Nitrogen narcosis is a neurological syndrome that manifests when humans or animals encounter hyperbaric nitrogen,resulting in a range of motor,emotional,and cognitive abnormalities.The anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)is...Nitrogen narcosis is a neurological syndrome that manifests when humans or animals encounter hyperbaric nitrogen,resulting in a range of motor,emotional,and cognitive abnormalities.The anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)is known for its significant involvement in regulating motivation,cognition,and action.However,its specific contribution to nitrogen narcosis-induced hyperlocomotion and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Here we report that exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen notably increased the locomotor activity of mice in a pressure-dependent manner.Concurrently,this exposure induced heightened activation among neurons in both the ACC and dorsal medial striatum(DMS).Notably,chemogenetic inhibition of ACC neurons effectively suppressed hyperlocomotion.Conversely,chemogenetic excitation lowered the hyperbaric pressure threshold required to induce hyperlocomotion.Moreover,both chemogenetic inhibition and genetic ablation of activity-dependent neurons within the ACC reduced the hyperlocomotion.Further investigation revealed that ACC neurons project to the DMS,and chemogenetic inhibition of ACC-DMS projections resulted in a reduction in hyperlocomotion.Finally,nitrogen narcosis led to an increase in local field potentials in the theta frequency band and a decrease in the alpha frequency band in both the ACC and DMS.These results collectively suggest that excitatory neurons within the ACC,along with their projections to the DMS,play a pivotal role in regulating the hyperlocomotion induced by exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen.展开更多
The primary objective of this investigation was to scrutinize the prepregnancy conditions and lifestyles of 2046 women residing in Liuzhou City, with the aim of delineating the determinants of delivery methods. Eviden...The primary objective of this investigation was to scrutinize the prepregnancy conditions and lifestyles of 2046 women residing in Liuzhou City, with the aim of delineating the determinants of delivery methods. Evidently, the study unearthed substantial correlations between prepregnancy body mass index, educational attainment, exposure to passive smoking, medical history, and other variables with the mode of delivery. Furthermore, a predictive nomogram model was formulated to accurately forecast the likelihood of cesarean section. These discernments equip pertinent authorities with the means to institute targeted screening and supportive measures for women contemplating pregnancy based on these identified factors. Moreover, provision of services such as prepregnancy counseling and clinical risk assessments could be instrumental in curbing the incidence of cesarean section.展开更多
BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of U...BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.展开更多
CMOS-compatible RF/microwave devices,such as filters and amplifiers,have been widely used in wireless communication systems.However,secondary-electron emission phenomena often occur in RF/microwave devices based on si...CMOS-compatible RF/microwave devices,such as filters and amplifiers,have been widely used in wireless communication systems.However,secondary-electron emission phenomena often occur in RF/microwave devices based on silicon(Si)wafers,especially in the high-frequency range.In this paper,we have studied the major factors that influence the secondary-electron yield(SEY)in commercial Si wafers with different doping concentrations.We show that the SEY is suppressed as the doping concentration increases,corresponding to a relatively short effective escape depthλ.Meanwhile,the reduced narrow band gap is beneficial in suppressing the SEY,in which the absence of a shallow energy band below the conduction band will easily capture electrons,as revealed by first-principles calculations.Thus,the new physical mechanism combined with the effective escape depth and band gap can provide useful guidance for the design of integrated RF/microwave devices based on Si wafers.展开更多
Objective:Research has shown that celastrol can effectively treat a variety of diseases,yet when passing a certain dosage threshold,celastrol becomes toxic,causing complications such as liver and kidney damage and ery...Objective:Research has shown that celastrol can effectively treat a variety of diseases,yet when passing a certain dosage threshold,celastrol becomes toxic,causing complications such as liver and kidney damage and erythrocytopenia,among others.With this dichotomy in mind,it is extremely important to find ways to preserve celastrol’s efficacy while reducing or preventing its toxicity.Methods:In this study,insulin-resistant Hep G2(IR-Hep G2)cells were prepared using palmitic acid and used for in vitro experiments.IR-Hep G2 cells were treated with celastrol alone or in combination with Nacetylcysteine(NAC)or ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)for 12,24 or 48 h,at a range of doses.Cell counting kit-8assay,Western blotting,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,glucose consumption assessment,and flow cytometry were performed to measure celastrol’s cytotoxicity and whether the cell death was linked to ferroptosis.Results:Celastrol treatment increased lipid oxidation and decreased expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins in IR-Hep G2 cells.Celastrol downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)m RNA.Molecular docking models predicted that solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and GPX4 were covalently bound by celastrol.Importantly,we found for the first time that the application of ferroptosis inhibitors(especially NAC)was able to reduce celastrol’s toxicity while preserving its ability to improve insulin sensitivity in IR-Hep G2 cells.Conclusion:One potential mechanism of celastrol’s cytotoxicity is the induction of ferroptosis,which can be alleviated by treatment with ferroptosis inhibitors.These findings provide a new strategy to block celastrol’s toxicity while preserving its therapeutic effects.展开更多
