Double-Layer Hydrogel with Glucose-Activated Two-Stage ROS Regulating Properties for Programmed Diabetic Wound Healing

Slow healing of wounds induces great pain in diabetic patients. However, developing new approaches to promote diabetic wound healing is still one of the toughest challenges in the medical field. Here, we constructed a new double-layer hydrogel to effectively regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the wound and promote diabetic wound healing. The inner layer contains glucose oxidase (Gox), ferrocene-modified quaternary ammonium chitosan (Fc-QCs), and poly(β-cyclodextrin) (Pβ-CD), which is used to generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for antibacterial in the early stage of wound healing and collapses gradually. The outer layer is composed of gelatin and dopamine. In the later stage of wound healing, the outer layer contacts the skin, which is beneficial for ROS clearance on the wound. Antibacterial, ROS scavenging, and wound healing experiments have shown that the double-layer hydrogel possesses two-stage ROS regulating properties for programmed diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, it will be one of the most potential dressings for treating diabetic wounds in the future.

Temporal Structures in Positron Spectra and Charge-Sign Effects in Galactic Cosmic Rays

We present the precision measurements of 11 years of daily cosmic positron fluxes in the rigidity range from 1.00 to 41.9 GV based on 3.4×10^{6} positrons collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) aboard the International Space Station. The positron fluxes show distinctly different time variations from the electron fluxes at short and long timescales. A hysteresis between the electron fluxes and the positron fluxes is observed with a significance greater than 5σ at rigidities below 8.5 GV. On the contrary, the positron fluxes and the proton fluxes show similar time variation. Remarkably, we found that positron fluxes are modulated more than proton fluxes with a significance greater than 5σ for rigidities below 7 GV. These continuous daily positron fluxes, together with AMS daily electron, proton, and helium fluxes over an 11-year solar cycle, provide unique input to the understanding of both the charge-sign and mass dependencies of cosmic rays in the heliosphere.

Properties of Cosmic-Ray Sulfur and Determination of the Composition of Primary Cosmic-Ray Carbon, Neon, Magnesium, and Sulfur: Ten-Year Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

We report the properties of primary cosmic-ray sulfur (S) in the rigidity range 2.15 GV to 3.0 TV based on 0.38×10^{6} sulfur nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment (AMS). We observed that above 90 GV the rigidity dependence of the S flux is identical to the rigidity dependence of Ne-Mg-Si fluxes, which is different from the rigidity dependence of the He-C-O-Fe fluxes. We found that, similar to N, Na, and Al cosmic rays, over the entire rigidity range, the traditional primary cosmic rays S, Ne, Mg, and C all have sizeable secondary components, and the S, Ne, and Mg fluxes are well described by the weighted sum of the primary silicon flux and the secondary fluorine flux, and the C flux is well described by the weighted sum of the primary oxygen flux and the secondary boron flux. The primary and secondary contributions of the traditional primary cosmic-ray fluxes of C, Ne, Mg, and S (even Z elements) are distinctly different from the primary and secondary contributions of the N, Na, and Al (odd Z elements) fluxes. The abundance ratio at the source for S/Si is 0.167±0.006, for Ne/Si is 0.833±0.025, for Mg/Si is 0.994±0.029, and for C/O is 0.836±0.025. These values are determined independent of cosmic-ray propagation.

[Clinical characteristics and serious complications of esophageal button battery ingestion in the pediatric on 83 cases]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and complications of esophageal foreign bodies of button battery ingestion in children. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study included 83 children who were hospitalized in our hospital on account of button battery ingestion from January 2011 to December 2021. There were 50 males (60.2%) and 33 females (39.8%). The age ranged from 7.6 months to one month off 10 years, with a median age of 18 months. The data of patient demographics and time from ingestion to admission, location, symptoms, management, complications, and follow-up outcome were recorded. SPSS17.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Seventy-two children (86.7%) were younger than 3 years old. The time from ingestion to admission ranged from 1 h to 2 months, with a median time of 8 h. Among the 63 children who were first diagnosed in our hospital, the most common clinical symptoms were nausea and vomiting (32 cases, 50.8%), dysphagia (31 cases, 49.2%), salivation (11 cases, 17.5%) and fever (10 cases, 15.9%). Seventy-three of 83 cases had complete preoperative diagnostic tests, and 55 cases (75.3%) were diagnosed by X-ray. In 56 cases (76.7%), the foreign badies were impacted in the upper third of esophagus. In 72 cases (86.7%), the foreign badies were removed by rigid esophagoscopy. 23 (27.7%) had serious complications, including tracheoesophageal fistula in 15 cases(TEF;65.2%), vocal cord paralysis (VCP;34.8%) in 8 cases, esophageal perforation in 3 cases (EP;13.0%), hemorrhage in 3 cases(13.0%), mediastinitis in 3 cases (13%), and periesophageal abscess in 1 case (4.3%). There were significant differences in the exposure time of foreign bodies and unwitnessed ingestion by guardians in the complications group (P<0.05). 2 cases died (2.4%)respectively due to arterial esophageal fistula bleeding and respiratory failure caused by stent displacement during the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula. Conclusion: Accidental button battery ingestion can be life-threatening. and it mostly happens in children under 3 years old. Serious complications may happen cause of non-specific clinical manifestations and unwitnessed ingestions. Anterior and lateral chest X-ray is the first examination choice. Tracheoesophageal fistula is the most common serious complication.

