[Genotype-phenotype analysis of Fabry disease caused by GLA gene variation in a pedigree].

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of patients with Fabry disease caused by a GLA variant, IVS4+919G>A. Methods: It was a prospective study. Fabry disease screening was conducted among high-risk population in Ninghai from October 2021 to August 2023. Those children with decreased α-galactosidase enzyme activity<2.40 µmol/(L·h) or elavated Lyso-GL-3 level>1.10 µg/L in dried blood spot (DBS) method underwent GLA genetic testing for diagnosis confirmation. Meanwhile, family screening was carried out. A proband and his family members diagnosed with Fabry disease were research subjects. The clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with Fabry disease caused by the GLA variant (IVS4+919G>A) were analyzed. Results: The female proband aged 9.8 years with pain in both lower limbs as the initial symptom was found to have a heterozygous GLA variant IVS4+919G>A among 102 patients. In family screening, there were 4 family members (proband's father, elder sister, elder male cousin and elder female cousin) with Fabry disease and a family member (proband's fifth aunt) with a GLA variant. Among these 4 diagnosed family members, the elder male cousin of the proband, a boy aged 13.2 years had a heterozygous GLA variant, IVS4+919G>A with intermittent pain in both lower limbs as the initial symptom. The proband's father had knee joint pain. The proband's elder sister had decreased vision and his elder female cousin had no obvious symptoms. The proband's fifth aunt with a GLA variant had decreased vision. Conclusions: High-risk screening in children and family screening are helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of Fabry disease. Neuropathic pain may be a early symptom in children with Fabry disease caused by the GLA variant, IVS4+919G>A.

Promethazine inhibits neuronal apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with cerebral infarction.

The article "Promethazine inhibits neuronal apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with cerebral infarction, by X.-D. Pan, X.-L. Chen, S.-F. Ding, D. Kou, H.-L. Hu, L. Li, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (3 Suppl): 126-134-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201908_18639-PMID: 31389591" has been withdrawn from the authors stating that they "have not yet studied their work completely and have some difficulties answering questions and quickly providing solutions in the paper". The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18639.

Diagnostic potential of urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 for Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate whether urinary MCP-1 can distinguish patients with AD, patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and cognitively normal (CN) subjects. METHODS: A total of 754 participants, including 97 patients with AD, 50 patients with aMCI and 84 age- and sex-matched CN controls as well as a cohort of 523 CN subjects of different ages, were enrolled from five hospitals located in different areas of China. Urinary MCP-1 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The correlations between urinary MCP-1 levels and cognition test scores or age were analysed. The optimal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: In the cohort of CN subjects of different ages, urinary MCP-1 levels increased with ageing and were correlated with age. The urinary MCP-1 levels were higher in females than in males. In the cohort composed of patients with AD, aMCI and age- and sex-matched CN controls, urinary MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with AD and aMCI than in CN controls. There were no differences in urine MCP-1 levels between the AD group and the aMCI group. The urinary MCP-1 levels were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination scores and age, and were able to differentiate patients with AD and aMCI from CN subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary MCP-1 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of AD and aMCI.

The relevance of HIF1A gene polymorphisms and primary hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy in Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of gene polymorphisms in hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in left ventricular hypertrophy of hypertensive patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 583 hypertensive patients were divided into two groups, with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH (+), 198 cases) and without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH (-), 385 cases). Polymerase Chain Reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the single nucleotide gene polymorphisms rs11549465, rs11549467 and rs1957757 in HIF-1α. RESULTS: The distribution differences of gene frequencies for rs11549465, rs11549467 and rs1957757 in HIF1A single nucleotide gene polymorphisms for LVH (+) and LVH (-) were statistically significant (p<0.05). The T allele of rs11549465 loci and the G allele of rs11549467 loci increased the risk of LVH, related to the increased plasma expression of HIF-1α (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gene polymorphism of HIF-1α were related to primary hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy, and the expression of rs11549467 correlated with the increasing concentration of plasma HIF-1α.

