Population total and unbound pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol and M4 in subjects with various renal functions.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to simultaneously describe both total and unbound concentrations of ciprofol and its major glucuronide metabolite, M4, and to link it to the population pharmacodynamics (PD) model in subjects with various renal functions. METHODS: A total of 401 and 459 pairs of total and unbound plasma concentrations of ciprofol and M4, respectively, as well as 2190 bispectral index (BIS) data from 24 Chinese subjects with various renal functions were available. Covariates that may potentially contribute to the PK and PD variability of ciprofol were screened using a stepwise procedure. The optimal ciprofol induction dosing regimen was determined by model-based simulations. RESULTS: The PK of unbound ciprofol could best be described by a three-compartment model, while a two-compartment model could adequately describe unbound M4 PK. The concentrations of total and unbound ciprofol and M4 were linked using a linear protein binding model. The relationship between plasma concentrations of ciprofol and BIS data was best described by an inhibitory sigmoidal Emax model with a two-compartment biophase distribution compartment. Hemoglobin was the identified covariate determining the central compartment clearance of ciprofol; uric acid was a covariate affecting the central compartment clearance of M4 and protein binding rate, kB . The included covariates had no effect on the PD of ciprofol. Simulation results indicated that the label-recommended dose regimen was adequate for anaesthesia induction. CONCLUSIONS: The developed model fully characterized the population PK and PD profiles of ciprofol. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.

Association between internal migration experience and depressive symptoms: analysis of PSID data.

BACKGROUND: Depression is on the rise globally. Additionally, the United States has a high level of population mobility. The main aim of this study was to provide a reference for improving the mental health of internal migrants by investigating the relationship between internal migration experience and depressive symptoms. METHODS: We analysed data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). We included PSID data from the 2005 to 2019 waves in which all respondents were asked about their internal migration experience and depressive symptoms. This study included 15,023 participants. T tests, chi-square tests, multiple logistic regression methods were performed and fixed effects model. RESULTS: In the sample, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 4.42%. The risk of depression in internal migrants was 1.259 times (OR = 1.259, 95% CI = (1.025-1.547, p < 0.05) that of nonmigrants. Internal migration experience was significantly positively associated with female depressive episodes (OR = 1.312, 95% CI = 1.010-1.704, p < 0.05) and increased risk of becoming depressed at a young age (OR = 1.304, 95% CI = 1.010-1.684, p < 0.05). The association between internal migration experience and depressive symptoms was more significant for participants who might move (OR = 1.459, 95% CI = 1.094-1.947, p < 0.05). In addition, different internal migratory causes are associated with depressive symptoms to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need for greater policy attention to mental health inequalities between Internal migrants and those who never move away from their hometown in the United States. Our study provides a foundation for further research.

[Clinical efficacy of Xuanju compound capsule combined with urofollitropin in the treatment of patients with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Xuanju compound capsule combined with urofollitropin (uFSH) in the treatment of idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia. METHODS: From June 2022 to June 2023, patients with idiopathic oligoastheospermia were enrolled in this study, and divided into trail group (Xuanju compound capsule combined with urofollitropin tablets, n=53) and control group (urofollitropin tablets, n=61) according to the difference in treatment. Treatment methods: Xuanju compound capsule, 3 pills, three times a day; Urofollitropin, 75IU, one times three day. The curses of treatments for control group and trail group is 12 weeks. In order to evaluate the therapeutic effects of control group and trial group, semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive sperm ratio (PR), peripheral serum sex hormone, liver functions were analyzed before and after treatment for two times. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the semen volume and liver function were not significantly changed after the treatment in control group and trial group. However, sperm concentration, PR, testosterone (T) levels, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly unregulated after the treatment in control group and trial group. More importantly, compared to control group, sperm concentration, PR, T leves, FSH levels, LH levels, and T/E2 ratio of trial group were further enhanced after the treatment, which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Xuanju compound capsule combined with urofollitropin tablets could significantly improve the semen quality, up-regulate the testosterone levels and T/E2 ratio in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.

Chitinophaga hostae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Hosta plantaginea.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped aerobic bacterium designated as strain 2R12T was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Hosta plantaginea. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain 2R12T should be assigned to the genus Chitinophaga with the highest sequence similarity to Chitinophaga arvensicola DSM 3695T (99.1 %) and Chitinophaga ginsengisegetis DSM 18108T (98.6 %). The major fatty acids of strain 2R12T (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, C16 :1 ω5c and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G+C content was 46.1 mol%. The average nucleotide identity values of strain 2R12T with C. arvensicola DSM 3695T and C. ginsengisegetis DSM 18108T were 77.9 and 78.8 %, respectively, while in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values for strain 2R12T with these strains were 22.8 and 23.3 %, respectively. Based on comparative analysis of phylogenetic, phylogenomic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain 2R12T represents a novel species in the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophaga hostae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2R12T (=ACCC 61757T=JCM 34719T).

