Bacterial community structure and predicted function in an acidogenic sulfate-reducing reactor: Effect of organic carbon to sulfate ratios

A lab-scale acidogenic sulfate-reducing reactor with N₂ stripping was continuously operated to uncover its microbial mechanism treating highly sulfate-containing organic wastewaters. Results showed that sulfate reduction efficiency decreased with the influent COD/sulfate ratios. Microbial community analysis showed that VFA accumulation mainly caused by the predominance of fermentative bacteria including Streptococcus and Oceanotoga. Genus Desulfovibrio was the most predominant SRB and enriched at low influent COD/sulfate ratios. Although Bifidobacterium, Atopobium, Wohlfahrtiimonas, Dysgonomonas etc. had low average abundance, they were identified keystone genera by the co-occurrence network analysis. The functions of the microbial community were not insignificantly influenced by COD/sulfate ratios. All predicted functional genes involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction reached their maximum abundances at influent COD/sulfate ratio of 1.5, while the assimilatory sulfate reduction was favored at the COD/sulfate ratio lower than 2.

Clinical practice guideline for image-guided multimode tumour ablation therapy in hepatic malignant tumours

Multimode tumour ablation therapy is a treatment method that combines cryoablation with radiofrequency ablation, guided by medical imaging technology and based on precise planning, targeting, monitoring, and control of the thermal energy delivered, with the aim of achieving a whole-body antitumour immune response to malignant tumours. To develop standardized criteria for the application of multimode tumour ablation therapy to malignant hepatic tumours, to facilitate actualization of the criteria in various hospitals, and to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety, the Society of Interventional Therapy of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and the Solid Tumor Theranostics Committee of the Shanghai Anti-Cancer Association assembled experts who specialize in oncology to discuss this treatment method and to arrive at a clinical practice consensus guideline for the indications, contraindications, and techniques of multimode tumour ablation therapy for malignant hepatic tumours.

Developing surrogate indicators for predicting suppression of halophenols formation potential and abatement of estrogenic activity during ozonation of water and wastewater

This study focused on developing surrogate indicators for predicting oxidation of phenolic groups in dissolved organic matter (DOM), suppression of halophenols' formation potential and abatement of estrogenic activity during ozonation of water and wastewater. The evolution of pH-dependent differential absorbance spectra suggests that O₃ preferentially reacts with the DOM phenolic moieties and less so with the aromatic carboxylic groups with increasing O₃/DOC (dissolved organic carbon) ratios and changes of UV absorbance and fluorescence. When ozonation used as pretreatment, the formation of halophenols in subsequent chlorination decreased linearly with increasing O₃ doses or changes of UV absorbance until it reached 85% suppression of the halophenols' formation from unaltered DOM. The thresholds of decreases of UVA254, UVA280 and humic-like fluorescence corresponding to 85% suppression of halophenols' formation were in the range of 25%-30%, 30%-35% and 30%-45%, respectively. Pre-ozonation also showed a moderate suppression of haloacetic acids (HAAs) formation potentials, ≤26.5% for reverse osmosis isolate of Suwannee River natural organic matter and ≤31.5% for Yangtze River at applied O₃ doses. Measurement of changes of estrogenic activity during ozonation of water and wastewater showed that to attain a >90% abatement of estrogenic activity, the corresponding thresholds of decreases of UVA254, UVA280 and humic-like fluorescence were ∼30%, ∼40%, and ∼70%, respectively. Bromate formation was also suppressed to below 10 μg/L before these thresholds. This study suggests that optimal ozonation conditions and a balance between control of disinfection byproducts (halophenols, HAAs and bromate) and elimination of estrogenic activity can be reached based on online data.

Endocrine characteristics, body mass index and metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

RESEARCH QUESTION

The study aimed to evaluate the associations of endocrine and ultrasound characteristics with metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and whether these associations were modified by body mass index (BMI).

DESIGN

The study was a secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of induction of ovulation in women with PCOS.

RESULTS

Among 947 Chinese women with PCOS, 153 (16.2%) were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with normal (<24 kg/m²) and high (≥24 kg/m²) BMI was 3.6% and 30.5%, respectively. In all women, a high free androgen index (FAI ≥5%) was positively associated with metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.82). High FAI was positively associated with metabolic syndrome among women with high BMI (adjusted OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.78-6.37), but the association was not significant in women with normal BMI (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.34-4.70). The presence of polycystic ovary morphology was negatively associated with metabolic syndrome (adjusted OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.26-1.03) in all women (normal BMI adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.11-1.67; high BMI adjusted OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.23-1.28). LH, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were negatively associated with metabolic syndrome. The associations of FAI, SHBG and AMH in relation to metabolic syndrome were significantly modified by BMI.

CONCLUSION(S)

The associations of endocrine characteristic with metabolic syndrome were modified by BMI in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS and normal BMI did not have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

Effects of the long wavelength-filtered continuous spectrum on natural refractive development in juvenile guinea pigs

AIM

To investigate the effects of spectral composition and light intensity on natural refractive development in guinea pigs.

METHODS

A total of 124 pigmented guinea pigs (2-week-old) were randomly assigned to three groups at high (Hi; 4000 lx), medium (Me; 400 lx) and low (Lo; 50 lx) light intensities under a 12:12 light/dark cycle for 6wk. Each group was subdivided into subgroups with the following spectra: broad spectrum Solux halogen light (BS), 600 nm above-filtered continuous spectrum (600F), 530 nm above-filtered continuous spectrum (530F), and 480 nm above-filtered continuous spectrum (480F; HiBS: n=10, Hi600F: n=10, Hi530F: n=10, Hi480F: n=10, MeBS: n=10, Me600F: n=10, Me530F: n=10, Me480F: n=10, LoBS: n=11, Lo600F: n=12, Lo530F: n=10, Lo480F: n=11). Refractive error, corneal curvature radius, and axial dimensions were determined by cycloplegic retinoscopy, photokeratometry, and A-scan ultrasonography before and after 2, 4, and 6wk of treatment. Average changes from both eyes in the ocular parameters and refractive error were compared among different subgroups.

RESULTS

After 6wk of exposure, high-intensity lighting enhanced hyperopic shift; medium- and low-intensity lighting enhanced myopic shift (P<0.05). Under the same spectrum, axial increase was larger in the low light intensity group than in the medium and high light intensity groups (HiBS: 0.65±0.02 mm, MeBS: 0.67±0.01 mm, LoBS: 0.82±0.02 mm; Hi600F: 0.64±0.02 mm, Me600F: 0.67±0.01 mm, Lo600F: 0.81±0.01 mm; Hi530F: 0.64±0.02 mm, Me530F: 0.67±0.01 mm, Lo530F: 0.73±0.02 mm; Hi480F: 0.64±0.01 mm, Me480F: 0.66±0.01 mm, Lo480F: 0.72±0.02 mm; P<0.05). Under 400 lx, there was a faster axial increase in the MeBS group than in the Me480F group (P<0.05). Under 50 lx, axial length changes were significantly larger in LoBS and Lo600F than in Lo530F and Lo480F (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Under high-intensity lighting, high light intensity rather than spectrum distributions that inhibits axial increase. Under medium- and low-intensity lighting, filtering out the long wavelength inhibits axial growth in juvenile guinea pigs.

