Investigating the potential of mineral precipitation in co-pyrolysis biochar: Development of a novel Cd (II) adsorption material utilizing dual solid waste.

Ionic cadmium (Cd (II)) in water is a significant threat to ecosystems, the environment, and human health. Research is currently focused on developing efficient adsorption materials to combat Cd (II) pollution in water. One promising solution involves co-pyrolyzing solid residue from anaerobic digestion of food waste with oil-based drill cuttings pyrolysis residue to create a biochar with high organic matter content. This biochar has a lower heavy metal content and leaching toxicity compared to China's national standards, making it both safe and resourceful. It exhibits a high adsorption capacity for Cd (II) in water, reaching up to 47.80 ± 0.37 mg/g. Raising the pyrolysis temperature above 600 °C and increasing the amount of pyrolysis residue beyond 30 % enhances the biochar's adsorption capacity. The adsorption process is primarily driven by mineral precipitation, offering a promising approach for dual waste resource management and reducing heavy metal pollution.

STK214947, a novel indole alkaloids, inhibits HeLa and SK-HEP-1 cells survival and EMT process by blocking the Notch3 and Akt signals.

Apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are closely associated with tumor survival and metastasis. These are the basic events in tumor occurrence and progression. STK214947 is an indole alkaloid with a skeleton that is similar to that of indirubin. Indole alkaloids have attracted considerable attention because of their antitumor activity. However, the relationship between STK214947 and these basic events remains unknown. In this study, the effects of STK214947 on inducing apoptosis and reversing the EMT process in tumor cells were confirmed. Mild concentrations of STK214947 inhibited tumor cell migration by reversing EMT and significantly regulated the expression of EMT-related proteins, including Notch3, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin. In addition, STK214947 in high concentration could induce apoptosis by down-regulating Notch3, p-Akt/Akt, and NF-κB, and upregulating Caspase 3. These findings support the further development of STK214947 as a potential antitumor small molecule that targets Notch3 and Akt signal transduction in cancer.

Toremifene, an Alternative Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy, Is Better Than Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer Patients with CYP2D6*10 Mutant Genotypes.

PURPOSE: Tamoxifen showed individual differences in efficacy under different CYP2D6*10 genotypes. Our study evaluated the prognosis of tamoxifen or toremifene in hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer patients under different genotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CYP2D6*10 genotypes of HR-positive breast cancer patients were determined by Sanger sequencing, and all the patients were divided into tamoxifen group or toremifene group. RESULTS: A total of 268 patients with HR-positive breast cancer were studied. The median follow-up time was 72.0 months (range, 5.0 to 88.0 months). Of these, 88 (32.9%), 114 (42.5%), and 66 (24.6%) patients had C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes, respectively. Among patients who received tamoxifen (n=176), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate in patients with C/C and C/T genotype was better than that in patients with T/T genotype, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p=0.030, respectively). In patients receiving toremifene, CYP2D6*10 genotype was not significantly associated with DFS (p=0.325). Regardless of genotypes, the 5-year DFS rate was higher in patients treated with toremifene than in patients with tamoxifen (91.3% vs. 80.0%, p=0.011). Compared with tamoxifen, toremifene remained an independent prognostic marker of DFS in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.422; p=0.021). For all the 180 patients with CYP2D6*10 C/T and T/T genotypes, the 5-year DFS rate was significantly higher in the toremifene group than in the tamoxifen group (90.8% vs. 70.1%, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Toremifene may be an alternative adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with CYP2D6*10 mutant genotypes.

Microbial metabolism and health risk assessment of kitchen waste odor VOCs.

Kitchen waste (KW) generates odors comprising complex volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze VOCs, and 16S gene sequencing was used to analyze the microbial community composition and microbial metabolic mechanism. The results showed that the major odor-causing VOCs were hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and ethyl acetate. As the temperature increased, the VOCs and microbial community composition became more complex, and the microbial community related to VOC production included Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, Acetobacter, and Weissella. Based on PICRUSt2 analysis, the possibility of typical VOC interconversion by microbial metabolism was low. It was more likely that precursor substances were catalyzed by enzymes to generate the corresponding VOCs. Attention should be given to trichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane, which may cause adverse health effects through long-term inhalation. The study results provide guidance for controlling VOCs from KW.

