Twenty years of ocean observations with China Argo.

The international Argo program, a global observational array of nearly 4 000 autonomous profiling floats initiated in the late 1990s, which measures the water temperature and salinity of the upper 2 000 m of the global ocean, has revolutionized oceanography. It has been recognized one of the most successful ocean observation systems in the world. Today, the proposed decade action "OneArgo" for building an integrated global, full-depth, and multidisciplinary ocean observing array for beyond 2020 has been endorsed. In the past two decades since 2002, with more than 500 Argo deployments and 80 operational floats currently, China has become an important partner of the Argo program. Two DACs have been established to process the data reported from all Chinese floats and deliver these data to the GDACs in real time, adhering to the unified quality control procedures proposed by the Argo Data Management Team. Several Argo products have been developed and released, allowing accurate estimations of global ocean warming, sea level change and the hydrological cycle, at interannual to decadal scales. In addition, Deep and BGC-Argo floats have been deployed, and time series observations from these floats have proven to be extremely useful, particularly in the analysis of synoptic-scale to decadal-scale dynamics. The future aim of China Argo is to build and maintain a regional Argo fleet comprising approximately 400 floats in the northwestern Pacific, South China Sea, and Indian Ocean, accounting for 9% of the global fleet, in addition to maintaining 300 Deep Argo floats in the global ocean (25% of the global Deep Argo fleet). A regional BGC-Argo array in the western Pacific also needs to be established and maintained.

PDIA3-regulted inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world. However, the molecular mechanism contributing to TBI still remains unclear. Protein disulfide isomerases (PDI) are a family of redox chaperones, which catalyze formation or isomerization of disulfide bonds in proteins. PDIA3, a critical member of PDI family, is a multi-functional protein, playing critical roles in modulating inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress under various kinds of disease conditions. Nevertheless, its regulatory effects on TBI have far from to be known. In the present study, we attempted to explore the modulation of neuroinflammatory responses by PDIA3 and its contribution to oxidative stress and cell death after TBI in the wild type (PDIA+/+) and PDIA3 knockout (PDIA3+/+) C57BL/6 mice. Results here suggested that PDIA3 expression was markedly up-regulated in the late trauma human brain tissues, which was verified in the PDIA3+/+ mice at 24 h after TBI. PDIA-/- provided significant improvements in cognitive impairments and contusion volume induced by TBI. Apoptosis in brain samples was also alleviated in TBI mice with PDIA3 deficiency. Significantly, PDIA3-/- mitigated neuroinflammation after TBI in mice, as evidenced by the reduced expression of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1ß, while the enhanced anti-inflammatory regulator IL-10. These anti-inflammatory activities by PDIA3-/- were associated with the decrease in phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65. PDIA3-/- mice following TBI showed attenuated oxidative stress, as proved by the restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities, and the down-regulated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in brain samples. These effects regulated by PDIA3 were confirmed in OGDR-treated astrocytes. Collectively, these data demonstrated a detrimental role of PDIA3 in regulating TBI, providing an effective therapeutic target for TBI treatment in future.

[Application of dezoxine plus dexmedetomidine in strabismus surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of intra-operative combined dosing of dezoxine and dexmedetomidine on sedation, analgesia and the incidence of untoward events during and after surgery in teenagers undergoing horizontal concomitant strabismus surgery. METHODS: For this prospective and randomized trial, approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee and informed consent from their parents. A total of 60 patients aged 10-16 years undergoing strabismus surgery at Second Affiliated Hospital from September to December 2013 were collected. The treatment group received an intravenous dose of dezoxine 0.1 mg×kg(-1) at 15 minutes before surgery. And another intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine was administered at 0.4 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1) until the end of the first ocular muscle correcting. The control group received the same volume of normal saline. Observational parameters including visual analogue scale (VAS), Ramsay scores, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), heart rate (HR), blood pressure and the incidence of untoward events such as nausea and vomiting or arrhythmia were recorded. RESULTS: The VAS pain scores in the treatment group at T2-T5 decreased significantly versus the control group (P < 0.05) . The Ramsay scores in the treatment group at T2-T3 increased and significantly differences existed with the control group (P < 0.05). SAS scores showed significant differences between pre-operative and post-operative periods in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The treatment group has shorter operative duration with 5 cases of dragging pain in the treatment group versus 25 in the control group (P < 0.05). During dragging reflex, HR was lower in the control group at T2 and T3. There were significant differences with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A combination of dezoxine and dexmedetomidine provide multiple benefits for patients undergoing strabismus surgery. Compared with simple local anesthesia, it effectively attenuates pain and anxiety and provides mild sedation and better cooperation during strabismus surgery.

