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Abstract: To investigate the in vitro effect of tanshinone IIA on leukocyte-associated hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of human brain–blood barrier (BBB), we established the BBB model by culturing purified primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVEC) to confluence on cell culture insert. BBB was identified by tight junction, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the permeability of BBB to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The effect of tanshinone IIA on the permeability of BBB was tested at 2h after hypoxia and 1h after reoxygenation with or without the supernatants of activated leukocytes. The effect of tanshinone IIA on leukocytes activation was analyzed by detection of MMP-9, cytokines and reactive oxygen species. The results showed that BBB formed by confluent HBMVECs had no cellular gap. Immunofluorescent staining for ZO-1 confirmed that the cells were connected by tight junction. Moreover, the BBB model had a higher TEER and a lower permeability for HRP than confluent HUVECs. The permeability of BBB for HRP was enhanced by hypoxia-reoxygenation and further greatly enhanced by adding the supernatants of activated leukocytes before reoxygenation. But such an effect was reversed by addition of tanshinone IIA before hypoxia. Moreover, tanshinone IIA could decrease the levels of MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-2, IFN-γ and reactive oxygen species in leukocytes. In conclusion, tanshinone IIA can protect BBB against leukocyte-associated hypoxia-reoxygenation injury by attenuating the activation of leukocytes and inhibiting the injury effects of leukocytic products. Tanshinone IIA may be a novel therapeutic agent for cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new tri-cyanometalate building block for heterometallic complexes, [PPh4]2[FeII(Tpms)(CN)3] (2) (PPh4 =tetraphenylphosphonium; Tpms=tris(pyrazolyl) methanesulfonate), has been prepared. Using it as a building block, a one-dimensional chain compound, {[FeII(Tpms)(CN)3][MnII(H2O)2( DMF)2]}·DMF (3), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The magnetic properties of 3 correspond to a ferromagnetic chain with weak long-range superexchanged magnetic interaction between the high-spin manganese(II) ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) cause a huge economic loss around the pig industry worldwide; the NADC30-like PRRSV have attracted much attention outbreaks in China in recent years. Recombination between PRRSV subtypes, point mutations, insertions and deletions that contribute to the emergence of new variants in the genome. In this study, the PRRSV-HB-16-China-2019 strain's full-length genomic sequence shares 93.0% nucleotide similarity to NADC30 PRRSV without any gene insertion. Compared with VR-2332, it has an NSP2 coding region that is different from NADC30, which has a discontinuous 206-aa (111-aa from position 323 to 433 and 95-aa from position 476 to 570) deletion. Compared with other NADC30-Like strains, it has a discontinuous 75-amino acid (75-aa from position 476 to 552) deletion, which was first reported. Notably, the strain, PRRSV-HB-16-China-2019, contained an addition a 1-aa deletion in ORF5 and a unique 3-nt deletion in 3′-UTR similar to NADC30, the strain is recombined between a NADC30-like strain and a vaccine strain named RespPRRS MLV(parental strain VR-2332). Our findings indicate that PRRSV-HB-16-China-2019 is a new NSP2-deletion NADC30-like strain with certain deletions and mutations. Our results show that the emergence of the new NADC30-like strain has increased the difficulty of PRRSV prevention in China. • The complete genomic sequence of a new NSP2-deletion isolated in Hebei Province, northern China. • Compared with other NADC30-Like strains, it has a discontinuous 75-amino acid (75-aa from position 476 to 552) deletion, which was first reported. • The PRRSV-HB-16-China-2019 strain was a recombination event between the NADC30-like strains (lineage 1) and RespPRRS MLV vaccine strain (lineage 5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue performance and self-repairing activity of asphalt binders are two properties that highly influence the fatigue cracking response of asphalt pavement. There are still numerous gaps in knowledge to fill linked with these two characteristics. For instance, current parameters fail to accommodate these two bitumen phenomena fully. This study aims to propose a new procedure to address this issue utilizing the linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test, LAS with rest period (RP) (LASH) test, and simplified viscoelastic continuum damage (S-VECD) model. This research work used four different types of asphalt binders: neat asphalt (NA), self-healing thermoplastic polyurethane (STPU)-modified bitumen (STPB), self-healing poly (dimethyl siloxane) crosslinked with urea bond (IPA1w)-modified bitumen (IPAB), and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified bitumen (SBSB). Before the testing process, all the materials were subjected to short-term and long-term aging. The new procedure showed a superior capacity to analyze and accommodate all bitumen fatigue performances and self-repairing activities compared to the current method. Another finding proved that asphalt binders with a higher self-restoration behavior failed to show a better fatigue performance. Moreover, the higher fatigue performance increments produced by STPU and IPA1w in NA concerning the control bitumen were 123.7% and 143.7%, respectively. Those values were obtained with 1.0% STPU and 0.5% IPA1w in NA. A breakthrough finding demonstrated that asphalt binder fatigue response is augmented when the RP was applied at a higher damage intensity ( S ) value. STPB and IPAB reached their highest increments of fatigue response, containing 1.0% of STPU and 0.5% of IPA1w, respectively. Those augmentations were 207.54% and 232.64%, respectively.

