Comparison of Fungal Genera Isolated from Cucumber Plants and Rhizosphere Soil by Using Various Cultural Media.

Plant endophytic fungi and rhizosphere soil fungi are often reported as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens or with plant growth promotion potential. Four treatments were performed in field and greenhouse experiments where cucumber plants were inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum and Fusarium oxysporum in 2022. The roots, stems and leaves of cucumber plants and their rhizosphere soil were collected twice individually from the field and greenhouse for isolation of cucumber endophytic and rhizosphere soil fungi. All fungal strains were identified through sequence similarity of the ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 rDNA region. The potato dextrose agar (PDA) media yielded the highest number of genera isolated from cucumber plants, rhizosphere soil and both compared to other media. There were no significant differences among the four media for the isolation of all cucumber endophytic fungi. However, in the roots, the number of endophytic fungi isolated by MRBA was significantly higher than that isolated on malt extract agar (MEA), while in the stems, the number of fungi isolated with PDA was significantly higher than that isolated with Martin's rose bengal agar medium (MRBA). PDA had significantly higher isolation efficiency for the rhizosphere soil fungi than MRBA. The 28 fungal genera had high isolation efficiency, and the endophytic Trichoderma strains were significantly more isolated by MEA than those of MRBA. It is suggested that PDA can be used as a basic medium, and different cultural media can be considered for specific fungal genera.

Urinary Creatinine Concentrations and Its Explanatory Variables in General Chinese Population: Implications for Creatinine Limits and Creatinine Adjustment.

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the applicability of the World Health Organization's exclusionary guidelines for Urinary creatinine (Ucr) in the general Chinese population, and to identify Ucr related factors. Methods: We conduct a cross-sectional study using baseline data from 21,167 participants in the China National Human Biomonitoring Program. Mixed linear models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to analyze the associations between explanatory variables and Ucr concentration. Results: The geometric mean and median concentrations of Ucr in the general Chinese population were 0.90 g/L and 1.01 g/L, respectively. And 9.36% samples were outside 0.3-3.0 g/L, including 7.83% below the lower limit and 1.53% above the upper limit. Middle age, male, obesity, smoking, higher frequency of red meat consumption and chronic kidney disease were associated significantly with higher concentrations of Ucr. Results of the RCS showed Ucr was positively and linearly associated with body mass index, inversely and linearly associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides level, and glomerular filtration rate, and were non-linearly associated with triiodothyronine. Conclusion: The age- and gender-specific cut-off values of Ucr that determine the validity of urine samples in the general Chinese population were recommended. To avoid introducing bias into epidemiologic associations, the potential predictors of Ucr observed in the current study should be considered when using Ucr to adjust for variations in urine dilution.

ABCB9 polymorphism rs61955196 is associated with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex disease which can be affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Prenatal famine exposure may cause changes in DNA methylation levels of genes. Meanwhile, maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a pivotal environmental factor in the development of SCZ. DNA methylation may be an intermediate factor mediating exposure to famine during pregnancy and SCZ, and DNA methylation quantitative trait loci might serve as a promising tool for linking SCZ and prenatal famine. AIM: To analyze the association between prenatal famine exposure and SCZ risk in Northeast Han Chinese through analysis of DNA methylation related loci. METHODS: A total of 954 Han Chinese from Northeast China were recruited, including 443 patients with SCZ and 511 healthy controls. The participants were further divided into famine (born in 1960-1962) and non-famine (born in 1963-1965) groups to investigate the effect of prenatal famine exposure. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected according to the relevant literature were genotyped, namely, rs11917047 in PTPRG, rs2239681 in IGF2, rs3842756 in INSIGF, and rs61955196 in ABCB9. DNA were extracted from peripheral blood samples, and the genotypes of these SNP loci were detected using the improved Multiple Ligase Detection Reaction multiple SNP typing technique. The associations of the DNA methylation related SNPs with SCZ risk and prenatal famine, and their interactions were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) software. RESULTS: Based on the sequencing data, genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the four selected SNPs were determined. All genotype frequencies of the four SNPs in the healthy control group were tested for deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that rs61955196 was significantly associated with SCZ risk in the log-additive model [odds ratio (OR): 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.48; P = 0.040]. We also found that the rs61955196 allele was related with an enhanced risk of SCZ (G>C, OR: 1.22; 95%CI: 1.01-1.47; P = 0.042). However, no associations were observed between rs11917047, rs2239681, or rs3842756 and SCZ risk. Under the optimal genetic model, no significant association of famine with the four SNPs was seen. Though the gene-gene interactions between rs2239681 and rs61955196 were found in GMDR analysis, none of the gene-gene interactions and gene-famine interactions were associated with the risk of SCZ. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that rs61955196 in ABCB9 is associated with SCZ susceptibility in Northeast Han Chinese, providing insight into genetic effects on SCZ.