Temporal Structures in Electron Spectra and Charge Sign Effects in Galactic Cosmic Rays

We present the precision measurements of 11 years of daily cosmic electron fluxes in the rigidity interval from 1.00 to 41.9 GV based on 2.0×10^{8} electrons collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) aboard the International Space Station. The electron fluxes exhibit variations on multiple timescales. Recurrent electron flux variations with periods of 27 days, 13.5 days, and 9 days are observed. We find that the electron fluxes show distinctly different time variations from the proton fluxes. Remarkably, a hysteresis between the electron flux and the proton flux is observed with a significance of greater than 6σ at rigidities below 8.5 GV. Furthermore, significant structures in the electron-proton hysteresis are observed corresponding to sharp structures in both fluxes. This continuous daily electron data provide unique input to the understanding of the charge sign dependence of cosmic rays over an 11-year solar cycle.

Poly β-Cyclodextrin/Quaternary Ammoniated Chitosan Cryogel with a Porous Structure for Effective Hemostasis

Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the most important causes threatening human health, but quick hemostasis remains a challenge. We prepared porous cryogels with poly β-cyclodextrin (Pβ-CD) and quaternary ammoniated chitosan (QCs). Pβ-CD acts as a "water-grabbing agent" to assist QCs' ability to absorb and concentrate blood rapidly. The rat-tail amputation model and liver injury model exhibited that cryogels had excellent hemostatic performance. Moreover, cryogels showed good antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. Therefore, these cryogels can be used as potential hemostatic materials.

Properties of Daily Helium Fluxes

We present the precision measurement of 2824 daily helium fluxes in cosmic rays from May 20, 2011 to October 29, 2019 in the rigidity interval from 1.71 to 100 GV based on 7.6×10^{8} helium nuclei collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) aboard the International Space Station. The helium flux and the helium to proton flux ratio exhibit variations on multiple timescales. In nearly all the time intervals from 2014 to 2018, we observed recurrent helium flux variations with a period of 27 days. Shorter periods of 9 days and 13.5 days are observed in 2016. The strength of all three periodicities changes with time and rigidity. In the entire time period, we found that below ∼7  GV the helium flux exhibits larger time variations than the proton flux, and above ∼7  GV the helium to proton flux ratio is time independent. Remarkably, below 2.4 GV a hysteresis between the helium to proton flux ratio and the helium flux was observed at greater than the 7σ level. This shows that at low rigidity the modulation of the helium to proton flux ratio is different before and after the solar maximum in 2014.

Periodicities in the Daily Proton Fluxes from 2011 to 2019 Measured by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station from 1 to 100 GV

We present the precision measurement of the daily proton fluxes in cosmic rays from May 20, 2011 to October 29, 2019 (a total of 2824 days or 114 Bartels rotations) in the rigidity interval from 1 to 100 GV based on 5.5×10^{9} protons collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station. The proton fluxes exhibit variations on multiple timescales. From 2014 to 2018, we observed recurrent flux variations with a period of 27 days. Shorter periods of 9 days and 13.5 days are observed in 2016. The strength of all three periodicities changes with time and rigidity. The rigidity dependence of the 27-day periodicity is different from the rigidity dependences of 9-day and 13.5-day periods. Unexpectedly, the strength of 9-day and 13.5-day periodicities increases with increasing rigidities up to ∼10  GV and ∼20  GV, respectively. Then the strength of the periodicities decreases with increasing rigidity up to 100 GV.

Erratum: Properties of a New Group of Cosmic Nuclei: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on Sodium, Aluminum, and Nitrogen [Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 021101 (2021)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.021101.

