Adaptation and validation of the Bengali version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL)

Background: Chronic urticaria exerts a profound impact on quality of life. Recent guidelines recommend its evaluation in all chronic urticaria patients. Currently, the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) is the only validated tool to assess chronic urticaria-specific quality of life. Objective: To validate and adapt the CU-Q2oL to the Bengali language for its widespread use. Methods: The CU-Q2oL questionnaire was translated into Bengali. Its internal consistency and reliability were tested by asking 42 chronic urticaria patients to complete this version. They completed the validated Bengali Dermatology Life Quality Index and Urticaria Control test questionnaires, and their scores were correlated with CU-Q2oL score to assess the validity of our Bengali version. Results: The mean CU-Q2oL score of our patients (mean age 38.41 ± 13.4 years, male: female 29:13) was 48.8 ± 16.5. Domain 4 (sleep problems) was worst affected, followed by domain 1 (pruritus), while domain 2 (swelling) was least affected. We detected an excellent overall internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) of our version and nearly complete agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.91) between the test-retest scores. We found a significant positive correlation between the overall CU-Q2oL and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores (rs = 0.53, P = 0.0002), thus implying the validity of our version. Additionally, we noted a significant negative correlation between the overall CU-Q2oL and Urticaria Control test scores (rs = -0.48, P = 0.0007), suggestive of a more severe impairment of quality of life with poorer disease control. Limitations: Small sample size, observational design and bias in test-retest reliability analysis due to the use of rescue therapy in-between assessment sessions were important limitations of our study. Conclusion: The Bengali version of CU-Q2oL questio

Physiological regulation of salicylic acid on Helianthus tubeuosus upon copper stress and root FTIR analysis / 生物工程学报

Phytoremediation plays an important role in the treatment of heavy metal pollution in soil. In order to elucidate the mechanism of salicylic acid (SA) on copper absorption, seedlings from Xuzhou (with strong Cu-tolerance) and Weifang Helianthus tuberosus cultivars (with weak Cu-tolerance) were selected for pot culture experiments. 1 mmol/L SA was sprayed upon 300 mg/kg soil copper stress, and the photosynthesis, leaf antioxidant system, several essential mineral nutrients and the changes of root upon copper stress were analyzed to explore the mechanism of copper resistance. The results showed that Pn, Tr, Gs and Ci upon copper stress decreased significantly compared to the control group. Meanwhile, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid decreased with significant increase in initial fluorescence (F0), maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSⅡ (Fv/Fm), electron transfer rate (ETR) and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) content all decreased. The ascorbic acid (AsA) content was decreased, the glutathione (GSH) value was increased, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity in the leaves were decreased, and the peroxidase (POD) activity was significantly increased. SA increased the Cu content in the ground and root system, and weakened the nutrient uptake capacity of K, Ca, Mg, and Zn in the root stem and leaves. Spray of exogenous SA can maintain the opening of leaf stomata, improve the adverse effect of copper on photosynthetic pigment and PSⅡ reaction center. Mediating the SOD and APX activity started the AsA-GSH cycle process, effectively regulated the antioxidant enzyme system in chrysanthemum taro, significantly reduced the copper content of all parts of the plant, and improved the ion exchange capacity in the body. External SA increased the content of the negative electric group on the root by changing the proportion of components in the root, promoted the absorption of mineral nutrient elements and the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances, strengthened the fixation effect of the root on metal copper, and avoided its massive accumulation in the H. tuberosus body, so as to alleviate the inhibitory effect of copper on plant growth. The study revealed the physiological regulation of SA upon copper stress, and provided a theoretical basis for planting H. tuberosus to repair soil copper pollution.

Comparative Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Contamination analysis in Lake Water Samples Collected from Nallasopara lakes in Palghar

Nirmal and Chakreshwar lake are two important water bodies in Vasai-Virar Taluka, are the primary source of water for the nearby villages. The objective of the study was to analysis physicochemical parameters and simultaneously monitor the heavy metal content. During the study the physicochemical parameters like pH, temperature, Total hardness, TS, TDS and TSS were evaluated in pre and post monsoon samples at three different sites from each water body. t test and two way ANOVA test were performed to assess the variation in the pre and post analysis for any significant difference. It was observed that heavy metal content was found more in pond A (Nirmal), comparative to pond B (Chakreshwar) lake.