Assessment of the cryoablation margin using MRI-CT fusion imaging in hepatic malignancies

AIM

To demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging for the assessment of the ablative margin after cryoablation in hepatic malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analysed 35 patients with 47 liver tumours treated with CT-guided cryoablation. Fusion images of pre-ablation MRI and intraoperative CT data were created on a workstation. Minimal ablative margin (MAM) assessment was categorised into three groups: (I) MAM <0 mm (tumour protruded through the ablation zone), (II) MAM 0-5 mm, and (III) MAM ≥5 mm. Local tumour progression (LTP) was assessed during follow-up.

RESULTS

MRI-CT fusion imaging was successfully achieved in 46 (97.9%) of 47 lesions. LTP was detected in 67.4% (31/46) of cases. Twenty-four (77.4%) of 31 LTPs occurred in the subcapsular region of the liver. Using fusion images, the MAM was classified as groups I, II, and III in 18, 25, and three tumours, respectively. In group I, LTP was found in 15 (83.3%) of 18 lesions, whereas in group II, LTP was detected in 16 (64%) of 25 lesions. The cumulative LTP rate in group II was significantly lower than that in group I (p=0.012).

CONCLUSION

Pre-ablation MRI and intraoperative CT fusion imaging is feasible and useful for evaluating the MAM of cryoablation in hepatic malignancies.

Image-guidedcryoablation in unresectable or recurrent advanced colorectal cancer: a retrospective study

Purpose: The present study retrospectively analyzed thesafety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablationin the treatment ofunresectable or recurrent advanced colorectal cancer, which did not respond well to or experienced progression with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: From January 2013 to April 2015, 31 lesions in 27 patients (16 males, 11 females; mean age of 57.2 years) with pelvic unresectableadvanced or recurrent colorectal cancer were included in the study. The tumor diameter was approximately 3.37 ±1.41 cm. The primary tumor included 25 rectal cancers, 1 sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma, and 1 ileocecal mucinous adenocarcinoma. Cryoablation was performed with 17-gauge cryoprobes and monitored by 64-slice spiral CT. Follow-up was carried out by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The treatment efficacy was evaluated by symptom palliation, decreased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) serum level, and tumor response. Results: The cryoablation procedure was well-tolerated in all patients without major complications or procedure-related mortality. Long-term complications included abscess formation (1 patient), skin frostbite and post-sacrum antrum formation (1 patient). Pain relief was satisfactory in patients with perineal pain (P<0.001), and the median time of pain relief was 3.0 months. Complete ablations were obtained in 22 lesions of 18 patients, while 9 lesions in 9 patients underwent incomplete ablation. The median time to local recurrence for lesions with complete ablations was 15.0 months, and that to the progression of tumors with incomplete ablation was 4.0 months. Conclusion: CT-guided cryoablation is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective therapeutic option for unresectableadvanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. The treatment is well-tolerated by patients, and pain relief is achieved rapidly.

CT-guided cryoablation for unresectable pelvic recurrent colorectal cancer: a retrospective study

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation debulking of unresectable pelvic recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and methods

From January 2013 to April 2016, 30 patients (18 males and 12 females; aged 57.8±10.5 years) with unresectable pelvic recurrent CRC who had previously received radiotherapy or chemotherapy were included. A total of 35 tumors ranging from 1.2 to 6.3 cm underwent cryoablation. Tumor response was evaluated 1 month after cryoablation according to the Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for tumor response. Degree of pain palliation was also determined using the Numerical Rating Scale. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictors of outcomes.

Results

Cryoablation was successfully performed in all patients. Complete response (CR) was achieved for 27 tumors in 23 patients and partial response was achieved for eight tumors in seven patients 1 month after cryoablation. The rate of CR was 77.14%, and tumor size was an independent risk factor for CR. Pain relief was satisfactory in 21 symptomatic patients (P<0.001), and the median duration of pain relief was 6.0 months (95% CI: 2.67–9.33). Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was significantly decreased after cryoablation in 15 patients with elevated CEA (P=0.005). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.0 months (95% CI: 4.43–15.67). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (HR =3.089, P<0.001), sex (HR =0.089, P=0.002), and elevated CEA (HR =7.015, P=0.002) were independent predictors of PFS.

Conclusion

CT-guided cryoablation is a safe and effective therapeutic option for pelvic recurrent CRC. Tumor size is an important predictor of poor outcomes.

[Impacts of moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) on the improvements in the quality of life in patients with advanced malignant tumor]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the impacts of moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) on the improvements in the quality of life in the patients with advanced malignant tumor.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with advanced malignant tumor were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group, the routine symptomatic scheme was adopted. In the observation group, on the base of the routine treatment, moxibustion was applied to bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), once a day. The observation period was 12 days. The percentages of , and in T lymphocyte subset, the ratio of / , the value of hemoglobin, Karnofsky score (KPS) and the main symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were compared before and after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTS

In comparison before and after treatment in the two groups as well as between the two groups, the differences were not significant in the contents of , and , hemoglobin and the ratio of / (all P>0.05). In the observation group, KPS after treatment was increased as compared with the score before treatment (P<0.05). In the observation group, the scores of the main TCM symptoms, i.e. lassitude, insomnia, poor appetite, spontaneous sweating, dizziness and vertigo as well as the total score after treatment were all reduced as compared with the scores before treatment (all P<0.01). In the control group, the difference was not significant in the score of each item (all P>0.05). In the observation group, the improvements in lassitude, short breath, poor appetite, dizziness and vertigo, complexion, palpitation, soreness and weakness of the lumber region and knee joint as well as the total score were better than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) effectively regulates the immune balance and relieves the clinical symptoms in the patients with advanced malignant tumor.

Applying UV absorbance and fluorescence indices to estimate inactivation of bacteria and formation of bromate during ozonation of water and wastewater effluent

Ozone is an effective oxidant and disinfectant commonly used for elimination of micropollutants and inactivation of resistant microbes. However, undesirable oxidation/disinfection byproducts such as bromate might form during ozonation. In this study, the UV absorbance and fluorescence indices were applied as surrogate indicators for predicting the inactivation of bacteria and formation of bromate during ozonation of water and wastewater effluents. The inactivation efficiencies of lab-cultured Escherichia coli (E. coli) and autochthonous bacteria were measured by plating (for E. coli only) and flow cytometry with fluorescence staining. During ozonation of E. coli spiked into wastewater effluents (∼10⁶ cell/mL), the priority of inactivation efficiency determined by different cell viability methods were in the order of CFU > membrane damage > DNA damage. Approximately, 99% membrane damage and/or 90% DNA damage are conservatively supposed as an indicator for sufficient bacterial inactivation as well as degradation of antibiotic resistance genes. The related required O₃ dosing thresholds for sufficient inactivation of E. coli and autochthonous bacteria refer to ∼0.6 O₃/DOC (g/g), ∼50% decrease of UVA254, ∼60% decrease of UVA280, or ∼80% decrease of humic-like fluorescence. Within the range of 10⁶-10⁸ cell/mL, the bacterial concentration did not have significant effects on the required thresholds of the specific O₃ doses or spectroscopic indicators required for bacterial inactivation. The addition of 50 mM tert-BuOH as ·OH scavenger increased the required specific ozone doses but decreased the losses of spectroscopic indicators necessary for sufficient bacterial inactivation, and also suggested that the membrane/DNA damages for bacterial inactivation were mainly attributed to the direct O₃ attacks. The bromate concentration was determined using ion chromatography with MS/MS detection. The results showed that when O₃ was dosed at the required thresholds for sufficient bacterial inactivation, bromate formation could usually be suppressed below 10 μg/L. The present work supports that it is possible to reach a balance between bacterial inactivation and bromate formation.

