Macrolide resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in several regions of China from 2013 to 2019.

This paper retrospectively analysed the prevalence of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) in some parts of China. Between January 2013 and December 2019, we collected 4,145 respiratory samples, including pharyngeal swabs and alveolar lavage fluid. The highest PCR-positive rate of M. pneumoniae was 74.5% in Beijing, the highest resistance rate was 100% in Shanghai, and Gansu was the lowest with 20%. The highest PCR-positive rate of M. pneumoniae was 74.5% in 2013, and the highest MRMP was 97.4% in 2019; the PCR-positive rate of M. pneumoniae for adults in Beijing was 17.9% and the MRMP was 10.48%. Among the children diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the PCR-positive and macrolide-resistant rates of M. pneumoniae were both higher in the severe ones. A2063G in domain V of 23S rRNA was the major macrolide-resistant mutation, accounting for more than 90%. The MIC values of all MRMP to erythromycin and azithromycin were ≥ 64 µg/ml, and the MICs of tetracycline and levofloxacin were ≤ 0.5 µg/ml and ≤ 1 µg/ml, respectively. The macrolide resistance varied in different regions and years. Among inpatients, the macrolide-resistant rate was higher in severe pneumonia. A2063G was the common mutation, and we found no resistance to tetracycline and levofloxacin.

The Value of Sports and Functional Exercise on Preventing Falls in Elderly Patients with Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To explore the value of sports and functional exercises in preventing falls in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), from inception to January 2023, were used to search the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of sports and functional exercises in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Two independent researchers extracted the data and evaluated the quality of the included literature. RevMan5.4 software was adopted for data analysis. Results: The results indicated that exercise combined with functional exercise could noticeably enhance the fall effect score and shorten the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) time of elderly patients with cognitive impairment compared to simple drug treatment (P < .05). Our results showed that the exercise combined with functional exercise can noticeably prolong the standing time of elderly patients with cognitive impairment upon monocular eye closure. Our results also showed that exercise combined with functional exercise can noticeably improve the fear of falls in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Sports and functional exercise intervention can promote the balance ability and fall self-efficacy of elderly patients with cognitive impairment and have a positive effect on enhancing patients' fear of falls. The findings need to be further verified and methodological quality needs to be improved. In addition, longer intervention times are required to verify the findings.

Knockdown of DDX46 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer through inactivating Akt/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin pathway.

DEAD-box RNA helicase 46 (DDX46) has recently been identified as a candidate oncogene in several types of human malignancies. To date, the role of DDX46 in gastric cancer has not been determined. The purpose of the current study was to explore the role of DDX46 in gastric cancer and the potential mechanism. DDX46-silecing or overexpressing gastric cancer cell lines were established to validate the role of DDX46. Our results showed that the expression of DDX46 was significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DDX46 suppressed the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Whereas, DDX46 overexpression enhanced the cell proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, knockdown of DDX46 markedly suppressed the tumor growth of xenografts. Research into the mechanism revealed that DDX46 depletion inhibited the Akt/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells. Notably, activation of Akt or ß-catenin overexpression reversed the DDX46 depletion-mediated anti-cancer effect. In conclusion, these findings indicated that DDX46 exerted an oncogenic role in gastric cancer via regulating the Akt/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, DDX46 might be utilized as a therapeutic anti-cancer target.

Least-Square-Method-Based Optimal Laser Spots Acquisition and Position in Cooperative Target Measurement.

The relative positioning precisions of coordinate points is an important indicator that affects the final accuracy in the visual measurement system of space cooperative targets. Many factors, such as measurement methods, environmental conditions, data processing principles and equipment parameters, are supposed to influence the cooperative target's acquisition and determine the precision of the cooperative target's position in a ground simulation experiment with laser projected spots on parallel screens. To overcome the precision insufficiencies of cooperative target measurement, the factors of the laser diode supply current and charge couple device (CCD) camera exposure time are studied in this article. On the hypothesis of the optimal experimental conditions, the state equations under the image coordinates' system that describe the laser spot position's variation are established. The novel optimizing method is proposed by taking laser spot position as state variables, diode supply current and exposure time as controllable variables, calculating the optimal controllable variables through intersecting the focal spot centroid line and the 3-D surface, and avoiding the inconvenience of solving nonlinear equations. The experiment based on the new algorithm shows that the optimal solution can guarantee the focal spot's variation range in 5-10 pixels under image coordinates' system equivalent to the space with a 3 m distance and 0.6-1.2 mm positioning accuracy.