Effectiveness of psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of psychological interventions on the pregnancy rates of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Using the electronic databases PubMed, EM Base, Cochrane Library, WOS, CNKI, WanFang Data, CSTJ, and CBM, a systematic literature search was conducted in the second week of August 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of psychological interventions on the pregnancy rate of infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology were collected. There is no time limit for this search setting. The language is limited to Chinese or English. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies, and then used Revman5.3 and STATA16.0 software for meta-analysis. A total of 25 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis, including 2098 patients in the experimental group and 2075 patients in the control group. There was a significant difference in the pregnancy rate between the two groups [RR=1.31, 95%CI(1.22,1.40)]. Subgroup analysis showed that this is also true of infertile women of different nationalities, different intervention timing and format. However, different psychological interventions may indeed have different effects. Current evidence suggests that psychological interventions may improve pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Limited by the quantity and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies. Our PROSPERO registration number is: CRD42019140666.

Prediction for odor gas generation from domestic waste based on machine learning.

Domestic waste is prone to produce a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which often has unpleasant odors. A key process in treating odor gases is predicting the production of odors from domestic waste. In this study, four factors of domestic waste (weight, wet composition, temperature, and fermentation time) were adopted to be the prediction indicators in the prediction for domestic waste odor gases. Machine learning models (Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM) were established using the odor intensity values of 512 odor gases from domestic waste. Based on these data, the regression prediction with supervised machine learning was achieved, in which three different algorithmic models were evaluated for prediction performance. A Random Forest model with a R2 value of 0.8958 demonstrated the most accurate prediction of the production of domestic waste odor gas based on our data. Furthermore, the prediction results in the Random Forest model were further discussed based on the microbial fermentation of domestic waste. In addition to enhancing our knowledge of the production of odor from domestic waste, we also explore the application of machine learning to odor pollution in our study.

The effect of added organic matter on the soil formation of oil-based drill cutting pyrolysis residue.

In order to explore the effects of added organic matters on the soil formation process of oil-based drill cutting pyrolysis residue, two experiment groups (pure and adding) were studied to indicate the soil microbial community and the function of nitrogen cycling. Samples were collected in the third and fourth years based on the plant growth. The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology and PICRUSt were used to study microbial communities and the function of nitrogen cycling. The results showed that MND1 (2.5-4.5%), Sphingomonas (1.4-2.4%), and other typical oil-degrading bacteria were discovered. The diversity of the microbial community decreased with the duration of the experiment. However, it was higher than that of the background soil. The relative abundance of microbial nitrogen dissimilation reduction (0.9-1.0‰) was the highest among the two experiment groups and the background soil. The second and third were denitrification and nitrogen fixation. Nitrification gene abundance was the lowest among the five main steps of nitrogen cycling. The addition of organic matters could improve soil formation of pyrolysis residues. This study provides scientific data for pyrolysis residue to restore soil functions.

Oil-based drilling cuttings pyrolysis residues at a typical shale gas drilling field in Chongqing: pollution characteristics and environmental risk assessment.

With the rapid development of unconventional natural gas such as shale gas, many oil-based drilling cuttings and their pyrolysis residues are produced, which are defined as hazardous wastes. In this paper, the pollution status of petroleum hydrocarbons and the leaching toxicity of eight heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Ni, and Hg) in the pyrolysis residues were studied. The ecological risk and human health risk were evaluated in the scenario where pyrolytic residues were used for paving as building materials. The results showed that the content of petroleum hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis residues was 7643.16 ± 169.67 mg/kg. Zn in the pyrolysis residues was extremely polluted, Pb was moderately polluted, Cr, Cu, As were slightly polluted, and the leaching toxicity was far below the standard value. In the ecological risk assessment, the comprehensive potential ecological risk of multiple heavy metals in the pyrolysis residues was low. On the other hand, the pyrolysis residues had no non-carcinogenic risk to adults under the condition of paving, but there was an obvious non-carcinogenic risk to children, and the carcinogenic risk of adults and children was within an acceptable range. In addition, aiming at reducing the health risk of the population, suggestions were put forward to reduce the exposure risk of the population and the content of heavy metals in the pyrolysis residue, which provided a scientific reference for the standardized management of the pyrolysis residue of oil-based drilling cuttings and the research on the corresponding treatment process.

