Animal models of Kashin-Beck disease exposed to environmental risk factors: Methods and comparisons.

The main etiological mechanism for Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is deep chondrocyte necrosis induced by environmental risk factors (ERFs). The scholars have conducted several epidemiological, cellular, and animal model studies on ERFs. Gradually, four etiological hypotheses have been formed, including water of organic poisoning hypothesis represented by fulvic acid (FA), biogeochemical hypothesis represented by selenium (Se) deficiency, food mycotoxin poisoning hypothesis represented by T-2 toxin poisoning and compound etiology theory hypothesis. The animal models of KBD have been replicated based on the previous etiological hypotheses. The different species of animals (monkey, rat, dog, pig, chicken, and rabbit) were treated with different ERFs interventions, and the clinical manifestations and pathological changes of articular cartilages were observed. The animals in the experimental group were fed with endemic water, endemic grain, low nutrition, thallium sulfate, FA, Se, T-2 toxin, and iodine. The dose of thallium sulfate was 1154 µg/d; the doses range of FA were 5, 50, 150, 200, and 211 mg/kg; the doses range of Se were 0.00035, 0.00175, 0.005, 0.02, 0.031, 0.1, 0.15, 0.314, 0.5, and 10 mg/kg; the doses range of T-2 toxin were 40, 100, 200, 600, 1000, 1500, 3000, 6000, and 9000 ng/g; and the doses range of iodine were 0.04, 0.18, and 0.4-0.5 µg/g. The sample size ranged from 9 to 230 depending on the interventions and grouping; the follow-up duration ranged from 1 week to 18 months. Moreover, the methods and comparisons of different animal models of KBD had been summarized to provide a useful basis for studying the pathogenesis of KBD. In conclusion, the rhesus monkeys administrated endemic water and grain were susceptible animals to replicate KBD. The rats treated with T-2 toxin combined with Se/nutrition deficiency could be a suitable and widely used animal model.

Preparation of Iron Carbon Composite Material by Extracting Iron from Bauxite Residue and Its Adsorption of Heavy Metal Cd(II).

An effective method of iron extraction from bauxite residue was explored, and iron was used to prepare iron carbon composite material, which have a good adsorption effect on the heavy metal cadmium. After acid washing, acid leaching, Fe(III) reduction and ferrous oxalate decomposition, FeSO4·H2O(RM) was successfully extracted from bauxite residue, and the iron loss was only 4.35%. FexOy-BC(RM) nanocomposite materials were prepared by loading FeSO4·H2O(RM) onto walnut shell biochar (BC) (a kind of agricultural and forestry waste) by an in situ reduction and oxidation method. The results showed that the adsorption effect of FexOy-BC(RM) on Cd(II) was better than that of commercial FexOy-BC. XPS, TEM, SEM characterization analysis showed that FexOy-BC(RM) immobilized Cd(II) by adsorption, complexation, etc.to achieve a highly efficient adsorption of heavy metal Cd(II) in wastewater.

High expression of HMGB1 in children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of refractory or severe, even fatal, cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have been reported in recent years. Excessive inflammatory responses play a vital role in the pathogenesis of refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP). HMGB1 is an actively secreted cytokine produced by macrophages and other inflammatory cells that participates in various infectious diseases. The present study aimed to explore the role and clinical significance of HMGB1 in children with RMPP and the potential mechanism of HMGB1 expression. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty-two children diagnosed with M. pneumoniae pneumonia, including 108 children with RMPP, were enrolled from January 2013 to December 2015 at the Children's Hospital of Soochow University. HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in peripheral blood from RMPP and non-RMPP (NRMPP) cases were detected by real-time PCR and ELISA. Lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) were extracted from live M. pneumoniae and prepared at different concentrations for stimulation of THP-1 cells. After coculture with LAMPs, HMGB1, TNF-α, IL-6, RAGE, TLR2, and TLR4 in THP-1 cells were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Occurrences of cough, fever, and abnormal lung signs were more frequent in RMPP cases compared with NRMPP cases (all p < 0.05). Children with RMPP had longer hospital stays than children with NRMPP (p < 0.05). Different distributions of lymphocytes were noted between RMPP and NRMPP cases. HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in RMPP cases compared with NRMPP cases (all p < 0.05). HMGB1 had good diagnostic ability to differentiate RMPP with AUC of 0.876, sensitivity of 0.833, and specificity of 0.824 compared with TNF-α and IL-6. HMGB1 expression in THP-1 cells was increased by stimulation with 10 µg/ml LAMPs. TLR2 expression was increased after stimulation with 6 µg/ml LAMPs. HMGB1 level was positively associated with TNF-α, IL-6, and TLR2 levels. CONCLUSIONS: HMGB1 is a good diagnostic biomarker for differentiating RMPP and NRMPP. LAMPs from M. pneumoniae may induce HMGB1 expression in immune cells through the TLR2 pathway. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed for the development of a new treatment strategy to inhibit the HMGB1 pathway, thereby preventing the inflammation in RMPP.

