Systematic review with meta-analysis: effects of probiotic fungi on irritable bowel syndrome

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains challenging for clinicians. Probiotic fungi may act as candidate options for IBS treatment, but systematic evaluation of their clinical value remains scarce. This study is aimed to assess the efficacy and the safety of probiotic fungi for IBS treatment by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, were searched up to June 2022. Randomised controlled trials recruited subjects with prescriptions of probiotic fungi were eligible. Efficacy and safety of probiotic fungi were re-evaluated. Continuous data were pooled to obtain standardised difference in means (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval. The search strategy identified 120 articles of which 7 trial assessing 883 subjects were included in the analysis. Systematic data support that Saccharomyces helps to relieve abdominal pain/discomfort (SMD = -0.205, P = 0.005), and presented potential improvements on psychological outcomes, stool form for IBS patients. It is hard to demonstrate favourable effects on other symptoms (including distension, mucus passage, sense of incomplete evacuation, urgency, straining). The incidence of mild complications ranged from 0 to 51.4%, but no serious complications were observed in the included trials. Therefore, the partial response and the relative safe of probiotic fungi for IBS treatment have been demonstrated from the existing trials. However, it is premature to eventually declare the practical effects of probiotic fungi. Conducting more high-quality and large-scale trials and real-world studies, or even developing new fungal strains, is still necessary.

[Discussion on the use of occupational contraindication cardiovascular disease in Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014)]

Technical Specifications for Occupational Health Surveillance (GBZ 188-2014) has played an important role in screening occupational contraindications and preventing occupational diseases since its implementation. However, during the use of occupational health examination, we found that the use of occupational contraindication on cardiovascular disease was not "homogenized" due to the differences in the understanding of various physical examination institutions. Therefore, this paper mainly discussed the connotation and quantitative standards of organic heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension in the occupational contraindication cardiovascular disease in the specification for "homogenization".

[Analysis of 1153 Cases of Forest Encephalitis Reported by Domestic Documents]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of forest encephalitis, and provide basis for revising relevant diagnostic criteria. Methods: From January to December 2020, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of forest encephalitis cases in the data of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Chinese journals from 2009 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The measurement data are expressed in Mean±SD, numbers, and the counting data of gender, region and occupation are expressed in numbers and composition ratio. Descriptive analysis of relevant data is carried out. Results: There were 1 153 confirmed cases of forest encephalitis reported in domestic literature, including 910 males and 243 females. Age: 16-78 years old; Cases were mainly distributed in Jilin Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Heilongjiang Province. The cases included forest rangers (112/518), freelancers (104/518) and loggers (88/518). The common symptoms and signs were fever 81.2% (936/1153), headache 70.3% (811/1153), meninges irritation 29.0% (334/1153), vomiting 25.3% (292/1153), nausea 21.8% (251/1153), etc. Only 48.1% (555/1153) of the patients obtained positive pathogenic test results from blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid specimens. 42.1% (485/1153) had definite diagnosis grade, 354 cases were mild, 58 cases were moderate, and 73 cases were severe. Among 730 patients with forest encephalitis who received complete treatment, 511 cases were cured, 148 cases were improved, 48 cases were not cured, and 23 cases died. Conclusion: The epidemic of forest encephalitis has strict regional, seasonal and occupational characteristics. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the mortality and disability rate.

Efficacy of acupuncture based on acupoint combination theory for irritable bowel syndrome: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and changes in defecation patterns. No organic disease is found to explain these symptoms by routine clinical examination. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for IBS patients compared with those of conventional treatments. We also aim to identify the optimal acupoint combination recommended for IBS and to clarify the clinical advantage of the “multiacupoint co-effect and synergistic effect.”

