ADAM12 Silencing Mediated by FOXC2 Represses Meningioma Progression Through Inactivating the JAK1/STAT3/VEGFA Pathway.

Meningioma is a prevalently intracranial tumor, and the malignant type is aggressive with high recurrence. A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12) is a common oncogene and differentially expressed in meningioma. However, its roles and mechanisms in meningioma development remain obscure. The differentially expressed genes in meningioma were analyzed by GEO (GSE77259 and GSE43290) datasets and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on GSE16581. ADAM12 expression was measured via qRT-PCR and western blot. The correlation between ADAM12 and FOXC2 was predicted through JASPER tool and identified via luciferase reporter analysis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated using CCK-8, EdU, transwell assays. The JAK1/STAT3/VEGFA signaling was activated by IL-6, and analyzed via western blot. The differentially expressed ADAM12 in meningioma was screened by WGCNA and GEO analyses. ADAM12 silencing repressed meningioma cell proliferation, and decreased migration and invasion. The transcription factor FOXC2 expression was enhanced in meningioma based on GSE77259 and GSE43290 datasets, and positively induced ADAM12 transcription. The JAK1/STAT3/VEGFA signaling was inactivated due to ADAM12 silencing and activated via IL-6. Upregulation of FOXC2 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and these effects were reversed by silencing ADAM12. ADAM12 knockdown mediated via FOXC2 silencing restrained proliferation, migration and invasion of meningioma cells through inactivating the JAK1/STAT3/VEGFA pathway.

Theoretical studies on the local structure and spin Hamiltonian parameters for Cu2+ ions in LiTaO3 crystal.

The local structure and spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs) g factors (gx , gy , gz ) and the hyperfine structure constants (Ax , Ay , Az ) for Cu2+ doped in the LiTaO3 crystal are theoretically investigated by the perturbation formulas for a 3d9 ion under rhombically elongated octahedral based on the cluster approach. The impurity Cu2+ was assumed to occupy the host trigonally-distorted octahedral Li+ site and experience the Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion from the host trigonal octahedral [TaO6 ]10- to the impurity rhombically elongated octahedral [CuO6 ]10- . Based on the calculations, the impurity-ligand bond lengths parallel and perpendicular to the C2 -axis are found to be R|| (≈ 2.305 Å) and R⊥ (≈ 2.112 Å) for the studied [CuO6 ]10- cluster, with the planar bond angle θ (≈ 78.2°). Meanwhile, the ground-state wave function for Cu2+ center in LiTaO3 was also obtained. The calculated SHPs based on the above local lattice distortions agree well with the experimental data, and the results are discussed.

Studies on the EPR parameters and local angular distortion for the tetragonal Cu2+ center in CaWO4 crystal.

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters-g factors gi (i = || and ⊥) and hyperfine structure constants Ai (M) and Ai (N), with M and N belonging to isotopes 63 Cu2+ and 65 Cu2+ -and local structure of Cu2+ ion occupying W6+ site in CaWO4 crystal are theoretically studied based on the perturbation formulas of these parameters for a 3d9 ion under tetragonally elongated tetrahedra. In these formulas, the ligand orbital (LO) and spin-orbit coupling (SOC) contributions are included due to the shorter impurity-ligand distance R (≈1.83 Å) and hence the strong covalency of the studied [CuO4 ]6- cluster, and the related molecular orbital coefficients are quantitatively determined from the cluster approach in a uniform way; meanwhile, the required crystal field (CF) parameters for the tetragonally distorted tetrahedron (TDT) are estimated from the superposition model and the local structure of the impurity Cu2+ center. According to the calculation, the bond angle θ between the four equivalent Cu2+ -O2- bonds and the C4 axis in the CaWO4 :Cu2+ is found to be about 2.1° smaller than that (θ0 ≈ 54.74°) for an ideal tetrahedron due to the Jahn-Teller (JT) effect and the size mismatch. The fitted results agree well with the observed values, and the validity of the present assignment for the local structure of the Cu2+ center is also discussed.

A comparable study of the optical spectra and EPR parameters for 3d1 - and 3d9 -doped MgNH4 PO4 ·6H2 O.

