[Effect of verapamil with renal disease basic-prescription on hemorheology indexes of type II nephrotic syndrome]

24 cases of type II nephrotic syndrome were studied and divided randomly into two groups. Group A: 12 cases treated with verapamil; Group B: 12 cases treated with verapamil plus Renal Disease Basic-prescription (RDBP). Hemorheology indexes were measured in the two groups before and 4 weeks after the treatment. The results showed hyperviscosity was obviously improved in group A after verapamil administration (P < 0.05), but the improvement in group B was much more significant than that in group A. The results mentioned above indicate that calcium channel blocker has an anticoagulant effect with inhibiting platelet aggregation, and Peach kernel, Safflower, etc of RDBP played a role in prohibiting platelets aggregation, anticoagulation and promoting microcirculation. However the combination of the two methods has better effect in improving the hypercoagulable state of nephrotic syndrome.

[Effect of changes of amino acids of N-terminal region of the mature protein on secretion of alpha-amylase in B. subtilis]

The mutant plasmid pAmy413C, in which G takes the place of A at the 271 position of alpha-amylase gene on the pAmy413 from B. licheniformis, was constructed by site-direct mutagenesis. At the N-terminus of the mature alpha-amylase, amino acid +2Asn was substituted by +3Asp in the wild type protein. Then, the alpha-amylase output of the mutant plasmid pAmy413C in B. subtilis was 2.02-2.57 times higher than that of the wild type pAmy413C in the same strain. The amino acid sequencing at the N-terminus of the matural alpha-amylase revealsed that the recognition site of signal peptidase I moved one amino acid upstream, from Ala-(+2)Asn to AlaAla-(+3) Asp. That is, the +2Asn of the wild type was changed to the +3Asp of the mutant. The secondary structural analysis showed that a 14-cycle structure formed in the alpha-amylase mRNA when the free energy was -51.7 kcal. In this case, the mutant is identical with the wild type. The difference between them is that G at 271 position is no longer paired with U at 211 position, hence, a G-overhang is formed. The secondary structural analysis of protein showed that one amino acid diminished in the turn structure of amino acid at 33-37 position, and this very amino acid is involed in an alpha-helix structure. In short, all the changes mentioned above in conformation and charged amino acids contribute to the increase in the protein secretion in B. subtilis.

Physico-chemical parameters influencing DNase activity of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis

The effects of temperature, Mg2+, EDTA concentration and rinsing on extra- and intra-cellular DNase activity of Spirulina platensis strain SSP-14, were investigated. The results indicate that the tested strain contains very high extra- and intracellular DNase activity, which actually hinders the transfer of foreign gene(s) to S. platensis, a cyanobacterium with multiple economic potentials. The extracellular DNase activity could easily be removed by rinsing the cells with Zarrouk medium more than once. The intracellular DNase activity could also be inhibited by (1) removal of Mg2+, (2) maintaining EDTA concentration above 1 mmol l(-1), and (3) manipulating below 0-4 degrees C, during all the incubation procedures. We suggest that, by using one or more of, or combining, all those experimental conditions, the chances of foreign DNA attempted to be introduced into S. platensis without being digested would be increased.

Clinical hepatotoxicity of isoniazid in children

A patient is presented with reversible clinical and biochemical hepatocellular injury secondary to isoniazid (INH). This apparently rare drug reaction in children is compared with the more common transient hypertransaminasemia induced by isoniazid. A review of the clinical literature and basic pharmacologic mechanisms of isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity has led to a rational plan for monitoring and managing children who are treated with INH.

Quantum spin Hall states in MX2 (M = Ru, Os; X = As, Sb) monolayers

The quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect has attracted extensive research interest due to its great promise in topological quantum computing and novel low-energy electronic devices. Here, using first-principles calculations, we find that MX2 (M = Ru and Os; X = As and Sb) monolayers are 2D topological insulators (TIs). The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) band gaps for RuAs2, RuSb2, OsAs2, and OsSb2 monolayers are predicted to be 80, 131, 118, and 221 meV, respectively. Additionally, the nontrivial topological states are further confirmed by calculating the topological invariant and the appearance of gapless edge states. More interestingly, for RuSb2 and OsSb2 monolayers, the position of node points in energy can be effectively tuned by applying in-plane strain. Our results consistently indicate that all MX2 monolayers can serve as an effective platform for achieving the room-temperature QSH effect.

