[Endonasal endoscopic surgery in treatment of medial recus muscle entrapment: the management and effectiveness]

Objective:To explore the indications , surgery method and effect for the treatment of medial rectus muscle entrapment with endoscopic surgery.Method: Eight medial rectus muscle entrapment patients were enrolled in this study,3 cases underwent obital medial wall fracture reposition and medial rectus muscle adhesion decomposition surgery through endonasal endoscope,and 5 cases received obital medial wall fracture reposition surgery with endoscope through nasal cavity and lacrimal caruncle conjunctival incision. Result:The diplopia disappeared and eyeball abduction function recovered in 6 cases of medial rectus muscle entrapment patients within 2 months,and 1 case with each surgery had mild diplopia and eyeball incomplete abduction left.Conclusion:Adopting endonasal endoscopic surgery or dual approaches surgery with endonasal endoscopic and transcaruncular surgery were ideal methods for medial rectus muscle entrapment diseases.Surgery with endoscope has the characteristics of clear field and less damage.The surgery should be performed whithin 3 weeks, and the entrapment of medial rectus muscle can be resoved effectively.

[Clinical analysis of cutaneous manifestations and related factors in patients with ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cutaneous manifestations in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and related factors.

METHODS

Patients admitted to Department of Gastroenterology Peking University First Hospital from January 1994 to December 2014 and diagnosed as UC were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Skin disorders were confirmed by the dermatologists. Clinical data were collected and compared between patients with and without cutaneous manifestations.

RESULTS

Among the total 373 UC patients, there were 34 cases (9.1%) with cutaneous manifestations, including 11 pyoderma gangrenosum, 8 erythema nodosum, 6 eczema, 3 psoriasis, 2 pemphigus, 1 granulomatous cheilitis, 1 ichthyosis, 1 acne rosacea, and 1 impetigo. The skin manifestations may occur after the diagnosis, simultaneously or even before the diagnosis of UC, which were 24, 7 and 3 patients respectively. The mean age in patients with skin lesions was (47.2±12.1) years, male to female ratio 0.79∶1. More patients with skin manifestations had severe activity of UC compared with non-skin group [50.0%(17/34) vs 25.1%(85/339), P=0.01]. In addition, the proportion of extensive colitis in skin lesion group was significantly higher than that in non-skin group [76.5%(26/34) vs 54.6%(185/339), P=0.04].

CONCLUSIONS

The cutaneous manifestations associated with UC are polymorphic, erythema nodosums and pyoderma gangrenosums are the most common skin lesions seen in UC patients. Skin lesions occur concurrently, pre or post the diagnosis of UC. Skin lesions in UC patients suggest more severe disease activity. Clinicians need to pay more attention to this group.

Effect of low temperatures on BAX and BCL2 proteins in rats with spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury

We evaluated changes in BAX and BCL2 expression levels after spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) and hypothermia during operations in rats. Eighty rats were divided into four groups: Group A (N = 20, 18°C); Group B (N = 20, 28°C); Group C (N = 20, room temperature); and Group D (N = 20, sham operation control). Spinal cord ischemia was induced for 90 min. Hypothermia was induced 15 min before, and maintained during ischemia, followed by heating to normothermia for 30 min after reperfusion. Motor function of the lower limbs was evaluated according to the Tarlov score at 72 and 168 h. For each rat, spinal cord samples were taken at 6, 24, 72 h, and 1 week to evaluate the histopathological changes, neuronal apoptosis, and BAX and BCL2 expression levels. Compared with normothermia, hypothermia significantly improved hind limb function; Group B achieved a higher score than Group A. Group D showed no neurologic deficiency, while the other groups showed various degrees. Group C exhibited greater neuronal apoptosis, higher BAX expression, but lower BCL2 expression than the other groups. Compared with Group A, BAX was expressed less and BCL2 more in Group B, and there was less apoptosis in Group B. Hypothermia preserves hind limb motor function and reduces neuronal death, thereby protecting rats from SCII. The spinal cord may be protected from SCII by inhibition of BAX and activation of BCL2. However, deep hypothermia may inhibit the expression of BCL2, resulting in a worse outcome than mild hypothermia.