Nobiletin Inhibits Hypoxia-Induced Placental Damage via Modulating P53 Signaling Pathway.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Nobiletin (NOB) on the placenta of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that had undergone reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) surgery and to evaluate the safety of NOB intervention during pregnancy. The results showed that NOB alleviated placental hypoxia, attenuated placental cell apoptosis, and inhibited placental damage in RUPP rats. No side effect of NOB intervention during pregnancy was observed. BeWo cell lines with P53 knockdown were then constructed using lentiviral transfection, and the P53 signaling pathway was found to be essential for NOB to reduce hypoxia-induced apoptosis of the BeWo cell lines. In summary, NOB attenuated hypoxia-induced placental damage by regulating the P53 signaling pathway, and those findings may contribute some insights into the role of NOB in placental development and the prevention of placental-related diseases.

Pd-Catalyzed γ-Acetoxylation of Alkylamides: Structural Influence of Directing Groups.

Although direct acetoxylation and cyclization of alkylamide have been extensively reported, investigation of the structural influence of directing groups on selectivity is limited. Pd-catalyzed 2-methoxyiminoacyl (MIA) assisted γ-acetoxylation of alkylamides has been developed. Further DFT studies have demonstrated that the directing groups have a significant influence on the reductive elimination step. The strong electron-donating effect of the OMe group in MIA leads to the preferential formation of a five-membered cyclopalladium (OAc-Pd-C) complex, which favors the acetoxylation pathway.

Associations of Sarcopenia, Handgrip Strength and Calf Circumference with Cognitive Impairment among Chinese Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations of sarcopenia, handgrip strength and calf circumference with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults. METHODS: Totally 2,525 older adults were recruited from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination. Handgrip strength was calculated from the means of the right and left hand values. Calf circumference was measured at the site of maximum circumference of the non-dominant leg. The formula developed by Ishii was used to define sarcopenia. Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations of sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and calf circumference with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 34.36%. The adjusted odds ratio ( OR) for cognitive impairment in individuals with sarcopenia was 2.55 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.86-3.50]. Compared with individuals in the first quartile (Q 1) of calf circumference, the adjusted ORs in the second, third, and fourth quartiles (Q 2, Q 3, and Q 4) were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.58-0.96), 0.59 (95% CI: 0.44-0.79), and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.45-0.8), respectively. Compared with individuals in Q 1 of handgrip strength, the adjusted ORs for Q 2, Q 3, and Q 4 were 0.49 (95% CI: 0.38-0.62), 0.31 (95% CI: 0.23-0.41), and 0.30 (95% CI: 0.21-0.44), respectively. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia, identified by low handgrip strength and low calf circumference, was positively associated with cognitive impairment.

Mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastric stump: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric stump cancer, also known as gastric remnant cancer (GRC), is one of the main complications of postgastrectomy syndrome, which usually occurs following Billroth II reconstruction. The predominant histological subtype of GRC is adenocarcinoma, whereas neuroendocrine carcinoma is relatively rare. In particular, there are few recently reported cases of mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma (MNEC) in the English literature. Here, we present an extremely rare case of MNEC of the gastric stump. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old patient presented to our department owing to chronic constipation. He had undergone subtotal gastric resection 35 years prior to admission because of benign peptic ulcer. After admission, the patient underwent several tests, and gastroendoscopy showed evidence of Billroth II gastrectomy and local thickening of the gastric stump mucosa at the gastrojejunostomy site, with bile reflux; pathological biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. He was then diagnosed with GRC and underwent total gastrectomy, D2 Lymphadenectomy, and esophagojejunal Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Histopathological examination of the specimen identified MNEC comprising MNEC (60%), adenocarcinoma (30%), and squamous cell carcinoma (10%). Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated on September 17, 2020. Taxol plus cisplatin was administered for only one cycle because of severe liver function damage, and the regimen was changed to etoposide plus cisplatin on October 10, 2020 for five cycles. The patient recovered, with no recurrence after 6 mo of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Gastric MNECs (GMNECs) is a rare type of GRC. This study presented the unusual occurrence of GMNEC in the gastric stump. This case will contribute to improvements in our understanding of the carcinogenesis, biology, pathology, and behavior of GMNEC and GRC.