VO2+ (3d1 ) and Cu2+ (3d9 ) are the two complementary states that usually show opposite distortions when they are doped in crystals. In this work, the optical absorption spectra (OAS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters, and local structure (LS) for VO2+ (and Cu2+ ) in MgNH4 PO4 ·6H2 O (MPPH) are uniformly investigated on the basis of the high-order perturbation formulas for a 3d1 (and 3d9 ) ion in tetragonally compressed (and elongated) octahedra, respectively. In the calculated formulas, the required crystal-field parameters can be obtained from the superposition model and reasonably linked with the LS distortion for VO2+ and Cu2+ centers. Based on the calculations, the tetragonal compressed [VO(H2 O)5 ]2+ cluster (and tetragonal elongated [Cu(H2 O)6 ]2+ cluster) is found to suffer tetragonal compression ratio of 1.65% and tetragonal elongation ratio of 3.8% along C4 -axis, respectively, due to the Jahn-Teller (JT) effect. The theoretical EPR parameters based on the above lattice distortions agree well with the experimental data, and the LS of the VO2+ and Cu2+ centers in MPPH is discussed.

Quercetin regulates vascular endothelium function in chronic renal failure via modulation of Eph/Cav-1 signaling.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is frequently believed to be the best vascular access for chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. Vascular endothelial cell dysfunction has been implicated in AVF maturation. Quercetin (Quer) is a natural polyphenolic compound widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. We aimed to uncover the impacts of Quer on vascular endothelial cells in a CRF rat model and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and serum from rat with CRF. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were tested in CRF rat model after administration of Quer. H&E staining was used to estimate endothelial damage. Nitric oxide (NO), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), EPH receptor B4 (EphB4), EphrinB2, and p-caveolin-1 (p-Cav-1) levels in the serum were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to analyze the expressions of eNOS, phosphorylated (p)-eNOS, EphB4, and Cav-1 in arterial tissues and HUVECs. Cell counting kit-8 was applied for assessing cell proliferation. TUNEL (terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling) assay was employed to estimate cell apoptosis. Results showed that Quer ameliorated renal function impairment and endothelial injury in vivo. Meanwhile, Quer boosted the proliferation and suppressed the apoptosis of HUVECs stimulated by LPS and serum from rat with CRF. Additionally, Quer elevated NO and eNOS levels, upregulated p-eNOS expression but downregulated EphB4, EphrinB2, and p-Cav-1 expressions. Moreover, EphB4 inhibitor had the similar effect as Quer treatment in HUVECs stimulated by LPS and serum from rat with CRF. Collectively, Quer might effectively regulate vascular function to prevent AVF failure in CRF via modulation of Eph/Cav-1 signaling.

Hirudin prevents vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and permeability enhancement induced by the serum from rat with chronic renal failure through inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Endothelial cells injury and activation contribute to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis. Hirudin (Hiru) can inhibit the activity of thrombin, which was reported to enhance endothelial cell permeability and promote vascular inflammatory responses. RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is also important in regulating vascular endothelial permeability. This study aimed to investigate the role of Hiru on the viability and permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) following stimulation of serum from rat with chronic renal failure (CRF) and illustrated the effects of Hiru on RhoA/ROCK signaling. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and CRF group. Serum from each group was collected to stimulate HUVECs. Proliferation capability was estimated with Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Transwell assay was performed to determine permeability. Cell apoptosis was examined using Tunel staining. Telomere length and telomerase activity were determined by qPCR. Moreover, the expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2 was estimated via western blot. Results showed that the serum from CRF rat significantly inhibited cell viability while enhanced cell permeability and apoptosis. Different concentrations of Hiru prevented the above effects caused by CRF serum. Additionally, Hiru recovered the CRF serum-induced decreased telomere length and telomerase activity. Hiru also inhibited the protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2, which were activated by CRF serum. Moreover, the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, exhibited similar effects with Hiru. In conclusion, Hiru-restored HUVECs cell viability, telomere length and telomerase activity, suppressed permeability and apoptosis in the presence of CRF serum might depend on inactivating the RhoA/ROCK signaling.

