The most common constitution in the observation group was Phlegm-dampness, followed by the Ordinary, Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency and Yin deficiency. The most common constitution in the control group was Ordinary, followed by the Phlegm-dampness, Qi deficiency, blood stasis and Yang deficiency. There was a significant difference in the distribution of TCM constitution between two groups (P< 0.01). Conclusion Findings of the investigation showed Phlegm-dampness as the most common TCM constitution in patients with primary hypertension. It is required to carry out targeted nursing interventions by TCM syndrome diferentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the fatality and adverse event rates of prostaglandin E ( PGE ) versus placebo in treating acute liver fail-ure (ALF). Methods A search was performed using Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, VIP, CNKI, CBM, and other electronic databases to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for comparing PGE and placebo in treating ALP published up to April 2012. There were no limits to language and publication. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed independently by two researchers for the RCTs meeting inclusion criteria; a meta - analysis was performed with Rev Man 5. 1 software, and the GRADE system was used to grade the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation. Results Two RCTs involving 59 cases met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the placebo, PGE could not reduce the fatality rate ( RR = 0. 99; 95% CI:0. 62 - 1.57; P=0.96), as demonstrated by the meta - analysis. Both interventions caused slightly adverse events, but no incidence rate was reported. Based on the GRADE system, the quality of evidence was low (2C), and the strength of recommendation was weak. Conclusion PGE cannot reduce the fatality of ALF, according to the systematic review. Large - scale, high - quality basic and clinical researches should be performed to confirm the conclusion because the systematic review is secondary study, the literature included has low quality of evidence, and there may be bias in review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of modified Shenling Baizhu San on the pathological changes and extracellular matrix (ECM) in rats with peritoneal fibrosis induced by peritoneal dialysate fluid (PDF) with different sugar concentration and its mechanism., Methods: Seventy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, different sugar content PDF model groups and corresponding traditional Chinese medicine intervention groups, with 10 rats in each group. Peritoneal fibrosis model was reproduced by intraperitoneal injection of 100 mL×kg -1 ×d -1 PDF containing 1.5%, 2.5% and 4.25% sugar once a day for 8 weeks. The rats in the control group were given the same amount of normal saline. The rats in the traditional Chinese medicine intervention groups were treated with gavage of 10 mL/kg of modified Shenling Baizhu San (containing 2.014 g crude drug per liter) immediately after modeling. The PDF model groups and the control group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage. After 8 weeks, the peritoneal ultrafiltration volume of rats in each group was measured. The peritoneal tissues were collected and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and the structural changes and thickness of the parietal peritoneum were observed under a light microscope. After Masson staining, the deposition of collagen fibers was observed under a light microscope. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Vimentin, the main components of ECM in parietal peritoneum. The positive expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were detected by immunohistochemical staining., Results: Compared with the control group, PDF with different sugar contents could induce peritoneal fibrosis in rats, and the degree of fibrosis was gradually aggravated with the increase of sugar content, which was manifested as peritoneal thickening, increased collagen fiber deposition, decreased peritoneal ultrafiltration volume, down-regulated expressions of E-cadherin and MMP-9 in peritoneal tissue, and up-regulated expressions of α-SMA, Vimentin, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1, and the pathological changes and ECM accumulation in peritoneal tissues were more serious in 4.25% PDF model group. After the intervention of modified Shenling Baizhu San, compared with the corresponding PDF model groups, the peritoneal fibrosis of rats was improved to varying degrees, and the effect of the 4.25% PDF+traditional Chinese medicine intervention group was more significant, the parietal peritoneum was significantly thinner (μm: 101.86±16.01 vs. 140.65±10.13, P < 0.05), collagen fiber deposition was significantly reduced, peritoneal ultrafiltration volume was significantly increased (mL: -0.01±3.45 vs. -3.53±1.84, P < 0.05), the expressions of E-cadherin and MMP-9 in peritoneal tissues were significantly up-regulated [E-cadherin protein (E-cadherin/β-actin): 0.84±0.08 vs. 0.28±0.05, MMP-9 (A value): 0.60±0.15 vs. 0.37±0.01, both P < 0.05], and the expressions of α-SMA, Vimentin, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 were significantly down-regulated [α-SMA protein (α-SMA/β-actin): 0.36±0.08 vs. 1.05±0.09, Vimentin protein (Vimentin/β-actin): 0.53±0.07 vs. 1.19±0.04, TIMP-1 (A value): 0.49±0.06 vs. 0.87±0.02, TGF-β1 (A value): 0.67±0.04 vs. 0.89±0.10, all P < 0.05]., Conclusions: The degree of peritoneal fibrosis gradually increased with the increase of PDF sugar content in rats. Modified Shenling Baizhu San can improve peritoneal fibrosis induced by PDF with different sugar contents in rats, and the mechanism is related to the changes in the expression of fibrosis markers and ECM accumulation.