Uniformity of water distribution by a sprinkler irrigation system on a soccer field

Soccer field grass can be compared to highly sensitive crops regarding water deficit and must be irrigated throughout the year to provide decent conditions for use. For this, efficient irrigation systems are necessary to save water and energy, and this is possible, provided that they are evaluated. Therefore, this paper evaluated the water distribution uniformity, by different methodologies, for an irrigation system installed in a grass soccer field. Also, the influences of multiple spacings between sprinklers and meteorological factors on the final results were assessed. The irrigation system had Falcon 6504 sprinklers, operating at the pressure of 320 kPa. Six field essays were conducted considering overlaying water depths originated from the same irrigation system considering spacings between sprinklers varying from 6 m x 6 m, 6 m x 9 m, 9 m x 9 m, 9 m x 12 m, 12 m x 12 m, 12 m x 15 m, 15 m x 15 m, 15 m x 18 m, 18 m x 18 m, 18 m x 21 m, 21 m x 21 m, 21 m x 24 m, 24 m x 24 m, 24 m x 27 m, 27 m x 27 m, 27 m x 30 m and 30 m x 30 m. The uniformity coefficients used were: Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU), distribution uniformity coefficient (DU), absolute uniformity coefficient (UA), statistical uniformity coefficient (US), Hart uniformity coefficient (UH) and HSPA standard efficiency (UHSPA). Meteorological data were obtained during the essays. Wind speed caused reduction in the length of the water jet applied by the sprinkler and also caused a bigger effect on the water distribution uniformity. Both CU and UH showed higher values compared to the other coefficients. The increase in the spacing between the sprinklers resulted in reduced water distribution coefficients. To comply with technical and economic criteria, an arrangement of 12 m x 15 m between the Falcon 6504 sprinklers, operating at a 320 kPa pressure, is recommended.

The influence of duration of intra-abdominal hypertension on the prognosis of critically ill patients / 中华急诊医学杂志

Background:In the clinical setting, the effect of intra-abdominal hypertension on the human body is dependent on time, but its role is not yet clear.Objective:To investigate the effect of the duration of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) on the prognosis of critically ill patients.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 256 IAH patients who were admitted to the Surgical ICU of 10 Grade A hospitals in Fujian Province from January 2018 to December 2020. The duration of IAH (DIAH) was obtained after monitoring IAP, and ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and average daily energy intake from enteral nutrition during ICU stay were observed and recorded. The correlation was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. The patients were divided into the survival group and the death group according to their survival state at 60 days after enrollment. Thereafter, clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study and validate the relationship between DIAH and 60-day mortality. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the predictive abilities of DIAH on the mortality risk.Results:In critically ill patients, DIAH was positively correlated with duration of mechanical ventilation ( r=0.679, P<0.001), duration of CRRT ( r=0.541, P<0.001) and ICU length of stay ( r=0.794, P<0.001), respectively. In addition, there was a negative correlation between DIAH and average daily energy intake from enteral nutrition ( r=-0.669, P<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, DIAH was an independent risk factor for 60-day mortality in critically patients with IAH ( OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12; P = 0.012), and exhibited a linearity change trend relationship with mortality risk. The ROC curve analysis of DIAH showed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.825 (95% CI: 0.763~0.886, P<0.01). When the cut-off value was 16.5 days, the sensitivity was 78.4% and the specificity was 75.4%. Conclusions:DIAH is an important risk factor for prognosis in critically ill patients. Early identification and rapid intervention for the etiology of IAH should be performed to shorten DIAH.

Nanosized copper particles induced mesangial cell toxicity via the autophagy pathway

Nanosized copper particles (nano Cu) have been incorporated into products in multiple industries, although studies have demonstrated that these particles are nephrotoxic. We investigated the cytotoxicity of nanosized copper particles on rat mesangial cells and measured rates of apoptosis, the expression of caspase-3, and generation of reactive oxygen species. We also measured autophagy through the acridine orange (AO) staining and expression of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and p62 to screen the underlying mechanism of toxicity. Nanosized copper particles inhibited mesangial cell viability, up-regulated the activity of caspase-3, and increased the rates of apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species in a concentration-dependent manner. Exposure to nano Cu increased the formation of acidic vesicular organelles and the expression of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and p62, and treatment with an autophagy inhibitor reduced nephrotoxicity. This indicated that the autophagy pathway is involved in the toxicity induced by nanosized copper particles to mesangial cells. This finding can contribute to the development of safety guidelines for the evaluation of nanomaterials in the future.