Methods and analysis

A total of 204 eligible patients who meet the Rome IV criteria for IBS will be randomly stratified into acupuncture group A, acupuncture group B, or the control group in a 1:1:1 ratio with a central web-based randomization system. The prespecified acupoints used in the control group will include bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), Neiguan (PC6), and Zusanli (ST36). The prespecified acupoints used in experimental group A will include bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Neiguan (PC6). The prespecified acupoints used in experimental group B will include bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Zusanli (ST36). Each patient will receive 12 acupuncture treatments over 4 weeks and will be followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the IBS-Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) score. The secondary outcomes include the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), Work and Social Adjustment Score (WSAS), IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QOL), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. Both the primary outcome and the secondary outcome measures will be collected at baseline, at 2 and 4 weeks during the intervention, and at 6 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The entire project has been approved by the ethics committee of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2020BZYLL0903).

Discussion

This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial for IBS in China. The findings may shed light on the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative to conventional IBS treatment. The results of the trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Register ChiCTR2000041215. First registered on 12 December 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/.

[The application of narrative therapy in convalescent patients with occupational acute chemical toxic encephalopathy]

Objective: To explore the effects of narrative therapy on cognition, emotion and treatment satisfaction of convalescent patients with occupational acute chemical toxic encephalopathy. Methods: From June to July 2019, 60 convalescent patients with occupational chemical poisoning encephalopathy were randomly divided into narrative group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine clinical treatment. On the basis of receiving the original clinical treatment, patients in the narrative group added narrative treatment once a week to explain discomfort in specific life situations through conversation from the perspective of disease and psychology. 30 min each time for 6 weeks. The patients were investigated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA scale) every 2 weeks to evaluate the degree of cognitive impairment. The changes of depression, anxiety and treatment satisfaction were investigated before and after intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in MoCA scores between the two groups before intervention (P>0.05) . After 6 weeks of treatment, MoCA scores of narrative group and control group gradually increased with the extension of treatment time, and the increase degree of MoCA score of narrative group was greater than that of control group (P<0.01) . Before intervention, there was no significant difference in depression, anxiety score, prevalence and satisfaction index between narrative group and control group (P>0.05) . After the intervention, the scores and prevalence of depression and anxiety in the narrative group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the scores of feeling in the process of seeing a doctor and how to obtain their own disease information were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Narrative therapy can improve the cognitive function and emotion of patients with occupational chemical poisoning, and improve the treatment satisfaction of patients.

[Comparative study on fracture toughness of digital light processing three-dimensional printing zirconia and milled zirconia]

Objective: To investigate the influence of digital light processing (DLP) and computer numerical controlmilling (CNC) on the mechanical behavior of zirconia. Methods: Prepared DLP samples (experimental group, n=52) and CNC samples (control group, n=52) with 12 samples in each group were randomly selected using random number table to measure density, grain size and crystal phase composition. According to the different methods fracture toughness test, the samples were divided into indentation method group (IM) and single-edge-V-notch-beam group (SEVNB), with 30 DLP and 30 CNC samples in IM group, 10 DLP and 10 CNC samples in SEVNB group. The IM group was tested under three different loads (49.03 N, 98.07 N, 196.10 N), there were 10 samples for each load and each sample was tested at 15 points, and the load with the ratio of crack length to indentation diagonal length greater than 2.5 was selected as the indentation load to calculate its IM fracture toughness. At the same time, the SEVNB group was tested with four point bending test to record the maximum load at the time of fracture and calculate the SEVNB fracture toughness. Finally, the indentation and fracture surface were observed using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, and the results of DLP group and CNC group were further compared to explore the difference in fracture mechanism. Results: The microstructure of DLP and CNC zirconia was basically the same, the density of DLP group was (6.020±0.021) g/cm³, the grain size was (0.603±0.033) μm; the density of CNC group was (6.038±0.012) g/cm³, the grain size was (0.591±0.033) μm. Both groups were composed of tetragonal zirconia. The load of 196.10 N was chosen as the indentation load for two groups to calculate the IM fracture toughness. In terms of fracture toughness, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Scanning electron microscope images of fracture surface showed the intergranular fracture was the leading fracture mode of two groups. The IM and SEVNB fracture toughness of DLP zirconia were (6.111±0.179) MPa·m^1/2 and (7.221±0.809) MPa·m^1/2, respectively. The IM and SEVNB fracture toughness of CNC zirconia were (6.126±0.383) MPa·m^1/2 and (7.408±0.533) MPa·m^1/2, respectively. Conclusions: The microstructure of DLP and CNC zirconia is almost the same, and there is little difference in the fracture toughness of zirconia between two processing technologies.

