Co-production of spirosiloxane and biochar adsorbent from wheat straw by a low-cost and environment-friendly method.

To enhance the value of wheat straw derivatives, wheat straw ash (WSA) was used as a reactant for the first time to synthesize spirocyclic alkoxysilane, an important organosilicon raw material, using an energy-saving and environmentally friendly non-carbon thermal reduction method. After spirocyclic alkoxysilane extraction, the biochar in the wheat straw ash prepared an adsorbent for Cu2+. The maximum copper ion adsorption capacity (Qm) of silica-depleted wheat straw ash (SDWSA) was 31.431nullmg/g, far exceeding those of WSA and similar biomass adsorbents. The effects of the pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time on the adsorption behaviour of the SDWSA for Cu2+ adsorption were systematically investigated. The adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ by the SDWSA was investigated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, pseudo-first-order kinetic, pseudo-second-order kinetic, and Weber and Morris models by combining the preliminary experimental data and characterization results. The adsorption isotherm and Langmuir equation matched perfectly. The Weber and Morris model can describe the mass-transfer mechanism of Cu2+ adsorption by SDWSA. Both film and intraparticle diffusion are rapid control steps. Compared to WSA, SDWSA has a larger specific surface area and a higher content of oxygen-containing functional groups. A large specific surface area provides more adsorption sites. Oxygen-containing functional groups react with Cu2+ through electrostatic interactions, surface complexation, and ion exchange, which are the possible adsorption mechanisms for SDWSA. These methods improve the added value of wheat straw derivatives and promote wheat straw ash recovery and centralized treatment. This makes it possible to use the thermal energy of wheat straw and facilitates the treatment of exhaust gases and carbon capture.

Biodiversity promotes ecosystem functioning despite environmental change.

Three decades of research have demonstrated that biodiversity can promote the functioning of ecosystems. Yet, it is unclear whether the positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning will persist under various types of global environmental change drivers. We conducted a meta-analysis of 46 factorial experiments manipulating both species richness and the environment to test how global change drivers (i.e. warming, drought, nutrient addition or CO2 enrichment) modulated the effect of biodiversity on multiple ecosystem functions across three taxonomic groups (microbes, phytoplankton and plants). We found that biodiversity increased ecosystem functioning in both ambient and manipulated environments, but often not to the same degree. In particular, biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning were larger in stressful environments induced by global change drivers, indicating that high-diversity communities were more resistant to environmental change. Using a subset of studies, we also found that the positive effects of biodiversity were mainly driven by interspecific complementarity and that these effects increased over time in both ambient and manipulated environments. Our findings support biodiversity conservation as a key strategy for sustainable ecosystem management in the face of global environmental change.

[Quality Control Test of Transcranial MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment System before Surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pre-treatment preventive maintenance and quality control procedure of MRI system and transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound (TcMRgFUS) treatment system by monitoring quality control of these two systems. METHODS: The general performance index and image quality control index of MRI system, as well as the quality assurance program of TcMRgFUS EXABLATE 4000 system were tested and recorded. RESULTS: The general performance index and image quality control index of MRI system met requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Through system detection, the system performance could be monitored, ensuring the accuracy and safety of surgery.

GC-MS based metabolomics strategy to distinguish three types of acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a progressive systemic inflammatory response with high morbidity and high mortality, which is mainly caused by alcohol, bulimia, gallstones and hyperlipidemia. The early diagnosis of different types of AP and further explore potential pathophysiological mechanism of each type of AP is beneficial for optimized treatment strategies and better patient's care. In this study, a metabolomics approach based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and random forests algorithm was established to distinguish biliary acute pancreatitis (BAP), Hyperlipidemia acute pancreatitis (HLAP), and alcoholic acute pancreatitis (AAP), from healthy controls. The classification accuracies for BAP, HLAP, and AAP patients compared with healthy control, were 0.886, 0.906 and 0.857, respectively, by using 5-fold cross-validation method. And some special metabolites for each type of AP were discovered, such as l-Lactic acid, (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid, Phosphoric acid, Glycine, Erythronic acid, l-Phenylalanine, d-Galactose, l-Tyrosine, Arachidonic acid, Glycerol 1-hexadecanoate. Furthermore, associations between these metabolites with the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids were identified. Our studies have illuminated the biomarkers and physiological mechanism of disease in a clinical setting, which suggested that metabolomics is a valuable tool for identifying the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the etiology of BAP, AAP, HLAP and thus novel therapeutic targets.