Estimation of some vital trace elements in patients with acute pancreatitis: A case-control study

Abstract Trace elements have an important influence on the living system and play a major role in a variety of processes necessary for life. This case study was conducted as an attempt to expand our knowledge of the relationship between trace elements and their effect on acute pancreatitis. Sixty-five patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis with mean age 43.6 years, along with sixty-five healthy volunteers with a mean age 45.7 years, were included in this study. The obtained results indicated a significant increase in the Cu, Ni and Cr levels, and a significant decrease in the Zn, Mg and Fe levels for acute pancreatitis patients compared with the control group (p <0.001). In addition, a remarkable increase in the Cu/Zn ratio was observed in patients. The current work provides important evidence of correlation between changes in copper and zinc levels and the risk of acute pancreatitis. Also, an increased Cu/Zn ratio may be a useful indication for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute pancreatitis. Moreover, the current study concluded that there is a possible relationship of Mg, Fe, Ni and Cr with acute pancreatitis. Thus, it can be suggested that these elements are reliable to provide indications for warning of the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Predictive value of blood routine and blood biochemical indicators for immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy-related interstitial pneumonia in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of blood routine and blood biochemical indicators for immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy-related interstitial pneumonia (IP) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:The data of 151 newly-diagnosed DLBCL patients treated with rituximab combined with chemotherapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from December 2017 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether IP occurred, the patients were divided into IP group and non-IP group. The patient's clinical data and baseline laboratory test results were collected. The differences in clinicopathological features and laboratory indicators between IP group and non-IP group were analyzed. In addition, the relationship between the variety of blood routine and blood biochemical indicators and the occurrence of IP was analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the selected indicators to predict the occurrence of IP was drawn, and the predictive performance of each indicator was analyzed.Results:The incidence of IP was 9.3% (14/151) in DLBCL patients after receiving immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. The lymphocyte count (LYM) in IP group at the first diagnosis was higher than that in non-IP group [1.60×10 9/L (1.40×10 9/L, 2.51×10 9/L) vs. 1.28×10 9/L (0.89×10 9/L, 1.78×10 9/L), U=-2.194, P=0.028], but there was no significant difference in the levels of platelet count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), serum albumin (ALB) and the proportion of patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Compared with the laboratory indicators in non-IP group before the 4th cycle of treatment, LYM and ALB in IP group were significantly reduced at IP onset [0.72×10 9/L (0.46×10 9/L, 0.92×10 9/L) vs. 0.93×10 9/L (0.71×10 9/L, 1.15×10 9/L), 32.9 g/L (28.6 g/L, 34.9 g/L) vs. 40.3 g/L (36.1 g/L, 43.1 g/L)], but LDH and α-HBDH increased [332 U/L (255 U/L, 396 U/L) vs. 233 U/L (200 U/L, 286 U/L), 277 U/L (206 U/L, 315 U/L) vs. 189 U/L (159 U/L, 229 U/L)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The proportion of patients with elevated CRP in IP group was high than that in non-IP group [100.0% (14/14) vs. 56.9% (78/137), P=0.001]. The area under ROC curve of LYM, ALB, LDH and α-HBDH alone for predicting the occurrence of IP was 0.668, 0.820, 0.789 and 0.802. The best cut-off values of ALB, LDH and α-HBDH was 34.6 g/L, 241 U/L and 199 U/L. ALB had the highest sensitivity for predicting the occurrence of IP (81.8%). The areas under ROC curve of ALB+LDH, ALB+α-HBDH, LDH+α-HBDH, ALB+LDH+α-HBDH for predicting the occurrence of IP was 0.850, 0.844, 0.777 and 0.851, respectively. LDH+α-HBDH had the highest predictive sensitivity (92.9%), but the specificity was low (53.3%). The prediction sensitivity (both 78.6%) and specificity (both 86.1%) of ALB+LDH and ALB+LDH+α-HBDH were high. Conclusions:DLBCL patients are at risk of IP during immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. The increased LYM at initial diagnosis is a risk factor for the occurrence of IP. The variety of LYM, ALB, LDH, α-HBDH and CRP during the treatment may be related to the occurrence of IP. Among them, ALB, LDH and α-HBDH have important predictive values for the occurrence of IP.