Objective: To investigate the preoperative nutritional status of cardiac surgery patients in southwest China, analyze the incidence and characteristics of nutritional risk, and provide basis for establishing a standardized individualized nutritional intervention program for cardiac surgery patients., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the nutritional status and intervention status of preoperative patients in cardiac surgery department of 23 general hospitals in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan and Chongqing districts. At 00: 00 on July 7, 2022, the patients aged > 18 years old in cardiac surgery departments of the above hospitals who planned to undergo surgical treatment were enrolled as the survey objects to investigate the nutritional status on July 6, 2022 (the survey date), including basic information (general information, nutrition indicators, etc.), nutrition screening and evaluation (nutrition risk screening and organ support, etc.), nutrition treatment (nutrition supplement methods and prescriptions, etc.) and nutrition awareness of medical staff., Results: The 126 questionnaires were collected, of which 125 were valid (99.2%). (1) Basic information: of the 125 patients, 67 patients were male (53.6%) and 58 patients were female (46.4%). The age ranged from 19 years old to 86 years old, with an average of (53.13±14.74) years old. Body mass index (BMI) was (22.21±3.78) kg/m 2 . The age and BMI of men were significantly higher than those of women [age (years old): 56.63±13.34 vs. 49.09±15.35, BMI (kg/m 2 ): 22.74±3.86 vs. 21.59±3.61, both P < 0.05]. Of the 125 patients, 75 had valvular disease and 50 were with non-valvular diseases, which mainly included congenital heart disease [19 cases (15.2%)], aortic dissection [13 cases (10.4%)], coronary heart disease [12 cases (9.6%)], etc. The course of disease was 0.5 hour to 36 years, of which 93 patients (74.4%) were more than 6 months and 32 patients (25.6%) were equal to or less than 6 months. The proportion of female patients with disease duration > 6 months was significantly higher than that of male patients [87.9% (51/58) vs. 62.7% (42/67), P < 0.01]. The basic diseases mainly included hypertension [38 cases (30.4%)], coronary heart disease [12 cases (9.6%)], diabetes [7 cases (5.6%)], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD, 6 cases (4.8%)], etc. Among 125 patients, total protein (TP) < 60 g/L in 24 cases (19.2%), albumin (Alb) < 40 g/L in 64 cases (51.2%), anemia [male hemoglobin (Hb) < 120 g/L, female Hb < 110 g/L] in 33 cases (26.4%). A total of 60 cases of prealbumin data were collected, of which 23 cases (38.3%) were less than 200 mg/L. (2) Nutrition screening and assessment: 33.6% of the 125 patients did not undergo routine nutrition screening after admission, including the provincial and municipal tertiary hospitals. Among the 83 patients undergoing nutritional screening, 41 (32.8%) were at nutritional risk. Further analysis of patients with nutritional risk showed that of the 41 patients, 20 were male (48.8%) and 21 were female (51.2%); 27 cases (65.9%) was with valvular diseases and 14 cases (34.1%) was with non-valvular diseases; the course of disease was more than 6 months in 30 cases (73.2%), and ≤ 6 months in 11 cases (26.7%). Statistical comparison of the above 83 patients showed that women, basic disease, long term-valvular disease, anemia, low TP, and low Alb before operation were more prone to innutrition. (3) Nutritional therapy: of the 125 patients, 5 were receiving mechanical ventilation (4.0%) and 2 were using vasoactive drugs (1.6%); there were 5 cases with gastrointestinal dysfunction (4.0%), mainly manifested as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. One patient was treated with enteral nutrition through gastric tube combined with parenteral nutrition support, 124 patients were fed orally, and an irregular phenomenon of injecting amino acid fat emulsion through peripheral vein in 2 patients. (4) Nutrition awareness of medical staff: 124 (99.2%) of the 125 patients had a nutrition department in their hospital; 71 cases (56.8%) received nutrition education, of which 37 cases (52.1%) were consulted by the nutrition department. Of all the cases, only 38 (30.4%) were consulted by the nutrition department, of which 1 (2.6%) did not receive nutrition education after consultation., Conclusions: At present, the incidence of preoperative malnutrition in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is high in southwest China. The incidence of malnutrition in patients with basic diseases, long term-valvular disease, low TP, low Alb and anemia before operation is higher, and the incidence of malnutrition is hidden in women. The course of disease of women is longer than that of men at the time of treatment, and malnutrition is more likely to occur. The attending physicians should pay attention to the above groups. It is necessary to establish a standardized