Search

To evaluate the efficacy of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention among real-world surgical inpatients who received panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).A prospective cohort study was conducted among surgical patients between January 2016 and November 2018 in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Participants received LMWH alone or PNS combined with LMWH for preventing DVT. The primary outcome was incidence of lower extremity DVT, which was screened once a week. Participants in the LMWH group were given LMWH (enoxaparin) via hypodermic injection, 4000-8000 AxalU once daily. Participants in the exposure group received PNS (Xuesaitong oral tablets, 100 mg, 3 times daily) combined with LMWH given the same as LMWH group.Of the 325 patients screened for the study, 281 participants were included in the final analysis. The cohort was divided into PNS + LMWH group and LMWH group with 134 and 147 participants, respectively. There was a significant difference of DVT incidence between two groups (P=0.01), with 21 (15.7%) incident DVT in the PNS + LMWH group, and 41 (27.9%) incident DVT in the LMWH group. Compared with participants without DVT, the participants diagnosed with DVT were older and had higher D-dimer level. The multivariate logistic regression model showed a significant lower risk of incident DVT among participants in the PNS + LMWH group compared with the LMWH group (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.86). There were no significant differences in thromboelaslography values (including R, K, Angle, and MA) and differences in severe bleeding between two groups. No symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred during the study.Combined application of PNS and LMWH can effectively reduce the incidence of DVT among surgical inpatients compared with LMWH monotherapy, without increased risk of bleeding.

Background Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is rarely caused by vertebral artery dissection (VAD), which is an important cause of posterior circulation stroke in young and middle-aged patients. We report the case of a middle-aged patient without obvious risk factors for atherosclerosis who had SCI from right VAD. Case presentation An otherwise healthy 40-year-old man presented with acute right-sided body weakness. Six days earlier, he had experienced posterior neck pain without obvious inducement. Neurologic examination revealed a right Brown-Séquard syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head was normal. Further, cervical spine MRI showed spinal cord infarction (SCI) on the right at the C1-C3 level. Three-dimensional high-resolution MRI (3D HR-MRI) volumetric isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (VISTA) scan showed evidence of vertebral artery dissection (VAD). The patient was significantly relieved of symptoms and demonstrated negative imaging findings after therapy with anticoagulation (AC) and antiplatelets (AP) for 3 months. Conclusions The possibility of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) should be considered in the case of young and middle-aged patients without obvious risk factors for atherosclerosis. Furthermore the VISTA black blood sequence plays an important role in the pathological diagnosis of vertebral artery stenosis. Early correct diagnosis and active therapy are crucial to the prognosis.

Punica granatum possesses strong antitumor properties. In this study, a nude mouse model with a subcutaneous xenograft of human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) was established to observe the in vivo antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PP). Levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative analysis of ellagic acid, gallic acid, and punicalagin in active fraction was conducted using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a photo-diode array (HPLC/PDA). PP decreased tumor volume and weight in tumor-bearing nude mice, and significantly increased the rate of apoptosis (p

We measured serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) in 79 preterm neonates (?32 wk), and correlated it with serum ionized calcium (Ca++) levels at 48-72 h and serum phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels at 2-3 weeks of age. The mean (SD) 25 (OH)D level was 14.8 (7.0) ng/mL. 25(OH)D levels had a weak positive correlation with Ca++ (r=0.299) and phosphorus (r=0.186), and a negative correlation with alkaline phosphatase (r=-0.523).

Research output and impact metrics derived from commercial citation databases such as Web of Science and Scopus have become the de facto indicators of scholarly performance across different disciplines and regions. However, it has been pointed out that the existing metrics are largely inadequate to reflect scholars' overall peer-mediated performance, especially in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) where publication channels are more diverse. In this paper alternative metrics exploring a variety of formal and informal communication channels were proposed, with the aim of better reflecting SSH scholarship. Data for a group of SSH scholars in Taiwan on these metrics were collected. Principal component analysis revealed four underlying dimensions represented by the 18 metrics. Multiple-regression analyses were then performed to examine how well each of these dimensions predicted the academic standing of the scholars, measured by the number of public grants awarded and prestigious research awards received. Differences in the significance of the predictors were found between the social sciences and humanities. The results suggest the need to consider disciplinary differences when evaluating scholarly performance.

