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Mitochondrial alternative oxidase 1a (AOX1a) plays an extremely important role in critical node of seed viability. However, the regulatory mechanism is still poorly understood. The study aims to identify regulatory mechanisms by comparing between OsAOX1a-RNAi and wild type (WT) rice seed during artificial aging treatment. Gain weight and P50 significantly decreased in OsAOX1a-RNAi rice seed, indicating that there might be impaired in seed development and storability. Compared to WT seeds in the 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% germination, respectively, NADH and succinate-dependent O2 consumption, the activity mitochondrial malate dehydro-genase and ATP contents were decreased in OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds in the 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% germination, respectively, indicating that mitochondrial status in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds after imbibition was weaken than the WT. In addition to, the reduced abundance of complex I N and P module subunits might showed that the capacity of mitochondrial electron transfer chain was significantly inhibited in the OsAOX1a-RNAi seed at critical node of seed viability. Above results might indicated that the ATP production was impaired in OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds during ageing. Therefore, we conclude that the activities of mitochondrial metabolism and alternative pathways were severely inhibited in OsAOX1a-RNAi seeds at critical node of viability, which was leading to accelerate the collapse of seed viability. The precise regulatory mechanism of the alternative pathway at the critical node of viability still needs to be further analyzed.

Xiao-Qi Chen,* Yun-Xia Zhao,* Chuan-Lei Zhang, Xin-Ting Wang, Xin Zhang, Xi Chen, Chang-Wei Yuan, Qing Zhao, Xin-Ju Chen Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Xin-Ju Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 19, Renmin Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13700867158, Email chxj888@163.comPurpose: Anlotinib, a novel multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown encouraging antitumor effects in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of anlotinib with or without programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockades for patients with advanced primary HCC in a real-world setting in China.Patients and Methods: Between July 2019 and May 2021, 27 patients with advanced primary HCC who received at least 2 cycles of anlotinib were included in this retrospective study. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.Results: Of the 27 patients, ORR and DCR were 25.93% and 74.07%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 6.27 months (range: 1.30– 17.40) with a median PFS and OS of 3.29 months (95% CI: 1.31– 15.47) and 6.21 months (95% CI: 2.23– 15.87), respectively. A total of 14 patients received anlotinib and PD-1 blockade combination therapy, and 13 received anlotinib monotherapy. No significant differences were observed in ORR (28.57 vs 23.08%), DCR (71.43 vs 76.92%), PFS (3.38 [95% CI: 2.66– 13.14] vs 11.86 months [95% CI: 4.27– 15.93]) and OS (4.90 [95% CI: 2.56– 13.60] vs 11.04 months [95% CI: 1.31– 17.18]) between the two groups (all p> 0.05). Treatment-related AEs were reported in 88.89% of patients. Grade 3 AE was bleeding, which occurred in 3 patients (11.11%).Conclusion: Anlotinib yielded a promising efficacy and manageable safety in patients with advanced primary HCC irrespective of whether patients received PD-1 blockades, indicating that anlotinib might be a promising treatment option for this patient population.Keywords: anlotinib, objective response rate, PD-1 blockades, primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is an endometrial fibrosis disease caused by repeated operations of the uterus and is a common cause of female infertility. In recent years, treatment using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed by many researchers and is now widely used in clinics because of the low immunogenicity of MSCs. It is believed that allogeneic MSCs can be used to treat IUA because MSCs express only low levels of MHC class I molecules and no MHC class II or co-stimulatory molecules. However, many scholars still believe that the use of allogeneic MSCs to treat IUA may lead to immune rejection. Compared with allogeneic MSCs, autologous MSCs are safer, more ethical, and can better adapt to the body. Here, we review recently published articles on the immunomodulation of allogeneic and autologous MSCs in IUA therapy, with the aim of proving that the use of autologous MSCs can reduce the possibility of immune rejection in the treatment of IUAs.

Female infertility impacts the quality of life and well-being of affected individuals and couples. Female reproductive diseases, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, fallopian tube obstruction, and Asherman syndrome, can induce infertility. In recent years, translational medicine has developed rapidly, and clinical researchers are focusing on the treatment of female infertility using novel approaches. Owing to the advantages of convenient samples, abundant sources, and avoidable ethical issues, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be applied widely in the clinic. This paper reviews recent advances in using four types of MSCs, bone marrow stromal cells, adipose-derived stem cells, menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cells, and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Each of these have been used for the treatment of ovarian and uterine diseases, and provide new approaches for the treatment of female infertility.

