Addressing Challenges of Membrane Clogging in AF4-UV-ICPMS Analysis for Size Determination of Trace Elements in Acidic, Organic-Rich Peat Bog Waters.

The analysis of colloid-associated trace elements (TEs) in acidic, organic-rich waters (pH 3.8-5.8) using AF4-UV-ICPMS often necessitates the use of neutral or weakly alkaline carriers (pH 7-8.6). Employing acidic mobile phases has been deemed impractical due to the substantial sorption of colloids onto a 0.3 kDa polyethersulfone (PES) membrane and greatly reduced separation performance. This has greatly restricted the determination of potentially bioavailable forms of TEs (i.e., < 1 kDa) in acidic, organic-rich waters. To address this issue, porewaters from Sphagnum moss and peat were investigated. Membrane clogging was more pronounced in peat porewaters, where a higher deposition rate of dissolved organic matter onto the membrane was observed compared to that in moss waters. This adsorption is driven by membrane-colloid interactions, with colloids in peat porewaters exhibiting weaker electrostatic repulsion due to their higher positive ζ-potentials. Considering the actual pore size and clogging tolerance of the membrane, it is advisable to employ a 5 kDa PES membrane for peat porewaters, while a 1 kDa PES membrane suits moss waters better. Employing the optimal method enables the separation of TEs within the 0.5-20 kDa size range. Operating within a metal-free, ultraclean laboratory, TEs are detectable at the ng·L-1 level. By enabling precise and accurate separation of dissolved TEs into their size species in these peat bog waters at an appropriate pH, this method addresses diverse size profiles. This information is crucial for comprehending the chemical forms, transformations, mobility, and potential bioavailability of TEs in peat bogs.

In Situ Forming Gel Polymer Electrolyte for High Energy-Density Lithium Metal Batteries.

In situ forming gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is one of the most feasible ways to improve the safety and cycle performances of lithium metal batteries with high energy density. However, most of the in situ formed GPEs are not compatible with high-voltage cathode materials. Here, this work provides a novel strategy to in situ form GPE based on the mechanism of Ritter reaction. The Ritter reaction in liquid electrolyte has the advantage of appropriate reaction temperature and no additional additives. The polymer chains are cross-linked by amide groups with the formation of GPE with superior electrochemical properties. The GPE has high ionic conductivity (1.84 mS cm-1 ), wide electrochemical stability window (>5.25 V) and high lithium ion transference number (≈0.78), compatible with high-voltage cathode materials. The Li|LiNi0.6 Co0.2 Mn0.2 O2 batteries with in situ formed GPE show excellent long-term cycle stability (93.4%, 300 cycles). The density functional theory calculation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results verify that the amide and nitrile groups are beneficial for stabilizing cathode structure and promoting uniform Li deposition on Li anode. Furthermore, the in situ formed GPE exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in Graphite|LiMn2 O4 and Graphite|LiNi0.5 Co0.2 Mn0.3 O2 pouch batteries. This approach is adaptable to current battery technologies, which will be sure to promote the development of high energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

GGC expansions in NOTCH2NLC contribute to Parkinson disease and dopaminergic neuron degeneration.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC in Parkinson's disease (PD) and the substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neuron remains unclear. Here, we profile the NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansions in a large cohort of patients with PD. We also investigate the role of GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC in the dopaminergic neurodegeneration of SN. METHODS: A total of 2,522 patients diagnosed with PD and 1,085 health controls were analyzed for the repeat expansions of NOTCH2NLC by repeat-primed PCR and GC-rich PCR assay. Furthermore, the effects of GGC repeat expansions in NOTCH2NLC on dopaminergic neurons were investigated by using recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of NOTCH2NLC with 98 GGC repeats in the SN of mice by stereotactic injection. RESULTS: Four PD pedigrees (4/333, 1.2%) and three sporadic PD patients (3/2189, 0.14%) were identified with pathogenic GGC repeat expansions (larger than 60 GGC repeats) in the NOTCH2NLC gene, while eight PD patients and one healthy control were identified with intermediate GGC repeat expansions ranging from 41 to 60 repeats. No significant difference was observed in the distribution of intermediate NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansions between PD cases and controls (Fisher's exact test p-value = 0.29). Skin biopsy showed P62-positive intranuclear NOTCH2NLC-polyGlycine (polyG) inclusions in the skin nerve fibers of patient. Expanded GGC repeats in NOTCH2NLC produced widespread intranuclear and perinuclear polyG inclusions, which led to a severe loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. Consistently, polyG inclusions were presented in the SN of EIIa-NOTCH2NLC-(GGC)98 transgenic mice and also led to dopaminergic neuron loss in the SN. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings provide strong evidence that GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC contribute to the pathogenesis of PD and cause degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons.