Ultralow Roll-off Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Furo[2,3-b]quinoxaline Emitters.

Herein, a Y-type compound (67dMeOTPA-FQ) and a T-type compound (58dMeOTPA-FQ) based on furo[2,3-b]quinoxaline were synthesized. The theory calculation shows the S1 and T1 of both compounds own a charge-transfer feature while their T2 states have a local excitation feature. The calculated kRISC(T2-S1) is one to 2 orders of magnitude larger than kRISC(T1-S1). Thus, the nonadiabatic spin-vibronic mechanism involved in the T2 state is suggested to be responsible for the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) feature. Meanwhile, when 2-methyl-9,10-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)anthracene is selected as host, the maximum luminance of the device based on 67dMeOTPA-FQ is up to 104215 cd·m-2, and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) keeps in the 8.2-8.0% range with the luminance changed from 55.0 cd·m-2 to 90000 cd·m-2, only 2.4% efficiency roll-off. As for 58dMeOTPA-FQ, a slightly lower EQE of 7.1-6.7% with the luminance range of 1-40000 cd·m-2 was achieved for orange-red emission. Both the reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and triplet-triplet annihilation mechanisms are supposed to concurrently contribute to the utilization of triplet excitons and suppress the notorious efficiency roll-off observed in TADF-based devices.

Development and validation of a prediction model to assess the probability of tuberculous pleural effusion in patients with unexplained pleural effusion.

Differentiating tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) from non-tuberculosis pleural effusion remains a challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to develop and externally validate a novel prediction model using the peripheral blood tuberculous infection of T cells spot test (T-SPOT.TB) to assess the probability of TPE in patients with unexplained pleural effusion. Patients with pleural effusion and confirmed etiology were included in this study. A retrospective derivation population was used to develop and internally validate the predictive model. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory features were collected, and important predictors were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The prediction model, presented as a web calculator, was developed using multivariable logistic regression. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated for discrimination and calibration and verified in an independent validation population. The developed prediction model included age, positive T-SPOT.TB result, logarithm of the ratio of mononuclear cells to multiple nuclear cells in pleural effusion (lnRMMPE), and adenosine deaminase in pleural effusion ≥ 40 U/L. The model demonstrated good discrimination [with area under the curve of 0.837 and 0.903, respectively] and calibration (with a Brier score of 0.159 and 0.119, respectively) in both the derivation population and the validation population. Using a cutoff value of 60%, the sensitivity and specificity for identifying TPE were 70% and 88%, respectively, in the derivation population, and 77% and 92%, respectively, in the validation population. A novel predictive model based on T-SPOT.TB was developed and externally validated, demonstrating good diagnostic performance in identifying TPE.

A New Mayorella Species Isolated from the Mariana Trench Area (Pacific Ocean).

In this paper, we describe a new naked amoeba species, Mayorella marianaensis sp. n., order Dermamoebida, isolated from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean (>3,000 m depth) in the vicinity of the Mariana Trench, based on morphological and molecular data. The newly discovered species was identified based on morphological and molecular data. This is the first time that a Mayorella species was discovered in the deep sea (>1,000 m). Mayorella marianaensis is an irregularly rectangular naked amoeba (30-120 × 11-60 µm), with a narrow frontal hyaline area. Four to 15 conical sub-pseudopodia, and three kinds of floating forms are identified. Trophozoites have a thick cell coat consisting of two distinct layers. The small subunit ribosomal RNA gene phylogeny showed that M. marianaensis is classified into Dermamoebida, and is a sister clade to other Mayorella species whose sequences are available. BLAST analysis revealed that M. marianaensis is most similar to Coronamoeba villafranca and Mayorella sp. JJP-2003, with sequence identities of 92.43% and 88.30%, respectively.

