Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Biomass Cooking and Severe Infant Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to household air pollution is a risk factor for severe pneumonia. The effect of replacing biomass cookstoves with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cookstoves on the incidence of severe infant pneumonia is uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial involving pregnant women 18 to 34 years of age and between 9 to less than 20 weeks' gestation in India, Guatemala, Peru, and Rwanda from May 2018 through September 2021. The women were assigned to cook with unvented LPG stoves and fuel (intervention group) or to continue cooking with biomass fuel (control group). In each trial group, we monitored adherence to the use of the assigned cookstove and measured 24-hour personal exposure to fine particulate matter (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 µm [PM2.5]) in the women and their offspring. The trial had four primary outcomes; the primary outcome for which data are presented in the current report was severe pneumonia in the first year of life, as identified through facility surveillance or on verbal autopsy. RESULTS: Among 3200 pregnant women who had undergone randomization, 3195 remained eligible and gave birth to 3061 infants (1536 in the intervention group and 1525 in the control group). High uptake of the intervention led to a reduction in personal exposure to PM2.5 among the children, with a median exposure of 24.2 µg per cubic meter (interquartile range, 17.8 to 36.4) in the intervention group and 66.0 µg per cubic meter (interquartile range, 35.2 to 132.0) in the control group. A total of 175 episodes of severe pneumonia were identified during the first year of life, with an incidence of 5.67 cases per 100 child-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.55 to 7.07) in the intervention group and 6.06 cases per 100 child-years (95% CI, 4.81 to 7.62) in the control group (incidence rate ratio, 0.96; 98.75% CI, 0.64 to 1.44; P = 0.81). No severe adverse events were reported to be associated with the intervention, as determined by the trial investigators. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of severe pneumonia among infants did not differ significantly between those whose mothers were assigned to cook with LPG stoves and fuel and those whose mothers were assigned to continue cooking with biomass stoves. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; HAPIN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02944682.).

Effects of Cooking with Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Biomass on Stunting in Infants.

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution is associated with stunted growth in infants. Whether the replacement of biomass fuel (e.g., wood, dung, or agricultural crop waste) with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking can reduce the risk of stunting is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a randomized trial involving 3200 pregnant women 18 to 34 years of age in four low- and middle-income countries. Women at 9 to less than 20 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to use a free LPG cookstove with continuous free fuel delivery for 18 months (intervention group) or to continue using a biomass cookstove (control group). The length of each infant was measured at 12 months of age, and personal exposures to fine particulate matter (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 µm) were monitored starting at pregnancy and continuing until the infants were 1 year of age. The primary outcome for which data are presented in the current report - stunting (defined as a length-for-age z score that was more than two standard deviations below the median of a growth standard) at 12 months of age - was one of four primary outcomes of the trial. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed to estimate the relative risk of stunting. RESULTS: Adherence to the intervention was high, and the intervention resulted in lower prenatal and postnatal 24-hour personal exposures to fine particulate matter than the control (mean prenatal exposure, 35.0 µg per cubic meter vs. 103.3 µg per cubic meter; mean postnatal exposure, 37.9 µg per cubic meter vs. 109.2 µg per cubic meter). Among 3061 live births, 1171 (76.2%) of the 1536 infants born to women in the intervention group and 1186 (77.8%) of the 1525 infants born to women in the control group had a valid length measurement at 12 months of age. Stunting occurred in 321 of the 1171 infants included in the analysis (27.4%) of the infants born to women in the intervention group and in 299 of the 1186 infants included in the analysis (25.2%) of those born to women in the control group (relative risk, 1.10; 98.75% confidence interval, 0.94 to 1.29; P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: An intervention strategy starting in pregnancy and aimed at mitigating household air pollution by replacing biomass fuel with LPG for cooking did not reduce the risk of stunting in infants. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; HAPIN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02944682.).

Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Biomass for Cooking and Effects on Birth Weight.

BACKGROUND: Exposure during pregnancy to household air pollution caused by the burning of solid biomass fuel is associated with adverse health outcomes, including low birth weight. Whether the replacement of a biomass cookstove with a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cookstove would result in an increase in birth weight is unclear. METHODS: We performed a randomized, controlled trial involving pregnant women (18 to <35 years of age and at 9 to <20 weeks' gestation as confirmed on ultrasonography) in Guatemala, India, Peru, and Rwanda. The women were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to use a free LPG cookstove and fuel (intervention group) or to continue using a biomass cookstove (control group). Birth weight, one of four prespecified primary outcomes, was the primary outcome for this report; data for the other three outcomes are not yet available. Birth weight was measured within 24 hours after birth. In addition, 24-hour personal exposures to fine particulate matter (particles with a diameter of ≤2.5 µm [PM2.5]), black carbon, and carbon monoxide were measured at baseline and twice during pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 3200 women underwent randomization; 1593 were assigned to the intervention group, and 1607 to the control group. Uptake of the intervention was nearly complete, with traditional biomass cookstoves being used at a median rate of less than 1 day per month. After randomization, the median 24-hour personal exposure to fine particulate matter was 23.9 µg per cubic meter in the intervention group and 70.7 µg per cubic meter in the control group. Among 3061 live births, a valid birth weight was available for 94.9% of the infants born to women in the intervention group and for 92.7% of infants born to those in the control group. The mean (±SD) birth weight was 2921±474.3 g in the intervention group and 2898±467.9 g in the control group, for an adjusted mean difference of 19.6 g (95% confidence interval, -10.1 to 49.2). CONCLUSIONS: The birth weight of infants did not differ significantly between those born to women who used LPG cookstoves and those born to women who used biomass cookstoves. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; HAPIN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02944682.).

[Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function and neuronal autophagy in rats with D-galactose induced Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Baihui"(GV20) and "Shenshu"(BL23) on the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the hippocampus of rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD)，so as to explore its underlying mechanisms on improvement of AD. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, electroacupuncture group and sham electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. The AD rat model was establish by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose for 6 weeks. Rats in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture (50 Hz, 1 mA)at GV20 and BL23 for 20 min each time after daily intraperitoneal injection. Rats in the sham electroacupuncture group received acupuncture at the local skin of GV20 and BL23 without electricity. After the intervention, Morris water maze and open field test were used to evaluate the learning and cognitive ability of rats in each group. The transmission electron microscope was used to observe the numerical density of synaptic in hippocampus, and the immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the paired helical filament protein-1 (PHF-1) in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detected the expression of autophagy-related proteins phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the hippocampus. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the escape latency of the rats in the model group increased from day 2 to day 5 (P<0.01), and the ratio of the time through the quadrant of the original platform reduced （P<0.01）, in the open field test the distance of exercise, the number of uprights and the rate of exercise time in the central area decreased (P<0.01), meanwhile the density of hippocampus synapses decreased (P<0.01), the positive expression of PHF-1 and the relative expression of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and mTOR all increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group was shortened from day 2 to day 5 (P<0.01), and the ratio of the time through the quadrant of the original platform meanwhile, the distance of the open field test, the number of uprights, and the rate of central area exercise time up-regulated (P<0.01), the numerical density of hippocampus synatic increased (P<0.01), the positive expression of PHF-1 and the relative expression of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, and mTOR all down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of PI3K in the sham electroacupuncture group decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can improve learning and memory and cognitive impairment in AD rats, which may be associated with its effects in regulation of hippocampal autophagy and removal of neurofibrillary tangles by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

[Effect of pre-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) on exercise-induced fatigue].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of pre-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) on exercise-induced fatigue. METHODS: A total of 50 subjects were divided into an observation group and a control group by random number table method, 25 cases in each one. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) before exercise, once a day, consecutive 5-day treatment was required. In the control group, there was no intervention. The subjective fatigue perception score, serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase, heart rate and oxygen saturation before and after exercise were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before exercise, the subjective fatigue perception scores, serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase and heart rates after exercise were increased in the two groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the subjective fatigue perception score, serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase and heart rate after exercise in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in oxygen saturation before and after exercise in the two groups，there was no significant difference in oxygen saturation after exercise between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Pre-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) can effectively reduce the subjective fatigue perception score，serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase and heart rate to improve exercise-induced fatigue.

Single agent nanoparticle for radiotherapy and radio-photothermal therapy in anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies. The aggressive behavior of ATC and its resistance to traditional treatment limit the efficacy of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The purpose of this study is aimed at enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) combined with photothermal therapy (PTT) in murine orthotopic model of ATC, based on our developed single radioactive copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticle platform. We prepare a new dual-modality therapy for ATC consisting of a single-compartment nanoplatform, polyethylene glycol-coated [(64)Cu]CuS NPs, in which the radiotherapeutic property of (64)Cu is combined with the plasmonic properties of CuS NPs. Mice with Hth83 ATC were treated with PEG-[(64)Cu]CuS NPs and/or near infrared laser. Antitumor effects were assessed by tumor growth and animal survival. We found that in mice bearing orthotopic human Hth83 ATC tumors, micro-PET/CT imaging and biodistribution studies showed that about 50% of the injected dose of PEG-[(64)Cu]CuS NPs was retained in tumor 48 h after intratumoral injection. Human absorbed doses were calculated from biodistribution data. In antitumor experiments, tumor growth was delayed by PEG-[(64)Cu]CuS NP-mediated RT, PTT, and combined RT/PTT, with combined RT/PTT being most effective. In addition, combined RT/PTT significantly prolonged the survival of Hth83 tumor-bearing mice compared to no treatment, laser treatment alone, or NP treatment alone without producing acute toxic effects. These findings indicate that this single-compartment multifunctional NPs platform merits further development as a novel therapeutic agent for ATC.

