Reduced cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression is involved in high glucose induced MMP14 expression in adipocytes and adipose tissues.

In the present study, we investigate the effect of reduced cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression in high glucose induced metalloproteinases14 (MMP14) expression in adipocytes and visceral adipose tissues. Diabetic mice were prepared by injections of STZ and the expression of CSE, MMP14 in visceral adipose tissues were determined. Adipocytes were differentiated from 3T3-L1 cells and treated with high glucose (HG), H2S slow-releasing compound GYY4137 or transfected with CSE siRNA. Then the expression of CSE, MMP14 were determined by western blotting. CSE knockout mice were generated by crossing CSE+/- heterozygous mice and given intraperitoneally (i.p.) injections of GYY4137, and then the expression of CSE and MMP14 in visceral adipose tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. The following results were obtained from the study. In adipose tissues of diabetic mice, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP14 increased while the mRNA and protein expression of CSE decreased. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, both HG DMEM and CSE siRNA transfection increased the mRNA and protein of MMP14. The addition of GYY4137 inhibited HG-induced upregulation of MMP14 expression. In CSE knockout mice, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP14 in adipose tissues increased, which could be inhibited by i.p. injections of GYY4137. In conclusion, high glucose increased the expression of MMP14 in adipocytes and visceral adipose tissues through inhibiting the expression of CSE.

Mechanism of Nicotiflorin in San-Ye-Qing rhizome for anti-inflammatory effect in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise globally and the development of drugs targeting UC is urgent. Finding the target of action of natural products is important for drug discovery, elucidation of drug action mechanism, and disease mechanism. San-Ye-Qing (SYQ), is an ancient herbal medicine, but whether the powder of its rhizome has pharmacological effects against UC and its mechanism of action are not clear. PURPOSE: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of rhizome powder of SYQ in treating UC, and conduct an isolation and characterization of the chemical constituents of the powder. Further, screen the most potent compounds among them and determine the potential mechanism for treating UC. METHODS: In vivo, the therapeutic effect of SYQ's rhizome powder on UC was assessed by mice's body weight, DAI score, colon length, tissue MPO activity, serum inflammatory markers, etc. Additionally, HPLC was used to isolate and identify the specific chemical components of SYQ's rhizome powder. Then, the most effective compounds and their therapeutic targets were analysed and screened in SYQ rhizome powder using network pharmacology, combined with CCK-8 assay, NO release assay and molecular docking assay, in conjunction with CETSA, DARTS, SPR and enzyme activity assay. Finally, the biological effects of the key compound on the targets were validated using Western blot and ELISA. RESULTS: In vivo, SYQ rhizome powder effectively restored mice's body weight, lowered DAI and pathological score, downregulated the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, and restored colon length, as well as the colonic epithelial and mucus barriers. Afterward, 9 compounds were isolated and identified from the powder of the rhizomes of SYQ by HPLC. Nicotiflorin is the primary compound in SYQ with the highest concentration. According to both CCK-8 and NO release tests, Nicotiflorin is also the most efficacious compound. Combined with network pharmacological prediction, molecular docking analysis, CETSA, DARTS, SPR and enzyme activity assay, Nicotiflorin may ultimately suppress inflammation by targeting p65 and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, thereby attenuating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. To verify this conclusion, Western blot and ELISA experiments were conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the extract from SYQ rhizomes has therapeutic properties for UC. Its active ingredient Nicotiflorin exerted potent anti-UC effects by binding to p65 and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes.

