Correlation between LTC4S -444 A>C polymorphism and susceptibility to asthma: A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

Background: This study aims to uncover the potential correlation between LTC4S -444 A>C polymorphism and susceptibility to asthma. Methods: Literatures reporting the correlation between LTC4S -444 A>C polymorphism and susceptibility to asthma published before 1st June, 2019 were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Wanfang and CNKI. Eligible literatures were enrolled and their data were extracted. OR and its 95% CI were calculated for assessing the correlation between LTC4S -444 A>C polymorphism and susceptibility to asthma. The included data were weighted by an inverse variance and then analyzed by a fixed or random effects model. Heterogeneity test and sensitivity analysis were performed on the enrolled reports. STATA12.1 and TSA (trial sequential analysis) were utilized for analyses.

Research on multi-cluster green persimmon detection method based on improved Faster RCNN.

To address the problem of accurate recognition and localization of multiple clusters of green persimmons with similar color to the background under natural environment, this study proposes a multi-cluster green persimmon identification method based on improved Faster RCNN was proposed by using the self-built green persimmon dataset. The feature extractor DetNet is used as the backbone feature extraction network, and the model detection attention is focused on the target object itself by adding the weighted ECA channel attention mechanism to the three effective feature layers in the backbone, and the detection accuracy of the algorithm is improved. By maximizing the pooling of the lower layer features with the added attention mechanism, the high and low dimensions and magnitudes are made the same. The processed feature layers are combined with multi-scale features using a serial layer-hopping connection structure to enhance the robustness of feature information, effectively copes with the problem of target detection of objects with obscured near scenery in complex environments and accelerates the detection speed through feature complementarity between different feature layers. In this study, the K-means clustering algorithm is used to group and anchor the bounding boxes so that they converge to the actual bounding boxes, The average mean accuracy (mAP) of the improved Faster RCNN model reaches 98.4%, which was 11.8% higher than that of traditional Faster RCNN model, which also increases the accuracy of object detection during regression prediction. and the average detection time of a single image is improved by 0.54s. The algorithm is significantly improved in terms of accuracy and speed, which provides a basis for green fruit growth state monitoring and intelligent yield estimation in real scenarios.

Digital economy and environmental governance performance: empirical evidence from 275 cities in China.

Along with the steady worsening of environmental contamination, improving environmental governance performance (EGP) is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. This study adopts panel data from 275 Chinese cities to examine the holistic relationship between the digital economy (DE) and urban EGP in multiple dimensions. The relationship is tested using fixed-effects models, mediated effects models, panel threshold models, and the spatial Durbin models. Results indicated that (1) the DE can effectively improve urban EGP. The findings still hold after robustness tests using instrumental variable estimation and the introduction of exogenous policy shocks. (2) The analysis of mediating effects shows that green technology innovation and industrial structure optimization are critical transmissions. (3) The panel threshold regression results indicate a nonlinear incremental phenomenon of the significant impact of the DE on urban EGP when nighttime lighting data is used as the threshold. (4) Spatial spillover analysis shows a positive spatial spillover effect of DE development on EGP in the surrounding cities. (5) Spatial heterogeneity analysis states that the enhancement effect of DE development on EGP is more significant in eastern China. Furthermore, areas located within urban agglomerations are more influenced by the DE. These findings provide a policy reference for fully exploiting the environmental enhancement effects of the DE.

A scheduling route planning algorithm based on the dynamic genetic algorithm with ant colony binary iterative optimization for unmanned aerial vehicle spraying in multiple tea fields.