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a freshwater cyanobacterium that is widely distributed in nature, was chosen for the transformation of geniposide extracted from the Chinese traditional medicine plant Gardenia jasminoides. After a period of 25 days, two converted products were obtained according to the TLC and HPLC results. NMR was used to identify the products. One was genipin (A), an iridoid compound that possesses various pharmacological effects, and its in vitro anti-tumor and anti-bacterial activity were measured. This compound showed a concentration-dependent and time-dependent inhibitory effect against BEL-7402. The IC50 of genipin after incubation with BEL-7402 for 72 h was 16.0 μg mL-1. The diameter of the inhibition zone of genipin at a concentration of 10 μg mL-1 on a culture of Escherichia coli was 24.2 mm. This manuscript provides the first demonstration of the strong in vitro anti-bacterial activity of genipin. Geniposide also showed inhibitory ability on the growth of BEL-7402 and bacterial cells, but its effects were weaker than that of genipin. In addition, the cytotoxicity of genipin against Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 or another bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis sp. PCC 7806, was evaluated. Genipin exhibited a high level of cytotoxicity against Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Microcystis sp. PCC 7806 with IC50 values of 1.33 μg mL-1 and 66.27 μg mL-1, respectively. In conclusion, the results indicate Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a potential biocatalyst for the transformation of geniposide into genipin, which not only has valuable pharmacological activities (determined in this study and by other research groups), but also shows potential for water-bloom control (based on the results of assays on two cyanobacteria reported herein).

The pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of intravenously (IV) administered cefetamet-Na and per os (PO) administered cefetamet pivoxil were investigated in eighteen healthy dogs at three different dose levels. The three doses for IV cefetamet-Na were 95, 190 and 380 mg, while those for oral cefetamet pivoxil were 125, 250 and 500 mg (both equivalent to 90, 180 and 360 mg of cefetamet). An efficacy predictor, measured as the ratios of the time that the concentration of the free drug is over the MIC90 (T > MIC90) and the dosing interval (f% T > MIC90) of IV and PO administration were calculated. The PK parameters’ maximum concentration (C max), half-life (t 1/2) and area under the curve (AUC0–t ) after three IV doses were 42.85 ± 11.79 μg/mL, 1.66 ± 0.36 h and 80.10 ± 28.92 mg h/L (95 mg); 93.50 ± 30.51 μg/mL, 1.47 ± 0.13 h and 1.47 ± 0.13 mg h/L (190 mg); 185.74 ± 113.83 μg/mL, 1.60 ± 0.38 h and 263.20 ± 73.27 mg h/L (380 mg). After PO administration, the C max, t 1/2 and AUC0–t at three doses were 9.25 ± 1.02 μg/mL, 1.79 ± 0.50 h and 31.90 ± 4.76 mg h/L (125 mg); 9.75 ± 1.77 μg/mL, 1.93 ± 0.65 h and 42.69 ± 8.93 mg h/L (250 mg); 15.55 ± 6.65 μg/mL, 2.02 ± 0.54 h, and 68.72 ± 24.11 mg h/L (500 mg). The IV f% T > MIC90 was greater than PO f% T > MIC90 when MIC90 was within the range of 0.25–256 mg/L.

Amorphous Ni–P coating was plated on AZ31 magnesium alloy via the electroless plating technique, and the plated alloy was subsequently annealed. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the coating. The results show that the hardness of the coating is much higher than that of bare magnesium alloy, which further increases after crystallization. The electrochemical polarization and salt spray tests show that the coating exhibits a much higher corrosion resistance than that of the bare magnesium alloy. Moreover, the crystallized coating still exhibits a much stronger corrosion resistance than that of the bare magnesium alloy, although its corrosion resistance is lower than that of the as-plated one.

Transcription factor RBP-J-mediated Notch signaling has been implicated in several inherited cardiovascular diseases including aortic valve diseases (AVD). But whether Notch signal plays a role in AVD in adults has been unclear. This study aims to test whether the deletion of RBP-J in adult mice would lead to AVD and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Cre-LoxP-mediated gene deletion was employed to disrupt Notch signal in adult mice. Immunofluorescence and electron microscope observations showed that deletion of RBP-J in adult mice led to early morphological changes of AVD. The size of aortic valve was enlarged. The endothelial homeostasis was perturbed, probably due to the up-regulation of VEGFR2. The endothelial cells exhibited increased proliferation and loose endothelial junctions. The valvular mesenchyme displayed significant fibrosis, consistent with the up-regulation of TGF-β1 and activation of endothelial-mesenchymal transition. We observed melanin-producing cells in aortic valves. The number of melanin-producing cells increased significantly, and their location changed from the mesenchyme to subendothelial layer of valve cusps in RBP-J deficient mice. These results suggest that RBP-J-mediated Notch signaling in aortic valves may be critically involved in valve homeostasis and valve diseases as well. These findings will be helpful for the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AVD in adults.

