Pathways to improving carbon emission efficiency in provinces: A comparative qualitative analysis based on the technology-organization-environment framework.

Achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality are important issues for global climate governance. The study of carbon emission efficiency in China's provincial regions is of practical significance for the country to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Based on the framework of Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE), choosing technological progress, economic development, industrial structure, energy structure, energy prices, and carbon emission trading market as condition variables, collecting the panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2020, the mixed study of Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was used to explore the complex influence mechanism of carbon emission efficiency. The findings indicate: (1) none of the single conditions are necessary for the effect of carbon emission efficiency, but technology plays an important role in supporting the improvement of carbon emission efficiency. (2) There are four recipes for the improvement of carbon emission efficiency, which are summarized into four modes: Technology-Organization dual core modes, Environment core-Organization support modes, Technology-Organization-Environment linkage modes, and Organization core-Technology support modes. Among them, the recipe of Organization core-Technology support covers the largest number of provinces, indicating that for the developed provinces, it is necessary to accelerate technological innovation, make the deep integration of economic development and technological innovation, and promote the adjustment of the industrial structure, thereby improving the carbon emission efficiency (CEE). This study contributes to carbon emission efficiency literature by providing a new theoretical perspective based on the TOE analysis framework, and development strategies for provinces to optimize the combination according to their condition endowment.

Effects of Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Explosive Power of Lower Limbs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare changes in explosive power between blood flow restriction training and traditional resistance training protocols. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and OVID Medline were conducted for studies. Inclusion criteria were: (a) healthy people; (b) randomized controlled or controlled trials; (c) outcome measures of explosive performance (peak power, rate of force development, jump performance, sprint performance, etc.); (d) involving a comparison between blood flow restriction training and traditional resistance training. Quality assessment was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 12 studies (262 subjects) were finally included for analysis. The PEDro scale score had a median of 5 of 10 points (range: 3-6 points). Significant small to moderate improvements were observed in blood flow restriction training [jump: standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.02; 0.69); sprint: SMD of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.00; 1.07); power: SMD of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.17; 1.27)] when compared to traditional resistance training. The findings indicate that blood flow restriction training is more effective in improving explosive power of lower limbs compared to traditional resistance training in healthy people. In addition, blood flow restriction with a wide cuff (≥ 10 cm) during training improved explosive power better than with a narrow cuff or during the rest interval. Blood flow restriction training is very suitable for athletes in short competitive seasons and those who are not able to tolerate high loads (i.e., rehabilitators and the elderly).

Retinoic acid delays murine palatal shelf elevation by inhibiting Wnt5a-mediated noncanonical Wnt signaling and downstream Cdc-42/F-actin remodeling in mesenchymal cells.

BACKGROUND: Mammalian palatal shelves erupted from maxillary prominences undergo vertical extention, transient elevation, and horizontal growth to fuse. Previous studies in mice reported that the retinoic acid (RA) contributed to cleft palate in high incidence by delaying the elevating procedure, but little was known about the underlying biological mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescence staining were employed to evaluate the phenotypes and the expression of related markers in the RA-treated mice model. In situ hybridization and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of genes involved in Wnt signaling pathway. The palatal mesenchymal cells were cultured in vitro, and stimulated with RA or CASIN, and co-treated with Foxy5. Wnt5a and Ccd42 expression were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Phalloidin was used to label the microfilament cytoskeleton (F-actin) in cultured cells. RESULTS: We revealed that RA resulted in 100% incidence of cleft palate in mouse embryos, and the expression of genes responsible for Wnt5a-mediated noncanonical Wnt signal transduction were specifically downregulated in mesenchymal palatal shelves. The in vitro study of palatal mesenchymal cells indicated that RA treatment disrupted the organized remodeling of cytoskeleton, an indicative structure of cell migration regulated by the small Rho GTPase Cdc42. Moreover, we showed that the suppression of cytoskeleton and cell migration induced by RA was partially restored using the small molecule Foxy-5-mediated activation of Wnt5A, and this restoration was attenuated by CASIN (a selective GTPase Cdc42 inhibitor) again. CONCLUSIONS: These data identified a crucial mechanism for Wnt5a-mediated noncanonical Wnt signaling in acting downstream of Rho GTPase Cdc42 to regulate cytoskeletal remodeling and cell migration during the process of palate elevation. Our study provided a new explanation for the cause of cleft palate induced by RA.

