Bilateral cochlear implants in a MELAS patient.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disease that affects various systems in the body, particularly the brain, nervous system, and muscles. Among these systems, sensorineural hearing loss is a common additional symptom. METHODS: A 42-year-old female patient with MELAS who experienced bilateral profound deafness and underwent bilateral sequential cochlear implantation (CIs). Speech recognition and subjective outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Following the first CI follow-up, the patient exhibited improved speech recognition ability and decided to undergo the implantation of the second ear just two months after the initial CI surgery. The second CI also demonstrated enhanced speech recognition ability. Subjective outcomes were satisfactory for bilateral CIs. CONCLUSIONS: MELAS patients receiving bilateral CIs can attain satisfactory post-CI speech recognition, spatial hearing, and sound qualities.

Long-term auditory performance and psychosocial benefits of cochlear implantation in Mandarin-speaking older adults.

PURPOSE: Although previous studies have shown the efficacy of cochlear implants (CIs) in older adults, no study written in English has focused on Mandarin-speaking older recipients. Mandarin is a tonal language, it is hard to lip-read and tone recognition for CI users. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term post-CI outcomes in Mandarin-speaking older adults and the difference between them and younger recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six post-lingually deafened adults were included. Speech perception tests (vowel, consonant, disyllable words, Mandarin monosyllable recognition test, and categories of audiology performance were evaluated) and psychosocial scale were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between older and younger recipients in post-CI open-set speech perception. However, older recipients had significantly lower social and total scores in the subjective questionnaire than younger recipients. In both duration of deafness less than seven years and hearing years in life over 92.6 %, older recipients had no less capable speech perception than in younger. CONCLUSION: Mandarin-speaking older recipients can improve not only speech perception but also psychosocial benefits. Well hearing experience may confer an advantage to older recipients, despite their older implanted age. These results can help provide pre-CI consultation guidelines for older Mandarin-speaking recipients.

Visible-Light-Mediated Cyclopropanation Reactions of 3-Diazooxindoles with Arenes.

The cyclopropanation reaction of 3-diazooxindoles with arenes was first accomplished using visible-light irradiation. A series of spiro[norcaradiene-7,3'-indolin]-2'-ones were synthesized for the first time in high yields and with excellent diastereoselectivities. The synthetic usefulness of this catalyst-free photochemical methodology is illustrated by the further controllable rearrangement and epoxidation reactions.

[Effects of Platycodon grandiflorum/pepper intercropping on root growth, yield and quality of Platycodon grandiflorum].

In order to investigate effects of Platycodon grandiflorum and pepper intercropping on root growth, yield and quality of P. grandiflorum, field experiments were conducted in the soils of continuously cultivated P. grandiflorum for three years. The cultivation model was designed as monoculture and intercropping. The monoculture of P. grandiflorum was denoted as CK and the intercrop association of P. grandiflorum/pepper was arranged as follow: in intercrops every two rows of pepper was planted between every three, four and five rows of P. grandiflorum, respectively, and denoted as JC32, JC42 and JC52. Results showed that taproot length and diameter of P. grandiflorum in intercropping association of JC32 was higher than those of P. grandiflorum in monoculture association. This fact suggested that P. grandiflorum intercropped with pepper facilitated its root growth. Compared with monoculture association, the number of lateral root in intercropping association was significantly decreased and the location of lateral root at taproot also altered. This fact suggested that P. grandiflorum intercropped with pepper enhanced appearance quality of P. grandiflorum root. Total root yield and taproot yield of P. grandiflorum in JC42 and JC52 intercropping associations were increased by 4.88%, 8.91% and 14.23%, 12.92%, respectively, compared with monoculture, while root rot incidence decreased significantly. Compared with JC52 intercropping association, JC42 intercropping association significantly increased total saponin and protein contents of P. grandiflorum, decreased root rot incidence, but did not affect taproot yield significantly. Considering root yield and quality, when P. grandiflorum planted in the soil having continuously cultivated P. grandiflorum for three years, the optimal cultivation model was every two rows of pepper was planted between four rows P. grandiflorum.