Polyoxovanadate-Based Cyclomatrix Polyphosphazene Microspheres as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Selective Oxidation and Desulfurization of Sulfides.

The [V6O13]2- cluster is successfully immobilized to the polymeric framework of cyclomatrix polyphosphazene via the facile precipitation polymerization between the phenol group symmetrically modified [V6O13]2- and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene. The structure of the as-prepared polyoxometalate-containing polyphosphazene (HCCP-V) was characterized by FT-IR, XPS, TGA, BET, as well as SEM and zeta potential. The presence of a rigid polyoxometalate cluster not only supports the porous structure of the polymeric framework but also provides an improved catalytic oxidation property. By using H2O2 as an oxidant, the as-prepared HCCP-V exhibited improved catalytic oxidation activity toward MPS, DBT, and CEES, which can achieve as high as 99% conversion. More importantly, the immobilization of POMs in the network of cyclomatrix polyphosphazene also provides better recyclability and stability of the heterogeneous catalyst.

Tau-tubulin kinase 1 phosphorylates TDP-43 at disease-relevant sites and exacerbates TDP-43 pathology.

TDP-43 pathology is a hallmark of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Namely, both diseases feature aggregated and phosphorylated TDP-43 containing inclusions in the cytoplasm and a loss of nuclear TDP-43 in affected neurons. It has been reported that tau tubulin kinase (TTBK)1/2 phosphorylate TDP-43 and TTBK1/2 overexpression induced neuronal loss and behavioral deficits in a C. elegans model of ALS. Here we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TTBK1 in TDP-43 pathology. TTBK1 levels were observed to be elevated in ALS patients' post-mortem motor cortex. Also, TTBK1 was found to phosphorylate TDP-43 at disease-relevant sites in vitro directly, and this phosphorylation accelerated TDP-43 formation of high molecular species. Overexpression of TTBK1 in mammalian cells induced TDP-43 phosphorylation and the construction of high molecular species, concurrent with TDP-43 mis-localization and cytoplasmic inclusions. In addition, when TTBK1 was knocked down or pharmacologically inhibited, TDP-43 phosphorylation and aggregation were significantly alleviated. Functionally, TTBK1 knockdown could rescue TDP-43 overexpression-induced neurite and neuronal loss in iPSC-derived GABAergic neurons. These findings suggest that phosphorylation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of TDP-43 pathology and that TTBK1 inhibition may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of ALS and FTLD.

The epidemiology of paediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in North China: 2006 to 2016.

Paediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia in China. Data on epidemiology of paediatric MPP from China are little known. This study retrospectively collected data from June 2006 to June 2016 in Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University of North China and aims to explore the epidemiological features of paediatric MPP and severe MPP (SMPP) in North China during the past 10 years. A total of 27 498 paediatric patients with pneumonia were enrolled. Among them, 37.5% of paediatric patients had MPP. In this area, an epidemic took place every 2-3 years at the peak, and the positive rate of MPP increased during these peak years over time. The peak age of MPP was between the ages of 6 and 10 years, accounting for 75.2%, significantly more compared with other age groups (χ2 = 1384.1, P < 0.0001). The epidemics peaked in September, October and November (χ2 = 904.9, P < 0.0001). Additionally, 13.0% of MPP paediatric patients were SMPP, but over time, the rate of SMPP increased, reaching 42.6% in 2016. The mean age of paediatric patients with SMPP (6.7 ± 3.0 years old) was younger than that of patients with non-SMPP (7.4 ± 3.2 years old) (t = 3.60, P = 0.0001). The prevalence of MPP and SMPP is common in China, especially in children from 6 to 10 years old. Paediatric patients with SMPP tend to be younger than those with non-SMPP. MPP outbreaks occur every 2-3 years in North China. September, October and November are the peak months, unlike in South China. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of paediatric MPP can contribute to timely treatment and diagnosis, and may improve the prognosis of children with SMPP.