Simultaneous determination of four major constituents of semen Vaccariae using HPLC-DAD.

A simple and reliable HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of four major constituents in Semen Vaccariae. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 column with gradient elution using methanol and water. The calibration curves showed good linearity of R2 > 0.9999 with LOQs (S/N = 10) of 0.20-1.16 microg/mL. The precision was evaluated by intra- and inter-day assays and R.S.D. values were less than 2.09%. The recovery rates were between 97.0% and 105.0%. The developed method was applied to the quantitative analysis of Semen Vaccariae and its stir-fried products. During the stir-frying process, vaccarin degraded and yielded isovitexin-2"-O-arabinoside. The preferable stir-frying temperature is around 120 degrees C. The developed HPLC method can be applied to the quality control of crude and stir-fried Semen Vaccariae.

Bioactive dammarane-type saponins from Operculina turpethum.

Four new dammarane-type saponins, operculinosides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Operculina turpethum, of which 1 and 2 are the first two dammarane-type triterpenoids having an oxymethyl group at C-24. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and acid hydrolysis. The absolute configuration of operculinoside A (1) was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1 and 3 showed significant protective activities against d-galactosamine-induced toxicity in L-02 human hepatic cells.

[Effect of brazilein on energy metabolism of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate brazilein's role in energy metabolism of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in mice. METHOD: Fourty mice were randomly divided into the sham group, ischemia group, brazilein 5 mg x kg(-1) group and brazilein 10 mg x kg(-1) group, each with ten cases. Cerebral ischemia model was the built. Mice were injected with brazilein three days before the operation, then they were killed. Cerebrum homogenate was prepared for the detecting of ATP, ADP, AMP and lactic acid by HPLC, expressions of MCT1 and MCT2 in mRNA level by RT-PCR. RESULT: The lactic acid in cerebrum increased sharply 20 minutes after cerebral ischemia and decreased 1 hour after reperfusion, then returned to the normal level 24 hours after reperfusion. The charge of energy decreased significantly at the beginning of the ischemia-reperfusion, and the charge restored 1 hour after reperfusion though it was still much lower than the normal level at the time point of 24 hours. Moreover, MCT1 and MCT2 upregulated accompanied with the increase of lactate, MCT2 mRNA enhanced in brazilein 5 mg x kg(-1) group (P < 0.05) while both the two factors increased in brazilein 10 mg x kg(-1) group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Brazilein might protect neurons by changing the charge of energy.

Characterization of the transportation of berberine in Coptidis rhizoma extract through rat primary cultured cortical neurons.

The aim of this study was to investigate the transport behavior and efflux of berberine through the primary culture cortical neurons. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an UV-vis detector at 347 nm was applied. The mobile phase was 0.05 m potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (containing 0.5% triethylamine, pH 3.0)-acetonitrile (73:27, v/v). Neurons were incubated with Coptidis rhizoma extract 6.5 microg/mL (containing 1.91 microg/mL berberine) and verapamil, KCN or cimetidine for 2 h, and then lysed in methanol to extract intracellular berberine. A 20 microL aliquot of sample was injected into the HPLC system to determine berberine concentration. The results showed that metabolic inhibitor KCN and P-glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil could increase berberine concentration within the neurons, indicating that efflux of berberine was energy-dependent and P-glycoprotein was likely to be involved. Moreover, the organic cation transporter inhibitor cimetidine could decrease berberine concentration within the neurons, suggesting that the organic cation transporter might be involved in the berberine transport process.

Neuroprotective and antioxidant activity of compounds from the aerial parts of Dioscorea opposita.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Dioscorea opposita afforded a new compound, 6,7-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-1,4-phenanthrenedione (1), and four known compounds, chrysoeriol 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), chrysoeriol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), alternanthin (4), and daucosterol. The structure of 1 was established on the basis of the interpretation of its 1D and 2D NMR spectrascopic data. Compounds 1-4 exhibited both promising neuroprotective effects and discernible to moderate antioxidant activities in vitro.

A new tactic to treat postprandial hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats with gastroparesis by improving gastrointestinal transit.

Improvement of gastrointestinal transit was thought to be a new tactic to treat postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic individuals with gastroparesis. Diabetic gastroparesis, lipid load testing, and the effect of domperidone or aqueous extract of rhizomes of Rheum palmatum L. on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia were evaluated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan diabetic animals had a slow gastrointestinal transit, together with delayed and exaggerated postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, after oral administration of olive oil, which was significantly improved after oral administration of domperidone or R. palmatum L. However, atropine could prevent the effects of R. palmatum L. The reduced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia was highly correlated with the improvement in gastrointestinal transit. These results suggest that promotion of gastrointestinal transit may be useful for the treatment of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic patients with gastroparesis. R. palmatum L. may become a new choice for these patients since it has more potential benefits than domperidone.