Biomass viability: An experimental study and the development of an empirical mathematical model for submerged membrane bioreactor

This study investigates the influence of key biomass parameters on specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) in a sponge submerged membrane bioreactor (SSMBR) to develop mathematical models of biomass viability. Extra-cellular polymeric substances (EPS) were considered as a lumped parameter of bound EPS (bEPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP). Statistical analyses of experimental results indicate that the bEPS, SMP, mixed liquor suspended solids and volatile suspended solids (MLSS and MLVSS) have functional relationships with SOUR and their relative influence on SOUR was in the order of EPS>bEPS>SMP>MLVSS/MLSS. Based on correlations among biomass parameters and SOUR, two independent empirical models of biomass viability were developed. The models were validated using results of the SSMBR. However, further validation of the models for different operating conditions is suggested.

Transcriptome analysis of adiposity in domestic ducks by transcriptomic comparison with their wild counterparts

Excessive adiposity is a major problem in the duck industry, but its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Genetic comparisons between domestic and wild animals have contributed to the exploration of genetic mechanisms responsible for many phenotypic traits. Significant differences in body fat mass have been detected between domestic and wild ducks. In this study, we used the Peking duck and Anas platyrhynchos as the domestic breed and wild counterpart respectively and performed a transcriptomic comparison of abdominal fat between the two breeds to comprehensively analyze the transcriptome basis of adiposity in ducks. We obtained approximately 350 million clean reads; assembled 61 250 transcripts, including 23 699 novel ones; and identified alternative 5' splice sites, alternative 3' splice sites, skipped exons and retained intron as the main alternative splicing events. A differential expression analysis between the two breeds showed that 753 genes exhibited differential expression. In Peking ducks, some lipid metabolism-related genes (IGF2, FABP5, BMP7, etc.) and oncogenes (RRM2, AURKA, CYR61, etc.) were upregulated, whereas genes related to tumor suppression and immunity (TNFRSF19, TNFAIP6, IGSF21, NCF1, etc.) were downregulated, suggesting adiposity might closely associate with tumorigenesis in ducks. Furthermore, 280 576 single-nucleotide variations were found differentiated between the two breeds, including 8641 non-synonymous ones, and some of the non-synonymous ones were found enriched in genes involved in lipid-associated and immune-associated pathways, suggesting abdominal fat of the duck undertakes both a metabolic function and immune-related function. These datasets enlarge our genetic information of ducks and provide valuable resources for analyzing mechanisms underlying adiposity in ducks.

Quantitative study of the quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effects in Fe films

We present a rotating field method to separate the linear and quadratic magneto-optical Kerr effects (LMOKE and QMOKE) in Fe/GaAs(001) films. The LMOKE is isotropic in crystal orientation, while the QMOKE has both isotropic and anisotropic contributions. The experimental observation is well explained by Yeh's 4×4 matrix formalism. We also report the incident angle and the thickness dependences of the LMOKE and QMOKE, and extract the material's index of refraction n and the magneto-optical coupling constant K and G. The study gives a full description of the Kerr effect in Fe films, and the proposed method can be applied to other magneto-optical coupling systems.

[Comparative life cycle environmental assessment between electric taxi and gasoline taxi in Beijing]

