Orally administered Chinese herbal therapy to assist post-surgical recovery for chronic rhinosinusitis-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to: assess the effectiveness and safety of orally administered Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) as adjuncts to the post-surgical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS); inform clinicians of the current evidence; identify the best available evidence; and suggest directions for further research. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from searches of nine databases plus clinical trial registries. Participants were adults and/or children diagnosed with sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, who had received surgery. Interventions were CHMs used orally following surgery for CRS as additions to conventional post-surgical management. Controls received conventional post-surgical management without CHMs. Studies reported results for Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT), visual analogue scales (VAS), Lund-Mackay computed tomography score (LM), Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score (LK), mucociliary transport time (MTT), mucociliary transport rate (MTR), mucociliary clearance (MC) or quality of life (QoL). Twenty-one RCTs were included. All used oral CHMs following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The pooled results showed no significant difference between groups for SNOT-20 at the end of treatment (EoT) but there was a significant difference at follow up (FU) in favour of additional CHMs. The VAS for total nasal symptoms (VAS-TNS) showed greater improvements in the CHM groups at EoT and FU. Only FU data were reported for LM which showed greater improvement in the CHM groups. LK showed greater improvements at EoT and FU. The measures of mucociliary transport (MTT, MTR, and MC) each showed significantly greater improvement at EoT in the group that received additional CHMs. No study reported QoL. Adverse events were not serious, but reporting was incomplete. The meta-analyses suggested the addition of oral CHMs to conventional management following FESS may improve recovery. However, most studies were not blinded, and substantial heterogeneity was evident in some meta-analyses. Blinded studies are required to further investigate the roles of oral CHMs in post-surgical recovery. Systematic review registration number: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019119586).

The effect of training on sensitivity and stability of double fusion in Panum's limiting case.

Panum's limiting case is a phenomenon of monocular occlusion in binocular vision. This occurs when one object is occluded by the other object for one eye, but the two objects are both visible for the other eye. Although previous studies have found that vertical gradient of horizontal disparity and cue conflict are two important factors for double fusion, the effect of training on the sensitivity and stability of Panum's limiting case remains unknown. The current study trained 26 participants for 5 days with several of Panum's configurations (Gilliam, Frisby, and Wang series). The latency and duration of double fusion were recorded to examine the effects of training on sensitivity and stability of double fusion in Panum's limiting case. For each level of vertical gradient of horizontal disparity and cue conflict, the latency of double fusion decreased and the duration of double fusion increased with each additional training session. The results showed that vertical gradient of horizontal disparity and cue conflict interacted, and the duration of high cue conflict was significantly shorter than that of medium and low cue conflict for each level of vertical gradient of horizontal disparity. The findings suggest that there is an effect of training for vertical gradient of horizontal disparity and cue conflict in Panum's limiting case, and that the three factors jointly affect the sensitivity and stability of double fusion.

Double fusion, a depth perception mechanism in Panum's limiting case.

The origin of depth in Panum's limiting case is unclear at present, so we investigated the depth perception mechanism using a triangle type of Panum's stimulus with a slant effect and clear criterion. Experiment 1 explored whether participants can correctly perceive fixation and nonfixation features using the fixation point and quick representation of stimuli, then examined whether participants' depth judgments supported double fusion or single fusion. The results of Experiment 1 showed that participants could correctly perceive the depth of fixation and nonfixation features. That is, it supported double fusion. In Experiment 2, we examined whether the depth perceived by observers comes from depth contrast. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the depth of the two features perceived after binocular fusion did not originate from the depth contrast. The findings suggest that the depth perception mechanism of Panum's limiting case is more likely to be double fusion.