Resection of an anal fistula with endoscopic submucosal dissection.

A 34-year-old man presented with paroxysmal hypogastralgia during defecation for 2 weeks. Physical and laboratory examination findings were unremarkable, other than a depression located 1 cm above the dentate line, accompanied by mild tenderness and a clubbed induration extending to the rectum. Colonoscopy showed a 2.0×0.8 cm longitudinal, protruding mass in the posterior wall of the lower rectum. Endosonography revealed a mixed echogenic mass originating from the rectal submucosa, with no sign of muscular wall disruption. There was no evidence of Crohn's or other diseases. Following anorectal consultation, we suspected a submucosal or internal blind fistula since the patient was symptomatic with a superficial mass which communicated to the rectum. The location and depth of the mass indicated that endoscopic resection might allow for removal of the lesion without impairment of the anorectal anatomy and function. After obtaining the patient's consent, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed. En bloc resection was achieved using a disposable, high-frequency knife (Micro-Tech, China). No adverse events occurred. Histopathological examination revealed a benign fistula composed of local submucous granulomatous tissue proliferation and a focal mucous epithelial defect. The patient's symptoms were relieved postoperatively, and no recurrence was evident after 6 months.

Systemic injury caused by taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

Systemic injury plays a central role in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Retrograde biliopancreatic duct infusion of sodium taurocholate (NaT) is commonly used to establish SAP animal models. To better characterize the systemic injury in this model, SAP was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by NaT administration (3.5 or 5%), followed by sacrifice at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. Normal saline was used as a control in Sham-operated rats. The mortality rate, ascites volume, and serum and ascitic fluid amylase and lipase activities were assessed. Multiple organ dysfunction, including dysfunction of the pancreas, lung, ileum, liver, and kidney, was investigated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the ascitic fluid, serum, and ileum tissues were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, in ileum tissues were studied using immunofluorescence. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CRE) and urea levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The results of the present study indicated that both 3.5 and 5% NaT could induce a stable elevation of pancreatitis indices, with histopathological injury of the pancreas, lungs and ileum (5% NaT). The ascitic fluid levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß were increased in the 5% NaT group. ALT and AST levels increased temporarily and recovered in 72 h, without a significant increase in CRE and urea levels or apparent hepatic and renal pathological injury. In conclusion, rats with NaT-induced SAP have characteristics of necrotizing hemorrhagic pancreatitis with multiple organ injuries, including inflammatory lung injury, ischemic intestinal injury and slight liver and kidney injuries.

Effects of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Promotion Mode Intervention Combined with Oxygen Therapy on Cardiopulmonary Function and Blood Gas Analysis Indexes of COPD Patients with Cor Pulmonale.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common respiratory disease. This paper observes the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation promotion mode intervention combined with oxygen therapy on cardiopulmonary function and blood gas analysis indexes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with cor pulmonale. A total of 136 COPD patients with cor pulmonale admitted to our hospital from July 2018 to October 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into two groups by a simple random method. 136 patients are given oxygen therapy while the traditional group and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group are given traditional mode and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation promotion mode intervention. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation promotion mode intervention combined with oxygen therapy can improve the cardiopulmonary function of COPD patients with cor pulmonale, regulate the expression of related serum factors, improve self-care ability, and reduce the number of hospitalizations.

[Effects of Regulating Smad7 Gene on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Keloid Keratinocyte].