The Mechanisms of Pharmacological Activities of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Fungi.

The entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly known as Cordyceps sinensis, has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of many illnesses. In recent years its usage has increased dramatically because of the improvement of people's living standard and the emphasis on health. Such demands have resulted in over-harvesting of this fungus in the wild. Fortunately, scientists have demonstrated that artificially cultured and fermented mycelial products of O. sinensis have similar pharmacological activities to wild O. sinensis. The availability of laboratory cultures will likely to further expand its usage for the treatment of various illnesses. In this review, we summarize recent results on the pharmacological activities of the components of O. sinensis and their putative mechanisms of actions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effect of refined psychological pain nursing combined with IMB nursing on the pain, sleep and quality of life of patients after cervical cancer surgery.

To explore the effect of refined psychological pain nursing combined with information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) care model on the pain, sleep and quality of life of patients after cervical cancer surgery, so as to provide reference and basis for the nursing of patients after cervical cancer surgery. The clinical data of 798 postoperative cervical cancer patients who were nursing in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were included in this retrospective study and divided into the control group (n = 382) and observation group (n = 416) according to the different care methods. The control group used refined psychological pain nursing, and on this basis, the observation group used IMB nursing to observe and compare the differences in pain, sleep and quality of life between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in pain between the 2 groups before nursing (P > .05). After nursing, the pain of both groups was significantly improved. The scores of NRS, VAS, and PSEQ of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group (P < .001). After nursing, the quality of life scores such as emotion, cognition, society, and overall health were significantly higher in the observation group than those of the control group, while physical, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). The negative emotion score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < .001). The residual urine volume and urinary tract infection rate of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). The bladder function was significantly better than that of the control group (P < .05). The analgesic effect of refined psychological pain nursing combined with IMB nursing on patients after cervical cancer surgery is better than that of refined psychological pain nursing alone, which can promote pain recovery and further improve the quality of life and sleep quality of patients.

Speech Perception and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Mandarin-Speaking Postlingual Deaf Adults With Cochlear Implant: Any Difference With the Intonation Language Users?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of related factors on long-term speech perception and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes in postlingual deaf Mandarin-speaking adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients and to assess any differences between tone language and other intonation language CI adult users. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cases review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Forty-five adult CI recipients (48 implanted ears). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Post-CI outcomes were evaluated after follow-ups of more than 24 months using speech perception tests and QoL questionnaires. We analyzed the related factors affecting CI outcomes. RESULTS: A shorter duration of profound deafness was predictive factors for better post-CI speech perception. Earlier implantation and better performance of vowel scores were predictive of better subjective improvements in social and emotional life. Post-CI vowel scores of over 56% indicated promising improvements in QoL. CONCLUSION: Shorter duration of deafness could have better post-CI speech perception. Post-CI vowel scores instead of monosyllable words have the more potential to predict the QoL in Mandarin-speaking adult CI recipients.

The impact of hospital-family integrated continuation nursing based on information technology on patients unhealthy mood, family function and sexual function after cervical cancer surgery.

The objective of this study was to explore the impact on hospital-family integrated continuation care based on information technology on the negative emotions, family function, and sexual function of patients after cervical cancer surgery. The clinical case data onto 114 postoperative cervical cancer patients who were nursing in our hospital from July 2019 to July 2021 were selected and were divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group used routine nursing care, and on this basis, the observation group used information technology as the basis for hospital-family integrated continuation care, and we observed and compared the differences in the 2 groups of patients bad mood, family function, and sexual function. The score of anxiety (P = .017), depression (P = .009), fatigue rating (P = .012), and anger (P < .001) in the observation group after care were significantly lower than those in the control group. Problem solving, role, emotional response, emotional involvement, and family function total score in the observation group after care was significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). Sexual desire score, sexual arousal score, vaginal lubrication score, orgasm score, sexual satisfaction score, dyspareunia score, and Female Sexual Function Inventory total scores in the observation and control groups after care were significantly higher than those before care (P < .05). The sexual function scores in the observation group after care was significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The hospital-family integrated continuation care based on information technology is more effective than conventional nursing care for patients after cervical cancer surgery.