Objective To observe the effects of prolonged exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 on the trachea and lungs of mice and to determine whether the damages to the trachea and lung are induced by necroptosis. Methods Six- to eight-week-old female Balb/C mice of PM group were restrained in an animal restraining device using a nose-only “PM2.5 online enrichment system” for 8 weeks, in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. Anti -Fas group was exposed to PM2.5 inhalation and anti-Fas treatment via intranasal instillation. The mice in the control group inhaled filtered clean air. PM2.5 sample was collected and analyzed. Airway Hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was tested. Lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, electron microscopy, cellular inflammation, cytokines, Tunel, Fas, RIPK3 and MLKL expression. Results Compared to the other two groups, PM group displayed significantly increased AHR, neutrophils in BALF, significant bronchitis and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia and inflammation and necroptosis which were indicated by increased TUNEL, Fas, RIPK3 and MLKL measure. Conclusion Our findings suggest that PM2.5 can enhance AHR and these changes are induced by necroptosis-related inflammation.

Network Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different oral Chinese patent medicines combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) in the treatment of primary liver cancer. Randomized controlled trials of oral Chinese patent medicines for primary liver cancer were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMbase databases from inception to May 2020. According to the Cochrane recommendation standard, the quality of the included articles was evaluated, and the data were analyzed by RevMan, R software and GeMTC software. A total of 10 kinds of oral Chinese patent medicines and 68 RCTs were included. Network Meta-analysis results showed that: as compared with TACE alone, 10 kinds of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with TACE showed advantages in effective rate, 1-year survival rate, 2-year survival rate, KPS score improvement rate and reduced adverse reaction incidence. In the pairwise comparison of oral Chinese patent medicines, the results showed that Cidan Capsules were superior to Jinlong Capsules and Xihuang Pills in 1-year survival rate. According to the probabi-lity ranking results: Shenyi Capsules and Ganfule were more obvious in improving the effective rate; Cidan Capsules and Shenyi Capsules were more effective in improving the 1-year survival rate; Pingxiao Capsules and Shenyi Capsules had better efficacy in improving 2-year survival rate; Huaier Granules and Shenyi Capsules had better efficacy in improving the quality of life; Huisheng Oral Liquid and Ganfule were more effective in reducing the incidence of adverse reactions(such as nausea, vomiting and leukocytosis). The current evidence showed that oral Chinese patent medicine combined with TACE was superior to TACE alone in efficacy and safety. In terms of the effective rate, 1-year survival rate, 2-year survival rate, KPS score improvement rate and reduced adverse reaction incidence, the optimal treatment measures were Shenyi Capsules, Cidan Capsules, Pingxiao Capsules, Huaier Granules and Huisheng Oral Liquid in turn. However, due to the limitations of the research, the current level of evidence is not high, and clear conclusions and evi-dence strength still need to be further verified and improved by high-quality researches.

