Effect of Different Ethylene Oxide Addition Numbers on the Performance of Polyoxyethylene Tallow Amine as a Pesticide Emulsifier.

Surfactant reduces the surface tension of liquids, resulting in improved emulsion stability, and there is great interest in pesticide additives. Ethoxylate is often used as a pesticide emulsifier. However, the degree of ethoxylation and the existence of dioxane byproducts can significantly affect the performance of emulsifiers. Here, a series of polyoxyethylene tallow amines with the addition of different numbers of ethylene oxide (EO) were synthesized and characterized. Their physical and chemical performances were measured. The ability of POEA as a surfactant to reduce water surface tension and the surface adsorption of molecules were assessed based on the static and dynamic surface tensions. The results show that the surfactant molecules preferentially form a saturated adsorption layer in solution, and the mixed-diffusion-kinetics mechanism dominates the adsorption process. With the increase of the EO addition number, the emulsifying property of POEA increases, while the wetting property gradually decreases and the contact angle increases. These results can provide a basis for the selection of pesticide additives. At the same time, the mechanism of removing dioxane by ethoxylate is described, and a simple and low-consumption method is put forward to reduce the dioxane content. It provides a new idea for the removal of dioxane.

Effect of PLK1 inhibition on cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibition on cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. METHODS: The transcriptional level of PLK1 was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of PLK1 and its downstream mediators as well as autophagy-related protein LC3 I/LC3 II were detected by western blot. An 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine immunofluorescent staining were conducted to evaluate the cell viability and replication activity separately. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine the cell cycle status. The GFP-LC3 vector contributed toward tracking the formation and aggregation of autophagosomes. RESULTS: Drug-resistant SGC-7901/DDP cells showed insignificant changes in all phases after DDP treatment, including DNA replication, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, whereas DDP could significantly improve the autophagy level of SGC-7901/DDP as well as PLK1expression. By downregulating the expression of PLK1, both BI2536 andsi-PLK1 enhanced SGC-7901/DDP sensitivity to DDP, suppressing the proliferation and autophagy as well as improving the apoptosis rate. PLK1 inhibition also resulted in the repression of cell division regulators CDC25C and cyclin B1. CONCLUSION: Together, our experimental results illustrated that the DDP resistance of GC cells might be associated with the aberrant overexpression of PLK1. PLK1 inhibition, including si-PLK1 and BI2536 treatment, could restore the chemosensitivity of drug-resistant SGC-7901/DDP cells and enhance the efficacy of DDP, revealing the potential value of PLK1 inhibition in GC chemotherapy.

External Validation of Survival-Predicting Models for Acute Myocardial Infarction with Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Chinese Single-Center Cohort.

BACKGROUND This study was designed as an external evaluation of potentially relevant models for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty AMI adults that met criteria were retrospectively analyzed from January 2009 to January 2015. Six possible models - ENCOURAGE, SAVE, ECPR, GRACE, SHOCK, and a simplified risk chart - were identified by literature review and model scores calculated based on original data. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, commonly used in intensive care units, served as controls. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the models' discriminative power for predicting survival to discharge. RESULTS The ECPR model showed the best discriminative performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.733-1.530, p=0.006); the cutoff was 12.5 points, with 66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The "clinical" SHOCK model (including infarct site) showed weaker but still good discriminative power, with an AUC of 0.804 (95% CI, 0.580-1.027, p=0.035); the cutoff was 45.5 points, with 83.3% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity. The remaining models did not show significant discriminative power for predicting survival to discharge. Risk stratifications indicated that a statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of patients into the ECPR group with different prognoses when stratified by its cutoff (p=0.003), while a trend of significant difference was shown when applied to the SHOCK model (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS The ECPR and SHOCK models possess important abilities to predict intrahospital outcomes of AMI patients treated with E-CPR.

Does off-farm employment contribute to chemical fertilizer reduction? New evidence from the main rice-producing area in Jilin Province, China.