Chiral multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP-MR-TADF) materials hold promise for circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) and 3D displays. Herein, we present two pairs of tetraborated intrinsically axial CP-MR-TADF materials, R/S-BDBF-BOH and R/S-BDBT-BOH, with conjugation-extended bidibenzo[b,d]furan and bidibenzo[b,d]thiophene as chiral sources, which effectively participate in the distribution of the frontier molecular orbitals. Due to the heavy-atom effect, sulfur atoms are introduced to accelerate the reverse intersystem crossing process and increase the efficiency of molecules. R/S-BDBF-BOH and R/S-BDBT-BOH manifest ultra-pure blue emission with a maximum at 458/459 nm with a full width at half maximum of 27 nm, photoluminescence quantum yields of 90 %/91 %, and dissymmetry factors (|g PL |) of 6.8×10 -4 /8.5×10 -4 , respectively. Correspondingly, the CP-OLEDs exhibit good performances with an external quantum efficiency of 30.1 % and |g EL | factors of 1.2×10 -3 ., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Designing materials capable of adapting their mechanical properties in response to external stimuli is the key to preventing failure and extending their service life. However, existing mechanically adaptive polymers are hindered by limitations such as inadequate load-bearing capacity, difficulty in achieving reversible changes, high cost, and a lack of multiple responsiveness. Herein, we address these challenges using dynamic coordination bonds. A new type of mechanically adaptive material with both rate- and temperature-responsiveness was developed. Owing to the stimuli-responsiveness of the coordination equilibria, the prepared polymers, PBMBD-Fe and PBMBD-Co, exhibit mechanically adaptive properties, including temperature-sensitive strength modulation and rate-dependent impact hardening. Benefitting from the dynamic nature of the coordination bonds, the polymers exhibited impressive energy dissipation, damping capacity (loss factors of 1.15 and 2.09 at 1.0 Hz), self-healing, and 3D printing abilities, offering durable and customizable impact resistance and protective performance. The development of impact-resistant materials with comprehensive properties has potential applications in the sustainable and intelligent protection fields., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Polymer materials formed by conventional metal-ligand bonds have very low branch functionality, the crosslinker of such polymer usually consists of 2-4 polymer chains and a single metal ion. Thus, these materials are weak, soft, humidity-sensitive, and unable to withstand their shape under long-term service. In this work, a new hyperbranched metal-organic cluster (MOC) crosslinker containing up to 16 vinyl groups is prepared by a straightforward coordination reaction. Compared with the current typical synthesis of metal-organic cages (MOCs) or metal-organic-polyhedra (MOP) crosslinkers with complex operations and low yield, the preparation of the MOC is simple and gram-scale. Thus, MOC can serve as a high-connectivity crosslinker to construct hyper-crosslinked polymer networks. The as-prepared elastomer exhibits mechanical robustness, creep-resistance, and humidity-stability. Besides, the elastomer possesses self-healing and recyclability at mild condition as well as fluorescence stability. These impressive comprehensive properties are proven to originate from the hyper-crosslinked topological structure and microphase-separated morphology. The MOC-driven hyper-crosslinked elastomers provide a new solution for the construction of mechanically robust, durable, and multifunctional polymers., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Compared with traditional piezoelectric ultrasonic devices, optoacoustic devices have unique advantages such as a simple preparation process, anti-electromagnetic interference, and wireless long-distance power supply. However, current optoacoustic devices remain limited due to a low damage threshold and energy conversion efficiency, which seriously hinder their widespread applications. In this study, using a self-healing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Fe-Hpdca-PDMS) and carbon nanotube composite, a flexible optoacoustic patch is developed, which possesses the self-healing capability at room temperature, and can even recover from damage induced by cutting or laser irradiation. Moreover, this patch can generate high-intensity ultrasound (> 25 MPa) without the focusing structure. The laser damage threshold is greater than 183.44 mJ cm -2 , and the optoacoustic energy conversion efficiency reaches a major achievement at 10.66 × 10 -3 , compared with other carbon-based nanomaterials and PDMS composites. This patch is also been successfully examined in the application of acoustic flow, thrombolysis, and wireless energy harvesting. All findings in this study provides new insight into designing and fabricating of novel ultrasound devices for biomedical applications., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Information security has gained increasing attention in the past decade, leading to the development of advanced materials for anti-counterfeiting, encryption and instantaneous information display. However, it remains challenging to achieve high information security with simple encryption procedures and low-energy stimuli. Herein, a series of strain/temperature-responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are developed to achieve dual-modal, multi-level information encryption and real-time, rewritable transient information display. The as-prepared polydomain LCEs can change from an opaque state to a transparent state under strain or temperature stimuli, with the transition strains or temperatures highly dependent on the concentration of long-chain flexible spacers. Information encrypted by different LCE inks can be decrypted under specific strains or