Factors associated with disease relapse rate in the Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a group of demyelinating diseases of the nervous system with high relapse rate and high disability rate without treatment, and we aimed to explore the influencing factors related to the recurrence of NMOSD and provide basis for clinical treatment in this study. METHODS: Referring to the diagnostic criteria for NMOSD issued in 2015, 259 patients were enrolled. Clinical information, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum analysis results, brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment details, and prognosis were all recorded. RESULTS: 176 (68.00%) participants were found to be AQP4 Ab-positive in serum or CSF, and the relapse rate was 36.67% (95/259). These 259 individuals were separated into two groups: non-release (n = 164) and relapse (n = 95). In terms of EDSS scores at onset, EDSS score after treatment, lesion location, serum creatinine (Cr) and treatment strategy, there were statistical differences between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed five predictors for recurrence of NMOSD patients within two years: EDSS scores at onset, transverse myelitis, brain/brainstem, Cr, and Rituximab/immunosuppressants. CONCLUSION: It is essential to explore the risk factors related to recurrence and prevent them to reduce the risk of disability and improve the prognosis, and the recurrence rate of NMOSD may be affected by several factors.

Severe lung injury induced by CD38 monoclonal antibody Daratumumab and bortezomib-containing regimen in a patient with preexisting interstitial lung disease: a case report and literature review.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Daratumumab, an anti-CD38 monoclonalantibody, is a safe and effective antibody used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), which is rarely reported to cause severe pulmonary complications. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old man diagnosed with MM and preexisting interstitial lung disease developed a high fever and severe dyspnea after administering Daratumumab and bortezomib-containing regimen. Chest CT showed bilaterally and diffused ground-glass opacities and consolidations. A quick improvement was achieved in both clinical symptoms and chest imaging findings through the administration of large doses of methylprednisolone, followed by oral prednisolone. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is the first case reporting Daratumumab and bortezomib-containing regimen-induced lung injury characterized by preexisting interstitial lung disease.

[Risk factors for metabolic bone disease of prematurity in very/extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter investigation in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors for metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) in very low birth weight/extremely low birth weight (VLBW/ELBW) infants. METHODS: The medical data of 61 786 neonates from multiple centers of China between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2016 were retrospectively investigated, including 504 VLBW/ELBW preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria. Among the 504 infants, 108 infants diagnosed with MBDP were enrolled as the MBDP group and the remaining 396 infants were enrolled as the non-MBDP group. The two groups were compared in terms of general information of mothers and preterm infants, major diseases during hospitalization, nutritional support strategies, and other treatment conditions. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for MBDP. RESULTS: The incidence rate of MBDP was 19.4% (88/452) in VLBW preterm infants and 38.5% (20/52) in ELBW preterm infants. The incidence rate of MBDP was 21.7% in preterm infants with a gestational age of < 32 weeks and 45.5% in those with a gestational age of < 28 weeks. The univariate analysis showed that compared with the non-MBDP group, the MBDP group had significantly lower gestational age and birth weight, a significantly longer length of hospital stay, and a significantly higher incidence rate of extrauterine growth retardation (P < 0.05). Compared with the non-MBDP group, the MBDP group had significantly higher incidence rates of neonatal sepsis, anemia, hypocalcemia, and retinopathy of prematurity (P < 0.05). The MBDP group had a significantly lower mean feeding speed, a significantly higher age when reaching total enteral feeding, and a significantly longer duration of parenteral nutrition (P < 0.05). The use rate of caffeine citrate in the MBDP group was significantly higher, but the use rate of erythropoietin was significantly lower than that in the non-MBDP group (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age < 32 weeks, hypocalcemia, extrauterine growth retardation at discharge, and neonatal sepsis were risk factors for MBDP (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A lower gestational age, hypocalcemia, extrauterine growth retardation at discharge, and neonatal sepsis may be associated an increased risk of MBDP in VLBW/ELBW preterm infants. It is necessary to strengthen perinatal healthcare, avoid premature delivery, improve the awareness of the prevention and treatment of MBDP among neonatal pediatricians, and adopt positive and reasonable nutrition strategies and comprehensive management measures for preterm infants.

