The requirement of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 for angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo

We here examined the potential biological function of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) in angiogenesis. shRNA- or CRISPR-Cas9-induced PCK1 depletion potently inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, sprouting, and tube formation, whereas ectopic PCK1 overexpression exerted opposite activity. In HUVECs, Gα_i3 expression and Akt activation were decreased following PCK1 depletion, but were augmented by ectopic PCK1 overexpression. In vivo, retinal expression of PCK1 gradually increased from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P5. The intravitreous injection of endothelial-specific PCK1 shRNA adenovirus at P1 potently inhibited the radial extension of vascular plexus at P5. Conditional endothelial knockdown of PCK1 in adult mouse retina increased vascular leakage and the number of acellular capillaries while decreasing the number of RGCs in murine retinas. In diabetic retinopathy patients, PCK1 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in retinal tissues. Together, PCK1 is essential for angiogenesis possibly by mediating Gα_i3 expression and Akt activation.

Effects of Vindoline on rat cytochrome P450 isoforms activities in vitro

A specific ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flightmass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) method has been described for the simultaneous determination of the metabolites of tacrine, bupropion, diclofenac, dextromethorphan and midazolam, which are the five probe drugs of the five cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoforms CYP1A2, CYP2B, CYP2C11, CYP2D1 and CYP3A4. The inhibition degree is determined by calculating IC50. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. The mass spectrometric analysis was conducted in a positive electrospray ionization mode. IC50 values of CYP1A2, CYP2B, CYP2C11, CYP2D1 and CYP3A were 113.4 μmol·L^-1 , 83.78 μmol·L^-1 , 22.50 μmol·L^-1 , 9.081 μmol·L^-1 and 52.76 μmol·L^-1 , respectively. The in vitro results demonstrated that vindoline could inhibit CYP2D1 activity in rats, and weak inhibitory effect on CYP2C11 and CYP3A, but had no obvious effects on CYP1A2 and CYP2B.

[Characteristics of the white matter involvement sites on MRI in patients with multiple gliomas]

The retrospective study included 122 cases of multiple glioma and 183 cases of single glioma. Of these, there were 74 males and 48 female with multiple gliomas, aged 18 to 83 (53±13) years, and 104 males and 79 females with single gliomas, aged 10 to 84 (51±14) years. A standard spatial-based lesion analysis method was used for constructing a spatially distributed frequency heatmap of multiple gliomas, to observe the characteristics of their white matter invasion sites. The spatial distribution was more frequent in the subventricular zone, corpus callosum and cingulate gyrus in the multiple glioma group compared to the single glioma group (P<0.001).The white matter areas of multiple gliomas were more extensively involved, with more frequent involvement of the conjoined fibers (corpus callosum, P<0.05) and contact fibers (cingulate, dome, 0.05<P<0.10) areas.The spatial distribution of the brain and the white matter invasion of multiple gliomas have certain site specificity.

Design and optical performance research of a fully customizable collimating lens based on total internal reflection

An optical design method of a fully customizable collimating lens is proposed. The initial model of the complete lens is constructed by two parts. One part is calculated by the total internal reflection algorithm; the other part is constructed by trial-and-error method. The lens is further optimized by normal vector correction and high- and low-angle compensation. The optical performance of the fully customizable collimating lens is studied. It is proven to have good collimation performance with a divergence angle of 1.8° at 50% of the maximum luminous intensity; the uniformity is as high as 98.4%.

