Search

The shortage of water resources and the aggravation of water pollution have become global environmental problems. The improvement of the separation performance and flux is still a key challenge that restrict the preparation of high-performance filtration membrane. The gradient structure fibrous membranes were designed and prepared using electrospinning nanofiber and polypropylene/low-melt- point polyester (PP/LPET) micro-fibrous and reinforced via needle-punching and hot-pressing. And the as-prepared membrane was functionalized and directly decorated by dopamine copolymerizes. The novel gradient membrane turned from a hydrophobic state to hydrophilic state, and had excellent mechanical and water transmission properties. Mostly importantly, the as-prepared hydrophilic gradient membranes showed durable oil-fouling repellency and the separation efficiency of oil/water mixture approximate 99% and the flux reach 10,278 ± 1512 L m−2 h−1. This method provides a feasible solution to overcome the high filtration resistance of electrospinning nanofiber membrane, as well as for the preparation of low-cost and high-performance composite membranes and structural regulation of functional membranes.

Abstract Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were two major motor neuron diseases with similar symptoms and poor outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers in disease monitoring and differential diagnosis of adult SMA patients with sporadic ALS patients. Methods This was a pilot study with ten adult SMA patients and ten ALS patients consecutively enrolled during hospitalization. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected for assessment of neurofilament light (NFL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH). Serum creatine kinase (CK) and creatinine (Cr) were also compared between groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify differentiated values among ALS and SMA patients. Results Serum Cr, CSF NFL, and CSF pNFH levels of ALS patients were significantly higher than those of the adult SMA patients (p

Numerical simulation on rock-breaking and drilling has been developed as a novel technic for designing and performance analyzing of the bit. On basis of theoretical research and experimental test on the mesh-like cutting PDC bit, the numerical model of bit and rock, the numerical rock-breaking process and the visualization of simulation are respectively studied. On basis of the 3D numerical rock model, the numerical bit-rock system is established and the interaction between rock and bit is researched. Then, the bottom-hole model is established from scattered point cloud using 3D reconstruction method. On the other hand, the calculation method of related cutting parameters is studied and the cutting mechanics model is established. In the numerical system, the drilling process of the mesh-like cutting PDC bit can be simulated, so that the cutting volume of cutters, working load on bit, the cutting volume and the load distribution of fixed and moving cutting structures can be the quantitatively analyzed. Furtherly, revised with indoor drilling experiment results, the reliability of the system is greatly improved. This research is of great significance for analyzing and designing of mesh-like cutting PDC bit.

Abstract Background Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. Accurate and early diagnosis of NCC remains challenging due to its heterogeneous clinical manifestations, neuroimaging deficits, variable sensitivity, and specificity of serological tests. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based pathogen analysis in patient’s cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with NCC infection has recently been reported indicating its diagnostic efficacy. In this case study, we report the diagnosis of a NCC patient with a symptomatic history of over 20 years using NGS analysis and further confirmation of the pathology by immunological tests. Case presentation This study reports the clinical imaging and immunological features of a patient with a recurrent headache for more than 20 years, which worsened gradually with the symptom of fever for more than 7 years and paroxysmal amaurosis for more than 1 year. By utilizing NGS technique, the pathogen was detected in patient’s CSF, and the presence of Taenia solium-DNA was confirmed by a positive immunological reaction to cysticercus IgG antibody in CSF and serum samples. The symptoms of the patient were alleviated, and the CSF condition was improved substantially after the anti-helminthic treatment. Conclusions This study suggests that combining CSF NGS with cysticercus IgG testing may be a highly promising approach for diagnosing the challenging cases of NCC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the parasitic DNA load in patients’ CSF for the diagnosis of disease severity, stage, and monitoring of therapeutic responses.

Abstract Background Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) autoimmune astrocytopathy is characterized by GFAP autoantibody positive encephalitis, meningoencephalitis or meningoencephalomyelitis. The initial clinical presentation may be similar to central nervous system infections making early diagnosis challenging. Case presentation A Chinese female patient presented with subacute meningitis with symptoms of headache, vomiting, and fever. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed monocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein level, low glucose level, and negative basic microbiological studies including Xpert MTB/RIF. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral cerebral cortical and white matter hyperintensities on FLAIR sequences. The patient was diagnosed with possible tuberculous meningitis and started on anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT). Three months later, the patient developed cervical myelopathy and encephalopathy with persistent CSF pleocytosis. Five months later, tissue-based and cell-based assays demonstrated GFAP antibodies in blood and CSF. Her symptoms improved with repeated administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and corticosteroids. One-and-a-half -year follow-up showed neither clinical progression nor relapses. Conclusions Anti-GFAP astrocytopathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with subacute meningitis with negative microbiological studies and a progressive clinical course including encephalitis and/or myelitis.