temperatures, leading to multi-level protection of information security. Furthermore, with the combination of the phase transition of polydomain LCEs and the photothermal effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), we achieved a repeatable transient information display by using near-infrared (NIR) light as a pen for writing. This study provides new insight into the development of advanced encryption materials with versatility and high security for broad applications., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Modulation of the ligands and coordination environment of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been an effective and relatively unexplored avenue for improving the anode performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, three MOFs are synthesized, namely, M 4 (o-TTFOB)(bpm) 2 (H 2 O) 2 (where M is Mn, Zn, and Cd; o-H 8 TTFOB is ortho-tetrathiafulvalene octabenzoate; and bpm is 2,2'-bipyrimidine), based on a new ligand o-H 8 TTFOB with two adjacent carboxylates on one phenyl, which allows us to establish the impact of metal coordination on the performance of these MOFs as anode materials in LIBs. Mn-o-TTFOB and Zn-o-TTFOB, with two more uncoordinated oxygen atoms from o-TTFOB 8- , show higher reversible specific capacities of 1249 mAh g -1 and 1288 mAh g -1 under 200 mA g -1 after full activation. In contrast, Cd-o-TTFOB shows a reversible capacity of 448 mAh g -1 under the same condition due to the lack of uncoordinated oxygen atoms. Crystal structure analysis, cyclic voltammetry measurements of the half-cell configurations, and density functional theory calculations have been performed to explain the lithium storage mechanism, diffusion kinetics, and structure-function relationship. This study demonstrates the advantages of MOFs with high designability in the fabrication of LIBs., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Pneumatic-powered actuators are receiving increasing attention due to their widespread applications. However, their inherent low stiffness makes them incompetent in tasks requiring high load capacity or high force output. On the other hand, soft pneumatic actuators are susceptible to damage caused by over-pressuring or punctures by sharp objects. In this work, we designed and synthesized a coordination adaptable network (PETMP-AIM-Cu) with high mechanical rigidity (Young's modulus of 1.9 GPa and elongation <2% before fracturing) as well as excellent variable stiffness property (soft-rigid switching ability σ as high as 3 268 000 when Δ T = 90 °C). Combining PETMP-AIM-Cu with a self-healing elastomer based on dynamic disulfide bonds (LP-PDMS), we fabricated a new pneumatic actuator which shows high load capacity at room temperature, but can also easily deform upon heating and thus can be actuated pneumatically. Benefiting from the excellent self-healing ability of PETMP-AIM-Cu and LP-PDMS, the entire pneumatic actuator can still be actuated after being cut and healed. Such a variable-stiffness and healable pneumatic actuator would be useful for complex environmental applications.

Li-CO 2 batteries possess exceptional advantages in using greenhouse gases to provide electrical energy. However, these batteries following Li 2 CO 3 -product route usually deliver low output voltage (<2.5 V) and energy efficiency. Besides, Li 2 CO 3 -related parasitic reactions can further degrade battery performance. Herein, we introduce a soluble binuclear copper(I) complex as the liquid catalyst to achieve Li 2 C 2 O 4 products in Li-CO 2 batteries. The Li-CO 2 battery using the copper(I) complex exhibits a high electromotive voltage up to 3.38 V, an increased output voltage of 3.04 V, and an enlarged discharge capacity of 5846 mAh g -1 . And it shows robust cyclability over 400 cycles with additional help of Ru catalyst. We reveal that the copper(I) complex can easily capture CO 2 to form a bridged Cu(II)-oxalate adduct. Subsequently reduction of the adduct occurs during discharge. This work innovatively increases the output voltage of Li-CO 2 batteries to higher than 3.0 V, paving a promising avenue for the design and regulation of CO 2 conversion reactions., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Microwave transmission lines in wearable systems are easily damaged after frequent mechanical deformation, posing a severe threat to wireless communication. Here, we report a new strategy to achieve stretchable microwave transmission lines with superior reliability and durability by integrating a self-healable elastomer with serpentine-geometry plasmonic meta-waveguide to support the spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP). After mechanical damage, the self-healable elastomer can autonomously repair itself to maintain the electromagnetic performance and mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the specially designed SSPP structure exhibits excellent stability and damage resistance. Even if the self-healing process has not been completed or the eventual repair effect is not ideal, the spoof plasmonic meta-waveguide can still maintain reliable performance. Self-healing material enhances strength and durability, while the SSPP improves stability and gives more tolerance to the self-healing process. Our design coordinates the structural design with material synthesis to maximize the advantages of the SSPP and self-healing material, significantly improving the reliability and durability of stretchable microwave transmission lines. We also perform communication quality experiments to demonstrate the potential of the proposed meta-waveguide as interconnects in future body area network systems., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Harsh conditions are inevitable for long-term use of self-healing polymers. However, the majority of reported self-healing materials cannot remain stable under harsh conditions due to the presence of vulnerable dynamic crosslinking sites. Herein, a universal self-healing poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer is reported. In our design, the PDMS polymer chains are crosslinked predominantly through physical entanglements. Owing to the invulnerable nature of the entanglement junctions and high mobility of polymer chains, the as-synthesized polymer exhibits autonomous self-healing capabilities not only under ambient conditions but also in a variety of harsh environments, including aqueous solutions, organic solvents, and extreme conditions (strong acid/alkali, redox agents, freezing temperature). Moreover, this polymer can be easily integrated with a eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) alloy to achieve layer-by-layer self-healing electronic skin sensors, which realize the combination of excellent electrical conductivity, long-term sensing stability, and universal self-healing capability.