Red cell distribution width predicts the severity of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and disease severity in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.Methods:Seventy patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received treatment in Chaozhou People's Hospital from June 2019 to June 2020 were included in the observation group. An additional 70 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who concurrently received treatment in the same hospital were included in the control group. All patients underwent electrocardiography and blood biochemical index examination. RDW was compared between the observation and control groups. The relationship between RDW and the severity of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction was analyzed.Results:RDW in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(14.60 ± 1.00) % vs. (13.06 ± 1.70) %, t = 5.884, P = 0.012). The detection rate of coronary artery thrombosis in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [70.00% (49/70) vs. 50.00% (35/70), χ2 = 7.563, P = 0.002]. In the observation group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve plotted taking RDW as the variable was 0.649 (95% CI 0.546-0.753, P = 0.006). When the critical value of RDW was 14%, the sensitivity and specificity of RDW in the prediction of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction were 73% and 59% respectively. RDW was positively correlated with cardiac troponin I level ( r = 0.19, P = 0.006). Conclusion:In patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the increase in RDW is related to myocardial injury and the increase in cardiac troponin I level. RDW can be used as an effective index to predict the severity of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Complications after post placental insertion of Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean delivery

Background: India is the second most populated country in the world after China with more than a billion people and has highest number of maternal deaths in the world. The aim of the study was to find out the complications after insertion of post placental Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean delivery.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dr RPGMC Kangra (Rural Medical College) after taking approval of Protocol Review and Institutional Ethics Committee of the Institution. A total of 104 women delivering by caesarean section and wanting post-placental intra-caesarean Cu T 380 A insertion and who were meeting WHO standard medical criteria for PPIUCD insertion and were willing to comply with the study protocol was recruited for the study.Results: There were no major complications and only minor side effects like pain and fever were observed in 6.25 and 6.90 and 9.37 and 11.11% of women who were admitted electively and in emergency, respectively during follow-up visit up to 6 months. String became visible in 72.12% of women at the 6 weeks follow-up visit and their visibilities increased with time and at 6 months follow-up in 90.81% of the cases. Continuation rate was 100% at 6 weeks post-partum follow-up. After that spontaneous expulsion occurred in 4 cases (3.84%) and another 4 women (3.84%) requested removal for various reasons leading to continuation rate of 92.30% at six months post-partum follow-up. There was no case of pregnancy with Cu T in situ with no failure at the end of study at six months post-partum.Conclusions: Post placental insertion of Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean section was safe and effective method of postpartum family planning, the complaints and complications initially increased but decreased at 6 months follow-up.

Evaluation of clinical outcome of post placental insertion of Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean delivery

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate clinical outcome of insertion of post placental Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean delivery.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dr RPGMC Kangra at Tanda (Rural Medical College) to evaluate the clinical outcome of post placental Cu T 380 A insertion in women undergoing caesarean section after taking approval of protocol review and institutional ethics committee of the institution. A total of 104 women delivering by caesarean section and wanting post-placental intra-caesarean Cu T 380 A insertion and who were meeting WHO standard medical criteria for PPIUCD insertion and were willing to comply with the study protocol was recruited for the study.Results: The present study showed that there were no major complications and only minor side effects were like pain, fever, discharge and irregular bleeding which were observed in only 5-15% of women during hospital stay and during follow up visit up to 6 months. String became visible in 72.12% of women at the 6 weeks follow up visit. The string visibility increased with time and at 6 months follow up stings became visible in 90.81% of the cases. Continuation rate was 100% at 6 weeks post-partum follow up. After that spontaneous expulsion occurred in 4 cases (3.84%) and another 4 women (3.84%) requested removal for various reasons leading to continuation rate of 92.3% at six months post-partum follow up. There was no case of pregnancy with Cu T in situ with no failure at the end of study at six months post-partum.Conclusions: Intra caesarean insertion of PPIUCD is practical, convenient, safe, effective and acceptable contraceptive method for spacing of the birth in this rural setting.