Objective The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytological and imaging features in 4 patients with meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) were investigated to assist with the diagnosis and improve the treatment of the disease. Methods A retrospective analysis was utilized to investigate the clinical manifestations, imaging, and liquid⁃based CSF cytology of 4 patients with MC by using CSF cytology, all of whom were treated at the Department of Neurology at Wuhan No.1 Hospital from February 2016 to January 2019. Results Four patients (2 males and 2 females) with an average age of (60.00±15.85) years old had a symptom ofheadache,2 of whom had a symptom of slow response. Among 4 patients, all had a history of tumor disease; 2 had a history of lung cancer; one had a history of gastric cancer; one had a history of breast cancer. Four patients underwent lumbar puncture. Two patients had increased white blood cell count, and the other 2 demonstrated decreased glucose levels. Three patients had elevated protein levels. There were 3 cases with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and 4 cases with atypical cells, as indicated byliquid⁃based CSF cytology. However, no apparent meningeal enhancement was found in 4 patients. One of the patients had a negative PET⁃CT. All patients had been receiving or received symptomatic treatment during hospitalization. Post hospital discharge, one patient had been in treatment, and the other 3 patients died within one month to one year after diagnosis. Conclusions The imaging findings of patients with MC were atypical. The clinical history of patients with MC can help with diagnosis. The CSF cytology on these patients has considerable significance to diagnosis. DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2020.07.015

The traditional electrospinning needles are easily blocked and the processing is not suitable for mass production. In order to address the problems, this study uses a rotary linear electrode for electrospinning for the production of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan(CS)/graphene(Gr) nanofibrous membranes. The membranes are observed for micro-structure and tested for thermal stability, surface resistivity, and hydrophilicity, thereby examining the influence of the content of chitosan. The test results show that the presence of chitosan improves the hydrophilcity as well as affects the morphology of PVA/CS/Gr nanofibrous membranes where the nanofiber diameter is smaller. Moreover, FTIR results suggest that chitosan and PVA interact to generate hydrogen bonds that stabilize the thermal properties of nanofibrous membranes. In particular, the maximum thermal decomposition temperature of PVA/CS/Gr nanofibrous membranes composed of PVA/CS ratio being 9:1 is 297.7 ℃. Finally, using chitosan also increases the electrical conductivity and decreases the surface resistivity. This fabricated technique provides the possibility of mass-production of PVA/CS/Gr nanofibrous membranes in the future. Keywords: Rotary linear electrospinning, Nanofibrous membrane, Chitosan, Graphene, Thermal stability, Conductivity

The parallel track scraping principle of conventional PDC bits largely limits the cutting efficiency and working life in deep formations. Cross-cutting polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit may be an efficient drilling tool that increases the rock-breaking efficiency through both cross-cutting and alternate-cutting modes of the PDC cutter. The motion track equation of the cross-cutting PDC bit was derived by using the compound coordinate system, and the motion track was analyzed. Meanwhile, through the unit experiment and discrete element simulation, the cutting force, volume-specific load, and crack propagation were analyzed under different cutting modes. Through establishing a nonlinear dynamic model of the bit-rock system, the speed-up mechanism of the novel bit was analyzed based on rock damage, rock stress state, and motion characteristic of the bit during the rock-breaking process. Compared with unidirectional cutting, cross-cutting produces less cutting force, more brittle fracture, and a greater decrease of formation strength. The novel PDC bit can put more rock elements into a tensile stress condition than a conventional PDC bit, and the plastic energy dissipation ratio of the cross-cutting PDC bit is lower while the damage energy consumption ratio is higher than they are for conventional bits, which is beneficial to increasing the ratio of fracture failure and improving rock-breaking efficiency. Laboratory drilling tests show that the cross-cutting PDC bit can create mesh-like bottom-hole features. Drilling contrast experiments show that a mesh-like bottom-hole pattern can be obtained by using the cross-cutting PDC bit, of which the ROP is obviously higher than that of the conventional bit when drilling in sandstone or limestone formation. Meanwhile, the influence of deviation angle, weight on bit, and rock properties on cutting efficiency of the cross-cutting PDC bit are studied.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorders caused by mutations in DMD. A high-quality database of DMD/BMD is essential not only for clinical practice but also for fundamental research. Here, we aimed to build the largest Chinese national dystrophinopathy database using the National Rare Diseases Registry System of China. Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) was the National Rare Diseases Center of China. This research involved 2013 patients with dystrophinopathies, whose diagnoses were confirmed; they were registered and followed up at PUMCH from March 2011 to December 2018. Family history, clinical signs, and treatment data were reported for patients with DMD and BMD at different rates. All six serum biochemical indexes could accurately distinguish between DMD and BMD patients. Copy number variations were the most frequent mutation type (79.2% in DMD and 84.3% in BMD), of which large deletions accounted for 88.4 and 88.6%, large duplications accounted for 11.6 and 11.4% in DMD and BMD, respectively. An exon deletion hotspot, located in exons 45–54, was observed in DMD, and intron 44 was the most frequent deletion starting point (26.5%). Duplication and single nucleotide variations appeared to be uniformly distributed among all exons. Eleven patients were identified to have ultrarare mutation types. Eleven other patients suffered from two separate mutations simultaneously, some of which may have taken place via dependent mechanisms. Thus, we have established the largest hospital-based Chinese dystrophinopathy database via the National Rare Diseases Registry System. This study provides valuable information for further diagnostic and therapeutic studies of dystrophinopathy.