Promethazine inhibits neuronal apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of promethazine on neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction (CI) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham group (n=12), model group (n=12), and promethazine group (n=12). The external carotid artery was only exposed in the model group, and the ischemia-reperfusion model after CI was established using the suture method in the other two groups. After modeling, the normal saline was intraperitoneally injected in the sham group and model group, while promethazine was intraperitoneally injected in the promethazine group. The rats were sampled after 1 week of intervention. The neurological deficits of rats were evaluated using the Zea-Longa score, and the cognitive function, the spatial learning, and memory of rats were detected via the water maze test. Moreover, the expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in brain tissues were detected via immunohistochemistry, and the relative protein expressions of PI3K p85, PI3K p110, and p-Akt were detected via Western blotting. The mRNA expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), and the apoptosis was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: The Zea-Longa score was significantly increased in the model group and promethazine group compared with that in the sham group (p<0.05), while it significantly declined in the promethazine group compared with that in the model group (p<0.05). The escape latency was significantly prolonged and the times of crossing platform were significantly reduced in the model group and promethazine group compared with those in the sham group (p<0.05), while the escape latency was significantly shortened and the times of crossing platform were significantly increased in the promethazine group compared with those in the model group (p<0.05). Compared with those in the sham group, the positive expression of Bax was significantly increased, while the positive expression of Bcl-2 was remarkably decreased in the model group and promethazine group (p<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, the positive expression of Bax was significantly decreased, while the positive expression of Bcl-2 was remarkably increased in the promethazine group (p<0.05). Besides, the model group and promethazine group had evidently higher relative protein expressions of PI3K p85, PI3K p110, and p-Akt than the sham group (p<0.05), while the promethazine group also had evidently higher relative protein expressions of PI3K p85, PI3K p110, and p-Akt than the model group (p<0.05). Compared with the sham group, model group, and promethazine group had remarkably increased relative mRNA expression of Bax, and remarkably decreased relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2 (p<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, the relative mRNA expression of Bax was remarkably decreased, while the relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was remarkably increased in the promethazine group (p<0.05). Finally, the apoptosis rate was significantly higher in the model group and promethazine group than that in the sham group (p<0.05), while it was significantly lower in the promethazine group than that in the model group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Promethazine inhibits neuronal apoptosis in CI rats by upregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect.

Prevalence of and risk factors for refractive error: a cross-sectional study in Han and Mongolian adults aged 40-80 years in Inner Mongolia, China.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for refractive error (RE) in Han and Mongolian adults aged 40-80 years in Inner Mongolia in China and to identify ethnic differences in RE between these populations. METHODS: Our cross-sectional study is part of the China National Health Survey (CNHS). The age-adjusted prevalence of RE in Han and Mongolian adults aged 40-80 in Inner Mongolia were compared. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Among 2090 people, the age-adjusted prevalence of myopia (SE < -0.5D), hyperopia (SE > 0.5D), high myopia (SE < -6.0D) and astigmatism (cylinder ≥ 0.5D) were 29.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 27.4-31.3%), 28.4% (95% CI, 26.4-30.5%), 3.6% (95% CI, 2.8-4.4%) and 65.9% (95% CI, 63.9-67.9%), respectively. The age-adjusted prevalence of myopia in the Han population was higher than that in the Mongolian population (31.8% vs. 23.0%, p < 0.001), but the prevalence of hyperopia was lower (25.8% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.002). In the multivariable logistic regression, ethnicity was associated with myopia (p = 0.001) and hyperopia (p = 0.001). Myopia was also associated with age, time spent in rural areas (p < 0.001) and middle/high school and undergraduate/graduate education levels (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively, compared with lower education levels). Additionally, age, height (p = 0.015) and pterygium (p = 0.014) were associated with hyperopia. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnicity is closely related to RE in Inner Mongolia in mainland China. Our study investigates differences in prevalence of and risk factors for RE between the Han and Mongolian populations, which could not be explained by differences in the risk factors investigated in this study.

[Safety of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia: a meta-analysis].

