[Impacts of Anthropogenic Emission Reduction on Urban Atmospheric Oxidizing Capacity During the COVID-19 Lockdown].

In recent years， regional compound air pollution events caused by fine particles （PM2.5） and ozone （O3） have occurred frequently in economically developed areas of China， in which atmospheric oxidizing capacity （AOC） has played an important role. In this study， the WRF-CMAQ model was used to study the impacts of anthropogenic emission reduction on AOC during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Three representative cities in eastern China （Shijiazhuang， Nanjing， and Guangzhou） were selected for an in-depth analysis to quantify the contribution of meteorology and emissions to the changes in AOC and oxidants and to discuss the impact of AOC changes on the formation of secondary pollutants. The results showed that， compared with that in the same period in 2019， the urban average AOC in Shijiazhuang， Nanjing， and Guangzhou in 2020 increased by 60%， 48.7%， and 12.6%， respectively. The concentrations of O3， hydroxyl radical （·OH）， and nitrogen trioxide （NO3·ï¼‰ increased by 1.6%-26.4%， 14.8%-73.3%， and 37.9%-180%， respectively. The AOC in the three cities increased by 0.06×10-4， 0.12×10-4， and 0.33×10-4 min-1， respectively， due to emission reduction. The meteorological change increased AOC in Shijiazhuang and Nanjing by 20% and 17.9%， respectively， but decreased AOC in Guangzhou by -9.3%. Enhanced AOC led to an increase in the nitrogen oxidation ratio （NOR） and VOCs oxidation ratio （VOR） and promoted the transformation of primary pollutants to secondary pollutants. This offset the effects of primary emission reduction and resulted in a nonlinear decline in secondary pollutants compared to emissions during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Effect of Optimizing the Induction Regimen in Preventing Cough Reactions in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: During the induction of general anesthesia, opioids and endotracheal intubation may cause coughing. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of an optimized drug induction scheme for general anesthesia to prevent coughing in patients. METHODS: A total of 220 patients aged 18 to 65 years who underwent surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were randomly assigned to two groups, each with 110 patients. One group was administered a divided sufentanil bolus (group A) and the other with a single sufentanil bolus (group B). Anesthesia induction was performed according to the drug induction scheme of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd minutes. The primary outcome was a coughing episode associated with the administration of opioids during anesthesia induction. We also recorded the pain associated with drug injection, hemodynamics, and blood oxygen saturation during the induction of anesthesia. FINDINGS: All patients were included in the final statistical analysis. Compared with group B, the incidence of opioid induced cough (OIC) was significantly higher in group A (9.1% vs. 0, P = 0.001). There was no cough reaction of tracheal intubation in either group. There was no severe pain due to propofol and rocuronium injection in either group (P > 0.05). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) values were within the normal range at each time point during the induction period in both groups. IMPLICATIONS: According to the optimized 1st, 2nd, and 3rd minutes anesthesia induction regimen, with a single final intravenous bolus of sufentanil after the diluted rocuronium bromide administration, no sufentanil and tracheal intubation induced coughing reactions were observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200062749, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=175018) on August 17, 2022.

Controllable synthesis of two adenosine 5'-monophosphate nucleotide coordination polymers via pH regulation: crystal structure and chirality.

Two types of Cu(ii)-AMP-4,4'-bipy coordination polymers, {[Cu(AMP)(4,4'-bipy)(H2O)3]·5H2O}n (1) and {[Cu2(HAMP)2(4,4'-bipy)2(H2O)4]·2NO3·11H2O}n (2) (Na2AMP = adenosine 5'-monophosphate disodium salt), were synthesised through pH control. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis revealed that 1 and 2 are one-dimensional (1D) coordinating coordination polymers. The nucleotide in 1 was not protonated whereas that in 2 was protonated. With the protonated NO3- in 2 entering the crystal lattice, it plays a role in balancing the charge. The chirality was studied using solid-state circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy based on the analysis of crystal structures.

Scutellarein from Scutellaria barbata induces apoptosis of human colon cancer HCT116 cells through the ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent pathway.

To search novel therapy for human colon cancer, scutellarein identified from Scutellaria barbata was investigated using HCT116 cells. As a result, scutellarein can induce apoptosis of HCT116 cells. Further investigation for the mechanism has revealed scutellarein can increase the production of intracellular ROS and lead to the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, the activity of caspase-3 in HCT116 cells was elevated by scutellarein. Moreover, down-regulated Bcl-2 and up-regulated Bax were observed. Additionaly, scutellarein resulted in cytochrome c release from mitochondria. These results indicated the apoptosis induction of HCT116 cells by scutellarein was implemented through ROS-mediated mitochondria-dependent pathway.