Identification of Transgenic Soybean Varieties Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Transgenic technology has enormous significance in increasing food production, protecting biodiversity and reducing the use of chemical pesticides and so on. However, there may be some security risks; therefore, research on genetically modified crop identification technology is attracting more and more attention. Mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with feature extraction methods were used to investigate the feasibility of identifying different kinds of transgenic soybeans in the wavelength range of 3 818～734 cm-1. For this purpose, partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was employed as pattern recognition methods to classify three non-GMO parent soybeans(HC6, JACK and W82)and their transgenic soybeans. The results of the calibration set were 96.67%, 96.67% and 83.33% for three non-GMO parent soybeans and their transgenic soybeans, and the results of the prediction set were 83.33%, 85% and 85%. X-loading weights, variable importance in the projection (VIP) algorithm and second derivative (2-Der) algorithm were applied to select sensitive wavenumbers. The sensitive wavelengths selected with x-loading weights were used to build PLS-DA model, the classification accuracy of the calibration set were 91.11%, 91.67% and 81.67%, and the results of the prediction set were 80%, 80% and 75%. By using the VIP algorithm, the classification accuracy of the calibration set were 94.44%, 95% and 76.67%, and the results of the prediction set were 80%, 85% and 75%. By using the 2-Der algorithm, the classification accuracy of the calibration set were 88.89%, 81.67% and 80%, and the results of the prediction set were 76.67%, 75% and 75%. Principal components analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) were applied to extract feature information. The principal components were combined with PLS-DA model. The classification accuracy of the calibration set were 96.67%, 90% and 80%, and the results of the prediction set were 80%, 90% and 80%. The independent components were combined with PLS-DA model. The classification accuracy of the calibration set were 93.33%, 83.33% and 83.33% while the results of the prediction set were 83.33%, 75% and 75%. The overall results indicated that mid-infrared spectroscopy could accurately identify the varieties of the non-GMO parent soybeans, which provided a new idea for nondestructive testing of transgenic soybeans. Feature extraction methods could be used to build more concise models and reduce the amount of program operations combined with sensitive wavenumbers selection methods.

[Reversion Mechanism Study of PESV to Multidrug Resistance at Leukemia Stem Cell Level].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of peptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) to multidrug resistance (MDR) of leukemic stem cell (LSC) in vivo. METHODS: K562/A02 cells were cultured and collected in the logarithmic phase. K562/A02 stem cells were screened using immunomagnetic beads for reserve. K562/A02 LSC was injected to 5 of 40 BABL/c nude mice for preparing subcutaneous tumor. The rest 35 nude mice were then randomly divided into 7 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the Adriamycin (ADM) group, the PESV group, the ADM +high dose PESV group, the ADM + middle dose PESV group, the ADM +low dose PESV group, 5 in each group. Tumor tissue was embedded in all groups except the normal control group. One milliliter normal saline was peritoneally injected to mice in the model group after modeling, once per day. ADM 0. 05 mg was peritoneally injected to mice in the ADM group, once per other day. PESV 2 µg was peritoneally injected to mice in the PESV group, once per day. Mice in 3 ADM + PESV groups were peritoneally injected with ADM 0. 05 mg (once per other day) plus PESV (5, 2, and 1 µg respectively, once per day). All medication lasted for 14 days. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was detected using flow cytometry. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and mRNA expression of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) were measured using RT-PCR. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) was detected using immunohistochemistry. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) was detected using Western blot. NF-κB content was detected using ELISA. RESULTS: CD34 + CD38-ratio was 31.5% and IC50 was (60.33 ± 10. 68) µg/mL before K562/A02 cells were screened with immunomagnetic beads, while they were 92. 8% and (58. 33 ±9. 72) µg/mL after screen. The tumor formation rate was 100% in modeling mice. Compared with the model group, no statistical difference of each index occurred in the ADM group (P <0. 05). There was statistical difference in BCRP, MDR1 mRNA, or NF-κB factor between the model group and the PESV group (P <0. 05). The expression level of P-gp obviously decreased and the protein expression of P13K was down-regulated in 3 ADM + PESV groups (P <0. 05); mRNA expression of BCRP decreased and mRNA ex- pression of MDR1 obviously increased in the ADM + high dose PESV group and the ADM + middle dose PESV group, with statistical difference (P <0. 05). Protein expression of P13K was down-regulated in the ADM+ high dose PESV group, with statistical difference (P <0. 05). P-gp value, BCRP mRNA expression, MDR1 mRNA expression, PI3K, and NF-κB factor were all obviously down-regulated in the ADM +high dose PESV group, as compared with the ADM group and the PESV group respectively (P <0. 05). There was no statistical difference in ALDH1 positive rate among all groups (P >0. 05). Conclusion PESV combined ADM could down-regulate expression levels of P-gp, BCRP, MDR1, P13K, and NF-κB, strengthen the sensitivity of K562/A02 LSC to ADM in vivo, and reverse MDR of LSC.