Pyromellitic-Based Low Molecular Weight Gelators and Computational Studies of Intermolecular Interactions: A Potential Additive for Lubricant.

Low molecular weight gelators (LMWG) have been extensively explored in many research fields due to their unique reversible gel-sol transformation. Intermolecular interactions between LMWG are known as the main driving force for self-assembly. During this self-assembly process, individually analyzing the contribution difference between various intermolecular interactions is crucial to understand the gel properties. Herein, we report 2,5-bis(hexadecylcarbamoyl)terephthalic acid (BHTA) as a LMWG, which could efficiently form a stable organogel with n-hexadecane, diesel, liquid paraffin, and base lubricant oil at a relatively low concentration. To investigate the contribution difference of intermolecular interactions, we first finished FT-IR spectroscopy and XRD experiments. On the basis of the d-spacing, a crude simulation model was built and then subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Then, we knocked out the energy contribution of the H-bonding interactions and π-π stacking, respectively, to evaluate the intermolecular interactions significantly influencing the stability of the gel system. MD simulations results suggest that the self-assembly of the aggregates was mainly driven by dense H-bonding interactions between carbonyl acid and amide moieties of BHTA, which is consistent with FT-IR data. Moreover, wave function analysis at a quantum level suggested these electrostatic interactions located in the middle of the BHTA molecule were surrounded by strong dispersion attraction originating from a hydrophobic environment. Furthermore, we also confirmed that 2 wt % BHTA was able to form gel lubricant with 150BS. The coefficient of friction (COF) data show that the gel lubricant has a better tribological performance than 150BS base lubricant oil. Finally, XPS was performed and offered valuable information about the lubrication mechanism during the friction.

Geometry transformation of ionic surfactants and adsorption behavior on water/n-decane-interface: calculation by molecular dynamics simulation and DFT study.

Understanding the effect of surfactant structure on their ability to modify interfacial properties is of great scientific and industrial interest. In this work, we have synthesized four amide based ionic surfactants under acidic or basic conditions, including CTHA·HCl, CTEA·HCl, CTHA-Na+ and CTEA-Na+. Experiments have proved that the anionic surfactant with polyethylene oxide groups (CTEA-Na+) had the lowest surface tension on the water/n-decane interface. Molecular dynamics simulations have been applied to investigate the structural effect on the adsorption behavior of four different surfactants. The surface tension, interface thickness, interface formation energy, density profiles, order parameters, radial distribution function on the water/n-decane interfaces were calculated and compared. During the equilibrium states, we found that the interface configuration of two cationic surfactants are almost linear while the two anionic surfactants are changed to bending shapes due to the different positions of the hydrophilic head groups. Further DFT study and wavefunction analysis of surfactants have shown that CTEA-Na+ can form stronger vdW interactions with n-decane molecules due to a more neutral electrostatic potential distribution. Meanwhile, the introduction of polyethylene oxide groups has offered more H-bonding sites and resulted in more concentrated H-bonding interactions with water molecules. The difference of weak interactions may contribute to the conformational change and finally affect the interface properties of these ionic surfactants.

