Decreased gray matter volume in the right middle temporal gyrus associated with cognitive dysfunction in preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.

Introduction: The effects of preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (CHTN-PE) on the structure and function of the human brain are mostly unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine altered gray matter volume (GMV) and its correlation with cognitive function in pregnant healthy women, healthy non-pregnant individuals, and CHTN-PE patients. Methods: Twenty-five CHTN-PE patients, thirty-five pregnant healthy controls (PHC) and thirty-five non-pregnant healthy controls (NPHC) were included in this study and underwent cognitive assessment testing. A voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach was applied to investigate variations in brain GMV among the three groups. Pearson's correlations between mean GMV and the Stroop color-word test (SCWT) scores were calculated. Results: Compared with the NPHC group, the PHC and CHTN-PE groups showed significantly decreased GMV in a cluster of the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and the GMV decrease was more significant in the CHTN-PE group. There were significant differences in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Stroop word scores among the three groups. Notably, the mean GMV values in the right MTG cluster were not only significantly negatively correlated with Stroop word and Stroop color scores but also significantly distinguished CHTN-PE patients from the NPHC and PHC groups in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Discussion: Pregnancy may cause a decrease in local GMV in the right MTG, and the GMV decrease is more significant in CHTN-PE patients. The right MTG affects multiple cognitive functions, and combined with the SCWT scores, it may explain the decline in speech motor function and cognitive flexibility in CHTN-PE patients.

FOXD1-AS1 upregulates FOXD1 to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma progression.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, increasing attention has been concentrated on decrypting the potential of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in influencing the progression of human tumors, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) included. The role of a novel lncRNA, forkhead box D1 antisense RNA 1 (FOXD1-AS1), has been discussed in multiple cancers. Nevertheless, its function and relevant mechanism in OSCC have been not probed yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FOXD1-AS1 expression was detected via RT-qPCR. Colony formation, EdU, transwell and Western blot analyses tested the functional role of FOXD1-AS1 in OSCC cells. The relationship between RNAs was assessed by a series of mechanical assays. RESULTS: FOXD1-AS1 was expressed at a high level in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). Knockdown of FOXD1-AS1 exerted repressive impacts on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Moreover, FOXD1-AS1 positively regulated its nearby gene FOXD1 via interacting with miR-369-3p. In addition, adenosine deaminase RNA specific (ADAR), known as a RNA-binding protein (RBP), was capable to bind with FOXD1-AS1 and FOXD1 simultaneously, and could regulate the stability of FOXD1 mRNA. Aside from that, rescue assays delineated that FOXD1-AS1 promoted OSCC progression via upregulating FOXD1. CONCLUSIONS: FOXD1-AS1 elevates FOXD1 expression to promote OSCC malignant phenotypes through miR-369-3p and ADAR.

Electrospun nanofibrous poly(ether-block-amide) membrane for removing biogenic amines in acidic wastewater from the yellow rice wine factory.

Compared with other techniques for wastewater treatment, adsorption offers an effective, economical and ecofriendly way to reduce the content of biogenic amines. Herein, the poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA 2533) membranes were employed as the adsorbent to remove histamine, putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine in the synthetic and real wastewater from a local yellow rice wine factory. Electrospun PEBA membranes consisting of fine nanofibers were successfully obtained without the addition of surfactant for the first time. Characteristics of the prepared membranes were evaluated by their morphology, wetting behaviors and mechanical properties. Adsorption performance of the nanofibrous membrane was investigated in comparison to the dense membrane prepared by conventional casting. The fibrous membrane exhibited much higher adsorption rate over 10 times to the dense membrane along with 1.5 times more adsorption capacity towards the amines. In addition, the as-prepared membrane showed a promising reusability in the real wastewater treatment. The good balance of its chemical stability, adsorption capacity, selectivity, removal efficiency and reusability endows the electrospun membrane with an outstanding potential to be applied in the acidic wastewater treatment for the yellow rice wine industry.