Adsorption of methyl orange dye onto biochar adsorbent prepared from chicken manure.

In this work, the biochar adsorbent carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), was prepared from the pyrolysis (600 °C, 120 min) of chicken manure for the removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solution, and its physicochemical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The experimental parameters including agitation speed, initial solution pH, biochar dosage and contact time on the adsorption properties of MO from aqueous solution onto CMC were investigated in batch experiments. The kinetic adsorption of different initial concentration could be accurately described by the pseudo-second-order model and the overall rate process was apparently influenced by external mass transfer and intra-particle diffusion. Furthermore, the Langmuir isotherm model showed a better fit with equilibrium data (R2 > 0.99), with the maximum adsorption capacity of 39.47 mg·g-1 at 25 °C. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption of MO onto CMC was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results of this study indicated that CMC could be used as a promising biomass adsorbent material for aqueous solutions containing MO.

STAT1 Inhibits MiR-181a Expression to Suppress Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation Through PTEN/Akt.

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) exhibits tumor-suppressor properties by inhibiting oncogenic pathways and promoting tumor immunosurveillance. MicroRNAs, a group of non-coding endogenous ones, may regulate gene expression and plays specific roles in tumorigenesis. Recently, miR-181a has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Using human colorectal cancer cell lines, we demonstrated that STAT1 suppresses both LoVo and SW480 cell growth by down-regulating miR-181a. STAT1 regulates the expression of miR-181a through binding to the elements in the miR-181a's promoter region. Further, we revealed that miR-181a accelerates CRC cell proliferation through phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten (PTEN). In addition, PTEN protein was upregulated in response to STAT1 overexpression or miR-181a inhibition, downregulated in response to STAT1 knockdown or miR-181a overexpression. Without changes on the AKT protein level, p-AKT was downregulated by STAT1 overexpression or miR-181a inhibition while upregulated by STAT1 knockdown or miR-181a overexpression, indicating PTEN/Akt pathway activated in STAT1/miR-181a regulation of CRC cell proliferation. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the STAT1/miR-181a/PTEN pathway in colorectal cancer and add new insight regarding the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3435-3443, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Identification of potential diagnostic biomarkers of acute pancreatitis by serum metabolomic profiles.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is defined as an acute inflammation of pancreas that may cause damage to other tissues and organs depending upon the severity of symptoms. The diagnosis of AP is usually made by detection of raised circulating pancreatic enzyme levels, but there are occasional false positive and false negative diagnoses and such tests are often normal in delayed presentations. More accurate biomarkers would help in such situations. In this study, the global metabolites' changes of AP patients (APP) were profiled by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Multivariate pattern recognition techniques were used to establish the classification models to distinguish APP from healthy participants (HP). Some significant metabolites including 3-hydroxybutyric acid, phosphoric acid, glycerol, citric acid, d-galactose, d-mannose, d-glucose, hexadecanoic acid and serotonin were selected as potential biomarkers for helping clinical diagnosis of AP. Furthermore, the metabolite changes in APP with severe and mild symptoms were also analyzed. Based on the selected biomarkers, some relevant pathways were also identified. Our results suggested that GC-MS based serum metabolomics method can be used in the clinical diagnosis of AP by profiling potential biomarkers.

Avoiding Carbothermal Reduction: Distillation of Alkoxysilanes from Biogenic, Green, and Sustainable Sources.