[Effect of low dose erythromycin on the proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheal injury]

Objective: To investigate the effect of low dose erythromycin on the proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheal injury. Methods: Forty-two rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups (n=6 each), group A (saline control group), group B (penicillin group), group C (low dose erythromycin group), group D (low dose erythromycin and penicillin group), group E (budesonide group), group F (low dose erythromycin and budesonide group), group G (low dose erythromycin, penicillin and budesonide group). All rabbits received tracheotomy, and the tracheal mucosa was scraped with a nylon brush 20 times for tracheal stenosis model. Rabbits were treated with corresponding drugs from a week before operation to 9 days after operation. The serum concentrations of transforming growth factor - beta 1 (TGF-β(1)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL) -6, IL-8 were determined and the tracheal specimens were harvested for measuring degree of stenosis on the 10th day after operation. Results: Serum concentrations of TGF-β(1) in group A, B, C, D, E, F and G were (17.6±1.3), (18.2±3.1), (13.0±1.1), (14.0±1.0), (21.0±6.1), (13.6± 3.5), (8.2±1.3) ng/L; VEGF were (88.1±4.1), (85.8±4.3), (58.1±6.3), (56.5±2.4), (87.8±2.8), (57.0±3.7), (34.3±6.7) ng/L; IL-6 were (67.8±4.0), (66.1±3.5), (54.1±4.8), (52.1±3.2), (64.6±4.9), (49.4±4.2), (35.9±3.7) ng/L; IL-8 were (112.8±5.2), (116.6±4.1), (88.0±6.2), (85.5±3.5), (114.4±4.6), (82.6±3.8), (55.9±6.0) ng/L, respectively. The serum concentrations of TGF-β(1), VEGF, IL-6 and IL-8 in group C, D, F and G were significantly lower than those in group A, B and E (all P<0.05). Compared with the other groups, the serum concentrations in group G were the lowest (all P<0.05). All 42 rabbits had tracheal stenosis with different degrees of proliferation of granulation tissue. The degree of tracheal stenosis in Group A, B, C, D, E, F and G were (53.3±4.4)%, (48.2±5.0)%, (24.3±4.4)%, (29.5±3.2)%, (47.8±6.5)%, (27.9±3.1)%, (15.6±2.0)%, respectively. The degree of tracheal stenosis in group C, D, F and G was significantly lower than that in group A, B and E, which had statistical differences (all P<0.05). Compared with the other groups, the degree of tracheal stenosis in group G was the lowest (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Low dose of erythromycin can effectively inhibit the proliferation of granulation tissue after tracheal injury in rabbits. And it has better effectiveness when combined with other antibiotics and hormone.

Integrated technological and management solutions for wastewater treatment and efficient agricultural reuse in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia

Mediterranean-African countries (MACs) face a major water crisis. The annual renewable water resources are close to the 500 m³ /capita threshold of absolute water scarcity, and water withdrawals exceed total renewable water resources by 30%. Such a low water availability curbs economic development in agriculture, which accounts for 86% of freshwater consumption. The analysis of the current situation of wastewater treatment, irrigation, and water management in MACs and of the research projects targeted to these countries indicates the need for 1) an enhanced capacity to analyze water stress, 2) the development of water management strategies capable of including wastewater reuse, and 3) development of locally adapted water treatment and irrigation technologies. This analysis shaped the MADFORWATER project (www.madforwater.eu), whose goal is to develop a set of integrated technological and management solutions to enhance wastewater treatment, wastewater reuse for irrigation, and water efficiency in agriculture in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. MADFORWATER develops and adapts technologies for the production of irrigation-quality water from drainage canals and municipal, agro-industrial, and industrial wastewaters and technologies for water efficiency and reuse in agriculture, initially validated at laboratory scale, to 3 hydrological basins in the selected MACs. Selected technologies will be further adapted and validated in 4 demonstration plants of integrated wastewater treatment and reuse. Integrated strategies for wastewater treatment and reuse targeted to the selected basins are developed, and guidelines for the development of integrated water management strategies in other basins of the 3 target MACs will be produced. The social and technical suitability of the developed technologies and nontechnological tools in relation to the local context is evaluated with the participation of MAC stakeholders and partners. Guidelines on economic instruments and policies for the effective implementation of the proposed water management solutions in the target MACs will be developed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:447-462. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Hypoxia-induced HMGB1 expression of HCC promotes tumor invasiveness and metastasis via regulating macrophage-derived IL-6

Hypoxia is associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through promotion of spontaneous metastasis but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we hypothesis that tumor cell-derived HMGB1 orchestrates macrophages infiltration and promotes metastasis of HCC via enhancing macrophage-secreted IL-6 under hypoxia. HMGB1 expression was robustly exacerbated in tumors of HCC patients with PVTT. Meanwhile, hypoxia exposure gave rise to HMGB1 expression in hepatoma cells of human and mouse in a HIF-1α-dependent manner and subsequently induced the infiltration and reprogramming of macrophages to augment the expression of Il-6. Further study demonstrated macrophage-derived IL-6 enhanced the invasiveness and metastasis of murine HCC cells. Therefore, our study provides a novel understanding of the relationship between tumor cells and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) in the context of hypoxia.

Effective robotic assistive pattern of treadmill training for spinal cord injury in a rat model

The purpose of the present study was to establish an effective robotic assistive stepping pattern of body-weight-supported treadmill training based on a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model and assess the effect by comparing this with another frequently used assistive stepping pattern. The recorded stepping patterns of both hind limbs of trained intact rats were edited to establish a 30-sec playback normal rat stepping pattern (NRSP). Step features (step length, step height, step number and swing duration), BBB scores, latencies, and amplitudes of the transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials (tceMEPs) and neurofilament 200 (NF200) expression in the spinal cord lesion area during and after 3 weeks of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) were compared in rats with spinal contusion receiving NRSP assistance (NRSPA) and those that received manual assistance (MA). Hind limb stepping performance among rats receiving NRSPA during BWSTT was greater than that among rats receiving MA in terms of longer step length, taller step height, and longer swing duration. Furthermore a higher BBB score was also indicated. The rats in the NRSPA group achieved superior results in the tceMEPs assessment and greater NF200 expression in the spinal cord lesion area compared with the rats in the MA group. These findings suggest NRSPA was an effective assistive pattern of treadmill training compared with MA based on the rat SCI model and this approach could be used as a new platform for animal experiments for better understanding the mechanisms of SCI rehabilitation.

