Carbon reduction and cost control of container shipping in response to the European Union Emission Trading System.

In response to the EU ETS, we propose a cost model considering carbon emissions for container shipping, calculating fuel consumption, carbon emissions, EUA cost, and total cost of container shipping. We take a container ship operating on a route from the Far East to Northwest Europe as a case study. Environmental and economic impacts of including maritime transport activities in the EU ETS on container shipping are assessed. Results show that carbon emissions from the selected container ship using methanol are the smallest, and total cost of the selected container ship using methanol is the lowest. Among MGO, HFO, LNG, and methanol, methanol is the most environmentally and cost-effective option. Using LNG has greater environmental benefit, while using HFO has greater economic benefit. Compared to MGO, carbon reduction effects of LNG and methanol are 14.2% and 57.1%, and their cost control effects are 7.8% and 26.5%. Compared to HFO, carbon reduction effects of LNG and methanol are 11.7% and 55.8%, and the cost control effect of methanol is 9.3%. Speed reduction is effective in achieving carbon reduction and cost control of container shipping only when the sailing speed of the selected container ship is greater than 8.36 knots. Once the sailing speed is less than this threshold, speed reduction will increase carbon emissions and total cost of container shipping. This model can assess the environmental and economic impacts of including maritime transport activities in the EU ETS on container shipping and explore the measures to achieve carbon reduction and cost control of container shipping in response to the EU ETS.

Estimation of genetic parameters of eggshell translucency and production traits in different genotypes of laying hens.

The translucency of eggshells is a ubiquitous appearance problem caused by moisture translocation and the accumulation of egg contents into the eggshell ultrastructure. Previous studies have mainly investigated the causes of eggshell translucency from nutritional and environmental perspectives. However, little is known of the effect of genetics the causes of eggshell translucency on hen production performance. To evaluate the genetic parameters of eggshell translucency and other production performance indicators, we performed an experiment on 3 pure hen lines: 624 Dwarf Layer-White, 1,612 Rhode Island Red, and 813 Rhode Island Red-White. We collected eggs from each hen over 5 d and measured eggshell translucent level (TL) using the grading method. Additionally we measured indicators of each hen during the laying period, including age at laying of the first egg (AFE), body weight at laying of the first egg (BWFE), weight of the first egg (FEW), body weight at 40 wk (BW40), egg weight at 40 wk (EW40), egg production up to 40 wk of age (EN), and calculated the genetic parameters among the indicators. The results showed that the estimated heritability of TL in the 3 genotypes were 0.30, 0.24, and 0.20, respectively, suggesting a low or moderate level of heritability. We found a positive correlation between TL and AFE, with genetic correlation coefficients 0.19 to 0.41, and negative genetic correlation between TL and EN, with correlation coefficient -0.36 to -0.19. Additionally, we observed positive correlation exists between AFE and FEW, BWFE and FEW, and BW40 and EW40; and negative correlation between AFE and EN in the 3 pure lines. These results enriched the research on heritability of eggshell translucency in different hen breeds and demonstrated moderate or low heritability of the indicator. Furthermore, eggshell translucency was negatively affected by AFE and EN. Our results provide a valuable reference for predicting selection response of eggshell translucency and production performance in brood hens, and locating the genes regulating eggshell translucency.