Chinese herbal therapy in the management of rhinosinusitis-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aims to assess the effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) in the management of rhinosinusitis (RS); inform clinicians of the current state of the evidence; identify the best available evidence; and suggest further directions for research. Five English and four Chinese language databases, and four clinical trial registries were searched. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Participants were diagnosed with RS based on established criteria. Test interventions were CHMs administered orally and/or nasally, excluding injections and displacement techniques. Control interventions included placebos, no additional treatment, and conventional non-invasive treatments including pharmacotherapies and/or nasal irrigation, and/or inhalations. Polyposis and post-surgical recovery were excluded. Outcomes were Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT), visual analogue scales (VAS), Lund-Mackay computed tomography score (LM), Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic score (LK), Mucociliary transport time (MTT), Mucociliary transport rate (MTR), quality of life and adverse events (AEs). Risk of bias used the Cochrane tool. Meta-analysis in Review Manager 5.4.1 used random effects for mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed as I2. Thirty-four RCTs were included, 30 of chronic RS (CRS) and four of acute RS (ARS). These enrolled 3,752 participants. Five RCTs blinded participants. For CRS, comparisons with placebo showed greater improvements in the CHM groups for SNOT-20 and VAS-TNS (total nasal symptoms). Blinded comparisons with pharmacotherapies showed no differences between groups in the degree of improvement for SNOT-20, VAS-TNS, and LM, suggesting these CHMs had similar effects, at least in the short term. In ARS, pooled results found improved scores on VAS-TNS and LK suggesting a benefit for combining these CHMs with pharmacotherapies. Limitations included inadequacies in study design and methodological reporting, and insufficient reporting of AEs. Heterogeneity in some pooled results precluded strong conclusions. Further well-designed studies are needed to test whether the results are replicable. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42019119586).

Fe(â ¡) improving sulfurized Anammox coupled with autotrophic denitrification performance: Based on interspecies and intracellular electron transfer.

Insufficient nitrite supply and slow metabolism of Anammox bacteria (AnAOB) impeded the application of Anammox process in low level ammonia (LLA) (≤50 mg/L) wastewater. At the initial concentration of 50 mg/L NH4+-N and 75 mg/L NO3--N, Fe(Ⅱ) (10 mg/L) promoted the total nitrogen removal efficiency from 80.79 to 94.92 % by core-shell sulfurized AnAOB coupled with sulfur oxidizing bacteria (S0@AnAOB + SOB). AnAOB outcompeted SOB for nitrite, because the addition of Fe(Ⅱ) not only increased the nitrate reductase activity (37.54 %), but also enhanced the metabolism and electron capture ability of AnAOB, which was highly related with energy metabolic process: hydrazine dehydrogenase activity increased to 139.00 %. Particularly, Fe(Ⅱ) accelerated the interspecies electron transfer (INET) (from SOB to AnAOB) by stimulating the secretion of redox species and electron hopping in EPS. This study shed light on the mechanism of Fe(Ⅱ) promoting electron transfer in S0@AnAOB + SOB system, and provided basis for engineering practice.

Sulfidation forwarding high-strength Anammox process using nitrate as electron acceptor via thiosulfate-driven nitrate denitratation.

A single up-flow thiosulfate-driven nitrate denitratation coupled with the sulfurized Anammox (TDSA) with the core-shell structure (S0@ Anammox granules) provided a chemical/energy-saving way for the removal of high-content ammonium with nitrate as electron acceptor. Approximately 83.66% total nitrogen removal efficiency (TNRE) could be achieved by the sulfurized Anammox encrusted by S0/Sn2- at a high loading rate (2.6 kg-N/(m3·d)) via resisting high concentration of free ammonia (FA) (22.35 mg/L), mainly through S2O32-, S0/Sn2- -driven partial denitrification-Anammox (PDN-Anammox) process. Moreover, S0/Sn2--PDN-Anammox was largely restricted when intermittently aerated, but still resulting in 74.47% TNRE due to the partial nitrification-Anammox (PN-Anammox). The sequencing analysis revealed that Anammox bacterium (Candidatus_Kuenenia) and sulfur-oxidizing bacterium (Thiobacillus) coexisted, in which Anammox process occurred mainly via NO instead of NH2OH. This study provided a new perspective for high concentration nitrogen wastewater removal in engineering applications.

Prompting the FDH/Hases-based electron transfers during Pt(IV) reduction mediated by bio-Pd(0).

Due to the excellent hydrogen affinity and high conductivity, palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) were considered as a potential strategy to regulate bacterial electron transfer and energy metabolism. Herein, Citrobacter freundii JH, capable of in-situ biosynthesizing Pd(0) NPs, was employed to promote Pt(IV) reduction. The results showed that the Pt(IV) reduction to Pt(II) was accomplished mainly via the flavins-mediated extracellular electron transfer (EET) process, while Pt(II) reduction to Pt(0) was limit step, and proceeded via two intracellular respiratory chains, including FDH/Hases-based short chain (S-chain) and typical CoQ-involved long respiratory chain (L-chain). Noteworthily, the incorporation of Pd(0) NPs mainly diverted the electrons to S-chain (as high as 71.7%-73.4%) by improving the hydrogenases (Hases) activity. Furthermore, Pd(0) NPs could stimulate the secreting of flavins and the combination between flavins and cytochrome c (c-Cyt), which converted electron transfer manner of L-chain. Additionally, Pd(0) NPs might also act as alternative proton channels to improve the energy metabolism. These findings provided significant insights into the promotion by Pd(0) NPs in terms of electron generation, electron consumption and proton translocation.