Tailpipe emission of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) is one of the main sources leading to atmospheric environmental problems such as haze. Substituting electric vehicles for conventional gasoline vehicles is an important solution for reducing urban air pollution. In 2011, as a pilot city of electric vehicle, Beijing launched a promotion plan of electric vehicle. In order to compare the environmental impacts between Midi electric vehicle (Midi EV) and Hyundai gasoline taxi (ICEV), this study created an inventory with local data and well-reasoned assumptions, and contributed a life cycle assessment (LCA) model with GaBi4.4 software and comparative life cycle environmental assessment by Life cycle impact analysis models of CML2001(Problem oriented) and EI99 (Damage oriented), which included the environmental impacts of full life cycle, manufacture phase, use phase and end of life. The sensitivity analysis of lifetime mileage and power structure was also provided. The results indicated that the full life cycle environmental impact of Midi EV was smaller than Hyundai ICEV, which was mainly due to the lower fossil fuel consumption. On the contrary, Midi EV exhibited the potential of increasing the environmental impacts of ecosystem quality influence and Human health influence. By CML2001 model, the results indicated that Midi EV might decrease the impact of Abiotic Depletion Potential, Global Warming Potential, Ozone Layer Depletion Potential and so on. However, in the production phase, the impact of Abiotic Depletion Potential, Acidification Potential, Eutrophication Potential, Global Warming Potential, Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential, Ozone Layer Depletion Potential, Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential, Terrestric Ecotoxicity Potential, Human Toxicity Potential of Midi EV were increased relative to Hyundai ICEV because of emissions impacts from its power system especially the battery production. Besides, in the use phase, electricity production was the main process leading to the impact of Abiotic Depletion Potential, Acidification Potential, Eutrophication Potential, Global Warming Potential, Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential, Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential, Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential, Human Toxicity Potential. While for Hyundai ICEV, gasoline production and tailpipe emission were the primary sources of environmental impact in the use phase. Tailpipe emission was a significant cause for increase in Eutrophication Potential and Global Warming Potential, and so forth. On the basis of inventory data analysis and 2010 Beijing electricity mix, the comparative results of haze-induced pollutants emissions showed that the full life cycle emissions of PM2.5, NO(x), SO(x), VOCs of Midi EV were higher than those of Hyundai ICEV, but the emission of NH3 was lower than that of Hyundai ICEV. Different emissions in use phase were the chief reason leading to this trend. In addition, by sensitivity analysis the results indicated that with the increase of lifetime mileage and proportion of cleaning energy, the rate of GHG( Green House Gas) emission reduction per kilometer of Midi EV became higher with respect to Hyundai ICEV. Haze-induced pollutants emission from EV could be significantly reduced using cleaner power energy. According to the assessment results, some management strategies aiming at electric car promotion were proposed.

A microfluidic device enabling high-efficiency single cell trapping

Single cell trapping increasingly serves as a key manipulation technique in single cell analysis for many cutting-edge cell studies. Due to their inherent advantages, microfluidic devices have been widely used to enable single cell immobilization. To further improve the single cell trapping efficiency, this paper reports on a passive hydrodynamic microfluidic device based on the "least flow resistance path" principle with geometry optimized in line with corresponding cell types. Different from serpentine structure, the core trapping structure of the micro-device consists of a series of concatenated T and inverse T junction pairs which function as bypassing channels and trapping constrictions. This new device enhances the single cell trapping efficiency from three aspects: (1) there is no need to deploy very long or complicated channels to adjust flow resistance, thus saving space for each trapping unit; (2) the trapping works in a "deterministic" manner, thus saving a great deal of cell samples; and (3) the compact configuration allows shorter flowing path of cells in multiple channels, thus increasing the speed and throughput of cell trapping. The mathematical model of the design was proposed and optimization of associated key geometric parameters was conducted based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. As a proof demonstration, two types of PDMS microfluidic devices were fabricated to trap HeLa and HEK-293T cells with relatively significant differences in cell sizes. Experimental results showed 100% cell trapping and 90% single cell trapping over 4 × 100 trap sites for these two cell types, respectively. The space saving is estimated to be 2-fold and the cell trapping speed enhancement to be 3-fold compared to previously reported devices. This device can be used for trapping various types of cells and expanded to trap cells in the order of tens of thousands on 1-cm(2) scale area, as a promising tool to pattern large-scale single cells on specific substrates and facilitate on-chip cellular assay at the single cell level.

Repair of cartilage defects in BMSCs via CDMP1 gene transfection

This study aimed at investigating the ability of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein 1 (CDMP1) gene-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) loaded on the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold for the repair of laryngeal cartilage defects and make a preliminary assessment of its repair effect. The mRNA and protein expressions of hCDMP1 were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The expression of type II collagen (Col II) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The cytoskeletal culture systems before and after transfection were transplanted into the rabbit full-thickness defects of thyroid cartilage for observation of the repair of cartilage defects from general and histological aspects. The exogenous hCDMP1 gene could be successfully transplanted into BMSCs through adenovirus infection to obtain a stable expression. Compared with the control group, hCDMP1 gene-transfected BMSCs had enhanced secretory abilities of Col II, GAG, and other cartilage-specific matrices, with a trend of promoting cartilage differentiation. The transfected cytoskeletal complexes could more effectively repair laryngeal cartilage defects. hCDMP1 gene-transfected BMSCs/PLGA 3-D biological scaffold compounds transplanted into animal bodies could effectively repair laryngeal cartilage defects.