[Fast Identification of Transgenic Soybean Varieties Based Near Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Technology].

Near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology combined with chemometrics was applied for rapid and non-invasive transgenic soybeans variety identification. Three different non-GMO parent soybeans(HC6, JACK, TL1)and their transgenic soybeans were chosen as the research object. The developed hyperspectral imaging system was used to acquire the hyperspectral images in the spectral range of 874~1 734 nm with 256 bands of soybeans, and the reflectance spectra were extracted from the region of interest (ROI) in the images. After eliminating the obvious noises, the moving average(MA)was applied as smooth pretreatment, and the wavelengths from 941~1 646 nm were used for later analysis. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)was employed as pattern recognition method to class the three different non-GMO parent soybeans. The classification accuracy of both the calibration set and the prediction set were 97.50% and 100% for the HC6, 100% and 100% for the JACK, 96.25% and 92.50% for the TL1, which indicated that hyperspectral imaging technology could identify the varieties of the non-GMO parent soybeans. Then PLS-DA was applied to classify non-GMO parent soybean and its transgenic soybean cultivars for building discriminant models. For the full spectra, the classification accuracy of both the calibration set and the prediction set were 99.17% and 99.17% for the HC6 and its transgenic soybean cultivars, 87.19% and 81.25% for the JACK and its transgenic soybean cultivars, 99.17% and 98.33% for the TL1 and its transgenic soybean cultivars, respectively. The sensitive wavelengths were selected by x-loading weights, and the classification accuracy of the calibration set and prediction set of PLS-DA models based on sensitive wavelengths were 72.50% and 80% for the HC6 and its transgenic soybean cultivars, 80.63% and 79.38% for the JACK and its transgenic soybean cultivars, 85% and 85% for the TL1 and its transgenic soybean cultivars, respectively. These results showed that the pattern recognition for non-GMO parent soybean and their transgenic soybeans was feasible, and the selected sensitive wavelengths could be used for the pattern recognition of non-GMO parent soybeans and transgenic soybeans. The overall results indicated that it was feasible to use near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology for the pattern recognition of the non-GMO parent soybeans varieties, non-GMO parent soybean and its transgenic soybeans. This study also provided a new alternative for rapid and non-destructive accurate identification of transgenic soybean.

[Research of reversal effect of PESV to multi-drug resistance of leukemia stem cell].

Using the BALB/c mouse multidrug resistance model of leukemia, the effect of peptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) to the upstream signal factors of P-gp of MDR leukemia stem cells on the mouse tumor block was observed, and the mechanism of PESV to reverse the MDR of LSC was studied. At the same time, the expression of P-gp, MDR1 mRNA and PI3-K, NF-κB were respectively detected through flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blot and Elisa, and the mouse liver, spleen were examined via histopathological methods. The results of the experiment were as follows: mice of the control group didn't show any obvious changes, while mice of the other six groups all showed arched back, emaciation, liver swell, and inflammation was found in all liver tissue. The expression level of P-gp and PI3K on the LSC membrane of mouse tumor block was down-regulated; the expression of MDR1 mRNA in the cytoplasm was obviously down in the PESV low dose group, and which was inordinately up in the middle dose group and the high dose group. The expression level of NF-κB in the leukemia stem cell nucleus remarkably decreased. PESV had a outstanding role of down-regulating PI3K, NF-κb, MDR1 which were all upstream factors of P-gp, and to a certain degree enhanced the sensitivity of LSC to ADM. Therefore, this experiment explained one of the mighty mechanism of PESV to reverse MDR of LSC, and provided a foundation to further study of combinational anti-cancer effects of PESV.