[Impacts of establishment of chest pain center on the door-to-balloon time and the short-term outcome after primary percutaneous coronary intervention of patients with ST segment elevated myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the establishment of chest pain center (CPC) model based on the pre-hospital real-time tele-12-lead electrocardiogram on the door-to-balloon (D-to-B) time and short-term outcome after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) of patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A regular CPC was established with pre-hospital transmitted real-time 12-lead electrocardiogram system for pre-hospital diagnosis of STEMI and enabled the STEMI patients to bypass the emergency room and directly treated in the catheter lab to shorten the D-to-B time. The mean D-to-B time, the short-term outcome and medical costs were compared in PPCI patients before (93 cases, group A) and after (149 cases, group B) the establishment of CPC. RESULTS: After the establishment of CPC, the annual mean D-to-B time was significantly shortened [(127 ± 79) min in group A vs.(72 ± 23 )min in group B, P < 0.01], the shortest monthly mean D-to-B time was remarkably reduced in group B than in group A [(56 ± 11) min vs. (73 ± 14) min, P < 0.01]. The annual ratio of D-to-B below 90 minutes was significantly increased from 62.4% (58/93) in group A to 91.9% (137/149) in group B (P < 0.05) . The in-hospital mortality rate tended to be lower and the incidence of heart failure during hospitalization was significantly reduced in group B compared with group A [3.4% (5/149) vs. 6.5% (6/93), P > 0.05; 14.1% (21/149) vs. 24.7% (23/93), P < 0.05]. The length of hospital stay was slightly shortened from (8.98 ± 4.89) days to (7.79 ± 5.43) days (P > 0.05). Corrected mean medical cost went down by 9.4% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The establishment of CPC may significantly shorten the D-to-B time, improve the short-term outcome and reduce the hospitalization cost for PPCI patients with STEMI.

Association of ACP5 with the tumor immune microenvironment and its role in cell proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (ACP5) has been implicated in the progression of most malignant tumors, but its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) remained unclear. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the role and function of ACP5 in PC progression. METHODS: The expression of ACP5 in PC samples was assessed via R programming, TNM plot, and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to detect ACP5 expression in cells and tissues. The correlation between ACP5 and methylation was analyzed using the University of ALabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN) and cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal). The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used for the enrichment of ACP5 in PC. Subsequently, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), clonogenic, and wound healing assays were used to investigate the role of ACP5 in PC. Finally, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and R programming was utilized in evaluating the association between ACP5 and immune cell infiltration in PC. RESULTS: The analyses confirmed that ACP5 was highly expressed in PC samples. According to UALCAN and cBioPortal analysis, ACP5 expression, and methylation levels were negatively correlated in PC. The enrichment analysis also revealed that ACP5 was enriched in the proliferation and migration pathways. Meanwhile, ACP5 knockout reduced PC cell proliferation and migration and impaired the cells' independent viability. This gene also positively correlated with immune cell infiltration in PC, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs). CONCLUSION: ACP5 is crucial for proliferation, migration, and immune cell infiltration in PC. Therefore, ACP5 may be a valuable target for future PC treatment.

Optimization of factors with C/N ratio and flocs biomass concentration in simulated aquaculture bio-flocs systems by response surface methodology.

The TAN (total ammonia nitrogen) removal efficiency was investigated in simulated aquaculture bio-flocs technology systems. The response surface methodology that was applied with a central composite rotational design and two key operational parameters, flocs biomass concentration and C/N ratio was varied in order to evaluate the system performance and achieve the optimal operational conditions in this study. A polynomial linear regression model was found to quantitatively describe the relationship between the two variables and response values with adequate fitness in the simulate aquaculture bio-flocs systems. The results showed that flocs biomass concentration and operational C/N ratio both had significant impacts on the response objectives, as well as the interactions between them. The optimal results attained from the model indicated that more than 90% TAN removal efficiency was achieved when the flocs biomass concentration and C/N ratio were around 2.0-2.5 (volatile suspended solids, g/l) and 13-16, respectively.

Students' knowledge of and conservation attitude toward the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) in Guizhou, China: insights for conservation.