CT-guided Hookwire localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for solitary ground-glass opacity dominant pulmonary nodules: radiologic-pathologic analysis

The optimal screening or treatment strategies of solitary pulmonary nodules especially ground-glass opacities (GGOs) remain controversial. With CT-guided Hookwire localization, it is accurate to find the small lesions during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In this study, we evaluate the efficiency and safety of CT-guided Hookwire localization of GGO-dominant (GGO component > 50%) pulmonary nodules before VATS and investigate the correlation between the radiologic features and pathology. From April 2008 to April 2014, a total of 273 patients with solitary GGO-dominant pulmonary nodules were included. Tumor size was 12.4 ± 5.7 mm in diameter, including 208 pulmonary adenocarcinomas and 65 benign nodules. Dislodgement occurred in six patients (2.20%) during surgery. Postoperative complications included asymptomatic needle track hemorrhage (27.1%), minimal pneumothorax (5.9%) and hemoptysis (0.4%). In 208 (76.2%) pulmonary adenocarcinomas, 82 nodules showed ≥90% GGO and 126 showed 50%≤GGO<90%, while 84 nodules staged as T_1aN0M0, 96 staged as T_1bN₀M_0, and 28 staged as T_1cN₀M₀. The multivariable analysis demonstrated that 50%≤GGO<90% (HR=2.459, 95% CI: 1.246-4.853, P=0.010), speculation (HR=3.911, 95% CI: 1.966-7.663, P<0.001), lobulation (HR=4.582, 95% CI: 2.149-9.767, P<0.001) and vascular convergence (HR=4.096, 95% CI: 1.132-14.824, P=0.032) were the independent risk factors to identification of the malignant GGO-dominant pulmonary nodules. In conclusions,CT-guided Hookwire localizati for GGO-dominant pulmonary nodules before VATS is a safe and effective procedure for accurate diagnosis and resection of indeterminate solitary pulmonary nodules.

[Psychopathological characteristics in patients with deviation of nasal septum: a preliminary analysis]

Objective: To investigate the psychopathological characteristics in patients with deviation of nasal septum. Methods: Between May 2015 and December 2015, fourty-four patients with deviated nasal septum and 37 patients with vocal cord polyp as control were included in this study. Psychological characteristics were evaluated by a series of questionnaire instruments including symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and rhinomanometry through front nostril were used to evaluate nasal symptom. The correlation between psychological characteristics and nasal symptom was evaluated. SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The SCL-90 score in nasal septal deviation group was 130.4±48.3. The total score and total average score of SCL-90 had no significant difference between nasal septal deviation group and the Chinese standard or control group(t value was 0.469, 0.112, 1.575, 1.564, respectively, all P>0.05). The scores of somatization, depression and anxiety factors in nasal septal deviation group were higher than control group (t value was 2.380, 2.133, 1.969, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of positive patients in these three factors between nasal septal deviation group and control group had significant differences (χ² value was 11.585, 9.610, 5.429, respectively, all P<0.05). The scores of SDS and SAS in nasal septal deviation group were 46.0±10.6 and 43.0±10.2, which were higher than that in the Chinese standard and control group (t value was 5.342, 6.236, 1.476, 3.013, respectively, all P<0.05). There were 9 patients companying with depression or anxiety (20.5%, 20.5%, respectively) and 5 patients companying with depression and anxiety in nasal septal deviation group (11.4%). There were positive correlation not only between the scores of SDS and the depression factor of SCL-90 but also between the scores of SAS and the anxiety factor of SCL-90 (Z=0.415, P=0.005, Z=0.445, P=0.002, respectively). The scores of SDS and SAS had positive correlation (Z=0.392, P=0.008). The VAS score of nasal obstruction was 6.0±3.2. The rhinomanometry in inspiratory and expiratory phase were (0.202±0.140) kPa·S/cm³ and (0.230±0.161) kPa·S/cm³. Besides the positive correlation between the rhinomanometry in inspiratory phase and SDS (Z=0.332, P=0.045), the psychological scores, including SCL-90 score, depression, anxiety factors score, SAS and SDS, had no correlation with VAS scores and rhinomanometry (r value was -0.030, -0.052, -0.026, 0.107, 0.185, 0.066, 0.160, 0.203, respectively, all P>0.05). Conclusions: High prevalence of depression and anxiety is found in patients with deviation of nasal septum. The SCL-90 score is consistent with SDS and SAS. Besides the positive correlation between the rhinomanometry in inspiratory phase and SDS, the psychological scores (SCL-90 score, depression, anxiety factors score, SAS and SDS) have no correlation with VAS score and rhinomanometry.

Comparison between traditional and small-diameter tube-assisted bronchoscopic balloon dilatation in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy between using a small-diameter tube-assisted bronchoscopic balloon dilatation (BBD) and the traditional BBD in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study included 58 patients with benign tracheal stenosis from August 2009 to December 2014 was made. The patients who underwent traditional BBD were divided into group A, and who underwent a small-diameter tube-assisted BBD were divided into group B. The tracheal diameter, dyspnea index and blood gas analysis results were detected before and after BBD. Efficacy and complications were evaluated after BBD.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in oxygen saturation (PaO₂ ) during the operations comparing with before and after operations in group A (P = .005), while there was no significant difference in group B (P = .079). The tracheal diameter obviously increased (in group A, from 4.16 ± 1.43 mm to 12.47 ± 1.41 mm, P = .000; in group B: from 4.94 ± 1.59 mm to 12.61 ± 1.41 mm, P = .000). Dyspnea index obviously decreased (group A: from 3.21 ± 0.93 to 0.50 ± 0.59, P = .000; group B: from 3.24 ± 0.89 to 0.65 ± 0.69, P = .000). The immediately cure rate in both groups was 100%. Long-term effect was significantly better in group B than that in group A (85.3% vs 59.1%, P = .021), at the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Small-diameter tube-assisted BBD obtains better safety and long-term efficacy than the traditional BBD in the treatment of benign tracheal stenosis. However, close attention should be given to the risk of the adverse effects caused by carbon dioxide retention.

Application of UV absorbance and fluorescence indicators to assess the formation of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon and bromate during ozonation

This study examined the significance of changes of UV absorbance and fluorescence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) as surrogate indicators for assessing the formation of bromate and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) during the ozonation of surface water and wastewater effluent. Spectroscopic monitoring was carried out using benchtop UV/Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometers and a newly developed miniature LED UV/fluorescence sensor capable of rapidly measuring UVA280 and protein-like and humic-like fluorescence. With the increase of O₃/DOC mass ratio, the plots of BDOC formation were characterized of initial lag, transition slope and final plateau. With the decrease of UV absorbance and fluorescence, BDOC concentrations initially increased slowly and then rose more noticeably. Inflection points in plots of BDOC versus changes of spectroscopic indicators were close to 35-45% loss of UVA254 or UVA280 and 75-85% loss of humic-like fluorescence. According to the data from size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with organic carbon detection and 2D synchronous correlation analyses, DOM fractions assigned to operationally defined large biopolymers (apparent molecular weight, AMW>20 kDa) and medium AMW humic substances (AMW 5.5-20 kDa) were transformed into medium-size building blocks (AMW 3-5.5 kDa) and other smaller AMW species (AMW<3 kDa) associated with BDOC at increasing O₃/DOC ratios. Appreciable bromate formation was observed only after the values of UVA254, UVA280 and humic-like fluorescence in O₃-treated samples were decreased by 45-55%, 50-60% and 86-92% relative to their respective initial levels. No significant differences in plots of bromate concentrations versus decreases of humic-like fluorescence were observed for surface water and wastewater effluent samples. This was in contrast with the plots of bromate concentration versus UVA254 and UVA280 which exhibited sensitivity to varying initial bromide concentrations in the investigated water matrixes. These results suggest that measurements of humic-like fluorescence can provide a useful supplement to UVA indices for characterization of ozonation processes.