Variations of root and canal morphology of mandibular second molars in Chinese individuals: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The mandibular second molars demonstrate variations on root and canal morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate all the root canal morphology of mandibular second molars and analyze the morphological variations in patients by gender and age in a Chinese population use CBCT imaging. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 1200 bilateral mandibular second molars were obtained from 600 patients (300 females and 300 males) who required a preoperative assessment for implant surgery, surgical removal of impacted teeth, orthodontic treatment, surgery of maxillofacial tumour and cysts or LeFort I osteotomy. CBCT images were divided into 5 groups according to age: "15-24 years", "25-34 years", "35-44 years", "45-54 years" and "≥ 55 years"; and 2 groups by gender: "females" and "males". The following information were recorded: the number of roots and canals and their morphology, the frequency and configuration of C-shaped canals by gender, age and position (left and right). The chi-square test was used to analyse differences between groups. P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 1200 teeth, 61% had two separate roots located mesiodistally, 35.6% had one C-shaped root. The 45.3% teeth had three canals in two-rooted mandibular second molars. The mesial root showed a Vertucci type II configuration in 28.9% cases followed by type IV(24.4%). While the distal root showed a significant higher prevalence of type I configuration in 95.6%. In the examined 1200 teeth, 430 teeth (35.8%) had C-shaped root canals. The prevalence of C-shaped root canal systems was significantly higher in females (42.5%) than in males (29.1%) (P = 0.000), and did not differ with age (P = 0.126). The 80.4% C-shaped canals were bilateral (P = 0.000) and did not differ with side (left and right) (P = 0.758). CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly observed root morphology for the mandibular second molars was 2 separate roots with three canals.The prevalence of C-shaped root canal is 35.8% and is more higher in females than in males.

The analysis of root canal curvature and direction of maxillary lateral incisors by using cone-beam computed tomography: A retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate root canal curvature and direction of maxillary lateral incisors in Shandong, China.Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 176 maxillary lateral incisors of 88 patients were collected in Shandong Province, China. Software included with CBCT was used to measure the angle of root canal curvature of maxillary lateral incisors on the maximum bending plane. In addition, the direction of each root canal was recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 17.0 software package.The results showed that all the samples had a single canal (Vertucci's type I). The incidence of straight root canals, curved root canals, and S-type root canals was 39.2%, 58%, and 2.8%, respectively. The difference in the mean angle of root canal curvature failed to identify any differences between the left and right side (P > .05). The most curved root canal of maxillary lateral incisors oriented in the palato-distal direction.The maxillary lateral incisors were mainly curved root canals of which the proportion of moderate curvature was the largest. Software included with CBCT would provide some valuable information for root canal instrumentation of maxillary lateral incisors.

[A dosage regimen of M-receptor blocker after TURP for severe BPH with predominant urine storage symptoms].

OBJECTIVE: To study the dosage regimen of oral M-receptor blocker following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for severe benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with predominant urine storage period symptoms (USPSs) and its clinical effect. METHODS: Severe BPH patients with predominant USPSs received oral tolterodine (2 mg q12d or 4 mg qd) 6 hours after TURP for 4 weeks. The medication continued for another 2 weeks in case of recurrence of USPSs or until the 12th week in case of repeated recurrence. Before and at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TURP, we analyzed the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR) of the patients. RESULTS: Complete clinical data were collected from 106 cases, of which 33 achieved successful drug withdrawal with no aggravation of USPSs at 4 weeks after TURP, 51 at 6－8 weeks, 13 at 10－12 weeks, and 9 needed medication after 12 weeks. Before and at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after TURP, the total IPSSs were 25.33 ± 3.45, 19.33 ± 3.62, 11.56 ± 2.45, 8.38 ± 2.0 and 7.74 ± 1.87, those in the urine storage period were 11.97 ± 1.53, 10.76 ± 1.82, 6.16 ± 1.22, 4.08 ± 1.19 and 3.91 ± 1.15, those at urine voiding were 9.80 ± 1.60, 5.59 ± 1.45, 3.40 ± 0.92, 2.85 ± 0.71, and 2.61 ± 0.67, and the QoL scores were 4.70 ± 0.78, 3.92 ± 0.75, 2.55 ± 0.74, 1.83 ± 0.72 and 1.66 ± 0.75, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the baseline and the scores at 1 and 4 weeks (P <0.01) but not at 8 or 12 weeks (P >0.05). Qmax and PVR were improved progressively and significantly at 1 and 4 weeks (P <0.01) but not at 8 or 12 weeks (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Four to eight weeks of oral administration of M-receptor blocker may be an effective dosage regimen for severe BPH with predominant USPSs after TURP.

