ABSTRACT
Aerospace activity in near space (20-50 km) has become a research hotspot for aviation big countries worldwide. Solar radiation study, as the prerequisite to carry out aerospace activity, is facing the barrier of lacking of observation in near space layer. Ozone is the most important factor that affects radiation value in this layer. Based on ECMWF reanalysis data, this input key parameter and its horizontal, vertical and temporal characteristics are analyzedwith results showing obvious regional features in temporal-spatial distribution and varieties. With meteorological data and surface parameters, near space over China is divided into 5 parts. Key factors' value is confirmed over each division. With SBDART radiation transfer model, solar radiation and ultraviolet radiation simulation in near space are conducted separately. Results show that it is influenced by latitude, total ozone and its vertical distribution, radiation varies under complex rules. The average year and monthly solar radiation strengthens changes with latitude reduction, while annual range changes reversely. Air absorbing is related to latitude and land-sea contrast and shows different values and seasonal variations. The ultraviolet radiation over South China Sea reaches its maximum value and minimum annual range, as well as minimum monthly range with value strengthening in summer and weakening in winter. In other areas radiation increases in summer while weakens in winter, monthly range shows double peaks with higher value in spring and autumn, lower in summer and winter. Air absorption in ultraviolet radiation is influenced by multiple factors, vertical varieties over areas besides South China Sea enhance in summer time. The vertical changes of monthly ranges affected by air absorption show consistence in higher and lower layer in June and July, while in other months ranges are bigger in higher layer.
ABSTRACT
The health effects of air pollution remain a public health concern worldwide. Exposure to air pollution has many substantial adverse effects on human health. Globally, seven million deaths were attributable to the joint effects of household and ambient air pollution. Subjects with chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are especially vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollutants. Air pollution can induce the acute exacerbation of COPD and onset of asthma, increase the respiratory morbidity and mortality. The health effects of air pollution depend on the components and sources of pollutants, which varied with countries, seasons, and times. Combustion of solid fuels is a major source of air pollutants in developing countries. To reduce the detrimental effects of air pollution, people especially those with COPD or asthma should be aware of the air quality and take extra measures such as reducing the time outdoor and wearing masks when necessary. For reducing the air pollutants indoor, people should use clean fuels and improve the stoves so as to burn fuel more efficiently and vent emissions to the outside. Air cleaners that can improve the air quality efficiently are recommended.
ABSTRACT
Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20+ antigen specific B cell, has been increasingly used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and some other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. It is noted that Rituximab could enhanced the efficacy of CHOP-based chemotherapy. Meanwhile it could increase the opportunity of lung infection. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), a rare opportunistic infection that was not reported in the large-scale clinical trials of Rituximab, was found recently in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with remedy containing Rituximab. We herein report two cases of PCP in lymphoma patients after Rituximab-containing chemotherapy. Both patients were successfully treated, with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in one case and Caspofungin alone in the other. We also reviewed the literature and concluded that PCP is an infrequent but potentially life-threatening infection in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subjected to Rituximab-containing regimen. Therefore, adequate prophylaxis, timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Tetrandrine (Tet), a bisbenzylisoquinoline albaloid isolated from the Chinese herb "Hanfangji" (Radix Stephania Tetrandra), could effectively reverse P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance. This study was to investigate the reversal effect of tetrandrine on multidrug resistance of human epidermoid carcinoma cell line KB-MRP1. METHODS: The effects of tetrandrine on the proliferation of KB-3-1 and KB-MRP1 cells were observed by MTT assay. The inhibitory effects of cisplatin (DDP), vincristine (VCR), adriamycin (ADM) and etoposide (VP-16) used alone or in combination with tetrandrine on the proliferation of KB-3-1 and KB-MRP1 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. The effects of tetrandrine on ADM accmulation in KB-MRP1 cells and VCR-induced apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: Tetrandrine at the concentration of 1.5 microg/ml and below showed no significant cytotoxicity to KB-3-1 and KB-MRP1 cells. The resistance of KB-MRP1 cells to VCR, ADM, VP-16 and DDP were 21.23, 38.39, 12.47 and 1.31 folds of that of KB-3-1 cells. When added 1 microg/ml tetrandrine, the chemosensitivity of KB-MRP1 cells to VCR, ADM and VP-16 were increased to 4.96, 5.85 and 4.24 folds, respectively; when added 1.5 microg/ml tetrandrine, the chemosensitivity of KB-MRP1 cells to VCR, ADM and VP-16 were much higher. When treated with 1.5 microg/ml tetrandrine, ADM accumulation in KB-MRP1 cells and the VCR-induced apoptosis were enhanced significantly. CONCLUSION: Tetrandrine could moderately reverse the multidrug resistance of KB-MRP1 cells through increasing the accumulation of chemo-drugs in cells and promoting apoptosis.