Association between living arrangements and cognitive decline in older adults: A nationally representative longitudinal study in China.

BACKGROUND: Living arrangements are critical to the survival and well-being of older people, especially in China where the filial piety culture demands adult children care for and serve their parents. The study aimed to explore the association between living arrangements and cognitive decline among older people in China. METHODS: Participants included 6,074 older adults over 60 years old (49.65% male, mean age 67.2 years [range 60-98]) from four waves (2011-2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Two to four assessments were conducted over a follow-up of an average of 5.3 years (range, 2-7). Cognitive function was assessed using an adapted Chinese version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Living arrangements were classified as follows: living alone, living with spouse, living with adult children, living with spouse and adult children and living with others. Multilevel models were used to investigate the relationship between living arrangements and cognitive decline, as well as the gender difference. RESULTS: As the main type of living arrangements of the study participants (44.91%), living with spouse was taken as the reference group. Compared to the reference group, living alone (ß=-0.126, P < 0.001), living with adult children (ß=-0.136, P < 0.001), living with spouse and adult children (ß=-0.040, P < 0.05) and living with others (ß=-0.155, P < 0.05) were all related to a faster rate of cognitive decline. Further, the association between living arrangements and cognitive decline varied by gender. Living alone (ß=-0.192, P < 0.001) was associated with a faster cognitive decline only in older men. Living with spouse and adult children (ß=-0.053, P < 0.05) and living with others (ß=-0.179, P < 0.05) were associated with faster cognitive decline only in older women. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that living arrangements in older people in China were associated with cognitive decline, and these associations varied by gender. Greater attention to living arrangements might yield practical implications for preserving the cognitive function of the older population.

Analysis of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Syphilis and Maternal-Infant Serological Association in Changzhou, China, 2015-2019.

Background: Although the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis program in China has achieved national coverage for 7 years, controversy still exists regarding the treatment of syphilis and the serological significance of syphilis. Objective: To explore the occurrence and influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women with syphilis in Changzhou from 2015-2019 and to further analyze the impact of syphilis serologic titers on perinatal outcomes and neonatal serologic outcomes. Methods: Syphilis-infected pregnant women reported in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2019 were selected as the study population (data were obtained from the "China Information System for Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission of AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis B." Demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, and medication were collected to describe adverse pregnancy outcomes and the distribution of non-pale leptospiral antibody titers during pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing adverse pregnancy outcomes. We also compared differences in syphilis titers among mothers who received different interventions, differences in serologic outcomes of their children, and correlations between them. Results: For mothers with syphilis infection, we found no treatment during pregnancy (OR =1.70) and an initial titer greater than 1 : 8 (OR =2.28) to be risk factors. For treated pregnant women, increasing age (OR =1.08), lack of standardized treatment (OR =1.87), and initial titer greater than 1 : 8 (OR =1.69) were risk factors, while previous parity was a protective factor (OR =0.62). For untreated pregnant women, marital status (OR =2.40) and initial titers greater than 1 : 8 (OR =3.57) were risk factors. There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) in serologic titer changes, time to antibody regression, and time to exclusion of syphilis infection in children of pregnant women with syphilis infection after receiving different interventions during pregnancy, but different time distributions of interventions had no effect on these three indicators. Conclusion: Pregnant women with syphilis should actively cooperate with their doctors in the standardized treatment of pregnancy, and doctors should also pay more attention to pregnant women with syphilis whose initial titers are greater than 1 : 8. High-quality prenatal care is a key component in interrupting mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and preventing various adverse pregnancy outcomes. The adaptation of standardized treatment protocols for pregnant women with syphilis in China is a strong proof of the progress of precision medicine.

Soil microbial ecological effect of shale gas oil-based drilling cuttings pyrolysis residue used as soil covering material.