The Zn-doped GdBa2Cu3−x Zn x O7−δ (x=0.00–0.40) superconductors have been systemically investigated by structural analysis and positron lifetime. The structural results show that the lattice parameter a and b increase slightly with increasing Zn content x, and the parameter c has a small abrupt decrease. Based on the Jahn–Teller model, we analyze the results of structural distortion. From the positron lifetime data, the local electron density n e has been calculated and the result implies a redistribution of electrons between the Cu-O chains and the CuO2 planes, resulting in the carrier localization. Furthermore, combining the results of the electronic density n e and the transition temperature T c with Zn doping content, it suggests that the carrier localization could interfere the pairing and the “charge transfer” between Cu-O chains and the CuO2 planes and then suppresses superconductivity of the systems.

Berberine, a plant alkaloid used in traditional Chinese medicine, has a wide spectrum of pharmacological actions, but the poor bioavailability limits its clinical use. The present aim was to observe the effects of sodium caprate on the intestinal absorption and antidiabetic action of berberine. The in situ, in vitro, and in vivo models were used to observe the effect of sodium caprate on the intestinal absorption of berberine. Intestinal mucosa morphology was measured to evaluate the toxic effect of sodium caprate. Diabetic model was used to evaluate antidiabetic effect of berberine coadministrated with sodium caprate. The results showed that the absorption of berberine in the small intestine was poor and that sodium caprate could significantly improve the poor absorption of berberine in the small intestine. Sodium caprate stimulated mucosal-to-serosal transport of berberine; the enhancement ratios were 2.08, 1.49, and 3.49 in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively. After coadministration, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve of berberine was increased 28% than that in the absence of sodium caprate. Furthermore, both berberine and coadministration with sodium caprate orally could significantly decrease fasting blood glucose and improve glucose tolerance in diabetic rats (P

Two new Keggin-polyoxometalate hybrids, {[Cu2(4,4′-bpy)2][PW 10 VI W 2 V O40]}[Cu2(obpy)2]4 · 2 H2O (1) and {[Cu4(2,2′-bpy)4(4,4′-bpy)3][SiW12O40]} · 2H2O (2) (4,4′-/2,2′-bpy = 4,4′-/2,2′-bipyridyl, Hobpy = 6-hydroxy-2,2′-bipyridyl), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Gillard type hydration of 2,2′-bipy is observed during the synthesis of 1, resulting in a new obpy ligand in situ. X-ray structural analyses show that 1 consists of 1D hybrid chain {[Cu2(4,4′-bpy)2][PW 10 VI W 2 V O40]}∞ and [Cu2(obpy)2] dimer, whereas 2 possesses 1D hybrid structure based on Keggin-type [SiW12O40]4− anions and tetra-nuclear copper complexes [Cu4(2,2′-bpy)4(4,4′-bpy)3]4+. Both compounds present interesting supramolecular architectures based on π–π stacking and hydrogen bonds. Compounds {[Cu2(4,4′-bpy)2][PW12O40]}[Cu2(obpy)2]4 · 2H2O (1) and [Cu4(2,2′-bpy)4(4,4′-bpy)3][SiW12O40] · 2H2O (2) were hydrothermally synthesized. 1 features that the [Cu2(obpy)2] dimers based on in situ generated obpy ligands are stumped between the layers where 1D hybrid chain {[Cu2(4,4′-bpy)2][PW12O40]}∞ locates, while 2 exhibits 1D chain-like structure based on anions [SiW12O40]4− and tetra-copper complexes [Cu4(2,2′-bpy)4(4,4′-bpy)3]4+.