Training-Specific Changes in Regional Spontaneous Neural Activity Among Professional Chinese Chess Players

Background

Our previous reports reflected some aspects of neuroplastic changes from long-term Chinese chess training but were mainly based on large-scale intrinsic connectivity. In contrast to functional connectivity among remote brain areas, synchronization of local intrinsic activity demonstrates functional connectivity among regional areas. Until now, local connectivity changes in professional Chinese chess players (PCCPs) have been reported only at specific hubs; whole-brain-based local connectivity and its relation to training profiles has not been revealed.

Objectives

To investigate whole-brain local connectivity changes and their relation to training profiles in PCCPs.

Methods

Regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis of rs-fMRI data from 22 PCCPs versus 21 novices was performed to determine local connectivity changes and their relation to training profiles.

Results

Compared to novices, PCCPs showed increased regional spontaneous activity in the posterior lobe of the left cerebellum, the left temporal pole, the right amygdala, and the brainstem but decreased ReHo in the right precentral gyrus. From a whole-brain perspective, local activity in areas such as the posterior lobe of the right cerebellum and the caudate correlated with training profiles.

Conclusion

Regional homogeneity changes in PCCPs were consistent with the classical view of automaticity in motor control and learning. Related areas in the pattern indicated an enhanced capacity for emotion regulation, supporting cool and focused attention during gameplay. The possible participation of the basal ganglia-cerebellar-cerebral networks, as suggested by these correlation results, expands our present knowledge of the neural substrates of professional chess players. Meanwhile, ReHo change occurred in an area responsible for the pronunciation and reading of Chinese characters. Additionally, professional Chinese chess training was associated with change in a region that is affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD).

[Determination of hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone in plasma by reversed-phase HPLC]

A sensitive and rapid method for the simultaneous measurement of both hydrocortisone (HC) and methylprednisolone (MP) using dexamethasone (DX) as the internal standard was presented. High-performance liquid chromatograph Model 344 (Beckman, USA) with a 254 nm wavelength UV detector and reversed-phase Ultrasphere ODS (5 microns) column was used. Sample was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer was evaporated to dryness under an air stream in a 37 degrees C water bath. The residue was dissolved in 30 microliters mobile phase and 20 microliters injected. The mobile phase of methanol and 0.01 mol/L acetate buffer (pH 3.0) (64:36) was pumped at 1.0 ml/min through the column. The detector was operated at 0.005 aufs. The retention time for HC, MP and DX was 5.43 min, 7.7 min and 11.5 min, respectively. Standard curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.02 to 1.28 mg/L for HC and 0.05 to 12.8 mg/L for MP. Sensitivity was 1 ng for HC and 1.5 ng for MP; extraction recovery 76-83%; within day CV less than 4%, and inter-day CV less than 6% for both steroids.

Molecular replacement study on form-B monoclinic crystal of insulin

The form-B monoclinic insulin crystal was obtained from the sodium citrate buffer with 1% zinc chloride, keeping phenolic content between 0.76% and 1.25%. Its space group is P2(1), cell constants are: a = 4.924 nm, b = 6.094 nm, c = 4.818 nm, beta = 95.8 degrees. There are 6 insulin molecules which form a hexamer. The initial phase was obtained by using rotation function program of X-PLOR program package and molecular packing program of our laboratory. The molecular model was chosen from 4 zinc bovine insulin hexamer. After the preliminary refinement by using the macromolecular rigid body refinement technique, the molecular model was further refined and adjusted by using the energy-minimizing stereochemically restrained least-squared refinement on the difference Fourier maps. The final R-factor is 22.4% at 0.3 nm resolution, the r.m.s. deviations from standard bond length and bond angle are 0.0022 nm and 4.7 degrees, respectively.