OBJECTIVE: The effect of Smad7 on epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of keloid keratinocytes was studied. METHODS: Culture formed keloid cutin cells (KK) and normal skin cutin cell (NK cells), built the Smad7 too slow virus slow virus vector and Smad7 interference expression vector, screening the best expression and interfering with the slow virus infection NK and KK cells respectively, and contrast carrier puro screening stable expression cell lines, stem cells can be divided into 8 groups: NK-Control (normal training of NK cells); NK-NC (NK cells screened against lentivirus); NK-shSmad7 (NK cells that interfere with lentivirus screening); NK-mSmad7 (NK cells screened for overexpression of lentivirus); KK-control (normal cultured KK cells); KK-NC (KK cells screened against lentivirus); KK-shSmad7 (KK cells that interfere with lentivirus screening); KK-mSmad7 (KK cells screened for overexpression of lentivirus). Cell proliferation was observed by the CCK-8 method, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, cell migration ability was detected by Transwell chamber, and expression of key proteins (N-cadherin and Occludin) in epithelium-interstitial transform was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The Smad7 interfering lentivirus vector and Smad7 overexpressing lentivirus vector were successfully constructed. Interference with Smad7 can promote NK cell and KK cell proliferation and migration, and inhibit KK cell apoptosis, but it has no significant effect on NK cell apoptosis ( P>0.05). Overexpression of Smad7 inhibited the proliferation and migration of NK cells and KK cells, and promoted their apoptosis. After interfering with lentivirus infection, NK cells and KK cells showed decreased expression of Occludin protein compared with NC group ( P<0.01), increased N-cadherin protein expression in KK cells ( P<0.01), but there was no significant change in N-cadherin protein expression in NK cells ( P>0.05); After lentivirus overexpression, NK and KK cells showed increased expression of Occludin protein ( P<0.05), the expression of N-cadherin protein in NK cells decreased ( P<0.05), but there was no significant change in N-cadherin protein expression in KK cells ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The regulation of Smad7 gene can affect the EMT in normal skin keratinocytes and keloid keratinocytes, and further regulate the ability of cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The effect of Smad7 gene regulation on EMT in keloid keratinocytes was greater than that on normal skin keratinocytes.

Expressional Localization and Functionally Identifying an RNA Editing Enzyme BmADARa of the Silkworm Bombyx mori.

The most common type of RNA editing in metazoans is the deamination of adenosine into inosine (A-to-I) catalyzed by the adenosine deaminase acting on the RNA (ADAR) family of proteins. The deletion or dysfunction of ADAR enzymes in higher eukaryotes can affect the efficiency of substrate editing and cause neurological disorders. However, the information concerning A-to-I RNA editing and ADAR members in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (BmADAR), is limited. In this study, a first molecular comprehensive cloning and sequence analysis of BmADAR transcripts was presented. A complete open reading frame (ORF) (BmADARa) was obtained using RT-PCR and RACE and its expression pattern, subcellular localization and A-to-I RNA-editing function on the silkworm synaptotagmin I (BmSyt I) were investigated. Subcellular localization analysis observed that BmADARa was mainly localized in the nucleus. To further study the A-to-I RNA-editing function of BmADARa, BmSyt I-pIZ-EGFP was constructed and co-transfected with BmADARa-pIZ-EGFP into BmN cells. The result demonstrates that BmADARa can functionally edit the specific site of BmSyt I. Taken together, this study not only provides insight into the function of the first ADAR enzyme in B. mori, but also lays foundations for further exploration of the functional domain of BmADARa and its editing substrates and target sites.

Sleepless in Lockdown: unpacking differences in sleep loss during the coronavirus pandemicin the UK