Background Anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies-associated paraneoplastic peripheral neuropathy (PPN) is a poorly understood disease due to its rarity. This study aimed to summarize the clinical manifestations, electrophysiological and pathological characteristics of anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies-associated PPN and reviewed related literatures, so as to improve the understandings on this disease. Methods The clinical data of 2 patients with anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies-associated PPN were retrospectively reviewed, including their clinical manifestations, electrophysiological and pathological characteristics, treatment and follow-up. Results Case 1 was a 52-year-old woman who initially presented with a 3-year history of slowly progressive numbness of limbs, which presented from right leg and gradually spread to her left arm and right ring finger and little finger. Then she suffered from weakness of left leg, weakened muscle strength of left hand and had difficultly in lifting left arm. Serum anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies were weakly positive, and anti-Hu, Yo, Ri, amphiphysin antibodies were negative. EMG showed peripheral neurogenic damage. Nerve tissue biopsy showed chronic severe active axonal peripheral neuropathy. There was no improvement after two courses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and then she received steroid pulse treatment and sequential therapy. The symptom was still not improved 2 months after discharge, and oral azathioprine was added. Follow-up in one year, the numbness and weakness were improved. Case 2 was an 18-year-old man who presented with one-month history of limbs weakness with fluctuating symptoms and positive results of fatigue test. Serum anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies were positive. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AchR-Ab) was 27.47 nmol/L, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein was 1360 mg/L. EMG showed symmetrical involvement of sensorimotor nerves of all limbs, mainly demyelination. Repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) showed low-frequency amplitude decreased progressively. Needle biopsy of thymus showed type B3 thymoma. The patient was diagnosed as myasthenia gravis (MS), peripheral neuropathy and type B3 thymoma. He was treated by IVIg, oral pyridostigmine bromide and chemotherapy. EMG 10 months after discharge showed worsened neurogenic damage of four limbs. Serum anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies were still positive. Conclusions Anti-CV2/CRMP5 antibodies-associated paraneoplastic peripheral neuropathy patients can present a symmetric or asymmetric sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy with either axonal or demyelinating damage. Immunotherapy maybe effective.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2018.02.012

Background: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a treatable autoimmune neurologic syndrome that occurs with or without tumor association. However, some severe cases are refractory to systemic immunotherapy. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the utility and safety of intrathecal methotrexate injection for severe patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis who did not respond to first-line immunotherapy. Methods: Intrathecal injections with methotrexate and dexamethasone were performed weekly in four legible patients within consecutive 4 weeks. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at baseline and each time of intrathecal injection for identification of anti-NMDAR antibody titers. Results: Significant clinical improvement was observed in three patients associated with a stepwise decrease of CSF anti-NMDAR antibody titers (maximum: 1/320 to minimum: 1/10). After 2 months of follow-up, they were able to follow simple commands and had appropriate interactions with people (modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 0–2). At 12 months of follow-up, they all had returned to most activities of daily life (mRS of 0), and no relapses were reported. One patient showed no clinical improvement and died of neurologic complications. Conclusions: Intrathecal treatment may be a potentially useful supplementary therapy in severely affected patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Further large cohort study and animal experiment may help us elaborate the utility of intrathecal injection of methotrexate and its mechanism of action.