New proposed conceptual mathematical models for biomass viability and membrane fouling of membrane bioreactor

The production and accumulation of soluble microbial products (SMP), extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and colloidal inert compounds within a membrane bioreactor (MBR) may greatly affect the biomass viability and subsequently the permeability of the membrane. This paper aims at presenting new mathematical models of biomass viability and membrane fouling that has been conceptually developed through establishing links between these biomass parameters and operating parameters of the MBR. The proposed models can be used to predict the biomass viability and membrane fouling at any state of operation of MBR. Meanwhile, easily measurable parameters of the proposed model can also serve to estimate SMP/EPS concentration in the supernatant of MBR without the tedious and expensive measurement.

[Impacts on repeated common cold for the adults with different constitutions treated by acupoint application in the dog days and the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the impacts on repeated common cold for the adults with different constitutions treated by acupoint application in the dog days (the three periods of the hottest days) and the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice (the three periods of the coldest days).

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-two cases of repeated common cold were divided into four zones according to the body constitution. Each zone was sub-divided into a group of the dog days + the three nine-day periods of the coldest days (group A), and a simple group of the dog periods (group B). In both groups, Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Tiantu (CV 22), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongfu (LU 1) and Shenshu (BL 23) were selected. In group A, the acupoint application was given on the 1st or 2nd day of the first, second and third periods of the hottest days in 2010, as well as the 1st or 2nd day of the first, second and third periods of the coldest days in 2010 separately. In group B, the acupoint application was only given on the 1st or 2nd day of the first, second and third periods of the hottest days in 2010. The follow-up visit was conducted before the acupoint application in the three periods of the coldest days in 2010 and before the acupoint application in the three periods of the hottest days in 2011. Additionally, the frequency of disease attack and the symptom score in sickness were taken as the observation indices for the efficacy assessment in both groups.

RESULTS

(1) In both groups, the attack frequency was reduced obviously in half a year after the three periods of the hottest days for the patients of qi deficiency constitution, yang deficiency constitution and qi stagnation constitution and the clinical symptom score were reduced apparently (all P<0.01), which were superior to those for the patients of phlegm damp constitution (P<0.01, P<0.05). For the patients of phlegm damp constitution, only the clinical symptom score was reduced (P<0.01). (2) In group A, the improvements were received in the attack frequency and the clinical symptom score in half a year after the three periods of the coldest days for the patients of those four constitutions as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). In group B, the attack frequency and the clinical symptom score were all back to the level as those before treatment. (3) In group A, in half a year after the three periods of the coldest days, the efficacy for reducing the attack frequency and the improvements in the clinical symptoms were better than those in group B (all P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The acupoint application in the dog days and the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice reduces the attack frequency and relieves the clinical symptoms of common cold for the adults of individual constitutions to different extents. The efficacy can be further improved in the treatment with the acupoint application in the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice half a year after the acupoint application in the dog days.

Effects of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism on obstetrical outcomes during early pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Maternal hypothyroidism [overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH)] during early pregnancy is suspected to associate with adverse obstetrical outcomes.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether maternal SCH during the early stage of pregnancy increase obstetrical complications and whether treatment results in an improvement in these outcomes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 756 women in the 1st trimester (≤12 weeks) of pregnancy were enrolled through 10 hospitals in Shenyang from 2007 to 2009. All participants underwent thyroid function testing in early pregnancy and their obstetrical outcomes were studied following delivery.

RESULTS

The incidence of spontaneous abortions in the SCH group was higher than the normal TSH group (15.48% vs 8.86%, p=0.03). No significant association was observed between SCH and other obstetrical complications including gestational hypertension, premature delivery, anemia, post-partum hemorrhage, low neonatal Apgar scores and low birth weight. Although levo-T4 (L-T4) treatment decreased the incidence of spontaneous abortions in women with SCH, it was not statistically significant when compared to women who did not receive treatment in the SCH group. None of the 28 women who received L-T4 treatment had premature delivery, low birth weight, hemorrhage, and low Apgar score.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of spontaneous abortion in pregnant women with SCH increases in early pregnancy.