BACKGROUND: The persistence of threatened and protected wildlife depends not only on habitat suitability but also remarkably on local communities' acceptance. The black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a flagship species for conservation on the plateau in western China. However, the human dimension has been completely ignored in the decision-making process for conservation. METHODS: In this study, a questionnaire survey aiming to assess knowledge of and conservation attitude toward this bird was carried out among 1042 students of 7th and 9th grade from 12 schools in Weining county, Guizhou province, which has a large wintering population in an urban wetland. Logistic regression was used in the generalized linear model to identify the determinants that significantly affect students' knowledge of and conservation attitude toward this species. RESULTS: Most students have positive attitudes toward conservation, which is significantly affected by awareness, knowledge of this bird and grade. However, they have somewhat limited knowledge of this bird's biology and ecosystem services (nature's contributions to people). Knowledge was found to link with observation of the bird and grade, while observation related to the experience of visiting the wetland. Social media is the most cited resource to obtain knowledge on this bird. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that local conservation experts could help introduce more information on the black-necked crane in the schools and help conduct outdoor education activities in and around the wetland. Traditional knowledge and culture could also be incorporated into the conservation awareness enhancing program. This study focuses on the human dimension for conserving the black-necked crane in China, showing significant implications in the design and application of effective measurements to improve students' perception and attitude toward its conservation. Future assessments should include other local populations, such as farmers, fishers, and urban citizens.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation in gestational diabetes mellitus placentas is associated with hydrogen sulfide synthetase deficiency.

The placenta may play a key role in the activation of inflammation and initiation of insulin resistance (IR) during gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pathogenesis. Interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18, regulated by NLR family pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, are important inflammatory cytokines in the initiation of maternal IR during GDM. However, the mechanism responsible for the regulatory of NLRP3 inflammasome in placenta remains unknown. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts anti-inflammatory function partially via suppressing the activation of the NLPR3 inflammasome. The present study aimed to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome, H2S synthetase cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-ß-synthetase (CBS) in placenta in the pathogenesis of GDM. Clinical placenta samples were collected from pregnant women with GDM (n=16) and healthy pregnant women at term (n=16). Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, CBS and CSE in the placenta samples. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between NLRP3 inflammasome and H2S synthetase. Human placental cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of NaHS (0, 10, 25 and 50 nmol/l) or L-cysteine (0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mmol/l). In addition, western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1, while ELISA was performed to measure the production of IL-1ß and IL-18 in the culture media. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1 increased, while the expression levels of CBS and CSE decreased in the placenta samples. In addition, the expression levels of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1 were inversely correlated with the expression levels of CBS and CSE. Notably, NaHS and L-cysteine significantly suppressed the expression levels of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1, and the production of IL-1 and IL-18 in human placental cells. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that H2S synthetase deficiency in placenta may contribute to excessive activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in GDM.

The Association of Serum Irisin with Bone Mineral Density and Turnover Markers in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Background: Irisin, an exercise-induced myokine and adipocytokine, has been reported to decrease in type 2 diabetic patients. Recently, several research studies indicated that circulating levels were correlated with bone mineral density (BMD). To evaluate bone metabolism, bone turnover markers (BTMs) should be included. However, with respect to newly diagnosed T2DM patients, the relevance of their irisin levels to their BTMs and BMD remains unclear. The investigation of serum irisin levels in patients who have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and illumination of the relationship between serum irisin levels and those two indices of BMD and BTMs mentioned above are the intention of this cross-sectional study. Methods: 66 new-onset type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM group), together with 82 control subjects (NGT group), were recruited in this study. Serum irisin concentrations and BTMs (including osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and ß-C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (ß-CTX)) were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glucose, lipid profile, and insulin were considered as measuring indicators as well. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was utilized to evaluate the indicator of BMD. Serum irisin, BTMs, and BMD were compared between diabetic patients and healthy individuals. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were applied as well to assess correlations between irisin and BTMs and BMD. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent factors of irisin. ROC curve analyses were carried out for serum irisin prediction for osteoporosis/osteopenia (OP). Results: The serum levels of irisin, procollagen type 1, intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and osteocalcin (OC) were evidently lower in T2DM subjects than in NGT subjects (10.90 ± 1.88 vs .11.69 ± 2.06 ng/mL, P < 0.05; 36.42(25.68,51.70) vs. 44.52(35.73,58.05)ng/ml, P < 0.05; 16.15(12.40,21.66) vs. 18.70(15.56, 23.22)ng/ml, P < 0.05). Among patients with T2DM, the circulating irisin level of those with OP was lower than that of normal BMD (9.98 ± 2.09 vs. 11.39 ± 1.57 ng/ml, P < 0.01); irisin had a negative correlation with ß-C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (ß-CTX) (r = -0.496, P < 0.001) and came back unrelated to Lumbar BMD; Lumbar BMD was negatively relevant to OC (r = -0.274, P < 0.05) and ß-CTX (r = -0.410, P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analyses of stepwise models implied that TG, LDL-C, and ß-CTX were independently associated with serum irisin concentrations (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum irisin level was declined in patients with type 2 diabetes diagnosed in the near term and had a certain association with bone turnover markers. It is suggested to consider irisin as a potential biomarker of bone metabolic disorder in T2DM patients with the initial diagnosis.