Process and Results of Implementing Disease Management Program in Patients with First-time Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effect of disease management program (DMP) on the patients with first-time ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: A DMP with 4 parts of performance indicators (PIs, including outpatient, emergency department, inpatient and follow-up treatment) was implemented in patients with stroke in 2 hospitals (Hospital T and R) in Shanghai China from 2007-2010. The effect of DMP on the outcome of IS patients was analyzed according to the criteria of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Furthermore, the total effective rate of DMP, average length of stay, hospitalization cost, and cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) between DMP and non-DMP patients were calculated, followed by the cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS: The total effective rate of DMP (T: 69.9%; R: 76.6%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of non-DMP (T: 60.8%; R: 62.7%) group in the same hospital. In addition, a significant (P<0.05) difference in effective rate was observed between DMP and non-DMP at the NIHSS score ≥ 7. Furthermore, the average length of stay and hospitalization cost of the patients in DMP group were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those in non-DMP group. A superior CER was also found in DMP group than non-DMP group. CONCLUSION: The implementation of DMP for IS can effectively improve the treatment outcome and reduce the average length of stay and hospitalization cost.

A ß-carboline derivative-based nickel(ii) complex as a potential antitumor agent: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity.

A novel nickel(ii) complex of 6-methoxy-1-pyridine-ß-carboline (4a) was synthesized and characterized. The cytotoxicities of the complex towards six cancer cell lines, including MGC-803, Hep G2, T24, OS-RC-2, NCI-H460, and SK-OV-3, and human normal liver cell line HL-7702 were investigated. The IC50 values for MGC-803, Hep G2, T24, OS-RC-2, NCI-H460 and SK-OV-3 were generally in the micromolar range (3.77-15.10 µM), lower than those of ligand 4 and cisplatin. Furthermore, 4a (6 µM) significantly induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase, and caused the down-regulation of p-AKT, cyclin E, cyclin A and CDK2 and the up-regulation of p27. Various experiments showed that 4a induced apoptosis, activated caspase-3, increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the intracellular [Ca2+]c levels in MGC-803. In addition, the expression of intrinsic apoptotic proteins, including cytochrome c and apaf-1, increased. Further intrinsic apoptosis was triggered via executive molecular caspase-9 and caspase-3. In short, 4a exerted its cytotoxic activity primarily through inducing cell cycle arrest at the S phase and intrinsic apoptosis.

Reactive oxygen species mediated NF-κB/p38 feedback loop implicated in proliferation inhibition of HFLS-RA cells induced by 1,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyxanthone.

1,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyxanthone (XAN) is a bioactive compound isolated from Securidaca inappendiculata Hassk. and exerts the inhibitory effects on fibroblast-like synoviocytes by targeting NF-κB and p38. This study was designed to elucidate mechanisms underlying the divergent regulation on the two pathways in HFLS-RA cells by XAN. Expressions of hallmark proteins and transcription of GADD45α mRNA were determined by Western-blot and RT-qPCR methods, respectively. Fluorescence staining was employed to evaluate intracellular oxidative stress. Effects of XAN and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) on the proliferation of cells were investigated by MTT assay, and pro-apoptotic effects of XAN were assessed by Annexin V-FITC/PI method. It was found XAN blocked NF-κB signaling in HFLS-RA cells shortly after treatment. Moreover, it up-regulated both transcription and expression of GADD45α, and subsequently activated p38 pathway. As time went on, XAN significantly promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accompanied with sustained up-regulation of p-p38 and increased apoptosis. 48H later, dual-effects of XAN on NF-κB and p38 were reversed. As activation of p38 and increased apoptosis induced by XAN were antagonized by NAC, they were deemed as ROS mediated effects. Furthermore, the accumulated ROS should also account for the activation of NF-κB in the late stage of treatments via interfering in p38/MSK1/NF-κB feedback. Altogether, these findings suggested XAN-induced ROS contributed great importance to the proliferation inhibition of HFLS-RA cells by mediating NF-κB/p38 feedback loop and apoptosis, which provided us a panoramic view of potential target in the therapy of RA by XAN.

Astragaloside IV downregulates the expression of MDR1 in Bel­7402/FU human hepatic cancer cells by inhibiting the JNK/c­Jun/AP­1 signaling pathway.

