Synthesis of Fullerenes from a Nonaromatic Chloroform through a Newly Developed Ultrahigh-Temperature Flash Vacuum Pyrolysis Apparatus.

The flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) technique is useful for preparing curved polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) and caged nanocarbon molecules, such as the well-known corannulene and fullerene C60. However, the operating temperature of the traditional FVP apparatus is limited to ~1250 °C, which is not sufficient to overcome the high energy barriers of some reactions. Herein, we report an ultrahigh-temperature FVP (UT-FVP) apparatus with a controllable operating temperature of up to 2500 °C to synthesize fullerene C60 from a nonaromatic single carbon reactant, i.e., chloroform, at 1350 °C or above. Fullerene C60 cannot be obtained from CHCl3 using the traditional FVP apparatus because of the limitation of the reaction temperature. The significant improvements in the UT-FVP apparatus, compared to the traditional FVP apparatus, were the replacement of the quartz tube with a graphite tube and the direct heating of the graphite tube by impedance heating instead of indirect heating of the quartz tube using an electric furnace. Because of the higher temperature range, UT-FVP can not only synthesize fullerene C60 from single carbon nonaromatic reactants but sublimate some high-molecular-weight compounds to synthesize larger curved PAHs in the future.

The circulating level of miR-122 is a potential risk factor for endothelial dysfunction in young patients with essential hypertension.

MicroRNAs are key molecules involved in the regulation of endothelial function. They are important risk factors and biomarkers for the development of hypertension related to endothelial dysfunction. However, the gene expression patterns associated with hypertension development related to endothelial dysfunction have not been fully elucidated. We conducted a case-control study of 65 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 61 controls without EH. Plasma levels of miR-122 and its target protein high-affinity cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) were measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. miR-122 expression in plasma of patients with EH was significantly higher than that of the control group (p = 0.001), while CAT-1 expression in patients with EH was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.018). miR-122 expression in plasma of young patients with EH was significantly higher than that in young people without EH (p = 0.0004), and CAT-1 expression in plasma of young patients with EH was also significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.002). CAT-1 expression in the plasma of young participants was significantly higher than that of individuals aged ≥40 years (p = 0.003), whereas miR-122 expression was significantly lower (p = 0.001). We showed that among patients with EH, the high expression of miR-122 contributed to endothelial dysfunction by suppressing the expression of the CAT-1 protein, which led to a decrease in CAT-1 expression in plasma. Therefore, high expression of miR-122 appears to be a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction in EH, especially in younger patients.

Gender Affects the Median Effective Dose and 95% Effective Dose of Oxycodone for Blunting the Hemodynamic Response to Tracheal Intubation in Narcotic-Naïve Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous (IV) oxycodone has been used at induction to prevent an intubation reaction. The aims of the current study were to calculate the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of an IV bolus of oxycodone that blunts the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation with propofol according to gender and to observe the adverse events of induction-dose oxycodone. METHODS: Adult patients who required general anesthesia and tracheal intubation were enrolled. Tracheal intubation was performed using unified TD-C-IV video laryngoscopy and an ordinary common endotracheal tube. Dixon's up-and-down method was used to obtain ED50data for women and men separately. The initial dose of oxycodone was 0.2 mg/kg for women and 0.3 mg/kg for men (step size was 0.01 mg/kg). Next, a dose-response curve from the probit analysis was generated to determine the ED50and ED95to blunt the intubation reaction in female and male patients. Adverse events following oxycodone injection were observed for 5 min before propofol injection. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were analyzed, including 29 females and 34 males. According to the probit analysis, the ED50 and ED95of oxycodone required to blunt the intubation reaction in women were 0.254 mg/kg (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.220-0.328 mg/kg) and 0.357 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.297-2.563 mg/kg), respectively. In men, the ED50 and ED95were 0.324 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.274-0.381 mg/kg) and 0.454 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.384-2.862 mg/kg), respectively. Men required 28% more oxycodone than women for induction (P < 0.01). The most common adverse events were dizziness (87.3%), vertigo (66.7%), sedation (74.6%), and respiratory depression (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone can be used for induction to prevent intubation reactions. Gender affected the ED50and ED95of oxycodone for blunting the tracheal intubation reaction.

Anesthetic considerations for patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury.