Properties of a New Group of Cosmic Nuclei: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on Sodium, Aluminum, and Nitrogen

We report the properties of sodium (Na) and aluminum (Al) cosmic rays in the rigidity range 2.15 GV to 3.0 TV based on 0.46 million sodium and 0.51 million aluminum nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. We found that Na and Al, together with nitrogen (N), belong to a distinct cosmic ray group. In this group, we observe that, similar to the N flux, both the Na flux and Al flux are well described by the sums of a primary cosmic ray component (proportional to the silicon flux) and a secondary cosmic ray component (proportional to the fluorine flux). The fraction of the primary component increases with rigidity for the N, Na, and Al fluxes and becomes dominant at the highest rigidities. The Na/Si and Al/Si abundance ratios at the source, 0.036±0.003 for Na/Si and 0.103±0.004 for Al/Si, are determined independent of cosmic ray propagation.

[Analysis of complications and outcomes of tracheotomy with different etiology in children]

Objective: To discuss the complications and postoperative outcomes of tracheotomy with different etiology in children. Methods: One hundred and eighty-six patients underwent tracheotomy were retrospectively analyzed from January 2016 to December 2018,including 117 males and 69 females. The children aged from 4 days to 14 years (median age 31.5months). One case was operated under local anesthesia in emergency room, 2 cases were operated under local anesthesia in pediatric intensive care unit, the rest 183 cases were operated under general anesthesia in operation room. The 186 children were divided into four groups according to their direct causes of tracheotomy. Group A(90 cases): Neuromuscular disease and severe infection,Group B(26 cases): Head and neck tumor,Group C(57 cases): Congenital malformation and upper airway obstruction,Group D(13 cases): Accidental injury. The basic information, surgical complications and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. All patients were followed up by clinic or by telephone. Spss 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred and eighty-six patients were followed up for one to four years. 33 children lost the follow-up and 46 died. Among the 186 patients, 23 cases had emergency tracheotomy (12.4%). The rate of emergency tracheotomy in group C(16 cases, 28.1%) was higher than that in the other three groups(χ2=28.08,P<0.05). The average age of patients and hospital stay in group C were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (F=33.76,P<0.05; F=14.95,P<0.05). Incision bleeding occurred in 11 cases, Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 6 cases and accidental decannulation occurred in 10 cases (4 cases within 2 weeks and 6 after 2 weeks). Six patients underwent tracheocutaneous fistula closure operation after decannulation and the stoma healed spontaneously in other extubated children. Two patients underwent secondary tracheotomy due to accidental decannulation, and three patients underwent secondary tracheotomy for dyspnea after decannulation. In 107 cases of survival children, decannulation was successful in 65 patients and failed in 42 patients. The average duration of wearing tracheal tube was 8.8 months. The decannulation rates in the four groups were 55.6%, 45%, 69% and 77.8%, with no significant difference. Conclusions: The complications after tracheotomy in children are rare, and no severe complications occurred in long-term tracheotomy patients. The duration of wearing tracheal tube is related to the treatment of their primary disease.

Properties of Heavy Secondary Fluorine Cosmic Rays: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

Precise knowledge of the charge and rigidity dependence of the secondary cosmic ray fluxes and the secondary-to-primary flux ratios is essential in the understanding of cosmic ray propagation. We report the properties of heavy secondary cosmic ray fluorine F in the rigidity R range 2.15 GV to 2.9 TV based on 0.29 million events collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. The fluorine spectrum deviates from a single power law above 200 GV. The heavier secondary-to-primary F/Si flux ratio rigidity dependence is distinctly different from the lighter B/O (or B/C) rigidity dependence. In particular, above 10 GV, the F/Si/B/O ratio can be described by a power law R^{δ} with δ=0.052±0.007. This shows that the propagation properties of heavy cosmic rays, from F to Si, are different from those of light cosmic rays, from He to O, and that the secondary cosmic rays have two classes.

Properties of Iron Primary Cosmic Rays: Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

We report the observation of new properties of primary iron (Fe) cosmic rays in the rigidity range 2.65 GV to 3.0 TV with 0.62×10^{6} iron nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. Above 80.5 GV the rigidity dependence of the cosmic ray Fe flux is identical to the rigidity dependence of the primary cosmic ray He, C, and O fluxes, with the Fe/O flux ratio being constant at 0.155±0.006. This shows that unexpectedly Fe and He, C, and O belong to the same class of primary cosmic rays which is different from the primary cosmic rays Ne, Mg, and Si class.