[Delivery and release of sediment PAHs during resuspension].

The resuspension of sediment after being disturbed is simulated by particle entrainment simulator (PES). The conclusions came out as follows. Sediment nature like granulometric composition and sediment PAHs richness markedly affected the release of PAHs. During the resuspension experiment, the total suspended solids (TSS) content of the overlying water showed significant correlation with particulate PAHs. The influence of the shear stress on the release of PAHs was reflected on two aspects. On one hand, its increase was accompanied with the increase of particulate PAHs. On the other hand, the PAHs enrichment effect of TSS decreased with the increase in the shear stress, since the stronger shear stress could draw more coarse particles with fewer PAHs into overlying water. The total PAHs in the overlying water continued to raise before stabilization at 120 min or 240 min. The particulate PAHs and dissolved PAHs answered each other very well. The release behavior among PAHs of different weight varied significantly. Due to the hydrophobic property of heavy weight PAHs, PAHs detected in overlying water were mostly 3-ring or 4-ring.

Phosphorus loads from different urban storm runoff sources in southern China: a case study in Wenzhou City.

Storm runoff from six types of underlying surface area during five rainfall events in two urban study areas of Wenzhou City, China was investigated to measure phosphorus (P) concentrations and discharge rates. The average event mean concentrations (EMCs) of total phosphorus (TP), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and particulate phosphorus (PP) ranged from 0.02 to 2.5 mg · L(-1), 0.01 to 0.48 mg · L(-1), and 0.02 to 2.43 mg · L(-1), respectively. PP was generally the dominant component of TP in storm runoff, while the major form of P varied over time, especially in roof runoff, where TDP made up the largest portion in the latter stages of runoff events. Both TP and PP concentrations were positively correlated with pH, total suspended solids (TSS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)/chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations (p<0.01), while TDP was positively correlated with BOD/COD only (p<0.01). In addition, the EMCs of TP and PP were negatively correlated with maximum rainfall intensity (p<0.05), while the EMCs of TDP positively correlated with the antecedent dry weather period (p<0.05). The annual TP emission fluxes from the two study areas were 367.33 and 237.85 kg, respectively. Underlying surface type determined the TP and PP loadings in storm runoff, but regional environmental conditions affected the export of TDP more significantly. Our results indicate that the removal of particles from storm runoff could be an effective measure to attenuate P loadings to receiving water bodies.

The effect of continuous Zn (II) exposure on the organic degradation capability and soluble microbial products (SMP) of activated sludge.

This study describes the change of organic degradation capability and soluble microbial products (SMP) generated in activated sludge under continuous exposure to Zn (II) in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). In 338 days of operation, the added Zn (II) concentrations were gradually increased from 50 to 100, 200, 400 to 600 and 800 mg/L. Results showed that after adaptation, the activated sludge could endure 400mg/L Zn (II) without showing evident reduction in organic degradation ability (92±1% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in stable state). However, when 600 and 800 mg/L Zn (II) were applied, the effluent water quality significantly deteriorated. Meanwhile, under increasing Zn (II) concentrations, the SMP content in the activated sludge, together with its main biochemical constituents, first increased slightly below 400mg/L of Zn (II), then rose sharply under 600 and 800 mg/L Zn (II). Furthermore, a close correlation was found between SMP content and effluent soluble COD in both the Experimental Reactor and Control Reactor. In addition, the Zn (II) concentrations in the effluent and SMP extraction liquid were further analyzed and discussed to reveal the role that SMP constituents played in defense and resistance to the toxicity of Zn (II).

[Distribution and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in agricultural soil of the Chongming Island in Shanghai].

The concentration and ecological risk of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in thirty-three surface soil samples collected from cultivated land in Chongming Island in July 2008. Those samples were extracted using an accelerated solvent extractor (ASE) and determined by GC-MS. Results showed that the concentrations of PAHs ranged between 24.92-1014.61 ng x g(-1) (dry weight), with a mean value of 192.83 ng x g(-1). The sixteen priority PAHs with exception of Indeno(1, 2, 3-cd) pyrene (IcdP) and Dibenzo(a, h)anthracene (DahA) were all detected in all the samples. The dominant compounds were 2-3 ring and 4 ring PAHs, which accounted for 42.6% and 42.2%, respectively, while the 5-6 ring PAHs accounted for 15.7%. PAHs in soil were mainly derived from the fossil oil and the combustion of wood and coal, as determined by the concentration ratio method. The non-industrial combustion and automobile exhaust emissions in Chongming Island may be two of the important sources of PAHs in farmland soil. The analysis of ecological risk showed that the agricultural soil of Chongming Island had low ecological risk.