A cross-sectional study of the clinical characteristics of hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia in eight eastern cities in China.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia in children is common in China. To understand current clinical characteristics and practice, we conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze quality of care on childhood pneumonia in eight eastern cities in China. METHODS: Consecutive hospital records between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 were collected from 13 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine (WM) hospitals in February, May, August, and November (25 cases per season, 100 cases over the year), respectively. A predesigned case report form was used to extract data from the hospital medical records. RESULTS: A total of 1298 cases were collected and analyzed. Symptoms and signs upon admission at TCM and WM hospitals were cough (99.3% vs. 98.6%), rales (84.8% vs. 75.0%), phlegm (83.3% vs. 49.1%), and fever (74.9% vs. 84.0%) in frequency. Patients admitted to WM hospitals had symptoms and signs for a longer period prior to admission than patients admitted to TCM hospitals. Testing to identify etiologic agents was performed in 1140 cases (88.4%). Intravenous antibiotics were administered in 99.3% (595/598) of cases in TCM hospitals and in 98.6% (699/700) of cases in WM hospitals. Besides, Chinese herbal extract injection was used more frequently in TCM hospitals (491 cases, 82.1%) than in WM hospitals (212 cases, 30.3%) (p < 0.01). At discharge, 818 cases (63.0%) were clinically cured, with a significant difference between the cure rates in TCM (87.6%) and WM hospitals (42.0%) (OR = 9.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3 ~ 12.9, p < 0.01). Pathogen and previous medical history were more likely associated with the disappearance of rales (OR = 7.2, 95% CI: 4.8 ~ 10.9). Adverse effects were not reported from the medical records. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous use of antibiotics is highly prevalent in children with community-acquired pneumonia regardless of aetiology. There was difference between TCM and WM hospitals with regard to symptom profile and the use of antibiotics. Intravenous use of herbal injection was higher in TCM hospitals than in WM hospitals. Most of the cases were diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms without sufficient confirmation of aetiology. Audit of current practice is urgently needed to improve care.

Pre-oxidation with KMnO4 changes extra-cellular organic matter's secretion characteristics to improve algal removal by coagulation with a low dosage of polyaluminium chloride.

Microcystis aeruginosa was used to study the effect of KMnO4 pre-oxidation on algal removal through coagulation with polyaluminium chloride (PAC). KMnO4 pre-oxidation improved the coagulation efficiency of algal at a low dosage of PAC. The optimal KMnO4 feeding period was in the stationary growth phase of Microcystis aeruginosa. KMnO4 traumatized the algal cells and stimulated cellular release of organic matter, contributing to the pool of extra-cellular organic matter (EOM). KMnO4 also decomposed EOM, especially small molecular weight EOM. Lower concentrations of KMnO4, such as 2 mg/L, induced algae cells to produce moderate amounts of new EOM with molecular weights of 11, 280, and 1500 kDa. These relatively large molecules combined easily with PAC, promoting coagulation and removal of algae. High concentrations of KMnO4 lysed algae cells and produced much high-molecular-weight EOM that did not enhance flocculation by PAC at lower dosages.

Investigation on characterization of novel anti-bacterial chitosan/gelatin composite membranes loaded with quercetin via electrophoretic deposition.

Peri-implantitis is characterized by inflammation resulting from bacterial infections in peri-implant connective tissue. The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize chitosan/gelatin (CSG)-based membranes with antibacterial agents to functionalize the surface of titanium (Ti) implants. CSG membranes were prepared on Ti substrates via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Quercetin, an active flavonoid responsible for fulfilling various plant functions, was introduced as an antibacterial agent to be loaded into the membrane during preparation. The fabrication of quercetin-loaded CSG membranes via EPD was also investigated. Fluorescent microscope, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction results verified the entrapment of quercetin. The membranes swelled by 150% of mass after rehydration. The antibacterial effects of quercetin on Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were verified by spread-plate, scanning electron microscopy, and live/dead staining. Cytological experiments showed that the biocompatibility of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells was promoted by quercetin-loaded membranes, exclusively in the group with the highest content of quercetin. The quercetin-loaded groups also enhanced the antineoplastic activity of MG-63 cells. These results suggested that quercetin-loaded CSG membranes were successfully fabricated via EPD. Thus, biocompatible and antibacterial membranes could be a potential strategy to functionalize Ti implants.