Relapse factors of patients of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

BACKGROUND: The factors associated with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis relapse are yet to be elucidated. AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate the factors associated with relapse and prognosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to October 2019. The clinical features, auxiliary examinations, treatment regimens, and follow-up were recorded. The outcomes were relapse and 2-year disease prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients were included. Consequently, 6 (5%) deaths, 34 (25.4%) relapses, and 19 (15.2%) patients had a poor prognosis (modified Rankin score (mRS) ≥3) were recorded. The multivariable analyses showed that age (p = .011), abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (p = .019), glucocorticoid pulse (p = .009), and intracranial pressure (p = .023) were independently associated with the relapse, while age (p = .030) and central hypoventilation (p = .020) were independently associated with a poor prognosis at 2 years. CONCLUSION: Glucocorticoid pulse therapy reduces the relapse of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Age, abnormal MRI, and intracranial pressure are risk factors for relapse, while age and central hypoventilation are independently associated with poor prognosis.

Septin 9 methylation analysis of lymph node micrometastases for predicting relapse of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Molecular markers for the detection of lymph node micrometastases of malignant tumors have been extensively investigated. However, epigenetic signatures have rarely been reported for identification of metastatic lymph nodes and disease relapse. Septin 9 is the most frequently reported hypermethylated gene in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to assess the clinical relevance of Septin 9 methylation in regional lymph nodes in recurrence/metastases of CRC. METHODS: We analyzed Septin 9 methylation of DNA from resected lymph nodes in 75 CRC patients with or without tumor recurrence using quantitative methylation-sensitive PCR (qMS-PCR). RESULTS: Of the 30 histologically negative lymph node CRC patients without recurrence (group 1), methylated Septin 9 was detected in 3 (10 %) cases. The positivity rate of methylated Septin 9 in group 2 containing 30 histologically node-negative CRC patients with recurrence was 30 % (9/30). For group 3, lymphatic invasion as well as tumor recurrence, 11 (73 %) out of 15 subjects had Septin 9 methylation-positive lymph nodes. Moreover, patients in group 3 had a higher level of methylated Septin 9 compared to subjects in group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05). In addition, CRC patients with Septin 9 methylation in lymph nodes had significantly reduced survival (Log-rank P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data support the predictive role of Septin 9 methylation analysis of lymph node micrometastases for tumor relapse after surgery.

The dietary inflammatory index and metabolic health of population-based Chinese elderly.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and metabolic health in the Chinese elderly. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 6,730 participants from the "Community-based Cardiovascular and Health Promotion Study" (CoCHPS) cohort were included in this study. The DII scores were acquired using a validated 125-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (ranged -5.84 to 3.90). The correlation of DII with metabolic health indexes was evaluated with logistic regression and multivariable cox regression using SPSS and R software. RESULTS: Compared with low DII scores, subjects in the highest DII score quartiles had higher odds of metabolic dysfunction (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.07-1.68, p trend=0.023). In the subgroup analyses, the effect of a pro-inflammatory diet on metabolic dysfunction was particularly evident among people with hyperglycaemia (HR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.35-2.14), hypertension (HR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.09), dyslipidemia (HR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.24-1.87), abdominal obesity (HR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.57-2.96), and ≥60 years old (HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.04-1.56) or who were women (HR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.67). CONCLUSIONS: DII score was associated with metabolic health. Further studies are needed to deepen our understanding of dietary parameters and different populations.

Response of salinity gradient power generation to inflow mode and temperature difference by reverse electrodialysis.

