Effectiveness of bone grafting versus cannulated screw fixation in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau compression fractures with concomitant ACL injury: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Posterolateral tibial plateau compression fractures (PTPCF) are one of the significant factors leading to knee instability and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure. The effectiveness of fixation for such cases without the use of metal implants remains inconclusive. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the fixation with isolated bone grafting is stable enough for the treatment of PTPCF with concomitant ACL injuries. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients treated for concomitant ACL injuries and PTPCF in authors' institution. A total of 53 patients (21 males and 32 females) with an average age of 47.43 ± 14.71 years were included. Patient data were collected, including factors leading to injury, affected side, height, weight, and basic medical history. The posterior inclination angle and the lateral tibial plateau lateral inclination angle were measured to evaluate the fixation stability. Rasmussen functional score and HSS score were used to assess the knee functional recovery. RESULTS: The bone grafting group achieved satisfactory levels of Rasmussen score (28.22 ± 0.85) and HSS knee joint function scores (95.57 ± 1.97). The cannulated screw fixation group had a Rasmussen knee joint function score of 28.70 ± 0.92 and a HSS knee joint function score of 96.07 ± 1.93. No statistically significant difference was found (P > 0.05). The cannulated screw fixation group had a mean posterior inclination angle reduction loss of 0.20° ± 1.11°, while the bone grafting group had a reduction loss of 0.18° ± 1.01°, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The cannulated screw fixation group had a lateral inclination angle reduction loss of 0.01° ± 0.37°, and the bone grafting group had a reduction loss of 0.03° ± 0.43°, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of bone grafting for fixation of PTPCF with accompanying ACL injuries demonstrated no substantial disparities in knee joint function. In cases of simple PTPCF, filling and compacting the bone defect underneath the tibial plateau fracture fragment can yield satisfactory fixation, obviating the necessity for supplementary cannulate screw fixation.

Modified arthroscopic tenotomy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis for refractory lateral epicondylitis: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Different arthroscopic techniques exist for managing the extensor carpi radials brevis (ECRB) when treating refractory lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of a standard arthroscopic débridement with ECRB tendon release to an arthroscopic ECRB tenotomy distal to its insertion without débridement using a retrospective cohort study design. METHODS: This study included patients underwent arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis during 2 different time periods: 2016-2019 (débridement) and 2019-2021 (modified tenotomy without débridement). Patients were assessed preoperatively and at the last follow-up with Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Visual Analog Scale of pain. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients completed the follow-up (38 in the débridement group and 31 in the tenotomy group). Patients in both groups showed significant improvements were found in MEPS, DASH, and Visual Analog Scale after surgery. Patients in the tenotomy group had higher MEPSs and reported less pain with a minimum 2 year follow-up after surgery. DASH scores between groups were similar at all time periods. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic modified tenotomy of the ECRB without débridement improves function and pain significantly for patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis, which is not inferior to arthroscopic débridement technique.

Radar remote sensing reveals potential underestimation of rainfall erosivity at the global scale.

Rainfall kinetic energy (RKE) constitutes one of the most critical factors that drive rainfall erosivity on surface soil. Direct measurements of RKE are limited, relying instead on the empirical relations between kinetic energy and rainfall intensity (KE-I relation), which have not been well regionalized for data-scarce regions. Here, we present the first global rainfall microphysics-based RKE (RKEMPH) flux retrieved from radar reflectivity at different frequencies. The results suggest that RKEMPH flux outperforms the RKE estimates derived from a widely used empirical KE-I relation (RKEKE-I) validated using ground disdrometers. We found a potentially widespread underestimation of RKEKE-I, which is especially prominent in some low-income countries with ~20% underestimation of RKE and the resultant rainfall erosivity. Given the evidence that these countries are subject to greater rainfall-induced soil erosion, these underestimations would mislead conservation practices for sustainable development of terrestrial ecosystems.