The direct depolymerization of SiO2 to distillable alkoxysilanes has been explored repeatedly without success for 85 years as an alternative to carbothermal reduction (1900 °C) to Si(met) , followed by treatment with ROH. We report herein the base-catalyzed depolymerization of SiO2 with diols to form distillable spirocyclic alkoxysilanes and Si(OEt)4. Thus, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, or ethylene glycol (EGH2) react with silica sources, such as rice hull ash, in the presence of NaOH (10%) to form H2O and distillable spirocyclic alkoxysilanes [bis(2-methyl-2,4-pentanediolato) silicate, bis(2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediolato) silicate or Si(eg)2 polymer with 5-98% conversion, as governed by surface area/crystallinity. Si(eg)2 or bis(2-methyl-2,4-pentanediolato) silicate reacted with EtOH and catalytic acid to give Si(OEt)4 in 60% yield, thus providing inexpensive routes to high-purity precipitated or fumed silica and compounds with single Si-C bonds.

Validation of ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria for 13.7 Tolosa-Hunt syndrome: Analysis of 77 cases of painful ophthalmoplegia.

BACKGROUND: Three editions of International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) diagnostic criteria for Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) have been published in 1988, 2004 and 2013, in ICHD-3 beta, there have been considerable changes [corrected]. The validity of these new diagnostic criteria remains to be established. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 77 patients with non-traumatic painful ophthalmoplegia (PO) admitted between 2003 and 2013. We reviewed patients' age at onset and gender, time courses between onset of pain and development of cranial nerve palsy, the cranial nerves involved, imaging findings, therapeutic efficacy of steroid treatment and recurrence of attacks. RESULTS: THS was the most frequent type of PO (46/77). In THS patients, the third cranial nerve was most commonly involved (76.3%). The median time interval between pain and cranial nerve palsy was two days, although in five patients (10.9%) the interval ranged from 16 to 30 days. Definitely abnormal MRI findings were found in 24 patients (52.2%). CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to rule out other causes of PO in diagnosing THS, with MRI playing a crucial role in differential diagnosis. It may be helpful to understand and master the entity of THS for researchers and clinicians to adjust the gradation and ranking of the diagnostic criteria.

A new cesium pentaborate with new B10O19 building blocks.

A new polymorph of CsB5O8 has been synthesized. Its crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The new polymorph of CsB5O8 with new B10O19 building blocks containing helical chains has been synthesized. The relation and differences of tunnels contained in all of the CsB5O8 polymorphs are discussed to show the exciting diversity of cesium pentaborate.

Subacute motor neuron hyperexcitability with mercury poisoning: a case series and literature review.

Motor neuron hyperexcitability (MNH) indicates a disorder characterized by an ectopic motor nerve discharge on electromyogram (EMG). Here, we present a series of three cases of subacute MNH with mercury poisoning. The first case showed hyperhidrosis, insomnia, generalied myokymia, cramps, tremor, weight loss, and myokymic and neuromyotonic discharges, followed by encephalopathy with confusion, hallucinations, and memory decrease. The second case was similar to the former but without encephalopathic features. The third case showed widespread fasciculation, fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, and autonomic dysfunction, including constipation, micturition difficulty, and impotence, with multiple fibrillation, unstable fasciculation, widened motor neuron potential, and an incremental response at high-rate stimulation in repetitive nerve stimulation. Based on the symptoms, the three cases were diagnosed as Morvan's syndrome, Isaacs' syndrome, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome with ALS-like syndrome, respectively. Mercury poisoning in the three cases was confirmed by analysis of blood and urine samples. All cases recovered several months after chelation therapy and were in good condition at follow-up. Very few cases of MNH linked with mercury exposure have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of mercury-induced MNH may be associated with ion channel dysfunction.

Effect of pharmaconutrition-supplemented parenteral nutrition for severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmaconutrition-supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: A comprehensive search of abstracts was performed in the MEDLINE, OVID, Springer, and Cochrane Library database. Published data of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the clinically relevant outcomes of pharmaconutrition-supplemented PN versus PN for patients with SAP were analyzed. The analyzed outcome variables included infection, mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, and leukocytes change. Statistical analyses were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.1 software. RESULTS: Four RCTs published in 1998 or later were included in this meta-analysis, in which 76 patients with pharmaconutrition-supplemented PN and 77 patients with PN. Pharmaconutrition-supplemented PN showed significantly better results in terms of infection (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20-0.91; P =0.03) and leukocytes change (before treated: mean different, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.21-1.65; P =0.01; after treated: mean different, -0.77; 95% CI, -1.47- -0.08; P =0.03). No significant difference could be found in mortality (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.07-1.19; P =0.09), ICU stay (mean different, -3.65; 95% CI, -9.39-2.10; P =0.21), and hospital stay (mean different, -1.20; 95% CI, -9.89-7.48; P =0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis indicates that pharmaconutrition-supplemented PN only show advantages in infection and leukocytes change.