Anesthesiologists work to prevent or minimize secondary injury of the nervous system and improve the outcome of medical procedures. To this end, anesthesiologists must have a thorough understanding of pathophysiology and optimize their skills and equipment to make an anesthesia plan. Anesthesiologists should conduct careful physical examinations of patients and consider neuroprotection at preoperative interviews, consider cervical spinal cord movement and compression during airway management, and suggest awake fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation for stable patients and direct laryngoscopy with manual in-line immobilization in emergency situations. During induction, anesthesiologists should avoid hypotension and depolarizing muscle relaxants. Mean artery pressure should be maintained within 85-90 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa; vasoactive drug selection and fluid management). Normal arterial carbon dioxide pressure and normal blood glucose levels should be maintained. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is a useful option. Anesthesiologists should be attentive to postoperative respiratory insufficiency (carefully considering postoperative extubation), thrombus, and infection. In conclusion, anesthesiologists should carefully plan the treatment of patients with acute cervical spinal cord injuries to protect the nervous system and improve patient outcome.

Seasonal and geographical variation in diapause and cold hardiness of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis.

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is a key corn pest in the Asian-Western Pacific countries. It overwinters as full-grown larvae in plant stalks or in a spun-silk covering located in the plant debris in the temperate regions of China. Supercooling point (SCP) and survival rate after low sub-zero temperature treatment were assessed for field-collected populations in the laboratory using a cool bath with a 1°C/min cooling rate until -40°C. Mean SCPs were varied among geographical populations, with a significant decline from -22.7°C of Haikou, the multivoltine tropical population in the south, to -28.5°C of Gongzhuling, the univoltine temperate population in the northeast of China. In addition, there was more than 1°C difference in SCP between Gongzhuling univoltine and bivoltine populations that were from the same geographic origin. Mean SCPs of the Guangzhou population fluctuated over the year, with significantly lower SCPs in winter than in other seasons, which correlated with a significantly higher proportion of diapausing larvae in winter than in other seasons. Over 41% of overwintering larvae from the northeast population could withstand to be supercooled for a few minutes to the low sub-zero temperature of -40°C, but only 6.7% of their southern counterparts did so. The findings from this study suggest that O. furnacalis mostly takes advantage of freeze avoidance as diapausing larvae for overwintering in the southern region, whereas it exhibits freeze tolerance in diapause in the northeastern region.

Circulating CD62P small microparticles levels are increased in hypertension.

The study aims to find a new biomarker in hypertension. Our study is the first time to demonstrate that the CD62P small microparticle (diameter is <0.5 um) was a new microparticle population and a new biomarker in hypertension.

Small-size circulating endothelial microparticles in coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Several recent lines of evidence indicate that endothelial microparticles are a new biomarker that can be used to monitor endothelial dysfunction in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, data concerning the detection of small microparticles (diameter <0.5 µm) are lacking. The aim of this study was to detect small-size endothelial microparticles (SEMPs) in CAD patients to monitor endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: In total, 19 CAD patients and 14 healthy subjects were recruited. The absolute numbers and percentages of CD31(+)/CD42b- SEMPs and CD62E(+) SEMPs were determined by flow cytometry. Clinical parameters were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean percentage of CD62E(+) SEMPs was higher in the CAD patient group than in the healthy subject group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the percentage of CD62E(+) SEMPs was 0.795, and the cut-off value was 1.35. There was no correlation between the percentage of CD62E(+) SEMPs and various clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: The percentage of CD62E(+) SEMPs is a potential biomarker for monitoring endothelial function in CAD.

[Analysis of the prognosis of 111 patients with gastric cancer or adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction combined with pleural or abdominal effusion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer (GC) or adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) combined with malignant pleural and/or abdominal effusion. METHODS: Clinicopathological data of 111 GC or AEG patients with malignant pleural and/or abdominal effusion treated in our hospital from January 2001 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median survival time for the whole group of 111 patients was 6 months. Effusion disappeared in 12 patients, was reduced in 36 cases, with no changes in 15 cases, and increased in 48 patients. The effusion control rate was 56.8%. Effusion was better controlled in female patients, with simple abdominal ascites, Karnovsky performance scores ≥ 80, with no liver metastases, effusion at initial diagnosis, and effective response to systemic chemotherapy.Univariate analysis showed that patients of female sex, Karnovsky performance scores ≥ 80, effusion present at initial diagnosis, simple abdominal ascites, minimal volume of effusion, absence of liver metastasis, control of effusion, initial treatment with effusions and effective response to systemic chemotherapy, normal hemoglobin, albumin, direct and indirect bilirubin levels showed better prognosis (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that liver metastases, control of effusions were independent prognostic factors in patients with gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Female patients, simple abdominal ascites, KPS scores ≥ 80, ascites at initial diagnosis, no liver metastases and effective systemic chemotherapy seem to have a better control of the malignant effusion. Patients with no liver metastases and effective control of effusion have a longer survival time.