[Analysis of Bacterial Communities and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Aquaculture Area of Changli County].

In order to understand the distribution of microorganisms and various antibiotic resistance genes in the aquaculture area of Changli County, Qinhuangdao, high-throughput sequencing technology was used in this study. We utilized 16S rDNA gene sequencing and metagenome sequencing methods to analyze the seawater, sediment, and gut contents of the local fish Synechogobius hasta in the aquaculture area in spring. The results showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota were the dominant bacteria in seawater; and Proteobacteria, Crenarchaeota, Acidobacter, and Actinobaciota were rich in the sediment; whereas Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota were in relatively high abundance in fish gut contents. The microbial diversity of sediment samples was the most abundant, followed by seawater samples, and the microbial diversity of fish intestinal contents was the lowest. Moreover, the microbial diversity of similar samples was relatively similar, and the microbial diversity of different types of samples was quite different. For samples at different sites, there were significant differences between seawater samples at each site, and there were small differences between sediment samples at each site, and some sediment sample groups did not have significant differences in microbial composition. In all sample groups, five ß-lactam antibiotic resistance genes (blaOXA-325, cepS, blaCARB-20, blaOXA-55, and blaTRU-1) and four aminoglycoside antibiotic resistance genes[aac(6')-IIb, amrA, aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, and aph(3')-Vc] were detected. There was also a certain correlation between antibiotic resistance genes and microbial communities.

Efficacy and mechanism of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for diabetic macular edema patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a serious public health concern in China, with 30% of patients developing retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema (DME) having the biggest impact on vision. High blood glucose level can cause retinal cell hypoxia, thus promoting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) formation and increasing vascular permeability, which induces DME. Moreover, cell hypoxia can accelerate the rate of apoptosis, which leads to the aging of patients. In severe cases, optic cell apoptosis or retinal fibrosis and permanent blindness may occur. AIM: To investigate and compare the efficacy, mechanism, and differences between two anti-VEGF drugs (Compaq and ranibizumab) in DME patients. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with DME who attended our hospital from April 2018 to February 2020 were included and randomly divided into two groups (Compaq group and ranibizumab group). The groups received vitreal cavity injections of 0.5 mg Compaq and 0.5 mg ranibizumab, respectively, once a month. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), macular retinal thickness (CMT), macular choroidal thickness (SFCT), foveal no perfusion area (FAZ), superficial capillary density, deep capillary density, treatment effect, and adverse reactions were compared before and after treatment and between the two groups. RESULTS: Before treatment and 1-mo post-treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the estimated BCVA in both groups (P > 0.05). BCVA decreased in the Compaq group 3 mo after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Before treatment, and 1 mo and 3 mo post-treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the estimated IOP in either group (P > 0.05). Before treatment and 1-mo post-treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the estimated CMT, SFCT, or FAZ in either group (P > 0.05). CMT and SFCT values decreased in the Compaq group 3 mo post-treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Before treatment, and 1 mo and 3 mo post-treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in vascular density in the shallow or deep capillary plexi of the fovea, parafovea, or overall macular area between the two groups (P > 0.05). Marked efficient, effective, and invalid rates were 70.83% and 52.08%, 27.08% and 39.58%, and 2.08% and 8.33% in the Compaq and ranibizumab groups, respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF drugs can effectively improve CMT and SFCT, without affecting microcirculation, thus providing an effective and safe treatment for patients with DME.

MicroRNA-211-5p Enhances Analgesic Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Inflammatory Visceral Pain in Rats by Suppressing ERK Signaling.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a high-selectivity α2 adrenergic receptor agonist. The present study aimed to characterize the analgesic effects of DEX on TNBS-induced chronic inflammatory visceral pain (CIVP) in rats and to evaluate whether its antinociceptive effect is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and the ERK pathway. TNBS with or without DEX was administered to 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats. These rats were randomly classified into four groups: control, TNBS, vehicle, and DEX groups. Pain behaviors were assessed by the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR), thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), and mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT). qPCR, ELISA, and western blotting results showed increased serum IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. RNA microarray and qPCR results indicated that miR-211 was downregulated by CIVP induction but upregulated by DEX administration. ERK signaling was decreased in the TNBS+miR-211 group and increased in the DEX + miR-211 group, indicating that miR-211 targeted the 3'-UTR of the ERK gene. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-211 in these two groups ameliorated pain behaviors and reduced proinflammatory cytokine production. Therefore, DEX exhibited an analgesic effect on CIVP in rats through a miR-211-mediated MEK/ERK/CREB pathway, suppressing visceral hypersensitivity.