Efficient Electron Transfer from Electron-Sponge Polyoxometalate to Single-Metal Site Metal-Organic Frameworks for Highly Selective Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide

In this work, by combining the superiority of polyoxometalates (POMs) and catalytic single-metal site Co of metalloporphyrin, a series of mixed-valence POM-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) composites is synthesized by a post-modification method. The electron-transfer property of POM@PCN-222(Co) composite is significantly enhanced owing to the directional electron-transfer from POM to single-metal site Co in PCN-222(Co). In particular, H-POM@PCN-222(Co) gives a high Faradaic efficiency of 96.2% for electroreduction of CO₂ into CO and good stability over 10 h. DFT calculations confirm that the directional electron transfer, which accelerates the multi-electron transfer from the electrode to active single-metal site Co, enriches the electron density of the Co center, and ultimately reduces the energy of the rate-determining step, thus increasing the catalytic activity of CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂ RR). This work therefore suggests some new insight for the design of efficient electrocatalysts for CO₂ RR.

[Clinical features and imaging analysis of primary bone lymphoma of the jaw]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and imaging manifestations of primary bone lymphoma (PBL) located in the jaw. Methods: Clinical data of 14 PBL patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, which including age, gender, location, chief complaint, laboratory test, imaging manifestations and so on. Results: Among the 14 PBL patients, 10 were male and 4 were female. Age range from 4 to 79 years, median age was 56 years old. There were 6 cases involved maxillary, 7 cases involved mandible and 1 case involved mandible and maxillary simultaneously. Twelve patients were admitted with local mass as the chief complaint, 3 had a history of toothache, 4 had loosen tooth and 2 had numbness of lips and cheeks. Two cases of oral mass with mucosal surface ulcer or abscess formation. One case complained of fever, night sweats and other systemic symptoms. The imaging findings showed 8 cases of osteolytic lesions, 1 case of sclerosis, 4 cases of mixed lesions and 1 case of cystic lesions. One case had periosteum reaction. In 12 cases, there was an obvious mass, which was characterized by the large soft-tissue mass and marrow changes were associated with surprisingly little cortical destruction. Conclusions: PBL is more common in middle aged male. The upper and lower jaw bones can be involved. Clinical and imaging manifestations lack characteristics, and common dental or periodontal symptoms such as toothache, tooth loosening, and paresthesia may occur. However, the imaging characteristics of large soft tissue masses with small degree of bone destruction can be used as an important basis for the differential diagnosis of osteomyelitis, squamous cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma and other diseases.

[Inhibitors of RAS Might Be a Good Choice for the Therapy of COVID-19 Pneumonia]

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients by binding human ACE2, leading to severe pneumonia and highly mortality rate in patients. At present, there is no definite and effective treatment for COVID-19. ACE2 plays an important role in the RAS, and the imbalance between ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway and ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway in the RAS system will lead to multi-system inflammation. Increased ACE and Ang II are poor prognostic factors for severe pneumonia. Animal studies have shown that RAS inhibitors could effectively relieve symptoms of acute severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. The binding of COVID-19 and ACE2 resulted in the exhaustion of ACE2, and then ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway was inhibited. The balance of the RAS system was broken, and this would lead to the exacerbation of acute severe pneumonia. Therefore, we speculate that ACEI and AT1R inhibitors could be used in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia under the condition of controlling blood pressure, and might reduce the pulmonary inflammatory response and mortality.