Objective: In this study we execute a rational screen to identify Chinese medical herbs that are commonly used in treating viral respiratory infections and also contain compounds that might directly inhibit 2019 novel...Objective: In this study we execute a rational screen to identify Chinese medical herbs that are commonly used in treating viral respiratory infections and also contain compounds that might directly inhibit 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV), an ongoing novel coronavirus that causes pneumonia.Methods: There were two main steps in the screening process. In the first step we conducted a literature search for natural compounds that had been biologically confirmed as against sever acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Resulting compounds were cross-checked for listing in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database.Compounds meeting both requirements were subjected to absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion(ADME) evaluation to verify that oral administration would be effective. Next, a docking analysis was used to test whether the compound had the potential for direct 2019-nCoV protein interaction.In the second step we searched Chinese herbal databases to identify plants containing the selected compounds. Plants containing 2 or more of the compounds identified in our screen were then checked against the catalogue for classic herbal usage. Finally, network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the general in vivo effects of each selected herb.Results: Of the natural compounds screened, 13 that exist in traditional Chinese medicines were also found to have potential anti-2019-nCoV activity. Further, 125 Chinese herbs were found to contain 2 or more of these 13 compounds. Of these 125 herbs, 26 are classically catalogued as treating viral respiratory infections. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that the general in vivo roles of these26 herbal plants were related to regulating viral infection, immune/inflammation reactions and hypoxia response.Conclusion: Chinese herbal treatments classically used for treating viral respiratory infection might contain direct anti-2019-nCoV compounds.展开更多
Serum prealbumin is a recognized marker of malnutrition,but its prognostic role in patients with hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear.In this study,we retrospectively reviewed the records of 105 patients with hemorrhagi...Serum prealbumin is a recognized marker of malnutrition,but its prognostic role in patients with hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear.In this study,we retrospectively reviewed the records of 105 patients with hemorrhagic stroke admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University,China,from January to December 2015.We collected demographic and radiological data,and recorded serum prealbumin levels at admission and on days 1,3,6,9,and 14-21.The existence of infections and gastrointestinal hemorrhage,and clinical condition at discharge were also recorded.Serum prealbumin levels during hospitalization were significantly lower in patients with infections compared with those without infections,and also significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared with those without.Serum prealbumin levels at discharge were significantly higher in patients with good recovery than in those with poor recovery.We conclude that regular serum prealbumin measurements in patients with hemorrhagic stroke may be a useful indicator for determining clinical status and prognosis,which may therefore help to guide clinical decision-making.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： Celastrol has been established as a nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） activation inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism behind this action is still unknown. Using text-mining technology, the authors predicted ...OBJECTIVE： Celastrol has been established as a nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） activation inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism behind this action is still unknown. Using text-mining technology, the authors predicted that int erleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases（IRA Ks） are potential celastrol targets, and hypothesized that targeting IRAKs might be one way that celastrol inhibits NF-κB. This is because IRAKs are key molecules for some crucial pathways to activate NF-κB（e.g., the inter leukin-1 receptor（IL-1R）/Toll- like receptor（TLR） superfamily）.METHODS： The human hepatocellular cell line（Hep G2） treated with palmitic acid（PA） was used as a model for stimulating TLR4/NF-κB activation, in order to observe the potential effects of celastrol in IRAK regulation and NF-κB inhibition. The transfection of small interfering RNA was used for down-regulating TLR4, IRAK1 and IRAK4, and the Western blot method was used to detect changes in the protein expressions.RESULTS： The results showed that celastrol could effectively inhibit PA-caused TLR4-dependent NF-κB activation in the Hep G 2 cells; PA also activated IRAKs, which were inhibited by celastrol. Knocking down IRAKs abolished PA-caused NF-κB activation.CONCLUSION： The results for the first time show that targeting IRAKs is one way in which celastrol inhibits NF-κB activation.展开更多
Aim： To determine whether vasectomy away from the epididymal tail （via the inguinal canal） in rabbits can reduce the early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis. Methods： Twenty-nine normal male Japanese white ...Aim： To determine whether vasectomy away from the epididymal tail （via the inguinal canal） in rabbits can reduce the early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis. Methods： Twenty-nine normal male Japanese white rabbits （aged 4- 6 months） were subjected to unilateral close-ended （conventional） or open-ended （the cut end of the juxta-epididymal vas deferens not ligated） vasectomy via the inguinal canal. Ten days and 3 months after operation, testes, epididymides and vasa deferentia were removed and methacrylate resin-embedded sections prepared. The histology of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens was examined under light microscope, and the volume and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were quantitatively studied using stereological methods. Results： Neither of the methods of vasectomy led to apparent damage to spermatogenesis on the vasectomized side in comparison with the contralateral shamoperated side, but the juxta-epididymal vas deferens on the vasectomized side was highly distended and contained numerous sperm 3 months after operation. Conclusion： Vasectomy away from the cauda epididymis has no significant early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis in rabbits.展开更多