Value of smart phone-assisted instant telecytopathology for rapid on-site evaluation in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of smart phone real-time picture exchange-assisted telecytopathology for rapid on-site evaluation (tele-ROSE), and the role of tele-ROSE in improving the diagnostic efficiency of endoscopic physicians.Methods:Data of patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) from April 2020 to May 2021 in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were retrospectively collected. Patients who didn't receive ROSE from April 2020 to October 2020 were enrolled in the non-ROSE group, and those who underwent ROSE from November 2020 to May 2021 were enrolled in the ROSE group, of which endosonographers used WeChat on the smartphone to send ROSE images to cytopathologists from November 2020 to March 2021 were the mobile phone group, and those whose ROSE results independently diagnosed by trained endosonographers from April 2021 to May 2021 were the self-ROSE group. Basic information, ROSE results, postoperative pathology and follow-up were compared, and the diagnostic effectiveness of tele-ROSE was analyzed.Results:A total of 188 cases were included, of which 179 cases (95.2%) were solid pancreatic lesions and 9 (4.8%) were enterocoelia lesions. There was no significant difference in the puncture time among the non-ROSE, mobile phone and self-ROSE groups [3 (3, 4) VS 3 (3, 4) VS 3 (2, 4), H=1.320, P=0.517]. With the final diagnosis as the golden standard, the sensitivity, the specificity, the accuracy, the positive predictive value, the negative predictive value and Kappa value of the non-ROSE group were 80.6% (58/72), 89.5% (17/19), 82.4% (75/91), 96.7% (58/60), 54.8% (17/31), and 0.6 respectively. The corresponding indices in the ROSE group were 97.4% (74/76), 100.0% (21/21), 97.9% (95/97), 100.0% (74/74), 91.3% (21/23), and 0.9 respectively, those of the mobile phone group were 95.2% (40/42), 100.0% (10/10), 96.2% (50/52), 100.0% (40/40), 83.3% (10/12), and 0.9 respcetively, and those of the self-ROSE group were 100.0% (34/34), 100.0% (11/11), 100.0% (45/45), 100.0% (34/34), 100.0% (11/11), and 1.0 respectively. The sensitivity ( P=0.002), the accuracy ( P=0.001) and the negative predictive value ( P=0.009) of the ROSE group were significantly higher than those of the non-ROSE group, and there was no significant difference in other diagnostic efficacy indices ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the mobile phone group and the self-ROSE group in diagnostic efficacy ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Instant smartphone-assisted tele-ROSE through WeChat can well meet the needs of pathologists and endoscopic physicians. After the application of tele-ROSE training, the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic physicians is equivalent to that of cytopathologist, which helps to obtain more sufficient specimens under endoscopy and improve the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA.

Prediction model based on machine learning for short- and long-term adverse events in left atrial appendage closure.

Background: At present, the prediction of adverse events (AE) had practical significance in clinic and the accuracy of AE prediction model after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) needed to be improved. To identify a good prediction model based on machine learning for short- and long-term AE after LAAC. Methods: In this study, 869 patients were included from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital during 2017 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for short-term AE after LAAC to determine possible risk factors related with AE. We compared 8 machine learning algorithms for prediction short-term AE, and XGBoost was found to have the best performance. In addition, Cox-regression was used for long-term AE to find out the risk factors and establish a prediction model. Results: In univariate and multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) [odds ratio (OR) =0.91], congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, stroke2 attack (CHADS2) score (OR =0.49) and bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio (INR), elderly, drug/alcohol usage (BLED) score (OR =1.71) were shown to be significant risk factors for short-term AE. The XGbosst algorithm was used to predict short-term AE based on 15 possible risk factors. For long-term AE, Cox regression was used for the prediction. The CHADS2 score [hazard ratio (HR) =1.43], hypertension (HR =2.18), age more than 75 (HR =0.49), diabetes (HR =0.57), BLED score (HR=0.28), stroke (HR =19.8), hepatopathy (HR =3.97), nephropathy (HR =2.93), INR instability (HR =4.18), drinking (HR =2.67), and drugs (HR =2.36) were significant risk factors for long-term AE. The XGBoost had a good receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85. The accuracy of the XGBoost model stayed at nearly 0.95. Conclusions: In short- and long-term AE, CHADS2 score and BLED score were the most obvious risk factors. Several other risk factors also played roles in AE of LAAC. The incidence of long-term AE is under 15% and LAAC is effective and safe. The XGBoost model had good prediction accuracy and ROC curve.

Neuroprotective Alkamides from the Aerial Parts of Achillea alpina L.