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament in skeletally immature patients using the modified sling procedure: a novel technique for MPFL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Patellar dislocation is common in young people. Although isolated anatomic double-bundle reconstruction of the MPFL is a common and effective surgical treatment for patellofemoral instability, concerns about the risk of injury to the epiphysis remain. METHODS: A total of 21 children and adolescents (9 males, 12 females; mean age: 10.7 years; range: 8 to 13 years) with recurrent patella dislocation or symptomatic instability following a primary dislocation were enrolled in the study. In all patients, double-bundle medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and femoral sling procedure were performed under arthroscopy, using an anterior half peroneus longus tendon (AHPLT) autograft. Functional outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and during follow-ups based on Kujala and Lysholm scores. Radiological examinations including radiographs, 3D-CT, and MRI were performed pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: Among two-year postoperative follow-up (range: 24-42 months) showed significant improvement in functional scores (p < 0.01). The Lysholm score increased from 68 (44.5) to 100 (0) and the Kujala score increased from 26 (34.5) to 100 (2) The patellar tilt angel improved significantly (p < 0.01) from 24.3° ± 10.4 preoperatively to 11.9° ± 7.0 postoperatively. MRIs performed 6- and 12-months post operation did not show any signs of dysfunction of the reconstructed MPFL or cartilage degeneration. STUDY DESIGN: Case Series; Level of evidence, 4. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic reconstruction of the MPFL using the modified sling procedure is an effective procedure for the treatment of patellar instability in skeletally immature patients.

Central projections of auditory nerve fibers in the western rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus).

Despite the absence of tympanic middle ears, snakes can hear. They are thought to primarily detect substrate vibration via connections between the lower jaw and the inner ear. We used the western rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) to determine how vibration is processed in the brain. We measured vibration-evoked potential recordings to reveal sensitivity to low-frequency vibrations. We then used tract tracing combined with immunohistochemistry and Nissl staining to describe the central projections of the papillar branch of the VIIIth nerve. Applications of biotinylated dextran amine to the basilar papilla (homologous to the organ of Corti of mammals) labeled bouton-like terminals in two first-order cochlear nuclei, a rostrolateral nucleus angularis (NA) and a caudomedial nucleus magnocellularis (NM). NA formed a distinct dorsal eminence, consisted of heterogenous cell types, and was parvalbumin positive. NM was smaller and poorly separated from the surrounding vestibular nuclei. NM was distinguished by positive calbindin label and included fusiform and round cells. Thus, the atympanate western rat snake shares similar first-order projections to tympanate reptiles. Auditory pathways may be used for detecting vibration, not only in snakes but also potentially in atympanate early tetrapods.

Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy for the treatment of port-wine stain: A multicenter, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hemoporfin-mediated photodynamic therapy (Hemoporfin-PDT) has been approved for port-wine stain (PWS) in China in 2017. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Hemoporfin-PDT for PWS in a real life setting and investigated factors that influence the efficacy. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study included patients with PWS who underwent Hemoporfin-PDT in 29 hospitals across China and completed at least two months of follow-up. The efficacy was evaluated based on patien photographs. RESULTS: A total of 1679 patients were included. After the first and second sessions of Hemoporfin-PDT, 63.5 and 75.3% of patients responded, respectively. The response rate of purple-type PWS was significantly lower than that of pink-type PWS (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.94, P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between thick- and pink-type (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.42-1.22, P > 0.05). The response rate of PWS on the limbs was significantly lower than that on the mid-face (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.23-0.53, P < 0.0001), while no significant difference was observed between PWS on the peripheral part of the face, neck or other parts of the body and PWS on the mid-face (P > 0.05). The response rate was lower in male patients with an age > 3 years or ≤ 6 years (P < 0.05). Previous treatment history did not affect the efficacy (P > 0.05). Hemoporfin-PDT was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Patients with PWS have a good response and good tolerance to Hemoporfin-PDT.

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of 5,569 Pediatric Burns in Central China From 2013 to 2019.

