[The General medical journal of China].

The "General medical journal of China", started by Hou Yuwen in Beijing in 1923, was renamed the "Journal of Oriental Medicine" in 1933. This journal influenced the medical field in terms of improving medical development, and in particular, playing an important role in spreading western medicine in China in the 1920s and 1930s. The journal was operated and issued in Beijing, Shenyang, and Changchun successively, recording important medical activities and medical experiences at that time, presenting the historical events of multi-dimensional interaction and exchange between medicine and society, medicine and culture, and medicine and politics. In this sense, it has an important historical value.

Chinese herbal medicine therapy for hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been widely used in the treatment of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP), but the credibility of the evidence for this practice is unclear. We systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of CHM therapy for HLAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases from inception to October 16, 2022, for randomized controlled trials comparing the combination of CHM and Western medicine therapy vs. Western medicine therapy alone in HLAP adults. This study is registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD 42022371052). RESULTS: A total of 50 eligible studies involving 3,635 patients were assessed in this meta-analysis. Compared with Western medicine therapy, the combination of CHM increased the total effective rate by 19% in HLAP patients [relative risk (RR): 1.19, 95% CI: (1.16, 1.23)]. There were significant differences between the two groups in improving clinical symptoms, promoting serum amylase and triglyceride recovery, reducing mortality [RR: 0.28, 95% CI: (0.14, 0.56)] and complication rates [RR:0.40, 95% CI: (0.31, 0.52)], and shortening the length of hospital stay [MD: -3.96, 95% CI: (-4.76, -3.16)]. Adverse reactions were similar between groups. Findings were robust in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The combined CHM treatment was more effective than Western medicine alone in HLAP patients. However, due to the methodological shortcoming of the eligible studies, caution is needed when interpreting these findings.

White hard clam (Meretrix lyrata) shells as novel filter media to augment the phosphorus removal from wastewater.

It is well recognized that filter media play a crucial role in constructed wetlands (CWs) for decontamination of phosphorus (P)-rich wastewater. This study investigates the suitability of raw white hard clam shells (WHC) and white hard clam shells thermally modified at 800 °C (WHC-M800) as potential media to enhance P treatment performance in CWs. The results indicated that both WHC and WHC-M800 displayed appropriate physicochemical properties, such as high porosity, excellent hydraulic conductivity, and rich Ca content. WHC-M800 exhibited a superior P adsorption capacity (38.7 mg/g) to WHC (12.8 mg/g). However, the practical utilization of WHC-M800 as filter media in CWs may be compromised, due to certain limitations, for example: extremely high pH values in the post-adsorption solutions; high weight losses during calcination and adsorption processes; low mechanical strength; and intensive energy consumption. In contrast, the WHC demonstrated significant advantages of reasonably high P adsorption capacity, locally abundant availability, low cost, and marginal side effects. The fractionation of inorganic P of WHC and WHC-M800 revealed that Ca-bounded P was the most dominant binding form, followed by loosely bound P, Fe-P, occluded P, and Al-P. The present study demonstrates that recycling of WHC shells as a potential substrate in CWs provides a feasible method for upgrading P removal in CWs. Additionally, it helps to reduce waste WHC shells in a simple, cheap, and eco-friendly way, thus can double environmental benefits.

White hard clam (Meretrix lyrata) shells media to improve phosphorus removal in lab-scale horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands: Performance, removal pathways, and lifespan.

This work examined the phosphorus (P) removal from the synthetic pretreated swine wastewater using lab-scale horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs). White hard clam (Meretrix lyrata) shells (WHC) and Paspalum atratum were utilized as substrate and plant, respectively. The focus was placed on treatment performance, removal mechanisms and lifespan of the HSSF-CWs. Results indicated that WHC-based HSSF-CW with P. atratum exhibited a high P removal (89.9%). The mean P efluent concentration and P removal rate were 1.34 ± 0.95 mg/L and 0.32 ± 0.03 g/m2/d, respectively. The mass balance study showed that media sorption was the dominant P removal pathway (77.5%), followed by microbial assimilation (14.5%), plant uptake (5.4%), and other processes (2.6%). It was estimated the WHC-based bed could work effectively for approximately 2.84 years. This WHC-based HSSF-CWs technology will therefore pave the way for recycling Ca-rich waste materials as media in HSSF-CWs to enhance P-rich wastewater purification.