Frequent transfer of rural labor to cities in developing countries significantly impacts agricultural production. However, whether off-farm employment can promote chemical fertilizer (CF) reduction is still controversial. This study incorporates business scale (BS) and fragmentation degree of arable land (FDAL) into the theoretical analysis framework, shedding light on regulating effects of arable land resource endowment in the process of off-farm employment which influences CF application under different BS and FDAL scenarios. It also empirically tests the theoretical framework by employing the survey data of 318 rice farmers in Jilin Province. The results indicate that: (1) off-farm employment, in general, promotes the adoption behavior of machinery by farmers, and mechanical tillage can significantly reduce the intensity of CF application. (2) If farmers have large BS and non-dispersed farmland parcels, contiguous cultivation will meet the scale threshold for mechanical farming and obtain economies of scale to reduce the intensity of CF application. (3) If farmers have small BS and dispersed farmland parcels, the scale threshold of mechanical farming cannot be met. In order to stabilize agricultural production, farmers will increase the intensity of CF application. According to the empirical results, we put forward some suggestions.

[Application of sedation with a low dose of dexmedetomidine during intrathecal anesthesia in elderly patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and safety of sedation with a low dose of dexmedetomidine (DEX) during intrathecal anesthesia in the elderly patients. METHODS: Thirty elderly patients were randomly divided into the DEX group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). There were 13 males and 17 females with a mean age of 77 years old (range: 65 - 89 years old). After an induction of intrathecal anesthesia, the patients in the DEX group received an infusion of 0.4 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1) for 10 min. Then the infusion speed was adjusted between 0.2 and 0.4 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1) to maintain the values of bispectral index (BIS) at around 80. An equivalent volume of normal saline was administered in the control group. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (P(ET)CO(2)) and BIS were recorded at the beginning of DEX infusion, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min after DEX infusion beginning and at the end of surgery. The observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) scores and the clinical responses were also recorded. A statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: All intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were within the normal range in both groups. Compared with the beginning after infusion, blood pressure at the point of 10 min after infusion decreased about 10% - 15% (P < 0.05) in the DEX group. But there was no such change in the control group. The values of BIS also decreased significantly at each time point after 10 min infusion versus the beginning of administration (P < 0.05); as compared with the control group, the values of BIS also decreased significantly at 30, 60 min and the end of infusion (P < 0.05). The 95%confidence interval (CI) of BIS values were 70 - 95 in the DEX group and 80 - 100 in the control group (P < 0.05). In the DEX group, the OAA/S scores were significantly lower at the points of 20, 30, 60 min and the end of infusion versus the beginning after infusion. And it was also lower in the DEX group than that in the control group (95%CI: 3 - 4 vs 4 - 5, P < 0.05). No bradycardia occurred in the DEX group. Two of three patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation were converted to sinus rhythm after the administration of DEX. Patients with severe lung diseases (pulmonary fibrosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) maintained normal cardiopulmonary functions in the DEX group. DEX showed a good sedation effect in 1 patient with mental diseases. CONCLUSION: Sedation with a small dose of DEX during intrathecal anesthesia in elderly patients is both feasible and efficacious. But studies of larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm its safety.

The Analgesic Effect of Different Concentrations of Epidural Ropivacaine Alone or Combined With Sufentanil in Patients After Cesarean Section.

Background: Patients experience moderate-high intensity postoperative pain after cesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal concentrations of ropivacaine and sufentanil for use in controlling pain after CS. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four women undergoing elective CS were randomly allocated to four groups. Epidural analgesia was administered with 0.1% ropivacaine in the R1 group, 0.15% ropivacaine in the R2 group, a combination of 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/ml of sufentanil in the R1S group, and a combination of 0.15% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/ml of sufentanil in the R2S group (at a basal rate of 4 ml/h, bolus dose of 4 ml/20 min as needed). Pain scores (numerical rating scale [NRS]: 0-10 cm) at rest (NRS-R), during movement (NRS-M), and when massaging the uterus (NRS-U) were documented at 6 and 24 h. We also recorded patient satisfaction scores, time to first flatus, motor deficits, and adverse drug reactions. Results: NRS (NRS-R, NRS-M, NRS-U) scores in the R2S group (2 [1-3], 4 [3-5], 6 [5-6], respectively) were lower than in the R1 group (3 [3-4], 5 [4-6], 7 [6-8], respectively) (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) at 6 h; and patient satisfaction (9 [8-10]) was improved compared to the R1 group (8 [6-8]) (p < 0.01). The time to first flatus (18.7 ± 11.8 h) was reduced relative to the R1 group (25.9 ± 12.0 h) (p < 0.05). The time to first ambulation was not delayed (p > 0.05). However, the incidence of pruritus (4 [9.3%]) was increased compared to the R2 group (0 [0]) (p < 0.05) at 6 h, and the incidence of numbness (23 [53.5%], 23 [53.5%]) was increased compared to the R1 group (10 [23.3%], 10 [23.3%]) (all p < 0.01) at both 6 and 24 h. Conclusions: Although we observed a higher incidence of pruritus and numbness, co-administration of 0.15% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/ml of sufentanil administered epidurally optimized pain relief after CS, with treated subjects exhibiting lower NRS scores, shorter time to first flatus, and higher patient-satisfaction scores.