[Clinical significance of No.11p posterior lymph nodes dissection in gastric cancer surgery]

Objective: To analyze the association of No.11p posterior lymph node metastasis with clinicopathological features and its prognostic significance in gastric cancer. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinicopathological data of patients with primary gastric cancers undergoing No.11p posterior lymph node dissection from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrieved from the Database of Gastric Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Case inclusion criteria: (1) gastric cancer proved by pathology; (2) radical resection with intraoperative No.11p posterior lymph node dissection; (3) operations performed by the same surgical team; (4) no previous history of other malignant tumors and no concurrent malignant tumors. Those with stump gastric cancer, history of gastrectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, incomplete clinicopathological data and lost to follow-up were excluded. During the operation, the upper edge of the pancreas was retracted forward to expose the area between the upper edge of the pancreas and the splenic vessels. The proximal segment of the splenic artery was skeletonized to remove lymphatic tissue anterior and superior to the splenic artery for No.11p lymph node dissection. For patients with lymphadenopathy in the area between the splenic artery and the splenic vein, dissection was performed. The enlarged lymph nodes were labeled with titanium clips and named as No.11p posterior lymph node. Pathological examination was performed separately after the specimen was isolated. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Results: A total of 127 gastric cancer patients, who underwent No.11p posterior lymph nodes dissection were included in this study, of which 120 patients without No.11p posterior lymph nodes metastasis (No.11p posterior lymph nodes negative) and 7 patients with No.11p posterior lymph nodes metastasis (No.11p posterior lymph nodes positive). A total of 8 metastatic No.11p posterior lymph nodes were detected in 7 patients, metastasis rate and with a ratio of 5.5% (7/127) and 6.8% (8/127), respectively. In the subgroup analysis of T3-4 stage patients, the metastasis rate and ratio of No.11p posterior lymph nodes were 9.0% (7/78) and 10.7% (8/75), respectively. Compared to negative cases, patients with No.11p posterior lymph nodes metastasis had larger tumor (P=0.002), higher proportion of Borrmann type Ⅲ and Ⅳ tumors (P=0.005), more metastatic lymph nodes (P<0.001), more advanced T stage (P=0.043), N stage (P=0.004) and TNM stage (P=0.015). In survival analysis, patients with No.11p posterior lymph node metastasis had a significantly worse prognosis than those without metastasis after adjusting for TNM stage (hazard ratio=3.009, 95% confidence interval: 1.824-4.964, P<0.001). Conclusions: The No.11p posterior lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer is associated with worse prognosis. For patients of T3-4 stage gastric cancer, No.11p posterior lymph node dissection should be emphasized during radical operation.

Phytoremediation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contaminated soils using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): A comprehensive review

Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is an increasing environmental problem, posing serious threats to the living organisms. Phytoremediation is a sustainable and highly accepted technology for remediation of PTE-contaminated soils. Alfalfa has been widely adopted for the phytoremediation of PTE-contaminated soils due to its large biomass productivity, high PTE tolerance, and strong capacity to take up PTEs. However, there are still no literature reviews systematically summarized the potential of alfalfa in the phytoremediation. Therefore, we review the available literatures that present its PTE uptake, phytotoxicity, tolerance mechanisms, and aided techniques improving the phytoremediation efficiency. In this review, alfalfa shows high amounts of PTEs accumulation, especially in their root tissue. Meanwhile, the inner mechanisms of PTE tolerance and accumulation in alfalfa are discussed including: (i) the activation of antioxidant enzyme system, (ii) subcellular localization, (iii) production of glutathione, phytochelatins, and proline, and (iv) regulation of gene expression. Indeed, excessive PTE can overcome the defense system, which causes oxidative damage in alfalfa plants, thereby inhibiting growth and physiological processes and weakening the ability of PTE uptake. Till now, several approaches have been developed to improve the tolerance and/or accumulation of PTE in alfalfa plants as follows: (i) selection of PTE tolerant cultivars, (ii) applying plant growth regulators, (iii) addition of chelating agents, fertilizer, and biochar materials, and (iv) inoculation of soil microbes. Finally, we indicate that the selection of PTE-tolerant cultivars along with inoculation of soil microbes may be an efficient and eco-friendly strategy of the soil PTE phytoremediation.