[Clinincal application of self-made eccentric traction belt in the treatment of distal radial fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of self-made eccentric traction belt as a manipulative reduction tool in the treatment of the distal radial fracture. METHODS: From February 2011 to June 2012,62 patients with distal radial closed fractures were treated by manipulative reduction with self-made wristlet-eccentric traction belt and combined with the small splint and plaster external fixation. Among them, 59 cases were Colles fractures, 2 were Smith fractures, 1 was Barton fracture. After the reduction, lateral X-ray imaging was used to evaluate curative effect immediately. RESULTS: All the patients obtained excellent and good reduction in standard of fractures, only 1 case didn't. According to functonal assessment of Dienst, the results were excellent in 49 cases, good in 11, fair in 1, and poor in 1. CONCLUSION: Self-made wristlet-eccentric traction belt as a manipulative reduction tool to treat distal radius fractures, can make fractures close to the anatomic reduction, and can significantly improve the manual reduction success rate.

Synthesis of pyrrolo(spiro-[2.3']-oxindole)-spiro-[4.3"]-oxindole via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with 3-acetonylideneoxindole.

A series of novel dispirooxindole derivatives, 3-acetyl-5-phenyl-pyrrolo(spiro-[2.3']-1'-benzyl-oxindole)-spiro-[4.3"]-1"-benzyl-oxindoles, were synthesized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the azomethine ylide with 3-acetonylideneoxindole in high regioselectivities and yields. An unusual regioselectivity was observed in this 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, leading to the construction of novel dispirooxindole skeleton. The substituent effects on the regioselectivity were also investigated.

[In vitro effect of N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide on differentiation from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide(W7) on the differentiation from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) to endothelial cells. METHODS: hADSCs were cultured with serum-free differential medium containing 40 ng/ml vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and 10ng/ml basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Cells were divided into control group (differential medium without W7), high-dose group (containing 30 µmol/L W7), medium-dose group (containing 20 µmol/L W7), and low-dose group ( containing 10 µmol/L W7). The hADSCs were cultured for 8 days, and then the changes in the phenotypes of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and vessel-selective cadherin (VE-Cadherin) were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The intracellular Ca(2+) labeled with Fluo-3 was detected by laser confocal microscopy. After hADSCs planting on Matrigel, their angiogenic potentials were observed under the inverted phase contrast microscope, and the expression of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (p-ERK) were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: After the hADSCs were cultured for 8 days, compared with the control group, the expressions of vWF and VE-Cadherin significantly increased along with the decrease of W7 level and the intracellular Ca(2+) also significantly increased (Pü0.01). Lumina-like vascular structure was formed in W7 treatment groups, but not in the blank control group. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of ERK showed no significant in W7 treatment groups (high-, medium-, and low-dose groups)(P>0.05); however, along with the decrease of W7 levels, the expression of p-ERK significantly increased(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: W7 in proper levels can effectively induce the differentiation from hADSCs to endothelium by increasing the intracellular Ca(2+) level and thus activating the ERK/MAPK pathway.

C-reactive protein, vitamin B12 and C677T polymorphism of N-5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene are related to insulin resistance and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in Chinese population.

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are complex diseases affected by both dietary intake and genetic background. Whether N-5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and dietary components folate and vitamin B12 are associated with MS in Asian has not been determined. METHODS: We hypothesized that MTHFR gene C677T, folate, vitamin B12 and hs-CRP are associated with MS and factors related to MS in northern Han Chinese. To test this hypothesis, MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP, serum insulin, folate and vitamin B12 levels by radioimmunoassay, and hs-CRP by immunoturbidimetry in newly diagnosed T2DM patients with MS (118) and without MS (40), and in 55 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Results indicated that MS-associated T2DM accounts for 75% of newly diagnosed T2DM in Han Chinese. Serum hs-CRP was higher and serum vitamin B12 was lower in subjects with TT genotype in comparison with those with CC or CT genotypes. Total T frequency was significantly higher in MS-associated T2DM patients (45.3%) compared to 26.3% in non-MS-associated T2DM patients. MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and vitamin B12 levels were associated with MS-associated T2DM. CONCLUSION: MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism may contribute to insulin resistance in Han Chinese with MS by increasing hs-CRP and decreasing vitamin B12, and consequently play an important role in development of MS-associated T2DM.

[Analysis of prognostic factors in 300 colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical characteristics and potential prognostic factors of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 300 colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The median survival time of these patients was 19.0 months. The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates after liver metastases were 79.0%, 29.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that performance status (KPS), histological grading, primary tumor, N status, lymphatic and vascular invasion, stage at diagnosis, the number, size and distribution of liver metastases and other accompanied metastases were prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis showed that KPS, lymphatic and vascular invasion, the number and size of liver metastases were independent prognostic factors of colorectal cancer with liver metastases. CONCLUSION: Performance status, lymphatic and vascular invasion, the number and size of liver metastases are independent prognostic factors of colorectal cancer with liver metastases.

