Effect of erythromycin on the ultrastructure of human macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke extract in vitro.

Macrophages serve an active role in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Erythromycin (EM) has been verified as an effective treatment for COPD. However, there are few studies on the effect of EM on the ultrastructure of macrophages exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). In the present study, human macrophages were randomly divided into three groups: The control, CSE and the CSE+EM group, using electron microscopy, the effect of EM was evaluated by comparing the ultrastructural changes between these groups. The macrophages were additionally divided into a further four groups: The control, CSE, CSE+EM 24 h and CSE+EM 48 h groups. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in each group was evaluated by detecting fluorescence intensity. It was observed that the cellular ultrastructure of the CSE group exhibited abnormal changes, though this effect was reversed back to the level of the control in the CSE+EM group. Compared with the control group, the ROS expression level was significantly increased in the CSE group (P < .05); however, compared with the CSE group, the ROS concentration was decreased in the CSE+EM 24 h (P < .05) and CSE+EM 48 h groups (P < .05), though this was more apparent in the EM 48 h group. It was concluded that EM protects human macrophages against CSE. Moreover, it was hypothesized that EM may reduce the symptoms of patients with COPD by protecting the macrophage ultrastructure from the effects of CSE, resulting in the decreased generation of ROS, inhibiting autophagy and reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Waiting endurance time estimation of electric two-wheelers at signalized intersections.

The paper proposed a model for estimating waiting endurance times of electric two-wheelers at signalized intersections using survival analysis method. Waiting duration times were collected by video cameras and they were assigned as censored and uncensored data to distinguish between normal crossing and red-light running behavior. A Cox proportional hazard model was introduced, and variables revealing personal characteristics and traffic conditions were defined as covariates to describe the effects of internal and external factors. Empirical results show that riders do not want to wait too long to cross intersections. As signal waiting time increases, electric two-wheelers get impatient and violate the traffic signal. There are 12.8% of electric two-wheelers with negligible wait time. 25.0% of electric two-wheelers are generally nonrisk takers who can obey the traffic rules after waiting for 100 seconds. Half of electric two-wheelers cannot endure 49.0 seconds or longer at red-light phase. Red phase time, motor vehicle volume, and conformity behavior have important effects on riders' waiting times. Waiting endurance times would decrease with the longer red-phase time, the lower traffic volume, or the bigger number of other riders who run against the red light. The proposed model may be applicable in the design, management and control of signalized intersections in other developing cities.

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectra and quantum chemical study on 1-phenyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2-thienyl)-2-pyrazoline.

1-Phenyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2-thienyl)-2-pyrazoline was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. UV-Vis spectra and fluorescence spectra were measured. Density functional theory calculations on the structure of the title compound were performed at the B3LYP/6-311G** level of theory. NPA atomic charge distributions indicate that, although the S atom in the thienyl ring loses coordination capacity, the title compound still may be used as a potential multi-dentate ligand to coordinate with metallic ions. The calculation of the second order optical nonlinearity was carried out. Natural bond orbital analyses indicate that the electronic absorption bands are mainly derived from the contribution of n→π* and π→π* transitions. Fluorescence spectra determination shows that the title compound is a potential orange-light emitting material.

Does diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract correctly reflect motor function?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the consistency of diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract on motor function. CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS AND INTERVENTION: Three patients with brain tumor were admitted to our hospital with impaired motor function. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography were performed in these patients to assess their affected corticospinal tract. The corticospinal tract showed interruption with moderately impaired motor function in 2 patients. The third case had significantly weakened muscle strength on the left upper limb but an intact right corticospinal tract. CONCLUSION: These cases showed that the corticospinal tracts obtained by DTI with tractography were inconsistent with motor function. Hence, DTI should be interpreted with caution.

Case report: Staged tension-reducing excision of giant acquired vulvar lymphangioma secondary to cervical cancer surgery.

Introduction: Acquired vulvar lymphangioma (AVL), a rare disease caused by the dilation of superficial lymphatic vessels secondary to deep lymphatic vessel injury, is characterized by a wide range of morphological diversity and massive exudate. This morphological heterogeneity has often led to misdiagnosis or non-diagnosis. The management of AVL presents a therapeutic challenge due to the absence of a standardized treatment protocol. Case presentation: A 53-year-old female patient, previously received surgical treatments for stage IIb cervical squamous cell carcinoma, presented with vulvar enlargement and copious amount of yellow exudate seven years post-treatment. Clinically, the patient exhibited chronic vulvar swelling, with easily-exudated nodules. The vulvar biopsy revealed lymphatic vessel dilation with lymphocyte infiltration, consistent with AVL. Due to the extensive lesions and severe exudate, staged excisions of bilateral vulvar lesions were performed at one-month intervals. Follow-up examinations of this patient for one-year post-surgery showed no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: In this instance, AVL manifest secondary to cervical cancer surgery, as a result of damage to the deep lymphatic vessels of the vulva, with characteristic symptoms of copious amounts of exudate and vulvar lesions with diverse morphologies, which provides a cautionary note for physicians. Besides, the staged resection strategy in this case may offer insights into surgical treatment protocol for extensive AVL.

