Quantifying chemical correlations between fruits and processed fruit products: A non-targeted analysis approach.

Juices and beverages are produced by industry for long-distance distribution and shelf-stability, providing valuable nutrients. However, their nutritional value is often underestimated due to insufficient analytical methods. We have employed non-targeted analysis through a standardized analytical protocol, taking advantage of Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) technique and a novel Chromatographic Retention Behavior (CRB) data deconvolution algorithm. After analyzing 9 fruits and their products, correlations between fruits and their juices are accurately digitalized by similarities of their LC-MS fingerprints. We also specify non-targeted molecules primarily associate with nutrient loss in these analyzed juice products, including nitrogenous nutrients, flavonoids, glycosides, and vitamins. Moreover, we unveiled previously unreported fruit-characteristic metabolites, of which reconstituted-from-concentrate (RFC) juices contain over 40% of the content found in their fresh counterparts. Conclusively, our method establishes a quantitative benchmark for rational selection of RFC juices to substitute natural fruits.

Parthenolide Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats by Reducing Inflammation.

Background: Sepsis is a common complication of severe trauma, burns, infection, or major surgery. This disease-related end-organ dysfunction results from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Acute kidney damage (AKI), also known as acute renal failure, is one of the most frequent and serious sequelae of sepsis. Nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) regulates the transcription of inflammation-related genes and operates as a mediator in the immune system. While parthenolide (PTL) has been reported to prevent harmful inflammatory reactions, its effects on sepsis-associated AKI are unknown. The current study investigates the effects of PTL in sepsis-associated AKI using cell and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) models. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat glomerular mesangial cells were treated with 10 µM PTL. Inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, in the culture supernatants were measured by ELISA, and NF-κB levels were assessed by qPCR. After the generation of the septic CLP model, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 500 g/kg PTL and were euthanized after 72 h. Serum and kidney samples were analyzed. Results: TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 levels were elevated after LPS treatment of rat glomerular mesangial cells (p=0.004, p=0.002, and p=0.004, respectively) but were significantly reduced in the PTL treatment group (p ≤ 0.001, p=0.01, and p ≤ 0.001). NF-κB p65 levels were also increased after LPS treatment in this group and were reduced in the PTL treatment group. PTL treatment also reduced kidney damage after CLP induction, as shown by histological analysis and reductions in the levels of BUN, Cre, KIM-1, and NAGL. CLP-induced kidney inflammation together with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory-related proteins. The elevated levels of renal TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß were downregulated after PTL treatment. The PTL treatment also reduced the CLP-induced activation of NF-κB p65 in the damaged kidneys. Conclusion: PTL reduced inflammation induced by CLP-induced AKI in rat models and LPS-induced damage to glomerular mesangial cells by suppressing NF-κB signaling.

TEMPO-Promoted Mono- and Bisimidation of Tertiary Anilines: Synthesis of Symmetric and Unsymmetric N-Mannich Bases.

A TEMPO-promoted method was developed for the synthesis of symmetric bis-N-Mannich bases via sequential activation of two α,α'-amino C(sp3)-H bonds of N,N-dimethylanilines under mild conditions. This methodology was further extended for monoimidation of α-amino-functionalized methylanilines to give unsymmetric N-Mannich bases in good to high yields. Several control experiments were performed, and the coupling reaction outcomes indicated that the oxoammonium (TEMPO+) species is involved in the reaction.

Low-dose apatinib and tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil as palliative treatment in recurrent cervical cancer patients with poor performance status: A case series.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: A large proportion of recurrent cervical cancer (RCC) patients present with poor performance status (PS) after comprehensive treatments, which usually prevents them from opting for clinical trials. We retrospectively analysed the effect and safety of low-dose apatinib and tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil (TGO) in the treatment of these patients. CASE SUMMARY: Six patients treated with low-dose apatinib and TGO showed a disease control rate of 83.3% and grade 1-2 adverse events (AEs). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This case series indicates that low-dose apatinib and TGO could be considered as palliative therapy for RCC patients with poor PS.

Tfh cell subset biomarkers and inflammatory markers are associated with frailty status and frailty subtypes in the community-dwelling older population: a cross-sectional study.