[Inhibitors of RAS Might Be a Good Choice for the Therapy of COVID-19 Pneumonia]

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infected patients by binding human ACE2, leading to severe pneumonia and highly mortality rate in patients. At present, there is no definite and effective treatment for COVID-19. ACE2 plays an important role in the RAS, and the imbalance between ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway and ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway in the RAS system will lead to multi-system inflammation. Increased ACE and Ang II are poor prognostic factors for severe pneumonia. Animal studies have shown that RAS inhibitors could effectively relieve symptoms of acute severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. The binding of COVID-19 and ACE2 resulted in the exhaustion of ACE2, and then ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor pathway was inhibited. The balance of the RAS system was broken, and this would lead to the exacerbation of acute severe pneumonia. Therefore, we speculate that ACEI and AT1R inhibitors could be used in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia under the condition of controlling blood pressure, and might reduce the pulmonary inflammatory response and mortality.

[Preliminary study on the elimination of artifacts of five kinds of dental prosthetic materials by energy spectrum CT multi-material artifact reduction technology]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the multi-material artifact reduction (MMAR) algorithm of spectral CT in reducing the beam hardening artifacts in dental restoration material. Methods: Three-unit fixed bridge restorations were fabricated on the first to third molars in pig jaw. Gold alloy, zirconia, cobalt chromium alloy, nickel chromium alloy and pure titanium were used as materials for these fixed bridges. After restoration delivery, the pig jaw was scaned using energy spectrum CT machines. Images in regular 120 kVp scan mode were used as conventional group, and reconstructed single-energy horizontal images of 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 keV in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum group, and reconstructed images applied MMAR technology in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum MMAR group. Each group was scanned 10 times to measure CT value and noise of muscles around dental prosthetic materials and adjacent non-artifact layers. Artifact index was calculated. Two radiologists scored the image quality of each group subjectively. Kruskal Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the difference of image noise, artifact index and subjective score among the control group and the best keV condition in the energy spectrum group and the energy spectrum MMAR group. Results: The image noise of energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group decreased gradually with the increase of single energy level. The artifact index of pure titanium restorations in conventional group, energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were 71.0±8.0, 21.4±2.7 and 14.7±2.7 respectively, and these values were significantly lower than those of other materials in the same group (P<0.05). The subjective image quality scores in energy spectrum MMAR group were as follows: 3.0±0.2 for gold alloy, 4.3±0.5 for zirconia, 3.0±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, 3.1±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, and 4.6±0.5 for pure titanium. These scores were significantly smaller than those in the conventional group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in noise between energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group (P>0.05), and the noise values in energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were significantly lower than that in the conventional group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Artifacts of pure titanium is minimal. Energy spectrum CT combined with MMAR technology can effectively reduce the artifacts of gold, zirconia, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-titanium alloy and pure titanium. This technique can be used as an effective method to remove artifacts of dental prosthesis.

[Clinical effect of electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy in treatment of memory disorders in patients with acute severe toxic encephalopathy]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect and safety of electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy in improving memory disorders in patientsin the recovery stage of acute severe toxic encephalopathy. Methods: A total of 52 patients in the recovery stage of acute severe toxic encephalopathy who were hospitalized in our hospital from March 2013 to December 2016 were enrolled and randomly divided into observation group with 27 patients and control group with 25 patients. Both groups were given the drugs to promote the metabolism of brain cells,and the patients in the observation group were given electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy in addition. The Chinese revised version of Wechsler Memory Scale Type A was used to measure memory ability before and after each course of treatment. The treatment outcome was evaluated for both groups. Results: There were no significant differences in the scores of long-term memory,short-term memory, immediate memory, and memory quotient between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After the first course of treatment ended, the observation group had significant increases in the scores of forward task,backward task,association,and memory quotient(P<0.05); compared with the control group, the observation group had a significant reduction in the score of backward task(P<0.05).After the second course of treatmentended, the observation group had significant increases in the scores offorward task,backward task,memorization of pictures,reproduction,association,comprehension,and memory quotient,and the control group had significant increases in the scores of reproduction,association,comprehension,and memory quotient(P<0.05); compared with the control group, the observation group had significant increases in the scores of forward task,backward task,memorization of pictures, reproduction, association, comprehension, and memory quotient(P<0.05).Two patients experiencedchest distress, palpitation, and dysphoria during treatment, which did not affect the treatment. Conclusion: Electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy has a certain effect in the treatment of memory disorders in patients with acute severe toxic encephalopathy.