Properties of Neon, Magnesium, and Silicon Primary Cosmic Rays Results from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays, neon (Ne), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si), measured in the rigidity range 2.15 GV to 3.0 TV with 1.8×10^{6}  Ne, 2.2×10^{6}  Mg, and 1.6×10^{6}  Si nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer experiment on the International Space Station. The Ne and Mg spectra have identical rigidity dependence above 3.65 GV. The three spectra have identical rigidity dependence above 86.5 GV, deviate from a single power law above 200 GV, and harden in an identical way. Unexpectedly, above 86.5 GV the rigidity dependence of primary cosmic rays Ne, Mg, and Si spectra is different from the rigidity dependence of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O. This shows that the Ne, Mg, and Si and He, C, and O are two different classes of primary cosmic rays.

[Clinical features of pulmonary thromboembolism of eight children]

Objective: To improve the diagnosis and therapy of childhood pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) by analyzing the clinical features of this rare condition. Methods: A total of 8 pediatric patients (4 males, 4 females) with PTE diagnosed in the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from March, 2014 to March, 2019 were enrolled. The clinical manifestation, laboratory results, imaging findings, diagnosis and treatment were summarized. Results: Among these 8 cases, aged from 9 hours to 14 years and 10 months. Fever was found in 4 cases, cough aggravation in 4, short of breath in 3, chest pain in 2, abdominal and back pain in one, hemoptysis in 2, cyanosis in 1, and edema of lower extremities in 2. Physical examination found decreased breath sound in 2 cases, phlegm rale in 3, and pleural friction rub in one. Pleural effusion was found in 5 cases by ultrasound. Plasma D-dimer increased in 6 cases (0.66-9.96 mg/L) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein elevated in 5 cases (10.78-78.00 mg/L). Chest enhanced CT showed pulmonary artery or venous filling defects, including pulmonary artery embolism in 7 cases and pulmonary vein embolism in one. The primary disease of these patients included Mycoplasma Pneumoniae pneumonia in 4 cases, nephritis in 2 and postoperative congenital heart disease in 2. Apart from one case who withdrew the treatment and was discharged, the other 7 patients received anticoagulant treatment had good outcome. Conclusions: For children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, immune disorders, long-term hormone therapy, cardiovascular invasive operation or other high-risk factors, PTE should be considered when fever, cough aggravation, short of breath, chest and back pain with pleural effusion are present. Chest enhanced CT scan should be performed as soon as possible, and anticoagulation should be started once the diagnosis is confirmed.

[The application of 3D simulationtemporal-bone-system for temporal bone anatomy training]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the application of 3D simulation temporal-bone-system for temporal bone anatomy training.Method:3D simulation temporal-bone-system in the anatomy workshop was introduced in Beijing Children's Hospital from 2014 to 2015.Each participant was trained by cadaver dissection and 3D simulation temporal-bone-anatomy,and they also completed the questionnaires and evaluated the procedure.Then the difference was analyzed.Result:①In stage of mastoid outline,the damage of structure in 3D systemis higher than that in cadaver dissection(33.3%>22.2%),but there were no significant difference between them in the proportion of exposure.On the opening of attic,facial recess,facial nerve,the damage and the proportion of the non-exposed of cadaver dissection is higher.②There were no significant difference between them in the anatomical structures,levels of pollution,taste,cost and reproducibility(P>0.05),but in the aspect of time,relevance of CT with temporal bone,the similarity,and the force feedback,they had significant differences(P<0.01).Conclusion:3D simulation temporal-bone-system had better training effect in specialized otolaryngologist.It not only to help clinicians better understanding the temporal bone and surrounding structures,but also to emphasize the knowledge of the anatomy in temporal bone.