Occurrence of fipronil and its biologically active derivatives in urban residential runoff

Insecticides are commonly used around homes for controlling insects such as ants, termites, and spiders. Such uses have been linked to pesticide contamination and toxicity in urban aquatic ecosystems. Fipronil is a relatively new and popular urban-use insecticide that has acute toxicity to arthropods at low-ppb levels. In this study, we collected runoff water from 6 large communities, each consisting of 152 to 460 single-family homes, in Sacramento County and Orange County, California, and evaluated the occurrence of fipronil and its biologically active derivatives over 26 months under dry weather conditions. Statistical modeling showed that the levels of fipronil and derivatives in the runoff water were both spatially and temporally correlated. More than 10-fold differences were observed between the Sacramento and Orange County sites, with the much higher levels for Orange County (southern California) coinciding with heavier use. The median concentrations of combined fipronil and derivatives for the Orange County sites were 204-440 ng L(-1), with the 90th percentile levels ranging from 340 to 1170 ng L(-1). These levels frequently exceeded the LC50 values for arthropods such as mysid shrimp and grass shrimp. The highest levels occurred from April to October, while decreases were seen from October to December and from January to March, likely reflecting seasonal use patterns and the effect of rain-induced washoff. Fipronil and fipronil sulfone (oxidation derivative) each accounted for about 35% of the total concentrations, with desulfinyl fipronil (a photolytic product) contributing about 25%. Results of this study clearly established residential drainage as a direct source for pesticide contamination in urban waterways, and for the first time, identified fipronil as a new and widespread contaminant with potential ecotoxicological significance.

[Observation of the therapeutic effect on COPD of cold phlegm blocking the lung type at stable stage treated with acupoint sticking therapy in different season]

OBJECTIVE

To systematically observe the clinical effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the stable stage, differentiated as cold phlegm blocking the lung type, treated with acupoint sticking therapy during the dog days and the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice so as to propose the latest clinical idea and theoretic evidence for the treatment of COPD.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty cases of COPD at stable stage, which were in accordance with the inclusive standard were randomly divided into three groups, named group A (treatment in dog days and the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice), group B (treatment in dog days) and group C (treatment in the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice), 50 cases in each group. The ingredients (Semen Brassicae, Euphoribia Kansui, Asarum, Rhizome Corydalis, Cinnamon, ginger juice) and doses of herbal medicine plaster were same in each group. The herbal plaster was applied to Feishu (BL 13), Shenshu (BL 23), Dazhui (GV 14), Tiantu (CV 22), Danzhong (CV 17) and Zhongfu (LU 1). In group B, the treatment was given once on the 1st day of each dog-day period, totally 3 treatments were included. In group C, the treatment was given once on the 1st day of each nine-day periods after the winter solstice, totally, 3 treatments were involved. In group A, the treatment was given once on the 1st day of each dog-day period and each nine-day periods after the winter solstice separately, totally 6 treatments were required. The therapeutic effect was evaluated in 4 aspects, named comprehensive clinical efficacy, survival quality (the scores for symptoms, activity limitation and influence on daily life), the attach frequency and pulmonary function.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 88.0% (46/50) in group A, which was superior to 76.0% (38/50) in group B and 70.0% (35/50) in group C separately (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). The results of the attack frequency, clinical symptom score and pulmonary function indices after treatment were all improved apparently as compared with those before treatment in each group (all P < 0.01). All the above indices in group A were improved much apparently as compared with the other two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). Except for the level of forced vital capacity (FVC), the results of clinical symptom score and the other pulmonary function indices in group B were all improved significantly as compared with group C (P < 0.05, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Acupoint sticking therapy during different season of the year achieves a superior clinical efficacy for the patients with COPD at stable stage. This therapy can reduce the attack frequency and improve the survival quality and pulmonary function for the patients. It is concluded that the efficacy of the treatment in dog days and the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice is superior to simple dog-day treatment and the treatment in the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice, and the efficacy of dog days treatment is better than that in the three nine-day periods after the winter solstice.