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is recognized as one of the most aggressive and fatal malignant tumors. No significant improvement has been made to prolong the survival of SCLC patients. This study aimed to examine the mutation status of K-Ras (KRAS) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in SCLC patients in order to identify potential therapeutic targets for SCLC. Nineteen primary SCLC tumor specimens were enrolled in the study. Direct sequencing was performed to detect the mutations of KRAS exon 3 and PTEN exon 7 in the specimens. Kaplan- Meier and Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the overall survival (OS) of these SCLC patients. KRAS exon 3 mutation was found in 4 (21%) SCLC patients, and PTEN exon 7 mutation in only 1 (5%) SCLC patient. Kaplan Meier analysis showed that clinical stage and brain metastasis were significantly associated with OS (both P<0.05), but neither KRAS exon 3 mutation nor PTEN exon 7 mutation was significantly associated with OS (P>0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression model indicated that extensive stage of disease was the only independent negative prognostic factor for OS in SCLC patients. In conclusion, KRAS exon 3 and PTEN exon 7 mutations had no significant impact on OS of SCLC patients. Further study is still necessary to validate the molecular profiles of SCLC.

There is often a trade-off between mechanical properties (modulus and toughness) and dynamic self-healing. Here we report the design and synthesis of a polymer containing thermodynamically stable whilst kinetically labile coordination complex to address this conundrum. The Zn-Hbimcp (Hbimcp = 2,6-bis((imino)methyl)-4-chlorophenol) coordination bond used in this work has a relatively large association constant (2.2 × 10 11 ) but also undergoes fast and reversible intra- and inter-molecular ligand exchange processes. The as-prepared Zn(Hbimcp) 2 -PDMS polymer is highly stretchable (up to 2400% strain) with a high toughness of 29.3 MJ m -3 , and can autonomously self-heal at room temperature. Control experiments showed that the optimal combination of its bond strength and bond dynamics is responsible for the material's mechanical toughness and self-healing property. This molecular design concept points out a promising direction for the preparation of self-healing polymers with excellent mechanical properties. We further show this type of polymer can be potentially used as energy absorbing material.

Isoflurane is a widely used inhaled anesthetic in the clinical setting. However, the mechanism underlying its effect on consciousness is under discussion. Therefore, we investigated the effect of isoflurane on the hippocampus and cortex using an in vivo field recording approach. Our results showed that 1.3%, 0.8%, and 0.4% isoflurane exerted an inhibitory influence on the mouse hippocampus and cortex. Further, high frequency bands in the cortex and hippocampus showed greater suppression with increasing isoflurane concentration. Our findings suggest that in vivo field recordings can monitor the effect of isoflurane anesthesia on the mouse cortex and hippocampus., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of high-frequency jet ventilation via Wei jet nasal airway and controlled ventilation with improved laryngeal mask airway during bronchial thermoplasty., Methods: Twenty-eight patients undergoing bronchial thermoplasty were equally divided into two groups: group A (high-frequency jet ventilation through Wei jet nasal airway) and group B (controlled ventilation with improved laryngeal mask airway). Pulse oxygenation,heart rate,and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded after entering the operating room (T0), 1 minute after administration/induction (T1), bronchoscope inserting (T2), 15 minutes (T3)/30 minutes (T4)/45 minutes (T5) after ventilation,at the end of the operation (T6), and at the recovery of patients' consciousness (T7). The pH,arterial oxygen partial pressure,and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure were recorded at T0, T4, and T6. The endoscope indwelling duration,operative time,patients' awakening time,adverse events during anesthesia,satisfactions of patients and operators, anesthesic effectiveness were also recorded., Results: The arterial carbon dioxide partial pressur in group A at T4 and T6 were significantly higher than in group B (P<0.05). The pH in group A at T4 and T6 was significantly lower than in group B (P<0.05). The endoscope indwelling duration and the operative time in group B were significantly shorter than in group A (P<0.05) while the recovery of consciousness in group B was significantly longer than in group A (P<0.05). The satisfaction for operators and the efficacy of anesthesia in group B were better than in group A (P<0.05). The number of adverse events in group B was significantly smaller than in group A (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The improved laryngeal mask airway with controlled ventilation is more suitable for bronchial thermoplasty.