Can algae-based technologies be an affordable green process for biofuel production and wastewater remediation?

Algae is a well-known organism that its characteristic is prominent for biofuel production and wastewater remediation. This critical review aims to present the applicability of algae with in-depth discussion regarding three key aspects: (i) characterization of algae for its applications; (ii) the technical approaches and their strengths and drawbacks; and (iii) future perspectives of algae-based technologies. The process optimization and combinations with other chemical and biological processes have generated efficiency, in which bio-oil yield is up to 41.1%. Through life cycle assessment, algae bio-energy achieves high energy return than fossil fuel. Thus, the algae-based technologies can reasonably be considered as green approaches. Although selling price of algae bio-oil is still high (about $2 L-1) compared to fossil fuel's price of $1 L-1, it is expected that the algae bio-oil's price will become acceptable in the next coming decades and potentially dominate 75% of the market.

Effect of feeding Rumen-protected capsule containing niacin, K2SO4, vitamin C, and gamma-aminobutyric acid on heat stress and performance of dairy cows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental rumen-protected capsule (RPC) on animal performance, serological indicators, and serum heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) of lactating Holstein cows under heat stress (HS). During summer months, 30 healthy multiparous lactating Holstein cows with a parity number of 3.1 ± 0.44, 70 ± 15 d in milk, an average body weight of 622 ± 62kg, and an average milk yield of 32.28 ± 0.96kg/d, were used. The cows were randomly allocated to two groups: a control group and an RPC-supplemented group (0.13373kg K2SO4, 0.02488kg vitamin C, 0.021148kg niacin, and 0.044784kggamma-aminobutyric acid per cow). During the 42-d experiment, ambient air temperature and relative humidity inside and outside the barn were recorded hourly every day for the determination of temperature-humidity index (THI). Milk and blood samples were collected every week, and body weight and body condition scoring were measured on day 0. Based on the THI values, the animals had moderate HS. On day 42, the RPC group had lower HSP70, adrenocorticotropic hormone (P = 0.0001), lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.0338), and IL-6 (P = 0.0724) levels than the control group, with no significant differences in creatine kinase, glucocorticoid, or IL-2 levels. Milk yield, energy-corrected milk, and dry matter intake were higher in RPC than in the control group (P = 0.0196). There were no significant differences in milk fat or daily protein levels between the two groups; however, daily protein and milk fat levels were higher in the RPC group than in the control group (P = 0.0114 and P = 0.0665, respectively). Somatic cell counts were no different between the two groups. In conclusion, RPC may alleviate HS and improve dairy cow performance.

Short-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients.

It has been proved that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) could promote new bone formation. Therefore, we designed an experiment to test the efficiency of ESWT on BMD in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. The results showed that ESWT could effectively improve the local bone mass of the treated bone area within a short duration. INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the short-term effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: A total of 64 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients were recruited and randomized into 3 groups in 2015. Groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 21) patients received a single-session of low- or high-energy flux density (EFD) ESWT in the left hip, respectively, whereas group C (n = 23) patients served as controls without the ESWT treatment. All patients self-administered alendronate sodium tablets orally for a year. The BMD of the lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck, great tuberosity, and total left hip was measured before ESWT treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS: At 12 months, the lumbar spine, femoral neck, great tuberosity, and total left hip BMD in all patients had increased (p < 0.01). The increase in lumbar spine BMD in group A patients was higher than that in group B patients (p = 0.03); other between-group differences were not observed (p = 0.73, group A vs. C; p = 0.06, group B vs. C). The femoral neck, great tuberosity, and total left hip BMD increases in group B patients were higher than that in either group A or C (p < 0.01, group B vs. A; p < 0.01, group A vs. C). CONCLUSION: This study showed that ESWT could efficiently improve the local BMD; relatively, the high dosage was effective.

[Coenzyme Q(10) treatment for one child with COQ6 gene mutation induced nephrotic syndrome and literature review].