Effects of an organic carbon source on the coupling of sulfur(thiosulfate)-driven denitration with Anammox process.

The sulfur(thiosulfate)-driven autotrophic denitrification coupled with Anammox (SDDA) process is proposed as an emerging technology for wastewater containing NH4+-N and NO3--N. However, the influence of organic matter on the SDDA process is not fully understood. A long-term experiment has shown that a moderate organic (acetate) (＜140 mg/L COD) can accelerate the heterotrophic/autotrophic denitrification and Anammox activity, to reach as high as 92.8% ± 0.3% total nitrogen at a loading rate of 1.34 kg-N/(m3·d). Batch test results showed that Anammox made the largest contribution to the removal of nitrogen, even in an SDDA system with COD addition. Additionally, organics can promote the bioavailability of solid sulfur through reaction with sulfide to form polysulfides, which increased nitrite accumulation to forward Anammox process. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (e.g., Thiobacillus and Denitratisoma) coexisted with Anammox bacteria (e.g., Ca. Brocadia and Ca. Kuenenia) in the SDDA system despite the addition of exogenous COD.

Chinese herbal medicine bi min fang for allergic rhinitis: protocol for a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: People with allergic rhinitis (AR) often seek help from Chinese medicine due to dissatisfaction with conventional treatments. Lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome (LSQDS) is the most common type of AR, and the Chinese herbal medicine formula bi min fang (BMF) is commonly prescribed for AR patients with LSQDS. However, direct evidence supporting its efficacy and safety is not available, and its potential mechanism of action remains unclear. METHODS/DESIGN: This paper presents a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial. After a 2-week run-in period, 80 AR patients with LSQDS will be recruited and randomly allocated to the BMF group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the BMF group will receive BMF and the placebo for levocetirizine hydrochloride orally, while the control group participants will receive levocetirizine hydrochloride and the placebo for BMF orally. All participants will receive 4 weeks of treatment and 12 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome is a change in the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS). Secondary outcomes include changes in scores for the standard version of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ(S)), and visual analog scale (VAS); changes in serum levels of the cytokines interleukin-4, interferon-γ, transforming growth factor ß-1, and interleukin-17; and changes in the gut microbiota composition in the stool. The TNSS, RQLQ(S), and VAS will be recorded at the beginning of, middle of and after the treatment period and at the end of each month in the 3-month follow-up period. Blood and stool samples will be collected at baseline and the end of the treatment. The aforementioned four cytokines will be detected in the serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and the stool gut microbiota will be detected using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid sequencing. Any side effects of the treatment will be recorded. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will provide consolidated evidence of the effect of BMF on AR and the potential mechanism by which BMF acts. This study will be the first to explore the mechanism of action of Chinese herbal medicine on the gut microbiota in AR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-17010970 . Registered on 23 March 2017.

[Expression and significance of the cell cycle regulators in laryngeal carcinogenesis detected by flow cytometry].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of the cell cycle regulators cyclin E, cyclin D1, p21, p16 in laryngeal carcinogenesis tissus. METHOD: The expression of cell cycle regulators were detected by flow cytometry method in 23 cases of polyps of vocal cord, 69 cases of laryngeal precancerous change and 33 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), which tissue was paraffin embedded, sliced, dewaxed, and prepared into the cell suspension, then fluorescently labeled by cyclin E, cyclin D1, p21 and p16. RESULT: In polyps of vocal cord, laryngeal precancerous change and LSCC, The positive expression rate of cyclin E and cyclin D1 were respectively 13.04%, 20.29D, 42.420 and 26.09%, 43.48% and 93.94%. The positive expression rate of p16 and p21 were respectively 61.90%, 40.98%, 14.28% and 47.62%, 23.81%, 26.23%. Those showed the positive expression rate of cyclin D1, cyclin E gradually decreased from vocal cord polyps, laryngeal precancerous change to LSCC, (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while the positive expression rate of p21 and p16 gradually decreased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The abnormal expression of cell cycle regulatory factors is the molecular events of laryngeal carcinoma. High expression of positive regulatory factors cyclin D1 and cyclin E, and low expression of negative regulatory factors p16 and p21, which showed the imbalance of multiple positive and negative regulatory factors related with cell cycle play an important role in the occurrence of laryngeal cancer.