Responses of applied voltages on the archaea microbial distribution in sludge digestion.

As the development of urban population led to the increase of domestic water consumption, consequently the generation of surplus sludge (SS) produced increasingly during sewage treatment processes. In order to enhance the SS resource utilization efficiency, an electricity-assisted anaerobic digestion (EAAD) system was employed to examine the alterations in the digestion broth and the characteristics of gas production. Additionally, the response of applied voltages on the distribution of archaeal community near various electrodes within the sludge was explored. The results revealed that the application of high voltages exceeding 3.0 V hindered the CH4 production but stimulated the CO2 generation. Subsequently, both CH4 and CO2 production were impeded by the applied voltages. Furthermore, the increased voltages significantly decreased the abundance of Methanomicrobia, Methanosaeta, and Methanosarcina, which were crucial determinants of CH4 content in biogas. Notably, the excessively high voltages intensities caused the AD process to halt and even inactivate the microbial flora. Interestingly, the distribution characteristics of archaeal community were influenced not only by the voltages intensity but also exhibited variations between the anode and cathode regions. Moreover, as the applied voltage intensified, the discrepancy of responses between the cathode and anode regions became more pronounced, offering novel theoretical and technical foundations for the advancement of electricity-assisted with AD technology.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor uses CREB and Egr3 to regulate NMDA receptor levels in cortical neurons.

Regulation of gene expression via brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical to the development of the nervous system and may well underlie cognitive performance throughout life. We now describe a mechanism by which BDNF can exert its effects on postsynaptic receptor populations that may have relevance to both the normal and diseased brain where BDNF levels either rise or fall in association with changes in excitatory neurotransmission. Increased levels of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) occur in rat cortical neurons via synthesis of new NMDA receptor 1 (NR1) subunits. The majority of synthesis is controlled by binding of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and early growth response factor 3 (Egr3) to the core NR1 promoter (NR1-p) region. BDNF-mediated NR1 transcription depends upon induction of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway through activation of the TrK-B receptor. Taken together with the fact that NMDAR activation stimulates BDNF synthesis, our results uncover a feed-forward gene regulatory network that may enhance excitatory neurotransmission to change neuronal behavior over time.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator fingolimod (FTY720) does not promote remyelination in vivo.

The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators have emerged as a new therapeutic opportunity paradigm for the treatment of immune-mediated demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The S1P analog fingolimod (FTY720) has been shown to alleviate disease burden in immune-mediated animal models of MS, and has been approved for treatment in clinical trials in patients with MS in the United States. While the immunological effects of FTY720 are well established, there is controversy in the literature regarding the contribution of FTY720 on myelin repair. Here, we directly assessed the impact of FTY720 on myelin repair in cuprizone and lysolecithin (LPC) demyelination models that have a minimal immunological component. FTY720 failed to promote remyelination in either animal model. These studies suggest that while FTY720 may be effective at modulating the immunological attack in MS, it may benefit from an add-on therapy to enhance the myelin repair required for long-term functional restoration in MS.

Oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination defects in OMgp null mice.

OMgp is selectively expressed in CNS by oligodendrocyte. However, its potential role(s) in oligodendrocyte development and myelination remain unclear. We show that OMgp null mice are hypomyelinated in their spinal cords, resulting in slower ascending and descending conduction velocities compared to wild-type mice. Consistent with the hypomyelination, in the MOG induced EAE model, OMgp null mice show a more severe EAE clinical disease and slower nerve conduction velocity compared to WT animals. The contribution of OMgp to oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination was verified using cultured oligodendrocytes from null mice. Oligodendrocytes isolated from OMgp null mice show a significant decrease in the number of MBP(+) cells and in myelination compared to wild-type mice. The dramatic effects of the OMgp KO in oligodendrocyte maturation in vivo and in vitro reveal a new and important function for OMgp in regulating CNS myelination.

Research on the electrochemistry synergied cellulase enzymes strengthens the anaerobic fermentation of cow dung.