Objective: To summarize the clinical manifestation and molecular characteristics of COQ6 mutation induced nephrotic syndrome, and to evaluate efficacy of CoQ(10) therapy. Method: Clinical data of the case with infantile nephrotic syndrome was summarized, including clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and family investigation. The patient received CoQ(10) 30 mg/(kg·d) therapy. Urine protein/creatinine ratio, serum albumin and creatinine were detected to assess the efficacy of the therapy. Result: (1) The 10 months old boy was presented with nephrotic level proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. Extra-renal manifestations included cardiovascular abnormality, motor and mental retardation and unilateral ptosis. The patient had no consanguinity. A novel homozygous p. R360W mutation in COQ6 gene was identified and confirmed by next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Family analysis showed that homozygous p. R360W mutation in COQ6 gene was inherited from his parents. Missense p. R360W mutation was damaging by prediction online PolyPhen and SIFT software. After 2 months of CoQ(10) complementary therapy, the patient's urine protein/creatinine ratio declined from 7.2 to 1.3, and decreased further to 0.01 mg/mg with normal albumin level and renal function within 3 months. Nephropathy remission was maintained and growth retardation improved significantly during the last follow-up. Nevertheless, the patient manifested with sensorineural deafness at the age of 2 years. (2) There were 6 different mutations in coenzyme Q(10) biosynthesis monooxygenase 6 (COQ6) in 13 individuals from 7 families by homozygosity mapping in the whole world. Each mutation was linked to early-onset SRNS with sensorineural deafness. Renal biopsy revealed FSGS in 7 cases and DMS in 1 case. Other manifestations included ataxia, seizures, facial dysmorphism, nephrolithiasis and growth retardation. Four patients received CoQ(10) supplementation and responded to the treatment. Conclusion: Renal disease caused by recessive COQ6 gene mutation was nephrotic syndrome. The patient benefited from early CoQ(10) complement and reached nephropathy remission.

Can electrocoagulation process be an appropriate technology for phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater?

This paper evaluated a novel pilot scale electrocoagulation (EC) system for improving total phosphorus (TP) removal from municipal wastewater. This EC system was operated in continuous and batch operating mode under differing conditions (e.g. flow rate, initial concentration, electrolysis time, conductivity, voltage) to evaluate correlative phosphorus and electrical energy consumption. The results demonstrated that the EC system could effectively remove phosphorus to meet current stringent discharge standards of less than 0.2mg/L within 2 to 5min. This target was achieved in all ranges of initial TP concentrations studied. It was also found that an increase in conductivity of solution, voltages, or electrolysis time, correlated with improved TP removal efficiency and reduced specific energy consumption. Based on these results, some key economic considerations, such as operating costs, cost-effectiveness, product manufacturing feasibility, facility design and retrofitting, and program implementation are also discussed. This EC process can conclusively be highly efficient in a relatively simple, easily managed, and cost-effective for wastewater treatment system.

Adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solutions and sewage using zirconium loaded okara (ZLO): Fixed-bed column study.

This study explores the potential of removing phosphorus from aqueous solutions and sewage by Zr(IV)-loaded okara (ZLO) in the fixed-bed column. Soybean residue (okara) was impregnated with 0.25M Zr(IV) solution to prepare active binding sites for phosphate. The effect of several factors, including flow rate, bed height, initial phosphorus concentration, pH and adsorbent particle size on the performance of ZLO was examined. The maximum dynamic adsorption capacity of ZLO for phosphorus was estimated to be 16.43mg/g. Breakthrough curve modeling indicated that Adams-Bohart model and Thomas model fitted the experimental data better than Yoon-Nelson model. After treatment with ZLO packed bed column, the effluent could meet the discharge standard for phosphorus in Australia. Successful desorption and regeneration were achieved with 0.2 NaOH and 0.1 HCl, respectively. The results prove that ZLO can be used as a promising phosphorus adsorbent in the dynamic adsorption system.

Phosphorus elimination from aqueous solution using 'zirconium loaded okara' as a biosorbent.

This work deals with the capture of phosphorus from aqueous solutions by biosorption onto zirconium loaded okara (ZLO). The batch-mode experiments were conducted to examine the effect of pH, biosorbent dose, initial phosphorus concentration, contact time, and temperature on the process. It was found that, the adsorption was most favored in the pH range of 2-6. The optimal doses for the adsorption, at initial phosphorus concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50mg/L were 2, 3, 7, 10g/L, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of ZLO was approximately 44.13mg PO4/g at 298K. The phosphate removal was rapid, reaching 95% in 30min. Freundlich model best fitted the equilibrium data, while Pseudo-second order model satisfactorily described the kinetic results. Thermodynamic analysis revealed feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic nature of the process. The research would be beneficial for developing a promising, eco-friendly phosphorus biosorbent from a plentiful AWB - okara.