The complex environments and weak infrastructure constructions of hilly mountainous areas complicate the effective path planning for plant protection operations. Therefore, with the aim of improving the current status of complicated tea plant protections in hills and slopes, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multi-tea field plant protection route planning algorithm is developed in this paper and integrated with a full-coverage spraying route method for a single region. By optimizing the crossover and mutation operators of the genetic algorithm (GA), the crossover and mutation probabilities are automatically adjusted with the individual fitness and a dynamic genetic algorithm (DGA) is proposed. The iteration period and reinforcement concepts are then introduced in the pheromone update rule of the ant colony optimization (ACO) to improve the convergence accuracy and global optimization capability, and an ant colony binary iteration optimization (ACBIO) is proposed. Serial fusion is subsequently employed on the two algorithms to optimize the route planning for multi-regional operations. Simulation tests reveal that the dynamic genetic algorithm with ant colony binary iterative optimization (DGA-ACBIO) proposed in this study shortens the optimal flight range by 715.8 m, 428.3 m, 589 m, and 287.6 m compared to the dynamic genetic algorithm, ant colony binary iterative algorithm, artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), respectively, for multiple tea field scheduling route planning. Moreover, the search time is reduced by more than half compared to other bionic algorithms. The proposed algorithm maintains advantages in performance and stability when solving standard traveling salesman problems with more complex objectives, as well as the planning accuracy and search speed. In this paper, the research on the planning algorithm of plant protection route for multi-tea field scheduling helps to shorten the inter-regional scheduling range and thus reduces the cost of plant protection.

DNMT1-mediated demethylation of lncRNA MEG3 promoter suppressed breast cancer progression by repressing Notch1 signaling pathway.

Breast carcinoma is one of the common causes of cancer-related mortality in women. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3), a lncRNA located at 14q32, can be involved in carcinogenesis. In this study, we discovered that MEG3 was downregulated by CpG hypermethylation within its gene promoter. Functionally, treatment of breast cancer cells with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-AzadC as well as silencing of DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) could decrease the abnormal hypermethylation of the MEG3 promoter, reverse MEG3 expression, inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. In addition, we found that MEG3 expression was negatively correlated with DNMT1. Mechanistically, MEG3 knockdown combined with 5-AzadC or sh-DNMT1 treatment restored the expression of Notch1 receptor, leading to the Notch1 pathway activation, and promoted the progression of epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Finally, the mice tumor model experiments showed that DNMT1 knockdown can increase MEG3 expression and inhibit tumor growth. Collectively, our findings uncovered that DNMT1-mediated MEG3 demethylation leads to MEG3 upregulation, which in turn inhibits the Notch1 pathway and EMT process in breast cancer.

Imaging a defect in layered media with different shaped interfaces using reverse time migration without velocity model known a priori.

In this work, the highly accurate image of a defect in the layered media using a reverse time migration (RTM) is obtained without priori information of the interface geometry and acoustic velocity of the lower medium. The interface of layered media is reconstructed by RTM, and its profile is determined using the reconstructed image within the range of -6 to 0 dB. At the assumed acoustic velocity of the lower medium, the minimum variance of the possible position distribution of a defect is evaluated to be an acoustic velocity of the lower medium by processing the travel times of the defect scattered echoes. The velocity model of the layered media is reconstructed by the mapped interface and the calibrated acoustic velocity of the lower medium, and a defect in the layered media is imaged by RTM. The proposed method is verified by utilizing the silicone rubber-water layered media with horizontal, titled, and circular arc interfaces. The obtained results for the interface geometry, acoustic velocity of the lower medium, and location of defect are consistent with the actual values. Therefore, a defect in the layered media can be accurately located and imaged without the velocity model of layered media known a priori via the RTM method.

Case report: Surgical treatment of McCune-Albright syndrome with hyperthyroidism and retrosternal goiter: A case report and literature review.

Introduction: McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a low-incidence syndrome consisting of the clinical triad of fibrous structural dysplasia of bone, endocrine disease, and skin pigmentation. Thyroid dysfunction is the second most common endocrine dysregulation in MAS. However, there are no treatment guidelines for MAS complicated with hyperthyroidism. Notably, no case of MAS complicated with retrosternal goiter and hyperthyroidism has been reported to our knowledge. Case presentation: We report a 27-year-old man with MAS who developed the typical triad of bone fibrous dysplasia, skin pigmentation and hyperthyroidism, complaining of recent fast-growing neck mass and difficulty in breathing. Hyperthyrodism was under control by Thiamazole, and computed tomography showed an enlarged thyroid extending retrosternally. We performed a total thyroidectomy on the patient. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient's dyspnea, hyperthyroidism, and bone pain were all significantly alleviated. Review: We searched the literature for previous case reports concerning MAS patients complicated with thyroid dysregulation. A total of 17 articles and 22 patients were identified to form our database. Among them, 9 studies clearly mentioned surgical intervention in 11 patients, and prognoses were also reported. Surgery was the most common intervention chosen and indicated a satisfactory prognosis. Conclusion: We report a rare case of MAS patient complicated with retrosternal goiter and hyperthyroidism. Our review provides an overview of MAS cases requiring interventions on thyroid function, and total thyroidectomy should be a proper treatment for these patients.

