Twisted Fiber Optic SPR Sensor for GDF11 Concentration Detection.

There are few methods and insufficient accuracy for growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) concentration detection. In this paper, we designed a twisted fiber cladding surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, which can achieve a high precision detection of GDF11 concentration. The new structure of the fiber cladding SPR sensor was realized by coupling the light in the fiber core to the cladding through fiber thermal fusion twisting micromachining technology; a series of functionalized modifications were made to the sensor surface to obtain a fiber sensor capable of GDF11 specific recognition. The experimental results showed when GDF11 antigen concentration was 1 pg/mL-10 ng/mL, the sensor had a detection sensitivity of 2.518 nm/lgC, a detection limit of 0.34 pg/mL, and a good log-linear relationship. The sensor is expected to play a role in the rapid and accurate concentration detection of pathological study for growth differentiation factors.

All-fiber SPR microfluidic chip for GDF11 detection.

In order to perform microfluidic detection of cytokines with low concentration, such as growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), the most common method is to construct microfluidic channels and integrate them with SPR sensing units. In this paper, we proposed a novel all-fiber SPR microfluidic chip for GDF11 detection. The method was to construct the SPR sensing area on a designed D-shaped multimode fiber, which was nested inside a quartz tube to form a semi-cylindrical microfluidic channel. The surface of the SPR sensing area experienced sensitization and specifically modification to achieve the specific detection of GDF11. When the sensitivity of detection was 1.38 nm/lg(g/mL) and the limit of detection was 0.52 pg/mL, the sample consumption was only 0.4 µL for a single detection. The novel all-fiber SPR microfluidic detection chip has the advantages of flexible design, compact structure and low sample consumption, which is expected to be used in wearable biosensing devices for real-time online monitoring of trace cytokines in vivo.

Association of handgrip strength with the prevalence of hypertension in a Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: Handgrip strength (HGS) exercise has been reported to reduce blood pressure in both hypertensive and normotensive patients. In this study, we evaluated the association of HGS with hypertension in a Chinese Han Population. METHODS: A total of 11,151 subjects mainly consisting of a rural population were recruited with a multi-stage sampling method in Jurong city, Jiangsu Province, China. Besides hypertension and diabetes, major chronic diseases were excluded. HGS was categorized into tertiles by age and gender. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association of HGS and hypertension with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: From low to high tertiles of HGS, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly increased (74.52 ± 7.39, 74.70 ± 7.03, and 75.54 ± 7.01 mmHg, respectively; P trend = 0.001), as well as in females (P trend =0.003). The differences in DBP among the tertiles of HGS were still significant in females even after adjusting for covariates (P trend =0.048). No significant differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) were observed among the tertiles of HGS (P>0.05). Compared to low HGS, high HGS was significantly associated with hypertension after adjustment for age and gender (adjusted OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.34; P =0.004). A stratified analysis showed that the significant association of high HGS and hypertension was also observed with the following factors even after adjusting for age and gender: female gender (adjusted OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.08-1.46; P=0.004), ages of 60-69 years (adjusted OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.57; P=0.011), and married (adjusted OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.37; P=0.005). However, no significant associations were found after adjusting for age, gender, smoking status, drinking status, body mass index, physical activity level, glucose, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study suggest that HGS was positively correlated with DBP in a rural population, and high HGS was associated with hypertension in females; however, the association may be modified by smoking status, drinking status, body mass index, physical activity, cholesterol level, and glucose level. Further utilization of HGS exercises to intervene in the development and prognosis of hypertension should be verified in the future.