Three new alkamides, achilleamide B-D (1-3) along with five known alkamides (4-8) were isolated from the aerial parts of Achillea alpina L. Structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations were introduced for the absolute configuration of 3. The neuroprotective effects of all the compounds were evaluated by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, with concentration for 50 % of maximal effect (EC50 ) values of 3.16-24.75 µM, and the structure-activity relationship was conducted.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic resection versus total laparoscopic gastric surgery for primary gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): an analysis from a high-volume institution.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is technically feasible and associated with favorable outcomes. We compared the clinical efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HLS) and total laparoscopic surgery (TLS) for gastric GISTs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 69 consecutive patients diagnosed with a gastric GIST in a tertiary referral teaching hospital from December 2016 to December 2020. Surgical outcomes were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (TLS group: n = 36; HLS group: n = 17) were included. The mean age was 56.9 and 58.1 years in the TLS and HLS groups, respectively. The maximum tumor margin was significantly shorter in the HLS group than in the TLS group (2.3 ± 0.9. vs. 3.0 ± 0.8 cm; P = 0.004). The operative time of the HLS group was significantly shorter than that of the TLS group (70.6 ± 19.1 min vs. 134.4 ± 53.7 min; P < 0.001). The HLS group had less intraoperative blood loss, a shorter time to first flatus, and a shorter time to fluid diet than the TLS group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in the incidence or severity of complications within 30 days after surgery. Recurrence or metastasis occurred in four cases (HLS group; n = 1; TLS group; n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that compared with TLS, HLS for gastric GISTs has the advantages of simpler operation, shorter operative time, and faster postoperative recovery.

Left atrial appendage occlusion in a mirror-image dextrocardia: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: In mirror-image dextrocardia, the anterior-posterior position of the cardiac chambers and great vessels is maintained, but the left-right orientation of the abdominal organs is reversed. The abnormal anatomy of the heart poses surgical challenges and problems in dealing with surgical risk and monitoring complications. There are few reports on closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in dextrocardia and no reports on the application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) following LAA occlusion (LAAO) procedures. CASE SUMMARY: The objective for this case was to ensure perioperative safety and accelerate postoperative recovery from LAAO in a patient with mirror-image dextrocardia. ERAS was guided by the theory and practice of nursing care. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in a 77-year-old male patient, in whom LAAO was performed. The 2019 guidelines for perioperative care after cardiac surgery recommend that the clinical nursing procedures for patients with LAAO should be optimized to reduce the incidence of perioperative complications and ensure patient safety. Music therapy can be used throughout perioperative treatment and nursing to improve the anxiety symptoms of patients. CONCLUSION: The procedure was uneventful and proceeded without complications. Anxiety symptoms were improved.

Economic policy uncertainty, investor sentiment and financial stability-an empirical study based on the time varying parameter-vector autoregression model.

This paper applies the time varying parameter-vector autoregression model to explore the dynamic relationship between economic policy uncertainty, investor sentiment and financial stability in China in different periods and at different time points. The empirical results show that economic policy uncertainty has an obvious negative impact on investor sentiment before 2012 and financial stability in the short term, and the influence of economic policy uncertainty on investor sentiment is greater than that of economic policy uncertainty on financial stability. These influences were more significant during the period of the global financial crisis in 2008. Moreover, investor sentiment had a positive and gradually increasing effect on financial stability, while after 2010, the positive impact gradually weakened. Furthermore, economic policy uncertainty is negatively affected by financial stability, and the effect of financial stability on investor sentiment is positive. In terms of mediating effects, economic policy uncertainty has an indirect impact on financial stability through investor sentiment and vice versa. This paper provides a new solution to economic problems explored in behavioral finance research. Additionally, Chinese government agencies can achieve the goal of preventing financial crises and maintaining financial stability by monitoring investor sentiment and implementing targeted economic policies.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse left ventricle reveals cellular diversity and intercommunication.