Multi-element Characteristics of Chinese Medical Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Their Decoctions.

Adopting ICP-AES and ICP-MS to determine the content of 53 elements (6 macro-elements, 47 trace elements), which used HNO3 (5 mL) and H2O2 (2 mL) to digest Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) by microwave. These herbs obtained from six producing areas in China, namely Xuanwu (Henan province), Shihezi (Xinjiang province), Zhongjiang (Sichuan province), Panan (Zhejiang province), Bozhou (Anhui province), and Heze (Shandong province). A certified reference material of Astragalus (GBW 10028, GSB-19) was used to assess the accuracy of the method. Except the slight change of Na and S in Xuanwu, the content of other producing areas followed the order of Ca > K > P > Mg > S > Na. The herbs of Shihezi (22,658 mg/kg) got the highest concentration of total elements, while the herbs of Panan (1.006 mg/kg) got the highest concentration of rare earth elements. The multi-element fingerprint map of Baishao was established, which was obviously different from other herbs. Meanwhile, the same method was adopted to determine the content of 50 elements in Baishao decoctions from three main producing areas. Compared with the herbs, each element was significantly reduced, and K was the highest concentration. The transfer rates of elements in Baishao decoctions followed the order (mean): As (55.79%) > Ni (55.19%) > Na (51.48%) > Mo (44.13%) > Ce (43.82%) > V (40.52%). The decoctions of Panan (0.122 mg/kg) got the highest content of rare earth elements. In all Baishao herbs and their corresponding decoctions, the levels of Cu, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg did not exceed the limits of the Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal Plants & Preparations (WM2-2001) and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015).

[Poking reduction cannulated screw for the treatment of Sandersâ ¡ calcaneal fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effect of poking reduction cannulated screw based on Pingle orthopedic muscle-bone interoperability balance theory in treating Sanders Ⅱ calcaneal fracture. METHODS: From October 2014 to December 2017, 28 patients with Sanders Ⅱ calcaneal fracture were treated with poking reduction cannulated screw guided by Pingle orthopedic muscle-bone interoperability balance theory, including 20 males and 8 females, aged from 24 to 55 years old with an average of (37.2±3.9) years old. Calcaneal width, Bhler angle, and Gissane angle were measured before and after operation, and Maryland Score before and 6 months after operation were compared. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 12 to 16 months with an average of (13.7±1.3) months. All fractures healed normally, and healing time ranged from 9 to 12 weeks with an average of (10.2±1.3) weeks. No postoperative wound infection, cortical necrosis, or osteomyelitis occurred. The width of the calcaneus decreased from (34.15±2.58) mm before surgery to (30.49±2.37) mm after surgery, Bhler angle increased from (14.16±3.27)° before operation to (31.95±3.07)°after operation, Gissane angle decreased from (128.45±9.04)° before operation to (120.83±8.15)° after operation. Maryland Score was 15.68±4.73 before operation, and was improved to 88.32±2.65 at 6 months after operation;19 patients got excellent result, 6 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. CONCLUSION: Poking reduction cannulated screw based on Pingle orthopedic muscle-bone interoperability balance theory in treating Sanders Ⅱ calcaneal fracture has certain clinical effects, high acceptation of patient, and without special demand for soft tissue around fracture. But it should avoid choosing severe comminuted Sanders Ⅲand Ⅳcalcaneal fracture.