We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating community-dwelling older population to determine association between immunoscenescence marker, inflammatory cytokines and frailty. Frailty status was classified with 33-item modified frailty index and latent class analysis was applied to explore the latent classes (subtypes) of frailty. In multivariable analysis, higher Tfh2 cells were associated with a higher risk of frailty [1.13(1.03-1.25)] in females, but a lower risk of cognitive and functional frail [0.92(0.86-0.99)] and physiological frail [0.92(0.87-0.98)]. Additionally, a greater risk of multi-frail and physiological frail correlated with low Tfh1 [0.77(0.60-0.99); 0.87(0.79-0.96)] and Tfh17 cells [0.79(0.65-0.96); 0.86(0.78-0.94)], respectively. Higher B cells were associated with decreased frailty/pre-frailty both in females [0.89(0.81-0.98)] and males [0.82(0.71-0.96)], but did not correlate with frailty subtypes. Regarding inflammatory markers, participants in the TGF-ß 2nd quartile showed a decreased risk of pre-frailty/frailty in females [0.39(0.17-0.89)] and psychological frail [0.37(0.16-0.88)], compared with those in the top tertile. Moreover, we found participants in the 2nd tertile for IL-12 levels showed a decreased risk of physiological frail [0.40 (0.17-0.97)]. Our study highlights the importance of Tfh cell subsets and inflammatory markers in frailty in a sex-specific manner, particularly in terms of frailty subtype.

Development of frailty subtypes and their associated risk factors among the community-dwelling elderly population.

In order to explore frailty subtypes and find their associated risk factors, we conducted cross-sectional surveys of 5,341 seniors aged 60 and over in China using the Frailty Index (FI) scale. We identified four frailty subtypes, namely multi-frail, cognitive and functionally frail, psychologically frail and physiologically frail. Old age and low education level were the common risk factors among the four subtypes. Being widowed, divorced or unmarried was a risk factor for multi-frail, cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail, and male sex was a protective factor against cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail subtypes. Having a harmonious relationship with family was a protective factor against multi-frail, and fewer visits to the elderly by their children was a risk factor for psychologically frail. Dissatisfaction with their housing was a risk factor for cognitive and functionally frail, psychologically frail and physiologically frail, and a pension being the main source of income was a risk factor for cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail. Exercising every day was a protective factor against multi-frail and cognitive and functionally frail, and a lower level of physical activity was a risk factor for all four frailty subtypes. Our findings confirm the heterogeneity of frailty and suggest that different frail elderly individuals need more targeted care interventions.

Electroacupuncture Improves Intestinal Dysfunction in Septic Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Shangjuxu"(ST37) on reducing inflammatory reaction and improving intestinal dysfunction in patients with sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction with syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction with syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi were randomly assigned to control group (n=36) and treatment group (n=35). Patients in control group were given conventional therapies including fluid resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive agents, mechanical ventilation, supply of enteral nutrition, and glutamine as soon as possible. In addition to conventional therapies, patients in treatment group underwent 20 minutes of EA at ST36-ST37 twice a day for five days. At baseline, day 1, day 3, and day 7 after treatment, the plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intestinal fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP), D-lactate, citrulline, and TCM quantitative score of intestinal dysfunction were measured and recorded, respectively. And days on mechanical ventilation (MV), length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), and 28d mortality were recorded. RESULTS: During treatment, the plasma levels of PCT, TNF-α, I-FABP, D-lactate, and TCM quantitative score of intestinal dysfunction were declining in both groups, while the treatment group showed a significant decline (P<0.05). Plasma levels of citrulline were increasing in both groups, while the treatment group showed a significant increase (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the days on MV, length of stay in ICU, and 28d mortality between two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA at ST36-ST37 can reduce inflammatory reaction and has protective effects on intestinal function in patients with sepsis-induced intestinal dysfunction with syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/(ChiCTR-IOR-17010910).