5-tert-Butyl 3-ethyl 1-isopropyl-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1H-pyrazolo-[4,3-c]pyridine-3,5-dicarboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C(17)H(27)N(3)O(4), the six-membered ring adopts a half-chair conformation with the N atom and the adjacent methyl-ene C atom displaced by -0.391 (2) and 0.358 (2) Å, respectively, from the plane of the other four atoms. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯O inter-actions.

6-Benzyl 4-ethyl 2-chloro-5,6,7,8-tetra-hydro-pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine-4,6-di-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C(18)H(18)ClN(3)O(4), the dihedral angle between the pyrimidine ring and the N-bonded ester grouping is 56.27 (7)° and the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 11.23 (7)°.

7-Benzyl-2,7-diaza-spiro-[4.4]nonan-1-one.

In the title compound, C(14)H(18)N(2)O, both the spiro-linked five-membered rings adopt envelope conformations, with a C atom as the flap in one ring and an N atom in the other. The dihedral angle between the two four-atom planes is 80.46 (8)°. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds to generate C(4) chains propagating in [010].

(3R,6R,12R,20S,24R)-20,24-Ep-oxy-dammarane-3,6,12,25-tetra-ol.

In the title compound, C(30)H(52)O(5), the three six-membered rings are in chair conformations, the five-membered ring is in an envelope form and the tetra-hydro-furan ring has a conformation inter-mediate between half-chair and sofa. Intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds may influence the conformation of the mol-ecule. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

N-Cyclo-propyl-N-[2-(2,4-difluoro-phen-yl)-2-hy-droxy-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)prop-yl]-2-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidin-1-yl)acetamide dichloro-methane 0.62-solvate.

In the title compound, C(21)H(22)F(2)N(6)O(4)·0.62CH(2)Cl(2), the difluoro-substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 54.6 (3)° with the mean plane of the thymine ring and 50.9 (2)° with the triazole ring. The dihedral angle between the thymine and triazole rings is 7.4 (3)°. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H⋯N and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the main mol-ecules into chains along [10[Formula: see text]]. The CH(2)Cl(2) solvent mol-ecule was refined as partial occupancy over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.308 (9) and 0.310 (8).

(3S,12R,20S,24R)-20,24-Ep-oxy-dammarane-3,12,25-triol.

In the title mol-ecule, C(30)H(52)O(4), the three six-membered rings are in chair conformations, the cyclo-pentane ring is in an envelope form and the tetra-hydro-furan ring has a conformation inter-mediate between half-chair and sofa. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into helical chains along [100]. Two intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are also present. One C atom of the tetrahydrofuran ring and its attached H atoms are equally disordered over two sets of sites.

Effect and satisfaction of outpatient services by precision valuation reservation registration.

BACKGROUND: Due to improvements in living standards, people are now paying more attention to their health. In China, more patients choose to go to large or well-known hospitals, which leads to constant crowding of outpatient clinics in these hospitals. AIM: To establish precision valuation reservation registration aimed at shortening waiting time, improving patient experience and promoting the satisfaction of outpatients and medical staff. METHODS: On the basis of the implementation of a conventional appointment system, more reasonable time intervals were set for different doctors by evaluating the actual capacity of each doctor to receive patients, and appointment times were made more accurate through intervention. The change in consultation waiting time of patients was then compared. Correlations between the consultation waiting time of patients and the satisfaction of patients or satisfaction of medical staff were analyzed. RESULTS: After precision valuation reservation registration, the average consultation waiting time of patients reduced from 18.47 min to 10.11 min (t = 8.90, P < 0.001). The satisfaction score of patients increased from 91.33 to 96.27 (t = -8.62, P < 0.001), and the satisfaction score of medical staff increased from 90.51 to 96.04 (t = -10.50, P < 0.001). The consultation waiting time of patients was negatively correlated with their satisfaction scores (γ = -0.89, P < 0.001). The consultation waiting time of patients was also negatively correlated with medical staff satisfaction scores (γ = -0.96, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Precision valuation reservation registration significantly shortened outpatient waiting times and improve the satisfaction of not only patients but also medical staff. This approach played an important role in improving outpatient services, provided a model that is supported by relevant evidence and could continuously improve the quality of management. Precision valuation reservation registration is worth promoting and applying in the clinic.