Previous studies have revealed the diversity of the whole cardiac cellulome but not refined the left ventricle, which was essential for finding therapeutic targets. Here, we characterized single-cell transcriptional profiles of the mouse left ventricular cellular landscape using single-cell RNA sequencing (10× Genomics). Detailed t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) analysis revealed the cell types of left ventricle with gene markers. Left ventricular cellulome contained cardiomyocytes highly expressed Trdn, endothelial cells highly expressed Pcdh17, fibroblast highly expressed Lama2, and macrophages highly expressed Hpgds, also proved by in situ hybridization. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis (ListHits > 2, P < 0.05) were employed with the DAVID database to investigate subtypes of each cell type with the underlying functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Endothelial cells included 5 subtypes, fibroblasts comprising 7 subtypes, and macrophages contained 11 subtypes. The key representative DEGs (P < 0.001) were Gja4 and Gja5 in cluster 3 of endothelial cells, Aqp2 and Thbs4 in cluster 2 of fibroblasts, and Clec4e and Trem-1 in cluster 3 of macrophages perhaps involved in the occurrence of atherosclerosis, heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction proved by literature review. We also revealed extensive networks of intercellular communication in left ventricle. We suggested possible therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease and autocrine and paracrine signaling underpins left ventricular homeostasis. This study provided new insights into the structure and function of the mammalian left ventricular cellulome and offers an important resource that will stimulate studies in cardiovascular research.

Summary of the 2021 Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Burn Association / 中华烧伤杂志

Organized by the Chinese Medical Association and the Chinese Burn Association, hosted by the Hainan Medical Association and Hainan Provincial People's Hospital, and co-sponsored by the Chinese Journal of Burns (Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds), Chinese Journal of Injury Repair and Wound Healing (Electronic Edition), and Burns & Trauma, the 2021 Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Burn Association was held in beautiful Haikou from December 14 to 16, 2021. The conference continued to focus on the guiding principle of "One China, One Standard" and followed the tenet of "precise, homogeneous, and comfortable treatment" for burns. The conference received a total of 1 638 submissions, 296 electronic posters, 891 online and offline registered delegates, and nearly 750 offline attendees. The conference focused on the theme, adopting a variety of novel forms to discuss the key issues in burn field, including academician and committee director forum, doctor-nurse-rehabilitation therapist combined case competition, discipline development forum, and workshop, recording and broadcasting of surgical operations. The atmosphere was warm in the conference site.

Inhibition of Notch1-mediated inflammation by intermedin protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The Notch1-mediated inflammatory response participates in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The vascular endogenous bioactive peptide intermedin (IMD) plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. However, whether IMD inhibits AAA by inhibiting Notch1-mediated inflammation is unclear. In this study, we found Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and hes1 expression were higher in AAA patients' aortas than in healthy controls. In angiotensin II (AngII)-induced AAA mouse model, IMD treatment significantly reduced AAA incidence and maximal aortic diameter. IMD inhibited AngII-enlarged aortas and -degraded elastic lamina, reduced NICD, hes1 and inflammatory factors expression, decreased infiltration of CD68 positive macrophages and the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 protein level. IMD inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage migration in vitro and regulated macrophage polarization. Moreover, IMD overexpression significantly reduced CaCl2-induced AAA incidence and down-regulated NICD and hes1 expression. However, IMD deficiency showed opposite results. Mechanically, IMD treatment significantly decreased cleavage enzyme-a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) level. Pre-incubation with IMD17-47 (IMD receptors blocking peptide) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase b (PI3K/Akt) inhibitor LY294002 reversed ADAM10 level. In conclusion, exogenous and endogenous IMD could inhibit the development of AAA by inhibiting Notch1 signaling-mediated inflammation via reducing ADAM10 through IMD receptor and PI3K/Akt pathway.

Intermedin alleviates pathological cardiac remodeling by upregulating klotho.

