Pupillary Response to Light is Preserved in Patients without Brain Insult Undergoing Rapid Sequence Intubation

Objective of the Study: This paper has been aimed to determine whether the pharmacological neuromuscular blockade with rocuroniumduring emergency Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) affected pupillary response to light (PLR) in patients with brain insult as compared to patients who had non-neurological illness. Previous studies elucidated that RSI with pharmacological neuromuscular blockade does not affect PLR, except in patients with significant neurological lesion. Our objective is to examine the validity of existing but scarce literature on this subject, with further stratification of patients involved in this study into neurological and non-neurological disease groups.Methods:This was a prospective case-reference study of case group with brain insult patients compared with reference group of patients without neurological diseases undergoing RSI in emergency settings. It is single centered study, conducted from October 2019 till May 2020. A pair of a neurosurgeon and a medical officer assessed pupillary light response after administration of neuromuscular blockade and intubation, each blinded to other’s assessment of PLR. Cases without pupillary response before RSI intubation were excluded. The primary outcome measure was clinically observable Pupillary Light Response (PLR) following neuromuscular blockade with Rocuronium in each group.Results:We examined 50 patients undergoing RSIwith Rocuronium, either in emergency department or Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 25 each in index and reference group respectively. All patients in the reference group showed PLR after RSI. Of case group patients receiving RSI, only15 of 25 (60%) demonstrated PLR after RSI. This was statistically significant (p value<0.05) when compared to number of patients with intact PLR after RSI in reference group. Cohen’s Kappa Coefficient (k) for inter-observer agreement was 0.70.Conclusion: Rocuronium does not appearto affect PLR after emergent RSI in patients without brain injury. Only in patients with known brain insult showed impaired PLR, suggesting impaired pupillary light reflex mechanism may be the culprit for this aberration, rather than pharmacological neuromuscular blockade

Photosynthetic physiological characteristics of Angelica dahurica var.formosana from Sichuan province in different growth years / 中国中药杂志

In this study,the leaves of autumn-sown Angelica dahurica var. formosana from Sichuan province in different growth years was used to explore the fitting model of photosynthetic response curve and the different photosynthetic physiological characteristics between annual and biennial A. dahurica var. formosana from Sichuan province. The results showed that the fitting model of the optimum light response curve of the leaves of A. dahurica var. formosana from Sichuan province with different growth years was all rectangular hyperbolic correction model. The light saturation points were 1 600,1 700 μmol·m-2·s-1,the light compensation points were17. 98,52. 23 μmol·m-2·s-1 in the leaves of annual and biennial plant,respectively. The diurnal variation curves of net photosynthetic rate,transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in the leaves all acted as a single peak value wave. The daily mean values of net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate in the leaves of biennial plant were significantly higher than that of annual plant. There was no significant difference in daily mean stomatal conductance. The net photosynthetic rate was significantly positively correlated with stomatal conductance in both of the different growth years. The net photosynthetic rate of annual and biennial A. dahurica var. formosana from Sichuan province had extremely significant and significantly negative correlation with the intercellular CO2 respectively. The transpiration rate of annual plant was positively correlated with the effective photosynthetic radiation intensity and air temperature,but had significantly negative correlation with the intercellular CO2 concentration. The transpiration rate of biennial plant had extremely positive correlation with the effective photosynthetic radiation intensity,and negatively correlated with the intercellular CO2 concentration. In conclusion,the photosynthetic efficiency of the leaves in biennial plant of A. dahurica var. formosana from Sichuan province was higher than that in annual plant,but the ability to utilize weak light was lower than that of annual plant. It should be planted in the sunny field.