A comparative study on different metal loaded soybean milk by-product 'okara' for biosorption of phosphorus from aqueous solution.

Cationization of agricultural by-products using metal salts is widely used to activate their phosphorous capture ability. This study developed three kinds of new metal loaded soybean milk by-product 'okara' for phosphorus biosorption. A comparative study among these biosorbents was carried out with respect to their performances in terms of affinity, stability and reusability. Zirconium loaded okara (ZLO) was found to have the highest affinity towards PO(4)(3-) anions (47.88 mg/g), followed by iron/zirconium loaded okara--IZLO (40.96 mg/g) and iron loaded okara--ILO (16.39 mg/g). ZLO was successfully desorbed with 0.2M NaOH and activated with 0.1 HCl prior to the next cycle. After five consecutive cycles, the efficiency of both adsorption and desorption of ZLO remained about 85% whilst no Zr(IV) leakage was observed. Conversely, IZLO and ILO suffered from vital short comings such as high metal release and/or sharp reduction in PO4(3-) sequestering capability after multi operation cycles.

Analysis and forecast for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections among liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) has become an important pathogenic bacterium with specific epidemic features in the intensive care unit. We explored the epidemiology of multidrug-resistant Ab infections among liver transplant recipients at the Liver Transplantation Center, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. METHODS: Seventeen multidrug-resistant Ab strains were isolated from the sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens of 249 liver transplant recipients from January 2007 to December 2009. The drug resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the 17 Ab strains were determined. The Ab strains were genotyped with the use of repetitive element-based polymerase chain reaction. The risk factors were also characterized by single-factor and multifactor analysis to the clinical data of the 249 liver transplant recipients. RESULTS: The drug sensitivity results showed that the 17 Ab strains isolated displayed 100% drug resistance rate to aminoglycosides (gentamicin), quinolones (ciprofloxacin), penicillins (piperacillin), cephalosporins (ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and cefepime), and carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem). The 17 Ab strains could be divided into 3 genotypes: 1, 1, and 15 strains for types A, C, and B, respectively. Fungal culture positivity after operation (odds ratio [OR], 5.470) and tracheal intubation twice (OR, 11.538) were the independent risk factors for multidrug-resistant Ab strain infection. CONCLUSIONS: Type B multidrug-resistant Ab strains are prevalent in the liver transplantation center, and they could be transmitted clonally. Liver transplant recipients with postoperational fungal culture positivity and tracheal intubation twice are prone to multidrug-resistant Ab infections. Therefore, a high degree of vigilance should be paid to those recipients to avoid nosocomial Ab infections.

Feasibility of iron loaded 'okara' for biosorption of phosphorous in aqueous solutions.

This study investigated the feasibility of using soybean milk by-products (okara) as a sustainable biosorbent for phosphate removal in water and wastewater. The results show that raw okara could hardly decontaminate phosphate from aqueous solutions. Hence, in this work, okara was modified by being cationized using FeCl3 0.25 M (namely iron loaded okara, ILO) to enhance the phosphorus adsorption capacity. The phosphate sorption onto ILO was well achieved under the conditions of pH 3, initial phosphorous concentration of 25 mg/L, biosorbent dose of 20 mg/L and contact time of 7 h. Based on Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of phosphate by ILO was 4.785 mg/g. The effects of interfering anions were in the order of CO3(2-)>SO4(2-)>NO3(-). It was also observed that Fe(III) was detached during operation. This problem can hinder the sustainable usability of ILO. Thus, further research would be necessary for improving the modification method.

A comparative study of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity modulated irradiation and platinum-based chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognosis of three subgroups of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hundred and eighty-one consecutive patients with locoregionally advanced untreated nasopharyngeal carcinoma were retrospectively divided into three subgroups: locally advanced group (T3-4N0-1M0), regionally advanced group (T1-2N2-3M0) and the mixed group (T3-4N2-3M0). They were all treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. Their prognosis were investigated and compared. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify the independent risk factors of study endpoints. RESULTS: The 3-year locoregional control rates for locally advanced group, regionally advanced group, and the mixed group were 91.5%, 90.6% and 84.3% respectively, no significant difference was observed (P=0.656, P=0.429). The 3-year distant metastasis-free survival rates were 89.6%, 75.7% and 76.3%, respectively. The distant metastasis-free survival rate of the locally advanced group was significantly higher than the other two subgroups (P=0.028, P=0.028). The 3-year progression-free survival rates were 85.5%, 67.9% and 67.1% respectively with significance also favoring the locally advanced group (P=0.043, P=0.023). Nodal stage and the performance status were the independent risk factors of distant metastasis in the observed period. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and platinum-based chemotherapy, the locally advanced group had a better prognosis compared with the regionally advanced group and the mixed group. Treatment stratification may be based on nodal stage.