Generation of diverse 2-pyrones via palladium-catalyzed site-selective Suzuki-Miyaura couplings of 3-bromo-4-tosyloxy-2-pyrone.

Based on different reactivity of the (pseudo)halide substituents in the 2-pyrone (3-Br and 4-OTs), palladium-catalyzed sequential site-selective Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of 3-bromo-6-methyl-4-tosyloxy-2-pyrone are described, which afford the diverse 2-pyrones in good yields.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Pleural Effusion Mononuclear Cells/Leukocyte Ratio in Tuberculous Pleurisy.

Background: Tuberculous pleurisy (TBP) is a common clinical type of tuberculosis (TB) in China. TBP is difficult to diagnose. Whether the mononuclear cell/leukocyte (MNC/LEU) ratio in pleural effusion can contribute to accurate TBP diagnosis remains yet unclear. Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of MNC/LEU ratio in pleural effusion for TBP in China. Methods: This study was a retrospective case-control study involving 406 patients with pleural effusion of unknown cause who were hospitalized at the Henan Provincial People's Hospital. Using histopathological examination of thoracoscopic pleural biopsy as the gold standard for TBP diagnosis, a final total of 215 subjects were included in this study including 91 cases of TBP and 124 cases of non-TBP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of pleural effusion MNC/LEU ratio for TBP diagnosis was plotted and the area under curve (AUC) and the optimal cutoff value were determined. In addition, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the MNC/LEU ratio at the optimal cutoff value for TBP diagnosis were also evaluated. Results: The MNC/LEU ratio was significantly higher in TB pleural effusion [95.9% (89.7-98.0%)] than in non-TB pleural effusion [77.8% (39.3-93.2%)] (P < 0.001). The AUC was 0.776 (95% CI, 0.714-0.830), and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for TBP diagnosis at the 93.7% cutoff value were 64.83%, 79.03%, and 0.730, respectively. Conclusion: The pleural effusion MNC/LEU ratio may be a new and valuable laboratory indicator for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy in China.

Diagnostic Value of Pleural Effusion Mononuclear Cells Count and Adenosine Deaminase for Tuberculous Pleurisy Patients in China: A Case-Control Study.

Background: The diagnostic value of pleural effusion mononuclear cells count for tuberculous pleurisy (TBP) is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of pleural effusion mononuclear cells count and its combination with adenosine deaminase (ADA) in TBP patients. Methods: We initially analyzed 296 patients with unknown pleural effusion from the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Provincial People's Hospital during January 2014 to February 2018. Ultimately, 100 tuberculous pleurisy (TBP) patients and 105 non-tuberculous pleurisy (non-TBP) patients with pleural effusion were investigated in the current study. Meanwhile, pleural effusion mononuclear cells count and ADA test were performed to evaluate the diagnostic value for TBP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of pleural effusion mononuclear cells count only and its combination with ADA for TBP diagnosis were investigated. Results: (i) The best cut-off value of pleural effusion mononuclear cells count for TBP diagnosis was 969.6 × 106/L, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 76, 57, and 66%, respectively. (ii) Combination of pleural effusion mononuclear cells count and ADA test suggested diagnostic value for TBP. Specifically, serial test showed the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 65, 90, 78%, respectively, whereas parallel test revealed the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy of 92, 45, 68%, respectively. The sensitivity of parallel test (92%) was significantly higher than pleural effusion mononuclear cells count alone (76%) (X2 = 23.19, p < 0.001). (iii) The area under the ROC of pleural effusion mononuclear cells count and it combined with ADA were 0.66 (95% CI, 0.59-0.72) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.89), respectively, with statistically significant difference (Z = 3.46, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This retrospective case-control study demonstrated that pleural effusion mononuclear cells count is relatively useful for TBP diagnosis. Furthermore, the pleural effusion mononuclear cells count in combination with ADA can further improve the diagnostic accuracy of TBP.