Characteristics of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis detection in China, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: The very high burden of rifampicin resistance tuberculosis (RR-TB) and the very low detection of RR-TB cases are a major challenge that China has been facing. This study analyzed the characteristics of RR-TB detection in China after the change of RR-TB detection strategy since 2015, aiming to provide reference and evidence for the development of more precise national drug resistance tuberculosis prevention and control policy. METHODS: We extracted data related to rifampicin resistance screening from the national Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS) from 2015 to 2019, and used descriptive research methods to analyze the screening rate of presumptive RR-TB, the number and duration of RR-TB patients detected and drug resistance testing methods in each year. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in component ratio or rate between years, and Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare the differences in median days for detection of RR-TB patients in each year. RESULTS: A total of 68,200 RR-TB cases were detected during 2015-2019, of which 48.1% were new cases. The number and detection rate of RR-TB cases increased year by year, from 10 019 and 14.3% in 2015 to 18 623 and 28.7% in 2019, respectively. Of the bacteriologically confirmed TB cases, 81.9% were tested for RR in 2019, a considerable increase from 29.5% in 2015. In 2019, only 41.0% of RR-TB cases had fluoroquinolones (FQs) susceptibility testing performed, and this proportion has been declining year by year since 2016. The proportion of application of rapid molecular tools increased from 24.0% in 2015 to 67.1% in 2019, and the median days to obtain RR results was significantly shortened. In 2019, 76.0% of RR-TB cases were diagnosed as presumptive RR-TB in county-level hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: After China modified the RR-TB detection strategy, the screening rate of RR and the number of RR-TB cases increased significantly. The RR testing methods now predominantly utilize rapid molecular tools. However, comprehensive measures should be implemented to close the gap in the detection of RR-TB cases. It is imperative to take FQs susceptibility testing seriously and effectively strengthen the laboratory capacity of county-level hospitals.

REXO4 acts as a biomarker and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of global cancer-related mortality and the most common form of liver cancer. REXO4 (RNA exonuclease 4 homolog) downregulation has previously been linked to enhanced chemosensitivity in breast cancer cells. The present study sought to comprehensively clarify the functional role of REXO4 in HCC. METHODS: REXO4 expression levels in HCC tumor tissues and control tissue samples were established by analyzing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression of REXO4 was then knocked down in HCC cell lines to explore its functional role in these cells, while a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) approach was used to assess the functional regulator network associated with REXO4, and the Cell type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm was used to determine the relationship between this gene and immune cell infiltration of tumor tissues. The relationship between REXO4 and metabolic pathway was analyzed by oil red O staining. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation, wound-healing assay, and a nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model were used to evaluate the function of REXO4 in HCC. RESULTS: REXO4 was highly upregulated in HCC tumors and cell lines, and was an effective predictor of HCC patient prognosis. The results indicated that the knockdown of REXO4 inhibited the proliferation and progression of HCC in vitro and in vivo. GSEA approaches also revealed REXO4 to be associated with tumor progression. Furthermore, REXO4 was associated with the degree of increase of intratumoral immune cell infiltration in HCC tissues and cells, and this gene was also linked with altered lipid metabolism in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, these analyses revealed REXO4 to be upregulated in HCC and to be associated with poor patient prognosis. In addition, this gene was closely linked to key cancer hallmark pathways and was revealed to play an important role in the susceptibility of liver tumors to immune cell infiltration and activation. Thus, targeting REXO4 may be a promising approach to treating patients with HCC in the near future.