Melatonin Plays a Protective Role by Regulating miR-26a-5p-NRSF and JAK2-STAT3 Pathway to Improve Autophagy, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin (MT) has potential protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), but its underlying regulatory mechanism has not been identified. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the role of miR-26a-5p-neuron-restrictive silencing factor (NRSF/REST), Janus kinase-2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) pathway in the protection mechanism of MT against CIRI in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were induced with ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in vivo model; PC12 cells were induced with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in vitro model; and MT intervention was conducted before the model was established. The effect of MT on autophagy factors (LC3II/LC3I, P62), inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) and oxidative stress indexes (MDA, GSHPx, SOD) was explored, and then the above three indexes were determined by real-time quantitative PCR, ELISA, and detection kit corresponding to oxidative stress indexes. The neuroprotective effect of MT pretreatment on brain IR injury was evaluated by neurological deficit scores and TUNEL method. The levels of miR-26a-5p and NRSF were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, and the interaction between them was evaluated by dual luciferase report. The role of JAK2-STAT3 pathway in MT protection mechanism was verified by pathway blocker (AG490) and Western blot. RESULTS: MT pretreatment can significantly reduce neurological deficit score and neuronal apoptosis, inhibit CIRI autophagy, inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro, reduce LC3II/LC3I, TNF-α, IL-6, MDA and increase P62, IL-10, GSHPx, SOD. Further analysis identifies that downregulating miR-26a-5p or upregulating NRSF can eliminate the protective effect of MT, and NRSF is the direct target of miR-26a-5p. The protective effect of MT can also be eliminated under AG490 intervention. CONCLUSION: MT plays a protective role by regulating miR-26a-5p-NRSF and JAK2-STAT3 pathway to improve CIRI autophagy, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Mutation in PHKA2 leading to childhood glycogen storage disease type IXa: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type IX, characterized by liver enlargement and elevated aminotransferase levels, is the most frequent type of GSD. The global incidence of GSD type IXa is only about 1/100,000 individuals. Case reports of GSD type IX are rare in China. We present the first case report of GSD type IXa in Northeast China caused by mutation of PHKA2. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 11-year-old boy was referred to our hospital because of liver enlargement with consistently elevated transaminase levels over 6 months. DIAGNOSIS: Histopathological results following an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of GSD. Further genetic testing showed that the patient had GSD type IXa caused by the c.133C>T mutation in PHAK2. INTERVENTIONS: We placed the patient on a high-protein and high-starch diet and provided hepatoprotective and supportive therapy. OUTCOMES: The patient's transaminase levels decreased significantly and were nearly normal at 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of GSD type IXa in Northeast China. We hope that the detailed and complete report of this case will provide a reference for the diagnosis of liver enlargement of unknown etiology in future clinical practice.

Liver failure associated with benzbromarone: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Benzbromarone is a uricosuric agent that reduces proximal tubular reabsorption of uric acid. Because of hepatotoxicity, it has been withdrawn from the market in Europe. Recently, some benefit-risk assessments of benzbromarone suggest that benzbromarone has greater benefits than risks, and the application of benzbromarone in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia is still under debate. CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for icterus and nausea, and he was treated with benzbromarone (100 mg/d) for 4 mo because of hyperuricemia. He had a 10-year history of beer drinking (alcohol: about 28 g/d). Laboratory data showed severe liver injury and serious coagulation dysfunction; tests for autoimmune antibodies, viral hepatitis, and human immunodeficiency virus were negative. Despite administration of liver function-protecting drugs and efficient supportive treatment, the patient deteriorated quickly after hospitalization and developed grade II encephalopathy within a few days. The patient accepted continuous plasma exchange six times; however, his condition did not improve. Based on suggestions from multidisciplinary consultation, the patient underwent liver transplantation 26 d after admission. Liver specimen pathology results showed massive necrosis consistent with drug-induced liver injury, supporting the diagnosis of acute liver failure associated with benzbromarone. The patient recovered quickly thereafter. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that clinicians should be on the alert for the severe hepatotoxicity of benzbromarone. Before prescribing benzbromarone, physicians should evaluate the high-risk factors that may lead to liver injury and provide suggestions for monitoring benzbromarone's hepatotoxicity during treatment.

The reliability and validity of a newly developed self-rating functional scale compared with Personal and Social Performance Scale and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II.

A new self-rating functional scale (SRFS) was developed to assess the functionality of patients with schizophrenia, referred to the structure of Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the SRFS. A total of 210 patients with schizophrenia were recruited from outpatient clinics in six sites in China. Demographic information, SRFS, PSP, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were assessed. Spearman's correlation coefficient and path analysis were used to assess the reliability and validity of the SRFS. Cronbach's α coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency reliability. Cronbach's α was 0.83, and ranged from 0.80 to 0.82 stably, indicating that the scale was reliable in internal consistency. Spearman's correlation coefficient between split two parts was 0.68 (P<0.01), suggesting a moderate to strong split-half reliability. The standardized regression coefficients ranged from 0.48 to 0.79, indicating moderate construct validity. Spearman's correlation coefficients between SRFS and PSP, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale are 0.59, 0.65, and 0.47 (all P<0.01), respectively, indicating moderate criteria validities. The SRFS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing personal and social functionality in patients with schizophrenia.