Shenfu Formula reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis in heart failure rats by regulating microRNAs.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Shenfu decoction consists of the water extract from the dried root or rootstalk of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (Asian ginseng) and the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx (Fuzi, Heishunpian in Chinese). Shenfu Formula has been used as a folk Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies have shown that Shenfu injection can enhance cardiac function and regulate arrhythmia. AIM OF THE STUDY: Shenfu Formula plays an important role in the treatment of heart failure. However, its microRNA-mediated mechanisms are still not fully understood. Thus, we established a heart failure model in rats to investigate the microRNA mechanism of Shenfu Formula in cardiac function and apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The heart failure animal model was established via left-anterior descending coronary artery ligation in rats. Seven days after surgery, Shenfu Formula was given to the heart failure rats, which were selected by echocardiography with an LVEF< 45%. After Shenfu Formula was given intragastrically for 30 days, blood samples were drawn, the heart was excised after echocardiography, and echocardiographic parameters and apoptosis-related proteins were further examined. Fas/Fas-L and Bcl-2/Bax proteins were analyzed by Western blot, and microRNAs were evaluated using Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA arrays. RESULTS: Shenfu Formula increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, improved the hemodynamic index of heart failure rats, and decreased serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Shenfu Formula also decreased the positive rate of myocardial cells as detected by the TUNEL method and significantly suppressed caspase 3 expression. Moreover, we found that Shenfu Formula can regulate the initiative factors Fas/Fas-L in the intrinsic pathway and Bcl-2/Bax in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway to suppress apoptosis in heart failure rats. Finally, Shenfu Formula potentially alters the balance of microRNAs involved in activating and inhibiting apoptosis, ultimately suppressing apoptosis; this leads to changes in the gene expression profiles of microRNAs targets. CONCLUSION: Shenfu Granule can effectively improve cardiac function in heart failure rats, and the anti-apoptosis effects of Shenfu Formula are potential mechanisms for inhibiting heart failure.

Modified Release and Improved Stability of Unstable BCS II Drug by Using Cyclodextrin Complex as Carrier To Remotely Load Drug into Niosomes.

In answering to the challenge of enzymatic unstability of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class II drugs, an effective remote loading strategy was developed to successfully incorporate the drug-cyclodextrin (CD) complex into niosomes to modify the release and stability of a drug candidate, pseudolaric acid B (PAB). Judged by binding constants, and combined solubilization effects of pH and CD complexation on PAB at different pH, the complex internalization driven by a transmembrane pH gradient (from 2.0 to 7.4) and the dynamic shifting of PAB-CD complexation equilibrium at this gradient were introduced. The transfer of PAB-CD complex into the internal aqueous phase of niosomes at 60 °C was primarily verified by synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The remote loading samples behaved as retarded release at pH 5.8, 6.8, and 7.4, for which the stability of PAB in rat plasma was significantly enhanced (about 8.1-fold), in comparison with niosomes prepared by the passive and lipid bilayer loading of PAB. The drug-carrier interaction based release modeling was further fitted, and the convection rate constant (ks) and free energy difference between free and bound states (ΔG) indicated the strongest PAB-carrier interactions in remote loading niosomes. The remote loading strategy also reduced the CD-cholesterol interaction and provided better physical stability of the system. In conclusion, the remote loading of drug-CD complex into niosomes provides advantages to modify the release and enhance the stability of unstable BCS class II drug.

Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of an oral recombinant Helicobacter pylori vaccine in children in China: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common gastric pathogens, affecting at least half the world's population, and is strongly associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and lymphoma. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of a three-dose oral recombinant H pylori vaccine in children in China. METHODS: We did this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial at one centre in Ganyu County, Jiangsu Province, China. Healthy children aged 6-15 years without past or present H pylori infection were randomly assigned (1:1), via computer-generated randomisation codes in blocks of ten, to receive the H pylori vaccine or placebo. Participants, their guardians, and study investigators were masked to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was the occurrence of H pylori infection within 1 year after vaccination. We did analysis in the per-protocol population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02302170. FINDINGS: Between Dec 2, 2004, and March 19, 2005, we randomly assigned 4464 participants to either the vaccine group (n=2232) or the placebo group (n=2232), of whom 4403 (99%) participants completed the three-dose vaccination schedule and were included in the per-protocol efficacy analysis. We extended follow-up to 3 years. We recorded 64 events of H pylori infection within the first year (14 events in 2074·3 person-years at risk in the vaccine group vs 50 events in 2089·6 person-years at risk in the placebo group), resulting in a vaccine efficacy of 71·8% (95% CI 48·2-85·6). 157 (7%) participants in the vaccine group and 161 (7%) participants in the placebo group reported at least one adverse reaction. Serious adverse events were reported in five (<1%) participants in the vaccine group and seven (<1%) participants in the placebo group, but none was considered to be vaccination related. INTERPRETATION: The oral recombinant H pylori vaccine was effective, safe, and immunogenic in H pylori-naive children. This vaccine could substantially reduce the incidence of H pylori infection; however, follow up over a longer period is needed to confirm the protection of the vaccine against H pylori-associated diseases. FUNDING: Chongqing Kangwei Biological Technology.