Asymmetric synthesis of multifunctional aryl allyl ethers by nucleophilic catalysis.

Asymmetric allylic substitution of Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates with less-nucleophilic phenols mediated by nucleophilic amine catalysis was successfully developed. A variety of substituted aryl allyl ethers were afforded with moderate to high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The chiral MBH alcohol could be easily accessed from the corresponding aryl allyl ether.

Hepatitis E vaccine in China: Public health professional perspectives on vaccine promotion and strategies for control.

BACKGROUND: A hepatitis E (HepE) vaccine was developed and released in China in 2011. Uptake is currently very limited. The aims of this study were to characterize what public health professionals thought about promoting the HepE vaccine in Shanghai, China, and to develop realistic goals for the HepE vaccine based on this information. METHODS: Public health professionals from Shanghai and other jurisdictions of China were contacted to participate in in-depth qualitative interviews between October 2017 and August 2018. Participants were asked about their perception of the HepE vaccine roll-out. Codes were initially based on the structure of the questionnaire. Subsequently, similar ideas were further developed into themes based on what was present in the transcript data. RESULTS: Thirty-five individuals participated. Major topics of discussion included (1) clarifying the roles and responsibilities of private and public institutions in promoting and marketing the HepE vaccine, (2) identifying what methods of promotion were most efficient, and, (3) endeavoring to formulate a reasonable and realistic goal, if any, for HepE prevention and control in China. Participants emphasized that public sector sources can be trusted sources of information (although the private vaccination company can also be useful in disseminating information) and social media such as WeChat can be good ways to disseminate articles (although netizens may be worried about the spread of fake news). Vaccine promotion is restrained given limited levels of knowledge in the government, hospitals, and public health vaccination centers. CONCLUSION: Successful promotion and use of this vaccine in China, even in limited settings (for instance, certain workplaces, or certain groups) could provide additional information on long-term safety and could promote its adoption in other regions of the world where HepE has high morbidity among pregnant women and other populations.

Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals Features and Possible Mechanisms of Glucose-Mediated Soil Fungistasis Relief in Arthrobotrys oligospora.

Soil-borne pest diseases result in large annual agricultural losses globally. Fungal bio-control agents are an alternative means of controlling pest diseases; however, soil fungistasis limits the effect of fungal agents. Nutrients can relieve soil fungistasis, but the mechanisms behind this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we determined and quantified the transcriptomes of Arthrobotrys oligospora, a nematode-trapping fungus, derived from samples of fresh conidia, germinated conidia, soil fungistatic conidia, and glucose-relieved conidia. The transcriptomes of fungistatic and glucose-relieved conidia were significantly different from those of the other two conidia samples. KEGG pathway analyses showed that those genes upregulated in fungistatic and glucose-relieved conidia were mainly involved in translation and substance metabolism, and the downregulated genes were mainly involved in MAPK pathway, autophagy, mitophagy, and endocytosis. As being different from the transcriptome of fungistatic conidia, upregulated genes in the transcriptome of glucose-relieved conidia are also related to replication and repair, spliceosome, oxidative phosphorylation, autophagy, and degradation pathway (lysosome, proteasome, and RNA degradation). And the upregulated genes resulted from comparison of glucose-relieved conidia and fungistatic conidia were enriched in metabolic pathways, cycle, DNA replication, and repair. The differentially splicing events in the transcriptome of glucose-relieved conidia are far more than that of other two transcriptomes, and genes regulated by differentially splicing were analyzed through KEGG pathway analysis. Furthermore, autophagy genes were proved to play important role in resisting soil fungistasis and glucose-mediated soil fungistasis relief. These data indicate that, in addition to being a carbon and energy source for conidia germination, glucose may also help to relieve soil fungistasis by activating many cellular processes, including autophagy, DNA replication and repair, RNA alternative splicing, and degradation pathways.

How Do Experts and Nonexperts Want to Promote Vaccines? Hepatitis E Vaccine as Example.