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has become a public hazard to people’s lives and health. Traditional melt-blown membranes cannot filter dangerous particles due to their limited diameter, and ultra-fine electrospinning fibers are vulnerable to external forces. Therefore, creating highly efficient air filters by using an innovative technique and structure has become necessary. In this study, a combination of polypropylene (PP) melt-blown and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/zeolite imidazole frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) electrospinning technique is employed to construct a PP/PVA/ZIF-8 membrane with a hierarchical fibrous structure. The synergistic effect of hierarchical fibrous structure and ZIF-8 effectively captures PM2.5. The PP/PVA composite membrane loaded with 2.5% loading ZIF-8 has an average filtration efficacy reaching as high as 96.5% for PM2.5 and quality factor (Qf) of 0.099 Pa−1. The resultant membrane resists 33.34 N tensile strength and has a low pressure drop, excellent filtration efficiency, and mechanical strength. This work presents a facile preparation method that is suitable for mass production and the application of membranes to be used as air filters for highly efficient filtration of PM2.5.

Background: Autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies against γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABA B R) in patients with limbic encephalitis (LE) was first described in 2010. We present a series of Han Chinese patients for further clinical refinement. Methods: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients referred to the program of encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were tested with indirect immunofluorescence. Clinical information of patients with anti-GABA B R antibody positivity was retrospectively reviewed, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: All eighteen anti-GABA B R antibody-positive cases had limbic syndromes, and electroencephalogram (EEG) or neuroimaging evidence fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of LE. Four patients had additional antibodies against Hu in serum and one had anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibody in both sera and CSF. Seventeen (17/18) patients presented with new-onset refractory seizure or status epileptics. Twelve (12/18) patients had memory deficits, 11 (11/18) patients had personality change, 7 (7/18) patients had disturbance of consciousness, and 3 (3/18) patients showed cerebellar dysfunction. One patient with LE had progressive motor and sensory polyneuropathy. Lung cancer was detected in 6 (6/18) patients. Ten (10/18) patients showed abnormality in bilateral or unilateral mediotemporal region on magnetic resonance imaging. Ten (10/18) patients had temporal lobe epileptic activity with or without general slowing on EEG. Seventeen patients received immunotherapy and 15 of them showed neurological improvement. Four patients with lung cancer died within 1-12 months due to neoplastic complications. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that most Han Chinese patients with anti-GABA B R antibody-associated LE have prominent refractory epilepsy and show neurological improvement on immunotherapy. Patients with underlying lung tumor have a relatively poor prognosis. Testing for anti-GABA B R antibodies is necessary for patients with possible LE or new-onset epilepsy with unknown etiology.

The fate of arsenic in the water environment is of great concern. Here, the influences of oxalic acid and UV light illumination on the dissolution of naked ferrihydrite (Fhy), Fhy loaded with As(V) [Fhy*-As(V)], as well as the fate of As(V) at pH 3.0 were studied. With the assistance of oxalic acid, complexes of Fe(III)-oxalic acid produced on Fhy/Fhy*-As(V) were reduced to Fe(II)-oxalic acid by photo-induced electrons under UV light irradiation. UV light has nearly no impact on the release of As(V) in the system of Fhy*-As(V) without the assistance of oxalic acid. Nevertheless, in the existence of oxalic acid, UV light illumination resulted in the contents of liberated As(V) decreased by 775−1300% compared to that without light. Considering the coexistence of As(V), oxalic acid as well as iron oxides in aquatic environments, the present study revealed that UV illumination could enhance the retention of As(V) on Fhy in the acidic water environment containing oxalic acid.

Background Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NP-SLE) is the central nervous system (CNS) involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis of NP-SLE may be difficult due to the lack of specific biomarker. CNS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology is diagnostic significant to CNS autoimmune disease. This paper described the characteristics of CSF cytology and evaluated its diagnostic value in NP-SLE. Methods Seventy-six eligible patients with clear diagnosis of NP-SLE were collected for CSF cytological examinations. Results The CSF cytology findings of 25 cases in 76 were abnormal, among which 16 cases showed lymphocytic inflammatory reactions; 8 cases had slight increase of neutrophile granulocyte percent; 9 cases showed lymphocyte-neutrophile inflammation. Activated lymphocytes together with monocytes were present in 24 cases. Among those cases, abnormal endocytosis of monocytes, which presented as monocytes phagocytosing lymphocytes or plasmocytes, was shown in 17 cases; plasmocytes were found in 17 cases. Conclusion The diagnosis of NP-SLE is based on clinical, neuroimaging and CSF studies. Among these methods, the CSF cytology findings are quite useful in practice, since the CSF cytological inflammatory reactions, especially the presentation of abnormal phagocytes in CSF is typical in NP-SLE and indicates its vasculitic mechanism.