[Quantitative EEG and event-related potential P300 analysis oxiracetam injection curative effect in the treatment of delayed encephalopathy after acutecarbon monoxide poisoning]

Objective: oevaluateclinical curative effect of oxiracetam injection in the treatment of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) . Methods: Methods 52 patients with DEACMP were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, 27 cases in the observation group and 25 cases in the control group. The 2 groups were adopted the treatment to improve the cerebral microcirculation and other symptomatic, the observation group on the basis of treatment for the treatment of oxiracetam Injection. Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) and event-related potential P300 were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the 2 groups before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, QEEG value and event related potential P300 in observation group were decreased with statistically significant, respectively (P<0.05) , compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group excepted the occipital lobe, left parietal lobe, left around central and other indicators, QEEG and P300 oflatent period was shortened while the bank widens with statistical significance (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Olathe injection of DEACMP patients recovery have certain curative effect.

[Comparative study on deep venous thrombosis onset in hospitalized patients with different underlying diseases]

Objective: To improve the understanding of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), the present study was conducted to investigate the difference of DVT onset in hospitalized patients with different underlying diseases. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study from Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Clinical data from hospital onset DVT patients from 2007 to 2016 were collected. DVT was confirmed with compression ultrasonography (CUS), color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), CT venography (CTV), magnetic resonance venography (MRV), lower extremities radionuclide venography(RDV) or conventional venography (CV). The risk factors of DVT in hospital were analyzed with a Chi-square analysis. Results: A total of 5 063 patients (1.65%) with DVT involving 5 024 veins were identified from 305 922 inpatients admitted without DVT during ten years. Among DVT patients, 2 752 were males (54.36%) and 2 311 were females (45.64%) with age of (74.1±15.9) years (range from 1 to 103 years). Patients with DVT were elder and longer inhospital than those without DVT (P< 0.001). Patients with respiratory diseases had higher incidence of DVT (6.83%, OR= 5.498, 95%CI 5.151-5.868) than those with other system diseases, in which patients with respiratory failure had the highest incidence of DVT (9.53%, 95%CI 6.912-8.018) among all patients. The risks of having DVT were higher in patients with serious internal medicine diseases than those in patients with trauma, or cataclasis/operations, or invasive manipulations. Among all DVT patients, 71.54% of them were with inflammation diseases, 55.56% were with hypertension and 54.93% were with structural heart disease. DVT often occurred in inferior extremities (83.78%, 4 360/5 063) in patients irrespective of underlying diseases. Conclusions: There is an association between underlying diseases of hospitalized patients and the development of DVT. Patients with internal medicine diseases had higher risk to develop DVT than those with trauma or cataclasis/operations or invasive manipulations. To prevent the development of DVT, its screening should be emphasized in patients with serious internal diseases.

[Study on relationship between Set gene expression and clinical manifestations in bone marrow of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia]

Objective: To explore the expression and significance of Set gene in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients , and to analyze its effect for the prognosis of AML. Methods: The level of Set gene expression was detected by real-time PCR in 59 AML patients and 20 heathy people. The mutations in C-kit 8/17 gene, NPM1 gene and FLT3-TKD/ITD gene in 59 AML patients were detected by direct sequencing. Results: The level of Set gene expression[1.41(0.41-3.31)]was significantly higher in 59 AML patients.The expression of Set gene was correlated with the percentage of marrow blasts and CR in AML patients (P=0.040, P<0.001); the CR rate of Set gene high expression group was significantly lower than that of Set gene low expression group(32.1% vs 83.9%, P=0.01). In the intermediate-risk of AML patients with chromosome karyotype analysis, the CR rate of Set gene high expression group and low expression group were 34.8% and 88.9%, and there are significantly different between two groups(P<0.001); univariate and multivariate analysis showed that Set gene high expression group correlated with poor OS[4(2-15)months]and EFS[3(2-13)months])(P=0.021, P=0.017). It suggests that the Set gene maybe one of AML independent poor prognostic marker.The level of Set gene expression did not correlate with sex, age, WBC, HGB, PLT, FAB typing, chromosomal karyotype and NPM1, C-Kit8/17, CEBPa, FLT3-ITD/TKD gene mutations in AML patients(all P>0.05). Conclusions: The level of Set gene expression in bone marrow maybe play an important role in AML. The high expression of Set gene indicates poor prognosis in AML patients.