Field evaluation of a novel molluscicide (niclosamidate) against Oncomelania hupensis, intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum.

The molluscicidal activity of a novel molluscicide (niclosamidate) was evaluated in field trials against Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum. The environmental safety of niclosamidate for local fishes was also studied under field conditions. The results showed that, at the dosages of 8.0 g/m2 and 4.0 g/m3, niclosamidate exhibits highly potent molluscicidal activity in the spraying and immersion trials, resulting in mortality rates of up to 81.8 and 72.7%, respectively. Its performance seems to be target-specific, with good molluscicidal ability observed for Oncomelania hupensis snails, but very low toxicity for local fishes and other aquatic organisms. The results suggest that niclosamidate can be used as an alternative molluscicide for snail control, which would be particularly applicable in semi-commercial or commercial aquaculture ponds.

[Scrotal calculi: advances in clinical research].

Scrotal calculi are freely mobile calcified bodies or stones located between the layers of the tunica vaginalis of the testis. The literature on this relatively rare benign lesion consists mostly of case reports. In most cases, scrotal calculi are found incidentally during ultrasound examination. Now with the application of high-frequency ultrasonography, the detection rate of scrotal calculi is gradually increasing. This article summarizes the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of scrotal calculi.

Mini-review of DNA Methylation Detection Techniques and Their Potential Applications in Disease Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment.

DNA methylation is the dominant epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression in mammals, playing crucial roles in development, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Aberrations in DNA methylation are closely associated with the potential onset of various diseases. Consequently, numerous DNA methylation detection techniques have been successively developed. These methods not only facilitate the exploration of disease mechanisms but also hold significant promise for the development of diagnostic and prognostic strategies. In this Perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of commonly employed DNA methylation detection techniques as well as biosensing based on their underlying analytical techniques. For its medical applications, we begin by examining the pathogenesis of different diseases and then proceed to discuss how relevant technologies are applied in the context of these specific medical conditions. Additionally, we briefly discuss the current limitations of these techniques and highlight future challenges in advancing methylation detection and analysis methodologies.

Genetically predicted inflammatory proteins and the risk of atrial fibrillation: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Purpose: The causal associations between inflammatory factors and atrial fibrillation (AF) remained unclear. We aimed to investigate whether genetically predicted inflammatory proteins are related to the risk of AF, and vice versa. Methods: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study was performed. The genetic variation of 91 inflammatory proteins were derived from genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of European ancestry (n = 14,824). Summary statistics for AF were obtained from a published meta-analysis study (n = 1,030,836) and the FinnGen study (n = 261,395). Results: Genetically predicted fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) was significantly positively associated with risk of AF [[odds ratio (OR): 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.10; P < 0.01], and CD40l receptor was significantly negatively associated with risk of AF (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98; P = 0.02) in the meta-analysis study. In the FinnGen study, similar results were observed in FGF5 (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06-1.16; P < 0.01) and CD40l receptor (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89-0.97; P = 0.03) for AF. In the FinnGen study, TNF-beta was significantly positively associated with risk of AF (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.09; P = 0.03) and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor was significantly negatively associated with risk of AF (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.91; P = 0.001). The causal effect of AF on inflammatory proteins was not observed. Conclusion: Our study suggested that FGF5 and CD40l receptor have a potential causal association with AF, and targeting these factors may help in the treatment of AF.

[Study on physical deviation factors on laser induced breakdown spectroscopy measurement].

In order to eliminate the deviation between the measured LIBS spectral line and the standard LIBS spectral line, and improve the accuracy of elements measurement, a research of physical deviation factors in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy technology was proposed. Under the same experimental conditions, the relationship of ablated hole effect and spectral wavelength was tested, the Stark broadening data of Mg plasma laser induced breakdown spectroscopy with sampling time-delay from 1.00 to 3.00 micros was also studied, thus the physical deviation influences such as ablated hole effect and Stark broadening could be obtained while collecting the spectrum. The results and the method of the research and analysis can also be applied to other laser induced breakdown spectroscopy experiment system, which is of great significance to improve the accuracy of LIBS elements measuring and is also important to the research on the optimum sampling time-delay of LIBS.