Synthesis of PtRu alloy nanofireworks as effective catalysts toward glycerol electro-oxidation in alkaline media

Electro-oxidation of glycerol is a key anodic reaction in direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFCs). Exploring the cost-effective nanocatalysts for glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) is very important for the development of DAFC, but it is still challenging. In this paper, nanofirework-like PtRu alloy catalyst was successfully synthesized and used for GOR in alkaline medium. Thanks to the unique nanofirework-like structure and synergetic effects, the activity and stability of the as-prepared PtRu alloy nanofireworks (NFs) toward GOR were significantly improved relative to Pt NFs. In particular, the peak current density of GOR catalyzed by the optimized Pt₁Ru₃ NFs catalyst reached 2412.0 mA mg^-1, surpassing that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. This work has important guidance for the design of advanced anode electrocatalysts for fuel cells.

[Effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits]

Objective: To study the effects of vibration on the expression of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes and ultrastructure of skeletal muscle in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-two 3.5-month-old New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into low-intensity group, medium-intensity group, high-intensity group and control group, with 8 rabbits in each group. The rabbits in the experimental group were subjected to hind limb vibration load test for 45 days. The vibration intensity of the high intensity group was 12.26 m/s(2), the medium intensity group was 6.13 m/s(2), and the low intensity group was 3.02 m/s(2) according to the effective value of weighted acceleration[a(hw (4))] for 4 hours of equal energy frequency. The control group was exposed to noise only in the same experimental environment as the medium-intensity group. The noise levels of each group were measured during the vibration load experiment. After the test, the mRNA expression of mitochondrial fusion gene (Mfn1/Mfn2) and fission gene (Fis1, Drp1) by RT-PCR in the skeletal muscles were measured and the ultrastructure of the skeletal muscles were observed in high intensity group. Results: The mRNA expression of mitochondrial in the skeletal muscle tissues of control group, low intensity group, medium intensity group and high intensity group were Mfn1: 3.25±1.36, 3.85±1.90, 4.53±2.31 and 11.63±7.68; Mfn2: 0.68±0.25, 1.02±0.40, 0.94±0.33 and 1.40±0.45; Fis1: 1.05±0.62, 1.15±0.59, 1.53±1.06 and 2.46±1.51 and Drp1: 3.72±1.76, 2.91±1.63, 3.27±2.01 and 4.21±2.46, respectively. Compared with the control group, the expressions of Mfn1 mRNA, Mfn2 mRNA and Fis1 mRNA in the high-intensity group increased significantly (P<0.05) , and the expressions of Mfn2 mRNA in the medium-intensity group and the low-intensity group increased significantly (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle of high intensity group showed mitochondrial focal accumulation, cristae membrane damage, vacuole-like changes; Z-line irregularity of muscle fibers, and deficiency of sarcomere. Conclusion: Vibration must be lead to the abnormal mitochondrial morphology and structure and the disorder of energy metabolism due to the expression imbalance of mitochondrial fusion and fission genes in skeletal muscles of rabbits, which may be an important target of vibration-induced skeletal muscle injury.

Identification of altered exosomal microRNAs and mRNAs in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by decreased memory and cognitive functions. Exosomes carry a variety of important information such as proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA of mother cells. It is reported that exosomes play critical roles in nervous system physiology and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the functions of exosomes in AD progression are not fully elucidated. In this study, we detected the expression pattern of mRNAs and miRNAs in exosomes derived from the AD and health mice. A total of 1320 mRNAs and 29 miRNAs were differentially expressed in exosomes between the two groups. Subsequently, the downregulation of Chi3l1 and upregulation of Rhog in AD mice were verified by qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, the downregulation of miR-148a-5p and upregulation of miR-27a-5p in AD group were also tested by qRT-PCR. The functions of differentially expressed mRNAs and potential target genes of miRNAs were determined by GO and KEGG analysis. According to the ceRNA hypothesis, we established an integrated ceRNA network of circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. In conclusion, exosomal lncRNAs, mRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs were identified to participate in the progression of AD which might be possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.