In-depth characterization of secondary effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in northern China for advanced treatment.

This study provided insight into the characterization of secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant located in northeastern China. The secondary effluent was separated into three fractions, the dissolved, the near-colloidal and the suspended, to study their individual characteristics. It revealed that most of the organics in the secondary effluent existed in the dissolved form, accounting for 78.1-86.5% of the total chemical oxygen demand and 82.6-86.6% of the total organic carbon. Results from the molecular weight distribution study further indicated that organics with MW < 1k Da constituted 56.3-62.7% of total organics. Moreover, the particle size distribution study suggested that particles between 2.0 and 6.8 µm in diameter made up 80.0% of the total suspended solids. Both biological oxygen demand/chemical oxygen demand and biological dissolved organic carbon/dissolved organic carbon were measured ranging from 0.2 to 0.3, suggesting the most secondary effluent organics were biologically refractory. This conclusion was further strengthened by the functional groups information obtained from the GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) analysis. The characteristics information revealed from this study will help the design and selection of water quality-specific tertiary treatment technologies for secondary effluent water purification and reuse.

Effect of access to the integrated treatment model for patients with multiple severe injuries in the Chinese population.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to enhance the effectiveness of an integrated treatment model for patients with severe multiple injuries in China. METHODS: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 110 patients with multiple severe injuries. These patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment model they received. The first group, called the MDTM group, received the integrated treatment model, which involved a multidisciplinary team-based approach. The second group, designated the TSM group, received the traditional specialist-based treatment model. The primary outcome measure was the survival rate of patients after treatment. Secondary outcomes included the time spent on hospital emergency treatment, the length of hospital stay, the mortality rate, and family satisfaction. RESULTS: The survival rate of patients after treatment in the MDTM group (83.93%) was significantly greater than that in the TSM group (70.37%). Consequently, the mortality of patients after treatment in the MDTM group (16.07%) was significantly lower than that in the TSM group (29.63%). Furthermore, the MDTM group demonstrated significantly shorter durations of rescue efforts and shorter hospital stays. Additionally, family satisfaction was significantly greater in the MDTM group. CONCLUSION: The integrated treatment model shows potential for optimizing outcomes for patients with multiple severe injuries and generating higher levels of family satisfaction. This model holds practical applicability in the context of China and may help alleviate the strained relationship between physicians and patients.

Stop Ischemic Event to the Brain: Screening Risk Factors of Cerebrovascular Stenosis in Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we investigated the difference in risk factors between the 2 diseases, aiming to further clarify who needs to do ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD)-related screening among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: Clinical data of 326 patients with first-episode CAD from June 1, 2017, to July 31, 2020, in the Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes, including clinical features and laboratory examination, were taken. Features related to ICVD including the extension of intracranial arterial (internal carotid artery intracranial segment, middle cerebral artery M1 segment, anterior cerebral A1 segment, vertebrobasilar artery intracranial segment, posterior cerebral artery P1 segment) and carotid arterial (internal carotid artery extracranial segment, common carotid artery, subclavian artery) stenosis were detected. Risk factors for the occurrence of ICVD in patients with CAD were analyzed. RESULTS: Among patients with the onset of CAD, in comparison of the nonstenosis and stenosis of intracranial artery subgroups, there were statistical differences in the onset age, hypertension, and duration of hypertension as well as the biochemical indicators, including high-density lipoprotein and glycosylated hemoglobin. In addition, statistical differences were detected in the onset age as well as the biochemical indicators, including glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose serum protein, along with the difference in the degree of cardiovascular stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The onset age of CAD was shown to serve as a vital risk factor for ICVD. The primary prevention of ICVD in patients with CAD should lay more emphasis on the management of hypertension and diabetes.

