PbWRKY18 promotes resistance against black spot disease by activation of the chalcone synthase gene PbCHS3 in pear.

Flavonoids are plant pigments that play a major role in plant defense and have significant health benefits to humans. Chalcone synthase (CHS) is an important enzyme in flavonoid biosynthesis and investigation transcription factors (TFs) regulating its expression and downstream targets is critical to understanding its mechanism. Here, a novel TF, PbWRKY18, was isolated from the pear Pyrus betulaefolia. Its expression was evaluated in various tissues by RT-PCR, particularly in response to Alternaria alternata, the pathogen responsible for black spot disease, and exogenous hormone administration. The PbWRKY18 protein was primarily found in the nucleus where it regulated transcriptional activity. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a strong association between PbWRKY18 and the PbCHS3 promoter, which drives PbCHS3 expression. It was also found that PbCHS3 was critical for the development of resistance against black spot disease. In addition, PbWRKY18 was found to significantly increase the expression of PbCHS3 and salicylic acid-related genes, as well as defense enzyme activity and tolerance to black spot disease. PbWRKY18 or PbCHS3 knockdown in pear attenuates resistance to Alternaria alternata. In summary, the study identified a novel WRKY18-CHS3 axis involved in resistance against black spot disease in pear.

Double counting heart rate - Littmann sign in electrocardiogram.

This report highlights necessity of correctly and quickly identifying Littmann sign. Littmann sign is not common in clinical practice, which is easily overlooked by most physicians, leading to delays in the treatment of hyperkalemia. A 68 year old patient with hyperkalemia was found to have inconsistent heart rate displayed on electrocardiogram monitoring with cardiac auscultation and synchronous electrocardiogram in the early stages of onset. Hyperkalemia was highly suspected by the Littmann sign. After completing arterial blood gas analysis, hyperkalemia was identified and active potassium lowering treatment was immediately initiated. The Littmann syndrome disappeared, and the patient eventually recovered.

Treatment of postpartum depression with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine nursing and electrical stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychological disease among puerperal women, and postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction is a common disease among pregnant women. The occurrence of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction will increase the incidence of PPD. AIM: To explore the therapeutic effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine nursing combined with electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles and the rectus abdominis on PPD. METHODS: From April 2020 to January 2022, 100 parturients with a rectus abdominis muscle separation distance > 2.0 cm who underwent reexamination 6 wk after delivery at our hospital were selected as the research subjects. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into either an observation group (n = 50) or a control group (n = 50). There was no significant difference in the general data between the two groups (P > 0.05). Both groups were treated by electrical stimulation. The observation group was additionally treated by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine nursing. A self-designed Depression Knowledge Questionnaire was used to evaluate the awareness of knowledge on depression in all patients 3 wk after intervention. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate the depression before intervention and 1 wk and 3 wk after intervention, and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to evaluate the medication compliance. SPSS19.0 was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The rate of awareness of knowledge on depression in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The scores of MMAS-8 were comparable between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05), but were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group at 1 wk and 3 wk after intervention (P < 0.05). The HAMD scores were comparable between the two groups before intervention (P > 0.05), but were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 1 wk and 3 wk after intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine nursing combined with electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles and the rectus abdominis is effective in the treatment of postpartum depression and worthy of clinical promotion.

Cost-benefits analysis of ultra-low emissions standard on air quality and health impact in thermal power plants in China.

As China's largest energy infrastructure, thermal power plant consumed approximately half of China's coal over the past decade and threatened air quality, human health and socioeconomic development. Thus, a series of control policies have been implemented to alleviate those impacts in China. Particularly, China has witnessed unprecedented declines in air pollutant emissions from thermal power plants since the ultra-low emissions (ULE) standards were implemented. In contrast, the effect of the ULE policy on air quality, health and cost benefits remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study estimates the improved air quality and associated health and economic benefits under the ULE standards in the thermal power sector by using a measure-specific approach, combining a bottom-up emission inventory, an atmospheric model, a health assessment model and a cost analysis model. The results show that all the control measures lead to reduced air pollution, and renovating pre-existing units (RPU) is the most effective. Compared to without implementing the ULE policy, the population-weighted average PM2.5 and O3 concentrations decreased by 1.50 µg/m3 and 0.87 ppm, and 67,831 premature deaths could be avoided nationally. Furthermore, the results also show the net economic benefits of combining health benefits and costs due to control measures are 109.92 billion Yuan (in 2015 value) in China. The comprehensive results reveal that the health benefits outweigh the direct policy. Based on these empirical findings and the specific circumstances of China, we suggest that RPU should be further promoted to the entire of China, and if necessary, establish a long-term compensation mechanism for inter-provincial interests and institute and enforce comprehensive policies that carefully consider the health impacts of policies. This study provides strong arguments for China's policy-making and considering tightening emission standards for thermal power plants worldwide.