[Relationship between full flowering stages of anemophilous and ligneous plants and consultation rate of allergic rhinitis]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the climatic changes on spring phenology impacting on the consultation rate of patients with allergic rhinitis.Method:We analyzed the periods of full flowering stages of 15 kinds of flowers in Beijing from 2013 to 2014,and the number of patients with allergic rhinitis in the outpatient clinic of Otolaryngology Department of Peking University Third Hospital in the same time.The correlation test, analysis of variance and rank sum test were used to investigate the inherent laws and associations between the full flowering stages and the ratio of patients with allergic rhinitis.Result:①Between 2013 and 2014,the early and middle April were the full flowering stages of Platycladus orientalis,Salix matsudana, Fraxinus chinensis,Elms and Birches.The number of patients with allergic rhinitis in outpatient clinic elevated obviously in this period.②There were overlaps of full flowering stages among different plants.During periods in which three or more kinds of pollens in full flowering stages,the consultation rate of patients with allergic rhinitis is higher than less overlaping flower period.The difference was statistically significant(F value were -2.281,-2.964 respectively, P <0.05).Also,there were obvious positive linear correlations between the number of overlap of different pollens and the consultation rate of patients with allergic rhinitis in in 2013 and 2014(r=0.957, 0.964 respectively).Conclusion:During the overlaping flower periods,there was a higher consultation rate of patients with allergic rhinitis.In prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis,the overlapping effect of full flowering stages of different pollens should be taken into account.Upgrade the alarm level will reduce the incidence of AR and the degree of allergic rhinitis episodes.

Increasing production of matrix metalloproteinases, tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor and prostaglandin E2 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by different adiponectin isoforms in a concentration-dependent manner

Adipokines have been known to play a significant role in rheumatic disease via synovial fibroblasts. However, to date, the concentration effects of adiponectin isoforms on the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been extensively studied. Therefore, the present study examined the different effects of the adiponectin isoforms on rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) and investigated the relations between the concentration of individual adiponectin isoforms and the production of the inflammatory factors of RASF. Articular synovial tissues were obtained from the patients fulfilled with diagnostic criteria of RA, and health people. RASF and human fibroblast&mdash;like synoviocytes (HFLS) were isolated and cultured. They were stimulated with increasing concentrations of 25 &#956;g/ml, 50 &#956;g/ml, and 100&#956;g/ml of different human adiponectin isoforms. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)&mdash;3, MMP&mdash;10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)&mdash;&#945;, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in culture supernatants were measured by immunoassays. The results showed the levels of MMP&mdash;3, MMP&mdash;10, TNF&mdash;&#945;, VEGF and PGE2 were significantly increased in RASF which were treated with individual adiponectin isoforms compared to untreated RASF (p&lt;0.01), and the increases also had significances compared to HFLS which were treated with the same conditions (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, the effect of HMW (high molecular weight)/ MMW (middle molecular weight) was the strongest among them. In conclusion, all three adiponectin isoforms may contribute to proinflammatory effect by stimulating the production of MMP&mdash;3, MMP&mdash;10, TNF&mdash;&#945;, VEGF and PGE2 of RASF in a concentration&mdash;dependent manner. HMW/MMW adiponectin could play an important role in matrix destroying and synovial vascular creating of the pathology of RA.

Effects of exogenous thiocyanate on mineral nutrients, antioxidative responses and free amino acids in rice seedlings

The effects of exogenous thiocyanate (SCN(-)) on amino acids composition, content of mineral nutrients and antioxidative systems in plants were investigated. Young rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. XZX 45) were grown in nutrient solutions amended with potassium thiocyanate (KSCN). Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in plant materials were analyzed in vivo. Mineral nutrients and free amino acids in rice seedlings were also measured to determine metabolic responses to SCN(-) exposure. A significant reduction in transpiration and relative growth was recorded with all treatments (p < 0.05), while changes of total chlorophyll content in leaves was negligible (p > 0.05). SCN-induced toxicity appeared to be more sensitive to activities of POD in shoots and APX activities in roots than the others. The content of nutrient elements in rice seedlings exposed to exogenous SCN(-) was variable, while the effects were more evident at the highest SCN-treatment (p < 0.05). Although the change of total free amino acids in shoots of SCN-exposed seedlings was negligible (p > 0.05), responses of different amino acids to SCN(-) application were quite different. Among fifteen free amino acids detected, serine (Ser), proline (Pro), and methionine (Met) increased, while asparagine (Asp) decreased with an increase of the doses of SCN(-) supplied. Phyto-transport of SCN(-) was apparent and the removal rates were positively correlated to the doses, suggesting that phyto-assimilation of SCN(-) is an enzymatic process through a potentially un-identified degradation pathway.