Exploration of the complex origins of primary constipation.

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stools. It can significantly affect an individual's quality of life and overall well-being. Understanding the causes of constipation is important for its effective management and treatment. In this paper, we have reviewed the primary causes of constipation or functional constipation. Primary constipation is a bowel disorder associated with colonic or anorectal sensorimotor or neuromuscular dysfunction. As per the literature, it is multifactorial and involves factors such as decreased interstitial cells of Cajal, altered colonic motility, enteric nervous system dysfunction, intestinal flora disturbances, and psychological influences. Clinical symptoms include difficulty in defecation, decreased frequency of defecation, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. A comprehensive evaluation and management of constipation require an interdisciplinary approach incorporating dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and psychological interventions. Further research is imperative to explain the intricate mechanisms underlying constipation and develop targeted therapies for improved patient outcomes.

Clinical features and outcomes of leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 and contactin protein-like 2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis in a Chinese cohort.

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, epidemiological characteristics, and outcomes of Chinese patients with voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKC) antibody-associated encephalitis. Patients diagnosed with VGKC antibody-associated encephalitis at our institution between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in this study. We retrospectively evaluated their clinical features, auxiliary examination results, treatments details, long-term outcomes, and risk factors for poor outcome. Of the 91 included patients, 61 (67.78%) were men and 30 (32.97%) were women. The most common clinical symptoms were seizures (n = 63, 69.23%), memory deficits (n = 62, 68.13%), mental behavioral disorders (n = 29, 31.87%), and hyponatremia (n = 57, 62.64%). Although patients with anti- leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) (n = 76) and anti- contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) encephalitis (n = 15) had similar clinical manifestations, the former were more diverse. In total, 86 (94.51%) patients were treated with immunotherapy. Over a median follow-up period of 25 months, there were no mortalities and 14 (15.38%) patients experienced a relapse. Univariate analysis indicated differences in sex, modified Rankin Scale scores at onset, movement disorders, central hypoventilation, and intensive care unit occupancy between the good- and poor- outcome groups. Patients with anti-LGI1 and anti-CASPR2 encephalitis showed similar clinical manifestations while presenting delineating characteristics. Those with VGKC antibody-associated diseases generally responded well to immunotherapy and demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes. Several factors affected the prognosis, and a long-term follow-up examination is necessary.

Arthroscopic Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Tenotomy and Debridement Versus Debridement Alone for Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis: Clinical and MRI Evaluation.

Background: Arthroscopic debridement of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon is a widely accepted procedure used in refractory lateral epicondylitis. However, residual pain occurs in some patients. Purpose: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopic extended debridement (ECRB tenotomy and debridement) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis were consecutively recruited for this study. They underwent traditional ECRB debridement (control group) or extended ECRB debridement (ED group) under arthroscopy. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were used to compare elbow function between the groups at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also performed to evaluate pathology at 12 months. Results: A total of 69 patients participated in the study (33 patients in the ED group and 36 in the control group). After surgery, all patients showed improvement on all 3 outcome scores. Compared with the control group, the ED group had significantly better postoperative MEPS and VAS scores at 3 months (P ≤ .001 for both) and 6 months (P ≤ .03 for both) but similar values at 12 months. DASH scores between groups were similar at all time periods. At the 12-month follow-up, no patients in the ED group reported pain with strenuous work. Return-to-work (RTW) times were also shorter in the ED group compared with the controls (8 ± 4 vs 18 ± 8 weeks; P < .001). Postoperative MRI assessments revealed no high signal intensities on the lateral epicondyle in the ED group, while there was an increased internal signal intensity on the lateral epicondyle in 83% of the controls. Conclusion: Collectively, the extended ECRB debridement technique resulted in enhanced pain relief in the early postoperative period as well as providing faster RTW times compared with the traditional debridement technique. At 1 year follow-up, there were no differences in outcome measures between groups, but residual abnormal MRI findings were more common in the traditional debridement group.

