A Comparative Study of the Effects of Electronic Cigarette and Traditional Cigarette on the Pulmonary Functions of C57BL/6 Male Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) are in a controversial state. Although E-cig aerosol generally contains fewer harmful substances than smoke from burned traditional cigarettes, aerosol along with other compounds of the E-cigs may also affect lung functions and promote the development of lung-related diseases. We investigated the effects of E-cig on the pulmonary functions of male C57BL/6 mice and reveal the potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups. They were exposed to fresh-air, traditional cigarette smoke, E-cig vapor with 12 mg/mL of nicotine, and E-cig with no nicotine for 8 weeks. Lung functions were evaluated by using quantitative analysis of the whole body plethysmograph, FlexiVent system, lung tissue histological and morphometric analysis, and RT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression of inflammation-related genes. In addition, the effects of nicotine and acrolein on the survival rate and DNA damage were investigated using cultured human alveolar basal epithelial cells. RESULTS: Exposure to E-cig vapor led to significant changes in lung functions and structures including the rupture of the alveolar cavity and enlarged alveolar space. The pathological changes were also accompanied by increased expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that the safety of E-cig should be further evaluated. IMPLICATIONS: Some people currently believe that using nicotine-free E-cigs is a safe way to smoke. However, our research shows that E-cigs can cause lung damage regardless of whether they contain nicotine.

Biomarkers of Parkinson's Disease: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized pathologically by dopaminergic neuron loss and the formation of Lewy bodies, which are enriched with aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn). PD currently has no cure, but therapeutic strategies are available to alleviate symptoms. Early diagnosis can greatly improve therapeutic interventions, but the clinical diagnosis of PD remains challenging and depends mainly on clinical features and imaging tests. Efficient and specific biomarkers are crucial for the diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluation of PD. Here, we reviewed the biomarkers of PD in different tissues and biofluids, along with the current clinical biochemical detection methods. We found that the sensitivity and specificity of single biomarkers are limited, and selecting appropriate indicators for combined detection can improve the diagnostic accuracy of PD.

Freeze-thaw process of soil between two piles as monitored by piezoelectric ceramic sensor.

As the mechanical properties of soil are affected by the moisture content, diameter of soil particles, and the soil temperature, we used piezoelectric ceramic sensors to monitor the freeze-thaw cycle of different soils at different temperatures and different moisture content. By studying the energy attenuation of stress waves propagating in freezing-thawing soil, its mechanical strength was determined. The results showed that the duration of freeze-thaw process was related to soil type and initial water content. For the same water content and larger soil particle size, the received signal amplitude and energy are larger. For the same soil type and higher water content, the received signal amplitude and energy are stronger. This study provides a feasible monitoring method for infrastructure construction in areas with complex geological conditions, such as Qinghai-Tibet frozen soil.

Analysis of Clinical Manifestations and Imaging of COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care.

Objective: The study aims to summarize and analyze the clinical and CT findings of severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: From February 11 to March 31, 2020, 61 COVID-19 patients in intensive care in the E1-3 ward of Tongji Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The main clinical manifestations were cough, expectoration in 56 cases (91.8%), shortness of breath, chest tightness in 48 cases (78.7%), fever in 61 cases (100%), muscle ache and weakness in 40 cases (65.6%), diarrhea or vomiting in 8 cases (13.1%), and headache in 4 cases (6.6%). After admission, the leukocyte count was normal in 40 cases (57.7%), higher in 9 cases (15.4%), and lower in 12 cases (26.9%). The lymphocyte count decreased in 53 cases (86.9%). CRP was increased in 29 cases (47.5%); PCT was increased in 15 cases (24.6%); ESR was increased in 38 cases (62.3%); D-dimer increased in 39 cases (63.9%); ALT/AST increased in 40 cases (65.6%); CK/CK-MB increased in 8 cases (13.1%); troponin I increased in 6 cases (9.8%); NT-proBNP increased in 35 cases (57.4%); IL-1 increased in 5 cases (8.2%); IL-2 receptor increased in 28 cases (45.9%); IL-6 increased in 23 cases (37.7%); IL-8 increased in 15 cases (24.6%); IL-10 increased in 12 cases (19.7%); and NTF increased in 22 cases (36.1%). The chest CT images showed that 38 cases (65.5%) of right lung lesions were more extensive than those of left lung lesions, 20 cases (34.5%) of left lung lesions were more extensive than those of right lung lesions, 42 cases (72.5%) of lower lobe lesions were more extensive than those of upper lobe lesions, 6 cases (10.3%) of upper lobe lesions were more extensive than those of lower lobe lesions, and 10 cases (17.2%) of upper and lower part lesions were roughly the same. Ground-glass opacity (GGO) was found in 12 cases (20.7%); GGO with focal consolidation in 38 cases (65.5%); small patchy edge fuzzy density increased in 24 cases (41.4%); large consolidation in 20 cases (34.5%); reticular or fibrous cord in 54 cases (93.1%); and air bronchogram in 8 cases (13.8%). Conclusions: COVID-19 patients in intensive care have no specific clinical manifestation and CT findings. However, analysis and summary of relevant data can help us assess the severity of the disease, decide the timing of treatment, and predict prognosis.