Background The objective was to explore the therapeutic effect of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) combined with ShakeGel™3D transplantation to activate the BMP7-Smad5 signaling pathway to treat intrauterine adhesions (IUA). Methods Autologous ADSCs were isolated and then merged with ShakeGel™3D. The IUA model was established by mechanical injury. The third generation of autologous ADSCs was injected directly into the uterus in combination with ShakeGel™3D. After 7 days of treatment, endometrial morphology, number of endometrial glands, endometrial fibrosis area, and fibrosis biomarker analysis by RT-PCR and IHC were examined. BMP7 and phosphorylation of Smad5 were also detected, and the recovery of infertility function in treated mice was evaluated. Results Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) showed that autologous ADSCs expressed CD105 (99.1%), CD29 (99.6%), and CD73 (98.9%). Autologous ADSCs could still maintain a good growth state in ShakeGel™3D. Histological examination revealed that the number of endometrial glands increased significantly, and the area of fibrosis decreased. At the same time, the expression of BMP7 and Smad5 in the ADSCs + Gel group was significantly upregulated, and the final reproductive function of this group was partly recovered. Conclusions Autologous ADSCs can be used in combination with ShakeGel™3D to maintain functionality and create a viable three-dimensional growth environment. The combined transplantation of autologous ADSCs and ShakeGel™3D promotes the recovery of damaged endometrial tissue by increasing BMP7-Smad5 signal transduction, resulting in endometrium thickening, increased number of glands, and decreased fibrosis, leading to restoration of partial fertility.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Huaier Granules in the adjuvant treatment of primary liver cancer. The databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBMdisc, PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMbase were searched by computer to screen out the randomized controlled trial on Huaier Granules combined with Western medicine in the treatment of primary liver cancer from the establishment of the databases to January 2020. Data extraction and quality evaluation were conducted for the included literature. Meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3 software, and evidence quality evaluation was conducted for the outcomes by GRADE profiler software. A total of 24 articles were included, with a total sample size of 2 664 cases. Meta-analysis showed that as compared with Western medicine alone, Huaier Granules combined with Western medicine could improve the objective remission rate(RR=1.38, 95%CI[1.26, 1.51], Plt;0.000 01), disease control rate(RR=1.29, 95%CI[1.10, 1.52], P=0.002) and 6-month survival rate(RR=1.20, 95%CI[1.10, 1.32], Plt;0.000 1), 1-year survival rate(RR=1.39, 95%CI[1.23, 1.58], Plt;0.000 01), 2-year survival rate(RR=1.95, 95%CI[1.28, 2.96], P=0.002), KPS score(MD=17.15, 95%CI[6.47, 27.83], P=0.002) and the improvement rate of KPS score(RR=2.02, 95%CI[1.47, 2.77], Plt;0.000 1), AFP decline rate(RR=1.40, 95%CI[1.20, 1.62], Plt;0.000 1), CD3~+(MD=17.34, 95%CI[9.28, 25.40], Plt;0.000 1), CD4~+(MD=8.62, 95%CI[1.59, 15.64], P=0.02), CD8~+(MD=1.95, 95%CI[-3.93, 7.82], P=0.52), CD4~+/CD8~+(MD=0.42, 95%CI[-0.33, 1.17], P=0.27); reduce the level of AFP(MD=-71.57, 95%CI[-80.42,-62.72], Plt;0.000 01), recurrence rate(RR=0.76, 95%CI[0.67, 0.85], Plt;0.000 01), and incidence of adverse reactions(RR=0.60, 95%CI[0.41, 0.89], P=0.01) in patients with primary liver cancer. According to the GRADE system, the evidence for outcome measures was low to very low. The results show that Huaier Granules have certain efficacy and high safety in adjuvant treatment of primary liver cancer, but its effect in reducing adverse reactions and improve immunity remains to be verified. Due to the poor quality of the included studies and evidences, the conclusions still need to be further verified by multi-center, large sample, and randomized double-blind controlled studies.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and the clinical effectiveness of Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) in nutritional assessment of hospitalized children with CP. METHODS: A total of 208 children with CP, aged 1-5 years, who were hospitalized from April to October 2019 were enrolled as subjects. SGNA was used to investigate nutritional status, and the Z-score method recommended by the World Health Organization was used as a reference standard to validate the clinical effectiveness of SGNA. RESULTS: The detection rate of malnutrition in children with CP was 42.3% by SGNA and 39.4% by the Z-score method (P > 0.05). The application of SGNA showed high consistency between different evaluators (κ=0.621, P < 0.001). With the Z-score method as the reference standard, SGNA had a sensitivity of 80.5%, a specificity of 82.5%, a positive predictive value of 75.0%, and a negative predictive value of 86.7%, and high consistency was observed between the two evaluation methods (κ=0.622, P < 0.001). SGNA was moderately consistent with weight-for-age Z-score and height-for-age Z-score (κ=0.495 and 0.478 respectively, P < 0.001) and was poorly consistent with weight-for-height Z-score (κ=0.197, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a relatively high incidence rate of malnutrition in children with CP. SGNA can be used as a tool to assess the nutritional status of children with CP.

A boy, aged 6 months, had the manifestations of intellectual and motor developmental delay, head instability, general weakness, unawareness of grasping objects by hands, and unusual facies (slightly wide eye distance, epicanthus, esotropia, mouth-opening appearance, short philtrum, and low-set ears). Gene detection results showed a de novo heterozygous frameshift mutation of the CHAMP1 gene at the chromosomal location of chr13:115089847, and nuclear acid was changed to c.530delCinsTTT, resulting in a change in amino acid to p.S177Ffs*2. Therefore, the boy was diagnosed with autosomal dominant intellectual disability-40 caused by the mutation in the CHAMP1 gene. This case report suggests that for children with unexplained intellectual disability, especially those with generalized hypotonia and severe language disorder, the possibility of CHAMP1 gene mutation should be considered, and genetic testing should be performed as early as possible.

Diamide resistant phenotypes have evolved in the field and the resistance has been attributed to target-site mutations in some lepidopteran pests. In this study, we documented the resistance status of Chilo suppressalis to chlorantraniliprole during 2016-2018 in seven provinces of China. To investigate the possible role of target-site mutations as known from lepidopterans, we sequenced respective domains of the RyR gene of C. suppressalis with different levels of diamide resistance. The results revealed that I4758M (corresponding to I4790M in P. xylostella), Y4667D/C (numbered according to C. suppressalis), G4915E (corresponding to G4946E in P. xylostella), and one novel Y4891F (numbered according to C. suppressalis) RyR target-site mutations were present. The contribution of these mutations was further investigated by diamide toxicity bioassays with eight genome modified Drosophila melanogaster lines. The study showed that genome modified flies bearing the Y4667D mutation (corresponding to the Y4667D and I4758M simultaneous mutation in C. suppressalis) exhibited high resistance ratios to chlorantraniliprole (1542.8-fold), cyantraniliprole (487.9-fold) and tetrachlorantraniliprole (290.1-fold). The M4758I and G4915E simultaneous mutations (corresponding to single G4915E mutation in C. suppressalis) showed high resistance ratios to chlorantraniliprole (153.1-fold) and cyantraniliprole (323.5-fold), and relatively low resistance to flubendiamide (28.9-fold) and tetrachlorantraniliprole (25.2-fold). These findings suggest that multiple point mutations in RyR confer diamide resistance of C. suppressalis. The results contribute to a better understanding of insect diamide resistance mechanisms and provide insights on the impact of RyR target-site mutations in insects.