Cardiac remodeling is accompanied by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, dysfunction, and eventually leading to heart failure. Intermedin (IMD), as a paracrine/autocrine peptide, has a protective effect in cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we elucidated the role and the underlying mechanism of IMD in pathological remodeling. Pathological remodeling mouse models were induced by abdominal aorta constriction for 4 weeks or angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion for 2 weeks in wildtype, IMD-overexpression, IMD-knockout and klotho-knockdown mice. Western blot, real-time PCR, histological staining, echocardiography and hemodynamics were used to detect the role of IMD in cardiac remodeling. Cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction were significantly aggravated in IMD-knockout mice versus wildtype mice, and the expression of klotho was downregulated. Conversely, cardiac remodeling was alleviated in IMD-overexpression mice, and the expression of klotho was upregulated. Hypertension induced by Ang II infusion rather than abdominal aorta constriction was mitigated by IMD. However, the cardioprotective effect of IMD was blocked in klotho-knockdown mice. Similar results were found in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, which was pretreated with IMD before Ang II stimulation. Mechanistically, IMD inhibited the phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and the activity of calcineurin to protect against cardiac hypertrophy through upregulating klotho in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) might mediate IMD upregulating klotho. In conclusion, pathological remodeling may be alleviated by endogenous IMD, which inhibits the expression of calcineurin and p-CaMKII by upregulating klotho via the PPARγ pathway. It suggested that IMD might be a therapeutic target for heart disease.

MicroRNA-138 targets SOX4 to regulate the proliferation and metastasis of human lung cancer cells.

PURPOSE: The current study was set with a purpose to assess the regulatory role of micro RNA (miR)-138 in human lung cancer cells with emphasis on the underlying mechanism of action. METHODS: RT-PCR based analysis was employed for gene expression studies. MTT assay was used to determine the proliferation rates of lung cancer cells. Colony forming assay was performed for the analysis of colony forming potential. DAPI and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) double staining methods were performed for the analysis of apoptosis. Migration and invasion of cancer cells were assessed using wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed for interactional study. Western blotting was used to determine the protein concentrations. RESULTS: Cancer cells had lower levels of miR-138 transcripts. The overexpression of miR-138 reduced the proliferation of cancer cells and cells were seen to form lower number of viable colonies. This was due to the induction of cancer cell apoptosis under miR-138 overexpression. miR-138 also inhibited the metastasis of lung cancer cells. miR-138 was found to interact with SOX4 intracellularly and SOX4 protein levels decreased under miR-138. The anticancer effects of miR-138 were shown to be modulated through SOX4. CONCLUSION: MiRs have a potential to act as molecular markers in cancer prognosis. There is a need to screen for miRs specific to particular types of cancer and to look for their potential to function as anticancer entities at molecular level.

Efficacy and Safety of Leflunomide for Refractory COVID-19: An Open-label Controlled Study

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of leflunomide for the treatment of refractory COVID-19 in adult patients. DESIGNOpen-label controlled study SETTINGA designated hospital for patients with refractory COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. PARTICIPANTS27 hospitalized adult patients ([≥]18 years of age) with radiologically confirmed pneumonia and SARS-CoV-2 positive for more than 28 days despite standard care were assigned to receive standard of care (SOC, grp I) or leflunomide + SOC (grp 2). After 2 weeks, grp 1 and grp 2 patients who continued to be SARS-CoV-2-positive received leflunomide for 14 days while continuing SOC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary outcomes were the rate of and time to SARS-CoV-2 clearance and the 14-day and 30-day hospital discharge rate. RESULTSTwelve patients enrolled in grp 1 and 15 patients were in grp 2. The 14 days SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance rate was 80.0% (12/15) for grp 2 patients receiving leflunomide versus 16.7% for grp 1 patients (2/12) (P=0.002). By day 14, the median time to SARS-CoV-2 clearance was 6.0 days (range 1-12, IQR 1-12) for grp 2 patients. In grp 1, two patients converted to viral negative on days 1 and 6 (P=0.002). The 14-day discharge rate was 73.3% (11/15) for the grp 2 versus 8.3% (1/12) for grp 1 (P=0.001). The 30-day discharge rate was 100% (15/15) for the grp 2 versus 66.7% (8/12) for grp 1. No severe adverse events or deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONLeflunomide is effective in enhancing SARS-CoV-2 clearance and hospital discharge in refractory COVID-19 patients. The addition of leflunomide to SOC did not increase adverse events versus SOC. These preliminary observations underscore a need for a randomized clinical study of leflunomide in SARS-CoV-2 infection. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPICBased on the large numbers of global infected patients of SARS-CoV-2, there will be many patients on persist viral positive which is named refractory covid-19. Specific medication for the treatment of the refractory covid-19 has been approved. Leflunomide has been widely used in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis with good safety and tolerance. Recently, it is found an activity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and the effective concentration of leflunomide is within the recognized therapeutic level for rheumatoid arthritis. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDSLeflunomide is effective in enhancing SARS-CoV-2 clearance and hospital discharge in refractory COVID-19 patients. The safety and tolerability of the 14-28-day course of treatment with leflunomide is acceptable.