[Evaluation of the comprehensive schistosomiasis control measures with emphasis on infection source of replacing cattle with machine].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of comprehensive measures with an emphasis on schistosomiasis infection source control by replacing cattle with machine. METHODS: In 2011, 2 villages from each of Jingzhou District, Jianli County and Jiangling County, Hubei Province, were selected as intervention group where the comprehensive measures were implemented, while 2 villages from Shishou City served as control with routine control activities. A cluster random sampling was carried out in the 8 villages with more than 300 people in each village were sampled. Stool examination using modified Kato-Katz was applied for identification of the infected persons and hatching test for cattle survey. The systemic sampling was applied for snail survey, fecal specimens from the field were examined by hatching test. Each sample was examined three times. Data were collected for the analysis of control effect between intervention and control groups in 2007 (baseline), 2009 (before implementation of comprehensive measures) and 2011 (post-intervention). RESULTS: In intervention villages, the overall prevalence in human reduced significantly from 3.6% (135/3 772) in 2007 and 2.0% (63/3 116) in 2009 to 0.9% (21/2 396) in 2011 (chi2 = 43.411, chi2 = 11.840, P < 0.05). Until 2011, there were no cattle in intervention group; the prevalence decreased by 52.6% in human and about 100% in cattle from 2010 to 2011. In control group, the infection rate in residents in 2007, 2009 and 2011 was 4.5% (64/1 410), 2.6% (34/1 294) and 1.8% (24/1,320), respectively (chi2 = 16.178, P < 0.05), and 5.1% (8/158) in 2007, 1.6% (3/187) in 2009 and 1.6% (3/189) in 2011 in cattle, respectively (chi2 = 3.387, P > 0.05). The infection rate in human and cattle fell by 25.0% and 5.9% from 2010 to 2011, respectively. There was a significant difference in human infection rate between the intervention and control groups after intervention (chi2 = 6.309, P < 0.05). No infected snails were detected in intervention and control groups. No positive feces from the field was found in the intervention group, 7.5% positive rate was recorded in the control. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive measures focused on infection source control by replacing cattle with machine can effectively control Schistosoma japonicum transmission, with a significant decrease of the prevalence in human and cattle.

The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Multipoint Fascial Plane Block in ElderlyPatients Undergoing Combined Thoracoscopic-Laparoscopic Esophagectomy: A Prospective Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: We estimated the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided multipoint fascial plane block, including serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and bilateral transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in elderly patients who underwent combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE). METHODS: The authors enrolled 80 patients in this prospective study after patient selection using the inclusion and exclusion criteria who were scheduled for elective TLE from May 2020 to May 2021. Patients were randomly assigned to the treated group (group N) or the control group (group C) (n = 40 per group) using the sealed-envelope method. Multipoint fascial plane blocks, including serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and bilateral TAPB, were performed on patients undergoing TLE using a solution of 60 mL 0.375% ropivacaine plus 2.5 mg dexamethasone by 3 injections of 20 mL each (group N) or no interventions (group C). RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) at T incision and 30 min after T incision were significantly higher in group C than in group N, and also significantly higher than at baseline (P < 0.01). Blood glucose at 60 min, 2 h after T incision, was significantly higher in group C than in group N and significantly higher than at baseline (P < 0.01). Compared to group N, the dosages of propofol and remifentanil used during surgery in group C were more than those in group N (P < 0.01). The time to first rescue analgesic in group C was earlier than in group N. The total postoperative use of sufentanil, and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics in group C, were more than in group N (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that applying the multipoint fascia pane block technique in TLE for elderly patients could significantly reduce postoperative pain, decrease the dosages of drugs used in general anesthesia, improve the quality of the awakening, and have no obvious adverse reactions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-2000033617).

Exceptional green hydrogen production performance of a ruthenium-modulated nickel selenide.

