Prevalence of pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with high pollen exposure in grasslands of northern China

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician-diagnosed pollen-induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence.

METHODS

A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer-administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count.

RESULTS

A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Pollen-induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions.

Electrically controlled transformation of memristive titanates into mesoporous titanium oxides via incongruent sublimation

Perovskites such as SrTiO3, BaTiO3, and CaTiO3 have become key materials for future energy-efficient memristive data storage and logic applications due to their ability to switch their resistance reversibly upon application of an external voltage. This resistance switching effect is based on the evolution of nanoscale conducting filaments with different stoichiometry and structure than the original oxide. In order to design and optimize memristive devices, a fundamental understanding of the interaction between electrochemical stress, stoichiometry changes and phase transformations is needed. Here, we follow the approach of investigating these effects in a macroscopic model system. We show that by applying a DC voltage under reducing conditions on a perovskite slab it is possible to induce stoichiometry polarization allowing for a controlled decomposition related to incongruent sublimation of the alkaline earth metal starting in the surface region. This way, self-formed mesoporous layers can be generated which are fully depleted by Sr (or Ba, Ca) but consist of titanium oxides including TiO and Ti3O with tens of micrometre thickness. This illustrates that phase transformations can be induced easily by electrochemical driving forces.

Characterisation of flower colouration in 30 Rhododendron species via anthocyanin and flavonol identification and quantitative traits

Floral colour is a key reproductive character, often associated with environmental adaptation, and subject to human intervention. A large number of Rhododendron species differ widely in flower colour, providing a good model for flower colouration. The chromatic features and anthocyanin compositions of 30 species from seven subgenera were systematically analysed. The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart and CIE L*a*b* system were employed to describe and investigate flower colours. The UPLC-PDA/ESI-MSⁿ system was used to identify and quantify anthocyanins in petal extracts. The flower colours of 30 Rhododendron species were categorised into four groups - red, purplish pink, purple and white. Seven anthocyanins were identified and quantified in petals: delphinidin, cyanidin and malvidin 3-O-arabinoside-5-O-glucosides, cyanidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside, 3-O-galactoside and 3-O-arabinoside, and delphinidin 3-O-glucoside. The red-flowered species mainly contained cyanidin monoglycosides and had much higher total anthocyanin content than purplish pink- and purple-flowered species. Purplish pink- and purple-flowered species had similar anthocyanin types and content. The chromatic differences were significant among groups, except the purplish pink and purple groups. Statistical analysis showed that Cy3Gal and Cy3Arb are characteristic for red-flowered species, and Mv3Arb5G and Dp3Arb5G play important roles in purple colouration; their contents were major components that greatly affected the chromatic parameters. In total, 21 flavonol derivates were identified. However, total flavonol content and co-pigmentation index showed no significant difference or correlation among/with colour groups, suggesting that flavonols might not play a major role in colouration. These results enhance our knowledge of the biochemical basis of flower colouration in Rhododendron species, and provide a foundation for genetic variation studies and aid in breeding cultivars with novel flower colours.

Polydopamine–polyethylene glycol–albumin antifouling coatings on multiple substrates

Polydopamine–PEG coatings on different substrates: effects of PDA layer properties on PEG grafting and anti-biofouling properties.

Antioxidant supplementation, effect on post-thaw spermatozoan function in three sturgeon species

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may be associated with reduced sperm quality, can be detected during cryopreservation of sperm of some species. Our objective was to investigate whether the addition of antioxidants to cryopreservation extenders influenced post-thaw sperm characteristics and fertility in Acipenser dabryanus, Acipenser sinensis and Acipenser baerii. Prior to freezing, sperm samples were diluted with a base extender as control or in extender supplemented with catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), cysteine (NAC), ascorbic acid (VC) or their paired combinations. Protective concentrations of CAT, GSH and VC in the three species were 25 U/ml, 0.25-0.5 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. Cysteine showed no protective effect against ROS. The addition of CAT, GSH and VC positively affected either acrosome or membrane integrity of post-thawed sperm in the three species, as well as spermatozoan motility in A. sinensis. The combination of antioxidants did not show a positive synergistic effect. This study suggested that the use of antioxidants in the cryopreservation of sturgeon sperm has potential to decrease intracellular ROS, and consequently preserve acrosome and membrane integrity, as well as spermatozoan motility.

Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse intestinal macrophages is mediated by activation of JNK

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been considered as a metabolic disorder disease, which closely related to insulin signaling impairment. Therefore, identifying the potential mechanism of insulin resistance is important for AD treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mouse model was introduced to study insulin resistance in gut. The expressions of AD markers and key elements of insulin signaling were detected in ileum and intestinal macrophages of AD mice by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, mouse intestinal macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was treated by Aβ25-35 or Aβ25-35 + insulin to explore the mechanism of insulin resistance in vitro. The expression of IR-β and the activation of cell signaling related proteins (Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), protein kinase B (AKT) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)) in Aβ25-35-stimulated macrophages were performed via Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expressions of IRS1, Aβ and Tuj in AD mice ileum were significantly different from WT mice (p<0.05). Also, there were significant discrepancies in the expressions of β2AR and eNOS in intestinal macrophages of two groups (p<0.05). After exposure to Aβ25-35, cell proliferation rate (p<0.01) of macrophage and the levels of TNF-α (p<0.01) and Il-6 (p<0.01) was significant elevated and treatment with insulin could reverse these changes (p<0.05). The amount of IR-β and the p-AKT/AKT ratio significantly decreased in Aβ25-35-treated macrophages (p<0.01), while the ratios of p-IRS1/IRS1 and p-JNK/JNK significantly enlarged (p<0.01). Furthermore, all the changes caused by Aβ25-35 treatment were attenuated by insulin addition.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of JNK pathway played an important role in insulin resistance of AD mice, suggesting that inhibition of JNK pathway might be a new strategy toward resolving insulin resistance related diseases, such as AD.

[Sample size for the estimation of F-wave parameters in healthy volunteers and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate whether sample sizes of F-wave study differed according to different nerves, different F-wave parameters, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) patients or healthy subjects. Methods: The F-waves in the median, ulnar, tibial, and deep peroneal nerves of 55 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and 52 healthy subjects were studied to assess the effect of sample size on the accuracy of measurements of the following F-wave parameters: F-wave minimum latency, maximum latency, mean latency, F-wave persistence, F-wave chronodispersion, mean and maximum F-wave amplitude. A hundred stimuli were used in F-wave study. The values obtained from 100 stimuli were considered "true" values and were compared with the corresponding values from smaller samples of 20, 40, 60 and 80 stimuli. F-wave parameters obtained from different sample sizes were compared between the ALS patients and the normal controls. Results: Significant differences were not detected with samples above 60 stimuli for chronodispersion in all four nerves in normal participants. Significant differences were not detected with samples above 40 stimuli for maximum F-wave amplitude in median, ulnar and tibial nerves in normal participants. When comparing ALS patients and normal controls, significant differences were detected in the maximum (median nerve, Z=-3.560, P<0.01; ulnar nerve, t=5.019, P<0.01; tibial nerve, Z=-2.475, P<0.05; peroneal nerve, Z=-2.088, P<0.05)and mean F-wave latency (median nerve, Z=-3.243, P<0.01; ulnar nerve, t=3.876, P<0.01; tibial nerve, Z=-2.206, P<0.05; peroneal nerve, Z=-2.205, P<0.05)in all four nerves, F-wave chronodispersion (Z=-3.152, P<0.01)in the ulnar nerve, F-wave persistence in the median (Z=6.139, P<0.01)and ulnar nerves(Z=5.350, P<0.01), mean F-wave amplitude in the tibial nerve(t=2.981, P<0.01), maximum F-wave amplitude in the ulnar (Z=-2.134, P<0.05)and tibial nerves (t=2.746, P<0.01)with 20 stimuli; for chronodispersion in tibial nerve (t=2.551, P<0.05)100 stimuli, for chronodispersion in peroneal nerve (Z=-2.086, P<0.05)80 stimuli, for F-wave persistence in tibial nerve (Z=2.119, P<0.05) 60 stimuli, for mean F-wave amplitude in ulnar (Z=-2.552, P<0.05)and peroneal nerve (Z=-2.228, P<0.05)40 stimuli, for maximum F-wave amplitude in peroneal nerve (t=2.693, P<0.01)60 stimuli were necessary to detect differences. Conclusions: Sample sizes of F-wave study differed according to different nerves, different F-wave parameters , and ALS patients or healthy subjects.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in mast cells contributes to the regulation of inflammatory cytokines in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) and mast cells (MCs) are possibly involved in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but details on their role and interactions still remain undetermined. We aimed to investigate the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in MCs of the colon of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and elucidated a potential role of NO in the differential regulation of cytokines in MCs.

METHODS

Colonic mucosal biopsies of 19 IBS-D patients and 16 healthy controls were collected. The expression of tryptase and iNOS was investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. Effects of NO on the expression of cytokines in rat bone marrow MCs (BMMCs) were examined using a cytokine array by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treatment.

KEY RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry for tryptase revealed an increase in number of MCs with extensive iNOS expression in the colonic mucosa of IBS-D. Tryptase, iNOS and interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in IBS-D compared with healthy controls. Specifically, a positive correlation between tryptase and iNOS protein expression was observed in the colon of IBS-D (r = 0.667, p < 0.05). Supernatant from IBS-D increased iNOS expression in BMMCs. Antibody array showed that agrin, beta-nerve growth factor, fractalkine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-1β, IL-1R6, IL-13, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha were suppressed, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2α, CINC-3, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, matrix metalloproteinase-8 were strongly produced in L-NAME treated BMMCs, comparable to levels in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our findings provide new evidence that NO is able to regulate many cytokines in MCs that may be involved in the development of IBS.