Intermedin1-53 attenuates aging-associated vascular calcification in rats by upregulating sirtuin 1.

Vascular calcification is a common phenomenon in older adults. Intermedin (IMD) is a cardiovascular bioactive peptide inhibiting vascular calcification. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether IMD1-53 attenuates aging-associated vascular calcification. Vascular calcification was induced by vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN) in young and old rats. The calcification in aortas was more severe in old rats treated with VDN than young control rats, and IMD expression was lower. Exogenous administration of IMD1-53 significantly inhibited the calcium deposition in aortas and the osteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in VDN-treated old rats. Moreover, levels of aging-related p16, p21 and ß-galactosidase were all greatly decreased by IMD1-53. These results were further confirmed in rat and human VSMCs in vitro. In addition, IMD-deficient mouse VSMCs showed senescence features coinciding with osteogenic transition as compared with wild-type mouse VSMCs. Mechanistically, IMD1-53 significantly increased the expression of the anti-aging factor sirtuin 1 (sirt1); the inhibitory effects of IMD1-53 on calcification and senescence were blocked by sirt1 knockdown. Furthermore, preincubation with inhibitors of PI3K, AMPK or PKA efficiently blunted the upregulatory effect of IMD1-53 on sirt1. Consequently, IMD1-53 could attenuate aging-associated vascular calcification by upregulating sirt1 via activating PI3K/Akt, AMPK and cAMP/PKA signaling.

Intermedin1-53 Ameliorates Homocysteine-Promoted Atherosclerotic Calcification by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

AIM: Vascular calcification (VC) is thought to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Intermedin1-53 (IMD) is a cardiovascular protective peptide and can inhibit vascular medial calcification in rats. In this study, we investigated the effect of IMD on atherosclerotic calcification induced by a high-fat diet plus homocysteine (Hcy) and the potential mechanisms. METHODS: ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet with Hcy in drinking water to induce atherosclerotic calcification. RESULTS: As compared to the high-fat diet alone, Hcy treatment significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion areas and the number of calcified nodules in aortic roots and was reduced by IMD infusion or 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) treatment. In vitro, as compared to calcifying medium alone, Hcy treatment further increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium content, and calcium nodule number in human aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs), all blocked by IMD or PBA pretreatment. Mechanistically, IMD or PBA significantly alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) activation compared with Hcy treatment. In parallel, IMD or PBA attenuated the messenger RNA levels of osteogenic markers and inflammatory cytokines in aortas and their protein levels in lesions of aortic roots. In vitro, Hcy treatment significantly increased the protein levels of osteoblast-like cell markers in primary rat VSMCs and inflammation markers in mouse peritoneal macrophages, all decreased with IMD or PBA pretreatment. Intermedin1-53 pretreatment also markedly reduced the protein levels of ERS markers in rat VSMCs and mouse peritoneal macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Intermedin1-53 protects against Hcy-promoted atherosclerotic calcification in ApoE-/- mice by inhibiting ERS.