A series of chiral cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes, [Pt((-)-L1)(Dmpi)]Cl ((-)-1), [Pt((+)-L1)(Dmpi)]Cl ((+)-1), [Pt((-)-L2)(Dmpi)]Cl ((-)-2), [Pt((+)-L2)(Dmpi)]Cl ((+)-2), [Pt3((-)-L2)2(Dmpi)4](ClO4)4 ((-)-3), and [Pt3((+)-L2)2(Dmpi)4](ClO4)4 ((+)-3) [(-)-L1 = (-)-4,5-pinene-6'-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine, (+)-L1 = (+)-4,5-pinene-6'-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine), (-)-L2 = (-)-1,3-bis(2-(4,5-pinene)pyridyl)benzene, (+)-L2 = (+)-1,3-bis(2-(4,5-pinene)pyridyl)benzene, Dmpi = 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide], have been designed and synthesized. In aqueous solutions, (-)-1 and (+)-1 aggregate into one-dimensional helical chain structures through Pt···Pt, π-π, and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions. (-)-3 and (+)-3 represent a novel helical structure with Pt-Pt bonds. The formation of helical structures results in enhanced and distinct chiroptical properties as evidenced by circular dichroism spectra. Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) was observed from the aggregates of (-)-1 and (+)-1 in water, as well as (-)-3 and (+)-3 in dichloromethane. The CPL activity can be switched reversibly (for (-)-1 and (+)-1) or irreversibly (for (-)-3 and (+)-3) by varying the temperature.

Objective: To investigate the effects of platelet on intercellular adhesion between leukocyte and liver sinusoidal endothelial cell(LSEC) and the transendothelial migration under the hypoxia-reoxygenation condition, as well as the role of relevant adhesion molecules., Method: LSEC was cultured for 24 hours under hypoxia condition and then reoxygenated for 2 hours (hypoxia-reoxygenation, HR). This hypoxia-reoxygenation model was used to simulate the clinical liver ischemia-reperfusion injury process (IRI). Platelets and leukocytes were labeled with fluorescence dye, and then the adhesion was detected by fluorescence microscope, fluorescence plate reader and laser scanning confocal microscope. Antibody blockage experiment was used to analyze the relevant adhesion molecules., Results: The adhesion between platelets and LSEC was increased significantly after HR. The fluorescence intensity of adherent platelets increased from 142.10 ± 7.53 to 289.17 ± 20.00(P < 0.01). After H-R treatment and the addition of platelets, the number of adherent leukocytes increased markedly, and a significant statistical difference (360.71 ± 23.47 and 186.39 ± 17.96, P < 0.01) was found in comparing with the platelet deficient group. These adhesion processes could be blocked respectively by anti-GPIb, anti-GPIIb, anti-GPIIIa, anti-P-selectin, anti-CD31, anti-ICAM-1, anti-VCAM-1 and anti-ELAM-1. Confocal microscopy showed that platelets located between leukocytes and LSEC, and mediated their adhesion process. However, the adhesion of platelets to LSEC decreased the transendothelial migration of leukocytes (227.79 ± 16.51 and 167.27 ± 10.92, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: During ischemia-reperfusion condition platelets adhere to the surface of LSEC, and then further mediate more adhesion processes between leukocytes and endothelial cells, as well as inhibit the transendothelial migration of leukocytes. The consequence is that large numbers of leukocytes were sequestrated within hepatic sinus, and deteriorate liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective: To observe the efficacy of intravenous scopolamine in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after cesarean section (CS)., Methods: A total of 260 pregnant women with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification class I-II who underwent elective CS under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 65): at the end of surgery, 0.3 mg/5 ml scopolamine (scopolamine group), 4 mg/5 ml ondansetron (ondansetron group), 0.3 mg scopolamine plus 4 mg ondansetron per 5 ml (combination group), or 0.9% normal saline 5 ml (control group) were intravenously infused, respectively. The episodes of PONV and adverse effects were observed within 24 hours after operation., Results: The incidences of PONV within 24 hours after surgery were 87.7%, 89.2%, and 92.3%, respectively, in scopolamine group, ondansetron group, and combination group, which were all significantly higher than that in control group (73.8%) (all P < 0.05). However, the incidences of PONV showed no significant difference among these three groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects was observed among the four groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Intravenous scopolamine (0.3 mg), with a comparable efficacy as ondansetron 4 mg, can effectively decrease the incidence of PONV after CS.