The relationship of lung cancer with menstrual and reproductive factors may be influenced by passive smoking, cooking oil fumes, and tea intake: A case-control study in Chinese women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of menstrual and reproductive factors with risk of lung cancer in women. Potential etiological clues related to lung cancer in women are identified to inform preventive strategies.Case-control study of 477 newly diagnosed women with lung cancer and 479 age-matched (±2 years) controls. Data on menstrual and reproductive factors and history of oral contraceptive use were obtained on personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. Risk factors were analyzed by unconditional logistic regression analysis.Maternal age ≥25 years at first birth appeared to protect against female lung cancer [odds ratios (ORs): 0.511, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.376-0.693]. Age at menopause > 50 years and use of contraceptives was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in women (OR: 1.471, 95% CI, 1.021-2.119 and OR: 1.844, 95% CI: 1.111-3.061, respectively). Age ≥13 years at menarche was associated with a decreased risk of lung adenocarcinoma (OR: 0.563, 95% CI, 0.317-0.997). There was significant heterogeneity in the levels of cooking oil fume (COF) exposure (Pheterogeneity = .015). Higher levels of exposure to passive smoking, COF, and lack of tea intake were associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.Menstrual and reproductive factors are considered to play a role in the development of lung cancer in women. Exposure to passive smoking, COF, and lack of tea intake appeared to significantly modify the relationship.

Elevation of serum uric acid and incidence of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, several cohort studies suggested a positive relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is inconsistent with the results of functional research. Our aim was to further evaluate this correlation by conducting a systematic review. METHODS: Computerized literature searches of the Medline database, EMBASE database, and PubMed were used to evaluate the relationship between SUA and T2DM in cohort studies. Cochran's Q and I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity among studies, and pooled relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects and fixed-effects models. The summary RR and OR of per 1 mg/ml-SUA increase were calculated separately because of their different epidemiological implications and calculation methods. Additionally, sensitivity analysis, stratified analysis, meta-regression, and multiple meta-regression were applied to investigate the heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: A total of 970 articles were retrieved from the searches. Sixteen publications of cohort studies containing 61,714 participants were included. The pooled RR was 1.131 (95% CI: 1.084-1.179) with significant heterogeneity among studies (I2  = 51.9%, P = 0.018). Adjusted RR to evaluate the stability of the relationship between SUA and T2DM in the sensitivity analysis was similar (RR = 1.140, 95% CI: 1.087-1.197), with statistically significant heterogeneity (I2  = 54.5%, P = 0.015). Stratified analysis and meta-regression showed that the positive relationship remained irrespective of age, sex, region, and adjustment for confounding factors including body mass index, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption, smoking, blood cholesterol, waist circumference, fatty liver, and drugs affecting SUA. CONCLUSION: Although SUA is independently associated with development of T2DM, insulin resistance increased as the baseline SUA concentration increased; thus, the correlation between SUA and T2DM requires further evaluation and the baseline insulin resistance status should also be considered.

[Spatial temporal differentiation of product-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions and balance in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region: an economic input- output analysis].

Distinguishing product-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions in the open economic region is the basis for differentiating the emission responsibility, which is attracting increasing attention of decision-makers'attention. The spatial and temporal characteristics of product-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions, as well as carbon balance, in 1997, 2002 and 2007 of JING- JIN-JI region were analyzed by the Economic Input-Output-Life Cycle Assessment model. The results revealed that both the product- based and consumption-based CO2 emissions in the region have been increased by about 4% annually. The percentage of CO2 emissions embodied in trade was 30% -83% , to which the domestic trading added the most. The territorial and consumption-based CO2 emissions in Hebei province were the predominant emission in JING-JIN-JI region, and the increasing speed and emission intensity were stronger than those of Beijing and Tianjin. JING-JIN-JI region was a net inflow region of CO2 emissions, and parts of the emission responsibility were transferred. Beijing and Tianjin were the net importers of CO2 emissions, and Hebei was a net outflow area of CO2 emissions. The key CO2 emission departments in the region were concentrated, and the similarity was great. The inter-regional mechanisms could be set up for joint prevention and control work. - Production and distribution of electricity, gas and water and smelting and pressing of metals had the highest reliability on CO2 emissions, and took on the responsibility of other departments. The EIO-LCA model could be used to analyze the product-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions, which is helpful for the delicate management of regional CO2 emissions reduction and policies making, and stimulating the reduction cooperation at regional scale.