Superhydrophobic SERS chip based on a Ag coated natural taro-leaf

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates based on plasmonic nanostructures allow for label-free and fingerprinting molecular detection with ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity, but their complicated and high-cost fabrication remains a challenge for practical applications and commercialization of SERS technology. Herein, we developed a facile and low-cost natural SERS substrate based on silver coated taro leaf (Taro-leaf@Ag) that exhibits ordered micro-papillae and secondary crossed nanoplates. The micro-papillae exhibited superior superhydrophobicity for analyte enrichment and the secondary crossed nanoplates provided rich SERS hot spots, which together lead to highly sensitive SERS detection with a detection limit as low as 10(-8) M. Moreover, the crossed nanoplates were uniformly distributed such that reproducible SERS measurements with a 9.7% variation over 1274 spectra was achieved. The high SERS sensitivity and reproducibility as well as the facile and low-cost fabrication make the Taro-leaf@Ag a promising natural SERS substrate for future practical biochemical detection methods.

High-Efficiency Electrophosphorescent Copolymers Containing Charged Iridium Complexes in the Side Chains

A convenient approach to novel charged Ir polymers for optoelectronic devices to achieve red emission was developed. 2-(Pyridin-2-yl)benzimidazole units grafted into the side chains of macroligands (PFCz and PFP) served as ligands for the formation of charged Ir complex pendants with 1-phenylisoquinoline (1-piq). The charged Ir polymers (PFPIrPiq and PFCzIrPiq) showed exclusive Ir(1-piq)(2){N-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)benzimidazole]hexyl}(+)BF(4)(-) (IrPiq) emission, with the peak at 595 nm. The best device performances were obtained from PFCzIrPiq4 with the device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PFCzIrPiq4+PBD (30 wt %)/TPBI/Ba/Al (PBD: 5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole; TPBI: 1,3,5-tris-(2-N-phenylbenzimidazolyl)benzene). A maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.3 % and a luminous efficiency (LE) of 6.9 cd A(-1) with a luminance of 138 cd m(-2) were achieved at a current density of 1.9 mA cm(-2). The efficiencies remained as high as EQE=3.4 % and LE=3.3 cd A(-1) with a luminance of 3770 cd m(-2) at a current density of 115 mA cm(-2). The single-layer devices based on charged Ir polymers also showed high efficiency with the high work-function metal Ag as cathode. The maximum external quantum efficiencies of the devices were 0.64 % and 0.66 % for PFPIrPiq2 and PFPIrPiq10, respectively. A possible mechanism of an electrochemical cell associated with its electrochemical redox pathway for single-layer devices has been proposed. The results showed that the charged Ir polymers are promising candidate materials for polymer optoelectronic devices.

Paclitaxel-octreotide conjugates inhibit growth of human non-small cell lung cancer cells in vitro

AIM

To evaluate the effects of paclitaxel-octreotide conjugates on the growth of cultured non-small cell lung cancer cells.

METHODS

RT-PCR was performed to detect mRNA for the subtypes of the human somatostatin receptor (SSTR) using specific primers. MTT-based cytotoxicity assay was used to evaluate the cell viability after treatment with paclitaxel and the conjugates. Cell cycle perturbations were determined using a Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter.