Assessment of the benthic macrofauna in an artificial shell reef zone in Shuangdao Bay, Yellow Sea

The effects of artificial shell reef (ASR) on the benthic macroinvertebrates were studied in Shuangdao Bay, Yellow Sea, China. Results showed that the biomass of macroinvertebrates in the ASR increased with the age of the ASR. Based on self-organizing map (SOM), the macroinvertebrate community of short-term artificial reef (SAR), medium-term artificial reef (MAR) and long-term artificial reef (LAR) emerged as a cluster, which may indicate that the benthic community in the ASR formed after three years. The age of the ASR was the main factor affecting the benthic community. The macroinvertebrates belonged to six phyla, Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda and Echinodermata, among which the latter four were the ones that contributed the most for abundance. The biomass of Mollusca increased dramatically with age. The dissimilarity of the species composition of Mollusca was mainly caused by Meretrix meretrix and Protothaca jedoensis. The two species accounted for 15.61%, 28.05% and 75.11% of the macroinvertebrate biomass found in SAR, MAR and LAR, respectively. The ASR might be served as a bivalve stock enhancement tool. We conclude that ASR could assemble macrobenthos effectively and increase the environmental quality of the adjacent area, being a valid option for marine habitat restoration purposes.

Piezochromism and hydrochromism through electron transfer: new stories for viologen materials

A pyridinium-carboxylate compound undergoes reversible color change under pressure owing to the formation of radicals via electron transfer; dehydration and hydration can also trigger electron transfer.

While viologen derivatives have long been known for electrochromism and photochromism, here we demonstrated that a viologen-carboxylate zwitterionic molecule in the crystalline state exhibits piezochromic and hydrochromic behaviors. The yellow crystal undergoes a reversible color change to red under high pressure, to green after decompression, and finally back to yellow upon standing at ambient pressure. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations suggested that the piezochromism is due to the formation of radicals via pressure-induced electron transfer from carboxylate to pyridinium, without a crystallographic phase transition. It was proposed that electron transfer is induced by pressure-forced reduction of intermolecular donor–acceptor contacts. The electron transfer can also be induced by dehydration, which gives a stable green anhydrous radical phase. The color change is reversible upon reabsorption of water, which triggers reverse electron transfer. The compound not only demonstrates new chromic phenomena for viologen compounds, but also represents the first example of organic mechanochromism and hydrochromism associated with radical formation via electron transfer.

[Progress in the study of central auditory processing disorders]

Summary With the development of artifical ossicular and cochlear implant，the treatment of refractory hearing loss acquire significant breakthrough，thus central auditory processing disorders are becoming the major cause of refractory hearing loss.In this paper，research progress of central auditory processing disorders in clinical and fundamental are reviewed.

Performance, kinetics behaviors and microbial community of internal circulation anaerobic reactor treating wastewater with high organic loading rate: Role of external hydraulic circulation

Performance of internal circulation anaerobic reactor (IC) treating wastewater at high organic loading rate (OLR) and role of external hydraulic circulation were evaluated. When the OLR was increased from 2.50 to 18.94kgCOD/m³/d, COD removal decreased to 85% slightly and methane production increased to 4.49L/L/d with the upflow velocity of 1.0m/h resulted from the additional hydraulic circulation. Withdrawal of external hydraulic circulation led to decrease of COD removal to lower than 60% drastically and methane production by 81%. Accumulation of volatile fatty acids caused decline of pH to below 6.0 and the shift of substrate metabolic pathway to the hybrid fermentation. In addition, both maximum methane production rate and maximum substrate degradation rate obtained from mathematical models decreased significantly. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens including Methanobacterium and Methanocorpusculum predominated in the anaerobic sludge and the shift of microbial community was also observed.

[Characteristic and clinical significance of DNA methyltransferase 3B overexpression in endometrial carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinicopathological significance of the DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) overexpression in endometrial carcinomas and to evaluate its correlation with hormone receptor status.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of DNMT3B and hormone receptors in 104 endometrial carcinomas.

RESULTS

DNMT3B overexpression occurred frequently in endometrioid carcinoma (EC, 54.8%) more than in nonendometrioid carcinoma (NEC, 30.0%) with statistical significance (P=0.028). Furthermore, there was a trend that EC with worse clinico-pathological variables and shorter survival had a higher DNMT3B expression, and the correlation between DNMT3B and tumor grade reached statistical significance (P=0.019).A negative correlation between DNMT3B and estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) expression was found in EC. NMT3B overexpression occurred frequently in the ER or PR negative subgroups (78.9%, 86.7%) more than in the positive subgroups (47.7%, 47.8%) with statistical significance (P=0.016, P=0.006). In addition, the DNMT3B overexpression increased in tumors with both ER and PR negative expression (92.9%, P=0.002). However, no such correlation was found in NEC (P>0.05). Sequence analyses demonstrated multiple ER and PR binding sites in the promoter regions of DNMT3B gene.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the expression of DNMT3B in EC and NEC was different. DNMT3B overexpression in EC was associated with the worse clinicopathological variables and might have predictive value. The methylation status of EC and NEC maybe different. In addition, in EC, DNMT3B overexpression negatively correlated with ER or PR expression. In NEC, the correlation between DNMT3B and ER or PR status was not present.

High-Brightness High-Energy Electron Beams from a Laser Wakefield Accelerator via Energy Chirp Control

By designing a structured gas density profile between the dual-stage gas jets to manipulate electron seeding and energy chirp reversal for compressing the energy spread, we have experimentally produced high-brightness high-energy electron beams from a cascaded laser wakefield accelerator with peak energies in the range of 200-600 MeV, 0.4%-1.2% rms energy spread, 10-80 pC charge, and ∼0.2  mrad rms divergence. The maximum six-dimensional brightness B_{6D,n} is estimated as ∼6.5×10^{15}  A/m^{2}/0.1%, which is very close to the typical brightness of e beams from state-of-the-art linac drivers. These high-brightness high-energy e beams may lead to the realization of compact monoenergetic gamma-ray and intense coherent x-ray radiation sources.