individualized nutritional intervention program and apply it to actual clinical diagnosis and treatment, so as to ultimately improve the prognosis of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and increase the benefits of patients in treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) in septic patients., Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. Sixty septic patients admitted to department of intensive care unit (ICU) of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2016 to October 2019 were enrolled. The EVLWI and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) were determined by pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours. At the same time, the numbers of comet tail signs in both lungs (parasternal, midclavicular, axillary to midaxillary) were collected by chest ultrasound. Moreover, arterial blood gas analysis, such as pH value, central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (Pcv-aCO 2 ), central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ), blood lactic acid (Lac), PaO 2 /FiO 2 were measured. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the number of comet-tail sign and EVLWI. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the number of comet-tail sign, EVLWI and prognosis. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to predict the prognosis., Results: There were 43 males and 17 females in 60 septic patients. The average age was (64.3±15.5) years old (range: 31-83 years old). There were 35 cases with pulmonary infection, 10 cases with abdominal infection, 6 cases with urinary tract infection, 3 cases with skin and soft tissue infection, 3 cases with intestinal infection, 1 case with meningitis, 1 case with cellulitis and 1 case with multiple injury. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurred with 8 patients; 40 patients (66.7%) survived and 20 patients (33.3%) died on day 28. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the number of comet-tail sign was positively correlated with EVLWI (r = 0.944, P < 0.001). There was significant difference in the number of comet-tail signs among sepsis patients with different primary infection sites (H = 17.714, P < 0.001). The number of comet-tail signs in sepsis patients with pulmonary infection [19 (13, 27)] was significantly higher than that with other infections. The number of comet-tail sign in patients with ARDS was significantly higher than that in patients without ARDS [27 (19, 30) vs. 15 (9, 24), H = 25.387, P < 0.001]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that EVLWI, the number of comet-tail signs and PVPI were independent risk factors for death in septic patients [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were 10.772 (1.161-99.851), 2.360 (1.070-5.202), 2.042 (1.152-3.622), all P < 0.05]. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of Logistic regression model based on comet-tail sign and EVLWI were 90.0%, 90.0%, 90.0%, 81.8%, 94.7%, respectively, and area under curve (AUC) were 0.926±0.018, 95%CI was 0.912-0.975, P < 0.001., Conclusions: The transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail in septic patients is significantly correlated with EVLWI monitored by PiCCO. The transthoracic lung ultrasound comet-tail combined with EVLWI can better improve the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 28-day prognosis in septic patients.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for an infant with congenital generalized lipodystrophy., Methods: Peripheral blood samples of the child and her parents were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA. All exons and flanking sequences of the AGPAT2 gene were subjected to Sanger sequencing., Results: The child was found to harbor compound heterozygous c.792&#95;805delGGAGAACGGGGCCA (p.Gln264Hisfs*208) and c.335C>T (p.P112L) variants in exons 6 and 3 of the AGPAT2 gene, which were respectively inherited from her mother and father. c.792&#95;805delGGAGAACGGGGCCA (p.Gln264Hisfs*208) was previously unreported, while c.335C>T (p.P112L) was known to be pathogenic., Conclusion: The compound heterozygous variants of the AGPAT2 gene probably underlie the disease in this child.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Qingshen Granules on renal anemia in patients with damp-heat syndrome and explore the mechanisms in light of inflammation/hepcidin axis and iron metabolism., Methods: Sixty patients with renal anemia and dampness-heat syndrome were randomized into control group ( n =30) and treatment group ( n =30). All the patients were given routine treatment, and the patients in the treatment group received additional treatment with Qingshen Granules (3 times a day). After 12 weeks of treatments, the patients were examined for changes in the integral value of TCM syndrome, serum creatinine (Scr), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cell (RBC) count, interleukin-6 (IL-6), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), ferritin, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TAST), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin levels., Results: After the treatment, the scores of TCM syndrome were significantly improved in the treatment group and were better than those in the control group ( P =0.000). Scr and eGFR were improved in both groups after the treatment. The levels of HGB, HCT and RBC were all improved in the two groups after treatment, and the improvements were more obvious in the treatment group ( P =0.002, 0.002, and 0.017, respectively). The levels of IL-6, hs-CRP, hepcidine and GDF-15 were all lowered in the two groups after the treatment, and they were all significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (all P =0.000). The treatments increased the levels of SI and TAST in both of the groups, and compared with those in control group, the levels of TIBC, sTfR and ferritin were significantly lowered in the treatment group after the 12-week treatment ( P =0.000)., Conclusions: Qingshen granules can effectively improve renal anemia in patients with damp-heat syndrome possibly by improving iron metabolism through alleviation of inflammation and reduction of hepcidine level.

Objective To explore the mechanism of transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose based on reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NF-κB signaling pathway. Methods HK-2 normal human proximal tubular epithelial cells were randomly divided into blank control group, osmotic pressure control group, high glucose group and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscope. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular ROS content. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase activity were tested by ELISA. Western blot analysis was used to examine the protein levels of NF-κBp65, phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) and IKKα, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). The expressions of NF-κBp65, epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Results In high glucose group, the cells became spindle-shaped or irregular, with radial edges, enlarged intercellular space, decreased refractive index and irregular arrangement. At the same time, the cell activity decreased with the prolongation of treatment time, and the cell activity in PDTC group was higher than that in high glucose group. Compared with the blank control group, the content of ROS and MDA increased and the activity of SOD decreased in the high glucose group, while the content of ROS and MDA decreased and the activity of SOD increased in the PDTC group compared with the high glucose group. Compared with the blank group, the protein levels of NF-κBp65, p-IκBα, IKKα, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 increased in the high glucose group, while the protein levels above decreased in the PDTC group compared with the high glucose group. Compared with the blank group, the proportion of positive cells of NF-κBp65 and α-SMA increased and the proportion of positive cells of E-cadherin decreased in the high glucose group. Compared with the high glucose group, the proportion of positive cells of NF-κBp65 and α-SMA decreased and the proportion of positive cells of E-cadherin increased in the PDTC group. Conclusion High glucose can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HK-2 cells. Activation of NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by ROS participates in the above process, which can be blocked by PDTC.

Objective: To observe the effect of Ronghuang granule on serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFRs) and Klotho protein levels in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) and kidney deficiency and damp heat syndrome., Methods: Seventy non-dialysis CKD-MBD patients with kidney deficiency and dampness-heat syndrome were randomized into control group ( n =35) and treatment group ( n =35). All the patients were given routine treatment combined with traditional Chinese medicine retention enema, and the patients in the treatment group received additional Ronghuang granule treatment (3 times a day). After the 12-week treatments, the patients were examined for changes of TCM syndromes. Serum levels of Ca, P, parathyroid hormone (iPTH), FGF23, FGFRs and Klotho proteins were detected before and after treatment. These parameters were also examined in 20 healthy volunteers., Results: Sixty-five patients completed the study, including 33 in the control group and 32 in the treatment group. The patients in the treatment group showed significantly better treatment responses than those in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05 or 0.01). At 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment, the patients in the treatment group had significantly lowered scores of TCM syndromes compared with the score before treatment ( P &lt; 0.05 or 0.01), while in the control group, significant