Background: Pediatric burns of all the ages are prevalent worldwide, posing a severe health risk to children. This study aims to examine pediatric burns' clinical characteristics and epidemiology in central China. Methods: The pediatric patients of the Burn Research Center, Department of the First People's Hospital of Zhengzhou City from 2013 to 2019 were retrospectively studied and the relevant data were collected from the hospitalized medical records [e.g., demographic, etiology, length of stay (LOS), age, gender, burn area and depth, number of surgeries, cost, and outcome]. Results: A total of 5,569 pediatric burn patients were included, accounting for 43.9% of the total burn population. Electric burns represented a relatively small proportion (1.17%) but were more likely to lead to disabilities or death than scalds (90.63%) and flames (5.12%). The median age was 2 years [interquartile range (IQR): 1-4] and the boys/girls ratio ranged from 1.3:1 to 1.6:1. The most commonly burnt anatomic sites were the limbs (38.3%), with a median %TBSA (total body surface area) of 6 (IQR: 4-10). The complications of shock and pneumonia accounted for 7.6 and 19.2%, respectively. The peak months of pediatric burns included January, May, and August and the rural/urban ratio reached 1.61:1. The percentage of burn wounds treated surgically increased considerably from 2013 to 2019 (3.8 vs. 37.8%). The median hospital LOS was 15 days (IQR: 8-28 days), with the three high-risk factors (e.g., more surgeries, more %TBSA, full-thickness skin burns). The median cost of hospitalization was 1,511 USD (IQR: 848-2,648 USD) and the main risk factors consisted of full-thickness burns, more %TBSA, longer LOS, and more surgical procedures. Among all the patients, LA50 was 78.63% (95% CI = 75.12-83.45) and the overall mortality reached 0.1% since seven deaths were recorded. Conclusion: Scalds, flames, contact, and chemicals are the main causes of burns among children aged 1-5 years in central China. Accordingly, various prevention strategies should be employed depending upon the cause of the burn.

The Applications of Metabolic Glycoengineering.

Mammalian cell membranes are decorated by the glycocalyx, which offer versatile means of generating biochemical signals. By manipulating the set of glycans displayed on cell surface, it is vital for gaining insight into the cellular behavior modulation and medical and biotechnological adhibition. Although genetic engineering is proven to be an effective approach for cell surface modification, the technique is only suitable for natural and genetically encoded molecules. To circumvent these limitations, non-genetic approaches are developed for modifying cell surfaces with unnatural but functional groups. Here, we review latest development of metabolic glycoengineering (MGE), which enriches the chemical functions of the cell surface and is becoming an intriguing new tool for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Particular emphasis of this review is placed on discussing current applications and perspectives of MGE.

Arthroscopic Lesser Trochanter Osteoplasty, Quadratus Femoris Debridement, and Sciatic Neurolysis via Posterior Approach for Ischiofemoral Impingement.

Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI) syndrome is considered the narrowing of the ischiofemoral space (IFS), leading to pathological changes in the quadratus femoris and sciatic nerve, causing posterior hip and sciatica-like pain. Open or arthroscopic resection of the lesser trochanter to enlarge the IFS is the main surgical procedure. However, there is a lack of research on isolated IFI, and currently known surgical procedures are at risk of weakening the flexion strength of the hip joint. In this study, four patients, who were diagnosed with isolated IFI and had undergone arthroscopic treatment with partial resection of the lesser trochanter, debridement of the quadratus femoris, and decompression of the sciatic nerve, were reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the management of IFI using a series of surgical procedures via a posterior approach as an effective treatment option. The outcomes of this study broadened the strategies for IFI management.

Metal organic framework-templated fabrication of exposed surface defect-enriched Co3O4 catalysts for efficient toluene oxidation.

Exposed surface defect-enriched Co3O4 catalysts derived from metal organic framework (MOF) were fabricated by the promotion of surface Mn species for toluene oxidation. The incorporation of Mn species into Co3O4 surface lattice could give rise to the local lattice distortion in spinel structure, resulting in highly exposed surface defect rather than bulk defect. More Co3+ species were also exposed on the surface of MnOx/Co3O4 samples owing to the electron transfer from Co to Mn species by the occupation of surface Mn in octahedral Co3+ sites. Accordingly, the low-temperature reducibility and high mobility of lattice oxygen were significantly improved in virtue of the highly exposed surface defect and predominately surface Co3+ sites, thus promoting the catalytic activity and stability for toluene oxidation. Moreover, the toluene conversion decreased with the increase of weight hourly space velocity (WHSV). In situ DRIFTS results confirmed the continuous oxidation process for toluene degradation, and the conversion of benzoate into maleic anhydride should be the rate-controlling step.