Host-Host Interactions Enhanced the Structural Rigidity in a 6-Fold Interpenetrated Diamondoid Metal-Organic Framework Exhibiting C2H2/C2H4 Separation.

Multi-interpenetrated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have exhibited excellent performance in selective adsorption due to the variable post-interspersed flexibility, but the design and control remain challenging. Herein, two anthracene-based ligands, 4,4'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)dibenzoic acid (H2L1) and 9,10-di(pyridin-4-yl)anthracene (L2), are used to construct a new three-dimensional 6-fold interpenetrated MOF [Zn(L1)(L2)]n (NBU-X1), which exhibits multiple C-H···π interactions that enhance the structural rigidity, thereby entangling with a C2H2/C2H4 separation performance. In this material, the incorporation of abundant anthracene rings within the framework not only partitions and restricts the pore window size to a quasi-double pore but also stabilizes it through host-host interactions. The structural stability upon heating or guest displacement/removal has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and in situ variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, in contrast to the extreme flexibility of most multi-interpenetrated MOFs. The performance of purifying C2H4 from C2H2/C2H4 mixtures has been proved by dynamic breakthrough tests.

A 12-Vertex Metallacarborane of Silver(I).

The discovery of ferrocene in 1951 was a significant landmark in the field of organometallic chemistry, and since then, numerous sandwich- or half-sandwich metallic complexes have been reported. However, silver stands as an intriguing exception in this regard, and knowledge of its bonding situation has remained undisclosed. Herein, unprecedented 12-vertex metallacarboranes of Ag(I) (2a and 2b) were synthesized through the reaction of sodium hexamethyldisilazide (NaHMDS) with the mixture of nido-C2B9 carborane anion-supported N-heterocyclic carbene precursors (1a and 1b) and [Ag(PPh3)Cl]4. The X-ray structural analysis of the resulting metallacarboranes revealed a unique "slipped" half-sandwich structure, which is a rarity among cyclopentadienyl analogues. DFT calculations provided insights into the asymmetric π-interactions between the pentagonal C2B3 face and the silver ion.

Genetic diversity analysis of Saccharosydne procerus in Hunan region, China.

BACKGROUND: Saccharosydne procerus serves as a significant alternative host for parasitoids of the important rice pest, rice planthoppers. Rearing S. procerus on the water bamboo plants near rice field can provide a parasitic site for parasitic wasps during the idle period of rice fields, thereby stabilizing the number of parasitoids and suppressing the number of rice planthoppers in the field. However, limited understanding of genetic diversity of S. procerus restricts its application. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the genetic diversity of S. procerus in Hunan region. METHODS: In this study, 16 geographical populations of the S. procerus from the Hunan region were used. After screening, ISSR primers were employed for polymorphism detection. POPGENE32 software was used for genetic diversity analysis, and UPGMA clustering was applied for statistical analysis of different geographical populations to generate an evolutionary tree. RESULTS: Eleven ISSR primers were screened, resulting in the detection of 194 amplification locus, of which 126 were polymorphic. The average percentage of polymorphic locus was 64.95%. The mean Nei's gene diversity (H) was 0.2475, the mean Shannon's Information index (I) was 0.3708, and the Genetic diversity index among populations (Gst) was 0.3800. Cluster analysis identified three groups, with most populations concentrated in the second group, indicating no clear genetic structure. This suggests that the 16 populations of S. procerus exhibit high levels of genetic diversity.

Storage protein SfSP8 mediates larval starvation tolerance of Spodoptera frugiperda.