Application of portable online LED UV fluorescence sensor to predict the degradation of dissolved organic matter and trace organic contaminants during ozonation

This work aims to correlate signals of LED UV/fluorescence sensor with the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and trace-level organic contaminants (TOrCs) during ozonation process. Six sets of bench-scale ozonation kinetic experiments incorporated with three different water matrices and 14 TOrCs of different reactivity (group I ∼ V) were conducted. Calibrated by tryptophan and humic substances standards and verified by the lab benchtop spectroscopy, the newly developed portable/online LED sensor, which measures the UV280 absorbance, protein-like and humic-like fluorescence simultaneously, was feasible to monitor chromophores and fluorophores with good sensitivity and accuracy. The liquid chromatography with organic carbon detector combined with 2D synchronous correlation analysis further demonstrated how the DOM components of large molecular weight were transformed into small moieties as a function of the decrease of humic-like fluorescence. For TOrCs, their removal rates were well correlated with the decrease of the LED UV/fluorescence signals, and their elimination patterns were mainly determined by their reactivity with O3 and hydroxyl radicals. At approximately 50% reduction of humic-like fluorescence almost complete oxidation of TOrCs of group I and II was reached, a similar removal percentage (25-75%) of TOrCs of group III and IV, and a poor removal percentage (<25%) of group V. This study might contribute to the smart control of advanced oxidation processes for the water and wastewater treatment in the future.

Response of performance and ammonia oxidizing bacteria community to high salinity stress in membrane bioreactor with elevated ammonia loading

Effect of elevated ammonia loading rate (ALR) and increasing salinity on the operation of membrane bioreactor (MBR) and the response of microbial community were investigated. Results showed that MBR started up with 1% NaCl stress achieved amazing nitrification performance at high salinity up to 4% when treating wastewater containing 1000mg/L NH(+)4-N. Further increasing salinity to 7% led to failure of MBR unrecoverably. Steep decline of sludge activity contributed to the extremely worse performance. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that both ALR and salinity had selective effects on the microbial community structure. In genus level, Methyloversatilis and Maribacter were enriched during the operation. Survival of salt-resistant microbes contributed to the rising of richness and diversity at 2% and 4% NaCl stress. Analysis of amoA-gene-based cloning revealed Nitrosomonas marina are chiefly responsible for catalyzing ammonia oxidation in high ALR at high salinity stress.

Developing LED UV fluorescence sensors for online monitoring DOM and predicting DBPs formation potential during water treatment

Online monitoring dissolved organic matter (DOM) is urgent for water treatment management. In this study, high performance size exclusion chromatography with multi-UV absorbance and multi-emission fluorescence scans were applied to spectrally characterize samples from 16 drinking water sources across Yangzi River and Huai River Watersheds. The UV absorbance indices at 254 nm and 280 nm referred to the same DOM components and concentration, and the 280 nm UV light could excite both protein-like and humic-like fluorescence. Hence a novel UV fluorescence sensor was developed out using only one UV280 light-emitting diode (LED) as light source. For all samples, enhanced coagulation was mainly effective for large molecular weight biopolymers; while anion exchange further substantially removed humic substances. During chlorination tests, UVA280 and UVA254 showed similar correlations with yields of disinfection byproducts (DBPs); the humic-like fluorescence obtained from LED sensors correlated well with both trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids yields, while the correlation between protein-like fluorescence and trihalomethanes was relatively poor. Anion exchange exhibited more reduction of DBPs yields as well as UV absorbance and fluorescence signals than enhanced coagulation. The results suggest that the LED UV fluorescence sensors are very promising for online monitoring DOM and predicting DBPs formation potential during water treatment.

Management of Benign Tracheal Stenosis by Small-diameter Tube-assisted Bronchoscopic Balloon Dilatation

Background:

A limitation of bronchoscopic balloon dilatation (BBD) is that airflow must be completely blocked for as long as possible during the operation. However, the patient often cannot hold his or her breath for a long period affecting the efficacy of the procedure. In this study, we used an extra-small-diameter tube to provide assisted ventilation to patients undergoing BBD and assessed the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Methods:

Bronchoscopic balloon dilatation was performed in 26 patients with benign tracheal stenosis using an extra-small-diameter tube. The tracheal diameter, dyspnea index, blood gas analysis results, and complications were evaluated before and after BBD. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 16.0 for Windows (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

Sixty-three BBD procedures were performed in 26 patients. Dyspnea immediately improved in all patients after BBD. The tracheal diameter significantly increased from 5.5 ± 1.5 mm to 13.0 ± 1.3 mm (P < 0.001), and the dyspnea index significantly decreased from 3.4 ± 0.8 to 0.5 ± 0.6 (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the partial pressure of oxygen during the operation (before, 102.5 ± 27.5 mmHg; during, 96.9 ± 30.4 mmHg; and after, 97.2 ± 21.5 mmHg; P = 0.364), but there was slight temporary retention of carbon dioxide during the operation (before, 43.5 ± 4.2 mmHg; during, 49.4 ± 6.8 mmHg; and after, 40.1 ± 3.9 mmHg; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Small-diameter tube-assisted BBD is an effective and safe method for the management of benign tracheal stenosis.

Removal of fluorescent dissolved organic matter in biologically treated textile effluents by NDMP anion exchange process: efficiency and mechanism

The efficiency and mechanism of anion exchange resin Nanda Magnetic Polymer (NDMP) for removal of fluorescent dissolved organic matter in biologically treated textile effluents were studied. The bench-scale experiments showed that as well as activated carbon, anion exchange resin could efficiently remove both aniline-like and humic-like fluorescent components, which can be up to 40 % of dissolved organic matter. The humic-like fluorescent component HS-Em460-Ex3 was more hydrophilic than HS-Em430-Ex2 and contained fewer alkyl chains but more acid groups. As a result, HS-Em460-Ex3 was eliminated more preferentially by NDMP anion exchange. However, compared with adsorption resins, the polarity of fluorescent components had a relatively small effect on the performance of anion exchange resin. The long-term pilot-scale experiments showed that the NDMP anion exchange process could remove approximately 30 % of the chemical oxygen demand and about 90 % of color from the biologically treated textile effluents. Once the issue of waste brine from resin desorption is solved, the NDMP anion exchange process could be a promising alternative for the advanced treatment of textile effluents.

Association between MTHFR gene polymorphisms (C677T, A1298C) and genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer: a meta-analysis

Genetic polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) were shown to be related to prostate cancer risk in previous studies; however, the results are controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of previous studies and quantitatively estimated these associations. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Database were searched for published case-control studies evaluating the association between C677T (or A1298C) and prostate cancer risk. Pooled associations were presented as odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals. Twenty-one case control studies were identified for meta-analysis that included 21,581 participants. No significant associations were found between the MTHFR polymorphisms C677T or A1298C and prostate cancer risk in our meta-analysis. However, in subgroup analyses, the C677T CT polymorphism was associated with increased prostate cancer risk in East Asians (CT vs CC+TT: OR = 1.324, P = 0.03). The A1298C CC polymorphism in MTHFR was also linked to slightly reduced prostate cancer risk in European residents (CC vs AC+AA: OR = 0.751, P = 0.004; CC vs AA: OR = 0.768, P = 0.011), whereas it was associated with a significantly increased prostate cancer risk in Asian residents (CC vs AA: OR = 1.862, P = 0.006). The C677T CT polymorphism of MTHFR may be a risk factor for prostate cancer in East Asians. The association between the MTHFR A1298C CC genotype and prostate cancer risk may vary within different populations. Large-scale well-designed studies are required to confirm these associations.

Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Value in Clinical Evaluation of Tumor Response to Locoregional Treatment

The established size-based image biomarkers for tumor burden measurement continue to be applied to solid tumors, as size measurement can easily be used in clinical practice. However, in the setting of novel targeted therapies and liver-directed locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), simple tumor anatomic changes can be less informative and usually appear later than biologic changes. Functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has the potential to be a promising technique for assessment of HCC response to therapy. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is now widely used as a standard imaging modality to evaluate the liver. This review discusses the current clinical value of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the evaluation of tumor response after nonsurgical locoregional treatment of HCC.

Vagal afferent-dependent cholecystokinin modulation of visceral pain requires central amygdala NMDA-NR2B receptors in rats

BACKGROUND

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a gut hormone that is released during feeding, exerts gastrointestinal effects in part through vagal pathway. It is reported to be a potential trigger for increased postprandial visceral sensitivity in healthy subjects and, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. NR2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the central amygdala (CeA) participate in pain modulation. Systemically administered CCK activates the CeA-innervating neurons. Here, we investigated whether CCK modulation of visceral sensitivity is mediated through CeA NMDA-NR2B receptors and whether this modulation involves vagal pathway.

METHODS

We first examined the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention (CRD) following i.p. injection of CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) in a rat model. Next, the NR2B antagonist ifenprodil and the NR2A antagonist NVP-AAM077 were microinjected into the CeA before systemic CCK injection. NR2B phosphorylation was detected by Western blot. To down-regulate NR2B gene expression, NR2B-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was delivered into CeA neurons by electroporation. In addition, the effects of functional deafferentation by perivagal application of capsaicin and pretreatment with the CCK1 receptor antagonist devazepide were investigated.

KEY RESULTS

CCK-8 increased VMR to CRD in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was blunted by intra-CeA administration of ifenprodil (but not NVP-AAM077) and was accompanied by phosphorylation of NR2B subunits in the CeA. CCK failed to increase VMR to CRD in NR2B siRNA-treated rats. Perivagal capsaicin application and pretreatment with devazepide prevented CCK-induced pronociception and CeA NR2B phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The pronociception induced by systemic CCK, which is vagal afferent-dependent, requires activation of CeA NMDA-NR2B receptors.

Association of BCSC-1 with human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Breast cancer suppressor candidate-1 (BCSC-1) is a newly identified candidate tumor suppressor gene. BCSC-1 shows decreased levels in a variety of cancer types. In this study, we investigated the association between BCSC-1 and human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). BCSC-1 expression was detected in ESCC and normal tissues adjacent to tumor tissues by Western blot analysis and real-time PCR  as well as immunohistochemistry of paraffin sections. The relationships between BCSC-1 expression and various clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR showed that levels of BCSC-1 protein and mRNA expression in ESCC significantly decreased compared with those in adjacent normal tissues.  Immunohistochemistry exhibited marked reduction of BCSC-1 in 38 of 105 ESCC specimens. Moreover, downregulation of BCSC-1 was associated with the grade of tumor cellular differentiation (P<0.05). These findings indicate that BCSC-1 downregulation in ESCC is associated with carcinogenesis and may play important roles during the process of ESCC cancer development.

Inhibition of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) Activity by constituents of Schisandra chinensis

Structure-activity relationship for the inhibition of Schisandra chinensis's ingredients toward (Uridine-Diphosphate) UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) activity was performed in the present study. In vitro incubation system was employed to screen the inhibition capability of S. chinensis's ingredients, and in silico molecular docking method was carried out to explain possible mechanisms. At 100 μM of compounds, the activity of UGTs was inhibited by less than 90% by schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisandrin, schisandrin C, schisantherin A, gomisin D, and gomisin G. Schisandrin A exerted strong inhibition toward UGT1A1 and UGT1A3, with the residual activity to be 7.9% and 0% of control activity. Schisanhenol exhibited strong inhibition toward UGT2B7, with the residual activity to be 7.9% of control activity. Gomisin J of 100 μM inhibited 91.8% and 93.1% of activity of UGT1A1 and UGT1A9, respectively. Molecular docking prediction indicated different hydrogen bonds interaction resulted in the different inhibition potential induced by subtle structure alteration among schisandrin A, schisandrin, and schisandrin C toward UGT1A1 and UGT1A3: schisandrin A > schisandrin > schisandrin C. The detailed inhibition kinetic evaluation showed the strong inhibition of gomisin J toward UGT1A9 with the inhibition kinetic parameter (Ki ) to be 0.7 μM. Based on the concentrations of gomisin J in the plasma of the rats given with S. chinensis, high herb-drug interaction existed between S. chinensis and drugs mainly undergoing UGT1A9-mediated metabolism. In conclusion, in silico-in vitro method was used to give the inhibition information and possible inhibition mechanism for S. chinensis's components toward UGTs, which guide the clinical application of S. chinensis.

An effective seed protection method for planting Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds: Implications for their large-scale restoration

We describe an innovative method of planting Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds in which hessian bags filled with high-silted sediments are used as a seed protecting device. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of the method through a field seed-sowing experiment over a three year period. The suitable seed planting density required by the seeds of Z. marina in this method was also investigated. In the spring following seed distribution, seedling establishment rate of Z. marina subjected to different seed densities of 200-500seedsbag(-1) ranged from 16% to 26%. New eelgrass patches from seed were fully developed and well maintained after 2-3years following distribution. The seed planting density of 400seedsbag(-1) may be the most suitable for the establishment of new eelgrass patches. Our results demonstrate that seed-based restoration can be an effective restoration tool and the technique presented should be considered for future large-scale Z. marina restoration projects.

Proteomic analysis identifies differentially expressed proteins participating in forming Type III brush hair in Yangtze River Delta white goat

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a goat breed that can produce high quality brush hair (Type III hair) around the world. This study aimed to compare Type III hair and non-Type III hair goat skin tissues using differentially expressed proteins based on 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis technology. The differentially expressed protein spots were analyzed using the PDquest 8.0 software. Ten protein spots were detected as positive for mass spectrometric analysis based on a threshold of 2-fold change. Through matching based on Ultraflex III TOF/TOF and MASCOT database, four differentially expressed proteins were identified. Fibrinogen beta chain isoform 1 and ATP synthase beta subunit were upregulated in Type III hair, while succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid-coenzyme A transferase 1-mitochondrial-like and actin-cytoplasmic 1 were upregulated in non-Type III hair. The 4 proteins play important roles in different aspects of hair follicle development. These findings could pave a good foundation for explaining the mechanism of forming Type III hair.