RESULTS

Non-small cell lung cancer A549 and Calu-6 cells expressed mRNA for SSTR2 and SSTR5. Paclitaxel and the conjugates effectively inhibited the growth of A549 and Calu-6 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In SSTR-negative fibroblasts, the conjugates were less cytotoxic than paclitaxel. The conjugates and paclitaxel could induce the increase of G(2)/M phase ratio in A549 cells.

CONCLUSION

The paclitaxel-octreotide conjugates can be used as selective-targeted chemotherapeutic agents for treating non-small cell lung cancer.

[The development of nanoparticles on DNA isolation and purification]

Magnetic nanoparticle is a new solid-support of affinity chromatography. The particle size is small and it has super-paramagnetism. It has large surface area and it can be endowed many reaction groups such as streptavidin, antibody or DNA fragments. The target DNA can be separated in magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticle is applied in the biomolecular field gradually and it has a very broad prospect of appliance.

[Effects of 17 beta-estradiol on the release of nitric oxide from HUVEC]

OBJECTIVE

The protective mechanism of 17 beta-estradiol on blood vessels was investigated to provide evidences for clinical use of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

To observe the effects of 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E2), testosterone (T), homocysteine (Hcy), 17 beta-E2 combined with T and 17 beta-E2 combined with Hcy on the production of nitric oxide (NO) released from cultured human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro.

RESULTS

Preincubation with 10(-9) mol/L 17 beta-E2 8-48 hours significantly enhanced the release of nitric oxide from HUVEC versus the control, but 10(-9) mol/L T had no effects within 48 hours. Pretreatment with 10(-9)-10(-7) mol/L testosterone for 24 hours had no effects on the release of NO from HUVEC versus the control, but 10(-6), 10(-5) mol/L T significantly reduced the release of NO from HUVEC. HUVEC were treated by 10(-9)-10(-5) mol/L 17 beta-E2 and 10(-9)-10(-5) mol/L T respectively for 24 hours. 10(-9), 10(-8) mol/L T had no effects on the beneficial effect of 17 beta-E2 with regard to the production of NO from HUVEC, while 10(-5) mol/L T greatly attenuated the beneficial effect of 17 beta-E2 with regard to the production of NO from HUVEC. Pretreatment with 10(-4)-10(-3) mol/L Hcy for 24 hours greatly inhibited the release of NO from HUVEC. If treated HUVEC with various concentrations of 17 beta-E2 (10(-9), 10(-7), 10(-5) mol/L) and Hcy for 24 hours simultaneously, 10(-9)-10(-7) mol/L 17 beta-E2 can partly eliminate the effects of Hcy on the released of NO from HUVEC.

CONCLUSIONS

T can not enhance the release of NO from HUVECs. The effect of 17 beta-E2 combined with T on the release of NO depends on the concentration of both 17 beta-E2 and T. When 17 beta-E2 and T are in low dose, HUVEC can release more NO. Hcy can inhibit the release of NO from HUVEC, concomitant treatment with a low dose of 17 beta-E2 may eliminate the effects of Hcy on HUVEC.

Two rare alkaloids from Pratia nummularia

Two rare alkaloids, 1-(2-,N-methylpiperidyl)-butan-2-one (1) and l-(2-N-methylpiperidyl)-pentan-2-one (2), were identified from the medicinal plant Pratia nummularia. The structure of 1 was elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods. Compound 2 was established by spectral comparison with synthetic material.

[The relationship between the plasma levels of endothelin and angiopathy in diabetic patients]

Plasma levels of endothelin (ET), vasoconstrictor peptide released from vascular endothelial cells, have been measured by radioimmunoassay in 48 patients with NIDDM and 20 healthy subjects. The plasma ET concentrations were found to be greatly elevated in the patients with diabetes compared with the healthy subjects (P < 0.001). We also find that the plasma levels of ET were higher in diabetic patients with complication of diabetes mellitus than in those without complication (P < 0.02). The elevated ET levels were related to hypertension and/or diabetic angiopathy. There were no significant correlations between plasma ET concentrations and blood glucose, HbA1 et al. In diabetic patients elevated ET levels may play a pathophysiological role in the development of diabetic complication.

