From Ancient Blue Pigment to Unconventional NIR Phosphor: A Thermal-Stable Near-Infrared I/II Broadband Emission from Ca1-xSrxCuSi4O10 Solid Solution.

Phosphors used in NIR spectroscopy require broadband emission, high external quantum yield, good ability, as well as a tunable spectral range to meet the detection criteria. Two-dimensional copper silicates MCuSi4O10 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) play an important part in ancient art and technology as synthetic blue pigments. In the recent years, these compounds were reported to show a broad near-infrared emission when excited in the visible region. Inspired by the tunable structure of MCuSi4O10, a series of broadband phosphors Ca1-xSrxCuSi4O10 were designed for realizing continuously tunable NIR emission by a modulated Cu2+ crystal field environment. The emission maximum exhibits a red shift from 915 to 950 nm and the integral intensity enhances as the Sr2+ content varies in the range of 0-0.50, which is led by the lattice expansion and the following weakened crystal field splitting on tetrahedral-coordinated Cu2+. Compared to CaCuSi4O10, the optimized sample Ca0.5Sr0.5CuSi4O10 shows enhanced NIR emission by about 2.0-fold. It exhibits quite a high external quantum efficiency covering the NIR-I and -II regions (λmax = 950 nm, fwhm = 135 nm, EQE = 26.3%) with a strong absorption efficiency (74.7%) and a long excited-state lifetime (134 µs). These solid-solution phosphors (x = 0.0-0.5) show excellent thermal stability and maintain over 50% of the RT intensity at 200 °C. The optimized phosphor was encapsulated with red-light chips to fabricate NIR pc-LED and put into night-vision application. These good properties make these Cu2+-activated NIR phosphors appealing for multiple applications such as nondestructive testing, night version, lasers, and luminescent solar concentrators.

Individualized diagnosis and eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection based on gene detection of clarithromycin resistance in stool specimens: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Empiric therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection results in significantly increased antibiotic resistance and decreased eradication efficacy. The genotypic testing of clarithromycin resistance from stool specimens is a promising method for individualized diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to determine the status of research and application on this method through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and WAN FANG database were searched for relevant literature. The quality of included diagnostic articles was evaluated using the quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. A bivariate random-effect model was conducted to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of genotypic testing of clarithromycin resistance. RESULTS: A total of 16 diagnostic-related were included and analyzed after exclusions. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic meta-analysis were 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-0.96) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.93-1.00), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.98). The genotypic testing in stool samples had heterogeneous sensitivity (Q = 37.82, p < .01, I2  = 37.82) and specificity (Q = 60.34, p < .01, I2  = 93.72) in detecting clarithromycin resistance. Purification method, stool sample weight, real-time PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing as reference accounted for the heterogeneity of pooled sensitivity, while patient age, purification method, stool sample weight, and real-time PCR for the heterogeneity of pooled specificity. CONCLUSION: The genotypic testing of clarithromycin resistance from stool specimens is an accurate, convenient, noninvasive, and rapid detection technology, providing a definitive diagnosis of clarithromycin resistance and guiding the rational antibiotic selection.

2022 Chinese national clinical practice guideline on Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection is an infectious disease with a prevalence rate of up to 50% worldwide. It can cause indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. H. pylori eradication treatment can effectively control disease progression and reduce the risk of the above conditions. However, the escalating trend of antibiotic resistance presents a global challenge for H. pylori eradication. We aim to provide guidance on pharmacological treatment of H. pylori infection. METHODS: This clinical practice guideline is developed following the World Health Organization's recommended process, adopting Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation in assessing evidence quality, and utilizing Evidence to Decision framework to formulate clinical recommendations, minimizing bias and increasing transparency of the clinical practice guideline development process. We used the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) statement and The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) as reporting and conduct guides to ensure the guideline's completeness and transparency. RESULTS: Though decreasing in developed countries, the prevalence of H. pylori remains high in developing countries, causing a major public health burden. This clinical practice guideline contains 12 recommendations concerning pharmacological treatment for H. pylori eradication. Among them, it is worth highlighting that bismuth preparations are inexpensive, safe, and effective, consequently making bismuth quadruple therapy a preferred choice for initial and rescue treatment. In empirical treatment, high-dose dual therapy is equally effective compared with bismuth quadruple therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The 12 recommendations in this clinical practice guideline are formed with consideration for stakeholders' values and preferences, resource use, feasibility, and acceptability. Recommendations are generalizable to resource limited settings with similar antibiotic resistance pattern as China, and lower middle-income countries facing comparable sociological and technical challenges. REGISTRATION: Guidelines International Network (GIN) website, https://guidelines.ebmportal.com/node/69996 .