Relationship between fossa-condylar position, meniscus position, and morphologic change in patients with Class II and III malocclusion

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate fossa-condylar-meniscus morphologic changes in patients with skeletal and dental Class III and Class II division 1 and 2 malocclusion to determine which type is related to internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and whether the variation of TMJ structure is related to a particular type of malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two pretreatment orthodontic patients, ranging in age from 10 to 27 years, underwent examination of the right and left TMJs with corrected Schöller's position radiographs. Bilateral TMJ relationships of the fossa-condyle were examined through subjective evaluation and linear and area measurements. In addition, in 20 of the 72 patients, meniscus positions and morphologic changes were imaged with a 0.5 T sagittal magnetic resonance imaging system on the right and left TMJ.

RESULTS

(1) The variation of condyle-fossa positions for identical types of malocclusion was very large. (2) Skeletal and functional Class III malocclusion patients demonstrated significantly more anteriorly positioned condyles. (3) Class II division 1 patients showed concentrically positioned condyles, but with slightly anterior displacement. (4) Class II division 2 patients demonstrated more posteriorly positioned condyles. (5) When condyles were in anterior or concentric positions, meniscus positions and morphology were normal and in concavoconcave shapes. (6) When condyles were in posterior positions, most meniscus positions were in normal or slightly anterior range and their shapes were also concavoconcave. The rest were significantly more anterior and their shapes were abnormal, as evidenced by thickened anterior bands.

CONCLUSION

Class III and Class II division 1 malocclusion demonstrated normal structure and function of the TMJ. Class II division 2 malocclusion was obviously associated with abnormal structure and function of the TMJ.

Hydrogen bond-induced supramolecular self-assembly strategy to fabricate ultra-dispersed Cu-loaded porous tubular graphitic carbon nitride with rich nitrogen vacancies and CuNx sites for efficient photo-Fenton catalysis

The low utilization of visible light and easy recombination of charge carriers of graphitic carbon nitride (CN) restrain its application as photo-electron donor and metal site support in photo-Fenton system. Herein, a hydrogen bond-induced supramolecular self-assembly strategy was created to fabricate an ultra-dispersed Cu-loaded porous tubular CN composite (CA-Cu/TCN) by the hydrothermal-pyrolysis method with citric acid (CA) as initiator and chelating agent. CA-Cu/TCN with rich nitrogen vacancies (NVs) and abundant ultra-dispersed CuNx sites exhibited narrow bandgap, favorable visible light absorption capability, and high separation and transfer efficiency of charge carriers. CA-Cu/TCN effectively catalyzed the activation of H2O2 for generating abundant reactive oxygen species under visible light irradiation, contributing to efficient degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) with removal rate of 95.9 % and kinetic rate constant of 0.0948 min-1. The superior catalytic activity of CA-Cu/TCN can be ascribed to the effective transport of photogenerated electrons, high specific surface area, atomically dispersed Cu species, and enriched surface NVs. The mechanism of photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of CIP and possible degradation pathways were proposed as the dominant role of 1O2. Toxicity evaluation of CIP and intermediates indicated that the degradation of CIP was a gradual detoxification process. This work offers a novel self-assembly strategy to design and synthesize highly active and sustainable visible light-driven photo-Fenton catalysts for effectively degrading organic pollutants.

[Fluconazole versus ketoconazole in systemic fungal infection: a double-blind randomized study]

We carried out a multiple-center study, including a double-blined randomized clinical trial on fluconazole (Flu, group A) and ketoconazole (Keto, group B) and an open trial on Flu only for evaluating the efficacy and safety of Flu in treating deep and shallow fungal infection. 222 patients participated in the study and most of them had severe underlying diseases. The dosage and therapeutic duration were as follows: Flu 200-400 mg daily for 1-8 weeks in 34 patients with fungal infection and 150 mg as a single dose in 30 patients with fungal vaginitis; Keto 400 mg daily for 1-8 weeks in 30 patients with fungal diseases and for 5 days in 30 patients with fungal vaginitis. In the trial 124 patients were randomized to receive either Flu (64 patients) or Keto (60). The cure rate in group A and B was 81.3% (52/64) and 58.0% (35/60) respectively (P < 0.05). The fungal eradication rates of the two groups were 85.7% and 70.0% (P > 0.05) respectively. 98 patients entered the open trial. They included fungal infection of the respiratory tract and urinary tract, cryptococal meningitis, fungal sepesis and systemic dissemination of mycosis and fungal vaginitis. 84 (85.7%) were cured. The fungal eradication rate of this group was 92.9%. The side-effect rates of the three groups were 3.1% (2/64), 5.0% (3/60) and 6.1% (6/98) respectively. They were mild and transient vomiting, nausea, and anorexia. In group B and the open group however, there was one case of ALT elevation in each group (P > 0.05). This study suggests that Flu is a safe, effective and useful drug for the treatment of severe fungal infection.