Developing low-cost, high-efficiency and stable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial but highly challenging. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that doping ruthenium (Ru) into catalysts can effectively optimize their electronic structure, hence leading to an optimal Gibbs free energy on the catalyst surface. Herein, an ultra-low Ru (about 2.34 wt%)-doped Ni3Se2 nanowire catalyst (i.e., Ru/Ni3Se2) supported on nickel foam has been fabricated by a hydrothermal reaction followed by a chemical etching process. The unique three-dimensional (3D) interconnected nanowires not only endow Ru and Ni3Se2 with uniform distribution and coupling, but also provide higher electrical conductivity, more active sites, an optimized electronic structure and favorable reaction kinetics. Therefore, the as-obtained Ru/Ni3Se2 catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance, with low overpotentials of 24 and 211 mV to supply a current density value of 10 mA cm-2 towards the HER and OER in an alkaline environment, respectively. Notably, the as-fabricated Ru/Ni3Se2 catalyst only requires a low voltage of 1.476 V to derive a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in the constructed two-electrode alkaline electrolyzer and exhibits exceptionally high stability. This work will provide a novel strategy for the design and fabrication of low-cost and high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen production by water electrolysis.

Identification of a 5-Nutrient Stress-Sensitive Gene Signature to Predict Survival for Colorectal Cancer.

Background: The high heterogeneity and the complexity of the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer (CRC) have enhanced the difficulty of prognosis prediction based on conventional clinical indicators. Recent studies revealed that tumor cells could overcome various nutritional deficiencies by gene regulation and metabolic remodeling. However, whether differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CRC cells under kinds of nutrient deficiency could be used to predict prognosis remained unveiled. Methods: Three datasets (GSE70976, GSE13548, and GSE116087), in which colon cancer cells were, respectively, cultured in serum-free, glucose-free, or glutamine-free medium, were included to delineate the profiles of gene expression by nutrient stress. DEGs were figured out in three datasets, and gene functional analysis was performed. Survival analyses and Cox proportional hazards model were then used to identify nutrient stress sensitive genes in CRC datasets (GSE39582 and TCGA COAD). Then, a 5-gene signature was constructed and the risk scores were also calculated. Survival analyses, cox analyses, and nomogram were applied to predict the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. The effectiveness of the risk model was also tested. Results: A total of 48 genes were found to be dysregulated in serum, glucose, or glutamine-deprived CRC cells, which were mainly enriched in cell cycle and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. After further analyses, 5 genes, MCM5, MCM6, CDCA2, GINS2, and SPC25, were identified to be differentially expressed in CRC and be related to prognosis of in CRC datasets. We used the above nutrient stress-sensitive genes to construct a risk scoring model. CRC samples in the datasets were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups. Data showed that higher risk scores were associated with better outcomes and risk scores decreased significantly with tumor procession. Moreover, the risk score could be used to predict the probability of survival based on nomogram. Conclusions: The 5-nutrient stress-sensitive gene signature could act as an independent biomarker for survival prediction of CRC patients.

Biological effects of NODAL on endometrial cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms.

Activin A receptor type 1C (ALK7) and its ligand nodal growth differentiation factor (NODAL) serve numerous roles in cancer cells, including regulating cancer invasion, migration and apoptosis. NODAL promotes breast cancer cell apoptosis by activating ALK7; however, ALK7 and NODAL expression in endometrial cancer (EC), as well as their effects and underlying mechanisms in EC cells, are not completely understood. The present study aimed to characterize the expression of NODAL and ALK7 in EC, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The expression levels of ALK7 and NODAL were detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell transfection was performed to overexpress NODAL or interfere ALK7. Cell proliferation, invasion and migration were detected via Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was performed to detect cell apoptosis and western blotting was conducted to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. NODAL and ALK7 expression levels were significantly decreased in EC cell lines compared with normal endometrial cells. NODAL overexpression inhibited EC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoted EC cell apoptosis compared with the overexpression-negative control (Ov-NC) group. Moreover, NODAL overexpression significantly increased ALK7 expression levels in EC cells compared with the Ov-NC group. ALK7 reversed NODAL overexpression-mediated inhibition of EC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promotion of EC cell apoptosis. The present study indicated that NODAL inhibited EC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoted EC cell apoptosis by activating ALK7.

[The study on the characteristics and particle densities of lightning discharge plasma].