Objective: To assess the safety of olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine drugs in dementia patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms. Methods: The EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline, CNKI, Wang Fang were systematically searched for eligible randomized controlled trials of olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine drugs therapy in patients with psychotic symptoms of dementia before February 2016. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the trials and extracted information. All the data was analyzed with meta analysis and software of the Revman5.3 provided by Cochrane network. Results: Overall, 16 relevant RCTs with 1 727 participants were identified (olanzapine group: 672; quetiapine group: 395; risperidone group: 660). (1)Olanzapine group had higher incidence of somnolence than risperidone group (OR=1.49, 95% CI [-1.01-2.21], P=0.05), while for the dizziness, agitation, accidental injury, weight gain, abnormal gait, weakness, sleep disorders, extrapyramidal symptoms, there were no significant difference. (2) Risperidone had higher incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms than quetiapine group (OR=0.11, 95% CI [0.04-0.27], P=0.64), the incidence of somnolence was lower than quetiapine group (OR=0.03, 95% CI [1.06-3.51], P=0.03), while for accidental injury, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, constipation, there were no significant difference. (3) Olanzapine group had higher incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms than quetiapine group (OR=11.10, 95% CI [3.35-36.75], P<0.000 1), while for somnolence, sleep disturbances, constipation, agitation, weight gain, dizziness, there was no significant difference. (4) The subgroup analysis showed that in the Chinese population, compared with the population in Europe and America, risperidone group had higher incidence of agitation, sleep disorders than olanzapine (agitation: [OR= 0.26, 95% CI [0.08-0.82]; sleep disorders: OR= 0.31, 95% CI [0.10-0.99]), olanzapine group had higher incidence of weight gain than quetiapine (OR=6.8, 95% CI [2.00-23.14]). Conclusions: Among olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine, risperidone has lowest incidence of somnolence, quetiapine has lowest incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms. In the Chinese population, compared with the population in Europe and America, risperidone group has higher incidence of agitation, sleep disorders than olanzapine, and olanzapine group has higher incidence of weight gain than quetiapine.

Metformin regulates tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells via MLCK-MLC signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of metformin on the tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells and its relevant mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caco-2 cell monolayers were incubated with or without tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (10 ng/mL) in the absence or presence of indicated concentrations of metformin. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured at various time points. Caco-2 cell permeability was assessed using fluorescein permeability test. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of tight junction protein. Western blotting and Real-Time PCR were used to detect the expression of tight junction protein and Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)-Myosin light chain (MLC) signaling pathway. RESULTS: Metformin attenuates the effects of TNF-α on Caco-2 cell TEER and paracellular permeability, prevents TNF-α-induced morphological disruption of tight junctions, ameliorates the inhibiting effect of TNF-α on epithelial tight junction-related protein expression and suppresses the TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK production. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin can stabilize and up-regulate tight junction protein by inhibiting MLCK-MLC signaling pathway, thus ameliorating the tight junction of intestinal epithelial cells.

[Application of Chinese version of ACE-â ¢ in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with mild cognitive impairment].

Objective: To investigate the application and best cut-off value of Chinese version of Addenbrooke's cognitive examination-Ⅲ(ACE-Ⅲ) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 18 T2DM patients with normal cognitive function (NCI group) and 40 T2DM patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI group) treated in outpatient clinic or ward of Department of Neurology and Endocrinology in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between January 2015 and February 2016 were enrolled. Mini Mental State Scale (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL) and the Chinese version of ACE-Ⅲ were used to assess cognitive function of subjects and to assess the value of ACE-Ⅲ in the diagnosis of T2DM patients with mild cognitive impairment. Results: The Cronbach's alpha of the Chinese version of ACE-Ⅲ is 0.768. ACE-Ⅲ and MoCA were correlative (r=0.768, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for ACE-Ⅲ was 0.906 (95%CI: 0.827-0.985). When the cut-off value for diagnosis was 87.5, the maximum Youden index was 0.769, with a sensitivity of 0.825 and a specificity of 0.944. Patients in MCI group got a lower score in the sub-items of attention/orientation, memory, verbal fluency, language and visual space of ACE-Ⅲ compared to those in NCI group, and the differences were statistically significant (t=5.336, P<0.001; t=5.530, P<0.001; t=4.556, P<0.001; t=5.301, P<0.001; t=2.821, P=0.008). Conclusion: The Chinese version of ACE-Ⅲ had good internal consistency reliability, and it could effectively detect impairment of general cognitive function and single cognitive domains in T2DM patients.