BACKGROUND: Energy homeostasis is vital for insects to survive food shortages. This study investigated the starvation tolerance of Spodoptera frugiperda, which invaded China in 2019, focusing on its storage protein family, crucial for energy balance. 10 storage protein family members were identified and their expression patterns at different development stages and under different starvation stress were analyzed. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used qPCR to evaluate the expression levels of storage protein family members under various larval instars and starvation conditions. We discovered that, among above 10 members, only 2 storage proteins, SfSP8 and SfSP7 showed significant upregulation in response to starvation stress. Notably, SfSP8 upregulated markedly after 24 h of fasting, whereas SfSP7 exhibited a delayed response, with significant upregulation observed only after 72 h of starvation. Then we significantly reduced the starvation tolerance of larvae through RNAi-mediated knockdown of SfSP8 and also altered the starvation response of SfSP7 from a late to an early activation pattern. Finally, we constructed transgenic Drosophila melanogaster with heterologous overexpressing SfSP8 revealed that the starvation tolerance of the transgenic line was significantly stronger than that of wild-type lines. CONCLUSIONS: SfSP8 was the core storage protein member that mediated the starvation tolerance of larvae of S. frugiperda. Our study on the novel function of storage proteins in mediating larval starvation tolerance of S. frugiperda is conducive to understanding the strong colonization of this terrible invasive pest.

Where the 'bad' and the 'good' go: A multi-lab direct replication report of Casasanto (2009, Experiment 1).

Casasanto (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 138, 351-367, 2009) conceptualised the body-specificity hypothesis by empirically finding that right-handed people tend to associate a positive valence with the right side and a negative valence with the left side, whilst left-handed people tend to associate a positive valence with the left side and negative valence with the right side. Thus, this was the first paper that showed a body-specific space-valence mapping. These highly influential findings led to a substantial body of research and follow-up studies, which could confirm the original findings on a conceptual level. However, direct replications of the original study are scarce. Against this backdrop and given the replication crisis in psychology, we conducted a direct replication of Casasanto's original study with 2,222 participants from 12 countries to examine the aforementioned effects in general and also in a cross-cultural comparison. Our results support Casasanto's findings that right-handed people associate the right side with positivity and the left side with negativity and vice versa for left-handers.

Comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of sporoderm-broken and sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore in rat by using a sensitive plasma UPLC-QqQ-MS method.

Previous studies have found that removing the sporoderm significantly enhanced antitumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum spore (GLS) compared with breaking the sporoderm. However, the pharmacokinetics of sporoderm-removed GLS (RGLS) and sporoderm-broken GLS (BGLS) remain elusive. To compare the pharmacokinetic differences between the two products, we developed a UPLC-QqQ MS method for determining nine representative triterpenoid concentrations. Chloramphenicol was used as an internal standard. The samples were separated on a reversed-phase column using acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid and water-0.1% formic acid as mobile phases. Nine triterpenoids were analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring mode. The results showed that the area under the concentration-time curve from dosing to time t of all nine components was increased in RGLS compared with BGLS. And the time to the maximum concentration in BGLS was delayed compared with that of RGLS. These indicated that the absorption of RGLS was better than that of BGLS, and the sporoderm might hinder the absorption of the active components. These results increase our understanding of the bioavailability of BGLS and RGLS and indicate that increased bioavailability is one of the main reasons for the enhanced efficacy of RGLS.

A new canthinone glycoside isolated from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima with NO inhibitory activity.

One new canthinone glycoside (1), together with six known compounds (2-7) including three lignans (2-4), two coumarins (5-6) and one phenol (7) was isolated from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima. The structure of new compound 1 was established by the interpretation of UV, IR, MS and NMR data, while its absolute configuration was determined by acid hydrolysis and GIAO NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analysis. The inhibitory effects of all compounds on Nitric oxide (NO) production were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that compounds 2 and 5 displayed NO production inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 30.1 and 15.3 µM, respectively.

The transcriptomic profile of Spodoptera frugiperda differs in response to a novel insecticide, cyproflanilide, compared to chlorantraniliprole and avermectin.