BackgroundCovid-19 has been shown to be having a disproportionate impact on the health of individuals from different ethnic groups and those employed in certain occupations, whilst the indirect impacts of Covid-19, including the closure of schools and business and the move to home working, fall disproportionately on the young and on women. These factors may in turn impact upon sleep health. Research on sleep deprivation during the pandemic crisis to date has been limited. The present study aimed to explore the levels and social determinants of self-reported sleep loss among the general population during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK, with a particular focus on ethnic and gender disparities. MethodsNewly available national representative survey data from Understanding Society COVID- 19 Study collected during April 2020 were analysed. These data were linked to Wave 9 of Understanding Society conducted in 2018/19, providing information about the respondents prior to the outbreak of the pandemic. Cross-sectional analysis provided prevalence estimates, whilst analysis of the linked longitudinal data provided incidence estimates. The analytical sample included 15,360 respondents aged 16 and above; among these, 12,206 reported no problem of sleep loss before the epidemic. ResultsPrevalence and incidence rates of perceived sleep loss were 24.7% and 20.2% respectively. Women (at the level of 31.8% and 27.0%) and individuals from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) communities (at the level of 32.0% and 24.6%) were more vulnerable to sleep deprivation due to the pandemic. Multivariate regression analysis shows that being female, the presence of young children in the household, perceived financial difficulties and being a Covid-19-related key worker were all predictive of sleep loss. Once these covariates were controlled for the bivariate relationship between ethnicity and sleep loss was reversed, reflecting the complex interaction between the coronavirus epidemic and ethnicity. ConclusionsThe pandemic has widened the disparity of sleep deprivation across different groups, with women with young children, key workers and people of BAME heritage all experiencing difficulty in sleeping, which in turn may negatively affect mental and physical health and well-being.

Efficacy assessment of acupuncture in improving symptoms of uterine fibroids: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine fibroids are a common benign genital tumor disease in gynecological diseases. It is mainly a change in physical function caused by the growth of smooth muscle cells in the factor uterus. Modern medicine's treatment of this disease is based on the dependence of uterine fibroids on sex hormones. Treatment with antiprogestin and estrogen drugs can reduce the volume of fibroids or slow the rate of increase in volume, thereby achieving the goal of alleviating clinical symptoms. In order to meet the needs of the majority of women of childbearing age and to maintain fertility, acupuncture treatment of uterine fibroids has a broad prospect for development. METHODS/DESIGN: This study plans to select 60 cases that meet the corresponding selection criteria. According to the random principle, they will be divided into intervention group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The general information, fibroid size, and TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients will be compared before treatment. In terms of treatment, the intervention group will be given acupuncture combined therapy; the control group will be given Chinese patent medicine. The treatment cycles in both groups will be three menstrual cycles. After the treatment is completed, the data of the relevant curative effect indicators are analyzed by using SPSS software to draw conclusions. DISCUSSION: We aim to provide higher evidence-based medical evidence for acupuncture treatment of uterine fibroids. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR2000030438, Registered on March 01, 2020.

Mitochondrial G12630A variation is associated with statin-induced myalgia in Chinese patients with coronary artery disease / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To identify mitochondrial gene variants associated with statin-induced myalgia in Chinese patients with coronary artery disease (CHD).@*METHODS@#This study was conducted in a cohort of 403 patients with CHD receiving rosuvastatin therapy, among whom 341 patients had complete follow-up data concerning myalgia and 389 patients had documented measurements of plasma creatine kinase (CK) level. All these patients underwent genetic analysis using GSA chip for detecting mitochondria gene variants associated with myalgia. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between 69 mitochondrial single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and myopathy in 341 patients. The impact of these mutation sites on CK levels in 389 patients was evaluated by linear regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#G12630A variant was identified to correlate with an increased risk of myalgia in CHD patients (OR: 8.689, 95% @*CONCLUSIONS@#Mitochondrial G12630A variation is associated with statin-induced myalgia in patients with CHD, indicating the necessity of different treatment strategies for patients who carry this risk allele.

Pregnancy complicated with severe special diseases in 2014-2016 in Shanghai:its risk management study / 上海预防医学