[County scale characteristics of CO2 emission's spatial-temporal evolution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Metropolitan Region].

CO2 emission spatial distribution is characterized by stages. The study on regional distribution characteristics and evolution can supply important evidence for CO2 emission reduction. Based on CO2 emission data of 128 county areas in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Metropolitan Region (BTHMR) from 1990 to 2009, the spatial pattern and spatial dependence of CO2 emission were discussed by using cartogram and spatial autocorrelation analysis methods. The results show that the total emission of CO2 increased year by year. Average annual growth of CO2 emission after 2002 was 3.7 times higher than before. Different cities have different emission growth trends which can be categorized into three types. The spatial pattern of CO2 emission appeared to be the layered cluster. The Global Moran'I decreased from 1.44 in 1990 to 0.09 in 1998 and then increased slowly to 0.10 in 2009. The spatial distribution of high CO2 emission area changed from 'Double Centers' into 'Four Centers' and the spatial distribution of low CO2 emission area changed less. There were four different change types of local spatial autocorrelation: remaining unchanged or weakening in most regions, enhancing in some regions of Tangshan, transforming in some regions of Tianjin and Xuanhua county. Since the spatial pattern and autocorrelation in low/high CO2 emission area bear different evolution process, the local conditions and interactions with perimeter zones should be considered when formulating emission reduction plan. The discussion of spatial pattern and autocorrelation is very important for understanding spatial evolution pattern of CO2 emission and developing strategic emission reduction planning, and also provides a base for the study on low carbon development in metropolitan area.

Breastfeeding and the risk of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Numerous observational epidemiological studies have evaluated associations between breastfeeding and the risk of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma; however, the existing results are inconsistent. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Medical literature was searched in the Pubmed and Embase databases to identify all English-language relevant studies up to April 10, 2013. Reference lists were thereafter hand-searched for additional articles. Studies that reported relative risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were included. This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology. RESULTS: We finally included 10 case-control studies in our meta-analysis, involving 1,618 childhood Hodgkin lymphoma cases and 8,181 controls. Overall, we did found a borderline significant association between breastfeeding and reduced risk of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma comparing ever breastfed children to never breastfed children (pooled OR =0.79; 95%CI, 0.58-1.08; P=0.13), with limited evidence for between-study heterogeneity (P =0.12, I2 = 35.70%). CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence for an inverse association between breastfeeding and risk of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma.

Application of parecoxib in post-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the postoperative analgesic effects of parecoxib for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). METHODS: Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome who underwent UPPP were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, the incision-local block was performed with 5 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine injected subcutaneously before the end of surgery, then 20 ml of physiological saline was injected intravenously every 12 h for 2 days. In group B, in addition to the incision-local block, 40 mg parecoxib was injected intravenously 30 min before the end of UPPP and 40 mg parecoxib was injected intravenously every 12 h for 2 days. Postoperative pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Adverse reactions were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were randomized (n = 20 per group). Under resting conditions, the mean ± SD VAS pain scores were significantly higher in group A compared with group B at 24 h and 48 h after UPPP (24 h 4.0 ± 0.8 versus 2.6 ± 0.6; 48 h 3.8 ± 0.7 versus 2.4 ± 0.5; respectively). Under swallowing conditions, the mean ± SD VAS pain scores were significantly higher in group A compared with group B at 8 h, 24 h and 48 h after UPPP. Postoperative adverse reactions were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Intravenous parecoxib combined with incision-local ropivacaine provided effective postoperative analgesia for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, undergoing UPPP.

[Analysis of 89 amniotic samples using fluorescent in situ hybridization].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for detecting common chromosome aneuploidies in interphase nuclei of amniotic fluid cells. METHODS: Eighty two uncultured amniotic fluid samples and supernatants from 2 successfully and 5 unsuccessfully cultured amniotic fluid samples were analyzed with FISH. Results from standard cytogenetic analysis of 79 uncultured amniotic fluid samples and 2 successfully cultured amniotic fluid samples were compared with FISH results. RESULTS: All of the 89 samples were succeeded analyzed with FISH. Positive findings included 3 cases with trisomy 21, 1 case with 47, XYY and 1 case with 69, XXX, which were consistent with results of karyotype analysis. CONCLUSION: FISH is a rapid and accurate method for prenatal diagnosis, and can also provide a remedy to failed amniotic fluid cells culture.