Previous studies demonstrated that astragaloside IV (ASIV) is a potential P­glycoprotein (P­gp)­mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal agent through mechanisms involving downregulation of the gene expression of mdr1. In order to investigate whether the c­Jun N­terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is involved in the mechanism underlying ASIV­induced downregulated the expression of mdr1, the present study used 5­fluorouracil­resistant Bel­7402/FU human hepatic cancer cells as target cells. ASIV (0.1 mM) decreased the protein expression of phosphorylated (p)­JNK and p­c­Jun in the Bel­7402/FU cells, as determined using western blot analysis. Treatment with the JNK pathway inhibitor, SP600125, at a concentration of 11 µM, decreased the mRNA expression levels of mdr1 and P­gp, as determined using reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, and similar effects were observed following exposure to ASIV. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that the DNA­binding activity of activator protein­1 (AP­1) was decreased by 0.1 mM ASIV or 11 µM SP600125. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that 0.1 mM ASIV or 11 µM SP600125 increased the intracellular accumulation of fluorescent P­gp substrates, including rhodamine 123. Taken together, these results indicated that ASIV reversed the drug resistance of Bel­7402/FU cells by downregulating the expression of mdr1 via inhibition of the JNK/c­Jun/AP­1 signaling pathway.

Regulation of MAPKs Signaling Contributes to the Growth Inhibition of 1,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyxanthone on Multidrug Resistance A549/Taxol Cells.

1,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyxanthone (XAN) is a bioactive compound isolated from Securidaca inappendiculata Hassk. and validated with antiproliferative activities on a panel of cancer cell lines. This study was designed to investigate its growth inhibitory effects on multidrug resistance (MDR) non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell line A549/Taxol and explore the possible linkage between modulation of MAPKs and the bioactivities. Its growth inhibitory potency on the cells was estimated by MTT assay, and flow cytometric analysis was employed to investigate its potential cell cycle arrest and proapoptosis effects. Expressions of hallmark proteins were assessed by Western-Blot method. The results showed A549/Taxol cells were sensitive to XAN. XAN inhibited the proliferation of A549/Taxol cells in the time and concentration dependent manners. It acted as a potent inducer of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the cells. Western-Blot investigation validated the proapoptosis and cell cycle arrest activities of XAN and the potential of MDR reversion. Upregulation of p38 by XAN, which accounted for the cell cycle arrest at G2 phase, and the downregulation of ERK associated with the proapoptosis activity were also revealed. Further analysis found p53 may be the central role mediated the bioactivities of MAPKs in A549/Taxol cells. Based on these evidences, a conclusion has been deduced that XAN could be a potential agent for MDR NSCLC therapy targeting specifically MAPKs.

[Establishment of Magnetic Affinity Enzyme Linked Immunoassay Based on Schistosoma japonicum Recombinant Antigen Sj26 and Its Application in Detection of Serum Antibody with Low Intensity of Infection].

Objective: To develop the magnetic affinity enzyme-linked immunoassay (MEIA) using recombinant glutathione-S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum with a relative molecular weight of 26 000（rSj26-MEIA） for antibody detection under low intensity infection. Methods: The recombinant plasmid pET28a-Sj26 was transformed into Escherichia coli strain BL21, and 0.6 mmol/L isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside （IPTG） was used to induce its expression. The expression products were purified by Ni2+ （nickel sulfate） affinity chromatography, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting were performed to examine the expression of rSj26. The purified rSj26 was coupled to magnetic beads as capture antigen and the reaction conditions were optimized to establish the rSj26-MEIA method. The method was then used to analyze 58 serum samples from patients with low-intensity S. japonicum infection, 30 serum samples from non-endemic areas as a negative control, and 6 serum samples from patients with paragonimus infection. Results were compared with those obtained with ELISA. Results: The concentration of purified rSj26 was 2.5 mg/ml. The rSj26 had a relative molecular weight of 27 000 and was expressed mainly in the soluble form as revealed by SDS-PAGE. It could be recognized by rabbit and murine sera infected with S. japonicum as shown by Western blotting. Optimization of rSj26-MEIA revealed that use of 0.2 mg magnetic beads loaded with 10 µg rSj26 and serum sample dilution at 1 ∶ 100 yielded the highest ratio of the mean A550 of positive serum to the mean A550 of negative sample (P/N)（3.97）. For serum samples from patients with low-intensity S. japonicum infection, rSj26-MEIA and rSj26-ELISA both resulted in a positive detection rate of 24.14%（14/58）, and P/N values of 3.61 and 2.56. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between A550 values detected by rSj26-MEIA and by rSj26-ELISA（r=0.658, P<0.01）. Further, no positive reaction was found in the 6 serum samples from patients with paragonimus infection and in the 30 serum samples from non-endemic areas, either by rSj26-MEIA or by rSj26-ELISA. Conclusion: rSj26-MEIA may be used as a new technique for detection of serum antibody against S. japonicum infection with low intensity.