432 Background: Half of the new cases and deaths of HCC was observed in China all over the world in 2020. However, the prognosis of traditional treatments for patients (pts) with HCC was dismal currently. Small-molecule anti-angiogenesis targeted drugs and PD-1 blockades were proved to demonstrate potential efficacy in advanced primary HCC. Anlotinib was a novel oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor for tumor angiogenesis and proliferation, which had been licensed for treatment of considerable malignancies in China. However, the real-world evidence of anlotinib and PD-1 blockades in HCC was still scanty currently. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of anlotinib with or without PD-1 blockades in the treatment of advanced primary HCC in real-world. Methods: Pts with advanced primary HCC who received at least 2 cycles of anlotinib (8̃12mg, po, d1̃14, q3w) were recruited in this study. Clinical efficacy and survival data was summarized, adverse events were documented retrospectively. The tumor response was assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1 using CT scans. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: From Jul 2019 to May 2021, a total of 28 eligible pts were screened. Among them, 12 pts received anlotinib as first-line treatment, 9 pts as second-line treatment and 7 pts as third-line treatment and above. In best overall response assessment, there were 5 CR (17.8%), 2 PR (7.1%), 13 SD (46.4%), 7 PD (25.0%) and 1 NE (3.5%). ORR was 25.0% (95%CI: 10.7̃44.9%) and DCR was 71.4% (95%CI: 55.3̃86.8%). At the data cut-off date, 15 pts discontinued treatment due to disease progression, the preliminarily prognostic results indicated that the median PFS of the 28 pts was 4.93 months (95%CI: 1.60̃8.26), and the median OS was 13.21 months (95%CI: 10.77̃15.65). Specifically, 14 pts combined with PD-1 blockades treatment, ORR was 28.6% (95%CI: 8.4̃58.1%) and DCR was 71.4% (95%CI: 41.9̃91.6%). The remaining 14 pts failed to receive PD-1 blockade combination therapy with the ORR of 21.4% (95%CI: 4.7̃50.8%) and DCR of 71.4% (95%CI: 41.9̃91.6%). The safety profile suggested that the most common drug-related adverse events were decreased appetite, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, hypertension, diarrhea, anemia, hand-foot syndrome, proteinuria and bleeding. The common grade 3 adverse event was bleeding (10.7%). Conclusions: Present study indicated that anlotinib-related regimens in the treatment of advanced primary HCC exhibited potential efficacy and manageable adverse events in real-world setting. The conclusion should be validated in more pts included subsequently.