[Association between multi-noninvasive indexes and mild coronary stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of multi-noninvasive indexes including endothelial function, arterial flexibility, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and serum inflammatory cytokines in patients with mild coronary stenosis. METHODS: One hundred and five patients were divided into three groups according to the result of coronary angiography: coronary heart disease (stenosis > or = 50% in at least one coronary segment), mild coronary stenosis (stenosis < 50% in at least one coronary segment) and control group (normal coronary). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), reflecting arterial flexibility and the lower extremity vascular disease respectively, were measured by a Colin system, carotid artery IMT was detected echocardiographically. Serum levels of NO, vWF, hs-CRP were measured before coronary angiography in all patients. RESULTS: baPWV [(1482 +/- 155) cm/s vs. (1249 +/- 158) cm/s] and carotid IMT [(0.88 +/- 0.18) mm vs. (0.72 +/- 0.20) mm] were significantly higher while serum levels of NO [(64 +/- 17) micromol/L vs. (83 +/- 17) micromol/L] was significantly lower in mild coronary stenosis group than those in control group (all P < 0.05). vWF, ABI and hs-CRP were similar between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that NO, baPWV, smoking are independent predicting factors for mild coronary stenosis (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial dysfunction, reduction of the arterial flexibility as well as increased serum inflammation were associated with mild coronary stenosis.

Hydrogen sulfide modulates high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Activation of the NACHT leucine rich repeat and pyd domains-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in the initiation of inflammation in adipose tissue in diabetic patients. However, the mechanisms underlying this are not fully understood. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in various cell types. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of H2S on high glucose (HG)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in adipocytes. Adipocytes were differentiated from 3T3-L1 cells and treated with low glucose (LG), HG, H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) or N-acetyl-tyrosyl-valyl- alanyl-aspartyl chloromethyl ketone, an inhibitor of the cysteine protease caspase-1. The expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing A CARD (ASC) and caspase-1, and the release of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 were measured. The results of the present study indicated that HG increased the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1, and the release of IL-1ß and IL-18 in adipocytes. Caspase-1 inhibition abolished HG-induced production of IL-1ß and IL-18 in adipocytes. Furthermore, NaHS inhibited the expression of NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1, and the production of IL-1ß and IL-18 in adipocytes treated with HG. In conclusion, HG may increase and exogenous H2S may inhibit HG-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in adipocytes.

Electro-coalescence in step emulsification: dynamics and applications.

Step emulsification is a low-shear method to produce monodispersed microdroplets by spontaneous breakup of dispersed fluid at a spatial "step". As a semi-open microfluidic system, controllable coalescence of multiple components in step emulsification has not been achieved. Here, we use a low voltage to control the coalescence position of flow tips in the terrace. By investigating the interaction between the coalescence behavior and the hydrodynamics of the drop formation, we numerically predict the shape evolution of the flow tips and give a semi-empirical model to calculate the sizes of droplets by the flow rates and the voltage. Furthermore, we explore the capabilities of the electro-coalescer based on step emulsification. To trigger the coalescence in the wide reservoir, the clogging problem in precipitate-producing reactions is avoided. Besides, the low-shear nature of step emulsification also facilitates the production of multilayered droplets.

Optimized aeration strategies for nitrogen removal efficiency: application of end gas recirculation aeration in the fixed bed biofilm reactor.

Aeration strategy played an important role in reactor performance. In this study, when superficial upflow air velocity (SAV) decreased from 0.16 to 0.08 cm s-1, low dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) of 2.0 mg L-1 occurred in reactor. The required depth for anoxic microenvironment in biofilm decreased from 902.3 to 525.9 µm, which enhanced the growth of denitrifying bacteria and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency. However, decreasing aeration intensity resulted in insufficient hydraulic shear stress, which led to weak biofilm matrix structure. Mass biofilm detachment and reactor deterioration then occurred after 87 days of operation. An end gas recirculation aeration strategy was proposed to separately manipulate DO and aeration intensity. Low DO and high aeration intensity were simultaneously achieved, which enhanced the metabolism of denitrifying bacteria (such as Flavobacterium sp., Pseudorhodobacter sp., and Dok59 sp.) and EPS-producing bacteria (such as Zoogloea sp. and Rhodobacter sp.). Consequently, high TN removal performance (82.1 ± 2.7%) and stable biofilm structure were achieved.