Sustainable utilization has been becoming the core idea of concentrated seawater disposal, which makes the harvest of salinity gradient power based on reverse electrodialysis (RED) become one of the important ways. As the important factors affecting RED performance, different flow orientations along the membrane and solution temperature have been studied in the previous researches. However, there are still some details that need to be clarified. In this study, the inflow mode was further detailed investigated. The results showed that after eliminating the interference of bubbles in the counter-current, the co-current was still better than the counter-current; when the solution of HCC (high concentration compartment) and LCC (low concentration compartment) was circulated for 3 h, the concentration of concentrated seawater discharge liquid was reduced by 6.93%, which was conducive to reducing the negative impact on the marine ecological environment. Meanwhile, the response of salinity gradient power generation to temperature difference was that high temperature had a positive effect on power density, and the order was both the HCC and LCC (0.44 W m-2) > LCC (0.42 W m-2) > HCC (0.39 W m-2). Although the RED performance was more sensitive to the temperature rise of LCC, the positive temperature difference between HCC and LCC is a more practical advantage because the temperature of concentrated seawater in HCC is usually high. These new observations could provide supports for the industrial development of RED in generating electricity economically and reducing the negative environmental impact of concentrated seawater.

Carbazole alkaloids from the fruits of Clausena anisum-olens with potential PTP1B and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

The phytochemical investigation on the fruits of Clausena anisum-olens led to the isolation of 18 carbazole alkaloids (1-18), containing three new ones, clausenanisines A-C (1-3), and three new naturally occurring carbazole alkaloids, clausenanisines D-F (4-6), as well as 12 known analogues (7-18). The chemical structures of clausenanisines A-F (1-6) were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods. Notably, clausenanisine A (1) was a novel carbazole alkaloid with a unique five-membered cyclic ether, while clausenanisine E (5) is an unusual carbazole alkaloid owning an unprecedented naturally occurring carbon skeleton possessing 14 carbon atoms. The known carbazole alkaloids (7-18) were identified by the comparison of their spectral data with those data reported in the literature. All known carbazole alkaloids 7-18 were isolated from C. anisum-olens for the first time. Moreover, all isolated compounds 1-18 were assessed for their protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities in vitro. Compounds 1-18 exhibited remarkable PTP1B inhibitory activities with IC50 values in the range of 0.58 ± 0.05 to 38.48 ± 0.32 µM, meanwhile, compounds 1-18 displayed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 3.28 ± 0.16 to 192.23 ± 0.78 µM. These research results imply that the separation and identification of these carbazole alkaloids showing notable PTP1B and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities from the fruits of C. anisum-olens can be very significant for discovering and developing new PTP1B inhibitors and α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

[Chemical constituents from Morinda citrifolia and their inhibitory activities on proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro].

The chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Morinda citrifolia were isolated and purified by column chromatography methods with silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and preparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis, as well as comparisons with the data reported in literature. 17 compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of the stems and leaves of M. citrifolia, and were identified as 9,10-dihydroxy-4, 7-megastigmadien-3-one(1), 5,12-epoxy-6,9-hydroxy-7-megastigmen-3-one(2), fukinone(3), ß-eudesmol(4), sarmentol F(5), 4, 5-dihydroblumenol A(6), 3-hydroxy-ß-ionone(7), aristol-8-en-1-one(8), ergosta-7-en-3ß-ol(9), ergosta-7-ene-3ß,5α,6ß-triol(10),(22E)-5α,8α-epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien-3ß-ol(11), olivil(12), 4-epi-larreatricin(13), chushizisin Ⅰ(14), rabdosia acid A(15), glycerol monolinoleate(16) and(9Z,12Z,15Z)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadeca-trienoate(17). All compounds were isolated from M. citrifolia for the first time. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities via examining their inhibitory activities on the proliferation of synoviocytes in vitro using MTS met-hod. Compounds 1-11 showed significant anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities, displaying the inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MH7 A synovial fibroblast cell with the IC_(50) values ranging from(38.69±0.86) to(203.45±1.03) µmol·L~(-1).

Effect of bamboo shoot dietary fiber on gel properties, microstructure and water distribution of pork meat batters.

OBJECTIVE: To develop healthier comminuted meat products to meet consumer demand, the gel properties, rheological properties, microstructure and water distribution of pork meat batters formulated with various amounts of bamboo shoot dietary fiber (BSDF) were investigated. METHODS: Different levels of BSDF (0% to 4%) were added to pork batters, and the pH, color, water-holding capacity, texture and rheological properties of pork batters were determined. Then, pork batters were analyzed for their microstructure and water distribution using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). RESULTS: Compared with the control, BSDF addition into meat batters showed a significant reduction in L*-value and a significant increase in b*-value (p<0.05). BSDF addition of up to 4% reduced the pH value of pork batters by approximately 0.15 units; however, the cooking loss and expressible water loss decreased significantly (p<0.05) with the increased addition of BSDF. The hardness and gel strength were noticeably enhanced (p<0.05) as the content of BSDF increased. The rheological results showed that BSDF added into pork batters produced higher storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″) values. The SEM images suggested that the addition of BSDF could promote pork batters to form a more uniform and compact microstructure. The proportion of immobilized water increased significantly (p<0.05), while the population of free water was decreased (p<0.05), indicating that BSDF improved the water-holding capability of pork batters by decreasing the fraction of free water. CONCLUSION: BSDF could improve the gel properties, rheological properties and water distribution of pork meat batters and decrease the proportion of free water, suggesting that BSDF has great potential as an effective binder in comminuted meat products.