Background: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exacerbates airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in patients with asthma, but the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of prolonged exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 on the pathology and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) of BALB/c mice undergoing sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) and to observe the effects of apoptosis and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) in this process. Methods: Forty female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control group, OVA group, OVA/PM group, and PM group (n = 10 in each group). Mice in the control group were exposed to filtered clean air. Mice in the OVA group were sensitized and challenged with OVA. Mice in the OVA/PM group were sensitized and challenged as in the OVA group and then exposed to PM2.5 for 4 h per day and 5 days per week for a total of 8 weeks using a nose-only "PM2.5 online enrichment system" in The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. Mice in the PM group were exposed to the PM2.5 online enrichment system only. AHR was detected. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for cell classification. The levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-33 in BALF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in histological structures were examined by light microscopy, and changes in ultramicrostructures were detected by electron microscopy. Apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay in the lung tissues. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were utilized to analyze the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and TIM-1 in the lungs. Results: The results showed that AHR in the OVA/PM group was significantly more severe than that in the OVA and PM groups (P < 0.05). AHR in the PM group was also considerably more severe than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The BALF of OVA/PM group (28.00 ± 6.08 vs. 12.33 ± 4.51, t = 4.631, P = 0.002) and PM group (29.00 ± 3.00 vs. 12.33 ± 4.51, t = 4.927, P = 0.001) had more lymphocytes than the BALF of the control group. The number of neutrophils in the BALF of the OVA/PM group (6.67 ± 1.53 vs. 3.33 ± 1.53, t = 2.886, P = 0.020) and PM group (6.67 ± 1.53 vs. 3.33 ± 1.53, t = 2.886, P = 0.020) was much higher than those in the BALF of OVA group (P < 0.05). TUNEL assays showed that the number of apoptotic cells in the OVA/PM group was significantly higher than that in the OVA group (Tunel immunohistochemical scores [IHS%], 1.20 ± 0.18 vs. 0.51 ± 0.03, t = 8.094, P < 0.001) and PM group (Tunel IHS%, 1.20 ± 0.18 vs. 0.51 ± 0.09, t = 8.094, P < 0.001), and that the number of apoptotic cells in the PM group was significantly higher than that in the control group (Tunel IHS%, 0.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.26 ± 0.03, t = 2.894, P = 0.020). The concentrations of IL-4 (77.44 ± 11.19 vs. 48.02 ± 10.02 pg/ml, t = 4.595, P = 0.002) and IL-5 (15.65 ± 1.19 vs. 12.35 ± 0.95 pg/ml, t = 3.806, P = 0.005) and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (1.51 ± 0.18 vs. 0.48 ± 0.10, t = 9.654, P < 0.001) and TIM-1/β-actin ratio (0.78 ± 0.11 vs. 0.40 ± 0.06, t = 6.818, P < 0.001) in the OVA/PM group were increased compared to those in the OVA group. The concentrations of IL-4 (77.44 ± 11.19 vs. 41.47 ± 3.40 pg/ml, t = 5.617, P = 0.001) and IL-5 (15.65 ± 1.19 vs. 10.99 ± 1.40 pg/ml, t = 5.374, P = 0.001) and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (1.51 ± 0.18 vs. 0.97 ± 0.16, t = 5.000, P = 0.001) and TIM-1/β-actin ratio (0.78 ± 0.11 vs. 0.31 ± 0.06, t = 8.545, P < 0.001) in the OVA/PM group were increased compared to those in the PM group. The concentration of IL-4 (41.47 ± 3.40 vs. 25.46 ± 2.98 pg/ml, t = 2.501, P = 0.037) and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (0.97 ± 0.16 vs. 0.18 ± 0.03, t = 7.439, P < 0.001) and TIM-1/β-actin ratio (0.31 ± 0.06 vs. 0.02 ± 0.01, t = 5.109, P = 0.001) in the PM group were also higher than those in the control group. Conclusions: Exacerbated AHR associated with allergic asthma caused by PM2.5 is related to increased apoptosis and TIM-1 activation. These data might provide insights into therapeutic targets for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma induced by PM2.5. Key words: Apoptosis; Asthma; Fine Particulate Matter; T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain 1

Aqueous amines are the most commonly used CO2 absorbents. But they have many shortcomings such as volatile loss, thermal degradation, corrosivity and wetting on polymer membranes. Ionic liquids can avoid the shortcomings and show unique performances. Diethanolamine glycinate, a ionic liquid made of hydroxyl ammonium amino acid salt, was developed to capture CO2 for greenhouse gas emission reduction. In order to evaluate the ionic liquid performance, membrane flux, gas outlet CO2 concentration, appropriate ionic liquid concentration and operational parameters were investigated by membrane gas absorption. Membrane liquid desorption was tested for regeneration of diethanolamine glycinate. Performance of diethanolamine glycinate ionic liquid was also compared with that of glycinate and diethanolamine. Results show that diethanolamine glycinate ionic liquid had a higher membrane flux, e.g., 6.6 × 10−4 mol m−2 s−1, and a lower gas outlet CO2 concentration (yout/yin, e.g., 0.07) in membrane gas absorption. Changes in operational conditions, e.g., gas and liquid flowrates increase, changed the membrane flux of membrane gas absorption, which increased only by 23.9%. Dominant factors affecting the membrane flux were the gas CO2 mole fraction, increasing the flux by 80.0%, and the ionic liquid concentration, increasing the flux more than 2 times. The ionic liquid was much more easily regenerated and possessed large regeneration efficiency and average regeneration velocity. Diethanolamine glycinate ionic liquid is thus an efficient and promising CO2 absorbent.

An amino acid-functionalized protic ionic liquid (IL), monoethanolamine glycinate ([MEA][GLY]), was used as a CO2 absorbent. Its performance was evaluated by a membrane gas absorption (MGA) process. Various effect factors including both absorbent aspect and operational parameters were investigated in MGA for CO2 capture. Performance of [MEA][GLY] IL was also compared with that of an amino acid salt and an amine. Liquid CO2 loading of the functional protic IL was the largest in three absorbents, presenting an order of [MEA][GLY]>PGLY>MEA. [MEA][GLY] IL obtained a high membrane flux and a low gas outlet CO2 concentration in MGA process. It could reach 3.25 × 10−4 mol m−2 s−1 of membrane flux. The IL could achieve higher initial and instantaneous membrane fluxes and the maximal membrane flux with a range of optimum concentration of 3.5–4.5 mol L−1. Change of operational parameters, especially gas CO2 mole fraction, can significantly affect and enhance the membrane flux of MGA on a limited scale. [MEA][GLY] IL is a more environmentally-friendly and efficient CO2 absorbent.