Evidence of iron cyanides as supplementary nitrogen source to rice seedlings

The effect of iron cyanides on activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) of plants was investigated. Young rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. XZX 45) were grown in the nutrient solutions containing KNO(3) or NH(4)Cl and treated with ferro-cyanide [K(4)Fe(CN)(6)] or ferri-cyanide [K(3)Fe(CN)(6)]. Total cyanide and free cyanide in solutions and in plant materials were analyzed. Activities of NR and GS in different parts of plants were assayed in vivo. Results indicated that all rice seedlings exposed to either ferro- or ferri-cyanide showed positive growth. The phyto-assimilation rates of both iron cyanide species by rice seedlings were positively correlated to the doses supplied. Seedlings grown on NO(3)(-) showed significantly higher assimilatory potential for both ferro- and ferri-cyanide than those on NH(4)(+). Rice seedlings grown on NH(4)(+)-containing nutrient solution accumulated more cyanide in plant materials, majority being in roots rather than shoots, than these grown on NO(3)(-)-containing nutrient solution, suggesting that the presence of ammonium (NH(4)(+)) in the nutrient solution caused a negative impact on botanical assimilation of both iron cyanides. Sensitivity of NR and GS in rice seedlings exposed to ferro- and ferri-cyanide was identical, where conspicuous effects were only observed at the highest concentration supplied. The evidence offered here suggests that both iron cyanides can be a supplementary source of nitrogen to plant nutrition.

Fabrication and high visible light photocatalytic properties of Cu/Cu2O nanocomposites by the one-pot solution-phase hydrothermal method

Cu/Cu2O nanocomposites were synthesized by the one-pot solution-phase hydrothermal method. The resulting products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Experimental results indicate that the content of Cu in the Cu/Cu2O CNs increasing with prolonged reaction time. The content of Cu in the Cu/Cu2O CNs plays an important role in the photocatalytic activity. The coexistence of Cu2O and Cu nanoparticles was propitious to the high photocatalytic activity owing to their hetero-junction effect. Compared with the Cu/Cu2O CNs with high Cu content (68-96 wt%) and pure Cu2O, the Cu/Cu2O CNs with low Cu content (2.1-9.2 wt%) exhibited improved photocatalytic activity on the degradation of MO solution under visible light irradiation, at the first 20 min of irradiation, the photodegradation efficiency of MO solution reach up to 99%, it is still as high as 95% even at the end of the fourth cycle. Little change is found in their phase compositions during the photocatalytic reaction process, except partial oxidation of particles surface. The HmechanismH for visible light driven photocatalytic activity enhancement over Cu/Cu2O CNs is discussed.

Activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase in rice seedlings during cyanide metabolism

A study was conducted to investigate activities of nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in plants during cyanide metabolism. Young rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L. cv. XZX 45) were grown in the nutrient solutions containing KNO(3) or NH(4)Cl and treated with free cyanide (KCN). Cyanide in solutions and in plant materials was analyzed to estimate the phyto-assimilation potential. Activities of NR and GS in different parts of rice seedlings were assayed in vivo. Seedlings grown on NH(4)(+) showed significantly higher relative growth rate than those on NO(3)(-) (p<0.05) in the presence of exogenous cyanide. The metabolic rates of cyanide by seedlings were all positively correlated to the concentrations supplied. A negligible difference was observed between the two treatments with nitrate and ammonium (p>0.05). Enzymatic assays showed that cyanide (≥0.97mg CN L(-1)) impaired NR activity significantly in both roots and shoots (p<0.05). The effect of cyanide on GS activity in roots was more evident at 1.93mg CN L(-1), suggesting that NR activity was more susceptible to change from cyanide application than GS activity. The results observed here suggest that the exogenous cyanide, which to a certain level has a beneficial role in plant nutrition.

Phytotoxicity of thiocyanate to rice seedlings

The acute toxicity of potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) and ammonium thiocyanate (NH(4)SCN) to rice seedlings was tested. Hydroponically-grown plants showed different responses to the two species of thiocyanate. NH(4)SCN caused more severe stress to rice seedlings than KSCN. A significant reduction in transpiration and relative growth was observed with all NH(4)SCN treatments (p < 0.01), while the effect of KSCN on rice seedlings was more evident at greater than 100 mg SCN/L (p < 0.01). Both chemicals had a negligible effect on total chlorophyll content in shoots of rice seedlings (p > 0.05). Although phyto-transport of thiocyanate was apparent, rice seedlings showed significantly higher removal potential for NH(4)SCN than KSCN.

New laser apparatus to measure oscillation amplitude down to picometer at megahertz frequencies

A laser setup to study shear oscillations at small amplitudes with resonance frequencies up to 3 MHz is presented. The new approach combines gauging of the Gaussian laser beam and a lock-in amplifier. The device is tested with a 3 MHz AT-cut quartz crystal. The oscillation amplitude at the edge of the electrode on the quartz crystal is measured with a resolution of 2 pm.