A Comparative Study of the Etiology of Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissection and Carotid Artery Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Both extrinsic (trauma or violent movement) and intrinsic (structural abnormality, atherosclerosis, or hemodynamic instability) factors may result in arterial dissection. The role of these factors in the origin or progression of dissection remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the clinical features, radiologic features, and outcomes of intracranial vertebral artery dissection compared with carotid artery dissection and to determine the major causative factors. METHODS: Consecutive patients with craniocervical dissection (n=127) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with intracranial vertebral artery dissection (n=77) and those with carotid artery dissection (n=35) were compared with respect to patient age, sex, cerebrovascular risk factors, laboratory indices, and radiologic features. RESULTS: Intracranial vertebral artery dissection was the most common craniocervical arterial dissection in our cohort (n=77, 60.6%). Body mass index in the intracranial vertebral artery dissection group was significantly greater than that in carotid artery dissection group. Clinical manifestations of intracranial vertebral artery dissection included ischemic stroke (37.7%), dizziness or vertigo (39.0%), and headache or neck pain (44.2%). Two patients had a definite history of trauma. The frontal and lateral tortuosity ratios of the vertebral basilar artery were significantly greater while the vertex angle was smaller in the intracranial vertebral artery dissection group compared with carotid artery dissection group. A positive correlation between the tortuosity ratios and subarachnoid hemorrhage and a significant inverse correlation between the tortuosity ratios and lipid parameters (high-density lipoprotein; apolipoprotein A1) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic causes may play a more important role in the development of intracranial vertebral artery dissection than carotid artery dissection.

[Pulse pressure loss after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an independent predictor of ECMO weaning failure].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictors of successful weaning off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). METHODS: The clinical data of 56 patients with cardiac arrest who underwent ECPR in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University) from July 2018 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether ECMO was successfully weaning off, patients were divided into the successful weaning off group and the failed weaning off group. The basic data, duration of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR, the time from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to ECMO), duration of ECMO, pulse pressure loss, complications, and the use of distal perfusion tube and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for weaning failure of ECMO. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (41.07%) were successfully weaned from ECMO. Compared with the successful weaning off group, patients in the failed weaning off group were older (years old: 46.7±15.6 vs. 37.8±16.8, P < 0.05), higher incidence of pulse pressure loss and ECMO complications [81.8% (27/33) vs. 21.7% (5/23), 84.8% (28/33) vs. 39.1% (9/23), both P < 0.01], and longer CCPR time (minutes: 72.3±19.5 vs. 54.4±24.6, P < 0.01), shorter duration of ECMO support (hours: 87.3±81.1 vs. 147.7±50.8, P < 0.01), and worse improvement in arterial blood pH and lactic acid (Lac) levels after ECPR support [pH: 7.1±0.1 vs. 7.3±0.1, Lac (mmol/L): 12.6±2.4 vs. 8.9±2.1, both P < 0.01]. There were no significant differences in the utilization rate of distal perfusion tube and IABP between the two groups. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors affecting the weaning off ECMO of ECPR patients were pulse pressure loss, ECMO complications, arterial blood pH and Lac after installation [pulse pressure loss: odds ratio (OR) = 3.37, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.39-8.17, P = 0.007; ECMO complications: OR = 2.88, 95%CI was 1.11-7.45, P = 0.030; pH after installation: OR = 0.01, 95%CI was 0.00-0.16, P = 0.002; Lac after installation: OR = 1.21, 95%CI was 1.06-1.37, P = 0.003]. After adjusting for the effects of age, gender, ECMO complications, arterial blood pH and Lac after installation, and CCPR time, showed that pulse pressure loss was an independent predictor of weaning failure in ECPR patients (OR = 1.27, 95%CI was 1.01-1.61, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Early loss of pulse pressure after ECPR is an independent predictor of failed weaning off ECMO in ECPR patients. Strengthening hemodynamic monitoring and management after ECPR is very important for the successful weaning off ECMO in ECPR.