Circ_PRKDC knockdown promotes skin wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte migration via miR-31/FBN1 axis.

Circular RNA protein kinase, DNA-activated, catalytic subunit (circ_PRKDC) has been found to impede wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers via regulating keratinocyte proliferation and migration. However, the mechanisms underlying circ_PRKDC in skin wound healing remain unclear. The expression of circ_PRKDC, microRNA (miR)-31 and fibrillin 1 (FBN1) was detected using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. The migration ability and the changes of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and MMP2 levels were determined using wound healing, transwell and Western blot assays. The interaction between miR-31 and circ_PRKDC or FBN1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of circ_PRKDC was gradually down-regulated in wound edge at 1 and 7 days after injury relative to the unwounded skin. In human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa), knockdown of circ_PRKDC promoted cell migration partly through up-regulating MMP-2 and MMP9, while circ_PRKDC overexpression showed opposite effects. In a mechanical study, we confirmed that miR-31 was a target of circ_PRKDC, and inhibition of miR-31 reversed the promotive effect of circ_PRKDC knockdown on HEKa migration. Besides that, miR-31 was verified to target FBN1, and ectopic overexpression of miR-31 accelerated HEKa migration via FBN1. Importantly, we also demonstrated that FBN1 overexpression attenuated the effects of circ_PRKDC knockdown on HEKa migration. In all, circ_PRKDC knockdown promoted HEKa migration during wound healing through miR-31/FBN1 axis, suggesting the therapeutic potential for circ_PRKDC on skin wound healing.

Insight-HXMT observations of jet-like corona in a black hole X-ray binary MAXI J1820+070.

A black hole X-ray binary produces hard X-ray radiation from its corona and disk when the accreting matter heats up. During an outburst, the disk and corona co-evolves with each other. However, such an evolution is still unclear in both its geometry and dynamics. Here we report the unusual decrease of the reflection fraction in MAXI J1820+070, which is the ratio of the coronal intensity illuminating the disk to the coronal intensity reaching the observer, as the corona is observed to contrast during the decay phase. We postulate a jet-like corona model, in which the corona can be understood as a standing shock where the material flowing through. In this dynamical scenario, the decrease of the reflection fraction is a signature of the corona's bulk velocity. Our findings suggest that as the corona is observed to get closer to the black hole, the coronal material might be outflowing faster.

Early Efficacy Assessment of Arthroscopic Lower Trapezius Transfer With Tendon Autograft in the Management of Massive Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears.

Objectives: To explore the indications and surgical techniques for arthroscopic lower trapezius transfer (LTT) with tendon autograft in managing massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (PSRCTs); to validate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this technique. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 23 patients with massive irreparable PSRCTs, admitted to and followed up by the Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang province between July 2020 and April 2021, and treated with ipsilateral LTT and ipsilateral hamstring tendon autograft. The control group consisted of 23 patients with massive RCTs receiving conventional repair procedures within the same frame. Follow-up data at the preoperative visit, and postoperative month 3 were collected to assess the active range of motion, Constant-Murley Score (CMS),American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)shoulder score, visual analog scale (VAS)and the post-operative MRI results, all of which could provide a comprehensive postoperative early efficacy assessment. Results: Three months follow-up visits were completed for all patients, revealing improvements in all aspects compared to the preoperative state, with no complications, such as postoperative infection of surgical sites and nerve injuries of infection and nerve injury. The distribution of active shoulder range of motion of patients and function scores with two types of operation was as follow: angles of flexion and lifting (130.00° ± 31.55° vs. 90.78° ± 19.85°), abduction (123.26° ± 30.47°vs. 85.87° ± 18.74°), external rotation at side (101.74° ± 14.74° vs. 91.74° ± 11.92°), external rotation at 90° abduction (41.52° ± 21.97° vs. 24.57° ±12.60°), VAS (0.74± 0.81 vs. 1.87 ±0.87), CMS(56.3 ± 13.01 vs. 48.30 ± 8.38), UCLA shoulder score (24.04 ± 2.88 vs.20.96 ± 3.47), ASES (72.91 ± 9.99 vs.60.74 ± 8.84). Significantly better improvements were found in the study group on month 3.19 of 23 patients in the study group and 17 of 23 patients in the control group underwent MRI on the 3 months follow up. Retear was found in only one patient who had grade 4 subscapularis tendon injury, However, revision was not performed due to postoperative pain relief and functional improvement. Conclusion: Compared to conventional repair procedures, in the early postoperative period, LTT with tendon autograft could achieve better pain relief, more rapid motor functional recovery, and higher functional scores for massive irreparable PSRCTs.