N'-[1-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)ethyl-idene]acetohydrazide.

In the title compound, C(10)H(11)ClN(2)O, the dihedral angle between the acetohydrazide group and the aromatic ring is 33.76 (9)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops.

N'-(4-Fluoro-benzyl-idene)acetohydrazide.

The title compound, C(9)H(9)FN(2)O, was prepared by the reaction of 4-fluoro-benzophenone and acethydrazide. In the mol-ecule, all non-H atoms are essentially coplanar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.065 (2) Å]. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by pairs of inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Tetra-imidazole-bis(trichloro-acetato)copper(II).

The title compound, [Cu(C(2)Cl(3)O(2))(2)(C(3)H(4)N(2))(4)], was prepared by the reaction of imidazole and trichloro-acetatocopper(II). The Cu(II) atom adopts a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry, binding the N atoms of four imidazole ligands and the carboxyl-ate O atoms of two trichloro-acetate anions. The mol-ecular structure and packing are stabilized by N-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions. Close inter-molecular Cl⋯Cl contacts [3.498 (3) Å] are also found in the structure.

1-[3-(2-Nitro-phen-yl)-5-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-1-yl]ethanone.

The title compound, C(17)H(15)N(3)O(3), was prepared from 1-(2-nitro-phen-yl)-3-phenyl-prop-2-en-1-one and hydrazine. The dihedral angle between the benzene and phenyl rings is 74.55 (2)°. The pyrazoline ring is in a slight envelope conformation with the C atom bonded to the phenyl ring forming the flap. In the crystal structure, weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect mol-ecules into chains along [100].

(3R,6R,12R,20S,24S)-20,24-Ep-oxy-dammarane-3,6,12,25-tetraol dihydrate.

The title compound, C(30)H(52)O(5)·2H(2)O, was degraded from pseudoginsenoside F11 which was extracted and seperated from Panax quinquefolium saponin. The three six-membered rings are in chair conformations. The five-membered ring is in an envelope conformation and the tetra-hydro-furan ring has a conformation inter-mediate between half-chair and envelope. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network. Intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds also occur.

(3R,6R,12R,20S,24S)-3,6,12-Triacetyl-20,24-ep-oxy-dammarane-3,6,12,25-tetra-ol.

The title compound, C(36)H(58)O(8), was prepared from 20(S)-protopanaxatriol, which was degraded from Panax quinquefolium saponin with sodium in glycerine, extracted and seperated by flash chromatography. Three six-membered rings are in chair conformations, the five-membered ring is in an envelope form and the tetra-hydro-furan ring has a conformation inter-mediate between half-chair and envelope. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, and C-H⋯O contacts also occur. The absolute structure was assigned on the basis of the synthesis.

2,7-Dibromo-9,9-bis-[(pyridin-1-ium-4-yl)meth-yl]fluorene dinitrate.

In the title compound, C(25)H(20)Br(2)N(2) (2+)·2NO(3) (-), the cation lies on a twofold rotation axis which imposes disorder of the dibromo-fluorene unit. In addition, the unique nitrate anion is disordered over two general sites of equal occupancy. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Efficacy and prognosis of surgical treatment in ARMM and its effects on immune and inflammatory profiles.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and prognosis of surgical treatment in anorectal malignant melanoma (ARMM) as well as its effects on immune and inflammatory profiles. A total of 64 patients with ARMM were enrolled and divided into control group (n=32) and observation group (n=32) based on different therapeutic methods. Patients in the observation group underwent wide local excision, while those in the control group were given non-surgical treatment. The immune function was compared between the two groups after treatment. The expression levels of serum IL-17, IL-23 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were compared between the groups before and after treatment. Patients were followed up for 5 years to observe the recurrence and survival rates in the two groups. Compared with those in the control group, the levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were increased, while the level of CD8+ was reduced in the observation group (P<0.05). The levels of serum IL-17, IL-23 and VEGF were significantly lower in both groups at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment than those before treatment, and the decrease was more obvious in the observation group (P<0.05). The observation group exhibited a notably elevated 5-year survival rate and a remarkably decreased recurrence rate in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). For ARMM, surgical treatment is more effective than non-surgical treatment, which has less effect on immune function, is able to reduce serum IL-17, IL-23 and VEGF levels, lower recurrence rate, improve patient survival rate, and plays a certain positive role in prolonging the survival time of ARMM patients.