Duration of initial prednisolone therapy for first episode of childhood nephrotic syndrome based on time to response

BACKGROUND

The duration of initial corticosteroid therapy in newly diagnosed Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is about 3 months. Our study was designed to test the feasibility of a shorter duration of corticosteroid therapy in newly diagnosed INS who show a quicker response.

METHODS

Patients who responded within 10 days (Group A) received 8 weeks of corticosteroid therapy as compared to 12-14 weeks of standard therapy in those who responded between >10 days to 28 days (Group B), and follow up for 52 weeks. The primary endpoint is time to first relapse after treatment completion. (NCT03878914, March 18, 2019).

RESULTS

A total of 33 children with INS were enrolled and the follow-up data were analyzed. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients in both groups were similar. No significant difference was found in time to first relapse [65(14.5, 159) days for Group A vs. 28(17, 61.5) days for Group B, P = 0.371], the incidence of frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome [6/18 (33.3%) vs. 5/10(50%), P = 0.644] or requirement for alternative immunosuppressant [4/18 (22.2%) vs. 1/10 (10%), P = 0.769]. Group A received similar corticosteroid dose compare with Group B (3511 ± 2421 mg/m² vs. 4117 ± 2556 mg/m², P = 0.524). Frequency and severity of corticosteroid-related complications was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The time to first relapse and the number of relapses per patient were comparable between the two groups. However, more patients in Group A relapsed and the mean total dose of prednisolone for the study period was very similar between the two groups.

Urinary metabolomics study of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is widespread and seriously affects human health. Vancomycin is a classical glycopeptide antibiotic. Vancomycin is widely used for severe infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus but its obvious nephrotoxicity affects the safety of its clinical application. However, the etiology of vancomycin induced kidney injury is not well understood. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Vancomycin (400 mgkg^-1) was used to establish kidney injury models in rats. A metabonomic approach was employed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) to delineate metabolic alterations. As a result, 15, 22, and 37 biomarkers were identified in urine samples from the treatment group compared to the control model on D2, D4, and D7, respectively. Changes in the levels of these metabolites indicated that amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism were disturbed in rats with vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity. This study revealed the kidney effect of vancomycin, which may provide novel and promising research approaches to vancomycin-induced renal toxicity.

[Pharmacokinetic profiles of antifungal drugs during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation life support]

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a kind of life support technology that can replace lung and heart function, is widely used in critical respiratory and circulatory exhaustion. Because of the serious diseases and the use of interventional catheters, patients receiving ECMO life support are often administrated with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, which increase the risk of fungal infection. Fungal infection during ECMO can increase mortality. How to effectively control fungal infection is a thorny problem faced by clinicians. During the treatment of ECMO, the patient's physiological status, ECMO oxygenation membrane, circulation pipeline and other factors may change the pharmacokinetic profiles of antifungal drugs, thereby affect the clinical efficacy of drugs. This artical reviews the pharmacokinetic characteristics of antifungal drugs during ECMO support, in order to provide references for clinical antifungal treatment.

The sphingosine kinase inhibitor SKI-V suppresses cervical cancer cell growth

Overexpression and/or overactivation of sphingosine kinase 1/2 (SphK1/2) is important for tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer. The current study examined the potential activity and signaling mechanisms of SKI-V, a non-lipid small molecule SphK inhibitor, against cervical cancer cells. In different primary and immortalized cervical cancer cells, SKI-V exerted significant anti-cancer activity by inhibiting cell viability, colony formation, proliferation, cell cycle progression and cell migration. Significant apoptosis activation was detected in SKI-V-treated cervical cancer cells. Significantly, SKI-V also provoked programmed necrosis cascade in cervical cancer cells, as it induced mitochondrial p53-cyclophilin-D-adenine nucleotide translocator-1 (ANT1) complexation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, reactive oxygen species production and the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. Further, SKI-V blocked SphK activation and induced ceramide accumulation in primary cervical cancer cells, without affecting SphK1/2 expression. SKI-V-induced cytotoxicity in cervical cancer cells was largely inhibited by sphingosine-1-phosphate or the SphK1 activator K6PC-5, but was sensitized by adding the short-chain ceramide C6. Moreover, SKI-V inhibited Akt-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) activation in primary cervical cancer cells, and its cytotoxicity was mitigated by a constitutively-active Akt. In vivo, daily intraperitoneal injection of SKI-V significantly inhibited subcutaneous primary cervical cancer xenograft growth in nude mice. Together, the SphK inhibitor SKI-V suppresses cervical cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.