[The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in sustaining pulmonary function patients with influenza A H1N1].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical method and initial experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supportive treatment in influenza A H1N1 serious patients. METHODS: In 5 critically ill patients with influenza A H1N1, their arterial oxygen saturation was 0.70 to 0.85 with oxygen concentration (FiO(2)) 1.00 under mechanical ventilation. In these 5 patients, 3 males and 2 females, vein-vein mode ECMO bypass (femoral vein-internal jugular vein) was carried out to assist pulmonary function. The ratio between ECMO oxygen flow and blood flow was 2-1:1, FiO(2) was 0.21 to 1.00, FiO(2) for mechanical ventilation was 0.30 to 0.70, and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 5-10 cm H(2)O (1 cm H(2)O= 0.098 kPa). Activated coagulation time (ACT) was maintained at 160-250 s. When artery oxygen saturation and artery-venous blood gas became normal on discontinuation of ECMO, ECMO was weaned, and venous cannulas were removed. Mechanical ventilation was continued. RESULTS: In 5 patients the assisting time of ECMO was 48-330 hours, the mean duration was 178.2 hours. ECMO assisted flow was 2.4-4.0 L/min. The observation time after stoppage of ECMO was 4-24 hours. Four patients were weaned from ECMO, with continuation of assisted respiration successfully. One patient died because the family member gave up hope and the treatment was stopped. CONCLUSION: Vein-vein mode ECMO bypass through femoral vein-internal jugular vein can offer effective aid to pulmonary function in influenza A H1N1 patients who are critically ill. The strategy can win time for the patients to be able to continue mechanical ventilation treatment.

Downregulation of circFASTKD1 ameliorates myocardial infarction by promoting angiogenesis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of endogenous long non-coding RNAs, have attracted considerable attention due to their closed continuous loop structure and potential clinical value. In this study, we investigated the function of circFASTKD1 in vascular endothelial cells. CircFASTKD1 bound directly to miR-106a and relieved its inhibition of Large Tumor Suppressor Kinases 1 and 2, thereby suppressing the Yes-Associated Protein signaling pathway. Under both normal and hypoxic conditions, the ectopic expression of circFASTKD1 reduced the viability, migration, mobility and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells, whereas the downregulation of circFASTKD1 induced angiogenesis by promoting these processes. Moreover, downregulation of circFASTKD1 in mice improved cardiac function and repair after myocardial infarction. These findings indicate that circFASTKD1 is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis after myocardial infarction and that silencing circFASTKD1 exerts therapeutic effects during hypoxia by stimulating angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

[Impact of Newly Build Lead-Acid Battery Agglomeration Area on the Surrounding Soil Environment: A Study Based on the Spatial Characteristics of Heavy Metals].