BACKGROUND: Cyproflanilide is a novel chemical that is already undergoing insecticide registration in China and has been categorized as a member of group 30 by the IRAC. Since it was first detected in 2019, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has become a serious pest in China. Our laboratory and field efficacy trials indicated that cyproflanilide exhibits high larvicidal activity against FAW. However, the effect of cyproflanilide against FAW remains unknown. And it is worth exploring further before the cyproflanilide becomes commercially available. RESULTS: We found larvae exposed to cyproflanilide had significantly shorter body length and higher death rates compared to control larvae. Additionally, we found surviving larvae had a significantly longer developmental period compared to control larvae. The potential molecular mechanisms of cyproflanilide against FAW were investigated using comparative transcriptomic analyses on larval samples subjected to three insecticide treatments, including cyproflanilide and two other commonly used insecticides against FAW in China, chlorantraniliprole and avermectin. We found that several subunits of the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR), a possible target protein of cyproflanilide, were significantly up-regulated at the transcriptional level during cyproflanilide-induced stress. Additionally, between the control and cyproflanilide-treated samples, we identified 131 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with detoxification metabolism. Of these, we found four P450 genes that were significantly up-regulated under cyproflanilide stress but were not DEGs when exposed to chlorantraniliprole and avermectin, or 23 other pesticides from previous reports. Furthermore, we discovered an interesting gene aggregation region for insect cuticle proteins (CPs) on the 18th chromosome, which is likely related to FAW cross-resistance to cyproflanilide and avermectin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results contribute to a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which cyproflanilide affects FAW. Additionally, we identified the similarities and differences in transcriptomic profiling of FAW between the novel insecticide cyproflanilide and two other commonly used insecticides.

Fecal Signatures of Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus constellatus for Noninvasive Screening and Early Warning of Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Most patients with gastric cancer (GCa) are diagnosed at an advanced stage. We aimed to investigate novel fecal signatures for clinical application in early diagnosis of GCa. METHODS: This was an observational study that included 1043 patients from 10 hospitals in China. In the discovery cohort, 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis was performed in paired samples (tissues and feces) from patients with GCa and chronic gastritis (ChG) to determine differential abundant microbes. Their relative abundances were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to test them as bacterial candidates in the training cohort. Their diagnostic efficacy was validated in the validation cohort. RESULTS: Significant enrichments of Streptococcus anginosus (Sa) and Streptococcus constellatus (Sc) in GCa tumor tissues (P < .05) and feces (P < .0001) were observed in patients with intraepithelial neoplasia, early and advanced GCa. Either the signature parallel test Sa∪Sc or single signature Sa/Sc demonstrated superior sensitivity (Sa: 75.6% vs 72.1%, P < .05; Sc: 84.4% vs 64.0%, P < .001; and Sa∪Sc: 91.1% vs 81.4%, P < .01) in detecting early GCa compared with advanced GCa (specificity: Sa: 84.0% vs 83.9%, Sc: 70.4% vs 82.3%, and Sa∪Sc: 64.0% vs 73.4%). Fecal signature Sa∪Sc outperformed Sa∪CEA/Sc∪CEA in the discrimination of advanced GCa (sensitivity: 81.4% vs 74.2% and 81.4% vs 72.3%, P < .01; specificity: 73.4% vs 81.0 % and 73.4% vs 81.0%). The performance of Sa∪Sc in the diagnosis of both early and advanced GCa was verified in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: Fecal Sa and Sc are noninvasive, accurate, and sensitive signatures for early warning in GCa. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT04638959).

Loss of Drosophila NUS1 results in cholesterol accumulation and Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration.

NgBR is the Nogo-B receptor, encoded by NUS1 gene. As NgBR contains a C-terminal domain that is similar to cis-isoprenyltransferase (cis-IPTase), NgBR was speculated to stabilize nascent Niemann-Pick type C 2 (NPC2) to facilitate cholesterol transport out of lysosomes. Mutations in the NUS1 were known as risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). In our previous study, it was shown that knockdown of Drosophila NUS1 orthologous gene tango14 causes decreased climbing ability, loss of dopaminergic neurons, and decreased dopamine contents. In this study, tango14 mutant flies were generated with a mutation in the C-terminal enzyme activity region using CRISPR/Cas9. Tango14 mutant showed a reduced lifespan with locomotive defects and cholesterol accumulation in Malpighian tubules and brains, especially in dopaminergic neurons. Multilamellar bodies were found in tango14 mutants using electron microscopy. Neurodegenerative-related brain vacuolization was also detected in tango14 knockdown flies in an age-dependent manner. In addition, tango14 knockdown increased α-synuclein (α-syn) neurotoxicity in α-syn-overexpressing flies, with decreased locomotive activities, dopamine contents, and the numbers of dopaminergic neurons in aging flies. Thus, these observations suggest a role of NUS1, the ortholog of tango14, in PD-related pathogenesis.

Stepwise Synthesis of Cl-Decorated Trinuclear-Cu Cluster-Based Frameworks for C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 Separation.