reduction of the scores occurred only at 12 weeks ( P &lt; 0.05); at each of the time points, the treatment group had significantly greater reductions in the score than the control group ( P &lt; 0.01). Significant improvements in serum Ca, P and iPTH levels were observed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks in the treatment group ( P &lt; 0.05) but only at 12 weeks in the control group ( P &lt; 0.05). The patients in the control and treatment groups all showed elevated serum levels of FGF23, FGFRs and Klotho protein compared with the normal subjects ( P &lt; 0.01); FGF23, FGFRs and Klotho levels were significantly reduced in the treatment group ( P &lt; 0.05) but remained unchanged in the control group ( P &gt;0.05), showing significant differences between the two groups., Conclusions: Ronghuang granule improves the clinical symptoms of non-dialysis CKD-MBD patients with kidney deficiency and dampness heat syndrome by reducing serum levels of FGF23, FGFRs and Klotho, improving calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorder, and inhibiting secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Objective To observe the effect of Shendi granules on T cell subsets and podocyte marker protein in rats with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN), and study possible mechanism. Methods Totally 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the model group, valsartan group, Shendi granule group and normal group. The Shendi granule group were given 4 g/(kg.d) of Shendi granule by gavage; the valsartan group were given 10.3 mg/(kg.d) of valsartan by gavage; the model group and normal group were given the same amount of saline per day by gavage. The treatments lasted 12 weeks. Routine biochemical method was used to quantify 24-hour urine protein; the numbers of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were detected by flow cytometry; the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4 and IL-17, the levels of urinary podocalyxin (PCX) and B7-1, the renal calcineurin (CaN) content were determined by ELISA. Results Compared with the normal group, the levels of 24-hour urine protein, CD8 + T cells, serum IL-2 and IL-17, urinary PCX and B7-1, CaN in the model group were higher. The above indexes in the valsartan group and control group were lower than those in the model group, they were lower in the Shendi granule group than in the valsartan group. The whole blood CD4 + T cell number and serum IL-4 level in the model group were lower than those in the normal group, they were higher in the valsartan group and control group than in the model group. Compared with the valsartan group, the Shendi granule group had a better improvement. Conclusion Shendi granule could reduce 24-hour urine protein effectively. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of CD4 + T and CD8 + T cell numbers, the down-regulated expressions of serum IL-2, IL-17, the decreased levels of PCX and B7-1 in urine, CaN in kidney tissue, and the up-regulated level of serum IL-4.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases that threatens human being’s health.With researches on microRNAs(miRNAs)getting deeper and wider,more evidences revealed that a great many of miRNAs have been involved in the development of colorectal cancer and have the potential to become the biomarker for early diagnosis,prediction of prognosis and recurrence of colorectal cancer.MiRNA-143/miRNA-145 are significantly reduced in several cancers,including colorectal cancer,showing an antitumorigenic activity.In the present article,we make a brief review on the advances in the researches on miRNA-143/miRNA-145 and colorectal cancer to provide guidance for further explorations of the mechanism and target therapy of this disease.

Objective: To determine the normal reference value of pyrrole adducts in urine in young people in a university in Shandong, China, and to provide a reliable basis for the clinical diagnosis of n-hexane poisoning., Methods: A total of 240 college students were randomly selected. After excluding 32 ineligible students, 208 subjects were included in this study, consisting of 104 males and 104 females, with a mean age of 21?3 years (range: 18 to 24 years). Morning urine was collected from each subject. The content of pyrrole adducts was determined by chromatometry., Results: The content of pyrrole adducts in both male and female obeyed a positively skewed distribution. The median level of pyrrole adducts in male subjects was 0.88 nmol/ml, and the reference value was 0.14-3.92 nmol/ml. The median level of pyrrole adducts in female subjects was 0.93 nmol/ ml, and the reference value was 0.09-3.27 nmol/ml. Student's t test identified no statistical difference in pyrrole adduct level between male and female subjects (t=0.15, P>0.05)., Conclusion: The median level of pyrrole adducts in normal young people is 0.91 nmol/ml, and the reference value is 0.11-3.95 nmol/ml.