Lignocellulose degradation (LCD) was the key factor limiting the development of anaerobic fermentation (AF) by the cow dung (CD). In the research, the effects of cellulase pretreatment (CP) and microvoltage (MV) alone and combination on the gas production and LCD during the AF were investigated. The results showed that both CP and MV had an significant effect on the AF, though the synergistic reaction was more pronounced. The total biogas yield (TBY) could reach 11521 mL, and the highest methane production rate was 73% in the synergistic reactions, which was increased by 18.7% and 10.0% compared to CP and MV alone respectively. Meanwhile, the degradation rates of cellulose and lignin could be increased by 33.44% and 22.23%, respectively. The results of SEM, FT-IR and excitation emission matrix demonstrated that CP and MV played an important role in improving the fermentation efficiency. The microbial biomass change results indicated that the synergistic effect of CP and 0.8 V MV on the LCD was achieved by promoting the growth of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria. Moreover, the electricity could not only accelerate the movement of microorganisms and enzymes, but also promoted and enhanced the activity of enzymes, which provided an important reference for further development of the AF technology and the biogas industry.

Core-shell Ag@C spheres derived from Ag-MOFs with tunable ligand exchanging phase inversion for electromagnetic wave absorption.

It has become greatly significant to achieve structurally tunable electromagnetic wave absorption materials (EMAs) derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via controllably continuous phase inversion. Herein, a series of core-shell Ag@C EMAs were successfully fabricated from Ag-MOFs via adjustable phase inversion. Replacing terephthalic acid (H2BDC) with 2-methylimidazole (Hmim) continuously led to the gradual transformation of Ag-MOF-5 structure into ZIF-L, which determined the crystal and morphological structure of Ag@C EMAs. In addition, due to the optimization of relaxation loss, the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of S2 reached -50.14 dB with a thickness of 3.0 mm. The EMA derived from the original Ag-MOF had the widest absorption bandwidth (fE) of 5.44 GHz and RLmin of -47.36 dB at only 2.2 mm, respectively. This work can shed new light on the core-shell EMAs derived from phase inversion MOFs, and provide guidance to design novel high-performance EMAs.

Exposure levels of anti-LINGO-1 Li81 antibody in the central nervous system and dose-efficacy relationships in rat spinal cord remyelination models after systemic administration.

LINGO-1 (leucine-rich repeat and Ig domain containing NOGO receptor interacting protein-1) is a negative regulator of myelination and repair of damaged axons in the central nervous system (CNS). Blocking LINGO-1 function leads to robust remyelination. The anti-LINGO-1 Li81 antibody is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS) and is the first MS therapy that directly targets myelin repair. LINGO-1 is selectively expressed in brain and spinal cord but not in peripheral tissues. Perhaps the greatest concern for Li81 therapy is the limited access of the drug to the CNS. Here, we measured Li81 concentrations in brain, spinal cord, and cerebral spinal fluid in rats after systemic administration and correlated them with dose-efficacy responses in rat lysolecithin and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis spinal cord models of remyelination. Remyelination was dose-dependent, and levels of Li81 in spinal cord that promoted myelination correlated well with affinity measurements for the binding of Li81 to LINGO-1. Observed Li81 concentrations in the CNS of 0.1 to 0.4% of blood levels are consistent with values reported for other antibodies. To understand the features of the antibody that affect CNS penetration, we also evaluated the pharmacokinetics of Li81 Fab2, Fab, and poly(ethylene glycol)-modified Fab. The reagents all showed similar CNS exposure despite large differences in their sizes, serum half-lives, and volumes of distribution, and area under the curve (AUC) measurements in the CNS directly correlated with AUC measurements in serum. These studies demonstrate that exposure levels achieved by passive diffusion of the Li81 monoclonal antibody into the CNS are sufficient and lead to robust remyelination.