Preparation of morin-Cu2+ complex imprinted polymer and its application in solid phase extraction / 中草药

Objective: To prepare morin-Cu2+ complex imprinted polymer (CIP) and use the polymer to extract morin from mulberry branch. Methods: Morin-Cu2+ CIPs were prepared in water-methanol polar solvent in the presence of Cu2+, acrylamide as the functional monomer. The CIPs were used as the solid phase extraction sorbent for extracting morin from mulberry branch. Results: The prepared CIPs had specific and selective adsorption on morin, the maximum adsorption capacity was 82 μmol/g, which was much higher than that of the traditional imprinted polymers relying on hydrogen bond and non-imprinted polymers. The separation factors of CIPs to daidzein and catechin were 4.81 and 4.02, respectively. CIPs had a significant enrichment effect on morin in the composition of the mulberry branch solid phase extraction elution solution. Conclusion: Morin-Cu2+ CIPs are excellent material used for the separation and enrichment of morin, the material has good selective adsorption ability and environmental adaptability.

Leiomiosarcoma y colitis ulcerosa: reporte de caso / Leiomyosarcoma and ulcerative colitis: Case report

Resumen Los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa (CU) y enfermedad de Crohn (EC) presentan un mayor riesgo de cáncer colorrectal (CCR), debido a la inflamación crónica, la susceptibilidad genética y los factores de riesgo ambientales. Sin embargo, las neoplasias no epiteliales son infrecuentes. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 83 años con una CU de larga evolución, que presenta una lesión polipoide. Una vez resecada, se diagnosticó de un leiomiosarcoma de alto grado. En la literatura, únicamente se han publicado tres casos previos de leiomiosarcoma en pacientes con CU, por lo que este reporte representaría el cuarto caso. La asociación directa de la CU y el leiomiosarcoma no ha sido bien establecida. No obstante, se sugiere que la inmunosupresión y la inflamación crónica son factores de riesgo.

Abstract Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients present an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) due to chronic inflammation, genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors. In contrast, non-epithelial neoplasms are uncommon. We discuss the case of an 83-year-old male with a long-standing UC, presenting with a polypoid lesion. Once resected, the lesion was identified as a high-grade leiomyosarcoma. A review of the literature revealed that only three previous cases of leiomyosarcoma among patients with UC have been published. Thus, this one would represent the fourth case where this rare non-epithelial neoplasm was detected in a patient with UC. The direct association of UC and leiomyosarcoma has not been well established; however, immunosuppression is suggested to be a risk factor for leiomyosarcoma in the literature.

Effects of copper and cadmium ions on protective enzyme activity in Oncomelania hupensis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of Cu2+ and Cd2+ at different concentrations on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activity in Oncomelania hupensis. Methods Cu2+- and Cd2+-containing solutions were prepared at 7 concentrations, and O. hupensis snails were exposed to the solutions for 24 h, of 15 snails in each concentration. Then, the snail body was collected following removal of the snail shell and homogenated, and the SOD, CAT and POS activities were detected in the supernatants. Results With the increase of the Cu2+ concentration, the SOD activity appeared a rise followed by a reduction in O. hupensis snails, and the CTA activity appeared a decline-rise-decline tendency, while the POD activity showed a tendency towards rise followed by decline. With the increase of the Cd2+ concentration, the SOD activity appeared a rise followed by a reduction in O. hupensis snails, and the CTA activity appeared a decline- rise- decline tendency, while the POD activity showed a decline-rise-decline tendency. Conclusion Exposure to Cu2+ and Cd2+ at high concentrations results in a decline in the activity of SOD, CAT and POD in O. hupensis at the same time.

Acute toxicity of four heavy metal ions to Oncomelania hupensis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To assess the acute toxicity of Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ to Oncomelania hupensis. Methods Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ solutions were prepared at five concentrations, and 10 snails were exposed to each concentration for 24, 48, 72 h and 96 h. Then, the inhibition of snail activity and snail death was observed, and the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) and median lethal concentrations (LC50) were estimated. Results The 24, 48, 72 h and 96 h EC50 values of Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ were 0.74, 0.56, 0.46, 0.37 mg/L, 4.79, 3.52, 1.70, 1.26 mg/L, 1.90, 1.49, 0.83, 0.76 mg/L and 21.40, 9.98, 7.90, 5.42 mg/L for snails, respectively. The 96 h LC50 values of Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ were 0.43, 2.96, 1.12 mg/L and 12.22 mg/L for snails, the safe concentrations were 0.004 3, 0.029 6, 0.011 2, 0.122 2 mg/L, respectively. Conclusion Cu2+ shows a high acute toxicity to snails, and Cd2+ and Hg2+ exhibit a moderate acute toxicity to snails, while Pb2+ is lowly toxic to snails.