Evaluation of novel assays for the detection of human papilloma virus in self-collected samples for cervical cancer screening

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three new high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) assays for primary cervical cancer screening, by using self-collected samples, and to identify an HPV assay that could overcome the major obstacles faced during large-scale population-based screening. Two hundred and ten women showing abnormal cervical cytology (and referred for a colposcopy) were recruited in this study. Self-collected samples obtained from all women were tested with the Cobas, Seq, and BioPerfectus Multiplex Real Time HPV assays; simultaneously, clinician-collected samples (from the same women) were tested with the gold-standard Cobas HPV assay. The results of all the assays were consistent. The sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) and CIN3+ were comparable between the self-collected samples tested with the three new assays and the clinician-collected samples tested with the Cobas HPV assay (P > 0.05). The single-genotype HPV load per sample did not differ significantly between the self- and clinician-collected samples (P = 0.195). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated the applicability of the three new HPV assays for primary cervical cancer screening based on self-collection.

Microsatellite markers reveal genetic divergence among wild and cultured populations of Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus

Studies of genetic diversity and genetic population structure are critical for the conservation and management of endangered species. The Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus is a vulnerable monotypic species in China, which is at a risk of decline owing to fluctuations in effective population size and other demographic and environmental factors. We screened 11 microsatellite loci in 214 individuals to assess genetic differentiation in both wild and cultured populations. The single extant wild population had a higher number of alleles (13) than the cultured populations (average 7.3). High levels of genetic diversity, expressed as observed and expected heterozygosity (HO = 0.771, HE = 0.748, respectively), were found in both wild and cultured populations. We also report significant differentiation among wild and cultured populations (global FST = 0.023, P < 0.001). Both STRUCTURE analysis and neighbor-joining tree revealed three moderately divergent primary genetic clusters: the wild Yangtze population and the Sichuan population were each identified as an individual cluster, with the remaining populations clustered together. Twenty-two samples collected from the Yangtze River were assigned to the cultured population, demonstrating the efficacy of artificial propagation to avoid drastic reduction in the population size of M. asiaticus. These genetic data support the endangered status of the M. asiaticus and have implications for conservation management planning.

Study on application of GRACE scoring system on nursing of ACS patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze application effects of specialized emergency nursing mode based on Global Registry Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scoring system on Acute Coronary System (ACS) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

135 ACS cases in this hospital of the same period were selected and they were divided into control group (65 cases) and observation group (70 cases) according to random number method and their order of hospitalization. The standard specialized nursing mode was applied in the control group while specialized nursing mode based on GRACE scoring system was applied in observation group to compare treatment effects.

RESULTS

We found that average time of Door-to-Balloon, surgery time and length of stay in observation group were shortened and the occurrence rate of complications during and after surgery was significantly lowered. The remedy achievement ratio and satisfaction scores on nursing are increased and differences were of statistical significance (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The stratified nursing was used to ACS patients based on GRACE scoring system, which was able to significantly increase remedy achievement ratio and decrease complications and, therefore, nursing quality is improved.

Consumption of Chilies, but not Sweet Peppers, Is Positively Related to Handgrip Strength in an Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Chili consumption may have a beneficial effect on muscle strength in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of chili consumption and handgrip strength in adults.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study used baseline data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3 717 subjects were recruited to the study. Frequency of chili consumption during the previous month was assessed using a valid self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between muscle strength and frequency of chili consumption. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, significant relationships were observed between different categories of chili consumption and handgrip strength in males, the means (95% confidence interval) for handgrip strength across chili consumption categories were 44.7 (42.1, 47.2) for < one time/week; 45.5 (42.9, 48.1) for one time/week; and 45.8 (43.3, 48.4) for ≥ 2-3 times/week (P for trend < 0.01). Similar results were not observed with sweet pepper consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a positive correlation between frequency of chili consumption and muscle strength in adult males. Further studies are necessary in order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between chili consumption frequency and muscle strength.

Effects of atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine on myocardial injury and inflammatory mediator in unstable angina patients during perioperative of percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine on periprocedural myocardial injury and serum inflammatory mediators in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

90 patients with UAP treated with conventional medications and PCI were recruited and were randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group. The control group had 42 patients were treated with atorvastatin alone, while the experimental group had 48 cases treated with atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine. All the patients were checked the preoperative 24h and postoperative 24h PCI concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interlukin-10 (IL-10).

RESULTS

At the pre-PCI stage, every serum factors was no significant difference. 24 hours after the PCI intervention, the occurence of abnormal cTnI level in the experimental group was remarkable reduced than the control group. In the experimental group, the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly decreased (p < 0.05); while IL-10 was increased. In the control group, all the mediators were increased significantly except the hs-CRP (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No unexpected symptom was found in patients with large dose atorvastatin combined with large dose trimetazidine. The administration of conventional medications together with the atorvastatin plus trimetazidine were able to reduce the prevalence of postoperative myocardial injury.