[Reoperation for residual aneurysm of coronary anastomosis after Bentall procedure].

Objective: To introduce a new operative method for residual aneurysm of coronary anastomosis after Bentall procedure. Methods: Between March 2011 and December 2012, six patients in Beijing Anzhen Hospital with residual aneurysm of coronary anastomosis (CT showed goldfish eye sign at the openings of coronary) after Bentall procedure underwent the operation of concentric circular patch procedure under cardiopulmonary bypass. Femoral artery, right atrium and upper right pulmonary artery cannulation were used for cardiopulmonary bypass, and the artificial vessel was transected after cardiac arrest. A concentric circular patch was pruned, whose outside diameter was slightly larger than the aneurysm and the inside diameter was equal to the openings of coronary. The outer edge of the patch was anastomosed to the outer edge of the aneurysm (opening of artificial vessel in primary surgery) with 4-0 prolene. The inner edge of the patch was anastomosed to the openings of coronary with 5-0 prolene. Results: All patients had clinical recovery. Postoperative CT demonstrated the disappearance of residual aneurysm during follow-up (the goldfish eye sign disappeared). Conclusion: The concentric circular patch procedure is a feasible treatment for residual aneurysm of coronary anastomosis.

Tanshinone IIA ameliorates lead (Pb)-induced cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in a rat pup model.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic lead (Pb) exposure affects the developing central nervous system, whereas Tanshinone IIA (TSA) improves cognitive deficits. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the effects of TSA against lead-induced neurotoxicity in a rat pup model. A total of thirty two healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: lead-treated group, lead plus TSA-treated 1 group, lead plus TSA-treated 2 group, and controls. After a 4-week lead exposure, memory function was determined using Morris water maze and the concentration of lead was measured in blood. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activities were determined in hippocampus samples. RESULTS: Lead exposure causes decrease of body weight; increase of the blood lead concentration; decrease of antioxidant activities and BDNF content. However, co-administration of TSA with lead ameliorated the weight loss. Furthermore, TSA inhibited neurotoxicity as evidenced by decreased latency period and increase in percentage of time spent in the target quadrant. Administration of TSA also improved antioxidant activities by increased T-SOD, GSH, and decreased MDA activities compared to lead-treated group. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of that TSA has a neuroprotective effect against lead-induced cognitive deficit by enhancing antioxidant activities in the brain (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 27).

[Surgical treatment of aortic dissection with lower extremity ischemia].

Objective: To explore the clinical outcome of the surgical treatment for aortic dissection with lower extremity ischemia. Methods: Between March 2009 and April 2013, 14 patients with type A aortic dissection and lower extremity ischemia underwent Sun's procedure in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Ascending aorta-iliac artery bypass, ascending aorta-femoral artery bypass, femoral-femoral artery bypass and axillary -femoral artery bypass were performed on some severe patients at the same time. Results: Two death occurred, and the others were improved or recovered from symptoms. Follow-up was complete with an average time of 24 months and no aortic relevant complications occurred. Conclusion: As for patients with type A aortic dissection and lower extremity ischemia, simultaneous radical femoral artery bypass procedure is effective in improving their survival rate and quality of life.