The efficacy of oral Zhizhu Kuanzhong, a traditional Chinese medicine, in patients with postprandial distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) remains unsatisfactory. We assessed the efficacy of Zhizhu Kuanzhong (ZZKZ) capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, in patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) of FD. METHODS: The study was designed as a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Three-hundred ninety-two patients with PDS defined by Rome III criteria from 16 centers in China were randomly assigned to receive either ZZKZ or placebo. The proportion of the responders at 4 weeks after randomization was considered primary endpoint. Secondary endpoint was the symptom score reduction of each dyspeptic symptom relative to the baseline at 4 weeks after randomization in all subjects. RESULTS: In terms of the primary endpoint, the proportion of the responders concerning the composite PDS symptom score was 38.8% and 54.7% in placebo group and ZZKZ group, respectively (P = 0.003), in per protocol analysis at 4 weeks after randomization. Concerning the individual evaluated upper gastrointestinal symptoms, only postprandial fullness and early satiety showed significant difference in symptom score reduction at 4 weeks after randomization between placebo and ZZKZ groups. CONCLUSIONS: Zhizhu Kuanzhong is superior to placebo in the treatment of PDS with FD. The exact mechanisms by which ZZKZ improves symptoms remain to be established (http://www.chictr.org.cn/ChinCTR-TRC-14004714).

Protective role of astragalus injection in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of Astragalus injection in a spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury model. METHODS: A total of 27 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (n=3), I/R group (n=12), and Astragalus injection group (Ast group, n=12). Spinal cord ischemia was induced by occlusion of the abdominal aorta above the right renal artery for 32 min. Animals in the Ast group were administered Astragalus injection (6.42 mL/kg) at 30 min before the induction of ischemia. After reperfusion for 8, 12, 24, or 48 hours, the serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) protein level was detected by western blotting. RESULTS: The pathological changes, as assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, were milder in the spinal cords of the Ast group compared to the I/R group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the NSE concentration of the Ast group was significantly lower than that of the I/R group (p<0.05). However, the NSE concentrations of the I/R and Ast groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (p=0.05). Additionally, the expression of AQP4 in the Ast group was lower than that of the I/R group at each time point. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Astragalus injection has a neuroprotective effect in spinal cord I/R injury by decreasing the AQP4 expression.

Randomized Clinical Trial: Esomeprazole, Bismuth, Levofloxacin, and Amoxicillin or Cefuroxime as First-Line Eradication Regimens for Helicobacter pylori Infection.

BACKGROUND: The eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection remains a challenge, especially in the patients unsuitable to take penicillin. Cephalosporin has the potential to replace amoxicillin for H. pylori eradication. AIMS: To compare the effectiveness, safety, and compliance of amoxicillin- and cefuroxime-containing quadruple regimens in treatment-naïve patients. METHODS: In this open-label randomized control study, 400 patients with H. pylori infection were divided into amoxicillin-containing (esomeprazole 20 mg twice/day, amoxicillin 1000 mg twice/day, levofloxacin 500 mg once/day, and bismuth 220 mg twice/day for 14 days) or cefuroxime-containing (esomeprazole 20 mg twice/day, cefuroxime 500 mg twice/day, levofloxacin 500 mg once/day, and bismuth 220 mg twice/day for 14 days) quadruple therapy groups. The safety and compliance were assessed 1-3 days after eradication. Urea breath test was performed 8-12 weeks after eradication to determine treatment outcome. RESULTS: The baseline data including antibiotic resistance were well matched between the two groups. The eradication rates between amoxicillin- and cefuroxime-containing quadruple therapy groups were not significantly different [intention-to-treat analysis: 83.5% (95% confidence interval 78.3-88.7%) vs. 81.0% (75.5-86.5%), P = 0.513; modified intention-to-treat analysis: 90.3% (86.0-94.6%) vs. 88.5% (83.9-93.2%), P = 0.586; per-protocol analysis: 91.6% (87.5-95.7%) vs. 89.8% (85.3-94.3%), P = 0.560]. The incidence of adverse effects (18.4 vs. 20.1%, P = 0.678) and compliance (94.7 vs. 94.2%, P = 0.813) were also similar. Variate analyses showed that antibiotic resistance and poor compliance were the independent risk factors for eradication failure. CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole, bismuth, levofloxacin, and amoxicillin or cefuroxime achieved similar and relatively satisfactory cure rates, safety, and compliance in first-line H. pylori eradication. Cefuroxime may be a good alternative medicine for eradication instead of amoxicillin for the patients unsuitable to take penicillin.