Revised Stereochemistry of So-Called Isoselagine and Spectroscopic Analysis of 6alpha-Hydroxylycopodine from Lycopodium serratum var. longipetiolatum

The structure of isoselagine, isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant LYCOPODIUM SERRATUM Thunb. var. longipetiolatum Spring, was shown to be identical with huperzine A ( 1) and to have an exocyclic double bond in the E -configuration from NOE data. In the process of extraction of isoselagine, we also isolated and identified another alkaloid, 6alpha-hydroxylycopodine (L. 20) ( 2) that was found to occur in this plant for the first time. The structure of L. 20 was previously determined mainly by the chemical means, and this is the first report on the analysis of its structure by (1)H- and (13)C-NMR with more advanced 2D-NMR techniques. The X-ray crystallography revealed the stereochemistry of 2 and confirmed its structure. The hemostatic properties of the isolated alkaloids were studied, but they showed no platelet aggregation activity.

Endothelin stimulates aldosterone secretion in vitro from normal adrenocortical tissue, but not adenoma tissue, in primary aldosteronism

In addition to vasoconstriction, endothelin (ET) has been reported to show various endocrine actions in animals. However, no data have emerged concerning the effect of ET on adrenal function in humans. We, therefore, investigated the effects of ET on aldosterone and cortisol secretion from adrenocortical tissues obtained from normal subjects (n = 6) and patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 5). Adrenal tissue slices were incubated at 37 C for 120 min in modified Krebs-Ringer solution containing glucose and HEPES. ET increased aldosterone secretion from normal adrenocortical tissue in a dose-dependent manner, with an ED50 of 0.036 nmol/L, although the maximum response was small compared with that to angiotensin-II. ET also stimulated aldosterone secretion from tissues adjacent to the adenoma, but not from the adenoma, in patients with primary aldosteronism. The effects of ET on aldosterone secretion were significantly suppressed by calcium channel blockade with nicardipine. ET did not affect cortisol secretion from the adrenal tissues. These results suggest that ET is one of the factors that regulates aldosterone secretion in humans.

[In vitro transformation of Syrian hamster embryo cells by four chemicals]

In this paper, the early passage diploid Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells were used as the source of target. Four chemicals were appraised in SHE transformation test to determine whether they were carcinogens or not. They were (1) 2-benzoyl-hydrazono-1,3-diethiolane(BHD) (technical product); (2) isoprothiolane (pure product); (3) isoprothiolane (technical product); (4) benzene-abstracts from coal smoke of coke oven (benzene-abstracts). The results showed that morphological transformation was not observed when cells were not treated or treated with dimethyl sulfoxide, BHD, pure isoprothiolane and the technical product of isoprothiolane. The highest concentration had considerable cytotoxicity. In the groups of positive control (1.0 microgram/ml 3-methyl-cholanthrene, 10.0 micrograms/ml benzo (a) pyrene) and benzene-abstracts, we could observe colonies with random or criss-cross orientation and dense piling-up of cells. According to well known positive criteria, the benzene-abstracts can induce SHE cells morphological transformation. The other three chemicals can not induce SHE cells transformation.

The assay for thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin using cultured human thyroid cells and its clinical application

A new technique for the determination of the serum level of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) is described. TSI may be detected by measuring cyclic AMP increases in cultures of isolated thyroid epithelial cells in response to added normal or patient's serum. Our results showed that the serum level in the normal control group was mostly lower than 110%, however, in 9.1% of normal human sera, TSI showed a positive result. In abnormal position, activity of TSI was higher than 110% of the rate of the normal control group. The positive result was 86% and the serum TSI levels were 270 +/- 176.6% in patients with Graves' disease before receiving antithyroid drug. After treatment with antithyroid drugs from one to thirty months, the positive results dropped to 35% and the serum TSI level decreased to 117.0 +/- 113%, which was significantly lower than that in untreated patients. In conclusion, TSI can be detected in the majority of the sera in patients with Graves' disease using this technique. It is helpful to the diagnosis and treatment of the Graves' disease.