Ferroptosis in Parkinson's disease: glia-neuron crosstalk.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic (DA) neuron loss and the formation of cytoplasmic protein inclusions. Although the exact pathogenesis of PD is unknown, iron dyshomeostasis has been proposed as a potential contributing factor. Emerging evidence suggests that glial cell activation plays a pivotal role in ferroptosis and subsequent neurodegeneration. We review the association between iron deposition, glial activation, and neuronal death, and discuss whether and how ferroptosis affects α-synuclein aggregation and DA neuron loss. We examine the possible roles of different types of glia in mediating ferroptosis in neurons. Lastly, we review current PD clinical trials targeting iron homeostasis. Although clinical trials are already evaluating ferroptosis modulation in PD, much remains unknown about metal ion metabolism and regulation in PD pathogenesis.

An open-label evaluation of safety and tolerability of coformulated bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide for post-exposure prophylaxis following potential exposure to human immunodeficiency virus-1.

BACKGROUND: Single-tablet regimen (STR) provides a convenient once-daily regimen for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Here, we investigated the safety and tolerability of coformulated bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) as a three-drug, STR for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in Chinese individuals. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial conducted in a sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome clinic of a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. Adults requiring PEP were prescribed BIC/FTC/TAF one pill once a day for 28 days. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. RESULTS: Of 112 participants enrolled in the study, 109 (97.3%) were male and the mean age was 30 ±â€Š8 years. PEP completion was 96.4% (95% confidence interval: 91.1-99.0%). Two participants stopped PEP after 2 days because the source partner was identified as HIV uninfected. One participant was excluded due to hepatitis B virus infection according to the exclusion criteria. One discontinued due to the participant's decision. No participant acquired HIV through week 24. Adherence was 98.9% (standard deviation [SD]: 3.3%) by self-reporting and 98.5% (SD: 3.5%) by pill count. Only five participants experienced mild clinical adverse events attributed to the study drug (including headache, diarrhea, and nausea) and four participants had elevated serum creatinine (grade 1). CONCLUSIONS: A once daily, STR of BIC/FTC/TAF used as PEP was safe and well-tolerated with a high rate of completion and adherence in Chinese. BIC/FTC/TAF may be a good option for PEP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR2100048080.

Safety Assessment of Electronic Cigarettes and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Disease.

Smoking leads to the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. Most importantly, it is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular atherosclerosis. In recent years, electronic cigarettes have become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, since modern micro-electronic techniques provide the possibility of simulating the process of traditional smoking. Additionally, it is convenient and fashionable. Nevertheless, comments about the safety of electronic cigarettes remain controversial. Although the research about electronic cigarettes increased exponentially, there has been no systematic study of its safety. The aim of the current study is to review the literature reports about the safety of electronic cigarettes, and to understand their hazards and disadvantages. It was found that most of the current research about electronic cigarettes comprises short-term and in vitro studies. There are few reports of in vivo and long-term studies. Notably, the level of harmful components such as volatile organic compounds, tobacco-specific nitrosamines and heavy metals in electronic cigarettes are even higher than in traditional cigarettes. Therefore, the harm of electronic cigarettes should not be underestimated. In conclusion, the question of whether electronic cigarettes are a safe and sufficient substitute for traditional smoking needs further investigation.

[Method of Permissible Source Region Selection Based on FMT Image and CT Data].

In Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (FMT), the reconstruction and fusion display of inner light source can be realized with the aid of CT data. A method is proposed in this paper to select permissible source region based on FMT image and CT data. The position and depth of light source can be estimated in FMT image. According to the coordinate relation of the two mode image, the light source position can be marked in CT data and mesh was produced on the marked CT data. Experimental results show that, the method can reduce the ill-posedness of the inverse problem and improve the accuracy of reconstruction of inner light source.

Pathogenicity of aseptic Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

Pine wilt is a disease of pine (Pinus spp.) caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. However, the pathogenic mechanism of pine wilt disease (PWD) remains unclear. Although the PWN was thought to be the only pathogenic agent associated with this disease, a potential role for bacterial symbionts in the disease process was recently proposed. Studies have indicated that aseptic PWNs do not cause PWD in aseptic pine trees, while PWNs associated with bacteria cause wilting symptoms. To investigate the pathogenicity of the PWN and its associated bacteria, 3-month-old microcuttings derived from certain clones of Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc. produced in vitro were inoculated under aseptic conditions with aseptic PWNs, non-aseptic PWNs and bacteria isolated from the nematodes. Six-month-old aseptic P. densiflora microcuttings and 7-month-old P. massoniana seedlings were also inoculated under aseptic conditions with aseptic PWNs and non-aseptic PWNs. The results showed that the aseptic microcuttings and seedlings inoculated with aseptic PWNs or non-aseptic PWNs wilted, while those inoculated with bacterial isolates did not wilt. Nematodes were recovered from wilted microcuttings and seedlings inoculated with aseptic PWNs and non-aseptic PWNs, and the asepsis of nematodes recovered from aseptic PWN-inoculated microcuttings and seedlings was reconfirmed by culturing them in NB liquid medium at 30°C for more than 7 days. Taken together, the results indicate that the asepsis of PWN did not cause the loss of pathogenicity.