Cu-sil denture: an innovative approach to preserve the few remaining natural teeth: a case report

According to De Van, the preservation of what remains is of utmost importance rather than the meticulous replacement of what has been lost. Need based use of unconventional approach is a growing demand in prosthodontics in India. The increasing demands of the patients have led to innovative techniques for fabricating complete dentures. Conventional techniques may provide satisfactory results in most patients but may not be suitable in all cases. Cu-sil denture is one of the transitional dentures which is easy to fabricate, saves time as well as reduces the cost of treatment. These dentures provide a psychological boost to the patients and serve as a viable alternative. They not only promote the alveolar ridge integrity but also help in retaining the proprioceptive ability of the periodontium. This paper presents a case of fabrication of Cu-sil denture in a patient with two teeth remaining in the maxillary arch.

Determination and Analysis of Heavy Metals of Paridis Rhizoma from Different Localities and Pieces / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To analyze and determine heavy metal content in Paridis Rhizoma from different genus and localities,in order to provide a reference for selecting cultivation areas and establishing the quality standard of Paridis Rhizoma of heavy metals content. Method:Microwave digestion method combined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry method (ICP-AES) method were applied to determine the contents of 6 heavy metals,i.e. As,Cu,Hg,Cd,Pb and Cr in 39 samples of Paridis Rhizoma of different genus and localities in Yunnan Province. Cluster analysis,statistical analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to compare the differences of heavy metals contents in different localities and species. Result:The contents of six heavy metals in Paridis Rhizoma met the ISO international standard of Heavy Metal Limit of Traditional Chinese Medicine-traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials. Under the limited value standard of Green Trade Standards of Importing Medicinal Plants and Preparations,the over-standard rate of heavy metal As was 15.4%,the excess rate of Cd was 5.1%,and the excess rate of Pb was 2.6%. The contents of Cu and Hg conformed to relevant requirements. Cluster analysis,statistical analysis and principal component analysis showed that for the same variety,differences in producing places had significant effects on heavy metal content,while differences in species had little effects. Conclusion:The results of this study indicated that the heavy metal content of Paris planted in and around Dali basically conformed to relevant standards. The differences of heavy metal content in Paris were mainly regional differences,which provided a theoretical basis for standardizing the cultivation of medicinal materials and formulating the limit standards of heavy metals for Paridis Rhizoma.

Effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Copper Ion-mediated Aβ Aggregation in AD Cell Model / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of copper ion(Cu2+) on the aggregation and neurotoxicity of Aβ, and affirm the role of Danggui Shaoyaosan in vitro,the Neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells treated with β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) and Cu2+ were used as a vitro models of Alzheimer's disease(AD). Method:Aβ 1-42 (20 μmol·L-1) was reacted with different concentrations of copper sulfate (CuSO4,20,40 μmol·L-1), and then the thioflavine T (ThT) staining method was used to detect the Aβ aggregation state. The Aβ aggregation status was also detected by ThT staining in the Aβ1-42-Cu2+ group(20+20 μmol·L-1), and Danggui Shaoyaosan groups(1.6,3.2,6.4 mg·L-1).The SH-SY5Y cells were cultured and incubated with different concentrations of Aβ1-42(1.25,2.5,5,10,20,40 μmol·L-1) and Danggui Shaoyaosan(1.6, 3.2, 6.4,12.8 mg·L-1) for 24 h. Subsequently, SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with Aβ1-42 (20 μmol·L-1) and CuSO4(20 μmol·L-1) in the Aβ1-42-Cu2+ group, and incubated with Aβ1-42 (20 μmol·L-1), Danggui Shaoyaosan (1.6 mg·L-1) and CuSO4 (20 μmol·L-1) in Danggui Shaoyaosan group. Control group was added with the medium. After 24 h of co-action, the cell viability was detected by the methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The morphology of the cells was photographed by microscopy. The intracellular extracellular Aβ1-42 aggregation was detected by Western blot. Result:Cu2+ and Aβ1-42 bound to more and larger Aβ aggregates compared with the Aβ1-42 group. Compared with the normal group, cell viability was significantly reduced (PPβ1-42 aggregation was increased(PPβ-Cu2+ (PPβ1-42 protein (PPConclusion:Cu2+ can increase the aggregation and toxicity of Aβ; Danggui Shaoyaosan can significantly reduce the damage of SH-SY5Y cells induced by Cu2+-mediated Aβ aggregation, promote Aβ endocytosis, reduce extracellular Aβ aggregation and increase cell viability.