[Duzhong Butiansu Capsules for improving fertility in male mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the improving effect of Duzhong Butiansu Capsules (DBC) on the fertility of male mice. METHODS: Forty-eight 4-week-old SPF male Kunming mice weighing 12－16 g were randomly divided into four groups of equal number, distilled water (DW) control, Shengjing Capsules (SJC), low-dose DBC and high-dose DBC, treated intragastrically with distilled water, SJC at 0.8 g/kg/d, DBC at 0.694 g/kg/d and DBC at 1.388 g/kg/d, respectively, all for 3 weeks. After 2 weeks of treatment, the male mice were mated with female ones at a 2∶1 ratio for 1 week. Then, all the male animals were sacrificed for observation of the morphological changes in the testis and epididymis by HE staining, detection of the sperm count and motility, coefficients of different organs and expression of the androgen receptor (AR) in the testis, measurement of the levels of E2, LH, FSH and T by ELISA, and determination of the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (Cr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) in the serum. At 1 week after mating, the female mice were executed and the number of pregnancies recorded. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the low- and high-dose DBC groups (70% and 75%) than in the DW control (54%). The weight-bearing swimming time was markedly longer in the low-dose DBC than in the DW control group (ï¼»394 ± 51ï¼½ vs ï¼»173 ± 17ï¼½ s, P < 0.01) but exhibited no statistically significant difference between the high-dose DBC (ï¼»266 ± 42ï¼½ s) and the latter groups (P > 0.05). Remarkable increases were observed in the low-dose DBC group, compared with the DW control group, in the counts of spermatogonia (77.8 ± 5.0 vs 25.7 ± 5.3, P < 0.01), spermatocytes (132.4 ± 8.9 vs 92.5 ± 10.7, P < 0.01) and mature sperm (734 ± 67 vs 481 ± 56, P < 0.01), as well as in both the low- and high-dose DBC groups in the AR expression (P < 0.01). The AST concentration was markedly higher in the high-dose DBC than in the DW control group (ï¼»44.2 ± 11.0ï¼½ vs ï¼»30.5 ± 13.7ï¼½ U/L, P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the DW control and the low- or high-dose DBC groups in the levels of serum T, FSH, LH, E2, Cr and BUN (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Duzhong Butiansu Capsules could improve the fertility of male mice, which has provided some experimental evidence for the clinical application of the medicine.

Comparative study of thermal gelation properties and molecular forces of actomyosin extracted from normal and pale, soft and exudative-like chicken breast meat.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate the thermal gelation properties and molecular forces of actomyosin extracted from two classes of chicken breast meat qualities (normal and pale, soft and exudative [PSE]-like) during heating process to further improve the understanding of the variations of functional properties between normal and PSE-like chicken breast meat. METHODS: Actomyosin was extracted from normal and PSE-like chicken breast meat and the gel strength, water-holding capacity (WHC), protein loss, particle size and distribution, dynamic rheology and protein thermal stability were determined, then turbidity, active sulfhydryl group contents, hydrophobicity and molecular forces during thermal-induced gelling formation were comparatively studied. RESULTS: Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that protein profiles of actomyosin extracted from normal and PSE-like meat were not significantly different (p>0.05). Compared with normal actomyosin, PSE-like actomyosin had lower gel strength, WHC, particle size, less protein content involved in thermal gelation forming (p<0.05), and reduced onset temperature (To), thermal transition temperature (Td), storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G″). The turbidity, reactive sulfhydryl group of PSE-like actomyosin were higher when heated from 40°C to 60°C. Further heating to 80°C had lower transition from reactive sulfhydryl group into a disulfide bond and surface hydrophobicity. Molecular forces showed that hydrophobic interaction was the main force for heat-induced gel formation while both ionic and hydrogen bonds were different significantly between normal and PSE-like actomyosin (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These changes in chemical groups and inter-molecular bonds affected protein-protein interaction and protein-water interaction and contributed to the inferior thermal gelation properties of PSE-like meat.