Hydrogen sulfide attenuates surgical trauma-induced inflammatory response and cognitive deficits in mice.

BACKGROUND: It has been increasingly reported that peripheral surgical trauma triggers neuroinflammatory processes associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and that mitigating the neuroinflammatory effects of surgery prevents surgery-induced cognitive dysfunction. Endogenously produced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has multiple functions in the brain, and an increasing number of studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), an H2S donor, on the cognitive impairment of mice as they experience neuroinflammatory changes induced by surgery. METHODS: Each mouse received 5 mg/kg NaHS or volume-matched vehicle administration by intraperitoneal injection once daily, 3 d before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 3 d afterward. We assessed cognitive function using a Morris water maze and evaluated expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-6 in the serum and hippocampus. We performed each test 1, 3, and 7 d after surgery. RESULTS: Hippocampal-dependent memory impairment in mice after surgery was associated with increased serum proinflammatory cytokines, as well as proinflammatory cytokine expression in the hippocampus. Presurgery treatment with NaHS, an H2S donor, significantly attenuated surgery-induced memory impairment and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that intraperitoneal injections of NaHS could significantly mitigate surgery-induced memory impairment in mice, which is strongly associated with reduced levels of serum and hippocampal proinflammatory cytokines.

[Energy consumption and GDP growth in Beijing: cointegration and causality analysis].

In this paper, the Johansen cointegration technique and the vector error correction model (VECM) were used to examine the causal relationship between energy consumption (LEC) and gross domestic product (LGDP) for Beijing during the period of 1980 to 2008. Results indicated that LEC and LGDP for Beijing were related by one cointegrating vector and there was a long-run unidirectional causal relationship from GDP to energy consumption. The long-term and short-term elasticity from economy to energy consumption were 0.44 and 0.12 separately. Statistic analysis showed that from 1980 to 2008 every 1% growth in GDP annually would drive energy consumption increasing rate by 0.4% correspondently. And the effect imposed from economy to energy consumption was lagging. It showed that energy consumption was not a strong exogenous variable as to economy. The finding has significant implications from the point of view of energy conservation, emission reduction and economic development.

[Uncertainty analysis for evaluating methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfill in Beijing].

In order to improve the accurate evaluation of CH4 emissions from municipal solid waste landfill in Beijing, FOD-model and Monte Carlo method were conducted. Based on local data, national data and experts' experience, the uncertainty of FOD-model and parameters' sensitivity analysis were identified. And we quantified effect of various parameters on model output. The results showed that 95% probability distribution range of CH4 emission from landfill was (11.8-19.76) x 10(4) t x a(-1) in Beijing. The mean value was 15.58 x 10(4)t x a(-1) with uncertainty range of -24.26% - 26.83%. Among all the parameters MCF (after 2000) showed the greatest impact on landfill CH4 emission in 2008, and its contribution to the uncertainty of emission result was 41.4%. This research can improve the assessment accuracy and quality on CH4 emission from municipal solid waste landfill in Beijing, as providing scientific basis to improve the landfill greenhouse gas inventory and data collection.

Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits HBV DNA synthesis in a viral replication - inducible cell line.