Safety and effectiveness of percutaneous embolization for late failed renal allograft in patients with graft intolerance syndrome / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical safety and effectiveness of percutaneous embolization in treating the late failed renal allograft in patients with graft intolerance syndrome (GIS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Transcatheter embolization of renal graft artery was performed in 18 patients with late graft dysfunction and GIS. The subsequent complications, postoperative symptom remission rate, and prognosis were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GIS was relieved in 15 patients (83.3%), of which 6 patients (33.3%) had severer fever and pain in the area of renal graft after embolization, which lasted for a mean of 3.5 days (range: 2-5 days). GIS persisted for more than 2 weeks in 3 patients (16.7%), who ultimately underwent surgical removal of grafts. No severe embolism-associated complications were noted.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Percutaneous embolization can effectively avoid surgical graft removal in patients with late renal allograft failure, and therefore can be used as a safe and effective treatment for the late failed renal allograft combined with GIS.</p>

[Advances in diagnosis and treatment of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus].

The diagnosis,surgical treatment,and comprehensive treatment of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus have advanced rapidly in recent years. Both the survival and quality of life of the patients have remarkably improved. Further advance in basic research may provide new direction of management of renal cell carcinoma.

Protective effects of sodium daidzein sulfonate on trabecular bone in ovariectomized rats.

The ovariectomized (OVX) rat, as an established animal model of human osteoporosis, was adopted in the present experiment to study the protective effects of sodium daidzein sulfonate (SDS) on trabecular bone. Six-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were sham-operated or ovariectomized. Five days later, the OVX rats were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups and treated for 90 days with vehicle, 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) or SDS. Compared with OVX rats, SDS administration (15 mg/kg) prevented OVX-induced decrease in lumbar vertebral and femoral bone mineral density (BMD), and significantly increased bone mechanical strength parameters, including ultimate stress and elastic modulus. In the OVX group, the structure of trabecular plate in the femoral head was absorbed and became progressively thinner or was removed completely, accompanied by enlargement of marrow cavities and amalgamation of two or more marrow cavities. Administration of SDS and E(2 )prevented the change of trabecular bone microarchitecture induced by OVX, increasing the trabecular bone area and trabecular thickness, while decreasing the trabecular separation. These results indicate that SDS administration prevents OVX-induced decrease in BMD and bone mechanical strength, and has a moderate protective effect on the microarchitecture of trabecular bone in aged Sprague-Dawley rats.

Expression of ICAM-1, HLA-DR, and CD80 on peripheral circulating CD1 alpha DCs induced in vivo by IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

AIM: To explore the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) application on peripheral circulating CD1alpha dendritic cells (DCs)in patients with chronic hepatitis B, and the expression of HLA-DR, CD80, and ICAM-1 on CD1alpha DCs in order to explore the mechanism of immune modulation of IFN-alpha. METHODS: By flow cytometry technique, changes of CD1alpha DCs were monitored in 22 patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with IFN-alpha and in 16 such patients not treated with IFN-alpha within three months. Meanwhile, the expression of HLA-DR, CD80, and ICAM-1 on CD1alpha DCs was detected. RESULTS: In the group of IFN-alpha treatment, the percentage of CD1alpha DCs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was increased after three months of therapy. In patients who became negative for HBV-DNA after IFN-alpha treatment, the increase of DCs was more prominent, while in control, these changes were not observed. Increased expression of HLA-DR, CD80,and ICAM-1 on CD1alpha DCs was also observed. CONCLUSION: CD1alpha DCs can be induced by IFN-alpha in vivo, and the immune related molecules such as HLA-DR, CD80,and ICAM-1 are up-regulated to some degree. This might be an important immune related mechanism of IFN-alpha treatment for chronic hepatitis B.