Impacts of ozone on the biomass and yield of rice in open-top chambers

The impacts of different O3 concentration on the biomass and yield of rice were studied by using OTC-1 open-top chambers. Experimental treatments included the activated charcoal-filtered air (CFA), 50 nl/L (CF50), 100 nl/L (CF100) and 200 nl/L (CF200) concentrations of O3. The O3 treatments significantly decreased the total biomass per plant. The elevated O3 exposure resulted in a more decrease in the root growth than in the shoot growth. Assessments of yield characteristics at the final harvest revealed an O3-induced decrease in the number of grains per plant, resulting from fewer ears per plant, fewer grains per ear and more unfilled grains per ear. The 1000 grain dry weight and the harvest index (HI) were not changed significantly under 50 nl/L or 100 nl/L O3 exposure, but reduced by 17.0% and 4.8% by 200 nl/L O3 treatment, respectively. Compared to the CFA treatment, CF50, CF100 and CF200 treatments caused a 8.2%, 26.1%, 49.1% decrease of the grain yield per plant, and a 14.2%, 31.7%, 51.7% decrease of the total biomass per plant, respectively. Linear regression showed that the 7 h-daily mean O3 concentration exposure for 3 months (July-September) and AOT40 (cumulative exposure accumulation over threshold 40 nl/L) were well correlated with the relative grain yield. A yield loss of 10% was estimated to be at 46.9 nl/L O3 for 7 h-daily mean O3 concentration exposure or at 12930 nl/(L.h) O3 for AOT40.

Role of phosphate and kinetic characteristics of complete iron release from native pig spleen ferritin-Fe

The kinetics for complete iron release showing biphasic behavior from pig spleen ferritin-Fe (PSFF) was measured by spectrophotometry. The native core within the PSFF shell consisted of 1682 hydroxide Fe3+ and 13 phosphate molecules. Inhibition kinetics for complete iron release was measure by differential spectrophotometry in the presence of phosphate; the process was clearly divided into two phases involving a first-order reaction at an increasing rate of 46.5 Fe3+/PSFF/min on the surface of the iron core and a zero-order reaction at a decreasing rate of 6.67 Fe3+/PSFF/min inside the core. The kinetic equation [C(PSFF-Fe3+)max - C(PSFF-Fe3+)t](1/2) = Tmax - Tt gives the transition time between the two rates and represents the complex kinetic characteristics. The rate was directly accelerated twofold by a mixed reducer of dithionite and ascorbic acid. These results suggest that the channel of the PSFF shell may carry out multiple functions for iron metabolism and storage and that the phosphate strongly affects the rate of iron release.

Studies on the heme and H2-uptake reaction from Azotobacter vinelandii bacterial ferritin

Bacterial ferritin of Azotobacter vinelandii (AvBF) is directly able to pick electrons up for iron release from or transfer them for storage to a platinum electrode in the absence of mediator or other reducer. The ferritin containing the structure of heme-Co2+ in part shows weakened activity to electrode and decreases the rate of iron release greatly. A reversible reduction process of the ferritin is observed by the spectral change regularly ranging from 310 to 260 nm under mixed gases containing 98% H2 and 2% to O2. The activity of nitrogen fixation from the whole cell of A. vinelandii increases greatly by H2 reduction with potentials ranging from -397 to -425 mV vs. NHE, indicating two important roles of H2-uptake reaction of the ferritin in increasing activity of nitrogen fixation and in supplying iron to synthesize nitrogenase.

H2-uptake activity, spectra, reduction potentials, and kinetics of iron release on the surface of iron core from Azotobacter vinelandii bacterial ferritin

Bacterial ferritin from Azotobacter vinelandii (AvBFo) has a function in H2 uptake. The Fe3+ reduction on the surface of the iron core from AvBFo is accompanied simultaneously by H2 uptake, with a maximum activity of H2 uptake of 450 H2/AvBFo. A reduction potential of -402 mV for iron reduction on the surface of the core is found. A shift to the red the protein absorbance peaks ranging from 280 to 290 nm is observed between pH 5 and 9 under 100% H2 reduction. The reduction potential for iron release becomes negative at a rate of 0.025 mV/Fe2+ released. The kinetics of iron release on the surface of the core is a first-order reaction.

[Clinical study of bugu shengsui capsule in treating primary osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of Bugu Shengsui capsule (BGSSC) in treating primary osteoporosis.

METHODS

Using double energy X-ray bone densimeter and radioimmunoassay (RIA), the effect of BGSSC in treating primary osteoporosis (OP) with Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome.