Electrical cardioversion intervention in a patient with heat stroke accompanied by rapid atrial fibrillation: A case report and literature review.

This report highlights the feasibility of electrical cardioversion intervention for the treatment of heat stroke complicated by rapid atrial fibrillation. There has never been any mentions in the previous literature of the possibility of electrical cardioversion in the event of heat stroke complicated by rapid arrhythmia. A 61-year-old man with classic heat stroke complicated by rapid atrial fibrillation was admitted to our emergency department. In the early stages of treatment, hemodynamics were not stable under the treatments of aggressive cooling and volume-expanding rehydration. It was considered to be related to rapid atrial fibrillation, and the administration of drug cardiover and control of ventricular rate failed. Subsequently, synchronous electrical cardioversion was given 3 times (biphasic wave, energy: 70J-80J-100J, respectively), successfully cardioversion and hemodynamically stable. Although the patient eventually died of progressive deterioration of multiple organ failure, timely cardioversion might be effective for the treatment of heat stroke complicated by rapid atrial fibrillation.

The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor. / Wplyw powtarzalnej przezczaszkowej stymulacji magnetycznej na negatywne objawy schizofrenii i surowiczy neurotroficzny czynnik pochodzenia mózgowego.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and serum brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). METHODS: A total of 86 patients with chronic schizophrenia hospitalised from March to October 2019 were randomly assigned to the active rTMS group or the sham rTMS group, with 43 patients in each group. All patients were administered paliperidone orally at a dose of 3-6 mg/d, and rTMS treatment was given to the active rTMS group. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score and the serum BDNF concentration were calculated in both groups at baseline and after two and four weeks of treatment. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the PANSS scores and serum BDNF concentrations between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). However, after four weeks of treatment, the change in the score on the negative symptom scale in the active rTMS group was greater than in the sham rTMS group (p < 0.05), and the serum BDNF levels in the active rTMS group were higher than in the sham rTMS group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Four weeks of continuous rTMS treatment can effectively improve the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and the serum concentration of BDNF increases as the duration of rTMS treatment increases.

The Effect of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation Therapy on Cognitive Function, Social Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Vascular Dementia.

Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the effects of computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) on cognitive function, social function and quality of life in patients with vascular dementia (VD). Methods: Ninety-eight patients with VD were treated with CCRT in four 45-minute sessions per week over a course of 40 sessions to exercise four cognitive functions, including flexibility, working memory, plan execution and social cognition. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOL-74) were used to assess before and after treatment. Results: (1) The scores of orientation (5.60 ± 1.35), calculation (2.20 ± 0.79), verbal ability (7.10 ± 0.36), spatial ability (0.78 ± 0.42), immediate memory (2.42 ± 0.53), short-term memory (1.17 ± 0.78) and MMSE (23.36 ± 2.98) were all improved after treatment (P < 0.05) compared with those before treatment; (2) The scores of SDSS, PSP and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) after treatment were 8.23 ± 0.94, 81.36 ± 14.23, and 32.7 ± 12.1, and all of which improved (P < 0.05); (3) The scores of physical health were 68.24 ± 7.44, mental health were 69.75 ± 7.15, social function were 69.08 ± 7.43, material life were 37.46 ± 4.85 and the total score were 230.79 ± 9.56, all of which improved (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For patients with VD, CCRT can improve their cognitive function, social function, daily life ability and quality of life.

Clinical Study of Progesterone Combined with Vitamin B6 in the Treatment of Amenorrhea Endocrine Disorders Caused by Antipsychotics.