Electro-acupuncture attenuates inflammatory responses and intraabdominal pressure in septic patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A pathological increase in intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and inflammatory responses have negative effects on splanchnic, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological function in septic patients with intestinal dysfunction. Electro-acupuncture (EA) has been evidenced to have a bidirectional neuron-endocrine-immune system regulating effect in patients with intestinal dysfunction. The purpose of current study was to evaluate the effects of EA at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) on inflammatory responses and IAP in septic patients with intestinal dysfunction manifested syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi. METHODS: Eighty-two septic patients with intestinal dysfunction manifested syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi were randomly assigned to control group (n = 41) and EA group (n = 41). Patients in control group were given conventional therapies including fluid resuscitation, antiinfection, vasoactive agents, mechanical ventilation (MV), supply of enteral nutrition, and glutamine as soon as possible. In addition to conventional therapies, patients in EA group underwent 20-minutes of EA at ST36-ST37 twice a day for 5 days. At baseline, posttreatment 1, 3, and 7 days, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IAP levels, were measured, respectively. And days on MV, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) and 28 days mortality were recorded. RESULTS: The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß and IAP levels at posttreatment 1, 3, and 7 days were lower significantly in the EA group compared with the control group (mean [SD]; 61.03 [20.39] vs 79.28 [20.69]; P < .005, mean [SD]; 35.34 [18.75] vs 66.53 [30.43]; P < .005 and mean [SD]; 20.32 [11.30] vs 32.99 [20.62]; P = .001, respectively, TNF-α. Mean [SD]; 14.11 [5.21] vs 16.72 [5.59]; P = .032, mean [SD]; 9.02 [3.62] vs 12.10 [4.13]; P = .001 and mean [SD]; 5.11 [1.79] vs 8.19 [2.99]; P < .005, respectively, IL-1ß. Mean [SD]; 14.83 [5.58] vs 17.55 [3.37]; P = .009, mean [SD]; 11.20 [2.57] vs 14.85 [3.01]; P < .005 and mean [SD]; 8.62 [2.55] vs 11.25 [2.72]; P < .005, respectively, IAP). There were no significant differences in the duration of MV, length of stay in ICU, and 28d mortality between the groups. CONCLUSION: EA at ST36-ST37 attenuated inflammatory responses through reduction in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß and IAP in septic patients with intestinal dysfunction manifested syndrome of obstruction of the bowels Qi.

[Risk factors for the complications of primary hypospadias urethroplasty with the urethral plate reserved].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for the complications of urethroplasty in patients with primary hypospadias by postoperative follow-up observation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 110 cases of primary hypospadias repair performed from November 2010 to October 2015, including 70 cases of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty and 40 cases of inlay internal preputial graft (IIPG) urethroplasty, all with the urethral plate reserved. We followed up the patients for 15.6－36 months, (27.3 ± 0.52) mo for those with and (26.9 ± 0.22) mo for those without complications. The mean age of the two groups of patients was (7.5 ± 0.2) and (7.0 ± 0.5) yr, respectively. RESULTS: The follow-up data were collected from all the patients, 17 (15.5%) with and 93 (84.5%) without complications. The success rate of surgery was 84.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the follow-up time and age between the two groups of patients (P >0.05). Single-factor analysis of variance showed significant differences between the complication and non-complication groups in the preoperative urethral opening (P <0.01), ventral penile curvature (P <0.01), and length of urethral defect (P = 0.04), while multiple linear regression analysis exhibited that only ventral curvature was associated with the postoperative complications of the patients (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06－1.19, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We chose single-stage urethroplasty with the urethral plate reserved for the treatment of primary hypospadias and achieved satisfactory outcomes. Ventral penile curvature is an independent risk factor for the complications of primary hypospadias, and a higher degree of curvature is associated with a higher incidnece of complications.

Levosimendan Versus Dobutamine in Myocardial Injury Patients with Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the effect of levosimendan on biomarkers of myocardial injury and systemic hemodynamics in patients with septic shock. MATERIAL AND METHODS After achieving normovolemia and a mean arterial pressure of at least 65 mmHg, 38 septic shock patients with low cardiac output (left ventricular ejective fraction), LEVF £45%) were randomly divided into two groups: levosimendan dobutamine. Patients in the levosimendan and dobutamine groups were maintained with intravenous infusion of levosimendan (0.2 µg/kg/minute) and dobutamine (5 µg/kg/minute) for 24 hours respectively. During treatment we monitored hemodynamics and LVEF, and measured levels of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP), troponin I (TNI), and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP). In addition, the length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, and 28-day mortality were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The levosimendan group and the dobutamine group were well matched with respect to age (years, 55.4 ± 1 7.5 versus 50.2 ± 13.6) and gender (males, 68.4% versus 57.9%). Levosimendan-treated patients had higher stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), LVEF, and left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), and lower extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) compared to dobutamine-treated patients (p<0.05). HFABP, TNI, and BNP in the levosimendan group were less than in the dobutamine group (p<0.05). There was no difference in the mechanical ventilation time, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and 28-day mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Compared with dobutamine, levosimendan reduces biomarkers of myocardial injury and improves systemic hemodynamics in patients with septic shock. However, it does not reduce the days on mechanical ventilation, length of stay in ICU and hospital, or 28-day mortality.