Stacking of micro-aperture arrays: A new strategy to construct Söller collimator for x rays.

A stacking strategy to construct a light-weight collimator is proposed in this paper by which micro-aperture arrays can be assembled as a novel Söller collimator. Compared to Söller collimators made from conventional methods, our strategy enabled a substantial mass reduction up to 67% for a field of view of 2°. 21 micro-aperture arrays were fabricated by fiber laser drilling, and the Söller collimator was thereafter afforded by stacking and aligning the arrays. The processing consistency of the arrays and the alignment of the assembled collimator were examined by optical microscopy and x-ray computer tomography. Collimation tests were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the stacking strategy. Based on this new strategy, higher aspect ratios can be fulfilled, which also allows for a significant mass reduction compared to the conventional Söller collimator.

Four interventions for pediatric femoral shaft fractures: Network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the pediatric femoral shaft are uncommon, although serious injuries could lead to long-term disability, pain and an impaired quality of life. There are 4 main interventions: cast (C), plate fixation (PF), titanium elastic nail (TEN) and external fixation (EF). However, for pediatric patients under the age of 16, which intervention is the best choice remains a controversial topic. Therefore, a comprehensive network meta-analysis (NMA) is needed to summarize existing studies and to compare the safety and efficacy of the interventions for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: We searched through eight electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wangfang, and VIP) for randomized controlled trials of femoral shaft fracture in pediatric patients, which were published until the end of March 2020. We performed a Bayesian NMA to integrate the adverse events and fracture union time of all interventions. RESULT: Twenty-three randomized controlled trials with a total number of 1627 patients were included in our NMA. Among these patients, 386 patients underwent C, 524 patients underwent PF, 574 patients underwent TEN, and 143 patients underwent EF. In terms of adverse events, C had the lowest infection rates and TEN the second lowest infection rates. TEN also had the lowest anchylosis and malunion rates. In addition, TEN had a lower fracture union time than C, PF and EF. Notably, C showed the weakest effects on reducing malunion rates in pediatric patients. CONCLUSION: This current study indicated that TEN has potential superior clinical outcomes in pediatric femoral shaft fractures compared to C, PF and PF. However, high-quality large sample RCTs are still needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Soil properties, presence of microorganisms, application dose, soil moisture and temperature influence the degradation rate of Allyl isothiocyanate in soil.

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a soil fumigant derived from plants that can effectively control soil-borne diseases. Fully understanding the impact of various factors on its degradation can contribute to its effectiveness against pests and diseases. First, orthogonal design determined the extraction method of AITC in soil, that is using ethyl acetate as the extraction reagent, vortexing for 1 min as the extraction method and holding for 30 min as the method time. Then we studied the effects of soil texture and environmental factors on the rate and extent of AITC degradation in soil. The half-lives of nine origins soils varied from 12.2 to 71.8 h that were affected by the soil's electrical conductivity, available nitrogen, pH and organic matter content. Biotic degradation of AITC contributed significantly (68%-90%) of the total AITC degradation in six soil types. The degradation rate of AITC decreased as the initial dose of AITC increased. The degradation rate of AITC in Suihua soil generally increased with increasing temperature and soil moisture. The effect of temperature on AITC degradation was more pronounced when the soil was moist, which has practical implications for the control of soil pests and diseases. In agricultural soil, the soil's characteristics and environmental factors should be considered when determining the appropriate AITC dose suitable for soil borne disease while at the same time minimizing emissions and impact on the environment.