Levofloxacin, bismuth, amoxicillin and esomeprazole as second-line Helicobacter pylori therapy after failure of non-bismuth quadruple therapy.

BACKGROUND: The best rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection following failure of non-bismuth quadruple therapy (NBQT) remains unanswered. AIMS: To determine the efficacy, safety and compliance of levofloxacin, bismuth, amoxicillin and esomeprazole (LBAE) regimen following failure of NBQT. METHODS: 132 patients with H. pylori infection refractory to first-line NBQT received LBAE regimen (levofloxacin 500mg once/day, bismuth potassium citrate 220mg twice/day, amoxicillin 1000mg twice/day and esomeprazole 20mg twice/day for 14 days). Gastric mucosal biopsy was obtained for H. pylori culture, antimicrobial sensitivity test and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: LBAE therapy achieved eradication rates of 73.5% [95% confidence intervals (CI) 65.9-81.1%] in intention-to-treat and 78.5% (71.1-85.9%) in per-protocol analyses in patients with high antibiotic resistance (amoxicillin 8.3%, clarithromycin 55.6%, metronidazole 73.6% and levofloxacin 36.1%). Adverse effects were found in 19.2% and compliance in 96.1% of the treated patients. Multivariate analyses identified levofloxacin resistance [odds ratio (OR) 7.183, 95% CI 1.616-31.914, P=0.010] and history of quinolone intake (4.844, 1.174-19.983, P=0.029) as independent predictors of treatment failure. The eradication rate of patients with dual amoxicillin and levofloxacin resistance was significantly decreased (33.3%, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: In populations with high levofloxacin resistance, 14-day second-line LBAE regimen resulted in an unsatisfactory efficacy in patients resistant to NBQT despite good safety and compliance.

Hybrid Therapy as First-Line Regimen for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Populations with High Antibiotic Resistance Rates.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid therapy has recently attracted widespread attention. However, many issues require further exploration. For example, research in regions with high antibiotic resistance rates is limited, and the correlation between eradication efficacy and antibiotic resistance remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy, compliance, safety, and risk factors of hybrid therapy as first-line regimen in a region with high antibiotic resistance rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital between January 2014 and June 2015. A total of 196 patients with dyspepsia but without prior eradication therapy received hybrid regimen (esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily for 14 days with the addition of clarithromycin 500 mg and tinidazole 500 mg twice daily for the final 7 days). All patients underwent Helicobacter pylori culture, antibiotic susceptibility testing and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 polymorphism testing. RESULTS: Hybrid therapy achieved eradication rates of 77.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 70.9-83.7%) in intention-to-treat (ITT), 83.9% (78.9-88.9%) in modified ITT and 86.0% (80.2-91.3%) in per-protocol analyses in a setting with high antibiotic resistance rates (amoxicillin 2.0%, clarithromycin 44.9%, metronidazole 67.3% and dual clarithromycin and metronidazole 33.3%). Adverse reactions occurred in 31.9% patients and 2.7% discontinued medications due to adverse reactions. Good compliance was achieved by 92.0%. Multivariate analyses identified clarithromycin resistance (odds ratio, 3.494; 95% CI, 1.237-9.869), metronidazole resistance (3.012; 1.013-12.054) and poor compliance (5.840; 1.126-30.296) as independent predictors of treatment failure. The eradication rate with dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance (70.2%) was markedly decreased compared to isolated clarithromycin resistance (87.5%), isolated metronidazole resistance (88.6%), or dual susceptibility (96.4%) (p = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Despite good compliance and safety, hybrid therapy as first-line regimen in populations with high antibiotic resistance rates had unsatisfactory efficacy, primarily due to dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance.