Gastric and duodenal squamous cell carcinoma: metastatic or primary?

Either metastatic or primary squamous cell carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract is extremely rare, with very few cases reported in the literature. In this paper, we report a case in which the patient presented with dysphagia during the course of radiotherapy for recurrent lung cancer in a mediastinal lymph node. Although the dysphagia mimicked radiation esophagitis, the ultimate cause proved to be gastric and duodenal metastases from primary lung squamous cell carcinoma. Taking into account the value of identification of metastatic or primary SCC in the stomach and duodenum on the prognosis and treatment options, it is imperative that the correct diagnosis be established. This report is followed by a discussion of the differential diagnosis between metastatic and primary squamous cell carcinoma in the stomach and duodenum.

[Fracture analyses of casting framework removable partial dentures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical fracture rates of removable partial denture (RPD) made of titanium with that of Co-Cr alloy, to analyze the fracture modes and reasons of two kinds of metal frameworks, and to explore the effect of defects on the fracture process. METHODS: Following totally 30 618 RPDs made by titanium and by Co-Cr alloy, the fracture rates in 18-month were calculated individually. The fractured surfaces of failed RPDs were examined by fractography investigations using a field emission scanning electron microscope to disclose the fracture mode and damage character. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was performed to examine the chemical compositions. RESULTS: The fracture rate of titanium framework was 1.75%, comparing with 0.57% of Co-Cr alloy framework. The reasons included teeth preparing, framework design, and defects during casting. The fracture modes of titanium and Co-Cr alloy framework performed toughness fracture character. The fissures were found in both titanium and Co-Cr alloy frameworks, and pores were detected in titanium frameworks. CONCLUSION: The higher fracture rate of titanium framework is related to the defects during casting.

[Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: a study of 11 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for adult patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Twenty-five adult patients with severe ARDS admitted to Intensive Care Unit of Wuxi People's Hospital from January 2008 to June 2011 were retrospectively studied. All the cases met the ECMO criteria. Patients were divided into ECMO group and non-ECMO group according to whether they were treated with ECMO or not. ECMO group was further divided into ECMO survivor group and ECMO non-survivor group according to the situation on the 30(th) day after ECMO treatment. Clinical features and prognosis were compared between groups. The statistics software of SPSS 13.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients, 11 were treated with ECMO. There were 7 males and 4 females, aged from 21 to 61 years, with a mean age of (42 ± 12) years. Mean time of mechanical ventilation before ECMO therapy was (12 ± 8) h, with PaO2/FiO2 of (52 ± 19) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and PaCO2 (84 ± 11) mm Hg. Six patients treated with ECMO survived. The survival rate between the ECMO group and non-ECMO group was not significantly different (54.5%, 35.7%, χ(2) = 2.232, P > 0.05). Duration of ECMO therapy was (10.4 ± 3.4) d in survivors and (6.2 ± 2.4) d in non-survivors. Early improvement of PaO2 to FiO2 ratio and decrease of PaCO2 were seen in both ECMO survivor group and non-survivor group (t = 2.568 - 22.490, all P < 0.05). In survivor group, serum lactate levels and norepinephrin doses decreased significantly (t = 4.679 - 23.397, all P < 0.05), while the serum lactate levels and norepinephrin doses increased in non-survivor group (t = 4.325 - 29.729, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Available data and our experience suggest that ECMO may be an effective salvage treatment for severe ARDS and should be used as early as possible for ARDS patients responding poorly to conventional mechanical ventilation support.