High expression of miR-222-3p in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children. However, its mechanism of pathogenesis is not fully understood, and microRNAs might play a role. This study aimed to explore the microRNA-222-3p (miR-222-3p) expression and its possible role in children with M.pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). METHODS: Thirty-six children with MPP and twenty-seven age-matched controls from Children's Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this study. MiR-222-3p and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) mRNA were detected using real-time PCR in children's peripheral blood plasma samples. THP-1 cells and mice were stimulated with M.pneumoniae lipid-associated membrane proteins(LAMPs). RESULTS: Children with MPP had significantly higher levels of miR-222-3p and lower levels of CD4 in peripheral blood plasma (P <  0.05). Additionally, Sixteen children with MPP complicated with pleural effusion had higher miR-222-3p levels than those without pleural effusion. MiR-222-3p or CD4 in THP-1 cells increased or decreased, respectively, in a dose dependent manner after LAMP stimulation. In LAMP-stimulated mice massive inflammatory cells infiltrates surrounded the bronchioles, and miR-222-3p increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In conclusion, miR-222-3p was highly expressed in children with MPP, especially those with pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: Small sample studies showed that M.pneumoniae or its LAMPs could increase miR-222-3p and decrease CD4 in macrophages,both in vitro and vivo.Thus, miR-222-3p might be an MPP biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis.

Early application of low-dose glucocorticoid improves acute respiratory distress syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Previous clinical trials have investigated the effect of glucocorticoid therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with controversial results, particularly with regard to the early administration of low dose glucocorticoid. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess whether the application of glucocorticoid was able to reduce mortality in patients with ARDS. A literature search was performed using online databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and CNKI regardless of whether the studies were published in English or Chinese. Following assessment via inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers screened controlled randomized trials which investigated glucocorticoid therapy in ARDS patients and independently extracted data. The quality of all of the included trials was evaluated based on blinding, randomization and other methods. A total of 14 studies with 1,441 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that glucocorticoid significantly reduced the overall mortality of patients with ARDS [relative ratio (RR), 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50-0.91; P<0.05], particularly with a low-dose of glucocorticoid (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39-0.84; P<0.05) at the early phase of ARDS (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.86; P<0.05), and a longer duration of steroids (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.30-0.64; P<0.05). Administration of steroids also significantly increased the number of days that patients remained alive and were off mechanical ventilation (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.49-4.68; P<0.05) without significantly increasing the novel infection rate (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.44-2.25; P<0.05). Due to inconsistencies and other limitations, the quality of the studies used for the meta-analysis of the effect of glucocorticoid on mortality was low. In conclusion, early use of low dose glucocorticoid may effectively reduce mortality in patients with ARDS. However, this conclusion may be affected by the limited quality of the studies included in the present meta-analysis.

[Relationships of forest fire with lightning in Daxing' anling Mountains, Northeast China].

Forest fire is an important factor affecting forest ecosystem succession. Recently, forest fire, especially forest lightning fire, shows an increasing trend under global warming. To study the relationships of forest fire with lightning is essential to accurately predict the forest fire in time. Daxing' anling Mountains is a region with high frequency of forest lightning fire in China, and an important experiment site to study the relationships of forest fire with lightning. Based on the forest fire records and the corresponding lightning and meteorological observation data in the Mountains from 1966 to 2007, this paper analyzed the relationships of forest fire with lightning in this region. In the period of 1966-2007, both the lightning fire number and the fired forest area in this region increased significantly. The meteorological factors affecting the forest lighting fire were related to temporal scales. At yearly scale, the forest lightning fire was significantly correlated with precipitation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.489; at monthly scale, it had a significant correlation with air temperature, the correlation coefficient being 0.18. The relationship of the forest lightning fire with lightning was also related to temporal scales. At yearly scale, there was no significant correlation between them; at monthly scale, the forest lightning fire was strongly correlated with lightning and affected by precipitation; at daily scale, a positive correlation was observed between forest lightning fire and lightning when the precipitation was less than 5 mm. According to these findings, a fire danger index based on ADTD lightning detection data was established, and a forest lightning fire forecast model was developed. The prediction accuracy of this model for the forest lightning fire in Daxing' anling Mountains in 2005-2007 was > 80%.

Theoretical study of density-dependent intraexcitonic transitions in optically excited quantum wells.

We present a theoretical study of the terahertz-pulse-induced intraexcitonic dynamics of optically created excitons in quantum wells, providing an explanation of the density dependence of the 1s-2p intraexcitonic transitions observed experimentally. We find that two types of many-body interactions, the phase space filling and the exchange interaction, are responsible for the observed red-shift of the resonance frequency. In addition to calculating the density renormalized exciton energy levels, which offer indirect information regarding the density-dependent 1s-2p transitions, we developed a mean-field approach to examine the intraexcitonic transition process directly. The resulting dynamic equation provides a useful tool to gain insight into the intraexcitonic transitions in semiconductor nanostructures.