Risk factors for breakthrough urinary tract infection in children with vesicoureteral reflux receiving continuous antibiotic prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the risk factors for breakthrough urinary tract infection (BT-UTI) in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) receiving continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP).

METHODS

This was a single-centre cohort study (January 2016 to December 2019). The clinical data of 256 children with grade I-V VUR receiving CAP were analysed. In this study, exposure variables were sex, younger age at the initial diagnosis of UTI ≤12 months, high-grade VUR, bilateral VUR, aetiology, presence of renal scarring at the initial diagnosis, presence of renal function impairment at the initial diagnosis, ultrasound abnormalities, antibiotic used and bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD). Outcome was BT-UTI.

RESULTS

BT-UTI occurred in 81 out of 256 children with grade I-V VUR who received CAP, an incidence of 31.64%. Univariate analysis showed that younger age at the initial diagnosis of UTI (≤12 months), bilateral VUR, renal scarring on the dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan at the initial diagnosis of UTI and BBD were correlated with the occurrence of BT-UTI. Multivariate analysis showed that younger age at the initial diagnosis of UTI (≤12 months) [hazard ratio (HR): 4.629; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.302-16.462], bilateral VUR (HR: 2.078; 95% CI: 1.084-4.022) and BBD (HR: 3.194; 95% CI: 1.243-8.206) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of BT-UTI.

CONCLUSIONS

For VUR children receiving CAP, younger age at the initial diagnosis of UTI (≤12 months), bilateral VUR, and BBD were independent risk factors for the occurrence of BT-UTI.

Metagenomic Study on Chinese Homemade Paocai: The Effects of Raw Materials and Fermentation Periods on the Microbial Ecology and Volatile Components

“Chinese paocai” is typically made by fermenting red radish or cabbage with aged brine (6–8 w/w). This study aimed to reveal the effects of paocai raw materials on fermentation microorganisms by metagenomics sequencing technology, and on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, using red radish or cabbage fermented for six rounds with aged brine. The results showed that in the same fermentation period, the microbial diversity in cabbage was higher than that in red radish. Secundilactobacillus paracollinoides and Furfurilactobacillus siliginis were the characteristic bacteria in red radish paocai, whereas 15 species of characteristic microbes were found in cabbage. Thirteen kinds of VOCs were different between the two raw materials and the correlation between the microorganisms and VOCs showed that cabbage paocai had stronger correlations than radish paocai for the most significant relationship between 4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol, α-cadinol, terpinolene and isobutyl phenylacetate. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for understanding the microbiota and their relation to the characteristic flavors of the fermented paocai.

[Study on the protective effect of cooling the surface of frozen water on renal function in robotic-assisted laparoscopic nephrect]