Calprotectin and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin As Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly being seen in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is associated with higher short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to identify those ACS patients at risk for the development of AKI. The objective of this study was to evaluate two different plasma biomarkers calprotectin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in early detecting the development of AKI in ACS patients. METHODS: 172 ACS patients admitted to the Coronary Care Unit in Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital were prospectively enrolled. Their blood samples were obtained on admission and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the levels of novel biomarkers. The clinical data and biomarkers were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, 23 (13.4%) patients had a diagnosis of AKI. Statistical analysis demonstrated that in ACS patients with AKI, the following two biomarkers were significantly higher than these without AKI: plasma calprotectin (5942.26 ± 1955.88 ng/mL vs. 3210.29 ± 1833.60 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and plasma NGAL (164.91 ± 43.63 ng/mL vs. 122.48 ± 27.33 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Plasma calprotectin and NGAL could discriminate the development of AKI respectively with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.864 and 0.850. A combination of the two plasma biomarkers calprotectin and NGAL could early discriminate AKI in ACS patients with an AUC of 0.898. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a promising panel of plasma calprotectin and NGAL as early diagnostic biomarkers for AKI in ACS patients.

[Renal protective effects of benidipine and valsartan in primary hypertension patients with proteinuria].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the renal protective effects between calcium channel blocker benidipine and angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan in primary hypertension patients with proteinuria. METHODS: A total of 236 patients were divided to low (< 1 g/24 h) and high (1 - 3 g/24 h) proteinuria groups and treated with benidipine (8 mg/d) or valsartan (80 mg/d) for 48 weeks. Blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and 24 h protein were measured at baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. RESULTS: Blood pressure was significantly and equally reduced in all treated groups (all P < 0.05 vs. baseline). GFR was also significantly and equally improved in all treated groups after 24 weeks treatments (all P < 0.05 at 24 weeks and 48 weeks). Proteinuria reduction at 24 and 48 weeks was more significant in patients treated with valsartan compared to patients treated with benidipine in low proteinuria group [24 weeks: (0.27 +/- 0.07) g/24 h vs. (0.39 +/- 0.06) g/24 h, P < 0.01; 48 weeks: (0.18 +/- 0.01) g/24 h vs. (0.30 +/- 0.05) g/24 h, P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: The renal protection efficacy of valsartan and benidipine was similar in primary hypertensive patients with proteinuria.

Thermal Stability of Octadecyltrichlorosilane and Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane Monolayers on SiO2.

Using in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements, the thermal behavior of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and 1H, 1H, 2H, and 2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PTES) monolayers on SiO2 substrates has been investigated. OTS is thermally stable upto 573K with vacuum annealing, whereasPTES starts decomposing at a moderate temperature between 373 K and 423K. Vacuum annealing results in the decomposition of CF3 and CF2 species rather than desorption of the entire PTES molecule. In addition, our UPS results reveal that the work function (WF)of OTS remains the same after annealing; however WF of PTES decreases from ~5.62 eV to ~5.16 eV after annealing at 573K.

Diatom-based water-table reconstruction in Sphagnum peatlands of northeastern China.