RESULTS

The clinical markedly effective and total effective rates of BGSSC were 46% and 82%, respectively. The rate of TCM group is significantly higher than that of the control group (Vitamin D plus calcium). BGSSC could improve bone mineral density by the verification of double energy X-ray bone dansity (DEXA). It could also increase the level of serum calcitonin, luteinizing hormone and calcium, decrease the activity of parathyroid hormone.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of BGSSC on primary OP included increasing patient's bone mineral density, depressing bone resorption and decreasing bone loss.

Morpholological analyses of galaninergic inputs to the rat spinal parasympathetic nucleus

We examined the characteristic features of galanin (GAL)-containing nerve afferents in the intermediolateral nucleus (IML) of the rat lumbosacral spinal cord (L6, S1), i.e., spinal parasympathetic nucleus, by immunocytochemistry at both light and electron microscopic levels. Firstly, the types of synapses formed by GAL-immunoreactive (IR) axon terminals and their post- or presynaptic elements were examined in random ultrathin sections. A total of 109 synapses were examined. Axodendritic (71%) and axo-somatic (20%) synapses were always of the asymmetrical type. Axo-axonic synapses (9%) were occasionally found; GAL-IR axon terminals were either postsynaptic (3%) or presynaptic (6%) to non-IR axon terminals. By confocal laser microscopy, many GAL-IR axon terminals were seen close to cell bodies and proximal dendrites of the IML neurons that were retrogradely labeled with Fluoro-Gold injected into the pelvic ganglion. Some GAL-IR axon terminals were identified to be presynaptic to them under the electron microscope, by restaining for GAL immunoreactivity with the immunoperoxidase method. These findings suggest that the GAL afferents are involved in the parasympathetic motor regulation of pelvic organs via their central synaptic influences upon preganglionic neurons. Finally, hemi-transection of the upper lumbar segments (L1-L3) or unilateral dorsal rhizotomy (L5-S2) did not significantly alter the immunoreactivity for GAL in the IML. These results suggest that GAL afferents do not originate from regions rostral to the IML nor from the dorsal root ganglion, but probably from GAL cells located at least within the lower lumbar segments and/or sacral spinal cord.

[Clinical study on early use of Chinese medicinal herbs and chemotherapy after operation of gastric cancer]

In order to study the efficacy of early chemotherapy after operation of gastric cancer, 84 cases of gastric cancer were divided randomly into two groups. The treated group received both Chinese medicinal herbs and chemotherapy on the first postoperational day and the control group were treated routinely in the same way two weeks later. The results showed that complications of incision and anastomoses of the treated group did not rise and all kinds of blood cells reduce in comparison with those of control group (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, nutritious condition of the treated group was improved significantly as compared with that of control group (P < 0.05) because of use of Chinese medicinal herbs and nutrition support. This study suggested that chemotherapy could be used early after operation of gastric cancer in combination with Chinese medicinal herbs.

[A new leptospiral serovar in the autumnalis serogroup]

Strain A6 of leptospire was isolated from blood culture of a case with leptospirosis on July 1, 1962 in Mengla county, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. It is proved a new serovar belonging to serogroup Autumnalis by cross agglutination and cross agglutinin-absorption tests. The name, Leprospira interrogans serovar nanla with reference strain A6 is proposed.

Direct projection from the dorsal hypothalamic area to the nucleus raphe pallidus: a study using anterograde transport with Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin in the rat

A hypothalamic projection to the nucleus raphe pallidus of the medulla was examined using the anterograde tracing technique based on Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) in the rat. After the iontophoretic application of PHA-L to the dorsal hypothalamic area, labeled fibers that finally ended in the nucleus raphe pallidus were observed descending through the most medial part of the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus reticularis tegmenti pointis to reach the medial aspect of the pyramid. Many varicose fibers forming a loose plexus were observed in the nucleus raphe pallidus, especially ventrally. The ventral surface of the pyramid and the most ventral region of the nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis lateralis (PGCL) contained labeled varicose fibers. At the electron microscopic level, the labeled profiles in the nucleus raphe pallidus were small-sized unmyelinated axons and axon terminals. Labeled axon terminals containing spherical synaptic vesicles formed synapses on spine-like protrusions or small-sized dendritic shafts. These results strongly indicate that neurons in the dorsal hypothalamic area have a direct connection with neurons in the nucleus raphe pallidus and the ventral part of the PGCL. The possible involvement of this pathway in cardiovascular regulation was discussed.