Optimization of Preparation Technology of Near-infrared Light Response-based Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Nano-liposomes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To establish a methaod for content determination of doxorubicin hydrochloride nano-liposomes， and to optimize its preparation technology. METHODS： The contents of doxorubicin hydrochloride nano-liposomes was determined by UV spectrophotometry. The membrane dispersion method was used to prepare doxorubicin hydrochloride nano-liposomes. Using particle size， encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading amount as indexes， the weight ratio of phospholipid to drug （mg/mg）， the weight ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol （mg/mg） and ultrasonic time （min） as factors， central composite design-response surface methodology was used to optimize the preparation technology. The photothermal conversion effect of doxorubicin hydrochloride nano-liposomes was investigated by near infrared irradiation. RESULTS： The linear range of doxorubicin hydrochloride were 1.01-16.16 μg/mL（r＝0.999 7）； precision， stability and reproducibility tests were all in line with the requirments of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The optimal preparation technology included that the weight ratio of phospholipid to drug was 13.30 ∶ 1（mg/mg）； the weight ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol was 4.09 ∶ 1 （mg/mg）； the ultrasonic time was 10 min. Under this technology， the particle size and drug-loading amount of doxorubicin hydrochloride nano-liposomes were （200.5±25.1） nm and （11.02±0.20）％， relative errors of which to predicted value （196.3 nm， 10.68％） were 1.82％ and 1.63％. The consistency between measured value and predicted value was good. Doxorubicin hydrochloride nano-liposomes exhibited concentration- dependent and time-dependent photothermal conversion characteristics under near infrared irradiation at 808 nm. CONCLUSIONS： Established method is simple and good accuracy. The optimized preparation technology is simple and feasible.

Study on the Photosynthetic Characteristics of Two Cultivars Prunus Humilis Bge. in Shandong Province / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

To study the photosynthetic physiological characteristics of Cultivars Prunus Humilis bge. in the region of shandong, analyze on the relationship between the quality of seeds and photosynthesis, In order to formulate reasonable cultivation measures and improve the yield quality of seed production. LI-6400 portable photosynthesis apparatus was used to determine light response curve, diurnal change of photosynthetic parameters of Huadong 1 and Huadong 2. Using vernier caliper and electronic balance to measure the quality data of two varieties of eucalypis, the quality difference was analyzed. Two kinds of Prunus Humilis bge, cultivating in Shandong, had higher photosynthetic rate and higher light saturation point, and the photosynthetic rate were "unimodal" type curve. The change of the two peaks all appeared at11: 00, and had no obvious "lunch break" phenomenon. The photosynthetic rate, the utilization of strong and weak light, and the efficiency of absorption and conversion of light energy of Huadong 2, were all higher than that of Huadong 1, which had better quality. The quality of seed of Prunus Humilis bge is related to its photosynthetic capacity. When planting Prunus Humilis bge., we should formulate reasonable cultivation measures according to its features such as photosynthesis, transpiration, water use efficiency.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza on Osmotic Adjustment and Photosynthetic Physiology of Maize Seedlings in Black Soils Region of Northeast China

ABSTRACT To investigate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi on maize growth, osmoregulation substances and photosynthetic physiology, a popular maize variety ZD 958 was measured under potted condition. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis promoted plant growth, and enhanced plant height, leaf length, mean leaf width and dry weight. Higher soluble sugar and protein, but lower proline concentrations were detected in AM seedlings than corresponding non-AM seedlings. Quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and potential photochemical efficiency increased by arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, meanwhile, AM plants had lower primary fluorescence but higher maximal fluorescence and variable fluorescence than non-AM plants. AM enhanced apparent quantum efficiency, maximum net photosynthetic rate, dark respiration rate and light saturation point, but reduced light compensation point. The conclusion was that, after the seedling inoculated with Glomus. tortuosum, AM symbioses could protect cell from being hurt through regulating substances related to osmotic adjustment, besides, the efficiency of light utilization, the capacity of using low light and the capacity of fitting and using high light were all increased by AM symbiosis.

Germinación de semillas de cuatro especies arbóreas del bosque seco tropical del Valle del Cauca, Colombia / Seed germination of four tree species from the tropical dry forest of Valle del Cauca, Colombia