A novel Cl-decorated trinuclear-Cu cluster-based MOF (NbU-7-Cl, NbU denotes Ningbo University) was synthesized by a stepwise synthesis strategy. Compared to one-step reactions, the strategy of combining cationic templates with single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation provides more possibilities for the design and postsynthetic modification of multifunctional materials. Note that the chloride ions are attached to the copper ions of the planar trinuclear cluster nodes in a fully symmetric or partially asymmetric manner. The insertion of the chloride ion can alter the overall symmetry and adsorption energy in addition to occupying the appropriate asymmetric orbit and reducing the effective active sites of metal. The activated NbU-7-Cl displays improved C2H2 uptake capacity and C2H2/C2H4 and C2H2/CO2 separation performance, which is proved by breakthrough experiments.

Diagnostic value of nerve conduction study in NOTCH2NLC-related neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder mainly caused by abnormally expanded GGC repeats within the NOTCH2NLC gene. Most patients with NIID show polyneuropathy. Here, we aim to investigate diagnostic electrophysiological markers of NIID. METHODS: In this retrospective dual-center study, we reviewed 96 patients with NOTCH2NLC-related NIID, 94 patients with genetically confirmed Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, and 62 control participants without history of peripheral neuropathy, who underwent nerve conduction studies between 2018 and 2022. RESULTS: Peripheral nerve symptoms were presented by 53.1% of patients with NIID, whereas 97.9% of them showed peripheral neuropathy according to electrophysiological examinations. Patients with NIID were characterized by slight demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy; some patients also showed mild axonal lesions. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) of the median nerve usually exceeded 35 m/s, and were found to be negatively correlated with the GGC repeat sizes. Regarding the electrophysiological differences between muscle weakness type (n = 27) and non-muscle weakness type (n = 69) of NIID, nerve conduction abnormalities were more severe in the muscle weakness type involving both demyelination and axonal impairment. Notably, specific DWI subcortical lace sign was presented in only 33.3% of muscle weakness type, thus it was difficult to differentiate them from CMT. Combining age of onset, distal motor latency, and compound muscle action potential of the median nerve showed the optimal diagnostic performance to distinguish NIID from major CMT (AUC = 0.989, sensitivity = 92.6%, specificity = 97.4%). INTERPRETATION: Peripheral polyneuropathy is common in NIID. Our study suggest that nerve conduction study is useful to discriminate NIID.

The effect of chlorantraniliprole on the transcriptomic profile of Spodoptera frugiperda: a typical case analysis for the response of a newly invaded pest to an old insecticide.

BACKGROUND: Chlorantraniliprole is a diamide insecticide widely used in China over the last 15 years. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, newly invaded China in 2019. The response of FAW to chlorantraniliprole deserves more attention, in the context of many destructive lepidopteran species are resistant to diamide insecticides and the patent on core chemical of chlorantraniliprole in China expired in August 2022. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigated the response profile in larvae under chlorantraniliprole-induced (LC50) stress using methods of bioassay, RNA-Seq and qPCR. We observed growth inhibition and lethal effects in FAW larvae, but at a relatively high LC50 value compared to other several pests. Additionally, under chlorantraniliprole-induced stress, 3309 unigenes were found to be differentially expressed genes. The impacted genes included 137 encoding for detoxification enzymes, 29 encoding for cuticle proteins, and 20 key enzymes involved in the chitin metabolism, which all associated with metabolic resistance. Finally, we obtained the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of two RyR genes, which are the target proteins for chlorantraniliprole. We also investigated the causes of the high LC50 value in our FAW, which possibly related to the stabilized 4743 M on SNP frequency of RyR. These findings documented the genetic background of RyR of FAW and indicated that application of chlorantraniliprole has a high risk of controlling FAW in China. CONCLUSION: In brief, our results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of chlorantraniliprole toxicity and detoxification in FAW, and will aid in monitoring the development of resistant strains for a newly pest to an old insecticide.

Doped nanomaterial facilitates 3D printing target plate for rapid detection of alkaloids in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

This work aims to rapidly detect toxic alkaloids in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). We systematically investigated twelve nanomaterials (NMs) as matrices and found that MoS2 and defect-rich-WO3 (D-WO3) were the best NMs for alkaloid detection. MoS2 and D-WO3 can be used directly as matrices dipped onto conventional ground steel target plates. Additionally, they can be conveniently fabricated as three-dimensional (3D) NM plates, where the MoS2 or D-WO3 NM is doped into resin and formed using a 3D printing process. We obtained good quantification of alkaloids using a chemothermal compound as an internal standard and detected related alkaloids in TCM extracts, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix), and Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex). The work enabled the advantageous "dip and measure" method, demonstrating a simple and fast LDI-MS approach that achieves clean backgrounds for alkaloid detection. The 3D NM plates also facilitated mass spectrometry imaging of alkaloids in TCMs. This method has potential practical applications in medicine and food safety. Doped nanomaterial facilitates 3D printing target plate for rapid detection of alkaloids in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Effect of nalbuphine plus ropivacaine on vaginal labor in epidural analgesia.