The residue derived from oil-based drilling cutting pyrolysis could be used as paving materials. Some petroleum hydrocarbons remain in the residue after pyrolysis and cause severe environmental pollution. In this study, the soil column leaching experiments were carried out under different leaching amounts, and the vertical migration characteristics of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and the dynamic response mechanism of microorganisms to petroleum hydrocarbons were analyzed. The result showed that the soil pH value and water content with different leaching amounts did not differ significantly, but the vertical migration ability of each petroleum hydrocarbon component was different. In petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria maintained a high level (23.6%-60.7%). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Massilia decreased with the leaching amount increased. According to PICRUSt, Monooxygenase [EC: 1.14.13.-] played a significant role in petroleum hydrocarbon degradation. While Long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase [EC: 6.2.1.3] had the highest relative abundance. By studying the influence of shale gas oil-based drilling cuttings pyrolysis residue on soil physical and chemical properties and soil microorganisms, this work provides scientific ecological assessment for the resource application of pyrolysis residue.

Examining Primary Care Physicians' Intention to Perform Cervical Cancer Screening Services Using a Theory of Planned Behavior: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

Background: Promoting cervical cancer screening (CCS) is undoubtedly effective in combating severe public health problems in developing countries, but there are challenges to its implementation. Understanding the factors influencing primary care physicians' intentions to provide CCSs to rural women is crucial for the future implementation of screening programs. The aim of this study was to assess the intentions of primary care physicians to provide cervical cancer screening services (CCSSs) to rural women and their determinants. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,308 primary care physicians in rural primary health care, and the data collection tool was developed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which included demographic characteristics, the basic constructs of TPB, and the degree of knowledge of CCSSs as an extended variable of the TPB model. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between each factor. Results: Pathway analysis found that TPB is an appropriate theoretical basis for predicting primary care physicians' intent to provide CCSSs (χ2/df = 2.234 < 3, RMSEA = 0.035, and SRMR = 0.034). Meanwhile, the structural equation model showed that attitude (ß = 0.251, p < 0.001), subjective norm (ß = 0.311, p < 0.001), perceived behavioral control (ß = 0.162, p < 0.001), and knowledge level (ß = 0.152, p < 0.01) positively predicted primary care physicians' intention to provide CCSSs. Conclusions: TPB model, with the addition of knowledge, was useful in predicting primary care physicians' intention to provide CCSSs for rural Chinese women. The findings of this study provide a reference for the government and hospitals to develop strategies to improve the intent of primary care physicians to provide CCSSs.

Novel physical performance-based models for activities of daily living disability prediction among Chinese older community population: a nationally representative survey in China.

BACKGROUND: Physical performances including upper and lower limb functions have predictive roles in activities of daily living (ADL) disability, but they have rarely been incorporated into prediction models. This study primarily aimed to develop and validate novel physical performance-based models for ADL disability among Chinese older adults. Comparisons of predictive performance across multiple models were performed, and model simplification was further explored. METHODS: Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in the 2011 and 2015 waves, containing 2192 older adults over 60 years old. Our models were constructed by logistic regression analysis, using a backward stepwise selection. Model performance was internally validated by discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) and Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) were used to assess the incremental benefit of the extended models. Moreover, nomograms were built for visualization. RESULTS: We selected gender, age, smoking, self-report health condition, BMI, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function into the fundamental model (Model 1). Based on Model 1, five novel prediction models were constructed by adding handgrip strength (Model 2), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (Model 3), gait speed (Model 4), handgrip strength plus SPPB (Model 5), and handgrip strength plus gait speed (Model 6), respectively. Significant improvement in predictive values were observed for all five novel models compared with Model 1 (C-index = 0.693). The lower limb model (Model 3 SPPB model: C-index = 0.731) may play a key role in the prediction of ADL disability, reflecting a comparable predictive value to the comprehensive models combining both upper and lower limbs (Model 5 handgrip strength + SPPB model: C-index = 0.732). When we simplified the lower limb models by replacing SPPB with gait speed, the predictive values attenuated slightly (C-index: Model 3 vs Model 4: 0.731 vs 0.714; Model 5 vs Model 6: 0.732 vs 0.718), but still better than the upper limb model (Model 2 handgrip strength model: C-index = 0.701). CONCLUSIONS: Physical performance-based models, especially lower limb model, provided improved prediction for ADL disability among Chinese older adults, which may help guide the targeted intervention.

Investigation on Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Changzhou.