Evaluation of aminotransferase abnormality in dengue patients: A meta analysis.

Dengue virus is a type of flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The symptoms of infection by this virus range from asymptomatic or mild symptomatic dengue fever (DF) to dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Significant abnormality in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) has been shown in a large number of dengue infection cases and to be indicator for liver injury provided that there are no other combined infections or liver injury. This study aims to assess the abnormal levels of liver aminotransferase in dengue patients. The related literature was searched in multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. The literature was selected through strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quantitative synthesis of the liver aminotransferase abnormality was performed with R software. The fixed or random effects model was employed based on the results of the statistical test for homogeneity. In total, 15 studies were included. The proportion of AST abnormality with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.56-0.92) in DHF patients and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.63-0.84) in DF patients; the proportion of ALT abnormality was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.34-0.73) in DHF patients and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.41-0.63) in DF patients. Serum ALT and AST levels may be indicators for evaluating liver injury in dengue infection and for diagnosis and treatment effect.

Effects of Early Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration on E-Selectin, Hemodynamic Stability, and Ventilatory Function in Patients with Septic-Shock-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objective. To investigate the effects of 72-hour early-initiated continuous venovenous hemofiltration (ECVVH) treatment in patients with septic-shock-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (not acute kidney injury, AKI) with regard to serum E-selectin and measurements of lung function and hemodynamic stability. Methods. This prospective nonblinded single institutional randomized study involved 51 patients who were randomly assigned to receive or not receive ECVVH, an ECVVH group (n = 24) and a non-ECVVH group (n = 27). Besides standard therapies, patients in ECVVH group underwent CVVH for 72 h. Results. At 0 and 24 h after initiation of treatment, arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), and E-selectin level were not significantly different between groups (all P > 0.05). Compared to non-ECVVH group, PaO2/FiO2 is significantly higher and EVLWI and E-selectin level are significantly lower in ECVVH group (all P < 0.05) at 48 h and 72 h after initiation of treatment. The lengths of mechanical ventilation and stay in intensive care unit (ICU) were shorter in ECVVH group (all P < 0.05), but there was no difference in 28-day mortality between two groups. Conclusions. In patients with septic-shock-induced ARDS (not AKI), treatment with ECVVH in addition to standard therapies improves endothelial function, lung function, and hemodynamic stability and reduces the lengths of mechanical ventilation and stay in ICU.

[Roles of CXCR3 on lymphocytes and IP-10 of peripheral blood in infants with bronchiolitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the roles of chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) on lymphocytes and interferon-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) of peripheral blood in childhood bronchiolitis. METHODS: Fifty-five children with bronchiolitis were classified into Group I (with allergic factors) and Group II (without allergic factors). Twenty-eight children with noninfectious diseases were enrolled randomly as the control group. The expression of CXCR3 (CD183 as its molecular marker) on lymphocytes of peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. Serum IP-10 level was measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The expression of CD183(+) cells on CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes in peripheral blood in children with bronchiolitis from both Group I and Group II was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and Group I had higher expression of CD183(+) cells on CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes than Group II (P<0.05).Serum IP-10 levels in Group I and Group II were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in serum IP-10 levels between Group I and Group II. CONCLUSIONS: CXCR3 and IP-10 are involved in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis, and CXCR3 is associated with allergic factors.

[Down-regulatory effects of budesonide on expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3 in lung tissues of asthmatic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of signal transduction and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and orosomucoid 1-like 3 (ORMDL3) in airway remodeling among asthmatic mice and to observe the effects of budesonide (BUD) on their expression. METHODS: Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, asthma, and BUD intervention group. The mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish a mouse model of asthma. The BUD intervention group received aerosol inhalation of BUD dissolved in normal saline 30 minutes before each OVA challenge, while normal saline was used instead of OVA solution in the control group. The pathological changes in the airway were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The interleukin-13 (IL-13) level in lung homogenate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3 was measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The asthma group showed more pathological changes in the airway than the control and BUD intervention groups, and the BUD intervention group had reduced pathological changes in the airway compared with the asthma group. The asthma and BUD intervention groups had significantly higher IL-13 levels and mRNA expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3 than the control group (P<0.05), and these indices were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the BUD intervention group (P<0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that STAT6 mRNA expression was positively correlated with ORMDL3 mRNA expression (r=0.676, P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: STAT6 and ORMDL3 may be involved in the airway remodeling of mice, and BUD can reduce airway remodeling in asthmatic mice, possibly by down-regulating mRNA expression of STAT6 and ORMDL3.

