[Effect of respiratory filter on pulmonary function in occupational health examination].

Objective: To explore the influence and significance of respiratory filter on the judgment of pulmonary function and the conclusion of occupational health examination in occupational health examination. Methods: From August to November 2020, 252 occupational health examinees were randomly selected as the research objects, and the lung function was examined with the respiratory filter bite and the straight cylinder bite without filter, respectively. The lung function examination indexes and the qualification rate of lung function examination were analyzed and compared between the two groups, and the diagnostic criteria of lung function examination was corrected. Results: 252 subjects were 36 (30, 42) years old. The qualified rate of lung function examination with respiratory filter bite (28.17%, 71/252) was lower than that with straight cylinder bite (34.92%, 88/252) , the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The percentage of forced vital capacity in normal predicted value (FVC%) , percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in normal predicted value (FEV(1)%) , and percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC%) of subjects using respiratory filter bite were lower than those using the straight cylinder bite (P<0.05) . The corrected diagnostic criteria of pulmonary function were FVC%>78%, FEV(1)%>77%, FEV(1)/FVC%>68%. There was no significant difference between the qualified rate of the respiratory filter bite lung function test calculated according to the corrected diagnostic criteria (35.71%, 90/252) and the qualified rate of the straight cylinder bite lung function test calculated according to the original diagnostic criteria (34.92%, 88/252) (P>0.05) . Conclusion: In occupational health examination, the use of respiratory filter may affect the results of pulmonary function examination. The diagnostic criteria of pulmonary function can be corrected according to different filtering effects to ensure the accuracy of the conclusions of occupational health examination.

Lean mass index, body fat and survival in Chinese patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: 'Obesity paradox' was not consistently observed in Asians with coronary artery disease (CAD). AIM: The study investigated the association between body composition and outcomes in Chinese patients with CAD. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHOD: A total of 3280 patients with angiographically validated CAD were consecutively included. Body fat (BF) percentage and lean mass index (LMI) were evaluated using the Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator. The rate of mortality from any cause was compared across groups classified by the quartiles of LMI. RESULTS: During a median period of 24 months, 288 (8.8%) participants died. There was a close association between increasing LMI and reducing mortality rate. However, univariate analyses did not find protective effect of BF on survival. After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, current smoking, systolic blood pressure, creatinine, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and medication, Cox regression analyses showed that the significant relation between higher quartiles (Q) of LMI and survival benefit (Q4, hazard ratio 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.36-0.94) vs. Q3, 0.60 (0.39-0.91) vs. Q2, 0.60 (0.41-0.88) vs. Q1, reference) remained. CONCLUSION: Low LMI but not BF predicts all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with CAD.

Increased interventricular septum wall thickness predicts all-cause death in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: There is debate regarding the predictive value of interventricular septum (IVS) wall thickness for adverse events. AIMS: The study investigated the association between the severity of thickened IVS and all-cause death in Chinese patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 2297 CAD patients verified by angiography was consecutively included. Patients were grouped according to the severity of thickened IVS. Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent prognostic value of thickened IVS for all-cause death. RESULTS: During a median follow up of 25 months, 149 patients died. A gradient increase in the risk of death was observed across thickened IVS groups. Compared to patients with normal IVS thickness, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.49 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-2.23, P = 0.05) and 2.13 (95% CI 1.29-3.54, P = 0.003) for all-cause death in those with mildly and moderately/severely thickened IVS respectively. For one unit increase in IVS thickness, the risk of all-cause death was elevated by 14% (adjusted HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.24, P = 0.003). In patients with normal indexed left ventricular mass, thickened IVS was also demonstrated as an independent risk factor for all-cause death. CONCLUSION: Thickened IVS can be served as a reliable marker for predicting all-cause death in Chinese patients with CAD, even in those with normal left ventricular mass.

Cordyceps militaris and mycelial fermentation induced apoptosis and autophagy of human glioblastoma cells.