Downregulation of PLK1 by RNAi attenuates the tumorigenicity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via promoting apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis

Polo-like kinase 1(PLK1) is essential for the maintenance of genomic stability during mitosis. PLK1 has been reported to be upregulated in several solid tumors, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the role of PLK1 in tumorigenesis of ESCC remains undetermined. We used siRNA and lentivirus-mediated PLK1 RNA interference to investigate the tumor suppressor function of PLK1 reduction in ESCC cells. Flow cytometry and Terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling assay in vitro, as well as immunohistochemitry analysis of Caspase-3 and CD31 in s.c. tumor tissue section, were performed. Knock down of PLK1 expression significantly suppressed the ability of ESCC cells to form colonies in plastic and soft agar. PLK1 reduction mediated by lentivirus caused growth suppression of ESCC in nude mice. Caspase-3 upregulation further indicated that dysregulated apoptosis might contribute to reduced tumorigenecity. In particular, downregulation of CD31 suggested that PLK1 reduction-induced angiogenesis inhibition may also contribute, at least in part, to attenuated tumorigenecity. These findings indicate that PLK1 might play roles in tumorigenesis of ESCC and that PLK1 might be a potential gene therapy target in ESCC. Apoptosis induction together with decreased angiogenesis might be involved in the mechanism of tumor suppressor function of RNA interference targeting PLK1.

Catalpol regulates function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical-axis in an Alzheimer's disease rat model

AIMS

To investigate the regulating effects of catalpol on the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenocortical-axis (HPA) in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) rat model.

METHODS

Healthy male Wistar Rats were selected. The AD model was generated by orthotopic injection of beta-amyloid 25-35 (Abeta25-35) into the right lateral ventricle. The animals were divided into five study groups: Catalpol at low dose (5 mg/kg), Catalpol at high dose (10 mg/kg), model control group and sham surgery control group, n = 9 respectively. The serum concentration of hydrocortisone (HYD), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Structural alterations of the hypothalamus were examined by H&E stain and electron microscope. The CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) positive neurons were detected with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Serum HYD level was significantly increased (p < 0.01), and both ACTH and CRH were dramatically decreased (p < 0.01) in the AD model group rats compared with normal control rats at day 7. Catalpol treatment was able to improve the hormone secretion disorder in AD model group rats compared with the model group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) in particular at 21 days. Structure damage of hypothalamus in the AD rat as evidenced less CRHR1 positive neurons, rough endoplasmic reticulum dilation and degranulation, and mitochondrial swelling under electron microscope. Catalpol treatment at both high and low doses was able to alleviate the structure damage of the hypothalamus in the AD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Catalpol could improve the endocrine function of the HPA and alleviate the structural damage of hypothalamus in AD rats.

Utility of diffusion-weighted imaging to assess hepatocellular carcinoma viability following transarterial chemoembolization

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to assess hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) viability following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). A total of 41 consecutive patients were treated according to chemoembolization protocols. The follow-up was performed between six and eight weeks post-chemoembolization by multidetector computed tomography [or enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] and DW-MRI on the same day. The presence of any residual tumor and the extent of tumor necrosis were evaluated according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the entire area of the treated mass and the vital and necrotic tumor tissues were recorded. Correlation coefficients were also calculated to compare the percentage of necrosis with ADC values. The mean ADC values of the necrotic and vital tumor tissues were 2.22±0.31×10^-3 mm²/sec and 1.42±0.25×10^-3 mm²/sec, respectively (Mann-Whitney U test, P<0.001). The results from the receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the threshold ADC value was 1.84×10^-3 mm²/sec with 92.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity for identifying the necrotic tumor tissues. A significant linear regression correlation was identified between the ADC value of the entire area of the treated mass and the extent of tumor necrosis (r=0.58; P<0.001). In conclusion, DWI can be used to assess HCC viability following TACE.

Long-term effects of evodiamine on expressions of lipogenesis and lipolysis genes in mouse adipose and liver tissues

Evodiamine, the major alkaloid component isolated from the fruit of dried, unripened Evodia rutaecarpa Bentham, affects the plasma levels of cholecystokinin and various biological events such as gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit; these effects of evodiamine were previously investigated in male rats. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of evodiamine on average daily weight gain, rectal temperature, and expressions of genes involved in lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissues. Evodiamine was added as a supplement, comprising 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06% of the diet fed to mice for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Results showed that average daily weight gain and rectal temperature decreased significantly over time in a dose-dependent manner. Evodiamine changed expressions of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPARg) in mouse adipose and liver tissues in time- and dose-dependent manners. We found that evodiamine decreased mRNA expression of the sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase in adipose tissue. In addition, evodiamine increased expressions of hormone-sensitive lipase in both liver and adipose tissues. Interestingly, evodiamine increased the expression of triglyceride hydrolase only in adipose tissue. In conclusion, evodiamine could influence lipid metabolism through regulation of the expressions of its key genes, as well as reduce body heat and body weight.

Characterization of dissolved organic matter in municipal wastewater using fluorescence PARAFAC analysis and chromatography multi-excitation/emission scan: a comparative study

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in municipal wastewater was mainly characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) with multi-excitation/emission fluorescence scan. Meanwhile, fluorescence excitation-emission-matrix combined with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) was also applied. Compared with chromatography fluorescence fingerprints, the EEM-PARAFAC model could not reflect the variety of DOM species with similar fluorescence but different physicochemical properties. The chromatography results showed that the protein-like species were variable among different municipal wastewater treatment plants, some of which are in combination with humic-like species; while there were two major humic-like species fractionated by hydrophilicity and molecular weight (MW), which are also the major contributors to UV absorbance at 254 nm. It was also identified that the relatively hydrophilic humic fractions were slightly larger than the relatively hydrophobic humic fractions. In all the investigated wastewater treatment plants, the relatively hydrophilic and larger MW humic fraction mainly contributed to the fluorescence intensity of humic-like EEM-PARAFAC components. As well as facilitating interpretations of EEM-PARAFAC components, the HPLC/HPSEC fluorescence fingerprints also contributed to a better understanding of fluorescent DOM species in municipal wastewater.

Comparison of three different time points of starting treadmill training in spinal cord injured rats

OBJECTIVE

It has been widely acknowledged that early treadmill training plays an important role in rewiring neurons in a functionally meaningful manner in spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. However, it is still unclear how early to start treadmill training to obtain the most efficacious results after SCI. The purpose of this study was to find the earliest time point when treadmill training was most effective in rewiring neurons.

METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into five groups: a sham group, control group, and three treadmill groups based on training start time post-injury: a 24 h group, 48 h group, and 72 h group.

RESULTS

The results revealed that in the 72 h group, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnaham scores increased and apoptotic cells decreased significantly compared to the other groups. There were no statistically differences in neuron counting and 5-bromo-2V-deoxyuridine assays between the groups.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the best start time for treadmill training is 72 h after SCI.

[Relationships between Dendrobium quality and ecological factors based on partial least square regression]

A total of eleven ecological factors values were obtained from the ecological suitability database of the geographic information system for traditional Chinese medicines production areas (TCM-GIS), and the relationships between the chemical components of Dendrobium and the ecological factors were analyzed by partial least square (PLS) regression. There existed significant differences in the chemical components contents of the same species of Dendrobium in different areas. The polysaccharides content of D. officinale had significant positive correlation with soil type, the accumulated dendrobine in D. nobile was significantly positively correlated with annual precipitation, and the erianin content of D. chrysotoxum was mainly affected by air temperature. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that Zhejiang Province was the optimal production area for D. officinale, Guizhou Province was the most appropriate planting area for D. nobile, and Yunnan Province was the best production area of D. chrysotoxum.