Study of measurement methods on phenotype of translucent eggs.

Scoring is a common method to evaluate eggshell translucency, and it mainly depends on the area and the density of translucent spots in eggshells. However, the lack of common scoring criteria and the difficulty of quantitatively measuring spots in eggshells impede effective comparisons between research papers and greatly hinder the progress of research on translucent eggshell. To make measurement of translucent eggshells more objective, we optimized the scoring method and compared it with 2 new methods: grayscale recognition and the colorimeter method. Briefly, a total of 354 eggs from 600, 395-day-old dwarf brown laying hens were collected and classified into 4 score groups according to their degree of translucency. This subjective process was repeated 5 times. Then, we captured the profile side of each egg using a camera and measured spot characteristics using grayscale recognition, which involved measuring the quantity of spots (QS), diameter of each spot (DS), average area of each spot (AAES), sum of spot areas (SUSA), sum of shell area (SUSHA), and ratio of SUSA to SUSHA (RSS) on the eggshell. Furthermore, the L, A, and B values of each egg at the sharp, middle, and blunt ends were separately measured using a colorimeter. As a result, average values of 31.31, 29.78, 29.81, and 9.08% of all eggs were divided into score levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 (from opaque to translucent), which correspond with RSS values of 1.34, 3.23, 6.21, and 11.89%, respectively. By grayscale recognition, QS, DS, AAES, SUSA, SUSHA, and RSS all increased along with increased translucency scores (P < 0.05). Using scoring, an egg with a specific RSS value was more easily assigned to a specific score level (50%) or adjacent score levels (50%). The L, A, and B values of eggshells in score level 1 were significantly different from those of eggshells in levels 3 or 4; however, there were no significant differences between any adjacent score levels. In summary, the present study explored objective reference metrics to measure eggshell translucency.

Discovery of a natural PI3Kδ inhibitor through virtual screening and biological assay study.

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase-δ (PI3Kδ) is a key regulator in the process of IgE mediated mast cell degranulation, which directly induces allergic diseases, such as asthma. This study is aimed at discovery of natural PI3Kδ inhibitors from Chinese medicine and evaluating their anti-mast cell degranulation activity. A combined virtual screening based on 3D pharmacophore model and molecular docking was used to screen for bioactive ingredients directly targeting PI3Kδ. Then, an in vitro kinase inhibition assay was conducted to evaluate the PI3Kδ inhibitory activity of the virtual screening hits. Subsequently, a ß-hexosaminidase release assay was performed to verify the anti-mast cell degranulation activity of the active compounds. Finally, ginkgoneolic acid was identified as a PI3Kδ inhibitor (IC50 = 2.49 µM) and exhibited anti-mast cell degranulation activity in vitro (IC50 = 2.40 µM). Docking studies showed that Glu826, Val827 and Val828 were key amino acid residues for PI3Kδ inhibitory activity. Ginkgoneolic acid may be a potential lead compound for developing effective and safe PI3Kδ-inhibiting drugs.

Summary of the 2019 Academic Annual Meeting of the Chinese Burn Association / 中华烧伤杂志

The 2019 Academic Annual Meeting of the Chinese Burn Association, sponsored by the Chinese Medical Association and the Chinese Burn Association, was successfully held in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, from November 6th to 9th, 2019. The theme of this conference was " One China, One Standard--Data Standardization and Construction of National Burn Data Platform" . A total of 2 305 submissions and 1 749 e-posters were received, and 1 097 registered representatives, nearly 2 000 representatives from 9 countries and regions attended the meeting. Focusing on the theme of this conference, a variety of novel forms were adopted such as teaching contest of young surgeons, multi-disciplinary discussion, workshop, and surgery live broadcast on hot issues in key areas of burns. Besides, with the focus on humanistic care and innovation, a multi-disciplinary discussion was warmly conducted. The 2020 academic annual conference is scheduled to be held in Nanchang, China.