[The relationship between preoperative renal failure and severe postoperative hypoxemia of patients received surgical procedures for Stanford A aortic dissection].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between renal failure and severe postoperative hypoxemia of patients received surgical procedure for Stanford A aortic dissection. METHODS: Clinical data of 411 consecutive patients from January 2014 to April 2015, who received surgical procedure for Stanford A aortic dissection in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, were collected retrospectively. The appearance of severe postoperative hypoxemia was recorded in all the cases. All the data about potential prognostic factors was put into the database and analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression respectively. RESULTS: Severe postoperative hypoxemia (PO2/FiO2<100 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) happened on 69 cases within 48 hours after procedures, with the incidence rate of 17.1%. Both univariate and multivariate Logistic regression indicated the influence that preoperative creatinine clearance rate had on severe postoperative hypoxemia showed no statistical significance. However, the influence of preoperative serum creatinine showed statistical significance (OR=1.009, 95%CI: 1.000 to 1.018, P=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative creatinine clearance rate of patients has no direct relationship with severe postoperative hypoxemia. But the preoperative serum creatinine could be regarded as an independent predictor of severe postoperative hypoxemia.

[Application of evoked potentials monitoring in total thoracoabdominal aorta aneurysm repair].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application value of evoked potentials (EP) monitoring in patients undergoing aorta-iliac bypass for total thoracoabdominal aorta aneurysm repair (tTAAAR). METHODS: A prospective study, with a total of 31 patients undergoing tTAAAR and intraoperative EP monitoring from June 2014 to April 2015 was carried out. The results of intraoperative evoked potentials, clinical outcomes and follow-up data of patients were collected for further evaluation. RESULTS: The EP wave disappeared [motor evoked potentials for (55.6±18.1) min, somatosensory evoked potentials for (50.3±18.7) min] after proximal descending aorta being clamped, and gradually recovered after the segment arteries of spine cord were reconstructed. The EP wave was restored to normal level at the end of operation in all the cases. The somatosensory evoked potentials remained unchanged in 2 cases (false negative). One case died after operation. No spinal cord injury occurred. The median follow-up after operation was 10 months (5-14 months). There was no delayed neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: EP provided an on-line monitoring of the condition of spinal cord function, which become an intraoperative protocol to avoid the irreversible injury of spinal cord.

[A prediction model for severe postoperative hypoxemia after surgery for Standford type A aortic dissection].

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors of severe postoperative hypoxemia after surgery for Standford type A aortic dissection and establish a prediction model. METHODS: Data of 411 consecutive patients from January 2014 to April 2015, who underwent surgery for Standford type A aortic dissection in the department of cardiovascular surgery of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. All the cases were divided into two groups according to the appearance of severe postoperative hypoxemia. All the data about potential risk factors was put into the database and analyzed by logistic regression. The prediction model was then established upon acquired independent risk factors. Discrimination and calibration of the prediction model were assessed with ROC curve and Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test. RESULTS: The perioperative in-hospital mortality was 6.57%(27/411). Severe postoperative hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2≤100 mmHg) happened in 69 cases within 48 hours after procedures, with an incidence rate of 17.1%. The logistic regression demonstrated that body mass index (BMI), age, preoperative serum myoglobin, preoperative serum creatinine, preoperative serumalanine aminotransferase, the time of cardiopulmonary bypass, re-exploration within 48 hours after procedures were the independent risk factors for severe postoperative hypoxemia. The prediction model was then established based on these independent risk factors. The area under ROC curve of the model was 0.785, and the P value in Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test was 0.625. CONCLUSION: The logsitic model built in this study succeeded to predict the incidence of severe postoperative hypoxemia after surgery for Standford type A aortic dissection, and it could meet the doctors' requirement with its excellent discrimination and calibration.

Increased vesicular γ-GABA transporter and decreased phosphorylation of synapsin I in the rostral preoptic area is associated with decreased gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and c-Fos coexpression in middle-aged female mice.