Objective: To compare the effects of ice water kidney cooling and traditional non-cooling surgery on postoperative renal function in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and explore its clinical value in protecting renal function. Methods: A retrospective analysis is conducted on the base of the clinical data of patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in Second Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University from January to November 2019. A total of 89 cases, of which 21 cases were treated with ice water to cool the kidney surface and block the renal artery during the operation (cooling group); 68 cases only clamp the renal artery (control group). Compare the difference of the operation time, R.E.N.A.L. score, intraoperative blood loss, renal artery block of time,postoperative intestinal recovery time, cut edge positive rate, preoperative and postoperative blood electrolyte levels, the change of blood creatinine and GFR before operation and the first and third months after the operation and other indicators between two groups. Results: All the 89 patients completed the operation normally, and no conversion to open surgery or to general endoscopic surgery. The two groups of patients had statistically significant differences in tumor diameter [7.0(5.5, 8.0) vs 3.8(3.0, 5.0) cm, P<0.001], R.E.N.A.L. score [8.0(6.5, 8.0) vs 6.0(5.0, 8.0), P=0.003], Chloride (Cl^-) in the blood [(103.29±2.81) vs (104.74±2.58) mmol/L, P=0.030], (P<0.05) in the preoperative data. There were significant differences in renal artery occlusion time [20.0(18.5, 27.5) vs 19.0(15.0, 21.0) min, P=0.023] and operation time [168.0(130.0, 182.5) vs 130.0(110.0, 177.5) min, P=0.007] between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the blood creatinine after one or 3 month as well as for the glomerular filtration rate (all P>0.05). After follow-up for 3-24 months, no tumor recurrence or distant metastasis occurred in both groups, and no related complications caused by ice-free Water Cooling Technique in the cooling group. Conclusions: It is safe and effective to apply kidney surface cooling technique with ice water in robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for complex kidney tumor. It can significantly reduce the renal parenchyma warm ischemia injury of renal parenchyma. And it's conducive to the recovery of patients with postoperative renal function, which can maximize the protection of renal function of patients.

Determination of Free Valproic Acid Concentration in 569 Clinical Samples by LC-MS/MS After Hollow Fiber Centrifugal Ultrafiltration Treatment

OBJECTIVE

To perform therapeutic drug monitoring of total and free plasma valproic acid (VPA) concentrations in clinical samples and to analyze the related factors.

METHODS

The total VPA concentration in plasma was determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with precolumn derivatization with α-bromoacetophenone, and the free VPA concentration was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after the plasma was treated by hollow fiber centrifugal ultrafiltration. Regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between free plasma VPA, total plasma VPA, and the plasma protein binding rate. The impact of individual situations, outpatient or inpatient factors, and drug combinations on VPA concentrations were examined.

RESULTS

Of the 569 clinical samples, 268 were inpatients and 301 were outpatients, and the total VPA concentration in 138 cases (24.2%) was lower than the effective treatment concentration range; the total and free VPA concentrations in outpatient samples were 11.0% and 26.1% higher than those of inpatients, respectively. There was no linear relationship between the free and total VPA concentrations. The relationship equation between the plasma protein binding rate and free VPA concentrations was as follows: Y = 0.0255X2 - 1.1357X + 97.429 (r = 0.8011). The total and free VPA concentrations were significantly decreased after the coadministration of phenobarbital (83.7% and 64.3% of the control group, P < 0.05) or carbapenem antibiotics (32.0% and 32.7% of the control group, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The total VPA concentrations in patients with epilepsy at our hospital was lower than the effective treatment concentration range, which was inadequate for epilepsy control; the total VPA concentrations of outpatients were higher than those of inpatients; as phenobarbital affects VPA metabolism, therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended. Carbapenem antibiotic coadministration with VPA should be avoided because carbapenem antibiotics can lead to the failure of VPA antiepileptic treatment.

Consensus Sliding-Mode Fault-Tolerant Control for Second-Order Multi-Agent Systems

This study investigates the consensus problem of second-order nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) with actuator faults via a sliding mode control approach. The consensus error dynamic is given based on the relative states of the neighbors. Then, a sliding mode surface based on consensus errors is proposed, and the asymptotic stability of the sliding mode is proved using the Lyapunov theory. Furthermore, a sliding-mode fault-tolerant consensus protocol is proposed to compensate for actuator faults. According to the sliding mode control theory, the proposed sliding-mode fault-tolerant controller ensures that the consensus of the MASs can be reached in a finite time. Finally, a simulation example of a second-order multi-robot system is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.