Objective To study the risk management of pregnancy with severe special diseases. Methods The relevant data on 181 women (< 28 weeks gestation) with severe special diseases reported from 2014 to 2016 in Shanghai city were analyzed retrospectively. Results The incidence of pregnancy with severe special diseases rose from 2014-2016, the incidence of 2016 was significantly higher than that of 2014 (P < 0.01).The average age of 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases was (29.06±5.41) years old, and pregnant women over 35 years of age accounted for 16.02%.The proportion of pregnant women (over 35) with severe special diseases in 2016 increased compared with the previous two years.Among 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases, the proportion of non-household registration people(76.80%) was higher than that of Shanghai household registered women(23.20%), the pregnant women who temporarily lived in Shanghai(residence time < 6 months) accounted for 35.91%.The top three diseases of 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases were pregnancy with cardiopathy, pregnancy with blood diseases and pregnancy with diseases of the immune system.Among the 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases, 47 cases received rescue of severe pregnant (259.67‰), which was significantly higher than the incidence of critically ill pregnant women in Shanghai during 2014-2016 (2.31‰, 3.12‰, 3.31‰ for three years respectively, and the average 2.89‰).The hospitalization expenses were lower if pregnancy terminated within 13 weeks gestation (P < 0.05). Conclusion To strengthen early intervention for pregnancy with severe specific diseases, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of mothers and infants, improving the quality of life for the pregnant women, reducing the burden on pregnancy and saving medical and health costs.To increase the risk awareness and intervention compliance of pregnant women with severe special diseases for the purpose of reducing maternal mortality.

Pregnancy complicated with severe special diseases in 2014-2016 in Shanghai:its risk management study / 上海预防医学

Objective To study the risk management of pregnancy with severe special diseases. Methods The relevant data on 181 women (< 28 weeks gestation) with severe special diseases reported from 2014 to 2016 in Shanghai city were analyzed retrospectively. Results The incidence of pregnancy with severe special diseases rose from 2014-2016, the incidence of 2016 was significantly higher than that of 2014 (P < 0.01).The average age of 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases was (29.06±5.41) years old, and pregnant women over 35 years of age accounted for 16.02%.The proportion of pregnant women (over 35) with severe special diseases in 2016 increased compared with the previous two years.Among 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases, the proportion of non-household registration people(76.80%) was higher than that of Shanghai household registered women(23.20%), the pregnant women who temporarily lived in Shanghai(residence time < 6 months) accounted for 35.91%.The top three diseases of 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases were pregnancy with cardiopathy, pregnancy with blood diseases and pregnancy with diseases of the immune system.Among the 181 pregnant women with severe special diseases, 47 cases received rescue of severe pregnant (259.67‰), which was significantly higher than the incidence of critically ill pregnant women in Shanghai during 2014-2016 (2.31‰, 3.12‰, 3.31‰ for three years respectively, and the average 2.89‰).The hospitalization expenses were lower if pregnancy terminated within 13 weeks gestation (P < 0.05). Conclusion To strengthen early intervention for pregnancy with severe specific diseases, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of mothers and infants, improving the quality of life for the pregnant women, reducing the burden on pregnancy and saving medical and health costs.To increase the risk awareness and intervention compliance of pregnant women with severe special diseases for the purpose of reducing maternal mortality.

Oxymatrine reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells by depressing αâ ¤ß3 integrin/FAK/PI3K/Akt signaling activation.

PURPOSE: Oxymatrine, an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Aiton, possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-immune, anti-hepatic fibrosis, and anti-cancer properties. However, the effects of oxymatrine on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells are still unclear. AIM: The present study was performed to investigate whether oxymatrine reverses EMT in breast cancer cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability. Wound-healing assay and transwell chamber assay were used to assess cell migration and invasion, respectively. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to study the expression of EMT-related molecules and αⅤß3 integrin/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling transduction. Fibronectin, a physiologic ligand of αⅤß3 integrin, was used to stimulate αⅤß3 integrin signaling. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that oxymatrine effectively suppressed the viability of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 breast cancer cells, and oxymatrine showed less cytotoxicity on normal breast mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells. In addition, oxymatrine reversed EMT in the MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells at nontoxic concentrations. Oxymatrine significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion, downregulated the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells, but upregulated the expression of E-cadherin in 4T1 cells. The mechanism revealed that oxymatrine decreased the expression of αⅤ and ß3 integrin and their co-localization. It also inhibited αⅤß3 integrin downstream activation by suppressing the phosphorylation of FAK, PI3K, and Akt. Furthermore, oxymatrine prevented fibronectin-induced EMT and αⅤß3 integrin/FAK/PI3K/Akt signaling activation. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that oxymatrine effectively reversed EMT in breast cancer cells by depressing αⅤß3 integrin/FAK/PI3K/Akt signaling. Thus, oxymatrine could be a potential therapeutic candidate with anti-metastatic potential for the treatment of breast cancer.