Background: Endocrine disorders such as amenorrhea, lactation, and irregular menstruation caused by antipsychotics are common in female patients. How to reduce or eliminate these adverse reactions is a matter of concern. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of progesterone in combination with vitamin B6 in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea. Methods: In our hospital, from May 2019 to May 2021, 120 patients with amenorrhea caused by antipsychotics who underwent surgery were selected for this prospective study. The random residue grouping method divided them into a progesterone group (60 cases) and a vitamin B6 group (60 cases). Among them, the progesterone group was treated only with progesterone, while the vitamin B6 group was given progesterone in combination with vitamin B6. The differences in endocrine index, prolactin, uterine size, and endometrial thickness, effectiveness, and safety analysis of the progesterone and vitamin B6 groups of patients were observed and compared. Results: Before treatment, there was no change in the comparison of endocrine indexes between the progesterone and vitamin B6 groups (P > 0.05). After 1 month of treatment, there were significant differences in estradiol, prolactin, and follicle-stimulating hormone between the progesterone and vitamin B6 groups of patients (P < 0.05). After 1 month of treatment, there were significant differences in prolactin, uterine size, and endometrial thickness, and the vitamin B6 group was significantly lower than the progesterone group (P < 0.05). The clinical efficiency of 95.00% in the vitamin B6 group was significantly higher than 83.33% in the progesterone group (P < 0.05). There were no adverse reactions in the progesterone and vitamin B6 groups. Conclusion: The effectiveness of progesterone combined with vitamin B6 in treating amenorrhea caused by antipsychotics is significantly better than simple progesterone, which can effectively improve the endocrine condition of patients and provide a reference for the clinical treatment of amenorrhea caused by antipsychotics.

Progress and Prospects of Non-Canonical NF-κB Signaling Pathway in the Regulation of Liver Diseases.

Non-canonical nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway regulates many physiological and pathological processes, including liver homeostasis and diseases. Recent studies demonstrate that non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway plays an essential role in hyperglycemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver regeneration, liver injury, autoimmune liver disease, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting to non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway have been developed and shown promising results in the treatment of liver injuries. Here, the recent advances and future prospects in understanding the roles of the non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathways in the regulation of liver diseases are discussed.

Mortality burden due to long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 above the new WHO air quality guideline based on 296 cities in China.

OBJECTIVE: Quantifying the spatial and socioeconomic variation of mortality burden attributable to particulate matters with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) has important implications for pollution control policy. This study aims to examine the regional and socioeconomic disparities in the mortality burden attributable to long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 in China. METHODS: Using data of 296 cities across China from 2015 to 2019, we estimated all-cause mortality (people aged ≥ 16 years) attributable to the long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 above the new WHO air quality guideline (5 µg/m3). Attributed fraction (AF), attributed deaths (AD), attributed mortality rate (AMR) and total value of statistical life lost (VSL) by regional and socioeconomic levels were reported. RESULTS: Over the period of 2015-2019, 17.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.4-25.2] of all-cause mortality were attributable to long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5, corresponding to 1,425.2 thousand deaths (95% CI: 622.4-2,099.6), 103.5/105 (95% CI: 44.9-153.3) AMR, and 1006.9 billion USD (95% CI: 439.8-1483.4) total VSL per year. The AMR decreased from 120.5/105 (95% CI: 52.9-176.6) to 92.7/105 (95% CI:39.9-138.5) from 2015 to 2019. The highest mortality burden was observed in the north region (annual average AF = 24.2%, 95% CI: 10.8-35.1; annual average AMR = 137.0/105, 95% CI: 60.9-198.5). The highest AD and economic loss were observed in the east region (annual average AD = 390.0 thousand persons, 95% CI: 170.3-574.6; annual total VSL = 275.6 billion USD, 95% CI: 120.3-406.0). Highest AMR was in the cities with middle level of GDP per capita (PGDP)/urbanization. The majority of the top ten cities of AF, AMR and VSL were in high and middle PGDP/urbanization regions. CONCLUSION: There were significant regional and socioeconomic disparities in PM2.5 attributed mortality burden among Chinese cities, suggesting differential mitigation policies are required for different regions in China.

Analysis of Bactericidal Effect of Three Medical Ozonation Dosage Forms on Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria from Burn Patients.

Objective: To examine the bactericidal effects of three different states of medical ozone (liquid, gas, and oil) against drug-resistant strains of common bacteria on burn wounds, which could as a clinical reference. Methods: Three multidrug-resistant strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, pan-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and ESBLs Klebsiella pneumoniae were identified from burn wounds. The colonies of the three varieties of bacteria were each carried out using the pour plate method prior to the start of the experiment. Then, depending on the state of ozone, different treatment procedures are applied. Group of ozone gas: in a closed glass jar, the bacterial liquid was injected into a single layer of sterile gauze, and the ozone gas concentration was held at 50 g/mL. The bacterial liquid was diluted and combined directly with ozone water in the ozone water group. Ozone is a type of oil: after the emulsifier was added to the oil group. The gas, water, and oil groups were rapidly neutralized and counted again after 5, 10, and 30 minutes. Results: Ozone gas and oil groups totally eliminated multidrug resistant bacteria in the above study within 30 minutes. (2) At 5 and 10 minutes, the difference in bactericidal effect between ozone gas group and ozone water and oil group was statistically significant (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between ozone water and oil groups (P>0.05); at the time of 30 minutes, the effects of bactericidal effect between ozone water group and ozone gas and oil had no significance (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Ozone has the ability to kill bacteria, depending on the treatment time, different ozone types should be chosen for sterilization and disinfection in clinical application.