Isolated elevated aspartate aminotransferase in an asymptomatic woman due to macro-aspartate aminotransferase: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Macro-aspartate aminotransferase (AST), a macroenzyme, is a high-molecular mass complex formed by self-polymerization or association with other serum components that are difficult for the kidney to clear, leading to the isolated elevation of serum AST activity. Cases of macro-AST formation are rare, with only 3 published in the English language literature up to September 2019 in China. In this paper, we present a case in which an asymptomatic woman with persistent isolated elevated AST was confirmed as having macro-AST by the polyethylene glycol precipitation method. CASE SUMMARY: A 34-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for elevated AST levels with normal levels of other liver-associated enzymes on November 12, 2018. Her AST level of liver function test had been abnormal for 7 mo before she came to the clinic. The patient was asymptomatic with a normal physical examination. There was no relevant family history and no alcohol consumption or smoking. She had a several-month history of traditional Chinese medical taking and had stopped it 1 year prior. The laboratory tests in our clinic showed only the elevation of AST (89.5 U/L) with no other significant abnormalities. We performed the precipitation technique with polyethylene glycol to confirm the presence of macro-AST. Then for almost a year, her AST level still fluctuated in the abnormal range. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that clinical physicians should be familiar with this rare condition of persistent isolated AST elevation due to the presence of macro-AST to avoid unnecessary investigation and patient anxiety.

Hyperin Enhances the Sensitivity of HCT8/VCR Colon Cancer Cell Line to Vincristine by Down-Regulating P-Glycoprotein.

BACKGROUND: Long-term chemotherapy reduces the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutics like vincristine (VCR) and lead to drug resistance, which has become a major barrier for colon cancer treatment. Calcium antagonists are used as clinical tumor multidrug resistance reversal agents to regulate the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) level and block efflux pump function now, but they have significant side effects. Hyperin as active component with low toxicity in traditional Chinese medicine has calcium antagonistic effect. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of hyperin on the growth of HCT8/VCR colon cancer cell line (vincristine-resistant) and analyze the enhancing effect of hyperin on the sensitivity of cancer cells to VCR and its relationship to the expression and function of P-gp. METHODS: Using the MTT method, we investigated the influence of hyperin, VCR alone, and hyperin plus VCR on the growth of HCT8/VCR cells. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of P-gp, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate P-gp function by detecting the fluorescence intensity of intracellular Rho123. RESULTS: The inhibitory effect of hyperin at the dose of 12.5 µM on HCT8/VCR cell growth was not enhanced as time progressed and no significant inhibitory effect was found for VCR-treated cells at the dose of 2 µM. But the inhibition of cell growth was observed after the combined treatment of hyperin (12.5 µM) and VCR (2 µM). P-gp expression levels in HCT8/VCR cells treated with hyperin plus VCR were markedly lower than the levels in control cells and those treated with VCR. In addition, the intensity of Rho123 fluorescence of HCT8/VCR cells treated with hyperin plus VCR or hyperin alone was significantly higher than intensity observed in control cells and those treated with VCR alone. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperin synergistically augments the growth inhibitory effect of vincristine. The underlying mechanism most probably involves down-regulation of P-gp expression and inhibiting the function of the P-gp pump in HCT8/VCR cells.

Supramolecular Interactions Direct the Formation of Two Structural Polymorphs from One Building Unit in a One-Pot Synthesis.

Two polymorphs of supramolecular isomers, a discrete dimer and a zig-zag chain, having the same chemical composition, [Mn(Hbit)Cl2 ] (Hbit=1-methyl-2-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole), were obtained solvothermally in a one-pot synthesis. The isomers differ in a number of ways: orange blocks versus pale-yellow needles, triclinic P1‾ versus orthorhombic Pbcn, double µ2 -Cl versus alternate single and triple µ2 -Cl, coordination number 5 versus 6, and antiparallel versus parallel near-neighbor orientation of Hbit. The packing in each case is driven by the supramolecular interactions, H-bonds (N-H⋅⋅⋅Cl, C-H⋅⋅⋅Cl) and π⋅⋅⋅π overlaps, calculated to be in the range 20-36 kcal mol-1 . Calculations gave a difference of only 2 kcal mol-1 in favor of the dimer, which confirms with the observation of principally the dimer at short reaction time. ESI-MS spectra of the dissolved crystals reveal the same fragments with similar distributions. The presence of two fragments at m/z 286.96 [MnIV (Hbit)Cl-2H]+ and 323.94 [MnIII (Hbit)Cl2 ]+ indicates that [Mn(Hbit)Cl2 ] is the building unit in both cases; thus, the different orientations of the ligands lead to the two polymorphs stabilized by the respective supramolecular interactions. Importantly, the chain form represents the first example with alternate single and triple µ2 -Cl bridges. The magnetic interactions are weakly antiferromagnetic in both cases, with J in the range 0.07-0.34 cm-1 ; however, high-field EPR analysis reveals moderate magneto-anisotropy with D=0.26(1) cm-1 , E=0.06(1) cm-1 and D=0.17(1) cm-1 , E=0.03(1) cm-1 , respectively.