Low- and middle-income countries receive limited guidance from external entities about how to introduce vaccines. This is especially true for the Hepatitis E (HepE) vaccine, which is currently only commercially available in China. The aims of this qualitative study are to identify which attributes of the HepE disease and vaccine are considered important, and to compare desired promotion methods between different stakeholders. Stakeholders included experts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff, health care providers, and researchers), and nonexperts included members of high-risk populations, HepE cases, and vaccinees. Participants' thoughts were coded and broadly summarized. We contacted 63 persons-35 experts and 28 nonexperts. Safety and effectiveness (but not price) of the vaccine, along with severity of disease and transmission route of infection, were all listed as important attributes. Emphasizing the importance of sharing stories from cases, relying on personal experiences, staying away from statistical explanations, and using the government as a source of promotion were other points repeatedly raised by the participants. Qualitative interviews with experts and nonexperts has revealed that focusing on attributes of disease severity and susceptibility to infection, as well as vaccine safety and effectiveness within stories of cases, are preferred ways to promote the vaccine.

[Anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects of recombinant human superoxide dismutase on acute lung injury induced by meconium aspiration in infant rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects of recombinant human CuZn superoxide dismutase(rhSOD) on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by meconium aspiration in rats. METHODS: 1 ml/kg of 20% human newborn meconium suspension was intratracheally (IT) administrated to induce the model of ALI in 32 male Sprage-Dawley rats, and the animals were then randomized to 4 groups: 3 treatment groups with IT administration of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg rhSOD dissolved in 1 ml/kg saline and the control group with IT administration of 1 ml/kg saline. The animals were killed after 24 h of treatments. The measurements included lung tissue wet/dry ratio, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, BALF protein/plasma protein (pulmonary permeability index, PPI),lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide (NO) and 8-isoprostane levels. Lung injury score was also evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, pulmonary MPO activity, NO and 8-isoprostane levels were significantly decreased and SOD activity was markedly increased in all rhSOD treatment groups (P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with the rhSOD 5 mg/kg group, pulmonary 8-isoprostane level was further low in the rhSOD 20 mg/kg group(P=0.01). Lung injury score was decreased in rhSOD 20 mg/kg group (P<0.05). But there were no statistically differences in lung wet/dry, BALF protein and PPI among all groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a single IT dose of 5,10 or 20 mg/kg rhSOD can prevent lung damages in rats with ALI following meconium aspiration.

AF-2364 is a prospective spermicide candidate.

AbstractInhibition of sperm motility has recently become a promising target for male contraceptive development. AF-2364, an analogue of Lonidamine (LND), had a contraceptive effect when orally administered to adult Sprague-Dawley rats. LND can also target mitochondria to inhibit oxygen consumption and block energy metabolism in tumour cells. However, there are no reports of the effects of AF-2364 on human sperm function. Herein we describe the action of AF-2364 on human sperm in vitro, as well as the mechanisms involved. AF-2364 specifically blocked human sperm motility in vitro. Further experiments revealed that AF-2364 can target sperm mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pores to induce the loss of sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) and decrease ATP generation; however, no significant changes in the cytoskeletal network or the human sperm proteome were detected after exposure to AF-2364. Incubation of AF-2364 with other human or mouse cell lines indicated that the spermicidal effect at the lower concentration was specific. In summary, the spermicidal effect of AF-2364 involves direct action on sperm MPT pores, and this compound should be further investigated as a new spermicide candidate.

Nitric oxide inhalation inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase but not nitrotyrosine formation and cell apoptosis in rat lungs with meconium-induced injury.