To determine whether the newly built lead-acid battery agglomeration area in a town in northern Zhejiang had an impact on the surrounding soil environment after seven years of operation, 76 samples of surface soil around the lead-acid battery concentration area were collected, and the contents of Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr in the soil were determined. Based on the spatial distance of the agglomeration area and 50, 450, and 850 m from the agglomeration area boundary, the soil environmental quality was evaluated using the single factor index, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, and potential ecological risk index methods. The spatial distribution characteristics of the heavy metals were analyzed using the geostatistical method, and the sources of heavy metals affecting the soil environment were determined by correlation analysis. The results showed that the average contents of Hg, Zn, and Pb in eight heavy metals were higher than their corresponding background values at all spatial scales. The average Cd content in spatial scales other than the agglomeration area was larger than its background value. Only As at 50 m was greater than its background value, whereas the average content of other elements at all spatial distances was lower than their corresponding background values. The spatial variability was high for Hg and Cd but not obvious for other elements. This implies that the influence of regional activities was concentrated mainly on Hg and Cd; the content of both increased with distance from the agglomeration area. Hg and Cd exceeded the risk screening values and were distributed mainly at 450 m and 850 m; 33.33% and 38.89% Hg points and 27.78% and 55.56% Cd points were observed at these distances, respectively. The spatial distribution characteristics of Hg and Cd were consistent with their contents; only Zn and Pb had scattered points that exceeded the risk screening values and generally no obvious spatial distribution characteristics. According to the risk analysis of soil comprehensive pollution caused by the eight heavy metals, Cd was the main source of soil comprehensive pollution risk at a contribution rate of 36.73%, which caused the soil at 850 m to be in a state of alert. Soil ecological risk at a medium level occurred mainly at 450 m and 850 m outside the agglomeration area from Hg and Cd. The contribution rates to the soil quality at these distances were 46.30% and 39.37% for Hg and 38.98% and 49.30% for Cd, respectively. This indicates that regional activities caused Hg and Cd to be the main elements affecting soil quality in the study area. The results of geostatistics and multivariate statistical analysis showed that Hg and Cd were diffused inward from the periphery of the agglomeration area on the axis of the local main wind direction (northeast-southwest), and the main sources of both were coal-burning activities of enterprises in the periphery of the agglomeration area. In summary, the newly build lead-acid battery agglomeration area has not significantly affected the accumulation of heavy metals in the agglomeration area and in the surrounding soil after seven years of operation.

[Investigation on species composition of cockroaches and bacteria-carrying on their bodies in five cities of Hainan].

"ZA-type" cages were used to capture cockroaches in 267 sites of 5 cities in Hainan. Species were identified and bacteria were isolated by routine method. 441 cockroaches were collected and identified as five species belonging to two genera, 75.3% being Periplaneta americana. More cockroaches were found in sewerage. Bacteria were detected from 82.4% of cockroaches, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sp, Bacillus proteus and sort of mycetes. Therefore, the dominant species is Periplaneta americana in Hainan, and the high bacteria-carrying behavior of cockroaches indicates its importance in disease transmission.

Performance of Multiple Risk Assessment Tools to Predict Mortality for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy: An External Validation Study Based on Chinese Single-center Data.

BACKGROUND: There has been no external validation of survival prediction models for severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in China. The aim of study was to compare the performance of multiple models recently developed for patients with ARDS undergoing ECMO based on Chinese single-center data. METHODS: A retrospective case study was performed, including twenty-three severe ARDS patients who received ECMO from January 2009 to July 2015. The PRESERVE (Predicting death for severe ARDS on VV-ECMO), ECMOnet, Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction (RESP) score, a center-specific model developed for inter-hospital transfers receiving ECMO, and the classical risk-prediction scores of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were calculated. In-hospital and six-month mortality were regarded as the endpoints and model performance was evaluated by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The RESP and APACHE II scores showed excellent discriminate performance in predicting survival with AUC of 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.659-1.010, P = 0.007) and 0.762 (95% CI, 0.558-0.965, P = 0.035), respectively. The optimal cutoff values were risk class 3.5 for RESP and 35.5 for APACHE II score, and both showed 70.0% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity. The excellent performance of these models was also evident for the pneumonia etiological subgroup, for which the SOFA score was also shown to be predictive, with an AUC of 0.790 (95% CI, 0.571-1.009, P = 0.038). However, the ECMOnet and the score developed for externally retrieved ECMO patients failed to demonstrate significant discriminate power for the overall cohort. The PRESERVE model was unable to be evaluated fully since only one patient died six months postdischarge. CONCLUSIONS: The RESP, APCHAE II, and SOFA scorings systems show good predictive value for intra-hospital survival of ARDS patients treated with ECMO in our single-center evaluation. Future validation should include a larger study with either more patients' data at single-center or by integration of domestic multi-center data. Development of a scoring system with national characteristics might be warranted.