AIM To assess the antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV) S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid(LNA) in transgenic mice.METHODS Thirty HBV transgenic mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions and pos...AIM To assess the antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV) S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid(LNA) in transgenic mice.METHODS Thirty HBV transgenic mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions and positive for serum HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) and HBV DNA, were randomly divided into 5 groups(n = 7), including negative control(blank control, unrelated sequence control), positive control(lamivudine, anti-sense-LNA), and anti-gene-LNA experimental group. LNA was injected into transgenic mice by tail vein while lamivudine was administeredby gavage. Serum HBV DNA and HBs Ag levels were determined by fluorescence-based PCR and enzymelinked immune sorbent assay, respectively. HBV S gene expression amounts were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive rates of HBsA g in liver cells were evaluated immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Average rate reductions of HBs Ag after treatment on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 32.34%, 45.96%, and 59.15%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of antigene-LNA on serum HBs Ag peaked on day 7, with statistically significant differences compared with pretreatment(0.96 ± 0.18 vs 2.35 ± 0.33, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). Average reduction rates of HBV DNA on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 38.55%, 50.95%, and 62.26%, respectively. This inhibitory effect peaked on the 7 th day after treatment with anti-gene-LNA, with statistically significant differences compared with pre-treatment(4.17 ± 1.29 vs 11.05 ± 1.25, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). The mR NA levels of the HBV S gene(P < 0.05 for all) and rates of HBsA g positive liver cells(P < 0.05 for all) were significantly reduced compared with the control groups. Liver and kidney function, and histology showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSION Anti-gene-LNA targeting the S gene of HBV displays strong inhibitory effects on HBV in transgenic mice, providing theoretical and experimental bases for gene therapy in HBV.展开更多
The aroma of peach fruit is predominantly determined by the accumulation of γ-decalactone and ester compounds.A previous study showed that the biosynthesis of these aroma compounds in peach fruit is catalyzed by PpAA...The aroma of peach fruit is predominantly determined by the accumulation of γ-decalactone and ester compounds.A previous study showed that the biosynthesis of these aroma compounds in peach fruit is catalyzed by PpAAT1,an alcohol acyltransferase.In this work,we investigated the key active site residues responsible for γ-decalactone and ester biosynthesis.A total of 14 candidate amino acid residues possibly involved in internal esterification and 9 candidate amino acid residues possibly involved in esterification of PpAAT1 were assessed via site-directed mutagenesis.Analyses of the in vitro enzyme activities of PpAAT1 and its site-directed mutant proteins(PpAAT1-SMs)with different amino acid residue mutations as well as the contents of γ-decalactone in transgenic tobacco leaves and peach fruits transiently expressing PpAAT1 and PpAAT1-SMs revealed that site-directed mutation of H165 in the conserved HxxxD motif led to lost enzymatic activity of PpAAT1 in both internal esterification and its reactions,whereas mutation of the key amino acid residue D376 led to the total loss ofγ-decalactone biosynthesis activity of PpAAT1.Mutations of 9 and 7 other amino acid residues also dramatically affected the enzymatic activity of PpAAT1 in the internal esterification and esterification reactions,respectively.Our findings provide a biochemical foundation for the mechanical biosynthesis ofγ-decalactone and ester compounds catalyzed by PpAAT1 in peach fruits,which could be used to guide the molecular breeding of new peach species with more favorable aromas for consumers.展开更多
The dental operative microscope has been widely employed in the field of dentistry,particularly in endodontics and operative dentistry,resulting in significant advancements in the effectiveness of root canal therapy,e...The dental operative microscope has been widely employed in the field of dentistry,particularly in endodontics and operative dentistry,resulting in significant advancements in the effectiveness of root canal therapy,endodontic surgery,and dental restoration.However,the improper use of this microscope continues to be common in clinical settings,primarily due to operators’insufficient understanding and proficiency in both the features and established operating procedures of this equipment.In October 2019,Professor Jingping Liang,Vice Chairman of the Society of Cariology and Endodontology,Chinese Stomatological Association,organized a consensus meeting with Chinese experts in endodontics and operative dentistry.The objective of this meeting was to establish a standard operation procedure for the dental operative microscope.Subsequently,a consensus was reached and officially issued.Over the span of about four years,the content of this consensus has been further developed and improved through practical experience.展开更多