Randomized double-blind clinical trial of Moluodan () for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Moluodan () in treating dysplasia in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) patients. METHODS: This was a multi-centered, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. The total of 196 subjects were assigned to receive either Moluodan or folic acid in a 2:1 ratio by blocked randomization. Mucosa marking targeting biopsy (MTB) was used to insure the accuracy and consistency between baseline and after 6-month treatment. Primary outcomes were histological score, response rate of pathological lesions and dysplasia disappearance rate. Secondary endpoints included gastroscopic findings, clinical symptom and patient reported outcome (PRO) instrument. RESULTS: Dysplasia score decreased in Moluodan group (P =0.002), significance was found between groups (P =0.045). Dysplasia disappearance rates were 24.6% and 15.2% in Moluodan and folic acid groups respectively, no significant differences were found (P =0.127). The response rate of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were 34.6% and 23.0% in Moluodan group, 24.3% and 13.6% in folic acid group. Moluodan could improve erythema (P =0.044), and bile reflux (P =0.059), no significance between groups. Moluodan was better than folic acid in improving epigastric pain, epigastric suffocation, belching and decreased appetite (P <0.05), with symptom disappearance rates of 37% to 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Moluodan improved dysplasia score in histopathology, and erythema and bile reflux score in endoscopy, and superior to folic acid in improving epigastric pain, epigastric suffocation, belching and decreased appetite. [ChiCTR-TRC-00000169].

Primary antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with dyspeptic symptoms in Beijing: a prospective serial study.

AIM: To determine the resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from patients in Beijing and monitor the change of antibiotic resistance over time. METHODS: In this prospective, serial and cross-sectional study, H. pylori cultures were successfully obtained from 371 and 950 patients (never receiving eradication) during 2009-2010 and 2013-2014, respectively. Resistance to amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and rifampicin was determined by Epsilometer test. RESULTS: The resistance rates of isolates obtained during 2009-2010 were 66.8%, 39.9%, 34.5%, 15.4%, 6.7%, and 4.9% to metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, rifampicin, amoxicillin and tetracycline, respectively; and the corresponding rates for isolates during 2013-2014 were 63.4%, 52.6%, 54.8%, 18.2%, 4.4% and 7.3%, respectively. The resistance rates to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were significantly increased after four years. In 2009-2010, 14.6% of H. pylori isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, with mono (33.7%), double (28.3%), triple (16.7%), quadruple (6.2%), quintuple (0.3%) and sextuple resistance (0.3%) also being detected. In 2013-2014, 9.4% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics, and mono (27.6%), double (28.4%), triple (24.9%), quadruple (7.3%), quintuple (2.3%) and sextuple resistance (0.1%) was also observed. More multiple resistant H. pylori isolates were found during 2013-2014. Gender (to levofloxacin and metronidazole), age (to levofloxacin) and endoscopic findings (to clarithromycin) were independent factors influencing antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: H. pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Beijing is high with increased multiple antibiotic resistance.

[Minocycline quadruple versus tailored therapy in retreatment of Helicobacter pylori infection].

OBJECTIVE: To compare eradication rates, safety and compliance of minocycline quadruple and tailored therapies in patients retreated for Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. METHODS: Between January 2014 and June 2014, 135 patients with dyspepsia (18-70 years) and H. pylori infection after at least one previous eradication treatment at a tertiary hospital were randomly assigned to a 10-day treatment with minocycline quadruple therapy versus tailored triple regimen of PPI, amoxicillin and a third antibiotic. In the group of tailored therapy, medications were adjusted based on clarithromycin sensitivity and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 genotype. Eradication status was assessed 4-12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Although H. pylori eradication rates were higher in the minocycline therapy group than that in the tailored therapy group in intention-to-treat [84.1% (95%CI 75.0%-93.2%) vs 75.8%(95%CI 65.1%-86.5%), P=0.245] and per-protocol [88.3% (95%CI 80.3%-96.3%) vs 79.7%(95%CI 69.7%-89.7%), P=0.197] analyses, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant.The incidence of adverse effects and compliance between the two groups were also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The tailored therapy in this study had a poor eradication efficacy in the retreated patients with H. pylori infection.Minocycline quadruple therapy achieved a relatively satisfactory eradication efficacy and may be an alternative choice for the retreatment of H. pylori infection. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-13003975.

In situ self-catalyzed reactive extraction of germinated oilseed with short-chained dialkyl carbonates for biodiesel production.