[Total nasal reconstruction with total rib cartilage framework].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new technique for nasal reconstruction with total rib cartilage framework. METHODS: The expanded frontal flap was fabricated by skin expansion and flap delay to cover the reconstructed nose. The dorsal flap was reversed as the lining of reconstructed nose. The whole framework was made by rib cartilage. Secondary revision operation was also performed to make the reconstructed nose more natural. RESULTS: Total nasal reconstruction was performed successfully in 37 cases. Each patient underwent 4-7 operation during a period of 6-8 months. 32 patients were followed up for 12-24 months. The reconstructed nose had a natural skin color and symmetric appearance with good ventilation and less scar. Both doctors and patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory cosmetic result and ventilation function can be achieved by nasal reconstruction with total rib cartilage framework.

[Correction of secondary nasal deformity of cleft lip with autogenous costal cartilage framework].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correction of secondary nasal deformity of cleft lip with autogenous costal cartilage framework. METHODS: 237 cases with secondary nasal deformity of unilateral cleft lip were treated. The rib cartilage was harvested through a mini-invasive incision, and was fabricated as a C-shaped framework, as well as some cartilage fragments. Through transcolumella incision, the C-shaped framework was implanted to support the depressed alar and the cartilage fragments were used to augment the nasal base. RESULTS: Satisfactory cosmetic and functional results were achieved in all the patients with primary healing. 93 patients were followed up one year after operation with good cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous costal cartilage framework can be used for the correction of secondary nasal deformity of cleft lip with satisfactory results.

[Closure of cystic cavity-type bedsore by subcutaneous undermining dissection with continuous negative pressure drainage].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of subcutaneous undermining dissection with continuous negative pressure drainage for the closure of cystic cavity-type bedsore. METHODS: 12 patients with cystic cavity-type bedsore underwent surgical debridement and the wounds were closed after subcutaneous undermining dissection. The negative pressure drainage was put in the deep space. The healing process was observed. RESULTS: Completed healing was achieved in all the 12 cases. The skin wounds healed after 17-20 days and the deep spaces closed after 36-43 days. 12 cases were followed up for 1 year with no occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: It is an easy and effective method to treat cystic cavity -type bedsore by subcutaneous undermining dissection with continuous negative pressure drainage.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma of the retro peritoneum.

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS), also called Alveolar Soft-Tissue Sarcoma, is a rare type of soft-tissue neoplasm with a poor long term prognosis. Such tumors originating in the retro peritoneal space are extremely rare. In this article we discuss a 34-year-old woman who was referred to our hospital with an increasing mass in her left lower abdomen. Ultrasonography and conventional Computed Tomography revealed a large hard mass occupying the left retroperitoneal space with a clear border. The pathological diagnosis was ASPS.

[Oxidative damages of long-term exposure to low level fullerenes (C60) in Carassius auratus].

To determine the potential effects of fullerenes (C60) on aquatic organism, larval Carassius auratus was exposed to low level C60 (0.04-1.0 mg x L(-1)) for 32 days. Then the oxidative damages in brain, liver and gill tissue of larval Carassius auratus were measured. The results showed that: compared to the control, the reduced glutathione (GSH) contents in all different tissues decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and the most serious inhibition of GSH with a 14.3% inhibition rate was found in the gill tissue of larval crucian exposed to 1 mg x L(-1) C60 aqueous suspension; whereas the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver tissue, Na+ -K+ -ATPase activities in gill tissue were stimulated significantly (p < 0.05), and the maximal activity of them were 121.34% (exposed to 0.04 mg x L(-1) C60 aqueous suspension), 114.80% (exposed to 0.04 mg x L(-1) C60 aqueous suspension) and 348.59% (exposed to 0.20 mg x L(-1) C60 aqueous suspension) respectively than that of control. The experiment results indicated that oxidative damages induced by long-term exposure might play a role in the bio-toxicity of C60 to larval crucian.

[A clinical study of flap necrosis protection with dexamethasone].

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study was to find an effective method to prevent flap from necrosis. METHODS: When a flap showed blood flow problems, dexamethasone of 0.3 mg/kg was given intravenously for 2 days. Then the dose was decreased to 0.2 mg/kg at the third and the fourth day. At the fifth and the sixth day, dexamethasone of 0.1 mg/kg was given. RESULTS: A total of 51 flaps with blood flow problems was treated with this method. Thirty of them recovered completely; 18 survived mostly and 3 failed. CONCLUSION: Early application of dexamethasone can effectively ameliorate blood flow problems of the flap.