AIM: To analyze the antiviral mechanism of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. METHODS: In this research, the HBV-replicating cell line HepG2.117 was used to investigate the antiviral mechanism of EGCG. Cytotoxicity of EGCG was analyzed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in the supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Precore mRNA and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The effect of EGCG on HBV core promoter activity was measured by dual luciferase reporter assay. HBV covalently closed circular DNA and replicative intermediates of DNA were quantified by real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: When HepG2.117 cells were grown in the presence of EGCG, the expression of HBeAg was suppressed, however, the expression of HBsAg was not affected. HBV precore mRNA level was also down-regulated by EGCG, while the transcription of precore mRNA was not impaired. The synthesis of both HBV covalently closed circular DNA and replicative intermediates of DNA were reduced by EGCG treatment to a similar extent, however, HBV pgRNA transcripted from chromosome-integrated HBV genome was not affected by EGCG treatment, indicating that EGCG targets only replicative intermediates of DNA synthesis. CONCLUSION: In HepG2.117 cells, EGCG inhibits HBV replication by impairing HBV replicative intermediates of DNA synthesis and such inhibition results in reduced production of HBV covalently closed circular DNA.

[Isolation, purification and composition analysis of water-soluble polysaccharide from Halenia elliptica].

OBJECTIVE: To provide scientific cue for the use of Halenia elliptica. METHODS: The crude polysaccharide was extracted from Halenia elliptica with hot water and precipitated by ethanol. The crude polysaccharide has been eliminated protein and fractionated by acidic ethanol. Four fractions HM1, HM2, HM3 and HM4 were got respectively. RESULTS: By using DEAE-Sephadex A-25 gel filtration, HM1 was got. GC analysis indicated that HM1, HM2, HM3, HM4 and HM41 were composed of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Man, Gal and Glc. But their molar ratios were different. CONCLUSION: Polysaccharide HM41 is isolated from Halenia elliptica for the first time.

[Study on the purification and scavenging free radical activity of water soluble polysaccharide from Ligularia hodgsonii].

OBJECTIVE: The study was to provided the reference for further development and utilization of Ligularia hodgsonii. METHODS: The crude polysaccharide LW was extracted from Lugularia hodgsonii with hot water, and prectated by ethanol. The crude polysaccharide has been fractionted and purified, so LW21 was got. Its homogeneity was confirmed by chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B, paper chromatography and cellulous actate electrophoresis. The scavenging effets of the polysacehardes on * OH and O2-* were determined by fluorescence method. RESULTS: Antioxidative experiment shows that LW and LW21 were effective in scavenging superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical. The scavenging capacity for superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical of LW21 had higher than that of LW. CONCLUSION: The polysaceharide from Ligularia hodgsonii had stronger antioxidant actioxdant activities, and their antioxidant activities had certain dose-relationship.

[Progress in research of urban greenhouse gas emission inventory].

Urban areas carry main responsibility for consuming massive energy sources and make great contribution to global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. City and local governments are seen to have a key role in climate mitigation. Hence,one of the important work concerns accounting for city greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, because it plays significant role in setting reduction targets and evaluating success of local measures. However, open system architectures like city face many challenges for greenhouse gas accounting. Based on the review in details the methodology and case study, our study focuses on the difference and interconnection between country and city GHG accounts,and uncertainty of accounts. Further, we propose the valuable experience in order to improve domestic research on city GHG emission inventory.

[Study on the purification and scavenging free radical activity of water soluble polysaccharide of leave in Hippohae rhamnoides L].

The crude polysaccharide was extracted from Leave in Hippohae rhamnoides L. with hot water, and precipitated by ethanol. The crude polysaccharide has been fractionated by acidic ethanol. Three fractions (SJ1, SJ2, SJ3) were got respectively. SJ2 deproteinizationed by the combined methods of enzyme and Seveage, purified by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 gel filtration. PC analysis indicated that SJ22 is composed of Xyl,Ara,Glc,Gal,GaL A. The identification of purify by Sepharose CL-4B, paper chromatography and cellulous acetate electrophoresis showed it was homogeneous. Typical absorption of polysaccharides was shown in its IR spectrum. It contained a-glucosidic bonds by IR analysis. It had typical absorption of protein by UV scaning. SJ22 is first isolated from Leave in Hippohae rhamnoides L Scavenging free radical experiment showed that SJ22 was effective in scavenging superoxideradical and hydroxylradical, but only a little effective in scavenging lipid radical.