In order to eliminate the expense associated with solvent extraction and oil cleanup, and reduce the processing steps in biodiesel production, reactive extraction has become a focus of research in recent years. In this study, germinated castor seed was used as substrate and catalyst, dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was used as acyl acceptor and oil extractant to produce biodiesel. The optimum conditions were as follows: the germination time of castor seed was 72 h, DMC/germinated seed ratio was 12.5 ml/g, reaction temperature was 35°C, and water content was 2.11%. The biodiesel yield could reach as much as 87.41% under the optimized conditions. This germinated oilseed self-catalyzed reactive extraction can be a promising route for biodiesel production.

[A 10-day sequential therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in children].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of a 10-day sequential therapy which was made up of omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate and metronidazole for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in children. METHOD: A total of 214 children with abdominal pain, who were confirmed to have Hp infection through endoscopy, biopsy, and Hp culture. The 214 cases were randomly divided into four groups. A 10-day sequential therapy group accepted omeprazole 0.8 - 1.0 mg/(kg·d) plus amoxicillin-clavulanate 50 mg/(kg·d) for five days and omeprazole 0.8 - 1.0 mg/(kg·d), clarithromycin 20 mg/(kg·d) and metronidazole 20 mg/(kg·d) for the remaining five days. The 7-day triple therapy group, 10-day triple therapy group and 14-day triple therapy group received omeprazole 0.8 - 1.0 mg/(kg·d), amoxicillin-clavulanate 50 mg/(kg·d) and clarithromycin 20 mg/(kg·d) for 7 days,10 days,14 days, respectively. All drugs were given twice daily. All these patients received (13)C urea breath test ((13)C-UBT) four weeks after the treatment. RESULT: Finally, 199 patients were followed up, and the total rate of loss to follow-up was 7.0% (15/214). Hp eradication rate was 85.2% and 90.2% in the 10-day sequential therapy group on intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses, 66.0% and 71.4% in the 7-day triple therapy group on ITT and PP analyses; 60.0% and 67.3% in 10-day triple therapy group on ITT and PP analyses, and 78.8% and 82.0% in patients who received the 10-day sequential regimen on ITT and PP analyses, respectively. By ITT analysis, there was significantly difference between the 10-day sequential therapy group and 7-day or 10-day triple therapy group (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was found between the 10-day sequential therapy group and 14-day triple therapy group (P > 0.05). The results of the ITT analysis and the PP analysis were the same. The four groups had neither significant difference in abdominal pain relief (P > 0.05) nor in incidence of adverse reactions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 10-day sequential regimen was significantly more effective than both 7-day triple regimen and 10-day triple regimen, while had the same eradication rate compared with the 14-day sequential therapy. But 10-day triple regimen to eradicate Hp infection in children had the advantages such as short course of treatment and better compliance.

[The endoscopic and clinical features of Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic lesions of colonic mucosa].

OBJECTIVE: By analysing the clinical features of Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic lesion of colon mucosa to improve the precautionary and therapeutic level of the disease. METHODS: Thirteen patients diagnosed as Indigo Naturalis-associated ischemic lesion of colon mucosa in Peking University Third Hospital from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed. The endoscopic and clinical features were analysed. RESULTS: The 13 patients with an average age of (60.6 ± 14.1) years old were prescribed Chinese traditional medicine containing Indigo Naturalis for psoriasis or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The ratio of males to females was 1:1.6. The typical manifestations were abdominal pain and bloody stool with watering diarrhea before bloody stool in 61.5% patients. Endoscopic and pathological characteristics were coincident with ischemic lesion and more like a chronic index. Vasodilatic medicine was effective and the average hemostatic time was (1.7 ± 0.8) days. The prognosis was well and no recurrence was found during 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients having psoriasis or ITP treated with Chinese traditional medicine containing Indigo Naturalis have an inclination to colon mucosa lesions, even ischemic lesion. Careful assessment and observation before prescribing are necessary in these patients.

New SrAl2B2O7:Eu2+, Mn2+ phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

A series of Eu(2+) and Mn(2+) co-doped SrAl(2)B(2)O(7) phosphors were prepared by solid-state reaction method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence excitation and emission were employed to characterize the phosphors. The results show that energy transfers between Eu(2+)and Mn(2+) ions. As the content of Ca(2+) ions in Ca(x)Sr(0.92-x)Al(2)B(2)O(7):Eu(2+)(0.06), Mn(2+)(0.02) phosphors increased, the CIE coordinates decreased and close to the white color standard mandated by the National Television Standard Committee (NTSC). Meanwhile, a white LED (light-emitting diode) was fabricated by combining the Ca(0.5)Sr(0.42)Al(2)B(2)O(7):Eu(2+)(0.06), Mn(2+)(0.02) phosphors with a 370 nm InGaN chip. The color coordinate of the fabricated white LED was also close to the white color standard, indicating that the Ca(0.5)Sr(0.42)Al(2)B(2)O(7):Eu(2+)(0.06), Mn(2+)(0.02) phosphor is a promising single-host phosphor that can be used in white LEDs.