Objective: To investigate the ideal persistence time of prone position ventilation in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)., Methods: Collect 78 cases of severe ARDS admitted to the ICU unit of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2012 to June 2014, all the ARDS patients needed to receive 8 h/day prone position continuous 5 day. For each of the prone position ventilation, ultrasound patterns were recorded and the aeration scores were calculated at the beginning of the prone position (T0) and 2 h (T1), 4 h (T2), 6 h (T3), 8 h (T4) later. The correlation of the aeration score variation (ASV) and the arterial blood gas indexes (pH, PaO(2), PaCO(2), PaO(2)/FiO(2)) were recorded also. The adverse reactions, ventilator situation and oxygen fraction after 7 days, 28-day mortality were monitored., Results: The aeration score of the lung at T1, T2, T3, T4 was significantly reduced than T0 all, the ventilation situation of mainly areas was improved after 2 h PPV (P < 0.05), 4 h later it was not distinguished (P > 0.05); the value of PaO(2), PaO(2)/FiO(2) was greater at T1, T2, T3, T4 than T0 (P < 0.05), the value of the oxygen fraction was significant increased at T2 than T1 (t = 2.840, P < 0.05); the number of patients with oxygen fractions > 300 mmHg after 5 days PPV was 65 (83.3%); there were 30 (38.5%) patients free of mechanical ventilation after 7 days; the 28-day mortality was 7 (8.97%)., Conclusion: In patients with severe ARDS, applicating 2-4 hours validity of prone position ventilation significantly improves the pulmonary ventilation, more than 4 h PPV do not better for patients probably.

Objective: To study the changes in the levels of authophagy-related proteins ATG4A and p-ATG4A in nervous tissue after treated with tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate and explore the possible pathogenesis of OPIDN., Methods: In the first experiment, thirty hens were randomly divided into control group and 1 d, 5 d, 10 d and 21d treated groups, hens in treated groups were treated with TOCP by gavage at a single dosage of 600 mg/kg. In the second experiment, other thirty hens were also randomly divided into control group and 1 d, 5 d, 10 d and 21 d treated groups, hens in treated group were pretreated with PMSF by subcutaneous at a single dosage of 90 mg/kg. 24 h later, hens in intervention group was treated with TOCP by gavage at a single dosage of 600 mg/kg. The hens were killed at the corresponding time points, and collected their tibial nerves. The levels of ATG4A and p-ATG4A were measured by immunoblotting., Results: compared with the control group, the levels of ATG4A decreased by36%, 43.7% and 41% at 1d, 5d and 10d in the intoxication groups (P < 0.05), the levels of p-ATG4A decreased by 22.5%, 25%and 21%at 1d, 5d and 10d in the intoxication group (P < 0.05). However, compared with the control group, there is no significant change in the levels of ATG4A and p-ATG4A in PMSF-pretreated groups., Conclusion: The intoxication of TOCP influence the levels of autophagy-related proteins ATG4A and p-ATG4A, which might be associated with the inhibition of autophagy activity in neurons of OPIDN.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the bacterial pathogen composition of pneumonia among children under 5 years old in Ningbo., Methods: In 2013 February-April, we selected pediatric ward in three hospitals according to stratified cluster random sampling, and from which we collected all 57 556 hospitalized cases in January 2009-December 2012 period of children under 5 years old. A total of 16 740 medical records and bacterial spectrum records of pneumonia or bronchial pneumonia cases among children under 5 years old were described to calculate the proportions of children pneumonia or bronchial pneumonia hospitalized cases accounted for hospitalized children over the same period(referred to as proportions of pneumonia incidence), the detection rate of bacterial pathogens, proportions of bacterial spectrum, and to analyze the characteristics and bacterial pathogen composition of pneumonia among children under 5 years., Results: The proportions of children pneumonia in 2009-2012 were 26.16% (2 882/11 017), 31.23% (4 004/12 819), 29.35% (4 898/16 689) and 29.10% (4 956/17 031)(Z = 3.13, P < 0.01), and were in a downward trend by the increasing of age(Z = -113.74, P < 0.01). The proportions of children pneumonia of 0-5 age group were 50.71% (6 756/13 318), 26.60% (3 159/11 877), 24.17% (2 574 /10 648), 22.36% (2 509 /11 223) and 16.63% (1 745 /10 490). The proportions of children pneumonia with different season were 26.90% (3 725/13 850), 26.51% (3 788/14 287), 29.59% (4 442/15 011) and 33.21% (4 785 /14 408) (χ² = 198.77, P < 0.01). The proportions of severe children pneumonia of 0-5 age group were 1.10% (74/6 753), 0.47% (15/3 159), 0.19% (5 /2 574),0.08% (2 /2 509) and 0.06% (1 /1 745), with a downward trend by the age(F = 57.62, P < 0.01). The detection rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae,Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae was 19.3% (540/2 805), 16.4% (460/2 805), 13.6% (381/2 805), 11.9% (335/2 805), 11.5% (323/2 805) and 6.8% (192/2 805)., Conclusion: In 2009-2012, the proportions of children pneumonia under 5 year old constituted a relatively high proportion in Ningbo city. Children under 1 year old were the major suffering group of pneumonia and severe pneumonia, which should be the key prevention group. The major bacterial pathogens of children's pneumonia in Ningbo are gram-negative bacteria.