Based on the data of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Changzhou obtained by the Disabled Persons' Federation, this study sampled some children with CP and investigated their survival status, treatment cost, and family burden so as to provide scientific decision-making basis and policy suggestions for coping with disease hazards and improving children's quality of life. In this study, a simple random sampling method was used to conduct household surveys of the selected children with CP. The economic burden of CP is measured by direct and indirect methods, and the quality of life of patients of children with CP and their families is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by the EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) Questionnaire. The average family economic burden of each case of CP in Changzhou was about 4,188,500 yuan, of which the direct medical burden was 205,800 yuan and the indirect economic burden was 3,982,700 yuan. The socioeconomic burden of CP in Changzhou is as high as about 2.244 billion yuan. From the EQ-5D measurement results of 55 children with CP, the average index score was 0.423, which was lower than the national general population level. The proportions of patients with CP who have problems in the five aspects of action, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression are 72.73%, 81.82%, 81.82%, 83.64%, and 92.73%, respectively, which are significantly higher than those of the national general population. The average score of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is 58.09, which is significantly lower than the national general population level. The only major factor affecting the quality of life of patients with CP and their families is the health status represented by the EQ-5D score. To liberate and develop the labor ability of patients and their direct caregivers through clinical treatment, rehabilitation, and special education is the most effective way to reduce the socioeconomic burden of CP. Relevant government departments should perform their duties, integrate social assistance resources, implement early intervention, and launch targeted support and assistance policy.

The dominant microbial metabolic pathway of the petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil of shale gas field: Carbon fixation instead of CO2 emissions.

In shale gas mining areas, indigenous microorganisms degrade organic pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) through aerobic metabolism. A large quantity of CO2 emissions will exacerbate the "Greenhouse effect". Based on the clean sieved soil and oil-based drilling fluid in the shale gas mining area, this experiment set three concentration gradients (3523 ± 159 mg/kg, 8715 ± 820 mg/kg and 22,031 ± 1533 mg/kg) to treat the soil, and each group was disposed for the same amount of time (63 days). By analyzing the dynamic changes of microbial diversity and the abundance of key functional genes for carbon fixation, the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons on carbon fixation potential was discovered, and the natural attenuation law of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soil was explored. It provided the scientific research basis of ecology for the carbon cycle, carbon allocation, and carbon fixation in microbial remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil. The results obtained indicated the following: i) The removal rate of petroleum hydrocarbons under high-concentration pollution (45.33 ± 3.90%) was significantly lower than low and medium-concentration pollution. The TPH concentration removal rate of each group was the largest in the early stage of culture (1-5d), and there was no significant correlation between the TPH content and the community composition (R2 = 0.0736, P > 0.05). ii) Composition and function of Carbon Fixation associated microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt (phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states) analysis. The main carbon fixation pathway in this study is the reductive citric acid cycle, because there was no shortage of enzymes that can affect subsequent reactions.

Application of a randomized response technique for the sensitive question survey in female sex workers in Xichang, China.

BACKGROUND: The technique of sampling is a particularly important aspect of sampling surveys, and the method of determining sample size is the key link in sampling technique. However, a sample size determination method for complex sampling surveys of sensitive issues using a randomized response model is not yet available. METHODS: In this work, we drew from the theory of probability and mathematical statistics, and developed a series of formulas for sample size determination that are required to estimate the overall proportion and mean on dichotomous sensitive questions in 3-stage sampling using Simmons models. RESULTS: Shortly after generating the formulas, we successfully applied them to a pre-survey regarding sensitive issues among female sex workers (FSWs) in Xichang, and found their practical application to achieve satisfactory effects. By using a large number of Monte Carlo simulation sampling tests, the reliability of the survey methods and formulas for sensitive question surveys were found to be high, but the randomized response technique (RRT) cannot completely eliminate the possibility of social acceptability bias. CONCLUSIONS: RRT is an acceptable method for sensitive question surveys within sensitive populations, and this new sampling method is liable to be used for sensitive question surveys of large populations. We believe that the results obtained in the field of public health can provide some data support for clinical practice.