To investigate the relevant molecular mechanisms of platelet in promoting metastasis of tumor cell. The adhesion of fluorescence dye labeled-platelet to human liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) line and tumor cell lines were detected by fluorescence microscope and fluorescence plate reader or laser scanning confocal microscope. The relevant adhesion molecules were analyzed by the antibody blockage experiment. The immune colloidal gold transmission electron microscope (TEM), flow cytometry and dye transfer were used to decipher the adhesion and fusion of platelet and LSEC. The tumor cells adhesion to vessels in ischemia condition was analyzed on mouse mesenteric vessels and the metastasis and neovascularization of metastatic foci in pulmonary tissue were also detected after tumor cells injected into nude mice via tail veil. After hypoxia-reoxygenation, tumor cell or LSEC markedly increased its adhesion with platelet, which could be blocked by different antibodies to platelet adhesion molecules. Platelet increased adhesion of tumor cell to LSEC in dose-dependent manner. The fusion of platelet and LSEC was demonstrated by translocation of fluorescent dye from platelet into the adherent LSEC; gpIIb emerged on the LSEC; and confirmed by TEM. The morphological examination found platelet presented between tumor cell and LSEC. Animal experiment indicated that the tumor adhesion to vessels was seldom in normal condition, but increased in ischemia-reperfusion condition, and further significantly enhanced by platelets. The number of tumor metastatic foci and the density of blood vessels within metastatic foci in lung were markedly increased by tumor cell pre-adhered with platelet. The adhesion or fusion of platelet to endothelial cell mediated by platelet surface adhesion molecules, which could promote the adhesion of tumor cell with endothelial cells and the tumor metastasis.

Objective: To compare the hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation using a Shikani Optical Stylet (SOS) laryngoscope or a Macintosh direct laryngoscope (MDLS)., Methods: Totally 41 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists ASA physical status -aged 20-60 years and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia requiring orotracheal intubation, were randomly allocated to either the SOS group (n=21) or MDLS group (n=20). After an intravenous anesthetic induction the orotracheal intubation was performed using a SOS laryngoscope or a MDLS. Blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were recorded before and after anesthetic induction immediately after intubation, and 5 minutes after intubation. Rate pressure product RPP were calculated., Results: Blood pressures and RPP in both two groups significantly decreased after anesthetic induction (P<0.05) while blood pressures HR, and RPP significantly increased after orotracheal intubation (P<0.05). HR in both groups after intubation were significantly higher than the pre-induction level (P<0.05)and such an increase lasted for 3 min. HR immediately after intubation was also significantly higher in MDLS group than in SOS group (P<0.05); however, such difference was not observed in other time points (P>0.05). In the MDLS group when compared with the occurrence time required for the maximum values of systolic blood pressure (SBP)the occurrence time required for the maximum values of HR after the start of intubation and success of intubation during the observation were significantly delayed (P<0.05). Compared with the MDLS group, the occurrence time required for the maximum values of SBP after the start of intubation and the success of intubation were significantly delayed in the SOS group (P<0.05). The incidences of SBP more than 130% of baseline value and RPP more than 22 000 were not significantly differently(P>0.05). Also, the intubation time was not significantly different (P>0.05)., Conclusion: The hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation is milder in SOS laryngoscope than in MDLS.

Objective: To investigate the morphologic and functional characteristics of the immortalized human liver sinusoidal endothelial cell line (LSEC line)., Methods: Immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence microscopy were used to detect the classic endothelial cell markers in LSEC line, and flow cytometry was used to analyze the purity of the human LSEC line. The morphology (including W-P bodies and surface fenestrations) and phagocytotic capacity of the human LSEC line were observed by transmission and scanning electron microscope. The proliferation curve of the human LSEC line was analyzed by MTT assay. The functional differences between the human LSEC line and human primary LSEC in expression of ELAM-1 and ICAM-1, activities of fibrinolysis (PAI-1, t-PA, u-PA), releasing of IL-6 and IL-8 were compared respectively by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Comparison of the susceptibility to hypoxia-reoxygenation induced apoptosis between the human LSEC line and human primary LSEC were investigated by TUNEL., Results: The established human LSEC line maintained a high proliferative ability and has been passaged for more than 80 times in the absence of any growth factors. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the human LSEC line could express classic endothelial cell marks including von Willebrand Factor (vWF), and could take up acetylated low-density lipoproteins (Ac-LDL). The purity of the human LSEC line was confirmed over 95% by flow cytometric analysis. The W-P bodies and the phagocytosis of Dynabeads was demonstrated by transmission electron microscope. And fenestrations could be found cellular surface with scanning electron microscopy. When compared with human primary LSEC, the human LSEC line has an equivalent responsiveness to tumor necrosis factor in up-regulation of ELAM-1 and ICAM-1. The human LSEC line can also release PAI-1, t-PA, u-PA but can not release IL-6 and IL-8 to TNF-alpha. In contrast, human primary LSEC could release IL-6. The human LSEC line showed higher susceptibility to hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced apoptosis, and the percentage of apoptotic cells was as high as (38.4 +/- 6.7)%, while (28.6 +/- 4.5)% and (7.8 +/- 1.2)% respectively in primary LSEC and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells., Conclusions: The established human LSEC line maintains the special phenotypes and the major functional characteristics, and especially maintains the high susceptibility to hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced apoptosis. Therefore it is feasible to use this cell line for the study of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective: To investigate the hemodynamic effects between the two established anesthetic managements: thoracic epidural anesthesia combined with general anesthesia (TEA + GA) as well as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA)., Methods: Forty-four patients undergoing major abdominal operation were randomized to TEA + GA (n = 22) group or TIVA (n = 22) group. After thoracic epidural catheterization, the anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation was made and a standard anesthesia procedure was administered for both groups. In TEA + GA group, the patients received thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) with 0.25% bupivacaine (bolus 0.5 mg/kg firstly and then infused continuously with 0. 2 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1)). While in TIVA group, the patients received 0.9% saline via epidural catheter just with the same bolus volume and same infusion rate as in TEA + GA group. The parameters monitored were as follows: ECG, systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure, cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), pulse oximetry and PetCO2. Blood gas analysis was made as needed. The observation time for both groups was 90 min., Results: After epidural infusion of bupicacaine (TEA + GA group) or saline (TIVA group), SAP, DAP, HR and SVR in TEA + GA group were statistically decreased in comparing with the baseline, and SAP, DAP, MAP and SVR were also decreased significantly when compared with those in TIVA group (P < or = 0.05). However, CI and SV in TEA + GA group changed little and showed no statistical differences in comparing with those in TIVA group., Conclusions: This study gives evidences that TEA in combination with GA had no negative effects on cardiac functions. The decrease of blood pressure may possibly be caused by the reduction of systemic vascular resistance.