[The incidence of retinal detachment after extracapsular cataract extraction in high myopia]

PURPOSE

A retrospective study was performed to determine the incidence of retinal detachment after extracapsular cataract extraction in high myopia and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of retinal detachment.

METHODS

Of the 463 patients (463 eyes) who had undergone extracapsular cataract extraction with or without intraocular lenses implant between July 1993 and January 1994, 90 patients companied with high myopia and the others were senior cataract. All patients had been followed up for 27 to 33 months.

RESULTS

One (1.11%) developed retinal detachment in the patients with high myopia, and no retinal detachment occurred in the patients with senior cataract. The difference of the incidence of retinal detachment between two groups were no significant (P > 0.05), More myopic patients underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Comparing with intracapsular method, extracapsular cataract extraction decreased the risk of retinal detachment even in the high myopic patients. The risk factors for retinal detachment were young patients, long eye axis and posterior capsulotomy.

[Exploring into relationship between serum lipoprotein electrophoretogram and the differentiation as phlegm stasis syndrome of aged coronary heart disease patients]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the relationship between dynamic balance of the disturbance of serum lipoprotein and the 5 syndrome-types during Phlegm stasis syndrome (PSS) differentiation.

METHODS

There were 171 patients, among them 81 cases were performed coronary arteriography (CAG). The serum lipoprotein electrophoretogram (SLPG) was examined by the double gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the serum total cholesterol (TC) was determined with enzymatic method.

RESULTS

(1) Comparing the PSS with the control group, there was significant difference in the abnormal items (P < 0.05-0.01). The blood stasis syndrome, PSS, and the Qi stagnation blood stasis syndrome were more than the phlegm syndrome and the non-PSS ones. The abnormal index of SLP (SLPI) had the following order: PSS(SLPI 1.941) > Qi stagnation blood stasis syndrome (1.901) > blood stasis syndrome (1.643) > phlegm syndrome (1.357) > non-PSS(1.105) and > the control syndrome (0.056). (2) The positive cases in CAG was 64 patients, in SLPG, it was 59 cases (92.19%). The negative in CAG was 17 cases, but the positive in SLPG, it was 14 cases (82.35%). (3) As the PSS developed further, the TC had an increasing tendency, but their average was less than 2100 mg/L, under the critical level.

CONCLUSION

As the risk factor of the aged CHD, the TC was not an ideal criteria, the SPLG was an effective index. It was related with the PSS differentiation of the aged CHD.

Puncturing the empirical point shengen in treatment of 101 cases of apoplectic hemiplegia

By needling chiefly an empirical point Shengen with the penetration method, a total effective rate of 96.04% was obtained in 101 cases of apoplectic hemiplegia. In comparison with 38 controls, either the therapeutic effects and courses or other indices observed in the needling group were shown to be encouraging.

Biological Properties of Sandalwood Oil and Microbial Synthesis of Its Major Sesquiterpenoids

Sandalwood essential oil is extracted from the heartwood part of mature sandalwood and is known for its pleasant fragrance and exceptional medicinal activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The (Z)-α-santalol and (Z)-β-santalol are the most vital ingredients contributing to sandalwood oil's bioactivities and unique woody odor characteristics. Metabolic engineering strategies have shown promise in transforming microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria into effective cell factories for enhancing the production of vital sesquiterpenes (santalene and santalol) found in sandalwood oil. This review aims to summarize sources of sandalwood oil, its components/ingredients, and its applications. It also highlights the biosynthesis of santalene and santalol and the various metabolic engineering strategies employed to reconstruct and enhance santalene and santalol biosynthesis pathways in heterologous hosts.