Objective To explore the correlations between serum uric acid （HA） levels and the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） parameters of multiple sclerosis （MS）. Methods The medical reports of 47 MS patients admi...Objective To explore the correlations between serum uric acid （HA） levels and the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） parameters of multiple sclerosis （MS）. Methods The medical reports of 47 MS patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospi- tal during 2008 and 2010 were reviewed. And 49 age- and gender-matched cerebral infarction patients were enrolled as control. The mean serum HA level of the MS patients was compared with that of the control group. The correlations between the HA levels and the clinical parameters including gender, disease duration, relapse rate, and disease disabilities as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, were explored. Forty-one patients had CSF examinations. The correlations between the IdA levels and the CSF parameters reflecting inflammation and tissue damage, including CSF protein, white blood cell count, oligoclonal band, 24-hour IgG index, and myelin basic protein, were also investigated. Results The mean serum HA level in the MS patients was lower than that in the control group （247.75 ± 52.59 jamol/L vs. 277.94 ± 74.33 pmol/L, P=0.025） and inversely correlated with the relapse rate （P=0.049）. MS patients with lower serum UA levels tended to have higher white blood cell counts and myelin basic protein level. But there was no correlation between CSF protein levels （r=0.165, P=0.273）, white blood cell counts （r=-0.051, P=0.732）, IgG index （r =0. 045, P=0.802）, or myelin basic protein level （r =-0.248, P=0.145） and the serum UA level, respectively. Conclusion In MS patients, UA levels might partly reflect the extent of disability and inflammation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ribonucleotide reductase(RR)is a key enzyme in tumor proliferation,especially its subunit-RRM2.Although there are multiple therapeutics for tumors,they all have certain limitations.Given their advantages,tr...BACKGROUND Ribonucleotide reductase(RR)is a key enzyme in tumor proliferation,especially its subunit-RRM2.Although there are multiple therapeutics for tumors,they all have certain limitations.Given their advantages,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers have become an important source of anti-tumor drugs.Therefore,screening and analysis of TCM monomers with RRM2 inhibition can provide a reference for further anti-tumor drug development.AIM To screen and analyze potential anti-tumor TCM monomers with a good binding capacity to RRM2.METHODS The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database was used to analyze the level of RRM2 gene expression in normal and tumor tissues as well as RRM2's effect on the overall survival rate of tumor patients.TCM monomers that potentially act on RRM2 were screened via literature mining.Using AutoDock software,the screened monomers were docked with the RRM2 protein.RESULTS The expression of RRM2 mRNA in multiple tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues,and it was negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients with the majority of tumor types.Through literature mining,we discovered that berberine,ursolic acid,gambogic acid,cinobufagin,quercetin,daphnetin,and osalmide have inhibitory effects on RRM2.The results of molecular docking identified that the above TCM monomers have a strong binding capacity with RRM2 protein,which mainly interacted through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force.The main binding sites were Arg330,Tyr323,Ser263,and Met350.CONCLUSION RRM2 is an important tumor therapeutic target.The TCM monomers screened have a good binding capacity with the RRM2 protein.展开更多
Cigarette smoking is a particle-related exposure. Studying the characteristics of the particle size distribution of cigarette smoke can aid in providing knowledge of smoke aerosol attributes. We used an electrical low...Cigarette smoking is a particle-related exposure. Studying the characteristics of the particle size distribution of cigarette smoke can aid in providing knowledge of smoke aerosol attributes. We used an electrical low pressure impactor （ELPI） to measure the particle size distribution of mainstream cigarette smoke generated by a smoking machine and provided a continuum of particle sizes of cigarette smoke from a whole cigarette. The results showed that the aerodynamic diameters （D, geometric mean of a channel） of particles ranged from 0.021 to 1.956 ~m, and the number concentrations were on the order of 105-109 cm-3 for different sizes of particles. The particle number of the size category below 0.1 p,m approximated that of the category 0.1-2.0 Ixm, and the particles in the size category of 0.1-2.0 μm contributed extremely heavily to total particulate mass. In addition, the results with small samples indicated that the tar yields normalized per milligram of nicotine showed an approximately linear increase with increasing concentration of total particles.展开更多
Rice bran residue possessed a steady lipase activity((26.68 ± 3.69)%)after its endogenous lipase was extracted continuously by phosphate buffer solution(PBS)for 24 h. T herefore, the aim of this research was to e...Rice bran residue possessed a steady lipase activity((26.68 ± 3.69)%)after its endogenous lipase was extracted continuously by phosphate buffer solution(PBS)for 24 h. T herefore, the aim of this research was to explore whether there exist any bound lipases in rice bran(Oryza sativa). Three physical treatments(grinding, homogenizing and ultrasound crush)and 6 enzymatic treatments(cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase, complex cellulase, glucoamylase and α-amylase)were applied to rice bran in order to investigate this bound lipase. The relative catalytic activities of extraction supernatant and residue for pectinase group were(437.63 ± 22.54)% and(159.26 ± 2.12)%, respectively, which were significantly higher(P < 0.05)than other groups. This phenomenon demonstrated that lipase was the most likely to combine with pectin. Molecular simulation proved that pectin could combine with two rice bran lipases(lipase 315 and lipase 308)and cover the catalytic centers so as to prevent the lipases from encountering the substrate and inhibiting their catalytic activities. During combination, pectin could make the lipases more compact and reduce the solvent accessible surface area of lipases, which would make the lipases inactive to molecular interaction. In summary, part of rice bran lipase was proved to exist in bound form and combined with the pectin.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32030048,82271256,and 32171000)the Natural Science Fund for Colleges and Universities in Jiangsu Province(22KJD340001)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20211107)the Scientific Research Project of"226 Engineering"of Nantong Municipality(2020-9).