[Strength of bi-layer dental ceramic evaluated by MSP testing].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate strength of bi-layer alumina/Y-TZP specimens, compared with 3-point bending test and to estimate the reliability of MSP testing used in dental ceramics. METHODS: The single-layer/bi-layer alumina/Y-TZP specimens were produced by the clinical methods. Strength of these specimens was determined by MSP testing and 3-point bending test respectively. Fractured pieces of each bi-layer specimen were collected and studied with optical microscope and SEM. RESULTS: The MSP fracture strength was lower than bending strength in all the specimens. The strength of single-layer Y-TZP was the highest and the strength of bi-layer samples was lower than that of the single-layer samples respectively. Delamination and interface destruction were found in bi-layer alumina specimens, and not in bi-layer Y-TZP specimens. CONCLUSION: MSP testing is a convenient and feasible method to evaluate mechanical properties of dental ceramics.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for gallbladder cancer: a dosimetric comparison of conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of conformal radiotherapy (CRT) and compare with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the treatment of gallbladder cancer. METHODS: Between November 2003 and January 2010, 20 patients with gallbladder cancer were treated with CRT with or without chemotherapy after surgical resection. Preliminary survival data were collected and examined using both Kaplan-Meier and actuarial analysis. Demographic and treatment parameters were collected. All patients were planned to receive 46-56 Gy in 1.8 or 2.0 Gy per fraction. CRT planning was compared with IMRT. RESULTS: The most common reported acute toxicities requiring medication (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Grade 2) were nausea (10/20 patients) and diarrhea (3/20). There were no treatment-related deaths. Compared with CRT planning, IMRT significantly reduced the volume of right kidney receiving > 20 Gy and the volume of liver receiving > 30 Gy. IMRT has a negligible impact on the volume of left kidney receiving > 20 Gy. The 95% of prescribed dose for a planning tumor volume using either 3D CRT or IMRT planning were 84.0% ± 6.7%, 82.9% ± 6.1%, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMRT achieves similar excellent target coverage as compared with CRT planning, while reducing the mean liver dose and volume above threshold dose. IMRT offers better sparing of the right kidney compared with CRT planning, with a significantly lower mean dose and volume above threshold dose.

[Oxaliplatin combined with ELF regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of oxaliplatin and ELF (VP16/CF/5-Fu) regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer. METHODS: Oxaliplatin was given at a dose of 100 mg/m(2) i.v. 2 hours D1, calcium folinate (CF) 200 mg/m(2) i.v. 1/2 hour D1 approximately D3, 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) 500 mg/m(2) i.v. 2 hours D1 approximately D3 and etoposide 100 mg/m(2) i.v. 3 hours D1 approximately D3. Cycles were repeated every 21 days. Efficacy and safety were evaluated every 2 cycles. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled into the study. All cases were pathologically confirmed as gastric cancer (adenocarcinoma in 57 cases and signet ring cell carcinoma in 12 cases). 42 patients had newly diagnosed disease, and 27 patients had received previous chemotherapy. 62 patients were analyzed for response (7 complete responses and 25 partial responses) with total response rate 51.61%. The median time to progression was 5.7 months and the median overall survival was 9.2 months. The most common hematologic toxicities were anemia (29.0%), leucopenia (51.2%) and thrombocytopenia (21.2%). No grade 4 and grade 5 hematologic toxicities were observed. The most common non-hematologic toxicities were nausea (46.5%), vomiting (41.1%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (47.1%), and grade 2 alopecia (27.3%). CONCLUSION: This oxaliplatin combined with ELF regimen shows good efficacy and acceptable safety in advanced gastric cancer patients. It is worthy to be proved as a suitable alternative regimen in this indication.

Successful treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis by double lung transplantation.

A 24-year-old man suffering from end-stage, multi-drug, resistant tuberculosis and right heart failure underwent bilateral, single-lung transplantation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support. He was successfully weaned and discharged from the hospital 30 days later. Sputum cultures have been negative for tuberculosis since discharge, and for almost 2 years thereafter. Anti-tuberculosis medication was discontinued 4 months postoperatively.

Molecular phylogenetics of Triculine snails (Gastropoda: Pomatiopsidae) from southern China.

Triculine (Gastropoda: Rissooidea: Pomatiopsidae) snails are involved in the transmission of schistosomiasis and paragonimiasis; their distributions are mainly across southeastern Asia and southern China. In the present investigation, partial sequences of COI, 16S, and 28S were examined to infer the phylogenetic relationships among the species rich and poorly understood gastropod. Samples were collected from 12 geographic locations in six provinces of southern China. Several methods such as maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and distance analysis were used in phylogenetic analyses among these taxa. The resultant phylogenetic trees showed a similar topology irrespective of the phylogenetic methods used. The taxa fell into two clades, with those from Fujian, Guangxi, and Zhejiang Provinces in one clade and those from Hunan, Sichuan and Hubei in the other. Among the taxa in Hubei Province, five formed a monophyletic clade, but Tricula sp. H-SHY fell into a sister clade of Tricula hortensis of Sichuan, whilst Tricula hongshanensis formed a single clade. Sister taxa Tricula pingi and Tricula hsiangi formed well-supported clade within almost all the trees. These results, while preliminary, represent the first attempt to reconstruct a phylogeny for Triculinae across China.