[Role of caveolin-1 in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in rat].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in the modulation of rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMVEC) injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: Cultured RPMVEC were randomly divided into time-dependent injury group induced by LPS and intervention group in which cells were pretreated by protein kinase A inhibitor (PKI). In the time-dependent injury group, monolayers of cells were constructed to determine permeability changes after 10 µg/mL LPS challenge for 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours with the method of Evans blue-labeled albumin flux across the monolayer (Pd). Western blotting was used to determine the Cav-1 expression after LPS stimulation and the phosphorylation-Cav-1 (p-Cav-1) expression after LPS challenge for 0, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes. In the intervention group, after pre-treatment with 10 µmol/L PKI for 30 minutes, RPMVECs were challenged with 10 µg/mL LPS, and the expression of p-Cav-1 was determined 30 minutes after LPS challenge, the permeability and the Cav-1 protein expression were assessed by Pd and Western blotting, respectively. Non-stimulation group and single PKI simulation group served as controls. RESULTS: Western blotting revealed that the expression of Cav-1 protein was elevated at 1 hour (2.97 ± 0.07), peaking at 3 hours (3.77 ± 0.37), then it lowered gradually, but it was still higher at 24 hours (1.45 ± 0.18) when compared with 0 hour group (1.12±0.08) with significant differences (F=178.047, P=0.000). After RPMVEC monolayers were challenged by LPS for different periods (0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours), there were significant increases in a time-dependent manner in Cav-1 expression in the permeability as measured by Pd [(99.67 ± 4.32)%, (118.17 ± 2.32)%, (159.00 ± 2.61)%, (141.17 ± 2.64)%, (120.17 ± 2.79)% and (108.83 ± 2.04)%, F=345.869, P=0.000] which was similar to the changes in Cav-1 expression. LPS also increased Cav-1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner occurring at 10 minutes (2.41 ± 0.11), peaking at 30 minutes (2.83 ± 0.10), and then it decreased gradually, finally returned to basal levels (1.03±0.04) at 120 minutes (1.04 ± 0.04) after LPS treatment with significant difference (F=519.417, P=0.000). When PKI was pre-treated with RPMVEC the expression of Cav-1 was significantly increased (5.07 ± 0.22 vs. 3.81 ± 0.23, P<0.01), and p-Cav-1 (3.93 ± 0.23 vs. 2.77±0.10, P<0.01), and RPMVEC monolayers permeability was enhanced [(184.17 ± 5.49)% vs. (151.50 ± 3.08)%, P<0.01] after being challenged. CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulated expression of Cav-1 and phosphorylation-Cav-1 that may be modulated by protein kinase A signal pathway plays an important role in RPMVEC permeability injury as induced by LPS.

Preparation of LaFeO3 nanofibers by electrospinning for gas sensors with fast response and recovery.

LaFeO(3) nanofibers are successfully prepared by the electrospinning method. XRD patterns show that the materials belong to a cubic system. After calcination at 600 °C for 3 h, SEM photographs show that the diameters of the nanofibers are about 80-90 nm and their surfaces are smooth. The response-recovery properties of an LaFeO(3) nanofiber sensor to ethanol are better than those of an LaFeO(3) nanobelt and nanoparticle sensor. LaFeO(3) nanofibers have relatively low resistance, and they improve the weakness of LaFeO(3) nanoparticles upon application. An LaFeO(3) nanofiber sensor also has good reversibility and selectivity to ethanol and is a very good p-type semiconductor material.

Synthesis and gas-sensing characteristics of WO3 nanofibers via electrospinning.

WO(3) nanofibers were synthesized using an electrospinning method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained WO(3) nanofibers were used as sensitive materials for the detection of NH(3). Indirect-heating sensors based on WO(3) nanofibers were prepared. When the WO(3) nanofiber-based sensors were exposed to 100 ppm NH(3) at 500°C, the response is 5.5, and the response and recovery times are 1 and 5s, respectively. These results indicate that the gas sensors based on WO(3) nanofibers express high and fast response and recovery characteristics to NH(3), and the WO(3) nanofibers are promising sensitive materials for NH(3) detecting.