The ecological restoration strategies for highly threatened ecosystems such as the tropical dry forest, depend on the knowledge of limiting factors of biological processes for the different species. Some of these include aspects such as germination and seed longevity of typical species present in those forests. In this study, we evaluated the effect of light and temperature on seed germination of two Fabaceae (Samanea saman and Jacaranda caucana) and two Bignoniaceae (Pithecellobium dulce and Tabebuia rosea) species having potential use in restoration, and we analyzed the seed storage behavior of these species for a three months period. To study the light effect, four levels of light quality on seeds were used (photoperiod of 12 hours of white light, darkness and light enriched in red and far-red, both for an hour each day), and we combined them with three levels of alternated temperatures (20/25, 20/30 and 25/30°C-16/8h). For the storage behavior, two levels of seed moisture content particular for each species were used (low: 3.5-6.1% and high: 8.3-13.8%), with three storage temperatures (20, 5 and -20°C) and two storage times (one and three months). The criterion for germination was radicle emergence which was measured in four replicates per treatment, and was expressed as percentage of germination (PG). There were significant differences in germination of Samanea saman and Jacaranda caucana among light and temperature treatments, with the lowest value in darkness treatments, whereas germination of Pithecellobium dulce and Tabebuia rosea did not differ between treatments (PG>90%). The most suitable temperature regime to promote germination in all species was 25/30°C. These four species showed an orthodox seed storage behavior. We concluded that seeds of P. dulce, J. caucana and T. rosea did not have an apparent influence of all light conditions tested in their germination response, which might confer advantages in colonization and establishment processes, while S. saman did not germinate well in darkness. We suggest the use of seeds of P. dulce, J. caucana and T. rosea in ecological restoration processes, due to their tolerance and germination under a wide range of temperature and light conditions. Futhermore, seeds of S. saman might be used in open areas such as forest gaps.

Las estrategias de restauración ecológica en ecosistemas altamente amenazados como el bosque seco tropical, dependen del conocimiento de factores limitantes de procesos biológicos, como la germinación y la longevidad de semillas de especies típicas de los mismos. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto de la luz y la temperatura en la germinación de semillas de dos especies de Fabaceae y dos de Bignoniaceae potencialmente útiles para restauración, y se determinó su comportamiento en el almacenamiento. Para el primer objetivo, se utilizaron cuatro niveles de calidad lumínica (fotoperiodo con 12 horas de luz, oscuridad y estímulos de luz enriquecida en rojo y luz enriquecida en rojo lejano, ambas por una hora), combinados con tres niveles de temperaturas alternadas (20/25, 20/30 y 25/30°C - 16/8h). Para el segundo objetivo, se utilizaron dos niveles de contenido de humedad de las semillas, con tres niveles de temperatura de almacenamiento (20, 5 y -20°C) y dos tiempos de almacenamiento (1 y 3 meses). La variable de respuesta para ambos experimentos fue el número de semillas germinadas, expresado en porcentaje (PG). Samanea saman y Jacaranda caucana presentaron un PG significativamente diferente entre los tratamientos lumínicos, con el valor menor en la oscuridad, mientras Pithecellobium dulce y Tabebuia rosea no presentaron diferencias significativas entre tratamientos (PG>90%). La respuesta a la temperatura mostró que 25/30°C es el régimen más adecuado para promover la germinación de la mayoría de las especies. Las semillas de las cuatro especies evaluadas presentaron un comportamiento ortodoxo en el almacenamiento. Se concluye que las semillas de P. dulce, J. caucana y T. rosea son indiferentes a las condiciones de luz y temperatura probadas, confiriéndoles ciertas ventajas en procesos de colonización y establecimiento frente a S. saman, cuya germinación no se ve favorecida en la oscuridad. Se sugiere el uso de semillas de P. dulce, J. caucana y T. rosea en proyectos de restauración ecológica del bosque seco Tropical, debido a su tolerancia y germinación en condiciones ambientales con intervalos amplios de temperatura y luminosidad. Mientras que, semillas de S. saman podrían ser usadas en sitios abiertos como claros de bosques.

Effects of light and temperature on isoprene emission at different leaf developmental stages of eschweilera coriacea in central Amazon / Efeitos da luz e da temperatura sobre a emissão de isopreno em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento foliar de eschweilera coriacea na Amazônia Central

Isoprene emission from plants accounts for about one third of annual global volatile organic compound emissions. The largest source of isoprene for the global atmosphere is the Amazon Basin. This study aimed to identify and quantify the isoprene emission and photosynthesis at different levels of light intensity and leaf temperature, in three phenological phases (young mature leaf, old mature leaf and senescent leaf) of Eschweilera coriacea (Matamatل verdadeira), the species with the widest distribution in the central Amazon. In situ photosynthesis and isoprene emission measurements showed that young mature leaf had the highest rates at all light intensities and leaf temperatures. Additionally, it was observed that isoprene emission capacity (Es) changed considerably over different leaf ages. This suggests that aging leads to a reduction of both leaf photosynthetic activity and isoprene production and emission. The algorithm of Guenther et al. (1999) provided good fits to the data when incident light was varied, however differences among E S of all leaf ages influenced on quantic yield predicted by model. When leaf temperature was varied, algorithm prediction was not satisfactory for temperature higher than ~40 °C; this could be because our data did not show isoprene temperature optimum up to 45 °C. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis of the isoprene functional role in protecting plants from high temperatures and highlight the need to include leaf phenology effects in isoprene emission models.