OTUB2 contributes to vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease via the YAP-mediated transcription of PFKFB3

Rationale: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue, with vascular calcification (VC) being a common and deadly complication. Despite its prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of VC remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether and how Otubain-2 (OTUB2) contributes to VC. Methods: The relationship between OTUB2 and VC was examined via immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of discarded calcified radial arteries from uremic patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula operations. Additionally, mice were fed a 0.2% adenine diet supplemented with 1.2% phosphorus to establish a model of CKD-related VC. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific OTUB2 knockout and overexpression were performed in vivo via the delivery of adeno-associated virus 9 vectors to manipulate the expression of OTUB2. Additionally, a calcified VSMC model was established to explore the roles of OTUB2 in VC by evaluating changes in osteogenic marker expression and calcium deposition. Results: Our results revealed a significant upregulation of OTUB2 expression during VC progression. OTUB2 overexpression upregulated the expression of osteogenic markers and exacerbated VSMC calcification, as verified by Von Kossa and Alizarin red staining. Conversely, VSMC-specific OTUB2 deficiency significantly mitigated adenine diet-induced VC in CKD mice. OTUB2 knockdown or inhibition decreased Yes-associated protein (YAP) abundance. Mechanistically, OTUB2 bound to YAP, decreasing its K48-linked polyubiquitination and inhibiting its subsequent degradation. Knockdown or inhibition of YAP abolished the effect of OTUB2 overexpression on VSMC calcification, indicating a YAP-mediated mechanism. Furthermore, the YAP/TEAD1 complex bound to the promoter of PFKFB3, increasing its transcriptional activity, as determined by CUT&RUN-qPCR. The knockdown or inhibition of PFKFB3 alleviated the procalcific effects of OTUB2. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that OTUB2 promotes VC at least partially by activating the YAP-PFKFB3 signaling pathway. Targeting OTUB2 may be an appealing therapeutic strategy for VC.

[Temporal trends and attributable risk factors of chronic kidney disease burden in Fujian Province, 1990-2019]

Objective: To understand the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors in Fujian Province during 1990-2019. Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the incidence rate, mortality rate and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of CKD in Fujian from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. An age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort on age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of CKD. Comparative risk assessment theory was used to calculate the potential attributable DALYs due to risk factors. Results: In 2019, the ASIR of CKD in Fujian exceeded the national average. The ASIR of CKD showed an increasing trend from 1990 to 2019, but the ASMR and ASDR of CKD exhibited decreasing trends during the same period. In 2019, the ASIR of CKD was higher in women than in men, while the ASMR and ASDR were higher in men than in women. Age-period-cohort analysis indicated that ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of CKD increased with age. The period effect for ASIR decreased first before increase, while the period effect for ASMR and ASDR displayed fluctuating trends. The cohort effect showed an upward trajectory for ASIR, but a stable status before downward trajectories for ASMR and ASDR. Compared with 1990, except the increase in the ASDR of CKD attributed to high BMI and high temperatures, the ASDR of CKD attributed to other risk factors all showed decreases in 2019. However, the ASDR attributed to high sodium intake remained higher compared with the global average. Conclusion: The burden of CKD remains heavy in Fujian, and it is necessary to reduce the attributable risk factors, such as high sodium intake and high BMI, to address this problem.

Crystal structure of (L-Arg)-B0 bovine insulin at 0.21 nm resolution

The crystal structure of (L-Arg)-B0 bovine insulin has been determined, using data to 0.21 nm and atomic parameters of 2Zn porcine insulin as a starting model, by the difference. Fourier method, the restrained least square method and X-PLOR package, interspersed with careful review of the electron density, to a final R-factor of 0.182 and r.m.s. deviation of 0.002 2 nm for the bond lengths and 4.3 degrees for the bond angles. The electron densities of additional (L-Arg)-B0 residues to B-chain N-terminus of two monomers in each asymmetric unit are very clear. The crystallographic micro-environment of the N-terminus of the B-chain is different from that of rhombohedral 2-zinc insulin.