[Multi-modality MRI parameters correlate with the expression of the P504s protein in prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expressions of P504s, 34ß-E12, and P63 proteins in PCa and the correlation between the parameters of multi-modality MRI and the expression of P504s. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the multi-modality MRI data on 43 PCa and 64 non-PCa patients. We obtained the signal intensity-time (SI-T) curves, maximum SI (SImax), time to SImax (Tmax), rate of maximum enhancement (Rmax), and automatically generated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values by conventional, diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and determined the expressions of P504s, 34ß-E12 and P63 in the prostatic tissues of the patients by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the PCa and non-PCa groups in the positive expressions of P504s (83.7% vs 0%, P < 0.05), 34ß-E12 (25.6% vs 91.0%, P < 0.05) and P63 (25.6% vs 86.0%, P < 0.05) in the prostatic tissue, the ADC value (ï¼»0.83 ± 0.22ï¼½ vs ï¼»1.34 ± 0.28ï¼½ ×10－3mm2/s, P < 0.05), Tmax (ï¼»21.30 ± 10.78ï¼½ vs ï¼»50.22 ± 36.31ï¼½ s, P < 0.05), SImax (ï¼»1.75 ± 0.39ï¼½% vs ï¼»1.24 ± 0.41ï¼½%, P < 0.05), and Rmax (ï¼»20.20 ± 15.50ï¼½% vs ï¼»7.98 ± 6.25ï¼½%, P < 0.05). The expression of P504s was correlated negatively with the ADC value and Tmax (r = －0.60 and －0.37, P < 0.01) but positively with SImax and Rmax (r = 0.50 and 0.45, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 　The parameters of multi-modality MRI are correlated with the expression of P504s in PCa and can be used as imaging biomarkers for predicting the degrees of its malignancy.

Effect of stocking density on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and nonspecific immune parameters of Palaemonetes sinensis.

Palaemonetes sinensis is a new breed of shrimp with great potential for aquaculture, which has been confirmed in our previous production tests. However, there are limited reports about this species and its biological information is scarce. This study describes the effect of stocking density on the growth, digestive enzyme activities, and nonspecific immunity of P. sinensis with an initial average body weight was 0.25 ± 0.02 g. Groups of shrimps were reared at four different initial densities (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 individuals·L-1). After 30 days of culture, the results indicated that the final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate were higher in shrimps grown in groups of 10 individuals·L-1 than other groups, but the survival rates of these shrimp were significantly lower than those reared in group of 2.5 or 5 individuals·L-1. The trypsin, amylase, and lipase activities of shrimp significantly decreased with increase in stocking density. Nonspecific immune indicators decreased significantly with increase in density, but there were no significant differences between the 2.5 and 5 individuals·L-1 groups in terms of the total haemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase activity (PO), lysozyme (LZM), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These results suggest that increasing the stocking density from 2.5 to 5 individuals·L-1 did not affect any of the detected indicators of P. sinensis, but there are shelter in farming mode is better for culture of P. sinensis up to 10 individuals L-1.

Giant negative thermal expansion in bonded MnCoGe-based compounds with Ni2In-type hexagonal structure.

MnCoGe-based compounds undergo a giant negative thermal expansion (NTE) during the martensitic structural transition from Ni2In-type hexagonal to TiNiSi-type orthorhombic structure. High-resolution neutron diffraction experiments revealed that the expansion of unit cell volume can be as large as ΔV/V ∼ 3.9%. The optimized compositions with concurrent magnetic and structural transitions have been studied for magnetocaloric effect. However, these materials have not been considered as NTE materials partially due to the limited temperature window of phase transition. The as-prepared MnCoGe-based compounds are quite brittle and naturally collapse into powders. By using a few percents (3-4%) of epoxy to bond the powders, we introduced residual stress in the bonded samples and thus realized the broadening of structural transition by utilizing the specific characteristics of lattice softening enforced by the stress. As a result, giant NTE (not only the linear NTE coefficient α but also the operation-temperature window) has been achieved. For example, the average α̅ as much as -51.5 × 10(-6)/K with an operating temperature window as wide as 210 K from 122 to 332 K has been observed in a bonded MnCo0.98Cr0.02Ge compound. Moreover, in the region between 250 and 305 K near room temperature, the α value (-119 × 10(-6)/K) remains nearly independent of temperature. Such an excellent performance exceeds that of most other materials reported previously, suggesting it can potentially be used as a NTE material, particularly for compensating the materials with large positive thermal expansions.