Hypothalamic glutamate (Glu) and γ-GABA neurotransmission are involved in the ovarian hormone-induced gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinising hormone (LH) surge in rodents. Studies have shown that reduced Glu and increased γ-GABA in the rostral preoptic area (rPOA) of the hypothalamus, where most activated GnRH neurones are located, play a key role in decreasing the reproductive function of female rats. However, the mechanism underlying the altered balance of these neurotransmitters is poorly understood. In the present study, we observed a decline in the function of GnRH neurones in the rPOA at the time of the GnRH/LH surge in middle-aged intact female mice with regular oestrous cycles. In young mice, there is an increase of vesicular Glu transporter 2 on the pro-oestrus afternoon, which is not observed in middle-aged mice. By contrast, vesicular γ-GABA transporter levels in young mice decrease at the time of the LH surge, whereas they increase in middle-aged mice. Of note, we found that, in middle-aged mice at the time of the GnRH/LH surge, the phosphorylation of synapsin I at Ser603 and Ca(2+) /calmodulin-dependent kinase IIα was significantly lower than in young mice. These data suggest that, in middle-aged mice, higher levels of presynaptic stores of GABA, a lack of increase of Glu and a decreased ability of synaptic vesicle mobilisation could account for the imbalance of Glu and GABA in the rPOA, which decreases the activation of GnRH neurones.

Effects of repeated applications of chlorpyrifos on its persistence and soil microbial functional diversity and development of its degradation capability.

Effects of repeated applications of chlorpyrifos on its persistence and soil microbial functional diversity were studied under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the degradation rate of chlorpyrifos increased whereas its inhibitory effect on soil microbial communities gradually decreased with application frequency of chlorpyrifos. A bacterial strain DSP capable of utilizing chlorpyrifos as a sole source of carbon and energy was isolated 21 days after the third chlorpyrifos application, which indicated that the capability of soil microorganism for degrading chlorpyrifos was formed during the experiment. It could be concluded that repeated applications of chlorpyrifos had no lasting impact on soil health.

Neuroprotective effect of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with low priming volume: study in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of a low priming volume following deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) in a rabbit model. METHODS: Rabbits were randomized into three groups: DHCA with low priming volume (Group L), DHCA with high priming volume (Group H), and sham-operated group (Group S). The priming volume of Groups L and H were 75 ml and 210 ml, respectively. The rabbits were simultaneously placed on CPB and brain microdialysis, cooled to 16 to 18 degrees C with DHCA for 60 minutes. Physiological parameters were regularly recorded. The extracellular levels of glutamate, glucose, lactate, and pyruvate in the hippocampus were collected by microdialysis and measured by HPLC and a microdialysis analyzer. Brain damage was evaluated with light microscopy and electron microscopy and TUNEL staining. RESULTS: In order to keep the mean arterial pressure and acid-base balance within defined physiological ranges, more doses of dopamine and sodium bicarbonate were administered in Group H than in Group L (P < 0.05). The ratios of lactate/glucose and lactate/pyruvate in Group H increased significantly compared with those in Group L from the beginning of weaning from CPB (P < 0.05). The levels of extracellular glutamate in the two DHCA groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). After weaning from CPB, the glutamate values in Group H remained at higher levels compared with those in Group L (P < 0.05). The percentage of injured neurons, TUNEL positive staining, and the mitochondria score of the hippocampus CA1 in Group H were significantly higher than in Group L (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A low priming volume during DHCA could have a neuroprotective effect compared with a high priming volume.

Rapid degradation of butachlor in wheat rhizosphere soil.

The degradative characteristics of butachlor in non-rhizosphere, wheat rhizosphere, and inoculated rhizosphere soils were measured. The rate constants for the degradation of butachlor in non-rhizosphere, rhizosphere, and inoculated rhizosphere soils were measured to be 0.0385, 0.0902, 0.1091 at 1 mg/kg, 0.0348, 0.0629, 0.2355 at 10 mg/kg, and 0.0299, 0.0386, 0.0642 at 100 mg/kg, respectively. The corresponding half-lives for butachlor in the soils were calculated to be 18.0, 7.7, 6.3 days at 1 mg/kg, 19.9, 11.0, 2.9 days at 10 mg/kg, and 23.2, 18.0, 10.8 days at 100 mg/kg, respectively. The experimental results show that the degradation of butachlor can be enhanced greatly in wheat rhizosphere, and especially in the rhizosphere inoculated with the bacterial community designated HD which is capable of degrading butachlor. It could be concluded that rhizosphere soil inoculated with microorganisms-degrading target herbicides is a useful pathway to achieve rapid degradation of the herbicides in soil.