The efficacy and safety of domestic and imported rapamycin drug-eluting stents and paclitaxel drug-coated balloons in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to analyze the efficacy and safety of domestic and imported rapamycin drug-eluting stents (DES) and paclitaxel drug-coated balloons (DCB) in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with coronary bifurcation lesions treated in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were recruited as the study cohort and divided into four groups according to the different treatment method each patient underwent, including group A (n=25, treated with domestic rapamycin DES), group B (n=21, treated with imported rapamycin DES), group C (n=29, treated with domestic paclitaxel DCB), and group D (n=23, treated with imported paclitaxel DCB). The minimum lumen diameters (MLD), the diameter stenosis rates, the late lumen losses (LLLs), and the incidence of adverse events in each group were compared. RESULTS: The MLD in the four groups were increased immediately after the surgeries and at nine months after the surgeries (P<0.05), and the diameter stenosis rates were decreased (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the MLD or the diameter stenosis rates among the four groups before the surgeries, immediately after the surgeries, or at nine months after the surgeries (P>0.05). The LLLs of groups A and B were significantly higher than the LLLs of groups C and D (P<0.05). Compared with the incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events (16.00% vs. 14.29% vs. 13.79% vs. 17.39%) and the incidences of restenosis (8.00% vs. 4.76% vs. 6.90% vs. 4.35%) in groups A, B, C, and D, there were no significant differences (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Domestic and imported rapamycin DES and paclitaxel DCB can effectively improve MLD, reduce the diameter stenosis rate, and have fewer adverse events in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions, and domestic and imported paclitaxel DCB have lower LLLs.

Efficacy of DC-CIK-based immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of intermediate to advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of dendritic cell-cytokine-induced killer cell (DC-CIK)-based immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of intermediate to advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its effect on the levels of serum carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). METHODS: Sixty patients with intermediate to advanced NSCLC who were treated in the Department of Oncology of Jiangxi Cancer Hospital from January to June 2016 were grouped according to a randomized double-blind method, including the control group (CG, n=30) receiving a routine chemotherapy regimen and the experimental group (EG, n=30) receiving DC-CIK immunotherapy plus a routine chemotherapy regimen. The treatment efficacy, major adverse reactions, immune function, level of cytokines in peripheral blood, serum tumor markers and CA-199, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The overall cancer control rate of treatment in the EG (70.00%) was slightly higher than that in the CG (56.67%) (P > 0.05). The peripheral blood CD4+ and natural killer (NK) cell levels in the EG after treatment were higher than those in the CG, while interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), CA199, carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), CYFRA211, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), MMP-9, TIMP-1, and VEGF levels in the EG were lower than those in the CG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DC-CIK immunotherapy combined with routine chemotherapy in the treatment of intermediate to advanced NSCLC had significant efficacy in enhancing patients' cellular immune function, reducing the inflammatory response, regulating tumor marker levels, and inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis, without increasing adverse reactions.

Research on the efficient water-absorbing ceramsite generated by dredged sediments in Dian Lake-China and coal fly ash.

In order to transform the dredged sediment (DS) into an efficient water-absorbing ceramsite (EWAC), the coal fly ash (CFA) and expansion agent were used to blend, expand, and sinter with the DS in the Dian Lake-China. A new type of high EWAC was prepared with the absorption ratio of 66.71%, which was much higher than similar products. The heavy metals leaching (HML) of EWAC showed that the concentration of As was 0.90 mg/L and the Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr were too low to be detected. The characterization analysis showed that the EWAC cross section contained a lot of hydroxyl, ether, and P-Cl hydrophilic group by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area (SSA) test method. The above groups and structures could greatly improve the water absorption (WA) performance of the EWAC. What's more, the SSA of the EWAC could reach 4.468 m2 /g. The results of Comsol Multiphysics indicated that the SSA and average pore size (APS) of the EWACs were 10 and 6 times higher than the commercial ceramsites, respectively. The research provided the utilization of the DS with technical and theoretical basis for the construction of sponge city. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The article was focus on the utilization of dredged sediment (DS) and coal fly ash (CFA) for the basic material preparation technology and its toxicity test as the sponge city. First, the raw materials were the DS in Dian Lake (Kunming, Yunnan, China) and CFA (thermal power plants), which were all belonged to the hazardous solid waste and was made to the efficient water-absorbing ceramsite (EWAC). Second, the water absorption (WA) performance of the EWAC was improved greatly whose absorption ratio was much higher than similar products reached 66.71%. The specific surface area (SSA) and average pore size (APS) of the EWACs were 10 and 6 times higher than the commercial ceramsites (CCs), respectively. Finally, the heavy metals leaching (HML) of As was 0.90 mg/L, and the HML of Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cr was all lower than 0.05 mg/L, which could not only not cause secondary pollution but provide the new ideas for the resource utilization of large amount of DS. So, we thought this article was suitable for the journal.