Effect of sponge volume fraction on the performance of a novel fluidized bed bioreactor.

A novel fluidized bed bioreactor (FBBR) was designed by integration of anaerobic granular activated carbon and aerobic sponge reactors. This FBBR was evaluated at different sponge volume fractions for treating a synthetic wastewater. Polyester urethane sponge with cube size of 1 × 1 × 1 cm and density of 28-30 kg/m(3) with 90 cells per 25 mm was used as biomass carrier. The results indicate that the FBBR could remove more than 93% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The highest nutrient removal efficiencies (58.2% PO4-P and 75.4% NH4-N) were achieved at 40% sponge volume fraction. The system could provide a good condition for biomass growth (e.g. 186.2 mg biomass/g sponge). No significant different performance in specific oxygen uptake rate was observed between 30, 40, and 50% sponge volume fractions.

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal and its modeling for the activated sludge and membrane bioreactor processes.

A modified activated sludge process (ASP) for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) needs to sustain stable performance for wastewater treatment to avoid eutrophication in the aquatic environment. Unfortunately, the overall efficiency of the EBPR in ASPs and membrane bioreactors (MBRs) is frequently hindered by different operational/system constraints. Moreover, although phosphorus removal data from several wastewater treatment systems are available, a comprehensive mathematical model of the process is still lacking. This paper presents a critical review that highlights the core issues of the biological phosphorus removal in ASPs and MBRs while discussing the inhibitory process requirements for other nutrients' removal. This mini review also successfully provided an assessment of the available models for predicting phosphorus removal in both ASP and MBR systems. The advantages and limitations of the existing models were discussed together with the inclusion of few guidelines for their improvement.

Morphological characteristics and chromosome behaviour in F1, F2 and BC1 progenies between Chrysanthemum x morifolium and Ajania pacifica.

The garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) variety 'Aoyunhuoju' (2n = 6x = 54) was crossed as female with Ajania pacifica (2n = 10x = 90) to produce an intergeneric F1 hybrid, which was used both as a source ofF2 progeny and as a parent for a first back-cross with 'Aoyunhuoju'. The morphology of all of the F1 hybrids and hybrid derivatives was intermediate with respect to the two parents, although the BC1 progenies resembled 'Aoyunhuoju' more closely than any of the F1 and F2 progenies did. In the F1 hybrid, the density of silvery hairs on the lower leaf surface and along the margin of the leaf was lower than in A. pacifica, while that in the BC1 generation, this trait was less prominent than in the F1. The somatic chromosome number of the F1, F2 (with an exception of F2-6 of a mainly 63) and BC1 generations was 2n = 8x = 72, 2n = 8x = 72 and 2n = 7x = 63 respectively, as expected. The hybrids and their derivatives retained a variable degree of fertility. There was a low frequency of meiotic chromosome pairing failure in all three hybrid generations, with most of the chromosomes involved as bivalents. Some BC1 individuals show potential for commercialization thanks both to their flower shape and the inheritance of the silvery leaf trait from A. pacifica.

Palm oil fruit shells as biosorbent for copper removal from water and wastewater: experiments and sorption models.

Palm oil fruit shells were evaluated as a new bioadsorbent to eliminate toxic copper from water and wastewater. Without any chemical treatment, palm oil fruit shells were washed, dried and grounded into powder (<75 µm) for use in the experiments. Characterization showed mesopore based bioadsorbent was prepared from palm oil fruit shells. The results indicate that the highest Cu removal efficiency was found in an aqueous solution with pH of 6.5. The equilibrium sorption capacity of copper was significantly high (between 28 and 60 mg/g) at room temperature. Nonlinear regression analyses for isotherm models revealed that three-parameter isotherms had a better fit to the experimental data (R(2)>0.994) than that of two-parameter isotherms. The copper sorption system was heterogeneous as the values of exponents were lying between 0 and 1. The highly correlated pseudo-second-order kinetics model (R(2)>0.998) ascertained the applicability of copper removal by palm oil fruit shells.