Preventable Deaths in Multiple Trauma Patients: The Importance of Auditing and Continuous Quality Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Management errors during pre-hospital care, triage process and resuscitation have been widely reported as the major source of preventable and potentially preventable deaths in multiple trauma patients. Common tools for defining whether it is a preventable, potentially preventable or non-preventable death include the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) clinical guideline, the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Therefore, these surrogated scores were utilized in reviewing the study's trauma services. METHODS: Trauma data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. All cases of trauma death were discussed and audited by the Hospital Trauma Committee on a regular basis. Standardized form was used to document the patient's management flow and details in every case during the meeting, and the final verdict (whether death was preventable or not) was agreed and signed by every member of the team. The reasons for the death of the patients were further classified into severe injuries, inappropriate/delayed examination, inappropriate/delayed treatment, wrong decision, insufficient supervision/guidance or lack of appropriate guidance. RESULTS: A total of 1913 trauma patients were admitted during the study period, 82 of whom were identified as major trauma (either ISS > 15 or trauma team was activated). Among the 82 patients with major trauma, eight were trauma-related deaths, one of which was considered a preventable death and the other 7 were considered unpreventable. The decision from the hospital's performance improvement and patient safety program indicates that for every trauma patient, basic life support principles must be followed in the course of primary investigations for bedside trauma series X-ray (chest and pelvis) and FAST scan in the resuscitation room by a person who meets the criteria for trauma team activation recommended by ATLS®. CONCLUSION: Mechanisms to rectify errors in the management of multiple trauma patients are essential for improving the quality of trauma care. Regular auditing in the trauma service is one of the most important parts of performance improvement and patient safety program, and it should be well established by every major trauma center in Mainland China. It can enhance the trauma management processes, decision-making skills and practical skills, thereby continuously improving quality and reducing mortality of this group of patients.

Vasodilatory effect and structural-activity relationship of a group of iridoid glucosides from Phlomis likiangensis.

As a folk medicine, Phlomis likiangensis is traditionally used in China to activate collaterals and protect cardiovascular system. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of Phlomis likiangensis may be related to vasodilatation. In the present study, twelve known iridoid glucosides (1-12) were isolated from Phlomis likiangensis. The vasodilatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of the main components (iridoid glucosides) of Phlomis likiangensis on rat aortic rings were investigated. The result showed that iridoid glucosides significantly increased the vasodilatation in rat aortic rings, which was abolished by removing the endothelium of the vessels or by eliminating the generation of nitric oxide. Finally, the structure-activity relationship of compounds 1-12 was also speculated. Our findings provide the first evidence that the iridoid glucosides of Phlomis likiangensis may be the pharmacodynamic basis for its traditional efficacy.

Effect of ambient air pollution on premature SGA in Changzhou city, 2013-2016: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution is becoming an increased burden to the world. Previous studies have confirmed its effects on adverse birth outcomes, but few associated with premature small for gestational age (SGA). We report a retrospective cohort study conducted in Changzhou city to evaluate the association between air pollutants (PM2.5, SO2 and NO2) and premature SGA during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 46,224 births were collected from January, 2013 to December, 2016, in Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, finally 2709 preterm births were admitted for study. Corresponding air monitoring data were collected from Changzhou Environmental Protection Agency. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the association between these air pollutants and premature SGA controlling for individual covariates in single- and multi-pollutant models. RESULTS: We found that, in the third trimester, every 10 µg/m3 increments in PM2.5 concentration were associated with premature SGA (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-2.83; OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03-3.58) in two- and three-pollutants models. In the whole gestation, a 10 µg/m3 increment in PM2.5 concentration in two- and three-pollutant models were related to premature SGA (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.38-2.47; OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.18-2.57). The OR (95% CI) of premature SGA were increasing across quintiles of PM2.5, SO2, NO2 concentrations during the whole gestation period adjusting for confounders (P for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that pregnant women exposed to PM2.5, combined with other pollutants in the third trimester have a higher risk to deliver premature SGA babies, providing further evidence linking PM2.5 and pregnancy outcomes.

Investigation and estimation of the prevalence of drug addicts in Xichang, china.

To use a new method to estimate the prevalence of drug addicts in Xichang for the first time and to suggest that Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention should strengthen surveillance and intervention for them.The Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) method of 3 correlated sources under the simple random sampling and its formulas detailed in this paper were applied to a survey of issues relevant to drug addicts in Xichang, China.To view half a year as reacquisition time, the prevalence of drug users in Xichang could be 5264 in 2014, accounting for 0.7% of the resident population of the same year.This investigation method and its formulas studied in this paper have both high reliability and high validity, being worthy of promotion in terms of estimating the prevalence of drug addicts in other parts of the world.