Optimal selection of representative colors for spectral reflectance reconstruction in a multispectral imaging system.

In a multispectral color imaging system, the spectral reflectance of the object being imaged always needs to be accurately reconstructed by employing the training samples on specific color charts. Considering that the workload is heavy when all those color samples are used in practical applications, it is important to select only a limited number of the most representative samples. This is possible as the color charts are usually designed to cover the range of commonly imaged colors, and the color samples are redundant for spectral image reconstruction. We propose an eigenvector-based method and a virtual-imaging-based method for representative color selection by minimizing the total reflectance root-mean-squares errors. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is confirmed by experimental results when compared with existing techniques.

[FOLFOX4 regimen versus DP(O)F regimen for advanced gastric cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no standard regimen for advanced gastric cancer. FOLFOX4 regimen [oxaliplatin(L-OHP) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)] and DP(O)F regimen [docetaxel (TXT), oxaliplatin (L-OHP)/cisplatin (DDP) with 5-FU] are usually used in treating gastric cancer with satisfactory efficacy. This study was to compare the efficacy, time to disease progression (TTP), overall survival (OS) and toxicity of the two regimens for advanced gastric cancer. METHODS: Clinical data of 70 chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced gastric cancer were analyzed. Of the 70 patients, 34 were treated with FOLFOX4 regimen, 36 were treated with DP(O)F regimen. The patients in FOLFOX4 group received intravenous infusion of L-OHP (85 mg/m(2)) at Day 1, bolus injection of 5-FU (400 mg/m(2)) at Days 1-2, and continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU (600 mg/m(2)) for 22 h at Days 1-2; 14 days as one cycle. The patients in DP(O)F group received administration of TXT [20 mg x (m2 x w)(-1)], intravenous infusion of DDP (40 mg/m(2)) at Days 2-3 or L-OHP (100 mg/m(2)) at Day 2, and intravenous infusion of 5-FU (500 mg/m(2)) at Days 1-5; 21 days as one cycle. RESULTS: The objective response rates were 45.4% in FOLFOX4 group and 52.8% in DP(O)F group (P=0.628). The median TTP was 5.27 months in FOLFOX4 group and 4.70 months in DP(O)F group (P=0.848). The median survival time was 8.97 months in FOLFOX4 group and 12.17 months in DP(O)F group (P=0.095). The most frequent adverse events were nausea, vomit and hematologic toxicities. The occurrence rates of grade III-IV leukopenia and neutropenia were significantly lower in FOLFOX4 group than in DP(O)F group (11.8% vs. 36.1%, P=0.025; 17.6% vs. 41.7%, P=0.038). One patient in FOLFOX4 group died of liver function failure. CONCLUSION: Both FOLFOX4 and DP(O)F regimens are effective in treating advanced gastric cancer. The hematologic toxicities of DP(O)F regimen are worse than those of FOLFOX4 regimen.

[Capecitabine combined with cisplatin as first-line therapy in Chinese patients with advanced gastric carcinoma-a phase II clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the combination chemotherapy of capecitabine (X) with fractionated administration of cisplatin (C) in Chinese patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). METHODS: 141 patients with AGC were enrolled between July 2002 and August 2004. All patients had measurable tumor according to the criteria of RECIST, Karnofsky performance status > or = 60, adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic functions. Prior radiotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy was not permitted. Patients received oral administration of capecitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m(2) twice a day on D1-D14, and intravenous infusion of fractionated cisplatin at a dose of 20 mg/m(2)/day on D1-D5. The regimen was repeated every 3 weeks, totally for 6 cycles. RESULTS: Of the 141 evaluable patients, there were 104 men and 37 women, with a median age of 54 years (range, 23 - 80 years). Metastases before chemotherapy were detected in lymph nodes (46.8%), liver (40.4%), lung (5.7%) and other area (10.6%). The median treatment duration was 6 cycles (range, 3 - 6 cycles). The objective response rate (RR) was 36.2% (51/141). The median follow-up period was 17.5 months. The median time to progress (TTP) was 9.0 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 12.0 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (grade 3/4) were: hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (2.1%), leucopenia (0.7%), abnormal alanine transaminase elevation (2.8%). There was no treatment-related death. CONCLUSION: Capecitabine combined with fractionated cisplatin is highly effective and well tolerated as a first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer, with comparable results to 5-Fu plus cisplatin combination therapy.