Diseño experimental para determinar el efecto del tamaño del pellet de catalizadores bimetálicos Cu-Ni en la reacción de desplazamiento de agua / Experimental design to determine the effect of the pellet size of bimetallic Cu-Ni catalysts in the water gas shift reaction / Desenho experimental para determinar o efeito do tamanho do pellet de catalisadores bimetálicos de Cu-Ni na reacção de deslocamento de agua

Resumen Se sintetizaron catalizadores bimetálicos de Cu-Ni en relación molar 2-1 en pellets cilíndricos de carbón activado de diferentes diámetros (0,2 cm; 0,3 cm y 0,4 cm) y longitud (0,4 cm y 0,6 cm); se evaluaron en la reacción de desplazamiento de agua a 330 °C y presión atmosférica. Se realizó un diseño experimental para evaluar el efecto de las variables, diámetro y longitud, sobre la conversión del monóxido de carbono. La importancia de los principales factores y sus interacciones se examinaron por medio del análisis de varianza (ANOVA). Los resultados mostraron que tanto el diámetro como la longitud afectan significativamente la conversión del monóxido de carbono. Los resultados de la actividad catalítica, bajo las mejores condiciones de diámetro (0,4 cm) y longitud (0,6 cm) de los pellets, mostraron una conversión del monóxido de carbono del 96%.

Abstract Bimetallic Cu-Ni catalysts were synthesized with molar ratio 2-1 in cylindrical activated carbon pellets of different diameters (0.2 cm, 0.3 cm, and 0.4 cm) and length (0.4 cm and 0.6 cm). They were evaluated in the water gas shift reaction at 330 °C and atmospheric pressure. An experimental design was developed to evaluate the effect of variables, diameter and length of the pellets, over carbon monoxide conversion. The importance of the main factors and their interactions were examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that both diameter and length of the pellets had significant effect on carbon monoxide conversion. The results of the catalytic activity indicated that up to 96% CO conversion was obtained at the optimum characteristic of the pellets, diameter of 0.2 cm and length of 0.6 cm.

Resumo Foram sintetizados catalisadores bimetálicos de Cu-Ni em proporção molar 2-1 sobre pastilhas de carvão ativado de diferentes diâmetros (0,2 cm; 0,3 cm e 0,4 cm) e comprimentos (0,4 cm e 0,6 cm) e foram avaliados na reação de mudança de vapor de agua a 330 °C e pressão atmosférica. Um desenho experimental foi desenvolvido para avaliar o efeito de variáveis, diâmetro e comprimento, na conversão de monóxido de carbono. A importância dos principais fatores e as suas interações foram examinados por análise de variância (ANOVA), os resultados mostraram que tanto o diâmetro e o comprimento afetam significativamente a conversão de monóxido de carbono. Os resultados da atividade catalítica com as melhores condições de diâmetro (0,4 cm) e o comprimento (0,6 cm) das pastilhas mostrou uma conversão de monóxido de carbono de 96%.

Effect of cooling rate during oxidation treatment on the hardness change by post firing heat treatment of a Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn alloy after simulated porcelain firing / 대한치과재료학회지

Effect of cooling rate during oxidation treatment on the hardness change by post firing heat treatment of a Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn alloy after simulated porcelain firing was investigated and the following results were obtained. In the firing simulated specimens after quenching during the oxidation treatment, the hardness did not increase by post-firing heat treatment. However, in the firing simulated specimens after slow cooling during the oxidation treatment, post-firing heat treatment for 25 minutes was effective in increasing the hardness (p < 0.05). In the firing simulated specimens after quenching during the oxidation treatment, the significant decrease in hardness during the post-firing heat treatment was attributed to the coarsening of fine precipitates formed in the matrix and plate-like precipitates. In the firing simulated specimens after slow cooling during the oxidation treatment, the increase in hardness during the post-firing heat treatment for 25 minutes was due to precipitation hardening. From these results, it was found that the cooling rate during the oxidation treatment affected the change of hardness by the post-firing heat treatment after the simulated firing. From these results, post-firing heat treatment increased the hardness of the Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn alloy only when the cooling rate during the oxidation treatment was slow.