Ideal target arterial pressure after control of bleeding in a rabbit model of severe traumatic hemorrhagic shock: results from volume loading-based fluid resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Previously reported ideal target mean arterial pressure (MAP) after control of bleeding in traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) requires further verification in more clinically related models. The authors explored this issue via gradient volume loading without vasopressor therapy. As certain volume loading can induce secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which has been shown to be protective, the authors also observed its potential role. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male New Zealand rabbits were submitted to 1.5 h of uncontrolled THS (with another eight rabbits assigned to the sham group). After bleeding control, treated rabbits were randomly (n = 10, respectively) resuscitated with blood and Ringer lactate (1:2) to achieve target MAP of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 mm Hg within 1 h. During the following 2 h, they were resuscitated toward baseline MAP. Rabbits were observed until 7 h. RESULTS: After resuscitation, infused fluid was lower and oxidative stress injury was milder in the 70 mm Hg group. Fluid volume loaded during the initial hour after hemostasis was negatively correlated with pH, oxygen saturation, and base excess at the end of resuscitation. It also correlated positively with proinflammatory responses in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at 7 h and 7-h mortality. Moreover, after volume loading, the 80 mm Hg group showed significantly increased serum ANP level, which correlated with the expression of Akt protein in the jejunum at 7 h. CONCLUSIONS: In rabbits the ideal target MAP during the initial resuscitation of severe THS after hemostasis was 70 mm Hg. ANP may have a critical role in gut protection.

Association of the use of amlodipine with clopidogrel response in Chinese patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Until recently, the precise mechanism of clopidogrel resistance remains unclear. Some clinical studies have demonstrated that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) could reduce the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in white or black subjects, implicating in clopidogrel resistance. However, that remains to be determined in Chinese patients. In this study, we sought to determine whether there could be a decreased antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel and an increased risk for developing adverse cardiovascular events after concomitant use of different CCBs and clopidogrel in Chinese patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A subcohort of 249 patients not carrying the CYP2C19 *2, *3 or *17 variant was identified from a total of 617 consecutive clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing PCI and then categorized into three groups according to various CCB treatments. Baseline data, clinical characteristics and blood samples were collected for all patients. The maximum platelet aggregation (MPA) was measured by light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) to assess the platelet function in blood samples obtained from patients on day 3 after starting daily clopidogrel maintenance doses. The primary clinical end-point was a definite stent thrombosis (ST) episode, whereas secondary end-points were other major adverse cardiovascular events within 12 months after stenting. Of the 249 patients not carrying CYP2C19 *2, *3 and *17 variants, the ADP-induced MPA differed significantly among the three groups (P < 0.001). The MPA values were 1.76 times in the amlodipine group (41.6 ± 23.0%) than in the No CCB group (23.7 ± 14.1%) (P < 0.001). Moreover, in a linear regression model, the use of amlodipine was independently associated with MPA values (R = 0.375, P < 0.001), suggesting that the use of amlodipine might link to the increased MPA. However, the incidence of 1-year ST was not significantly higher in the amlodipine group than the No CCB group (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 0.87 to 26.52; P = 0.068), and none of the risks for other adverse cardiovascular events were significantly different across the three groups (P = 0.11).

[Influence of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba on contents of ten indicative components in Guizhi Decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba on the contents of main constituents in Guizhi Decoction. METHODS: HPLC was applied to the simultaneous determination and comparative analysis of ten main indicative components in Guizhi Decoction contained sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba. The analysis was performed on a Kromasil C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous formic acid. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the column temperature was 30 °C. The detection wavelengths were set at 254 nm and 280 nm, respectively. 20 µL was injected for analysis with gradient elution. RESULTS: There were obvious differences existed between the concentrations of ten main indicative components in Guizhi Decoction contained sun-dried and sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba. CONCLUSION: Sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba can influence the main effective constituents contained in Guizhi Decoction in quantity. The absence in the study of prescriptions affected by sulfur-fumigation is filled up through the investigation of the chemical basis of Guizhi Decoction influenced by sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba, and also strong evidences are offered to the further regulation and supervision of sulfur-fumigation in herbal medicines.

Potential role of therapeutic hypothermia in the salvage of traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

Although therapeutic hypothermia could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of traumatic hemorrhagic shock, significant controversy exists regarding its safety and feasibility. The current resuscitation strategy in traumatic hemorrhagic shock may also require updating. In this article, we have carried out an extensive literature search in this field and propose an initial algorithm for use of therapeutic hypothermia in traumatic hemorrhagic shock. This work lays essential groundwork for future investigations in this field.