Daily point-of-care ultrasound-assessment of central venous catheter-related thrombosis in critically ill patients: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombosis (CRT) is a known complication in critically ill patients. However, its clinical significance remains unclear. The objective of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and evolution of CRT from CVC insertion to removal. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 28 intensive care units (ICUs). Duplex ultrasound was performed daily from CVC insertion until at least 3 days after CVC removal or before patient discharge from the ICU to detect CRT and to follow its progression. CRT diameter and length were measured and diameter > 7 mm was considered extensive. RESULTS: The study included 1262 patients. The incidence of CRT was 16.9% (95% confidence interval 14.8-18.9%). CRT was most commonly found in the internal jugular vein. The median time from CVC insertion to CRT onset was 4 (2-7) days, and 12% of CRTs occurred on the first day and 82% within 7 days of CVC insertion. CRT diameters > 5 mm and > 7 mm were found in 48% and 30% of thromboses. Over a 7-day follow-up, CRT diameter remained stable when the CVC was in place, whereas it gradually decreased after CVC removal. The ICU length of stay was longer in patients with CRT than in those without CRT, and the mortality was not different. CONCLUSION: CRT is a frequent complication. It can occur as soon as the CVC is placed and mostly during the first week following catheterization. Half of the thromboses are small but one-third are extensive. They are often non-progressive and may be resolved after CVC removal.

Molecular mechanism analysis of m6A modification-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in regulating autophagy in acute pancreatitis.

This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) network in regulating autophagy and affecting the occurrence and development of acute pancreatitis (AP). RNA-seq datasets related to AP were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and merged after batch effect removal. lncRNAs significantly related to m6A in AP, namely candidate lncRNA, were screened by correlation analysis and differential expression analysis. In addition, candidate autophagy genes were screened through the multiple databases. Furthermore, the key pathways for autophagy to play a role in AP were determined by functional enrichment analysis. Finally, we predicted the miRNAs binding to genes and lncRNAs through TargetScan, miRDB and DIANA TOOLS databases and constructed two types of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks mediated by upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs in AP. Nine lncRNAs related to m6A were differentially expressed in AP, and 21 candidate autophagy genes were obtained. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway and Forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway might be the key pathways for autophagy to play a role in AP. Finally, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. An upregulated lncRNA competitively binds to 13 miRNAs to regulate 6 autophagy genes, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in which 2 downregulated lncRNAs competitively bind to 7 miRNAs to regulate 2 autophagy genes. m6A modification-related lncRNA Pvt1, lncRNA Meg3 and lncRNA AW112010 may mediate the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, thereby regulating autophagy to affect the development of AP.

The Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics and Neurotoxicity of Tigecycline Intraventricular Injection for the Treatment of Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Intracranial Infection.

Objective: This study aimed to provide feasible suggestions for intraventricular injection of tigecycline to treat intractable Acinetobacter baumannii intracranial infections by studying its pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and neurotoxicity. Methods: A simple and reliable two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography (2D-HPLC) method was used to determine tigecycline concentration. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of tigecycline in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was investigated by performing therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The pharmacodynamics (PD) of tigecycline was evaluated by its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against XDR A. baumannii. CCK8 assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of tigecycline effect on PC12 cells, and apoptosis assay was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Tigecycline retention time in 2D-HPLC was 7.636 min. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 0.1mg/L, which met the requirements of concentration determination for TDM. The MIC50 and MIC90 values of tigecycline for A. baumannii were 2 and 4 mg/L, respectively. After a dose of 5mg tigecycline, Cmax in CSF was 37.894 mg/L which was high above the MIC values. The t 1/2 of tigecycline was estimated to be 2.73 hours. Tigecycline significantly decreased cell viability as assessed and induced apoptosis of the PC12 cell. The IC50 value of PC12 cells treated with tigecycline was about 51.35 mg/L. Conclusion: Intraventricular injection of tigecycline is a promising method for treating XDR A. baumannii intracranial infection. Since a high concentration of tigecycline in CSF may have potential neurotoxicity, and the t 1/2 was short, giving small doses of less than 5 mg at least twice a day may be safer and more effective. Intraventricular injection of tigecycline must be selected cautiously and best carried out under TDM.