Objective This study aimed to determine the impact of a ketogenic diet (KD) on neurobehavioral development when used to treat children with intractable epilepsy, confirming the efficacy of the KD, as well as the correlation between early electroencephalography (EEG) changes in the early stage with treatment efficacy. Methods We enrolled 42 children who were starting treatment for intractable epilepsy with the classic KD protocol. The total development quotient as well as the development quotients for adaptability, gross motor movements, fine motor movements, language, and individual–social interaction on the Gesell developmental scales were assessed before and after 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of KD treatment. The efficacy assessment was based on changes in seizure frequency after KD as recorded by the parents. We conducted 24-h video-EEG before and after 1 month of KD treatment. Results Developmental quotients of five energy regions in the Gesell developmental scales assessment were used to compare adaptability (P1 = 0.000), gross motor movements (P2 = 0.010), and fine motor movements (P3 = 0.000); the results showed significant differences. After KD treatment at different time points, 69.0%, 54.8%, 40.5%, and 33.3% patients, respectively, achieved a ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency. The reduction of epileptiform discharges in the awake state after 1 month of KD treatment correlated with the efficacy after 3 months of KD treatment. Conclusions Ketogenic diet treatment tends to be associated with improved neurobehavioral development, and more significant improvement can be obtained with prolonged treatment. The KD is safe and effective in treating children with intractable epilepsy. Early EEG changes correlate with clinical efficacy, to a certain degree.

BACKGROUND HIF-1α plays an important role in hypoxia-ischemia brain damage. Accumulating evidences demonstrates that HIF-1α can contribute to cell autophagy. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) is a commonly used ischemic model in vitro. Our study was performed to investigate the influences of HIF-1α on autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells under OGD treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS An OGD model was constructed in SH-SY5Y cells. PI method and MTT assay were used to test cell death and viability, respectively. Western blot assay was used to estimate the protein levels of HIF-1α and LC3. Quantitative GFP-LC3 light microscopy autophagy assay was performed for SH-SY5Y cells. 2ME2 and siRNA-HIF-1α were applied to investigate the effects of HIF-1α-knockdown on LC3 expression. Additionally, 3-MA (autophagy inhibitor) and autophagy inducer rapamycin (Rapa) were used to investigate the effects of autophagy on cell survival under OGD condition. RESULTS Under OGD, the apoptosis of SH-SY5Ycells was increased while cell viability rate was decreased. The expression of HIF-1α was increased along with the advancement of OGD treatment and achieved the highest level at 24 h. However, inhibiting HIF-1α expression decreased the cell apoptosis and increased cell viability. LC3-II expression was gradually increased with the duration of OGD condition and knockdown of HIF-1α resulted in decreased expression of LC3. Inhibiting autophagy significantly enhanced the viability and reduced the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells, while enhancing autophagy showed the opposite effects. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced expression of HIF-1α may be related to autophagy activation in SH-SY5Y cells, thus contributing to ischemic/hypoxic brain damage.

A blended solution as a CO 2 capture agent was composed of potassium citrate (PC) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP). Density, viscosity and surface tension of the blended solution were determined in the range of (293.15–323.15) K, respectively. Physical characteristics of the blended solution were discussed and compared with that of single component and other blended systems. Correlations were developed to predict the three physical properties of the blended solution. Results indicate that when overall concentration of the blended solution increases, quality of the solution increases to result in the increase of values of the three physical properties. The three physical properties decrease as both temperature and AMP molar ratio in the blended solution increase. Prediction values from the correlations and experimental values fit reasonably well. The correlations for the three physical properties can give extra data of the system of (PC + AMP) solution.

To investigate the combined effects of indomethacin and oxaliplatin on expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), E-cadherin (E-cad), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and CD44v6 related to lymph node metastasis of human lung cancer cell lines. Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the left armpit of nude mice to establish human lung cancer xenografts. The mice were randomly divided into control group, indomethacin group, oxaliplatin group and combination therapy group, which were treated with sterile distilled water, indomethacin, oxaliplatin and indomethacin combined with oxaliplatin, respectively. After 42 days, the mice were sacrificed. The immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expressions of EGFR, E-cad, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 in tumor tissues. Compared to control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of EGFR, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 in the indomethacin, oxaliplatin, and combination therapy groups were significantly reduced (P0.05) and the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad expression were significantly increased (P0.05). Compared to indomethacin group and oxaliplatin group, the protein and mRNA expressions of EGFR, ICAM-1 and CD44v6 in combination therapy groups were significantly reduced (P0.05), and the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad expression were significantly increased (P0.05). There was no significant difference between indomethacin and oxaliplatin groups. Indomethacin and oxaliplatin have synergistic effect on expressions of lymph node metastasis related factors in lung cancer cell lines.