[Clinical features of coronary artery spasm patients with or without myocardial bridge].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features of coronary artery spasm patients with or without myocardial bridge and explore the roles of endothelial dysfunction in these patients. METHODS: One hundred eighteen patients undergone acetylcholine provoking test were divided into myocardial bridge (MB) group (n = 26) and non-myocardial bridge (NMB) group (n = 92). The results of acetylcholine test, treadmill exercise electrocardiography, stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, plasma level of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide were compared between MB group and NMB group. RESULTS: Coronary artery spasm was induced in 21 patients in MB group (81%) and 52 patients in NMB group (57%, P < 0.05). Positive treadmill electrocardiography was obtained in 19 patients in MB group (73%) and 7 patients in NMB group (8%, P < 0.001). Ischemic perfusion defect in 20 (77%) and 9 patients (10%, P < 0.001) and reverse redistribution in 23 (88%) and 68 patients (74%, P > 0.05). Patients showed different clinical features in MB group and NMB group (more short-duration exertional angina and could not be readily released by nitroglycerine in MB group while more patients experienced long-lasting variant angina and symptoms could be readily released by nitroglycerine). Plasma endothelin-1 level was significantly higher [(132.1 +/- 6.5) ng/L vs. (108.5 +/- 8.2) ng/L, P < 0.01] while nitric oxide was significant lower [(84.7 +/- 17.5) ng/L vs. (99.8 +/- 18.2) ng/L, P < 0.05] in MB group compared to NMB group. CONCLUSION: MB patients were prone to coronary artery spasm partly due to endothelial dysfunction. Patients with MB and coronary artery spasm also showed classic clinical symptoms and positive stress tests for ischemia.

Protective effect of polysaccharide fractions from Radix A. sinensis against tert-butylhydroperoxide induced oxidative injury in murine peritoneal macrophages.

Three Angelica sinensis polysaccharide fractions (APFs), named APF1, APF2 and APF3, were isolated and purified from Radix A. sinensis and their antioxidant activities were evaluated in isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages by pretreatment with APFs before exposure to 0.2 mM tertbutylhydroperoxide (t-BHP). The results showed that pretreatment of the macrophages with APFs as low as 10 microg/ml could significantly enhance t-BHP-decreased cell survival, intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and also inhibited t-BHP-increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation (p < 0.05), and APF3 was the most active fraction, followed by APF2 and APF1 in decreasing order. Furthermore, we found for the first time that the bound-protein in APF3 was associated closely with the protective effects and the polysaccharide inhibited the excess NO release from t-BHP-activated macrophages to protect host cells.

[Analysis of the cost of public health service items in four centers for disease control and prevention in county level in China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the unreasonable part of full cost of the public health service items in county level. METHODS: On basis of typical survey in 2005, 18 questionnaires were released and the response rate was 100%. The whole cost and ladder apportionment of expense methods were employed to account the full cost of items including practice items, items required by government and nationwide items required by government provided by 4 centers for disease control and prevention in county level. RESULTS: It was found that 28.4% - 54.9% nationwide items required by government had not been provided, but 2.8% - 10.2% items being not required by government had been provided. Furthermore the frequency of the items required by government was not up to par from 8 topmost to 2 bottommost on average every year. The efficiency was not high because of lacking in the vehicle for work, and 33.3% - 43.6% shortage of equipments for laboratory, and 18.1% - 45.8% logistic staff and technicians only 2/3 time of the whole year had a full workload. All the above resulted in the bias from the standard cost of items required by government. CONCLUSION: For compensating the cost of items reasonable and accurate by government, a kind standard cost of the items according to the government request should be established.