Fracture resistance of root filled premolar teeth restored with direct composite resin with or without cusp coverage

AIM

To evaluate the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of root filled maxillary first premolar teeth (with mesio-occlusal cavity preparation) restored with several composite restoration designs.

METHODOLOGY

One hundred extracted sound human maxillary first premolars were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 remained untreated (negative control). Conventional root canal treatment with additional mesial-occlusal cavity preparation was carried out on teeth in groups 2-5. In group 2, the teeth were restored intra-coronally with direct composite resin (positive control). In group 3, the palatal cusps of the teeth were reduced, and the cavities were restored with composite resin covering the palatal cusp (partial coverage). In group 4, the buccal and palatal cusps along with the distal marginal ridges were reduced; the cavities and cusps were restored with composite resin (conventional full coverage). In group 5, the buccal and palatal cusps were reduced but the distal marginal ridges were conserved. The cavities and the cusps were restored with composite resin (modified full coverage). All teeth were subjected to a progressive compressive loading parallel to their longitudinal axis until fracture. Fracture resistance was analysed using the one-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test. Fracture patterns were analyzed with chi-square test. The significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The fracture resistance (mean ± SD) of groups 1-5 was 1131 ± 207N, 904 ± 184N, 927 ± 224N, 1095 ± 289N and 1085 ± 243N, respectively (groups 1, 4, 5 > groups 2, 3; P = 0.004). Cusp fractures were recorded as the fracture pattern in 20 (100%), 19 (95%), 16 (80%), 8 (40%) and 12 (60%) premolars in groups 1-5, respectively (groups 1, 2 > groups 4, 5; group 3 > group 4; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

When direct composite resin was used to restore root filled maxillary first premolar teeth involving a proximal surface, those restored with full-coverage designs had greater fracture resistance.

Preparation and lithium storage performances of mesoporous Fe₃O₄@C microcapsules

Fe(3)O(4)@C microcapsules were prepared using carbon-coated α-FeOOH nanorods as precursors, which were synthesized via two-step hydrothermal reactions. During the subsequent sintering procedure, α-FeOOH was reduced to Fe(3)O(4) by carbon, accompanied by the formation of mesopores. In Fe(3)O(4)@C microcapsules, mesoporous Fe(3)O(4) nanorods are coated with amorphorous carbon layers. The Fe(3)O(4)/C composites with such special structures demonstrate high specific capacity and good cyclic stability as anode materials in Li test cells.

[Study on atmospheric particles and their long-term trend in Beijing cleaning area]

Observational data in clean area provides important references for evaluating environmental impact both from natural and anthropogenic sources. Atmospheric particulate matter of different size were closely examined using dustfall data during 1980-2009, TSP data during 1991-2009 and PM10 data since 2000 at Dingling station (DL), which was located in the clean area of Beijing. It was shown that dustfall amount at DL was on decrease in the last 30 years, by reasons of anthropogenic emission control and ecological environment improvement; meanwhile there was a 5-6 years' cycle of variation in yearly dustfall amount partly caused by dust storms. Similarly TSP and PM10 concentrations changed greatly but had a decreasing trend since 2000. Furthermore, the ratios of Pb and BaP in TSP at DL, namely Pb/TSP and BaP/TSP, were analyzed for anthropogenic influence. It was proved that the ratios were increasing and there was stronger influence of regional pollutant transport from urban areas. Lastly, it was also found that the coarser atmospheric particles were, the stronger their seasonal fluctuations in mass were, which were mainly affected by local sources rather than regional, and vice verse.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption of ionizable aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions by as-prepared and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The adsorption of 1-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol and phenol on as-prepared and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been investigated. The results illustrated that both as-prepared and oxidized MWCNTs showed high adsorption capacity for the three ionizable aromatic compounds (IACs) studied. Oxidation of MWCNTs increased the surface area and the pore volume, and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups to the surfaces of MWCNTs, which depressed the adsorption of IACs on MWCNTs. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models described the adsorption isotherms very well and the adsorption thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees, DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees) were measured. The adsorption for 1-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol and phenol is general spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. The adsorption of phenol is an exothermic process, whereas the adsorption of 1-naphthylamine and 1-naphthol is an endothermic process. Results of this work are of great significance for the environmental application of MWCNTs for the removal of IACs from large volume of aqueous solutions.