Correlation study on chemical constitutes of cardiac glycosides in Taxillus chinensis and its Nerium indicum host by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

To build up an identification method on cardiac glycosides in Taxillus chinensis and its Nerium indicum host, and evaluate the influence on medicine quality from host to T. chinensis, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)was applied. The samples of T. chinensis(harvested from N. indicum)and its N. indicum host were collected in field. The samples of T. chinensis(harvested from Morus alba)and its M. alba host was taken as control substance. All samples were extracted by ultrasonic extraction in 70% ethanol. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C_(18)(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm)column at 40 ℃. Gradient elution was applied, and the mobile phase was consisted of 0.1% formic acid water and acetonitrile. The 0.5 μL of sample solution was injected and the flow rate of the mobile phase was kept at 0.6 mL·min~(-1) in each run. It was done to identify cardiac glycosides and explore the chemical composition correlation in T. chinensis and its N. indicum host by analyzing positive and negative ion mode mass spectrometry data, elemental composition, cardiac glycoside reference substance and searching related literatures. A total of 29 cardiac glycosides were identified, 28 of it belonged to N. indicum host, 5 belonged to T. chinensis(harvested from N. indicum host), none of cardiac glycoside was identified in T. chinensis(harvested from M. alba host). The result could provide a reference in evaluating the influence in T. chinensis medicine quality from host. It was rapid, accurate, and comprehensive to identify cardiac glycosides in T. chinensis and its N. indicum host by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.

Determination of Glucose Based on Carbon Quantum Dots as Peroxidase Mimetic Enzyme / 分析化学

Water soluble carbon quantum dots ( CQDs) were prepared by using soot as carbon source. The obtained CQDs showed an excellent intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which could catalyze the oxidization of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2and thus resulted in color change. Glucose could react with dissolved oxygen to produce H2O2in the presence of glucose oxidase ( GOx) . A colorimetric method using CQDs as peroxidase mimetic enzyme was developed for glucose determination. When TMB was acted as a substrate, the effect of a series of conditions, such as temperature and pH on the catalytic activity of the obtained CQDs, was systematically studied. Under optimal conditions, e. g. pH 3. 5 and temperature 35℃, 0. 5 mmol/L TMB and 1 μg/mL CQDs, the absorbance at 652 nm showed linear response with glucose concentrations ranging from 0. 025 mmol/L to 0. 40 mmol/L, with detection limit of 5. 10 μmol/L (3σ/k). The proposed method exhibited excellent selectivity and the common substances did not interfere with detection of glucose. This method was successfully applied to detect glucose in real samples with recoveries of 95. 0%-105. 1% .

Povidone-iodine versus the benzethonium chloride wipe for penile skin disinfection before semen collection from sperm donors / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To study the influence of povidone-iodine (PI) versus that of the benzethonium chloride wipe (BCW) on semen collection and semen quality of sperm donors undergoing penile skin disinfection and provide some evidence for the selection of disinfection methods for semen collection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We used PI from August to December 2015 and BCWs from January to July 2016 for penile skin disinfection before semen collection, with two samples from each donor, one collected with and the other without penis skin disinfection (the blank control group). After semen collection, we conducted a questionnaire investigation on the influence of the two disinfection methods on semen collection and compared the semen parameters between the two groups of sperm donors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally, 185 sperm donors were included in this study, of whom 63 underwent penile skin disinfection with PI and the other 122 with BCWs before semen collection. Statistically significant differences were found between the PI and BCW groups in the adaptability to the disinfectant and rigid disinfection procedures (P <0.05), but not in the other items of the questionnaire (P >0.05). Compared with the sperm donors of the blank control group, those of the PI group showed statistically significant difference in the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) (［63.02 ± 3.18］% vs ［61.45 ± 4.78］%, P<0.05), but not in the abstinence time (［4.97 ± 1.79］ vs ［4.7 ± 0.94］ d, P >0.05), semen volume (［4.11 ± 1.54］ vs ［4.15 ± 1.61］ ml, P >0.05), sperm concentration (［110 ± 29.6］ vs ［107.5 ± 31.79］ ×10⁶/ml, P >0.05), or total sperm count (［439.10 ± 170.13］ vs ［434.02 ± 186.91］ ×106/ejaculate, P >0.05), while those of the BCW group exhibited no remarkable difference in any of the above parameters (P >0.05). Among the samples with abnormal semen quality, significantly fewer were found with abnormal PMS in the BCW than in the PI group (1.64% ［2/122］ vs 9.68% ［6/62］, P <0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the PI and BCW groups in the abnormal semen volume, abnormal sperm concentration, or the rate of semen bacterial contamination (P >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Before semen collection from donors, penile skin disinfection with povidone-iodine may affect both the semen collection process and the quality of donor sperm, while the benzethonium chloride wipe can reduce the influence on the semen collection process and does not affect the semen parameters.</p>