Study on spore release of Polytrichum commune Hedw. var. commune by synergetic effects of sub-hygroscopic movement and wind

The effect of humidity change on spore release of the Nematodontae Polytrichaceae has never been tested experimentally. Similarly, the impact of humidity alterations on structure of the peristome have never been studied. Polytrichum commune Hedw. var. commune from Guizhou Province, China, was selected as the research object to examine effects of simulated wind in the laboratory. By controlling humidity and wind, the mechanism of spore dispersal was revealed. When humidity increased, the size of the peristome and epiphragm enlarged significantly (the peristome has no obvious spatial displacement, unlike the hygroscopic movement of Arthrodontae mosses. Thus, we named it 'sub-hygroscopic movement'), then recovered to normal size when humidity decreased. When humidity was controlled and wind applied, the scattering of spores gradually decreased as the capsule dried out and finally reached a very low level; when the capsule was wetted or rewetted, the amount of spores released rose and returned to the initial state. Through comparison of moist and dry capsules, only enhanced humidity of the sporophytes led to increases in spore release. The results show that the dispersal of spores was significantly improved in windy conditions and the sub-hygroscopic movement of the capsule peristome, which ensure the continuity and effectiveness of P. commune reproduction.

Composition, structure and flavor mechanism of numbing substances in Chinese prickly ash in the genus Zanthoxylum: A review

Chinese prickly ash is known for producing a typical pungent sensation in Sichuan Cuisine. Accumulating evidence suggest a series of health benefits and pharmacological effects associated with prickly ash. Therefore, a systematic analysis of the composition, structural properties, detection, and flavor mechanism of numbing substances is highly necessitated to address their future application. Sanshool-based unsaturated amides are the primary cause of tingling. The numbing substances have poor stability and are prone to oxidation and decomposition reactions due to their highly unsaturated conjugated diene structures. Pungent sensations evoked by different sanshools are distinct, which is attributed to different mechanisms of interaction with membrane ion channels (TRPV1, TRPA1, and KCNK). In this paper, the composition, structural properties (such as isomerization, oxidation), detection, and flavor mechanism of numbing substances of prickly ash were summarized. The prospective application and future research direction of numbing substances in the prickly ash industry were also proposed.

[The analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging manifestation of hippocampus based on voxel and spherical harmonic surface morphometry in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy]

Objective: To compare the hippocampal volume and local surface morphology changes in patients with mesial temporal lobe (mTLE) using the voxel-based morphometry and spherical harmonic methods respectively. Methods: A total of 66 patients (31 males and 35 females, age range from 17 to 48 (28±8) years) with mTLE and 80 age-and gender-matched controls (38 males and 42 females, age range from 19 to 46 (27±7) years) were retrospectively collected from July 2009 to February 2019 at Jinling hospital.. High resolution structural MRI of the whole brain, three-dimensional T₁-weighted data(3DT1) were acquired from each subject. The changes of hippocampal volume and surface morphology were evaluated between mTLE groups and controls for observing the hippocampal atrophy pattern by using voxel-based morphometry and spherical harmonic shape descriptions point distribution model respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted for observing the relationship between the morphological changes of hippocampus and disease duration. Results: Compared with the controls, hippocampal volume on the affected side in patients with mTLE was significantly reduced (Z-score:-1.55±0.57 vs 0.38±0.58, P<0.001) and negatively correlated with disease duration (r=-0.297, P=0.016). Furthermore, surface morphology analysis subtly showed that the atrophy of the affected hippocampus in patients with mTLE mainly located in the head, mesial lateral part and posterior tail of the hippocampus. Their displacement values were negatively correlated with disease duration (r=-0.336, P=0.006) and positively associated with the hippocampal grey matter volume (r=0.336, P=0.006). Conclusions: Voxel-based morphometry analysis reveals a global reduction in hippocampal volume, while the morphological measurement method based on surface shape can describe the local morphological changes of hippocampal atrophy.