The Relationship among Physical Activity, Intestinal Flora, and Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide, include atherosclerosis (AS), hypertension, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation, and myocardial fibrosis. CVDs are influenced by the diversity, distribution, and metabolites of intestinal microflora, and their risk can be reduced through physical activity (PA) such as regular exercise. PA benefits the metabolic changes that occur in the gut microbiota (GM). The major metabolites of the GM influence pathogenesis of CVDs through various pathways. However, the relationship between PA and GM is less well understood. In this review, we discuss the impacts of different types of PA on intestinal microflora including the diversity, distribution, metabolites, and intestinal barrier function including intestinal permeability, with a focus on the mechanisms by which PA affects GM. We also discuss how GM influences CVDs. Finally, we summarize current research and knowledge on the effects of PA on CVD via regulation of the GM and intestinal function. More understanding of relevant relationship between PA and GM may provide hope for the prevention or treatment of CVDs. Furthermore, a better understanding of regulation of the GM and intestinal function may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, improving the clinical care of CVD patients.

[Contribution of Emissions from Cement to Air Quality in China].

This study analyzed the concentrations of exhaust gas in the process (kiln head and kiln tail) of China's cement industry, based on data from continuous emission monitoring systems network in 2018. The cement emission inventory for China with high resolution (high resolution cement emission inventory for China, HCEC), using the bottom-up approach, was established. The results indicated that during 2018, the total emissions of PM, SO2, and NOx were 72893, 92568, and 878394 t, respectively. In terms of temporal evolution, the exhaust concentration of flue gas in the main process gradually decreased, with obvious emission reduction from the Blue Sky Protection Campaign. Regionally, the exhaust concentrations of flue gas of the kiln head and kiln tail in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and surrounding areas, and the Yangtze River Delta and Fenwei Plain, showed a considerable decline, with a high to average level in China. The flu concentrations of each city differed; the cement industry in Anhui Province generated the largest emission in the country, while Beijing and Tianjin showed the highest emission intensity per unit area.

Homotypic cell membrane-cloaked biomimetic nanocarrier for the accurate photothermal-chemotherapy treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Tumor recurrence in patients after surgery severely reduces the survival rate of surgical patients. Targeting and killing recurrent tumor cells and tissues is extremely important for the cancer treatment. RESULTS: Herein, we designed a nano-biomimetic photothermal-controlled drug-loading platform HepM-TSL with good targeting ability and immunocompatibility for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. HepM-TSL can accurately target the recurrent tumor area with the aid of the cloaked homotypic cell membrane and release the chemotherapy drugs in a controlled manner. In vivo results have confirmed that HepM-TSL loaded with drugs and photosensitizer achieves the synergistic treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with good therapeutic effect and slight side effects. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, HepM-TSL provides a sound photothermal-chemotherapy synergistic strategy for the treatment of other recurrent cancers besides of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.

Thyroid endocrine disruption in zebrafish larvae after exposure to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP).

Phthalates are extensively used as plasticizers in a variety of daily-life products, resulting in widespread distribution in aquatic environments. However, limited information is available on the endocrine disrupting effects of phthalates in aquatic organisms. The aim of the present study was to examine whether exposure to mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the hydrolytic metabolite of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) disrupts thyroid endocrine system in fish. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to different concentrations of MEHP (1.6, 8, 40, and 200 µg/L) from 2 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 168 hpf. The whole-body content of thyroid hormone and transcription of genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis were examined. Treatment with MEHP significantly decreased whole-body T4 contents and increased whole-body T3 contents, indicating thyroid endocrine disruption. The upregulation of genes related to thyroid hormone metabolism (Dio2 and UGT1ab) might be responsible for decreased T4 contents. Elevated gene transcription of Dio1 was also observed in this study, which might assist to degrade increased T3 contents. Exposure to MEHP also significantly induced transcription of genes involved in thyroid development (Nkx2.1 and Pax8) and thyroid hormone synthesis (TSHß, NIS and TG). However, the genes encoding proteins involved in TH transport (transthyretin, TTR) was transcriptionally significantly down-regulated after exposure to MEHP. Overall, these results demonstrate that acute exposure to MEHP alters whole-body contents of thyroid hormones in zebrafish embryos/larvae and changes the transcription of genes involved in the HPT axis, thus exerting thyroid endocrine toxicity.