This study is the first report that investigated the apoptosis-inducing effects of Cordyceps militaris (CM) and its mycelial fermentation in human glioblastoma cells. Both fractions arrested the GBM8401 cells in the G0/G1 phase, whereas the U-87MG cells were arrested at the G2/M transitional stage. Western blot data suggested that upregulation of p53 and p21 might be involved in the disruption of cell cycle progression. Induction of chromosomal condensation and the appearance of a sub-G1 hypodipoid population further supported the proapoptogenicity, possibly through the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and the upregulation of proapoptotic Bax protein expression. Downregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin and upregulation of Atg5 and LC3 II levels in GBM8401 cells implicated the involvement of autophagy. The signaling profiles with mycelial fermentation treatment indicated that mycelial fermentation triggered rapid phosphorylation of Akt, p38 MAPK, and JNK, but suppressed constitutively high levels of ERK1/2 in GBM8401 cells. Mycelial fermentation treatment only significantly increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but decreased constitutively high levels of Akt, ERK1/2, and JNK phosphorylation in U-87MG cells. Pretreatment with PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 prevented the mycelial fermentation-induced cytotoxicity in GBM8401 and U-87MG cells, suggesting the involvement of PI3K/Akt and MEK1 pathways in mycelial fermentation-driven glioblastoma cell apoptosis and autophagy.

Combustion and NO emission of high nitrogen content biomass in a pilot-scale vortexing fluidized bed combustor.

The combustion of biomass of various nitrogen contents and its NO emission were investigated experimentally in this study. All the experiments were conducted in an I.D. 0.45 m pilot-scale vortexing fluidized bed combustor (VFBC). Rice husk, corn, and soybean were used as feeding materials. Urea was added into the feeding materials for the purpose of adjusting nitrogen content. The effects of various operating parameters on NO emission, such as bed temperature, excess air ratio, and flow rate of secondary air, were investigated. The effects of nitrogen content of fuels on NO emissions were also investigated by using the mixtures of rice husk/soybean, rice husk/urea, corn/soybean, and corn/urea in various weight ratios. The NO concentrations at various positions in the combustor were sampled and recorded. The experimental results show that most nitric oxide is formed at just above the bed surface. Temperature and excess air ratio are the major operating parameters for NO emission. For biomass with high nitrogen content, NO emission decreases with excess air, and increases with bed temperature. Compared with char-N, volatile-N is the more dominant reactant source for NO emission.

Taqman real-time quantitative PCR for identification of western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis) for plant quarantine.

Western flower thrip (Frankliniella occidentalis) is a major global pest of agricultural products. It directly damages crops through feeding, oviposition activity or transmission of several plant viruses. We describe a Taqman real-time quantitative PCR detection system, which can rapidly identify F. occidentalis from thrips larvae to complement the traditional morphological identification. The data showed that our detection system targeted on the ribosomal RNA gene regions of F. occidentalis has high sensitivity and specificity. The rapid method can be used for on-site testing of samples at ports-of-entry in the future.

Microfluidic assisted synthesis of multi-functional polycaprolactone microcapsules: incorporation of CdTe quantum dots, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles and tamoxifen anticancer drugs.

This paper demonstrates a proof-of-concept approach for encapsulating the anticancer drug tamoxifen, Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) into size-controlled polycaprolactone (PCL) microcapsules utilizing microfluidic emulsification, which combined magnetic targeting, fluorescence imaging and drug controlled release properties into one drug delivery system. Cross-linking the composite PCL microcapsules with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) tailored their size, morphology, optical and magnetic properties and drug release behaviors. The flow conditions of the two immiscible solutions were adjusted in order to successfully generate various sizes of polymer droplets. The result showed superparamagnetic and fluorescent properties, and was used as a controlled drug release vehicle. The composite magnetic and fluorescent PCL microcapsules are potential candidates for a smart drug delivery system.

Biosynthetic pathway to the cancer chemopreventive secoisolariciresinol diglucoside-hydroxymethyl glutaryl ester-linked lignan oligomers in flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed.