Factors influencing quality of life in Chinese patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder.

This cross-sectional survey aimed to explore quality of life (QoL) and its correlated factors in Chinese patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD) and their related correlation factors in Shanghai, China. A total of 60 patients were assessed with Short Form (36) health survey (SF-36) for QoL, medical outcomes study pain measurement (MOSPM) for pain symptoms, Hamilton depression scale - 17 items (HAMD) for depression and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) for anxiety. Results were as follows: (1) Patients scored significantly lower on all SF-36 subscales' scores ( p < .01) apart from the mental health and vitality subscales; (2) With the exception of the general health subscale, SF-36 subscales' scores were negatively correlated with the total score of MOSPM, three factor scores of MOSPM, and total scores of HAMD and HAMA; (3) PSPD patients with severe depression had significantly lower scores (p < .01) on SF-36 subscales' scores (except for GH subscale) and component summary scores as compared to PSPD patients with none or moderate depression; and (4) Multiple linear stepwise regression revealed that SF-36's physical component summary (PCS) subscale correlated with patients' age and MOSPM total score while SF-36's mental component summary (MCS) subscale correlated with total scores of HAMD and MOSPM total score. In sum, PSPD patients had a lower QoL as compared to general population. Pain, depression, and anxiety were significantly correlated with QoL of PSPD patients while age, pain, and depression were important factors influencing PCS and MCS.

Effects of fluid viscoelasticity on the performance of an axial blood pump model.

An aqueous Xanthan gum solution (XGS) was used as blood analog fluid to explore the influence of fluid viscoelasticity on the performance of an axial blood pump model. For comparison, a 39 wt% Newtonian aqueous glycerin solution (GS), the common fluid in blood pump tests, was also used as a working fluid. The experimental results showed that a higher head curve was obtained using XGS in the pump than using GS. The heads of the XGS that were computed using the viscoelastic turbulence model agreed well with the measured data. In contrast, the standard k-ε turbulence model failed to provide satisfactory predictions for the XGS. The computational results revealed that in most parts of the pump model flow fields, the Reynolds shear stress values and turbulent dissipation rates of the XGS were all lower than those of the GS. The hemolysis index of the pump model using the XGS was calculated to be only one-third of that using the GS.

An experimental study of Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow dynamics in an axial blood pump model.

The head curves of a 1.5:1 new axial blood pump model were measured using five working fluids at five rotational speeds. The working fluids were water, a 39wt% aqueous glycerin solution (GS), and three aqueous xanthan gum solutions (XGSs) with different concentrations. The flow velocities and shear stresses in the mechanical clearance between the casing and rotor were investigated using a laser Doppler velocimeter and hot-film sensor. At every rotational speed, the experiment in which viscous GS was used in the pump model showed a head curve lower than that obtained using water, whereas the head obtained using viscoelastic XGS was higher than that generated using water. A maximum difference of 65.8% between the heads measured in the 0.06% XGS and GS experiments was detected. The higher head produced by the XGS may have originated from the drag-reduction effect of XGS viscoelasticity. The measurements showed that a reverse washout flow at a velocity of 0.05-0.11m/s occurs in the clearance. This reverse washout flow is crucial to preventing flow stagnation and accompanying thrombus formation. The wall shear stress and the Taylor number of the rotating Couette-like flow in the clearance both indicated that it is a turbulent flow.

Mental health system in China: history, recent service reform and future challenges.

This paper summarizes the history of the development of Chinese mental health system; the current situation in the mental health field that China has to face in its effort to reform the system, including mental health burden, workforce and resources, as well as structural issues; the process of national mental health service reform, including how it was included into the national public health program, how it began as a training program and then became a treatment and intervention program, its unique training and capacity building model, and its outcomes and impacts; the barriers and challenges of the reform process; future suggestions for policy; and Chinese experiences as response to the international advocacy for the development of mental health.