文摘Nitrogen narcosis is a neurological syndrome that manifests when humans or animals encounter hyperbaric nitrogen,resulting in a range of motor,emotional,and cognitive abnormalities.The anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)is known for its significant involvement in regulating motivation,cognition,and action.However,its specific contribution to nitrogen narcosis-induced hyperlocomotion and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Here we report that exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen notably increased the locomotor activity of mice in a pressure-dependent manner.Concurrently,this exposure induced heightened activation among neurons in both the ACC and dorsal medial striatum(DMS).Notably,chemogenetic inhibition of ACC neurons effectively suppressed hyperlocomotion.Conversely,chemogenetic excitation lowered the hyperbaric pressure threshold required to induce hyperlocomotion.Moreover,both chemogenetic inhibition and genetic ablation of activity-dependent neurons within the ACC reduced the hyperlocomotion.Further investigation revealed that ACC neurons project to the DMS,and chemogenetic inhibition of ACC-DMS projections resulted in a reduction in hyperlocomotion.Finally,nitrogen narcosis led to an increase in local field potentials in the theta frequency band and a decrease in the alpha frequency band in both the ACC and DMS.These results collectively suggest that excitatory neurons within the ACC,along with their projections to the DMS,play a pivotal role in regulating the hyperlocomotion induced by exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen.
文摘The primary objective of this investigation was to scrutinize the prepregnancy conditions and lifestyles of 2046 women residing in Liuzhou City, with the aim of delineating the determinants of delivery methods. Evidently, the study unearthed substantial correlations between prepregnancy body mass index, educational attainment, exposure to passive smoking, medical history, and other variables with the mode of delivery. Furthermore, a predictive nomogram model was formulated to accurately forecast the likelihood of cesarean section. These discernments equip pertinent authorities with the means to institute targeted screening and supportive measures for women contemplating pregnancy based on these identified factors. Moreover, provision of services such as prepregnancy counseling and clinical risk assessments could be instrumental in curbing the incidence of cesarean section.
文摘BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.
基金Project supported by the Administration of Science,Technology and Industry of National Defense of China (Grant No.HTKJ2021KL504001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.12004297 and 12174364)+3 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No.2022M712507)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No.xzy01202003)the National 111 Project of China (Grant No.B14040)the support from the Instrument Analysis Center of Xi’an Jiaotong University。
文摘CMOS-compatible RF/microwave devices,such as filters and amplifiers,have been widely used in wireless communication systems.However,secondary-electron emission phenomena often occur in RF/microwave devices based on silicon(Si)wafers,especially in the high-frequency range.In this paper,we have studied the major factors that influence the secondary-electron yield(SEY)in commercial Si wafers with different doping concentrations.We show that the SEY is suppressed as the doping concentration increases,corresponding to a relatively short effective escape depthλ.Meanwhile,the reduced narrow band gap is beneficial in suppressing the SEY,in which the absence of a shallow energy band below the conduction band will easily capture electrons,as revealed by first-principles calculations.Thus,the new physical mechanism combined with the effective escape depth and band gap can provide useful guidance for the design of integrated RF/microwave devices based on Si wafers.
文摘Objective:Research has shown that celastrol can effectively treat a variety of diseases,yet when passing a certain dosage threshold,celastrol becomes toxic,causing complications such as liver and kidney damage and erythrocytopenia,among others.With this dichotomy in mind,it is extremely important to find ways to preserve celastrol’s efficacy while reducing or preventing its toxicity.Methods:In this study,insulin-resistant Hep G2(IR-Hep G2)cells were prepared using palmitic acid and used for in vitro experiments.IR-Hep G2 cells were treated with celastrol alone or in combination with Nacetylcysteine(NAC)or ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)for 12,24 or 48 h,at a range of doses.Cell counting kit-8assay,Western blotting,quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,glucose consumption assessment,and flow cytometry were performed to measure celastrol’s cytotoxicity and whether the cell death was linked to ferroptosis.Results:Celastrol treatment increased lipid oxidation and decreased expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins in IR-Hep G2 cells.Celastrol downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)m RNA.Molecular docking models predicted that solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and GPX4 were covalently bound by celastrol.Importantly,we found for the first time that the application of ferroptosis inhibitors(especially NAC)was able to reduce celastrol’s toxicity while preserving its ability to improve insulin sensitivity in IR-Hep G2 cells.Conclusion:One potential mechanism of celastrol’s cytotoxicity is the induction of ferroptosis,which can be alleviated by treatment with ferroptosis inhibitors.These findings provide a new strategy to block celastrol’s toxicity while preserving its therapeutic effects.