[Nasal immune tolerance to passively transferred myasthenia gravis in young mice].

OBJECTIVE: Young C57BL/6 (B6) mice were treated with a specific tolerogen-dual analogue (Lys262-Ala207) intranasally to observe its effect on the invasion process of mice model and the clinical symptoms, to assess its clinical effects, and to explore the underlying mechanisms and feasibility of nasal mucosal tolerance explored. METHODS: Passively transferred myasthenia gravis (PTMG) was induced by mAb35 on B6 young female mice. Sixty mice were divided equally into three groups: tolerance group, model group and control group. Lys262-Ala207 was given intranasally (250 microg/mouse) to tolerance group with mAb35 for 10 successive days before immunization. Model group received PBS 50 microl only. The body weight and clinical scores were evaluated. The serum levels of AChRAb and the main cytokines (IL-4, IFN-gamma, TGF-beta1) were detected with ELISA. RESULTS: The model group had typical myasthenia symptoms. B6 mice of tolerance group had less severe symptoms compared with control groups. The clinical symptoms of tolerance group were relieved. The level of AChRAb in tolerance group [(16.01 +/- 1.09) mg/L] was significantly lower than that of model group [(28.12 +/- 1.28) mg/L] (t = 44.37, P < 0.01). IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels in tolerance group [(141.02 +/- 3.11) ng/L, (187.99 +/- 4.67) ng/L] were significantly lower than those of model group [(193.37 +/- 3.95) ng/L, (320.46 +/- 2.14) ng/L] (t = 37.20, 51.69, P < 0.01). The level of TGF-beta1 in tolerance group [(437.19 +/- 1.93) ng/L] was higher than that of model group [(175.63 +/- 3.12) ng/L] (t = 36.07, P < 0.01). But there were still significant change as compared to those in control group (t = 26.65, 31.05, 49.02, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal administration of Lys262-Ala207 ameliorated muscular weakness in PTMG young mice. The therapeutic effect is possibly correlated with the function of immune system.

[Surgical treatment of diffused osteoradionecrosis of temporal bone in cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effective treatment method of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of temporal bone in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. METHODS: Eight NPC patients (8 ears) with ORN of temporal bone accepted surgical treatment, 2 ears undergoing radical mastoidectomy, 2 ears undergoing extensive radical mastoidectomy, 5 ears undergoing radical mastoidectomy and obliteration with transferring local vascularized fascia flaps. RESULTS: Five of the 8 ears (62.5%) achieved dry ear, including 4 ears undergoing radical mastoidectomy and obliteration with vascularized fascia flaps, and 1 ear undergoing radical mastoidectomy. Two of the 8 ears (25%) still had infection and were not fully epithelized, but without sequestration, including 1 ear undergoing mastoidectomy and obliteration with vascularized fascia flaps, and 1 ear undergoing extensive radical mastoidectomy. One of the 8 ears (12.5%) which had received radical mastoidectomy needed revision surgery because of re-sequestration. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for diffused ORN of temporal bone by radical mastoidectomy and obliteration with local vascularized flaps is effective. The main objective of the surgery is get excellent drainage and prevention of complications.

[Study on the reliability and validity of the 66-item version on the gross motor function measure in 0-3 year olds with cerebral palsy].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability and validity of the 66-item version on the gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) to assess the gross motor functions of children below 3 years oldwith cerebral palsy. METHODS: 298 valid samples were obtained from 171 children with cerebral palsy (male 126, female 45 with mean age 19 months, age range 3-36 months) measured with GMFM-88. Then a 73-item version of GMFM (GMFM-73) special for these children was obtained by Rasch analysis. Both GMFM-66 and GMFM-73 scores of to each sample were obtained. The reliability and validity of GMFM-66 were evaluated through analyzing the correlation between the scores and between the changed scores of these two GMFM versions. The relative precision of GMFM-73 versus GMFM-66 was also analyzed. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the scores and between the changed scores of these two versions of GMFM. A 14% less gain in relative precision was achieved when using GMFM-73 versus GMFM-66. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the GMFM-66 had good reliability and validity in assessing the gross motor functions of children below 3 years old with cerebral palsy.