BACKGROUND: Various approaches using epidural analgesia have been employed for relieving labor pain and promoting spontaneous delivery. We aimed to evaluate the effect of nalbuphine and ropivacaine versus fentanyl and ropivacaine on the duration of delivery in parturients. METHODS: Clinical data of 160 full-term primiparous women who received either nalbuphine or fentanyl in combination with ropivacaine infusion for epidural labor analgesia in our hospital from December 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The participants were divided into two groups based on anesthesia methods: nalbuphine group (NR group, n = 78) received 0.2 mg/mL nalbuphine combined with 0.1% ropivacaine hydrochloride for patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and fentanyl group (FR group, n = 82) received 2 ug/mL fentanyl citrate and 0.1% ropivacaine hydrochloride for PCEA. Both groups received an epidural blockade for labor analgesia at lumbar 2-3 interspace. The duration of the first, second, and third stages of labor, the onset of analgesia, and time before delivery (T0), 15 min of analgesia (T1), 30 min of analgesia (T2), full opening of the uterine opening (T3),exerts force during childbirth(T4), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), blood saturation (SpO2), visual analogue pain scale (VAS) score, Ramsay sedation score, and modified Bromage score, and 5 min were recorded at 2 h postpartum (T5). The neonatal Apgar score, neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) score, maternal nausea, vomiting, and itchy skin were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the FR group, the first stage of labor duration (p < 0.05) and total duration of labor (p < 0.05) were shortened and the onset of analgesia (p < 0.05) was increased in the NR group. NR group had lower incidence of urinary retention than FR group (p < 0.05). The maternal and neonatal investigational parameters and scores had no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nalbuphine combined with ropivacaine in epidural block labor has a faster onset of analgesia and has a lower incidence of urinary retention than fentanyl combined with ropivacaine, and nalbuphine shortens the duration of the first and total stages of labor. Both nalbuphine and fentanyl can reduce pain during labor, have little effect on maternal hemodynamics, and have no significant effect on neonatal Apgar or NBNA scores.

Narrative medicine as a teaching strategy for nursing students to developing professionalism, empathy and humanistic caring ability: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Narrative medicine has become a solution to cultivate medical students' ability of empathy and humanistic care. However, the role of narrative medicine is lacking in the study of professionalism. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of narrative medical theory learning and narrative writing on professionalism, empathy and humanistic care ability of nursing students. METHODS: This cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted between June 2021 and June 2022 in two universities in Jiangsu, China. The participants of this study were 85 nursing students who were randomly divided into the intervention group (n = 43) or the control group (n = 42). Participants in the intervention group were trained in narrative medical theory learning and narrative writing based on a Web-based platform, while those in the control group were not. Self-report questionnaires of professionalism, empathy and humanistic care ability were used before and after intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that the professionalism score of the intervention group was (68.7 ± 6.8 vs. 64.5 ± 7.5; P = 0.005), empathy (99.4 ± 15.7 vs. 92.2 ± 14.6; P = 0.014) and humanistic care ability (127.6 ± 20.0 vs. 113.3 ± 18.8; P = 0.004) were better than the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this quantitative study suggest that narrative medical theory education and narrative writing based on the network platform can promote the development of professionalism, empathy and humanistic care ability of nursing undergraduates.

Two new guaianolide-type sesquiterpenoids with NO inhibitory activity from Chrysanthemum indicum.

Two new guaianolide-type sesquiterpenoids chrysanthemulides K and L (1 and 2), together with six known analogues (3-8), were isolated from an CH2Cl2 extract of the aerial parts of Chrysanthemum indicum. The structures of new compounds 1 and 2 were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including UV, IR, MS, NMR and computational electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods. Inhibitory effects of all compounds on nitric oxide production were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that compounds 1-8 displayed NO production inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranged from 3.5 to 34.3 µM.