[Characteristics of O3 Production in the Western Suburb of Hefei in Summer Based on the Observation of Total Peroxy Radical].

In August 2020, the observations of total peroxy radical concentrations were carried out in the western suburb site of Hefei using a peroxy radical chemical amplifier (PERCA) instrument. The ozone production and its sensitivity were characterized with the measured O3 and its precursors. The results showed that the daily variation in total peroxy radical concentrations exhibited an obvious convex tend, with the highest value at approximately 12:00; the average peak peroxy radical concentration was 43.8×10-12; and the concentrations of the peroxy radical and ozone were driven by strong solar radiation and high temperature. The photochemical ozone production rate could be determined with peroxy radical and NO concentration. The average ozone peak production rate in summer was 10.6×10-9 h-1, which was more sensitive to NO concentration. Based on the ratio of the radical loss rate due to reactions with NOx to the radical loss rate (Ln/Q), the characteristics of O3 production in the western suburb of Hefei in summer were analyzed. The results showed that O3 production sensitivity varied greatly during the day. The summer O3 production regime shifted from the VOC-sensitive chemistry in the early morning to NOx-sensitive chemistry in the afternoon, and this regime transition typically occurred in the morning.

Integrative analysis reveals a lineage-specific circular RNA landscape for adipo-osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: The balance between osteogenesis and adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is critical to skeletal development and diseases. As a research hotspot, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have expanded our understanding of a hidden layer of the transcriptome. Yet, their roles during adipo-osteogenesis remain poorly described. METHODS: The identity of human MSCs derived from bone marrow and adipose were first determined by flow cytometry, cellular staining, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Multi-strategic RNA-sequencing was performed using Poly A, RiboMinus and RiboMinus/RNase R methods. Integrative analysis was performed to identify lineage-specific expressed circRNAs. The structural and expressional characteristics were identified by Sanger sequencing and qPCR, respectively. The regulatory effects of adipogenesis-specific circ-CRLF1 were confirmed using siRNA transcfection and qPCR. RESULTS: We generated a whole transcriptome map during adipo-osteogenesis based on 10 Poly A, 20 RiboMinus and 20 RiboMinus/ RNase R datasets. A total of 31,326 circRNAs were identified and quantified from ~ 3.4 billion paired-end reads. Furthermore, the integrative analysis revealed that 1166 circRNA genes exhibited strong lineage-specific expression patterns. Their host genes were enriched in distinct biological functions, such as cell adhesion, cytokine signaling, and cell division. We randomly selected and validated the back-spliced junction sites and expression patterns of 12 lineage-specific circRNAs. Functional analysis indicated that circ-CRLF1 negatively regulated adipogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our integrative analysis reveals an accurate and generally applicable lineage-specific circRNA landscape for adipo-osteogenesis of MSCs and provides a potential therapeutic target, circ-CRLF1, for the treatment of skeleton-related disease.

[Improvement of Upper Limb and Hand Functions of Stroke Patients by Balancing Acupuncture Combined with Motor Relearning Training].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training for upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients. METHODS: Sixty-two stroke patients were randomly divided into balance acupuncture group (n＝31) and routine acupuncture group (n＝31). For patients of the balance acupuncture group, Piantan, Jiantong and Wantong points on the healthy side were used. When Jiantong point taken, the acupuncture needle was removed after the patient experienced an electric shock-like spreading needling sensation. When Wantong point employed, the needle was removed after the patient experienced a local, intensified or spreading needling sensation. When Piantan point used, the needle was retained after the patient experienced an electric shock-like needling sensation, then, the motor relearning training was conducted, and the needle was removed immediately after the training. For patients of the routine acupuncture group, Jianyu(LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), etc. were needled with the needles retained for 30 min after getting needling sensations. The motor relearning training was also carried out after removal of the needle. The treatment in both groups was performed once daily, 6 days a week, and lasted for 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer score and motor function scale (MAS) of the upper limb, and the fine performance score and motor function score of the hand were assessed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Following treatment, the Fugl-Meyer score and MAS of the upper limbs, and the motor function score and fine performance score of the hand were significantly increased in both groups compared with pre-treatment in each group (P<0.05 ), suggesting a functional improvement of both upper limb and hand. The therapeutic effect of the balance acupuncture was obviously superior to that of routine acupuncture in improving functions of both the upper limb and hand (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training is helpful to improve the comprehensive function of the upper limb and hand in stroke patients.

[Effects of Balance Acupuncture Combined with Motor Relearning for Lower Limb Motor Function of Stroke Patients with Hemiplegia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training on lower limb motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia. METHODS: Eighty stroke patients were randomly assigned to motor relearning training group and balance acupuncture plus motor relearning group (n＝40 cases in each). The motor relearning training program consisting of upper-limb functional training, lying supine, bedside sitting, sitting-balancing, standing up and down, standing-balancing, walking, orofacial functional training, etc. was given to patients of the two groups. Balance acupuncture stimulating was applied to Piantan-， Jiantong-， Xitong-， Tuntong- and Huaitong-points for 30 min, once daily, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The lower limb motor performance ability was assessed by using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-L) scale, the balance function assessed by using Berg balance scale (BBS), the motor ability evaluated by using Rivermead motor index (RMI), and the gait (walking speed, cadence, and step length) evaluated by using Brunnstrom hemiplegia gait evaluation scale. RESULTS: After the treatment, the scores of FMA-L, BBS, RMI and hemiplegia gait were significantly increased in the two groups compared with their own pre-treatment (P<0.05), and were significantly higher in the balance acupuncture plus motor relearning group than in the motor relearning training group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning can improve lower limb motor function and balance function, and has a better effect than simple motor relearning training.