Objective: To analyze and discuss the anesthetic methods and processes for the operations including long-segment resection of the trachea and one-stage anastomosis or reconstruction with artificial trachea., Methods: The clinical data of 25 cases from January 1987 to August 2007 with trachea diseases were analyzed retrospectively. There were 10 cases with benign diseases and 15 cases with malignant diseases. All cases represented tracheal stenosis. Some cases represented severe dyspnea. The length of the tracheal lesions was from 2.5 to 7.5 cm. The longest resection of the trachea was 8.0 cm. Direct reanastomosis were carried out in 14 cases. Reconstruction with artificial trachea were carried out in 7 cases. Thirteen cases underwent general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation only, while 2 cases were assisted with artificial cardiopulmonary bypass. Eight cases were intubated via existed tracheotomy. Two cases received bedside tracheotomy with local anesthesia. Two cases were assisted with high frequency jet ventilation. During the operation, a tube was inserted into the distal trachea or contralateral main bronchus to maintain anesthesia and ventilation after the trachea resection., Results: All of the 25 patients had good outcome. There was no death caused by anesthesia or operation. However, transient lower SaO2 was found in 2 cases because of the difficult intubation of left main bronchus after the resection of the trachea. One case was ventilated with only lower lobe because of the extra-deep intubation of the left main bronchus. Anastomosis dehiscence happened in 1 case when the non-balloon trachea tube was used immediately after the operation., Conclusions: The mortality of anesthesia for tracheal operation are quite high. Therefore, individual treatment with carefully-designed anesthetic and operative protocol, and good communications and cooperation between anesthesiologists and surgeons is the key factor for the success of anesthesia and operation.

Ulmus elongata, an endemic species in China, is one of the grade II national key conservation rare and endangered plants. The spectra of root, stem, skin and leaf of Ulmus elongata sampled from eight different sites were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry with OMNI-sampler directly, fast and accurately. A positioning technology of OMNIC E.S.P. 5.1 intelligent software and ATR correction was used. The background was scanned before the determination of every example. The peak value and absorbance were ascertained using a method of baseline correction in infrared spectra, and then the relativity between absorption peaks of the spectra and the soil nitrogen was analyzed. Results from the comparison of the spectra showed some differences in their FTIR spectra among root, stem, skin and leaf of Ulmus elongata from the same plant. The coefficients of correlation between chemical composition of this four different organs of Ulmus elongata and soil nitrogen were positive in different degrees. There was the significantly positive correlation between chemical composition of stem and total nitrogen (p < 0.05). When the wave-number was 3 365 cm(-1), there was a significantly positive correlation between chemical composition of skin and total nitrogen, and a low correlation between root and leave chemical composition and total nitrogen. There was also a certain extent correlation between chemical composition of this four different organs of Ulmus elongata and soil available nitrogen, but the coefficients of correlation was smaller, and the level of the statistic significance was not significant (p > 0.05). It was showed that the change in soil total nitrogen has some influence on chemical composition of different organs of Ulmus elongata, but the degree of available nitrogen was very smaller. The linear correlation between soil total nitrogen and organs chemical composition of Ulmus elongate, not only provided the theoretic basis for plant nutriology and nutrient ecology of Ulmus elongate, but also proved that the plants and soil were inseparable. The results also showed that FTIR can be used widely for analysis of the correlation between chemical composition of endangered plants and soil physical and chemical properties in the future, and indicated that the new method has practicability and reliability to a certain degree.