Stripe (yellow) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating wheat diseases worldwide. Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa 6VS/6AL translocation lines carrying the Yr26 gene on chromosome 1B, are resistant to most races of Pst used in virulence tests. In order to better utilize Yr26 for wheat improvement, we attempted to screen SSR and EST-based STS markers closely linked with Yr26. A total of 500 F2 plants and the F2:3 progenies derived from a cross between 92R137 and susceptible cultivar Yangmai 5 were inoculated with race CYR32. The analysis confirmed that stripe rust resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene, Yr26. Among 35 pairs of genomic SSR markers and 81 pairs of STS markers derived from EST sequences located on chromosome 1B, Yr26 was flanked by 5 SSR and 7 STS markers. The markers were mapped in deletion bins using CS aneuploid and deletion lines. The closest flanking marker loci, Xwe173 and Xbarc181, mapped in 1BL and the genetic distances from Yr26 were 1.4 cM and 6.7 cM, respectively. Some of these markers were previously reported on 1BS. Eight common wheat cultivars and lines developed from the T. aestivum-H. villosa 6VS/6AL translocation lines by different research groups were tested for presence of the markers. Five lines with Yr26 carried the flanking markers whereas three lines without Yr26 did not. The results indicated that the flanking markers should be useful in marker-assisted selection for incorporating Yr26 into wheat cultivars.

The hydrothermal reaction of VOSO4, As2O3, CoC2O4·2H2O and 2,2′-bipy yields a novel arsenic-vanadate [CoII(2,2′-bpy)2]2[AsIII8VIV 14O42(H2O)]·H2O (1), which is characterized by IR, elemental analysis, TGA, magnetic susceptibility and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction shows that compound 1 is the first example of tubular arsenic–vanadium cluster containing infinite {[Co(2,2′-bpy)2]2[As8V14O42(H2O)]}∞ chain constructed from [As8V14O42(H2O)] clusters interconnected through [Co(2,2-bpy)]2+ units. Crystal data: 1, orthorhombic, P 212121, a=12.1401(2) A, b=15.8722(1) A, c=39.9533(5) A, Z=4. Graphical Abstract: A novel polyoxoarsenicvanadate, [CoII(2,2′-bipy)2]2 [AsIII8VIV 14O42(H2O)]·H2O, is depicted along with a tubular hybrid solid with a rhombic tube formed within the chain.

Studying the evolution of groundwater pollutants and the causes of formation in Manzhouli is important and necessitous as the present water source of the production and living in Manzhouli is just groundwater and the water crisis is staring Manzhouli people in the face. The evolution of pollutants in groundwater in Manzhouli was derived based on the continuously monitoring between 1989 and 1999. In total, the quality of groundwater in Manzhouli is good except that the content of F is exceeding the standard. The quality of groundwater varies seasonally. The content of pollutants in high water is higher than in the low water except pH and As. The yearly evolution shows the regime like the damp surge. The evolution of pH is inverse to NO3-N and F after 1999. The courses of formation of the evolution of the content of the pollutants in groundwater in Manzhouli are the supply of runoff, the feature of rock, the time the water being stayed in the layers and the chemical field. Being affected by the supply of ground surface and hydrogeology condition, the contents of pollutant are higher in the May than in September and the yearly evolution is undulance. In total, the pollutants in the deeper layers are less than in the upper layers. Explosion water in the deeper layers, using the techniques of cutting F and minifying the pollutants caused by human being are the sound countermeasures in Manzhouli.

Objective: To analyze the tolerance of lung cancer patients with moderate pulmonary hypofunction to open-chest operation. Methods: The postoperative complications of 31 patients with moderate pulmonary hypofunction (study group) and 62 patients with normal pulmonary function (control group) were reviewed. Statistical t test and χ2 test were set to examine the data, and logistic regression was performed to find the associated factors. Results: In patients with moderate pulmonary hypofunction, hypoxemia (41.9%), arrhythmia and cardiac dysfunction (25.8%), and pulmonary inflammation (25.8%) were common postoperative complications, and respiratory failure and cardiac failure (9.2%) severe complications. In-hospital mortality rate was 3.2%. In the control group, the incidence of the above 4 postoperative complications was 16.1%, 8.1%, 9.6% and 3.2% accordingly, and no case died in hospital. Regression analysis showed that age and resection range were associated with the occurrence of the complications. Conclusion: Common postoperative complications (hypoxemia) in patients with moderate pulmonary hypofunction are remarkably higher than those in control group, but severe complications and in-hospital mortality rate are not significantly high. Patients with older age and larger resection range undergo higher complication rate.