Chemical profiles and pharmacological activities of Chang-Kang-Fang, a multi-herb Chinese medicinal formula, for treating irritable bowel syndrome.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chang-Kang-Fang formula (CKF), a multi-herb traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been clinically used for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms of CKF for treating IBS and the components that are responsible for the activities were still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the chemical profiles and effects of CKF on IBS model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical profiles of CKF were investigated by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS). On colon irritation induced rat neonates IBS model, the influence of CKF on neuropeptides, including substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), were measured by ELISA, and the effect on intestinal sensitivity was assessed based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. In addition, the activities of CKF against acetic acid-induced nociceptive responses and prostigmin methylsulfate triggered intestinal propulsion in mice were also evaluated. RESULTS: 80 components were identified or tentatively assigned from CKF, including 11 alkaloids, 20 flavanoids, 4 monoterpenoids, 9 iridoid glycoside, 9 phenylethanoid glycosides, 10 chromones, 7 organic acid, 3 coumarins, 2 triterpene and 5 other compounds. On IBS rat model, CKF was observed to reduce AWR scores and levels of SP, CGRP, VIP and 5-HT. Moreover, CKF reduced the acetic acid-induced writhing scores at all dosages and reduced the intestinal propulsion ration at dosage of 7.5 and 15.0g/kg/d. CONCLUSIONS: CKF could alleviate the symptoms of IBS by modulating the brain-gut axis through increasing the production of neuropeptides such as CGRP, VIP, 5-HT and SP, releasing pain and reversing disorders of intestinal propulsion. Berberine, paeoniflorin, acteoside, flavonoids and chromones may be responsible for the multi-bioactivities of CKF.

G2A Attenuates Propionibacterium acnes Induction of Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Monocytes

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit characterized by increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization, and immune responses to Propionibacterium acnes (PA). Here, we explore a possible mechanism by which a lipid receptor, G2A, regulates immune responses to a commensal bacterium. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the inflammatory properties of G2A in monocytes in response to PA stimulation. Furthermore, our study sought to investigate pathways by which lipids modulate immune responses in response to PA. METHODS: Our studies focused on monocytes collected from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the monocytic cell line THP-1, and a lab strain of PA. Our studies involved the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent, Western blot, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, small interfering RNA (siRNA), and microarray analysis of human acne lesions in the measurements of inflammatory markers. RESULTS: G2A gene expression is higher in acne lesions compared to normal skin and is inducible by the acne therapeutic, 13-cis-retinoic acid. In vitro, PA induces both the Toll-like receptor 2-dependent expression of G2A as well as the production of the G2A ligand, 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, from human monocytes. G2A gene knockdown through siRNA enhances PA stimulation of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β possibly through increased activation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase and nuclear factor kappa B p65 pathways. CONCLUSION: G2A may play a role in quelling inflammatory cytokine response to PA, revealing G2A as a potential attenuator of inflammatory response in a disease associated with a commensal bacterium.