基金supported by Shanghai Leading Talent Grants in Medicine(No.2019LG26)Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Content Construction Innovation Project(No.ZY3-CCCX-3-7001)Postdoctoral Funding of Shanghai Gongil Hospital(No.GLBH2017002).
文摘Objective: In this study we execute a rational screen to identify Chinese medical herbs that are commonly used in treating viral respiratory infections and also contain compounds that might directly inhibit 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV), an ongoing novel coronavirus that causes pneumonia.Methods: There were two main steps in the screening process. In the first step we conducted a literature search for natural compounds that had been biologically confirmed as against sever acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Resulting compounds were cross-checked for listing in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database.Compounds meeting both requirements were subjected to absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion(ADME) evaluation to verify that oral administration would be effective. Next, a docking analysis was used to test whether the compound had the potential for direct 2019-nCoV protein interaction.In the second step we searched Chinese herbal databases to identify plants containing the selected compounds. Plants containing 2 or more of the compounds identified in our screen were then checked against the catalogue for classic herbal usage. Finally, network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the general in vivo effects of each selected herb.Results: Of the natural compounds screened, 13 that exist in traditional Chinese medicines were also found to have potential anti-2019-nCoV activity. Further, 125 Chinese herbs were found to contain 2 or more of these 13 compounds. Of these 125 herbs, 26 are classically catalogued as treating viral respiratory infections. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that the general in vivo roles of these26 herbal plants were related to regulating viral infection, immune/inflammation reactions and hypoxia response.Conclusion: Chinese herbal treatments classically used for treating viral respiratory infection might contain direct anti-2019-nCoV compounds.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81571147an American Heart Association Award,No.14FTF19970029
文摘Serum prealbumin is a recognized marker of malnutrition,but its prognostic role in patients with hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear.In this study,we retrospectively reviewed the records of 105 patients with hemorrhagic stroke admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University,China,from January to December 2015.We collected demographic and radiological data,and recorded serum prealbumin levels at admission and on days 1,3,6,9,and 14-21.The existence of infections and gastrointestinal hemorrhage,and clinical condition at discharge were also recorded.Serum prealbumin levels during hospitalization were significantly lower in patients with infections compared with those without infections,and also significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared with those without.Serum prealbumin levels at discharge were significantly higher in patients with good recovery than in those with poor recovery.We conclude that regular serum prealbumin measurements in patients with hemorrhagic stroke may be a useful indicator for determining clinical status and prognosis,which may therefore help to guide clinical decision-making.
基金the Shanghai Gongli Hospital Youth Project (No. 2014GLQN16 for YS and No. 2012GLQN09 for XZ)the Shanghai Pudong District Science and Technology Innovation Project (No. PKJ2013-Y03 for YW)+5 种基金the Shanghai Pudong Youth Talent Project in Medicine (No. PWRq2013-11 for FC)the Shanghai Yang Fan Project (No. 15YF1410800 for FC)the International Science & Technology Cooperation Project of China (Grant 2011DFB30010 for GU)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81102349 for BP and No. 81400793 for YW)the Shanghai Excellent Academic Leader in Medicine (No. XBR2011054 for DZ)the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Content Construction Innovation Project (No. ZY3-CCCX-3-7001 for DZ)
文摘OBJECTIVE： Celastrol has been established as a nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） activation inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism behind this action is still unknown. Using text-mining technology, the authors predicted that int erleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases（IRA Ks） are potential celastrol targets, and hypothesized that targeting IRAKs might be one way that celastrol inhibits NF-κB. This is because IRAKs are key molecules for some crucial pathways to activate NF-κB（e.g., the inter leukin-1 receptor（IL-1R）/Toll- like receptor（TLR） superfamily）.METHODS： The human hepatocellular cell line（Hep G2） treated with palmitic acid（PA） was used as a model for stimulating TLR4/NF-κB activation, in order to observe the potential effects of celastrol in IRAK regulation and NF-κB inhibition. The transfection of small interfering RNA was used for down-regulating TLR4, IRAK1 and IRAK4, and the Western blot method was used to detect changes in the protein expressions.RESULTS： The results showed that celastrol could effectively inhibit PA-caused TLR4-dependent NF-κB activation in the Hep G 2 cells; PA also activated IRAKs, which were inhibited by celastrol. Knocking down IRAKs abolished PA-caused NF-κB activation.CONCLUSION： The results for the first time show that targeting IRAKs is one way in which celastrol inhibits NF-κB activation.