Peatlands are important ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, global carbon cycling and water storage. Hydrological changes due to climate variability have accelerated the degradation of global and regional ecosystem services of peatlands. Diatoms are important producers and bioindicators in wetlands, but comprehensive diatom-based inference models for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction in peatlands are scarce. To explore the use of diatoms for investigating peatland hydrological change, this study established a training set consisting of diatom composition and twelve environmental factors from 105 surface samples collected from five Sphagnum peatlands in northeastern China. Diatom communities were dominated by Eunotia species. Ordination analyses showed that depth to the water table (DWT) was the most important factor influencing diatom distribution, independently accounting for 4.99% of total variance in diatom data. Accordingly, a diatom-based DWT transfer function was developed and thoroughly tested. The results revealed that the best-performing model was based on weighted averaging with inverse deshrinking (R2 = 0.66, RMSEP = 8.8 cm with leave-one-out cross validation). Quantitative reconstruction of DWT on a short peat core collected from the Aershan Peatland (Inner Mongolia) recorded climate-mediated hydrological changes over the last two centuries. This study presents the first diatom-water table transfer function in Sphagnum peatlands, and highlights the potential of diatoms as a powerful tool to assess the magnitude of past hydrological changes in peatlands of northeastern China, as well as similar peaty environments worldwide.

[Effect of combined therapy with bailing capsule and benazepril on urinary albumin excretion rate and C-reactive protein in patients with early diabetic nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of combined therapy with Bailing Capsule (BC) and benazepril on the levels of urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for exploring its protective effect on early diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Sixty patients with early diabetic nephropathy were randomly assigned to the control group treated by benazepril alone, and the treated group treated by BC and benazepril, and the treatment lasted for 16 weeks. The changes of UAER and CRP levels were measured to estimate the protective effect of the combined therapy. RESULTS: Levels of 24h urinary protein, UAER, CRP were (0.85 +/- 0.32) g/24 h, (83.34 +/- 38.27) microg/min, (2.67 +/- 1.72) mg/L before treatment in the control group, and (0.43 +/- 0.17) g/24 h, (71.22 +/- 31.12) microg/min, (1.05 +/- 0.78) mg/L after treatment and they were (0.87 +/- 0.31) g/24 h, (81.59 +/- 35.69) microg/min, (2.55 +/- 1.66) mg/L before treatment in treated group, and (0.25 +/- 0.29) g/24 h, (57.32 +/- 31.11) microg/min, (0.49 +/- 0.38) mg/L after treatment respectively, all of them decreased after treatment in both groups, showing significant differences as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05, P< 0.01), and the reduction in the treated group was more significant (P<0.01); meanwhile, levels of serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c had somewhat decrease, showing no statistical difference with those before treatment (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined use of BC and benazepril could significantly lower the UAER and CRP levels in patients with early diabetic nephropathy to alleviate the renal impairment, showing an effect better than that of using benazepril alone.

[Line intensities of upsilon2 perpendicular band and the change of intensities with temperature for H12C14N].

The total internal partition sums (TIPS) were calculated for H12C14N with the product approximation. For rotational partition sums Q(rot), the centrifugal distortion corrections were taken into account. The calculation method for the vibrational partition sums Q(vib) is the harmonic oscillator approximation. The line intensities of upsilon2 perpendicular band (0110-0000 transition) of H12C14N were calculated at normal temperatures and several high temperatures by using the calculated partition functions and experimental transition moment squared and Herman-Waills factor coefficients. Results showed that our line intensities data at 296 and 3 000 K are in excellent agreement with the data in HITRAN, which provide a strong support for the calculations of partition function and line intensity at high temperature. Thereby, the line intensities and spectral simulations of upsilon2 perpendicular band at the higher temperatures 4 000 and 5 000 K were presented and the chang in line intensities with the temperature was discussed. For those transitions corresponding to rotational quantum number J > or = 32 (including P, Q and R branch), the line intensities increase when temperature gradually increase from 296 K. The line intensities are up to the largest at around 1000 K and then weaken rapidly. For J < 32 (also including P, Q and R branch), the line intensities are the largest at 296 K and then weaken rapidly as temperature gradually increase.

Apigenin suppresses mouse peritoneal fibrosis by down-regulating miR34a expression.