Ptosis induced by topical steroid eye drops: Two cases reports.

RATIONALE: Ptosis is a rare complication of periocular steroid use. Studies report that local injections of steroids produce ptosis. We describe the first 2 cases of ptosis because of long-term treatment with topical steroid eye drops. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two cases admitted to our hospital because of ptosis of their right eye after long-term treatment with topical steroid eye drops. Both of them had uncontrolled Posner-Schlossman syndrome. DIAGNOSIS: Two cases were diagnosed as steroid-related ptosis. INTERVENTIONS: Regulatory anti-inflammation therapy was prescribed for case 1, and after inflammation control, phacoemulsification was done for her. Six months after steroid withdrawal, the levator resection of the right eye was performed. Case 2 refused our advice of steroid reduction and ptosis surgery. OUTCOMES: After surgery, case 1 retained a symmetrical appearance during a 1-year follow-up. In the surgery, we found thin levator muscles and slack levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis (LPSA) in the affected eye. Postoperative transmission electron microscopy revealed typical signs of apoptosis in levator muscle cells. LESSONS: We suggest topical application of steroids induces levator muscle apoptosis and LPSA weakness, and results in ptosis.

Expression and effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on human cataract lens epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in human ocular tissues, and to assess the effect of bFGF on the proliferation of human cataract lens epithelial cells (LECs) and its correlation with age. METHODS: Enucleated eyes were subjected to immunostaining for bFGF protein. Human cataract LECs were cultured in vitro, and treated with bFGF for 48 hr. Proliferation was estimated by the positive area ratio of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: bFGF protein was found in various human ocular tissues. bFGF stimulated human cataract LEC proliferation, and there was an age-related decrease in responsiveness of human cataract LECs to bFGF (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: bFGF might play an important role in the proliferation of residual human cataract LECs after cataract surgery.

[Preparation of a hydrophilic-lipophilic composite solid phase extraction material and application in food safety inspection].

A copolymer of divinylbenzene and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (DVB-NVP) was synthesized for the purpose of solid phase extraction (SPE). Its performance as an SPE resin was evaluated using six model compounds having different polarities. Aqueous samples containing those compounds were applied to SPE cartridges containing the aforementioned copolymer as well as the classic C18 and Oasis HLB for comparison, and the SPE processed samples were analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantitation. Then, the copolymer DVB-NVP was sulfonated to modify the surface properties. The surface modified materials were used to analyse complex samples. The results showed that DVB-NVP had high recoveries for the six compounds ranging from 95.55% to 101.08% which were better than those of the C18 and were comparable to those of Oasis HLB. In applying to real samples, the recoveries for dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate in liquor were 102.55%, 102.99% and 102.11%, with the RSDs of 2.11%, 1.69%, 0.79% respectively. Similarly, the recoveries for clonidine and cyproheptadine in pork were 89.23% and 91.42% with the RSDs of 8.21% and 8.86%, respectively.

[Signal pathway in apoptosis of K562 cells induced by STI571].

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (STI571) on growth and proliferation of K562 cells by using microarray method, the changes of gene expression in the process of K562 cell apoptosis induced by STI571 and the mechanism of K562 cell apoptosis. The gene microarray probes were prepared by RD-PCR technique, then the microarray of gene expression map was constructed; the morphologic changes of K562 cells were observed under phase-contrast microscopy before and after treatment with STI571; the apoptosis of K562 cells treated with STI571 was assayed by MTT method; the expression level of genes was analyzed by self-made microarray. The results indicated that after the treatment of STI571 for 24 hours, in K562 cells appeared major morphological changes, which included nuclear shrinkage, membrane bleb and scattered apoptotic bodies. DNA gel electrophoresis also showed that the typical "DNA ladder" phenomena existed in the treated group. After hybridization, detection and analysis with microarray method, expression of 9 genes significantly down-regulated and expression of 4 genes up-regulated. These differentially expressed genes included cell cycle related genes, cell metabolizing pathway related genes, signal transduction and transcription regulation related genes and antiapoptosis genes. It is concluded that STI571 can effectively inhibit the K562 cell growth and induce K562 cell apoptosis. The genes screened from this microarray offer new information for exploration of pathogenesis of K562 cell malignant transformation and shows abundant potential targets for the treatment of CML.