Polymeric homoleptic copper(I) arylthiolates [Cu(p-SC(6)H(4)-X)](infinity) (X=CH(3) (1), H (2), CH(3)O (3), tBu (4), CF(3) (5), NO(2) (6), and COOH (7)) have been prepared as insoluble crystalline solids in good yields (75-95 %). Structure determinations by powder X-ray diffraction analysis have revealed that 1-3 and 6 form polymers of infinite chain length, with the copper atoms bridged by arylthiolate ligands. Weak intra-chain pi***pi stacking interactions are present in 1-3, as evidenced by the distances (3.210 A in 1, 3.016 A in 2, 3.401 A in 3) between the mean planes of neighboring phenyl rings. In the structure of 6, the intra-chain pi***pi interactions (d=3.711 A) are insignificant and the chain polymers are associated through weak, non-covalent C-H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions (d=2.586 A). Samples of 1-7 in their polycrystalline forms proved to be thermally stable at 200-300 degrees C; their respective decomposition temperatures are around 100 degrees C higher than that of the aliphatic analogue [Cu(SCH(3))](infinity). Data from in situ variable-temperature X-ray diffractometry measurements indicated that the structures of both 1 and 7 are thermally more robust than that of [Cu(SCH(3))](infinity). TEM analysis revealed that the solid samples of 1-5 and [Cu(SCH(3))](infinity) contained homogeneously dispersed crystalline nanorods with widths of 20-250 nm, whereas smaller plate-like nanocrystals were found for 6 and 7. SAED data showed that the chain polymers of 1-3 and [Cu(SCH(3))](infinity) similarly extend along the long axes of their nanorods. The nanorods of 1-5 and [Cu(SCH(3))](infinity) have been found to exhibit p-type field-effect transistor behavior, with charge mobility (micro) values of 10(-2)-10(-5) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1). Polycrystalline solid samples of 6 and 7 each showed a low charge mobility (<10(-6) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)). The charge mobility values of field-effect transistors made from crystalline nanorods of 1-3 and [Cu(SCH(3))](infinity) could be correlated with their unique chain-like copper-sulfur networks, with the para-substituent of the arylthiolate ligand influencing the charge-transport properties.

The title compound, [Fe(C(9)H(10)BN(6))(2)](3)[Fe(NCS)(6)] or [Fe(III)(Tp)(2)](3)[Fe(III)(NCS)(6)] [Tp is hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate], crystallizes in space group R-3; the asymmetric unit comprises one-half of an [Fe(Tp)(2)](+) cation, with its Fe atom on a crystallographic inversion centre, and one-sixth of an [Fe(NCS)(6)](3-) anion, on a site of -3 symmetry. The anions and cations are stacked into a three-dimensional supramolecular aggregate via two distinct types of weak C-H.pi interactions.

Objective: To build the colony immune defence and to control the periodic epidemics of hepatitis A after a mass vaccination of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine., Methods: Through yearly observing the correlation of the accumulative inoculation rates of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine, the crowd immune standard and the morbidity of hepatitis A after administered live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine among susceptible population and surveilling anti-HAV IgG in the different epidemic areas., Results: (1) The accumulative inoculation rates of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine was 34.15% in 8 years from 1993 to 2000, among which they were 84.46%, 82.23% and 15.14% in the preschool children, primary and middle school student and 15 - 45 age groups respectively. The morbidity of hepatitis A decreased to 8.26/100,000 in 2000. (2) The crowd positive rates of anti-HAV IgG were 74.24% in 1998 and 83.68% by 2000. Among which they were 74.02%, 68.49%, 79.41%, 85.71% and 90.80% in 2 - 4, 6 - 8, 13 - 15, 20- and 30 - 39 age groups respectively. (3) The accumulative inoculation rates were 37.36%, 51.08% and 28.68% in the inspection areas of Tongtai, Binhai and Yandu respectively. The crowd positive rates of anti-HAV IgG in three inspect area were 85.71%, 85.94% and 78.63% respectively. It was noticed the correlation between the accumulative inoculation rates and the crowd positive rates of anti-HAV IgG was (r(city) = 0.91, F = 15.10, P < 0.03)., Conclusion: The results showed that the crowd positive rates of anti-HAV IgG had increased to 85% while, the colony immune defence of hepatitis A was effectively built to break the periodic epidemics of hepatitis A. The morbidity of hepatitis A decreased to the lowest level in the history.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and reliability of several widely used tests for prompt detection of inadvertent esophageal intubation., Methods: Both endotracheal and esophageal intubations were made on 40 adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. The tests such as auscultation of bilateral apex of lungs and epigastrium by inexperienced examiners, capnography, SpO2, chest and upper abdomen movements, and airway resistance were evaluated., Results: 90% and 96.25% cases in esophageal intubation were correctly diagnosed via auscultation of bilateral apex of lungs or epigastrium respectively. During esophageal ventilation, abdominal distension was found in 87.5% of cases, but none of them showed chest movements. Meanwhile, PetCO2 fluctuated between 1-2 mmHg, in association with a quick decline of SpO2 in 156 +/- 11 seconds. The airway mean resistance increased, whereas the period of plateau decreased significantly., Conclusions: (1) Auscultation of epigastrium in combination with bilateral apex of lungs is recommended because of the improved accuracy in tube positioning. (2) Capnography is the most reliable technique for the prompt detection of esophageal intubation, whereas other parameters do not seem to be of comparable value.