Background Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could induce lung injury. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is involved in the molecular mechanisms of prooxidative and pro-inflammatory effect of PM2.5. Molecular hydrogen has antioxidant properties. The protective effect and mechanism of hydrogen on PM2.5-induced lung injury remain unclear. Objectives This study aimed to determine whether hydrogen could alleviate lung injury in a rat model of subacute exposure to concentrated ambient PM2.5, and explore the mechanism related to AhR. Methods Male Wastar rats were exposed to either concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) (diameter: ≤2.5 μm, average concentration: 1328 ± 730 μg/m3) or filtered air (FA) by nose-only inhalation (5 h/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks). Hydrogen-treated rats inhaled 66.7% hydrogen from water electrolysis for 2 h after each exposure to CAPs or FA. Results CAPs inhalation induced lung injury, as demonstrated by pulmonary function decrease, histopathological damage, mucus hypersecretion [Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining for mucins, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) for mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) expression], increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1β) and oxidative damage indexes [malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane F2α (8-iso-PG)]. While, hydrogen inhalation significantly alleviated the damages mentioned above. In addition, low expression of AhR in lung tissues determined by Western Blot was found after CAPs exposure, whereas hydrogen inhibited AhR decline induced by CAPs. Conclusions High concentrations of hydrogen could ameliorate pulmonary dysfunction, airway mucus hypersecretion, oxidation damage, and inflammation response in rats exposed to concentrated ambient PM2.5. Additionally, hydrogen alleviates lung injury induced by PM2.5 possibly through AhR-dependent mechanisms.

AlN-SiC ceramics were prepared at 1950°C by hot pressing (HP) of AlN/SiC powders in stoichiometric proportion. The sintered product was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were utilized to investigate the morphology characteristics. The results show that AlN-SiC phase is well-developed with a close and lamellar structure. The grains are plate-like with the size of 1-3μm, the thickness of 3-5μm and elongated dimension. The results showed that the products had the density of 99 percent of the theoretical, bending strength of 550-800 MPa and fracture toughness of 5-6 MPa·m1/2. The distribution of AlN-SiC grains is relatively uniform.

sothermal oxidation behavior of the AlN-TiB2 conductive ceramics prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and hot isostatic pressing (SHS-HIP) was evaluated in a temperature range from 900 to 1400 °C for exposure times from 1 to 16 h in air. The oxidation experimental results show that the conductive ceramics have a good oxidation resistance below 1200 °C. The oxidation products on the sample surfaces are mainly composed of Al2TiO5, TiO2 and aluminum borate phases.

According to the current problems of safety management processes in coal mine enterprises, we introduced barrel theory to coal mine safety management, constructed the closed-loop structure of a coal mine safety management system, and pointed out that efficient safety management lies in three factors: safety quality of all of the staff in coal mine enterprises, weak links in security management systems, and cooperation among departments. After conducting detailed analysis of these three factors, we proposed concrete ways of preventing and controlling potential safety hazards during the process of coal mine production.

Ras homologue gene family member A (RhoA) is involved in tumor mobility, invasion, and metastasis. We detected RhoA expression in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) tissue, measured RhoA expression in the VSCC cell phenotype, and measured the expression of the relevant molecules after RhoA small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection in SW962 cells. RhoA has a higher expression level in VSCC than normal vulva skin tissue and was positively associated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and differentiation; besides, VSCC patients with lymph node metastasis had higher positive RhoA expression. RhoA messenger RNA and protein expression was significantly reduced in the RhoA siRNA transfectants as compared with the negative control (NC) and mock-transfected cells (p

Cases of psoriasis complicated with venous thromboembolism are rarely reported. Here, we report two cases and review the current literature on the subject. Two patients with long-standing severe psoriasis presented with chest pain, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. The patients were diagnosed using lung ventilation-perfusion scans or computed tomographic pulmonary angiography. Anticoagulation or thrombolytic therapy was initiated, and long-term continuous anticoagulation with warfarin prevented any recurrences.