O isopreno emitido pelas plantas corresponde em cerca de um terço das emissões globais de compostos orgânicos voláteis anualmente. A maior fonte de emissão de isopreno para a atmosfera global é a Bacia Amazônica. Este estudo objetivou identificar e quantificar a emissão de isopreno e fotossíntese em diferentes níveis de intensidade de luz e temperatura foliar, em três fases fenológicas (folha madura recente, folha madura tardia e folha senescente) de Eschweilera coriacea (Matamatá verdadeira) - a espécie com maior distribuição na Amazônia central. In situ, as medidas de fotossíntese e emissão de isopreno da folha madura recente apresentaram as maiores taxas em todos os níveis de luz e de temperatura. Adicionalmente, a capacidade de emissão de isopreno (ES) mudou consideravelmente entre as diferentes idades foliares, sugerindo que o envelhecimento reduz a atividade fotossintética e a produção/emissão de isopreno. O algoritmo de Guenther et al. (1999) demonstrou bom ajuste para a emissão de isopreno em diferentes intensidades de luz, entretanto, diferenças na ES entre as idades foliares influenciaram no rendimento quântico estimado pelo modelo. Em relação à temperatura foliar, a estimativa do algoritmo não foi satisfatória para as temperaturas acima de ~40 °C; isto provavelmente ocorreu pelo fato dos dados não apresentarem temperatura ótima até 45 °C. Nossos resultados são consistentes com a hipótese do isopreno ter um papel funcional para proteger as plantas de altas temperaturas e apontam a necessidade de incluir os efeitos da fenologia foliar em modelos de emissão de isopreno.

Respostas fisiológicas ao déficit hídrico em duas cultivares enxertadas de seringueira ("RRIM 600" e "GT 1") crescidas em campo / Physiological responses to water deficit in two young field-grown scion rubber ('RRIM 600' and 'GT 1')

Sob condições de campo, as plantas estão sujeitas a períodos de déficit hídrico no solo e na atmosfera, durante todo o seu ciclo de vida. Foi avaliado o desempenho de duas cultivares enxertadas de seringueira ("RRIM 600" e "GT 1"), mantidas na UNESP-IBILCE, em São José do Rio Preto, SP, com e sem suplementação hídrica, a partir da idade de quatro meses. A resistência máxima ao período seco ininterrupto, considerada quando cessou a realização de fotossíntese com ganho líquido, foi de 17 e 20 dias, respectivamente. Trinta e três dias após a suspensão do estresse, a recuperação das trocas gasosas foi bastante similar para as duas cultivares, e apenas a concentração de dióxido de carbono intercelular retornou a valores equivalentes aos dos controles. Apenas o incremento relativo da área foliar, para "GT 1", e da altura, para "RRIM 600", não diferiram aos do grupo controle (P=0,05). As curvas de resposta à luz indicaram, para ambos os clones, decréscimos para a irradiância de compensação e a taxa fotossintética (P=0,05). Embora parcial, a melhor recuperação após o estresse foi verificada para "GT 1".

During their life cycle, plants growing under field condition are subject to periods of air and soil water deficits. In this study was evaluated the performance of two scion cultivar of rubber tree ('RRIM 600' and 'GT 1') growing in São José do Rio Preto, SP, with and without water supplementation since the age of 4 months. The maximum resistance to the uninterrupted dry period, considered when net photosynthesis was ceased, was 17 and 20 days, respectively. Thirty-three days later the water stress was ceased, the gas exchange recovery for both cultivars were quite similar, but just the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration returned to similar values of the control group. Only the relative increment of leaf area to 'GT 1', and plant height of 'RRIM 600' was similar to the control group (P=0.05). The light curve response showed, for both clones, decrease of the compensation irradiance and photosynthetic rate (P=0.05). Although partial, the best recovery after water stress was observed for 'GT 1'.