Comparison of gridded precipitation datasets for rainfall-runoff and inundation modeling in the Mekong River Basin.

Precipitation, as a primary hydrological variable in the water cycle plays an important role in hydrological modeling. The reliability of hydrological modeling is highly related to the quality of precipitation data. Accurate long-term gauged precipitation in the Mekong River Basin, however, is limited. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the performances of various gridded precipitation datasets in rainfall-runoff and flood-inundation modeling of the whole basin. Firstly, the performance of the Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation (RRI) model in this basin was evaluated using the gauged rainfall. The calibration (2000-2003) and validation (2004-2007) results indicated that the RRI model had acceptable performance in the Mekong River Basin. In addition, five gridded precipitation datasets including APHRODITE, GPCC, PERSIANN-CDR, GSMaP (RNL), and TRMM (3B42V7) from 2000 to 2007 were applied as the input to the calibrated model. The results of the simulated river discharge indicated that TRMM, GPCC, and APHRODITE performed better than other datasets. The statistical index of the annual maximum inundated area indicated similar conclusions. Thus, APHRODITE, TRMM, and GPCC precipitation datasets were considered suitable for rainfall-runoff and flood inundation modeling in the Mekong River Basin. This study provides useful guidance for the application of gridded precipitation in hydrological modeling in the Mekong River basin.

Association of Serum Levels of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide and Cytokines during Migraine Attacks.

BACKGROUND: During a migraine attack, trigeminal activation results in the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokines playing an important role in migraine. OBJECTIVE: We analyze the relation between CGRP and cytokines during attacks to explore the possible mechanism of migraine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Migraine patients and healthy control were recruited at the Department of Neurology, the Sixth People's Hospital of Fuyang City, between March 2018 and July 2018. The protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and CGRP were determined from the sera of patients with migraine and control subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was also determined to calculate the correlation between CGRP and inflammatory factors levels. RESULTS: The level of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and CGRP in migraine group were significantly higher than normal group (P < 0.05). The level of CGRP was significantly correlated with IL-1 ß (r = 0.30, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (r = 0.94, P < 0.05), but not significantly correlated with IL-2 (r =-0.047, P = 0.75), IL-10 (r = 0.12, P = 0.43), and TNF-α (r = 0.05, P = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we found migraine patients had a higher IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF level than healthy controls and the level of CGRP was related significantly with the level of IL-1ß and IL-6. In conclusion, our results suggest that IL-1ß and IL-6 may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks and CGRP related with the secretion of cytokines.

Evaluation of the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the permeability of four films to the fumigant dimethyl disulfide.

Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is an alternative fumigant to methyl bromide that was phased out globally due to its stratospheric ozone-depleting properties. Covering the surface of the soil with a plastic tarpaulin or 'barrier film' when using a soil fumigant is typically used to retain fumigants in the soil and to reduce emissions. Emission levels depend on the film's permeability, which varies mainly according to the film's material, the type of fumigant and the environmental conditions. We used specialized laboratory equipment to test the permeability of four films to DMDS under similar temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions present in the field: polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). This report presents evidence that the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the permeability of four films to the fumigant DMDS: PE，PVC,PVDC, EVOH. This research confirmed that PE and PVC films are relatively permeable to DMDS and PVC was more unstable to a range of environmental condition than other three films; PVDC and EVOH films are relatively impermeable to the fumigant DMDS and the permeability of PVDC was more stable to a range of environmental conditions than EVOH. The cumulative emissions of DMDS from soil covered with PE, PVC, PVDC or EVOH were 21.38%, 27.51%, 1.59% and 1.52%, respectively. As the permeability of PVDC was more stable to a range of environmental conditions than EVOH, PVDC shows potential for use in the field with a volatile fumigant such as DMDS.