文摘Aim： To determine whether vasectomy away from the epididymal tail （via the inguinal canal） in rabbits can reduce the early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis. Methods： Twenty-nine normal male Japanese white rabbits （aged 4- 6 months） were subjected to unilateral close-ended （conventional） or open-ended （the cut end of the juxta-epididymal vas deferens not ligated） vasectomy via the inguinal canal. Ten days and 3 months after operation, testes, epididymides and vasa deferentia were removed and methacrylate resin-embedded sections prepared. The histology of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens was examined under light microscope, and the volume and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were quantitatively studied using stereological methods. Results： Neither of the methods of vasectomy led to apparent damage to spermatogenesis on the vasectomized side in comparison with the contralateral shamoperated side, but the juxta-epididymal vas deferens on the vasectomized side was highly distended and contained numerous sperm 3 months after operation. Conclusion： Vasectomy away from the cauda epididymis has no significant early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis in rabbits.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81460123Guangxi Graduate Innovation Program,No.201601005Guangxi Clinic Medicine Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease,No.AD17129025
文摘AIM To assess the antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV) S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid(LNA) in transgenic mice.METHODS Thirty HBV transgenic mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions and positive for serum HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) and HBV DNA, were randomly divided into 5 groups(n = 7), including negative control(blank control, unrelated sequence control), positive control(lamivudine, anti-sense-LNA), and anti-gene-LNA experimental group. LNA was injected into transgenic mice by tail vein while lamivudine was administeredby gavage. Serum HBV DNA and HBs Ag levels were determined by fluorescence-based PCR and enzymelinked immune sorbent assay, respectively. HBV S gene expression amounts were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive rates of HBsA g in liver cells were evaluated immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Average rate reductions of HBs Ag after treatment on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 32.34%, 45.96%, and 59.15%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of antigene-LNA on serum HBs Ag peaked on day 7, with statistically significant differences compared with pretreatment(0.96 ± 0.18 vs 2.35 ± 0.33, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). Average reduction rates of HBV DNA on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 38.55%, 50.95%, and 62.26%, respectively. This inhibitory effect peaked on the 7 th day after treatment with anti-gene-LNA, with statistically significant differences compared with pre-treatment(4.17 ± 1.29 vs 11.05 ± 1.25, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). The mR NA levels of the HBV S gene(P < 0.05 for all) and rates of HBsA g positive liver cells(P < 0.05 for all) were significantly reduced compared with the control groups. Liver and kidney function, and histology showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSION Anti-gene-LNA targeting the S gene of HBV displays strong inhibitory effects on HBV in transgenic mice, providing theoretical and experimental bases for gene therapy in HBV.
基金the following grants:the National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFD1000500)the National Key Program on Transgenic Research(2018ZX08020002-003-004)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31870576 and 31901572)the Key R&D project of Shandong Province(2018GNC110007)the Agricultural Variety Improvement Project of Shandong Province(2019 LZGC009 and 2019 LZGC010)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2019PC015).
文摘The aroma of peach fruit is predominantly determined by the accumulation of γ-decalactone and ester compounds.A previous study showed that the biosynthesis of these aroma compounds in peach fruit is catalyzed by PpAAT1,an alcohol acyltransferase.In this work,we investigated the key active site residues responsible for γ-decalactone and ester biosynthesis.A total of 14 candidate amino acid residues possibly involved in internal esterification and 9 candidate amino acid residues possibly involved in esterification of PpAAT1 were assessed via site-directed mutagenesis.Analyses of the in vitro enzyme activities of PpAAT1 and its site-directed mutant proteins(PpAAT1-SMs)with different amino acid residue mutations as well as the contents of γ-decalactone in transgenic tobacco leaves and peach fruits transiently expressing PpAAT1 and PpAAT1-SMs revealed that site-directed mutation of H165 in the conserved HxxxD motif led to lost enzymatic activity of PpAAT1 in both internal esterification and its reactions,whereas mutation of the key amino acid residue D376 led to the total loss ofγ-decalactone biosynthesis activity of PpAAT1.Mutations of 9 and 7 other amino acid residues also dramatically affected the enzymatic activity of PpAAT1 in the internal esterification and esterification reactions,respectively.Our findings provide a biochemical foundation for the mechanical biosynthesis ofγ-decalactone and ester compounds catalyzed by PpAAT1 in peach fruits,which could be used to guide the molecular breeding of new peach species with more favorable aromas for consumers.
文摘The dental operative microscope has been widely employed in the field of dentistry,particularly in endodontics and operative dentistry,resulting in significant advancements in the effectiveness of root canal therapy,endodontic surgery,and dental restoration.However,the improper use of this microscope continues to be common in clinical settings,primarily due to operators’insufficient understanding and proficiency in both the features and established operating procedures of this equipment.In October 2019,Professor Jingping Liang,Vice Chairman of the Society of Cariology and Endodontology,Chinese Stomatological Association,organized a consensus meeting with Chinese experts in endodontics and operative dentistry.The objective of this meeting was to establish a standard operation procedure for the dental operative microscope.Subsequently,a consensus was reached and officially issued.Over the span of about four years,the content of this consensus has been further developed and improved through practical experience.