Peritoneal fibrosis is a severe side-effect of chronic peritoneal dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease, but not enough effective therapeutic drugs are currently available in clinics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of apigenin and miRNA on the progression of peritoneal fibrosis. We treated isolated mouse mesothelial peritoneal cells (MMCs) with high glucose (HG), to induce fibrosis. We used qRT-PCR and Western blotting to measure the expressions of multiple epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers, like E-cadherin, transcription termination factor (TTF), N-cadherin and vimentin, as well as several apoptosis and autophagy biomarkers. We determined the IC50 of apigenin on MMC fibrosis. We also used qRT-PCR to assess the expressions of miRNAs in MMC fibrosis. In addition, we by used the CCK8 assay, Hoechest staining and flow cytometry, to measure cell viability and proliferation rates. We successfully induced fibrosis using high glucose (HG) treatment in MMCs. This was further validated by the observed changes in E-cadherin, TTF, N-cadherin and vimentin expression levels. We also observed highly elevated expression levels of miR34a during HG-induced MMC fibrosis. Apigenin treatment induced a significant decrease in miR34a expression levels in HG-treated MMCs. Moreover, both apigenin treatment and miR34a depletion, as well as their combination, significantly promoted proliferation and suppressed apoptosis of MMCs treated with high glucose. This was accompanied with a corresponding alteration in expressions of EMT, apoptosis and autophagy biomarkers. In summary, apigenin effectively inhibits mouse mesothelial peritoneal cell fibrosis induced by high glucose, and this is, at least partially mediated by the suppression of miR34a expression.

[Spectrum studies of ignition characteristic in quick reaction of benzene].

A new optical spectroscopy system consisting of a monochromator, photomultiplier tubes (PMT), piezoelectric pressure sensor and digital phosphor oscilloscope was established to study spectrum and ignition delay time of benzene in quick reaction in a high temperature shock tube. A new method of determining ignition delay time of energetic materials behind incident shock wave is proposed. Several important products, such as H, C2 and CH, were determined in sequence of emergence time. The reaction mechanism of formation of carbon was introduced when benzene was driven under shock compression. The results indicate that in spite of the variety of Mach number, atom H always emerged first, indicating that the pyrolysis of benzene started with C-H bond instead of C-C bond. The results show that applying spectrum techniques can preferably study the ignition characteristic of benzene in quick reaction. Measuring ignition delay time by means of a prior emerged intermediate product (atom H) is more accurate than that with white color technique widely used home and abroad, and furthermore, can obviously reduce the times of experiment.

Yi-qi-yang-yin-tang increases the sensitivity of KG1a leukemia stem cells to daunorubicin by promoting cell cycle progression and regulating the expression of PTEN, TOPOII and mTOR.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of serum containing a combination of yi-qi-yang-yin-tang (YQYYT) and daunorubicin (DNR) on multidrug resistance in KG1a leukemia stem cells (LSCs). The effects of YQYYT and DNR on proliferation, cell cycle progression and the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), topoisomerase II (Topo II) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in KG1a cells were investigated in vitro using cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. It was revealed that YQYYT-containing serum did not affect proliferation of KG1a cells compared with the blank group. Furthermore, there were no significant differences on the inhibition of proliferation among different groups at various concentrations of YQYYT. Treatment with YQYYT-containing serum (volume, 20 and 40 µl) and DNR was able to significantly inhibit the proliferation of KG1a cells compared with the blank group. The inhibition rate in the treatment group with YQYYT-containing serum (40 µl) and DNR for 48 h (72.5%) was higher compared with treatment for 24 h (60.4%, P<0.01). Treatment with YQYYT-containing serum was able to promote G0 phase of KG1a cells into cell cycle in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of PTEN and Topo II, but did not affect mTOR expression compared with the blank group. Treatment with serum containing YQYYT alone did not directly affect the proliferation of KG1a cells, but when the cells were treated with a combination of YQYYT-containing serum and DNR, the proliferation of KG1a cells was significantly inhibited in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with YQYYT-containing serum was able to promote cell cycle progression of KG1a cells in the G0 phase and upregulate the expression of the negative regulatory genes PTEN and Topo II. These results indicated the potential of YQYYT to reverse multidrug resistance in LSCs.