Objective: To study the changes in microtubule motor protein expression in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve of rats exposed to carbon disulfide, and to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of changes in axonal transport in carbon disulfide-induced peripheral neuropathy., Methods: Healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into one control group and three experimental groups (10 rats per group). The rats in experimental groups were intoxicated by gavage of carbon disulfide at a dose of 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg 6 times a week for 6 consecutive weeks, while the rats in control group were given the same volume of corn oil by gavage. Animals were sacrificed after exposure, with nerve tissue separated. The levels of dynein, dynactin, and kinesin in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve were determined by Western blot., Results: The content of dynein, dynactin, and kinesin in the sciatic nerve decreased significantly under exposure to carbon disulfide. The levels of dynein in the sciatic nerve were reduced by 23.47% and 33.34% at exposure doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. The levels of dynactin in the sciatic nerve of the three experimental groups were reduced by 19.91%, 24.23%, and 41.30%, respectively. The level of kinesin was reduced by 25.98%under exposure to 600 mg/kg carbon disulfide. All the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). As compared with the control group, the 600 mg/kg group experienced a 28.24% decrease in level of dynactin in the spinal cord (P < 0.01), but no significant change was observed in the level of dynein or kinesin., Conclusion: Carbon disulfide has an impact on microtubule motor protein expression in nerve tissues, which might be involved in the development of carbon disulfide-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Objective: To explore the intensive care unit (ICU) strategy and algorithm of treatment for critical patients from the Lushan Earthquake., Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed on the clinical characteristics and treatments for critical patients of Lushan Earthquake occurring on April 20, 2013. A total of 18 critical patients were admitted into 3 ICUs of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital. There were 8 females and 10 males with an average age of 46 ± 23 years and a mean score of APACHE II 11 ± 6. There were extremity fractures (n = 16, 88.9%), chest traumas (n = 11, 61.1%), head injuries (n = 8, 44.4%) and pelvic fractures (n = 9, 50%) . All of them received VIPC plan for early stage resuscitation and CRASHPLAN for further evaluations. And individual treatment was planned and implemented by multidisciplinary specialists., Results: During ICU stay, 7 patients (38.9%) suffered acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Among them, noninvasive ventilation (n = 2) and intubation and mechanical ventilation (n = 5) were implemented. Ten septic patients (55.6%) received antibiotic therapy, 6 with severe head injury accepted Lund's concept for brain protection and 13 (72.2%) underwent 20 operations. Sixteen patients (88.9%) were discharged and another 2 (11.1%) remained comatose in hospital., Conclusion: Earthquake-related critical patients have complicated disease situations. And centralized salvage, optimal strategy and algorithm may improve their outcomes.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of antioxidants in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver., Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE or PUBMED (1978-2011), EMBASE (1978-2011), ISI, OVID Database (1978-2011), CNKI Net and WANFANG database (1978-2011) were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials, with also manual search of the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. The data were synthesized to assess the histological response of the patients (hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis) and hepatic biochemical changes after the treatments (alanine aminotransferase responses)., Results: Fourteen trials involving 1284 patients were included in the Meta-analysis. The quality of the trials was inconsistent. The data were extracted for meta-analysis or descriptive analysis, which did not yield sufficient evidence that antioxidants could improve hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis or alanine aminotransferase responses., Conclusions: The current data do not support a positive therapeutic effect of antioxidants on nonalcoholic fatty liver, and antioxidants are therefore not recommended in the clinical treatment of the condition.