According to the wavelengths, relative intensities and transition parameters of lines in cloud-to-ground lightning spectra obtained by a slit-less spectrograph in Qinghai province and Xizang municipality, and by theoretical calculations of plasma, the average temperature and electron density for individual lightning discharge channel were calculated, and then, using Saha equations, electric charge conservation equations and particle conservation equations, the particle densities of every ionized-state, the mass density, pressure and the average ionization degree were obtained. Moreover, the average ionization degree and characteristics of particle distributions in each lightning discharge channel were analyzed. Local thermodynamic equilibrium and an optically thin emitting gas were assumed in the calculations. The result shows that the characteristics of lightning discharge plasma have strong relationships with lightning intensities. For a certain return stroke channel, both temperatures and electron densities of different positions show tiny trend of falling away with increasing height along the discharge channel. Lightning channels are almost completely ionized, and the first ionized particles occupy the main station while N II has the highest particle density. On the other hand, the relative concentrations of N II and O II are near a constant in lightning channels with different intensities. Generally speaking, the more intense the lightning discharge, the higher are the values of channel temperature, electron density and relative concentrations of highly ionized particles, but the lower the concentration of the neutral atoms. After considering the Coulomb interactions between positive and negative particles in the calculations, the results of ionization energies decrease, and the particle densities of atoms and first ionized ions become low while high-ionized ions become high. At a temperature of 28000 K, the pressure of the discharge channel due to electrons, atoms and ions is about 10 atmospheric pressure, and it changes for different lightning stroke with different intensity. The mass density of channel is lower and changes from 0.01 to 0.1 compared to the mass density of air at standard temperature and pressure (STP).

Neuroprotective effect of bispectral index-guided fast-track anesthesia using sevoflurane combined with dexmedetomidine for intracranial aneurysm embolization.

Dexmedetomidine has sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-sympathetic, and anti-shivering effects. Dexmedetomidine might be effective in combination with sevoflurane for anesthesia, but prospective randomized controlled clinical trials with which to verify this hypothesis are lacking. In total, 120 patients who underwent embolization of an intracranial aneurysm were recruited from Anhui Provincial Hospital and Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University of China and randomly allocated to two groups. After intraoperative administration of 2% to 3% sevoflurane inhalation, one group of patients received pump-controlled intravenous injection of 1.0 µg/kg dexmedetomidine for 15 minutes followed by maintenance with 0.3 µg/kg/h until the end of surgery; the other group of patients only underwent pump-controlled infusion of saline. Bispectral index monitoring revealed that dexmedetomidine-assisted anesthesia can shorten the recovery time of spontaneous breathing, time to eye opening, and time to laryngeal mask removal. Before anesthetic induction and immediately after laryngeal mask airway removal, the glucose and lactate levels were low, the S100ß and neuron-specific enolase levels were low, the perioperative blood pressure and heart rate were stable, and postoperative delirium was minimal. These findings indicate that dexmedetomidine can effectively assist sevoflurane for anesthesia during surgical embolization of intracranial aneurysms, shorten the time to consciousness and extubation, reduce the stress response and energy metabolism, stabilize hemodynamic parameters, and reduce adverse reactions, thereby reducing the damage to the central nervous system. This trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/) (registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-16008113).

[The electrical conductivity of triggered lightning channel].

Spectra of return strokes for artificial triggered lightning were obtained by optical multi-channel analyzer (OMA) in Shandong region. Compared with previous spectra of natural lightning, additional lines of ArI 602.5 nm and ArII 666.5 nm were observed. Under the model of local thermodynamic equilibrium, electronic temperatures of the lightning channel plasma were obtained according to the relative line intensities. Meanwhile, with semi-empirical method the electron density was obtained by Halpha line Stark broadening. In combination with plasma theory, electrical conductivity of the lightning channel has been calculated for the first time, and the characteristic of conductivity for lightning channel was also discussed. The relation between the electrical conductivity of channel and the return stroke current was analyzed, providing reference data for further work on computing return stroke current. Results show that the lightning channel is a good conductor, and electrons are the main carrier of channel current. The brightness of artificial triggered lightning channel is usually higher than that of natural lightning, and its current is smaller than that of the natural lightning.