文摘Objective To explore the correlations between serum uric acid （HA） levels and the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） parameters of multiple sclerosis （MS）. Methods The medical reports of 47 MS patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospi- tal during 2008 and 2010 were reviewed. And 49 age- and gender-matched cerebral infarction patients were enrolled as control. The mean serum HA level of the MS patients was compared with that of the control group. The correlations between the HA levels and the clinical parameters including gender, disease duration, relapse rate, and disease disabilities as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, were explored. Forty-one patients had CSF examinations. The correlations between the IdA levels and the CSF parameters reflecting inflammation and tissue damage, including CSF protein, white blood cell count, oligoclonal band, 24-hour IgG index, and myelin basic protein, were also investigated. Results The mean serum HA level in the MS patients was lower than that in the control group （247.75 ± 52.59 jamol/L vs. 277.94 ± 74.33 pmol/L, P=0.025） and inversely correlated with the relapse rate （P=0.049）. MS patients with lower serum UA levels tended to have higher white blood cell counts and myelin basic protein level. But there was no correlation between CSF protein levels （r=0.165, P=0.273）, white blood cell counts （r=-0.051, P=0.732）, IgG index （r =0. 045, P=0.802）, or myelin basic protein level （r =-0.248, P=0.145） and the serum UA level, respectively. Conclusion In MS patients, UA levels might partly reflect the extent of disability and inflammation.
基金Supported by Nanchong City School’s Science and Technology Strategic Cooperation,China,No.20SXQT0304Research and Development Project Plan of Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College,China,No.2020ZD003.
文摘BACKGROUND Ribonucleotide reductase(RR)is a key enzyme in tumor proliferation,especially its subunit-RRM2.Although there are multiple therapeutics for tumors,they all have certain limitations.Given their advantages,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers have become an important source of anti-tumor drugs.Therefore,screening and analysis of TCM monomers with RRM2 inhibition can provide a reference for further anti-tumor drug development.AIM To screen and analyze potential anti-tumor TCM monomers with a good binding capacity to RRM2.METHODS The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database was used to analyze the level of RRM2 gene expression in normal and tumor tissues as well as RRM2's effect on the overall survival rate of tumor patients.TCM monomers that potentially act on RRM2 were screened via literature mining.Using AutoDock software,the screened monomers were docked with the RRM2 protein.RESULTS The expression of RRM2 mRNA in multiple tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues,and it was negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of patients with the majority of tumor types.Through literature mining,we discovered that berberine,ursolic acid,gambogic acid,cinobufagin,quercetin,daphnetin,and osalmide have inhibitory effects on RRM2.The results of molecular docking identified that the above TCM monomers have a strong binding capacity with RRM2 protein,which mainly interacted through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic force.The main binding sites were Arg330,Tyr323,Ser263,and Met350.CONCLUSION RRM2 is an important tumor therapeutic target.The TCM monomers screened have a good binding capacity with the RRM2 protein.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21007094)to Xiang Li
文摘Cigarette smoking is a particle-related exposure. Studying the characteristics of the particle size distribution of cigarette smoke can aid in providing knowledge of smoke aerosol attributes. We used an electrical low pressure impactor （ELPI） to measure the particle size distribution of mainstream cigarette smoke generated by a smoking machine and provided a continuum of particle sizes of cigarette smoke from a whole cigarette. The results showed that the aerodynamic diameters （D, geometric mean of a channel） of particles ranged from 0.021 to 1.956 ~m, and the number concentrations were on the order of 105-109 cm-3 for different sizes of particles. The particle number of the size category below 0.1 p,m approximated that of the category 0.1-2.0 Ixm, and the particles in the size category of 0.1-2.0 μm contributed extremely heavily to total particulate mass. In addition, the results with small samples indicated that the tar yields normalized per milligram of nicotine showed an approximately linear increase with increasing concentration of total particles.
基金funded by the China Scholarship Council (202006820015)National Natural Science Foundation of China (31872890)State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology Free Orientation Project (SKLF-ZZB-201709)。
文摘Rice bran residue possessed a steady lipase activity((26.68 ± 3.69)%)after its endogenous lipase was extracted continuously by phosphate buffer solution(PBS)for 24 h. T herefore, the aim of this research was to explore whether there exist any bound lipases in rice bran(Oryza sativa). Three physical treatments(grinding, homogenizing and ultrasound crush)and 6 enzymatic treatments(cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase, complex cellulase, glucoamylase and α-amylase)were applied to rice bran in order to investigate this bound lipase. The relative catalytic activities of extraction supernatant and residue for pectinase group were(437.63 ± 22.54)% and(159.26 ± 2.12)%, respectively, which were significantly higher(P < 0.05)than other groups. This phenomenon demonstrated that lipase was the most likely to combine with pectin. Molecular simulation proved that pectin could combine with two rice bran lipases(lipase 315 and lipase 308)and cover the catalytic centers so as to prevent the lipases from encountering the substrate and inhibiting their catalytic activities. During combination, pectin could make the lipases more compact and reduce the solvent accessible surface area of lipases, which would make the lipases inactive to molecular interaction. In summary, part of rice bran lipase was proved to exist in bound form and combined with the pectin.