Application of stable and radioisotope precursor/tracer experiments resulted in the identification of various phenylpropanoid, monolignol, and lignan metabolites involved in the biosynthesis of the cancer chemopreventive secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG; 1)-containing ester-linked "polymer(s)" in flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed. Individual analysis of size-segregated flax seed capsules at five early stages of their development provided a metabolic profile of intermediates leading to "biopolymer" biosynthesis. The use of (1)H and (13)C NMR and HRMS analyses resulted in the identification of 6a-HMG (hydroxymethyl glutaryl) SDG (17) and 6a,6a'-di-HMG SDG (18) as the two major components of the ester-linked "biopolymer(s)". Based on metabolic tracer analyses and relative radioisotopic incorporations throughout each of these five stages of seed development, a biochemical pathway is proposed from phenylalanine to SDG (1), with subsequent mono- and di-substitutions of SDG (1) with HMG CoA. These metabolites then serve as precursors for formation of the SDG-HMG ester-linked oligomers. Results from this study will facilitate future isolation and characterization of the proteins and enzymes involved in biosynthesis of the SDG-HMG ester-linked oligomers in flax seed.

Anti-inflammatory tetramers of resveratrol from the roots of Vitis amurensis and the conformations of the seven-membered ring in some oligostilbenes.

Five resveratrol tetramers, amurensins I-M, were isolated from the roots of Vitis amurensis (Rupr.), together with five known resveratrol tetramers, (+)-hopeaphenol, isohopeaphenol, vitisin A, (+)-vitisifuran A, and heyneanol A. Their structures and stereochemistry were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods, especially by use of 2D NMR analysis. Some of them had an ampelopsin A or a balanocarpol unit, in which the conformations of the seven-membered carbon ring were described for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activities of the tetramers were also tested. Among them, (+)-hopeaphenol, isohopeaphenol, vitisin A, (+)-vitisifuran A and heyneanol A showed potent inhibition on the biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and amurensins I and L showed strong antagonism of the histamine acceptor.

Four new stilbene dimers from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense.

Four new stilbene dimers, gnetuhainins P (1), Q (2), K (3) and L (4), were isolated from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense C. Y. Cheng. Their structures and relative configurations were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidence, especially 2D NMR techniques.

Synthesis and reactions of some heterocyclic azacyanines.

The one-step reaction of some amino-substituted heterocycles with diiodomethane to give azacyanines is reported. This useful reaction is of wider application than initially reported and includes the synthesis of new substituted pyrido-, isoquino-, benzimadazo-, and benzothiazoazacyanines 7. Furthermore, treatment of these azacyanines with base generally affects a facile opening of the dihydrotriazinium ring resulting in the formation of new heterocycles 10, 11, and 12, which would be difficult to prepare by other means. This reaction takes an additional direction in the case of halo-substituted azacyanines 7b/c/d where treatment with base gives rise to new interesting derivatives of dipyridotriazines 14b/c/d.

Three new stilbene trimers from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense.

Three new stilbene trimers, gnetuhainins M-O (1-3), were isolated from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense. Their structures and relative configurations were determined by spectroscopic evidence, especially on 2D NMR analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity has been tested for the isolated compounds.

[Prolactin in normal pregnancy and severe pregnancy-induced hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the relationship between serum prolactin and pregnancy-induced hypertension. METHOD: Maternal serum prolactin was estimated by radioimmunoassay in 89 normal pregnant women and 52 patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension at 28 to 42 week gestation. RESULTS: In normal pregnancy, prolactin level increased progressively from a mean value of 270 mg.L-1 in the 24th week to 440 mg.L-1 in the 34th week and decreased progressively from the 38th week to the 40th week. In severe pregnancy-induced hypertension increased progressively too; 31 of 52 patients with severe prolactin showed high prolactin levels in zone A (> mean value + standard of prolactin values in the normal pregnancy), 10 patients in zone B (mean + standard to mean) and 11 patients in zone C (< mean). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that high prolactin levels may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Kinetic measurements of cell surface E-selectin/carbohydrate ligand interactions.

Selectin/ligand interactions initiate the multistep adhesion and signaling cascades in the recruitment of leukocytes from circulation to inflamed tissues and may also play a role in tumor metastasis. Kinetic properties of these interactions are essential determinants governing blood-borne cells' tethering to and rolling on the vessel wall. Extending our recently developed micropipette method, we have measured the kinetic rates of E-selectin/ligand interactions. Red cells coated with an E-selectin construct were allowed to bind HL-60 or Colo-205 cells bearing carbohydrate ligands. Specific adhesions were observed to occur at isolated points, the frequency of which followed a Poisson distribution. These point attachments were formed at the same rate with both the HL-60 and Colo-205 cells (0.14 +/- 0.04 and 0.13 +/- 0.03 microm2 s(-2) per unit density of E-selectin, respectively) but dissociated from the former at a rate twice as fast as did from the latter (0.92 +/- 0.23 and 0.44 +/- 0.10 s(-1), respectively). The reverse rates agree well with those measured by the flow chamber. The forward rates are orders of magnitude higher than those of Fcgamma receptors interacting with IgG measured under similar conditions, consistent with the rapid kinetics requirement for the function of E-selectin/ligand binding, which is to capture leukocytes on endothelial surfaces from flow.