Monitoring of CaSO(4) deposition behaviors on biofilm during nanofiltration via ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR)

The ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR) as a non-destructive real-time method was employed to monitor the CaSO(4) deposition behaviors on biofilm during nanofiltration (NF). Two parallel experiments were performed to compare the different behaviors of CaSO(4) deposition with and without biofilm on the membrane. Results showed that the flux decline during combined fouling was slower than that in case of CaSO(4) fouling alone. The Ca(2 + ) rejection obtained with biofilm was higher than that without. A larger acoustic differential signal obtained by UTDR in the combined fouling revealed a denser and thicker layer formed on the membrane surface. Furthermore, the amount of CaSO(4) deposition on the biofouled membrane was more than that on non-biofouled membrane as a result of microorganisms as crystal nucleus to induce CaSO(4) crystallization and deposition. SEM images indicate that the CaSO(4) crystals deposited in order on the non-biofouled membrane, whereas on the biofouled membrane they were embedded in the biofilm. The denser and thicker fouling layer formed with biofilm was impermeable, resulting in a high Ca(2 + ) rejection. The complexation of Ca with polysaccharide in biofilm would eliminate the cake-enhanced osmotic pressure effect leading to a slow flux decline. To sum up, the independent measurements corroborate the ultrasonic measurements.

Heritability of metabolic syndrome traits among healthy younger adults: a population based study in China

OBJECTIVE To estimate heritability of metabolic syndrome traits among healthy younger adults in a human population in China, and examine potential sex differences in heritability and parental effect on metabolic syndrome traits. METHODS Using offspring-parent regression, we estimated heritability (h(2)) of metabolic syndrome traits based on 452 child-parent triads identified from a population based random survey on metabolic syndrome among people over 15 years of age in Guangzhou, China. RESULTS Body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and waist circumference (waist-C) were more heritable (h(2), 0.42-0.545), whereas systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and triglycerides (TG) were less heritable (h(2), 0.14-0.28). Sons had pronounced increases in heritability for all traits over daughters, particularly for cholesterol (0.653 vs 0.356), FPG (0.602 vs 0.313), LDL-C (0.521 vs 0.329), and TG (0.395 vs 0.187). Offspring-mother seemed to have a higher heritability in every trait except FPG (0.67 vs 0.794) than offspring-father, most notably for DBP (0.308 vs 0.122), SBP (0.288 vs 0.146), TG (0.387 vs 0.239) and waist-C (0.581 vs 0.354). CONCLUSION We estimated the heritability of metabolic syndrome traits in a human population based on a unique population based offspring-parent sample from China, and found important evidence that the maternal and paternal effects on these traits are different and the sex difference in heritability is pronounced.

Sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite studied by batch, XPS, and EXAFS techniques

The effects of pH, ionic strength, and temperature on sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite were investigated in the presence and absence of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA). The results indicated that the sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength, and independent of temperature. In the presence of FA/HA, Eu(III) sorption was enhanced at pH < 4, decreased at pH range of 4-6, and then increased again at pH > 7. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested that the sorption of Eu(III) might be expressed as is identical to X3Eu0, is identical to S(w)OHEu3+, and is identical to SOEu-OOC-/HA in the ternary Eu/HN/attapulgite system. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of Eu-HA complexes indicated that the distances of d(Eu-O) decreased from 2.415 to 2.360 angstroms with increasing pH from 1.76 to 9.50, whereas the coordination number (N) decreased from approximately 9.94 to approximately 8.56. Different complexation species were also found for the different addition sequences of HA and Eu(III) to attapulgite suspension. The results are important to understand the influence of humic substances on Eu(III) behavior in the natural environment.

[Blood-letting puncture at 12 Jing-well points of the hand combined with fuming and washing with Chinese herb lotion for treatment of edema of the affected limb in patients of hemiplegia after stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To search for a therapy for edema of the affected limb in patients of hemiplegia after stroke.