AIM: To investigate the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on pulmonary inflammation, apoptosis, peroxidation and protein nitration in a rat model of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by meconium. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly devided into 3 groups (n=8): meconium-induced ALI with intratracheal instillation of 1 mL/kg saline (Mec/saline group), continuous inhalation of NO at 20 muL/L. (Mec/iNO), and the control group (control). Electromicroscopic examination was used to determine the extent of epithelial apoptosis. TUNEL was used to detect DNA fragmentation in pulmonary apoptotic cells, expressed as the apoptosis index (AI). Western blotting was used to detect pulmonary inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression. RT-PCR was used to detect interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA expression. Cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrotyrosine formation, the markers of toxic NO-superoxide pathway in rat lung parenchyma specimens, were also examined. RESULTS: Expression of iNOS protein and IL-1beta mRNA were increased significantly in the Mec/saline group (both P<0.01) compared with the control group. BAL cell count, MPO activity, lung injury score, pulmonary AI, MDA level and nitrotyrosine formation were also increased significantly (all P<0.01). The meconium-induced iNOS protein and IL-1beta mRNA expression were inhibited significantly by NO inhalation when compared with the Mec/saline group (both P<0.01). BAL cell count, MPO activity and lung injury score were also decreased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). However, there were no statistical differences in MDA level, nitrotyrosine formation or pulmonary AI between the Mec/saline and Mec/iNO groups. Electromicroscopic examination revealed a significant degree of epithelial apoptosis in both the Mec/saline and Mec/iNO groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early continuous inhalation of NO 20 muL/L may protect the lungs from inflammatory injury, but does not decrease epithelial apoptosis or lung nitrotyrosine formation. Inhalation of NO alone is not associated with a detectable increase in oxidant stress.

[Protective effects and mechanisms of recombinant human superoxide dismutase in acute lung injury of rats following meconium aspiration].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) in acute lung injury (ALI) following meconium aspiration. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy male Sprage-Dawley rats were divided into two groups, 8 were used as control (saline group) by infusing 1 ml/kg saline through endotracheal tube; the other 24 rats were used to establish model of ALI by infusing 1 ml/kg of 20% human newborn meconium suspension through endotracheal tube, and then were randomized to 3 groups (8 each): meconium group with no administration of saline or rhSOD; meconium + saline group by infusing 1 ml/kg saline through endotracheal tube; meconium + rhSOD group by infusing 20 mg/kg rhSOD dissolved in 1 ml/kg saline through endotracheal tube. The rats were killed 24 h after treatment. The measurements included bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, protein, BALF protein/plasma protein (pulmonary permibility index, PPI), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) level. Lung injury score was also evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the saline group, the rats in the meconium group had significantly increased BALF cell counts (4.04 +/- 1.01 vs. 0.53 +/- 0.19), protein (2.54 +/- 0.74 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.26), PPI (0.50 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.12 +/- 0.05), LDH (263.50 +/- 97.84 vs. 17.38 +/- 3.58), pulmonary MPO (1.49 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.62 +/- 0.16), MDA (3.30 +/- 0.85 vs. 1.40 +/- 0.35), NO (12.77 +/- 5.00 vs. 4.89 +/- 1.32) and lung injury score (9.88 +/- 2.10 vs. 2.25 +/- 1.04), P < 0.01 for all, whereas pulmonary SOD activity had no statistically significant differences (103.28 +/- 24.53 vs. 94.49 +/- 12.93, P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between meconium + saline group and meconium group (all P > 0.05). Compared with the meconium + saline group, meconium + rhSOD group had decreased BALF cell counts (3.13 +/- 0.77 vs. 4.68 +/- 1.40, P < 0.01), LDH (162.63 +/- 76.90 vs. 273.75 +/- 111.83, P < 0.05), pulmonary MPO activity (1.23 +/- 0.28 vs. 1.54 +/- 0.24, P < 0.05), MDA (2.46 +/- 0.42 vs. 3.50 +/- 0.82, P < 0.01), NO level (9.17 +/- 2.34 vs. 13.04 +/- 4.38, P < 0.05), lung injury score (8.63 +/- 1.30 vs. 10.00 +/- 1.07, P < 0.05) and increased pulmonary SOD activity (134.45 +/- 23.30 vs. 106.79 +/- 17.77, P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in BALF protein and PPI between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Inflammation and lipid peroxidation might play important roles in the pathogenesis of ALI with meconium aspiration, a single early administration of 20 mg/kg rhSOD intratracheally can reduce lung damage in rats following meconium aspiration.