Stilbene dimers from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense.

Five stilbene dimers, gnetuhainins F-J, were isolated together with gnetulin, rhapontigenin, isorhapontigenin and gnetol from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense C. Y. Cheng. Their structures and stereochemistry have been established on the basis of spectral evidence, especially 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques.

Nitric oxide modulates interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synthesis by alveolar macrophages in pulmonary tuberculosis.

Interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha released from alveolar macrophages (AM) in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are important in host defense against mycobacterial infection. Nitric oxide (NO) production is enhanced in AM of TB patients. We examined whether NO was implicated in (IL)-1beta and TNF-alpha synthesis by AM of TB patients. Purified AM were retrieved by bronchoalveolar lavage from 11 TB patients and 10 normal subjects, and were cultured with or without the NO inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). The release of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and expression of their messenger RNAs (mRNAs), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Northern blot analysis. The release of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha was greater from AM of TB patients than from AM of normal subjects. L-NMMA inhibited nitrite, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha production in TB patients. The mRNA expression for IL-1beta and TNF-alpha was upregulated in TB patients and was depressed by L-NMMA. Immunocytochemistry done with a monoclonal antibody against the p65 subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB showed that NF-kappaB was highly expressed and translocated to the nuclei of AM from TB patients, and was inhibited by L-NMMA. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate attenuated IL-1beta and TNF-alpha synthesis. In conclusion, enhanced NO generation by AM of TB patients plays an autoregulatory role in amplifying the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, probably through NF-kappaB activation.

Five new stilbene dimers from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense.

Five new stilbene dimers, gnetuhainins A-E (1-5), were isolated together with resveratrol trans-dehydrodimer (6), resveratrol, oxyresveratrol, and (-)-epsilon-viniferin from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense. Their structures and stereochemistry were determined on the basis of their chemical and spectral data. Compounds 1-5 are dimers formed by a resveratrol unit and an oxyresveratrol unit and belong to a new type of oligostilbenes polymerized from two different stilbene units.

Morphine tolerance in arthritic rats and serotonergic system.

To understand whether chronic inflammation alters the development of morphine tolerance, the tail-flick test was used to evaluate the analgesic effect of morphine (75 mg tablet, s.c.) in the arthritic rats at the day 9-12 after the inoculation with Freund's adjuvant. Spinal cord monoamines and amino acid neurotransmitters were concomitantly measured. Chronic inflammation attenuated the antinociceptive effect of morphine as tolerance developed faster in the arthritic rats compared to the vehicle-treated controls. In addition, ratio of 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HIAA/5-HT) increased in the lumbar spinal cord of arthritic rats without any change in the concentrations of norepinephrine, glutamate, aspartate or GABA. Interestingly, increased serotonin turnover in the spinal cord was observed in both control and arthritic rats 24 hours after morphine treatment. Overall, the results suggest a significant role of serotonin up-regulation in the spinal cord during chronic pain and the development of morphine tolerance.

Oligostilbenes from the roots of Vitis amurensis.

Two new oligostilbenes, amurensin A (1) and amurensin B (2), were isolated from the roots of Vitis amurensis Rupr. together with five known oligostilbenes. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic evidence, and amurensin B was the first naturally occurring stilbene trimer with a cis dihydrobenzofuran moiety.

A new 1,2-deoxytaxane diterpenoid from Taxus chinensis.

The bark of Taxus chinensis yielded a new taxane diterpenoid, 2-deacetoxy-7,9-dideacetyltaxinine J ( 1) together with several known taxoids. (1)H- and (13)C-NMR data of 1 are reported.