METHODS

Eighty patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The treatment group were treated by blood-letting puncture at 12 Jing-well points of the hand combined with fuming and washing with herbal lotion, and the control group were treated by oral administration of diuretic. The therapeutic effect was observed after treatment for 10 days.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 85.0% in the treatment group and 70.0% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The cumulative score of symptoms of edema, improvement of skin pitting, damp and cool sensation, the function of limbs and the total score in the treatment group were better than the control group (P < 0.05); the cumulative score of TCM syndrome after treatment, improvement of the symptoms of limb flaccid paralysis, shortness of breath, weakness, dark-pale tongue proper and the total cumulative score were better than the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Blood-letting puncture at 12 Jing-well points of the hand combined with fuming and washing with Chinese herbal lotion is effective for edema of the affected limb in patients of hemiplegia after stroke.

Effect of early feed restriction on metabolic programming and compensatory growth in broiler chickens

The effect of early feed restriction on metabolic programming and compensatory growth was studied in broiler chickens. A total of 480 female 1-d-old broiler birds (Aconred) were randomly allocated to ad libitum and feed-restricted groups, each of which was replicated 6 times with 40 birds per replicate. Broilers were provided commercial diets. Feed-restricted broilers were deprived of feed for 4 h per day from 1 to 21 d of age. Effects of treatments were determined at 21 and 63 d of age. In feed-restricted birds at 21 d of age, BW, average daily gain and average daily feed intake, breast muscle (P < 0.01), carcass yield (P < 0.05), and abdominal fat (P < 0.05) were decreased. Ether extract content in breast muscle was increased (P < 0.01), whereas CP content was slightly decreased. Triiodothyronine (P < 0.01) and thyroxine (P < 0.05) were decreased in serum. Free fatty acid and very low density lipoprotein were slightly increased in serum, whereas triglyceride and glucose were decreased (P < 0.01). Activities of NADPH-generating enzymes in liver including malic dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate remained unchanged in ad libitum birds, whereas hormone-sensitive lipase activity was increased (P < 0.01). In feed-restricted birds at 63 d of age, BW, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, carcass yield, breast muscle yield, and serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine remained as ad libitum birds, whereas abdominal fat yield was increased (P < 0.05). Ether extract content in breast muscle was decreased (P < 0.01), whereas CP content was increased (P < 0.05). Activities of NADPH-generating enzymes were significantly increased, except abdominal malic dehydrogenase and hormone-sensitive lipase activity was decreased (P < 0.01) in liver and abdominal fat. Lipoprotein lipase activity was increased (P < 0.05) in abdominal fat. In summary, feed restriction severely affected growth performance and lipid metabolism in broilers in the early period. Because there was no statistical difference among the final BW, near full compensatory growth was achieved. In addition, early feed restriction might have induced prolonged metabolic programming in chicks and led to adult obesity.

Triterpenoids from Cimicifugae rhizoma, a novel class of inhibitors on bone resorption and ovariectomy-induced bone loss

OBJECTIVE

Increasing research suggested that Cimicifugae rhizoma might be protective against osteoporosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of three cycloartane-type triterpenoids isolated from Cimicifugae rhizoma, cimicidol-3-O-beta-D-xyloside (1), cimicidanol-3-O-beta-D-xyloside (2) and acetylacteol-3-O-beta-d-xyloside (3) on bone resorption in vitro and bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.

METHODS

The activities of the tested compounds on bone resorption were evaluated using three assays, neonatal mouse parietal bone organ culture, osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) formation and pit formation. The effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and uterine weight were examined using OVX mice. Using LC-MS/MS method, the serum concentrations of the triterpenoids were measured in mice serum collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 6 and 12h following its oral administration.

RESULTS

All of the tested compounds exerted the inhibitory effects on bone resorption in bone organ culture, suppressed both of the formation and the resorbing activity of OCLs. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed among those compounds. In vivo studies revealed that compounds 1-3 and the mixture of compounds 1-3 prevented the bone loss in OVX mice without affecting uterine weight, and each compound was detected in the mice serum after single oral administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The triterpenoids exerted the inhibitory effects on osteoclastic bone resorption through the suppression of both OCLs formation and the resorbing activity of OCLs, and also showed a significant protective effect on BMD in OVX mice. The present results might provide a new pharmacological potential for the treatment of osteoporosis.