Glycyrrhetinic Acid protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury by attenuating the susceptibility and incidence of fatal ventricular arrhythmia during the reperfusion period in the rat hearts.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Licorice has been used to treat many diseases, including palpitations, in both Eastern and Western societies for thousands of years. It has been reported that glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), an aglycone saponin extracted from licorice root, exerts protective effects on the cardiovascular system, limits infarct sizes and protects against the development of arrhythmia. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on the cardiovascular system remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of GA against lethal cardiac arrhythmias induced via ischemia-reperfusion in rat hearts, and to examine its electropharmacological properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anesthetized rats were divided into control (CTL), GA5, GA10, and GA20 groups. GA was administered intravenously 15 min before the occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery, at dosages of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Single ventricular myocytes were isolated using enzymolysis. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was utilized to record Ica, L, Ito and action potentials (APs). RESULTS: During reperfusion, the incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) was decreased in each of the groups compared with the CTL group (p<0.05). The ventricular tachycardia (VT)/VF score was significantly decreased in the GA20 group. Action potential durations (APDs) were prolonged by GA; both L-type calcium current (Ica-L) and transient outward potassium current (Ito) were blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by GA. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that GA attenuates both the susceptibility to and the incidence of fatal ventricular arrhythmia during reperfusion in rat hearts via the prolongation of the APD and the inhibition of both Ica-L and Ito. GA appears to be a promising antiarrhythmic agent in the setting of ischemia/reperfusion.

Inhibitory effects of glycyrrhetinic Acid on the delayed rectifier potassium current in Guinea pig ventricular myocytes and HERG channel.

Background. Licorice has long been used to treat many ailments including cardiovascular disorders in China. Recent studies have shown that the cardiac actions of licorice can be attributed to its active component, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). However, the mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Aim. The effects of GA on the delayed rectifier potassium current (I K), the rapidly activating (I Kr) and slowly activating (I Ks) components of I K, and the HERG K(+) channel expressed in HEK-293 cells were investigated. Materials and Methods. Single ventricular myocytes were isolated from guinea pig myocardium using enzymolysis. The wild type HERG gene was stably expressed in HEK293 cells. Whole-cell patch clamping was used to record I K (I Kr, I Ks) and the HERG K(+) current. Results. GA (1, 5, and 10 µ M) inhibited I K (I Kr, I Ks) and the HERG K(+) current in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion. GA significantly inhibited the potassium currents in a dose- and voltage-dependent manner, suggesting that it exerts its antiarrhythmic action through the prolongation of APD and ERP owing to the inhibition of I K (I Kr, I Ks) and HERG K(+) channel.

[The influence of different processing on the content of flavones of Dendranthema morifolium].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different processing methods on the content of luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, acacetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, luteolin, and acacetin of Dendranthema morifolium. METHODS: The optimal conditions were achieved on phenomenex, synergi Fusion-RP (5 microm, 4.6 mm x 250 mm)analytical column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of methanol and 0.1% phosphoric acid and detection wavelength set at 350 nm. RESULTS: The significant effect of different processing methods on the content of luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, acacetin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, luteolin and acacetin was proved. CONCLUSION: Different processing methods have significant effect on flavonoids of Dendranthema morifolium, it should be paid attention to drying temperature while sulphur fumigation.

[Effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on sodium ion channel currents of rats' ventricular myocardial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the sodium ion channel currents (I(Na)) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells, and to explore its anti-arrhythmic mechanisms at the ion channel level. METHODS: Single ventricular myocardial cells was isolated from SD rats. The whole cell patch clamp was used to record the effects of GA on I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells. RESULTS: GA could inhibit I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells dose-dependently. GA at 1, 5, and 10 micromol/L decreased I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells from (-4.26 +/- 0.15) nA to (-3.54 +/- 0.10) nA, (-2.19 +/- 0.09) nA, and (-1.25 +/- 0.08) nA, respectively. GA at 1, 5, and 10 micromol/L inhibited I(Na) by 16.08% +/- 2.3%, 50.82% +/- 3.56%, and 75.98% +/- 5.12%, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). GA at 10 micromol/L shifted I(Na) current-voltage curve more positively, but the activation potential and the peak potential were not changed. CONCLUSION: GA inhibited the I(Na) of rats' ventricular myocardial cells dose-dependently, which was possibly associated with its antiarrhythmia effects.

Roles and mechanisms of ginseng in protecting heart.

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer, has long been used clinically in China to treat various diseases. Multiple effects of ginseng, such as antitumor, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antioxidative, antidiabetic and antihypertensive have been confirmed by modern medicine. Recently, the clinical utilization of ginseng to treat heart diseases has increased dramatically. The roles of ginseng in protecting heart are foci for research in modern medical science and have been partially demonstrated, and the mechanisms of protection against coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, cardiac energy metabolism, cardiac contractility, and arrhythmia are being uncovered progressively. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms by which ginseng protects heart. All such studies will provide evidence of ginseng's clinical application, international promotion, and new drug development.

[Chemical constituents of Carya cathayensis and their antitumor bioactivity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of Carya cathayensis and their antitumor bioactivity. METHODS: The compounds were isolated by Sephadex LH-20 and silica gel column chromatography. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis. Then their cytotoxic activity was studied. RESULTS: Five compounds were elucidated as chrysophanol (1), physcion (2), beta-sitosterol (3), pinostrobin(4), 4,8-dihydroxy-1-tetralone (5). CONCLUSION: Compounds 2 and 5 are isolated from Carya cathayensis for the first time. In the MTT antitumor experiments, the compounds 1,4 and 5 have the cytotoxic activity to KB cell.

Photophysical and electrochemical properties of donor-acceptor conjugated oligomers based on 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene and deficient rings.

The photophysical and electrochemical properties of four novel donor-accepter (D-A) conjugated oligomers a-d based on 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and electrondeficient heterocycle rings were investigated. The UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and cyclic voltammertry studies suggest that the oligomers are expected to provide enhanced charge-transporting properties for the development of efficient electroluminescent materials. Furthermore, the third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) measurements made by Z-scan technique indicate that they have good third-order NLO response and are desired materias for fabricating nonlinear photonic devices. In the solid state of these oligomers, a strong tendency of self-assembled structure was also revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns in powder.

Green tea drinking, high tea temperature and esophageal cancer in high- and low-risk areas of Jiangsu Province, China: a population-based case-control study.

Epidemiological studies suggested drinking green tea is inversely associated with esophageal cancer but results remain inconclusive. Moreover, inconsistent observations found high temperature drinks are associated with esophageal cancer. A population-based case-control study was conducted in a high-risk area (Dafeng) and a low-risk area (Ganyu) of esophageal cancer in Jiangsu province China from 2003 to 2007. It aimed to explore green tea drinking and tea temperature with the risk of esophageal cancer, and to compare the difference between different risk regions. Using identical protocols, 1,520 cases and 3,879 healthy controls were recruited as study subjects in 2 regions. Detailed information was collected to assess green tea drinking habits. Unconditional logistic regression was used to obtain OR and 95% CI. Results showed that ever drinking green tea elevated OR in both counties (Dafeng OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.9-1.5; Ganyu: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4-2.4). Drinking tea at high temperature was found to increase cancer risk in both areas (Dafeng: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.2-2.9; Ganyu OR = 3.1 95% CI = 2.2-4.3). However, after further adjustment for tea temperature, ever drinking tea was not related to cancer in either county (Dafeng: OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.7-1.3; Ganyu: OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.9-1.7). For dose-response relationships, we observed positive relationship with monthly consumption of tea (p for trend = 0.067) and tea concentration (p for trend = 0.006) after further adjustment for tea temperature. In conclusion, green tea drinking was not inversely associated with esophageal cancer in this study. However, drinking tea at high temperatures significantly increased esophageal cancer risk. There was no obvious difference of green tea drinking between low- and high-risk areas.