Synthesis of CdSe quantum dots using selenium dioxide as selenium source and its interaction with pepsin.

A novel method has been developed for the synthesis of thioglycolic acid (TGA)-capped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in an aqueous medium when selenium dioxide worked as a selenium source and sodium borohydride acted as a reductant. The interaction between CdSe QDs and pepsin was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. It was proved that the fluorescence quenching of pepsin by CdSe QDs was mainly a result of the formation of CdSe-pepsin complex. Based on the fluorescence quenching results, the Stern-Volmer quenching constant (Ksv), binding constant (KA) and binding sites (n) were calculated. According to the Foster's non-radiative energy transfer theory, the binding distance (r) between pepsin and CdSe QDs was obtained. The influence of CdSe QDs on the conformation of pepsin has been analyzed by synchronous fluorescence spectra, which provided that the secondary structure of pepsin has been changed by the interaction of CdSe QDs with pepsin.

Comparison of the properties of lipase immobilized onto mesoporous resins by different methods.

Genipin, a natural cross-linking agent, was used for the immobilization of lipase from Candida sp. 99-125 by cross-linking to two kinds of mesoporous resins. Under optimum conditions, the activity recovery of immobilized lipase on resin NKA-9 could reach up to 96.99% when the genipin concentration was 0.5%, and it could reach up to 86.18% for S-8 with a genipin concentration of 0.25%. Compared with using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent, the immobilized lipase using genipin showed better pH and thermal stability, storage stability, and reusability. The residual activity of immobilized lipase using genipin as cross-linker remained more than 60% of its initial activity after six hydrolytic cycles, whereas only about 35% activity remained by using glutaraldehyde as cross-linker.

[Evaluation of the effect of ilaprazole on intragastric pH in patients with duodenal ulcer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ilaprazole enteric tablets on intragastric pH in duodenal ulcer patients. METHODS: A randomized, double blind, positive controlled clinical trial was carried out. A total of forty-two patients with duodenal ulcer were randomized into low dose ilaprazole group (5 mg/d), medium dose ilaprazole group (10 mg/d), high dose ilaprazole group (20 mg/d) and omeprazole group (20 mg/d). An ambulatory 24 hour intragastric pH study was performed at the fifth treatment day. Fraction time pH above 3, 4 or 5, median values of 24 hour diurnal pH and 12 hour nocturnal pH, the percentage of patients with total time pH above 3, 4 or 5 at least for 18 hours were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of fraction time pH above 3 or 4, median values of 24 hour diurnal pH and 12 hour nocturnal pH and the percentage of patients with total time pH above 3, 4 or 5 at least for 18 hours among all the groups with different doses of ilaprazole and the omeprazole group. The fraction time pH above 5 in medium and high dose ilaprazole groups were (87.96 + or - 12.29)% and (89.86 + or - 15.18)% respectively, which was higher than that in low dose ilaprazole group [(67.17 + or - 30.16)%] and omeprazole group [(76.14 + or - 16.75)%], P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Ilaprazole has a strong effect on intragastric acid control with a dose dependent trend.

[Immobilized lipase-catalyzed synthesis of biodiesel from crude cottonseed oil].

We investigated the transesterification of crude cottonseed oil with methyl acetate to biodiesel, by using Lipozyme TL IM and Novozym 435 as catalysts. Results showed that the biodiesel yield significantly increased with the addition of methanol into the reaction system, and the highest biodiesel yield of 91.83% was achieved with the optimum conditions as follows: n-hexane as solvent, molar ratio of methyl acetate to oil 9:1, 3% methanol based on the oil mass to inhibit the creation of acetic acid, 10% Lipozyme TL IM and 5% Novozym 435 as catalyst based on the oil mass, reaction temperature 55 degrees C and reaction time 8 h. Additionally, we explored the kinetics of lipase-catalyzed crude cottonseed oil to biodiesel, and proposed a kinetic model.