The impact of DO and salinity on microbial community in poly(butylene succinate) denitrification reactors for recirculating aquaculture system wastewater treatment.

The interactions between environmental factors and bacterial community shift in solid-phase denitrification are crucial for optimum operation of a reactor and to achieve maximum treatment efficiency. In this study, Illumina high-throughput sequencing was applied to reveal the effects of different operational conditions on bacterial community distribution of three continuous operated poly(butylene succinate) biological denitrification reactors used for recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) wastewater treatment. The results indicated that salinity decreased OTU numbers and diversity while dissolved oxygen (DO) had no obvious influence on OTU numbers. Significant microbial community composition differences were observed among and between three denitrification reactors under varied operation conditions. This result was also demonstrated by cluster analysis (CA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). Hierarchical clustering and redundancy analysis (RDA) was performed to test the relationship between environmental factors and bacterial community compositions and result indicated that salinity, DO and hydraulic retention time (HRT) were the three key factors in microbial community formation. Besides, Simplicispira was detected under all operational conditions, which worth drawing more attention for nitrate removal. Moreover, the abundance of nosZ gene and 16S rRNA were analyzed by real-time PCR, which suggested that salinity decreased the proportion of denitrifiers among whole bacterial community while DO had little influence on marine reactors. This study provides an overview of microbial community shift dynamics in solid-phase denitrification reactors when operation parameters changed and proved the feasibility to apply interval aeration for denitrification process based on microbial level, which may shed light on improving the performance of RAS treatment units.

Evidence for anaerobic ammonium oxidation process in freshwater sediments of aquaculture ponds.

The anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process, which can simultaneously remove ammonium and nitrite, both toxic to aquatic animals, can be very important to the aquaculture industry. Here, the presence and activity of anammox bacteria in the sediments of four different freshwater aquaculture ponds were investigated by using Illumina-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing, quantitative PCR assays and (15)N stable isotope measurements. Different genera of anammox bacteria were detected in the examined pond sediments, including Candidatus Brocadia, Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Anammoxoglobus, with Candidatus Brocadia being the dominant anammox genus. Quantitative PCR of hydrazine synthase genes showed that the abundance of anammox bacteria ranged from 5.6 × 10(4) to 2.1 × 10(5) copies g(-1) sediment in the examined ponds. The potential anammox rates ranged between 3.7 and 19.4 nmol N2 g(-1) sediment day(-1), and the potential denitrification rates varied from 107.1 to 300.3 nmol N2 g(-1) sediment day(-1). The anammox process contributed 1.2-15.3% to sediment dinitrogen gas production, while the remainder would be due to denitrification. It is estimated that a total loss of 2.1-10.9 g N m(-2) per year could be attributed to the anammox process in the examined ponds, suggesting that this process could contribute to nitrogen removal in freshwater aquaculture ponds.

Simultaneous ammonia and nitrate removal in an airlift reactor using poly(butylene succinate) as carbon source and biofilm carrier.

In this study, an airlift inner-loop sequencing batch reactor using poly(butylene succinate) as the biofilm carrier and carbon source was operated under an alternant aerobic/anoxic strategy for nitrogen removal in recirculating aquaculture system. The average TAN and nitrate removal rates of 47.35±15.62gNH4-Nm(-3)d(-1) and 0.64±0.14kgNO3-Nm(-3)d(-1) were achieved with no obvious nitrite accumulation (0.70±0.76mg/L) and the dissolved organic carbon in effluents was maintained at 148.38±39.06mg/L. Besides, the activities of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium and sulfate reduction activities were successfully inhibited. The proteome KEGG analysis illustrated that ammonia might be removed through heterotrophic nitrification, while the activities of nitrate and nitrite reductases were enhanced through aeration treatment. The microbial community analysis revealed that denitrifiers of Azoarcus and Simplicispira occupied the dominate abundance which accounted for the high nitrate removal performance. Overall, this study broadened our understanding of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification using biodegradable material as biofilm carrier.