In this paper, the effects of transgenes insertion on the outcross potentiality of rice varieties were assessed by pollen vigor and hybrid seed set. The in vitro pollen germination rates of five transgenic rice lines transformed respectively with bar, crylAb, BADH and Xa21 gene were investigated, and compared with their relative receptor rice varieties. The results showed that there existed a significant difference in in vitro pollen germination rates between receptor rice varieties, but no significant difference was found between transgenic rice varieties and their relative receptors. The in vitro pollen germination rate for transgenic rice varieties varied from 0.416 to 0.584, similar to that of their relative receptors (0.400-0.574). Investigation on the hybrid seed set of 26 hand-crosses showed that the inserted bar or crylAb gene had a significant effect on the hybrid seed set of receptors, while the effect of Xa21 gene was smaller. The hybrid seed set rate of non-transgenic rice in crosses with transgenic rice (pollen donor) was from 0.056 to 0.413, not different from that in crosses with their relative receptors (0.052-0.417). It's suggested that transgenes insertion had little effect on the outcross potentiality of rice varieties.

Pot culture experiments were conducted to examine the effects of water irrigation and rice plant density on the interference of allelopathic rice on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli). The results showed that under water irrigations, allelopathic rice cultivars Xiayitiao, Gumei 2 and Zhong 156 significantly reduced the plant height of barnyardgrass than non-allelopathic rice cultivars Xiushui 63 and Chunjiang 11. Barnyardgrass plants grew shorter as rice plant density increased. Allelopathic rice cultivars Jizaoxian and Gumei 2 interfered with barnyardgrass, even at their densities as low as 4 plants per pot, and the interference reduced plant height of barnyardgrass significantly compared with the non-rice control. Allelopathic rice cultivars Xiayitiao, Jizaoxian, PI312777, TN1, Gumei 2 and Zhong 156 at 32 rice plants per pot inhibited the growth of barnyardgrass significantly than Chunjiang 11.

Objective: To investigate the effects of genistein, a tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor, on the fenestrae, proliferation and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis of the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells from CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis rats in vitro., Methods: By in situ collagenase perfusion and two-step percoll gradient centrifugation, SECs were isolated and cultured from normal and CCl(4)-treated Wistar rats. The fenestrae of SECs were observed by the scanning electron microscopy, and the SECs cell proliferation was determined by the MTT assay. The concentrations of NO in the cultured medium of SECs were detected indirectly by measurement of nitrates and nitrites (the stable products of NO) using the nitrate reduction method., Results: Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the number of fenestrae in SECs from all stage of hepatic fibrotic rats was decreased markedly as compared with the SECs from normal controls; however, no obvious changes in the fenestrae of SECs were observed after treated with genistein (100 mumol/L) for 24 hours. After treated with 100 mumol/L genistein for 24 hours, the cell proliferation rates of SECs from all stages of hepatic fibrosis were decreased significantly was compared with the control group (P<0.05). The synthesis of NO by SECs from all stages of hepatic fibrosis was markedly lower than those of normal controls. Treatment with 100 mumol/L genistein for 24 hours could increase the synthesis of NO by SECs from the early stage (stage I) of fibrosis; however, this effect of genistein was not observed in SECs from stage II or III of fibrosis at this concentration., Conclusions: The results suggest that genistein may play an important role in regulating the function of SECs.

Objective: To explore the expression of integrin alpha 6 in hepatic sinusoidal capillaration., Methods: The rat hepatic fibrosis model was established by injection of carbon tetrachloride subcutaneously. Then the expression of laminin and integrin alpha 6 subunit was observed by immunohistochemistry and dot immuno-blotting., Results: We observed sinusoidal capillaration formed by deposition of laminin along sinusoids in Disse interspace by immunohistochemistry staining. In normal rat the expression of integrin alpha 6 was restricted to portal vascular endothelial cells and bile duct epithelial cell membranes. No expression was observed in sinusoidal endothelial cell membranes. When capillaration integrin alpha 6 was detected in a continuous pattern along the sinusoids, the content of integrin alpha 6 was significantly higher in fibrotic liver tissues than in normal liver tissues as measured by dot immuno-blotting (P<0.05)., Conclusions: During fibrogenesis, laminin continuously accumulate in liver tissues and form basement membrane resulting in sinusoidal capillaration, and then induce the expression of integrin alpha 6 on SEC membranes.