Describe the mental health services provided at different types of general hospitals in Beijing.Distribute the "Hospital Mental Health Services Survey" to all 508 hospitals in the 18 Beijing districts; the survey covers information for 2001 on the type of mental health services provided, the characteristics of the service providers, the number and diagnoses of first-visit mental health patients, and the prescription of psychotropic medications.73% (373/508) of the hospitals completed the survey, including 75% (325/436) of the general hospitals. Among the 325 general hospitals, 171 (53%) provided one or more types of mental health services; they had a total of 420 staff members who provide these services, but their educational level was relatively low and mental health training limited. 61 general hospitals had mental health outpatient departments that treated 50% (47,151/93,891) of all first-visit mental health patients seen in all hospitals (including psychiatric hospitals) in the municipality; 90% (42,578/47,151) of these first-visit patients in general hospitals were seen at 18 level-3 hospitals. Among the 44,441 first-visit patients for whom diagnostic information was available, the main diagnoses were neurosis (43%) and depression (30%). 103 of the participating general hospitals prescribed 73% of antidepressant medications prescribed at all hospitals in the municipality and 97% of all fluoxetine (Prozac and others).General hospitals-particularly level-1 and level-2 general hospitals-need to put more emphasis on mental health services, increase training of staff who provide the services and open relevant departments. Monitoring the development of mental health services in general hospitals and increasing the quality of their mental health services will require periodic assessment of the types and range of mental health services provided and of the diagnostic accuracy and treatment standards of the staff providing these services.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a new technology in gene study. The mechanism of RNAi is that double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can band target mRNA and decompose it. This study was to assess possibility and specificity of dsRNA on suppressing human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in lung carcinoma cells, investigate its effect on cell proliferation to confirm whether it has unspecific killing activity on mammalian cells, and explore its application in lung cancer research and treatment.Sequences of 2 exons and 1 intron of hTERT gene were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or PCR. The sense and antisense cDNA sequences were connected in a tandem manner, and the whole fragment was inserted into pCI-neo mammalian expression vector to construct the dsRNA expression vector, and then transfected into lung carcinoma cell line A549. The expression of hTERT was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Telomerase activity was measured by telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). Cell morphology was observed, and cell proliferation was assessed under invert microscope.After transfection of 2 exon fragments of hTERT dsRNA, mRNA and protein expression of hTERT and telomerase activity in A549 cells were suppressed, cell proliferation was markedly inhibited. Meanwhile, dsRNA didn't show unspecific toxic activity on A549 cells.hTERT dsRNA can specifically silent hTERT gene, inhibit telomerase activity and proliferation of A549 cells. hTERT dsRNA might be a potential method of gene therapy for lung cancer.

Inhibition of telomere length can be achieved through suppression of telomerase activity, which may result in the inhibition of immortal cell proliferation. In order to explore the possibility of the telomerase as a target for lung cancer therapy, we investigated the effects of anti-sense human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) on telomerase activity and cell proliferation of A549 lung cancer cell line.The anti-sense hTERT cDNA, an 835 bp in the 5' region of hTERT mRNA was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), before cloning into pLXSN retroviral vector in sense and anti-sense orientations. A549 cells, a human lung cancer cell line, were infected with recombinant virus obtained after transfection into packaging cell PT67. The expression of hTERT protein was determined by Western blot analysis. The telomerase activity was measured by telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). The cell proliferation was depicted by cell morphology under inverted microscopy as well as cell growth curve. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and DNA electrophoresis.Compared with sense hTERT transduction, hTERT expression and telomerase activity significantly decreased in A549 cells after anti-sense hTERT transduction. The cell proliferation was markedly inhibited with evidence of apoptosis.Anti-sense hTERT exhibited significant inhibition of telomerase activity and cell proliferation, in addition to acceleration of apoptosis. This implied the possibility of hTERT as the potential target for gene therapy of lung cancer.

Olimarabidopsis pumila is a close relative of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana but, unlike A. thaliana, it is a salt-tolerant ephemeral plant that is widely distributed in semi-arid and semi-salinized regions of the Xinjiang region of China, thus providing an ideal candidate plant system for salt tolerance gene mining. A good-quality cDNA library was constructed using cap antibody to enrich full-length cDNA with the gateway technology allowing library construction without traditional methods of cloning by use of restriction enzymes. A preliminary analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was carried out. The titers of the primary and the normalized cDNA library were 1.6 · 106 cfu/mL and 6.7 · 106 cfu/mL, respectively. A total of 1093 clones were randomly selected from the normalized library for EST sequencing. By sequence analysis, 894 high-quality ESTs were generated and assembled into 736 unique sequences consisting of 72 contigs and 664 singletons. The resulting unigenes were categorized according to the gene ontology (GO) hierarchy. The potential roles of gene products associated with stress-related ESTs are discussed. The 736 unigenes were similar to A. thaliana, A. lyrata, or Thellungiella salsuginea. This research provides an overview of the mRNA expression profile and first-hand information of gene sequence expressed in young leaves of O. pumila.