Abstract Background Alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1) is a master regulator in inflammation and has been proved to promote renal fibrosis by promoting the production of IL-1β in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice. Pyroptosis is involved in high glucose (HG)-induced tubular cells injury, characterized by activation of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the release of IL-1β and IL-18, resulting in inflammatory injury in DN. It is reasonable to assume that ALPK1 is involved in pyroptosis-related tubular injury in DN. However, the mechanism remains poorly defined. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to detect the expression of pyroptosis- and fibrosis-related proteins in renal sections of DN patients and DN mice. DN models were induced through injection of streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Protein levels of ALPK1, NF-κB, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18 and α-SMA were detected by Western blot. HK-2 cells treated with high-glucose (HG) served as an in vitro model. ALPK1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into HK-2 cells to down-regulate ALPK1. The pyroptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry. The concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were evaluated by ELISA kits. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe translocation of NF-κB and GSDMD. Results The heat map of differentially expressed genes showed that ALPK1, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were upregulated in the DN group. The expression levels of ALPK1, Caspase-1, GSDMD and CD68 were increased in renal biopsy tissues of DN patients by IHC. ALPK1expression and CD68+ macrophages were positively correlated with tubular injury in DN patients. Western blot analysis showed increased expressions of ALPK1, phospho-NF-κB P65, GSDMD-NT, and IL-1β in renal tissues of DN mice and HK-2 cells, accompanied with increased renal fibrosis-related proteins (FN, α-SMA) and macrophages infiltration in interstitial areas. Inhibition of ALPK1 attenuated HG-induced upregulation expressions of NF-κB, pyroptosis-related proteins Caspase-1, GSDMD-NT, IL-1β, IL-18, α-SMA, and pyroptosis level in HK-2 cells. Also, the intensity and nuclear translocation of NF-κB and membranous translocation of GSDMD were ameliorated in HG-treated HK-2 cells after treatment with ALPK1 siRNA. Conclusions Our data suggest that ALPK1/NF-κB pathway initiated canonical caspase-1-GSDMD pyroptosis pathway, resulting in tubular injury and interstitial inflammation of DN.

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the factors affecting short-term prognosis of circulatory failure patients undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment. Methods: A total of 136 patients undergoing VA-ECMO were enrolled in this study and subsequently divided into the death group (n=35) and the survival group (n=101) based on whether death occurred during hospitalisation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) running time, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, costs, and ECMO complications were then compared between the two groups. Results: The average age of all patients undergoing ECMO was 47.64±16.78 years (53.2±16.20 years in the death group and 45.713±16.62 years in the survival group) (P=0.022). Patients in the survival group exhibited a clear downward trend in lactic acid value following ECMO treatment compared to those in the death group. Total hospitalisation stay was longer in the survival group (35 days) than in the death group (15.5 days) (P<0.001). In the analysis of ECMO complications, the incidence of neurological complications, renal failure, limb complications, and infection were higher in the death group than in the survival group (P<0.05 for all). Specifically, as a risk factor for patient survival and discharge, the occurrence of infection will lead to increased hospitalisation stays and costs (P<0.05 for both). Conclusion: Complications such as kidney failure and infection are associated with in-hospital death, and ECMO-related complications should be actively prevented to improve the survival rate of VA-ECMO treatment.

RESUMEN La alta concentración de sal de cromo ha causado una grave contaminación al medio ambiente desde su producción. El residuo de cromo de larga data ha contaminado el suelo y la concentración total de cromo de algunos suelos contaminados ha alcanzado los 30000 mg / kg. Para la remediación de suelos contaminados con cromo se propuso el método electrodinámico mejorado. Para mejorar la eficiencia de la remediación electrocinética de suelos contaminados con cromo se propusieron dos tecnologías mejoradas de remediación electrocinética: Tecnología de remediación mejorada por oxidación electrocinética y tecnología de remediación mejorada por oxidación electrocinética. Cr (III) en el suelo fue contaminado por óxido de cromo oxidante para aumentar el contenido de Cr(VI) disuelto, para mejorar la eficiencia de la reparación eléctrica, para encontrar un medio PRB adecuado como un gran avance para mejorar la eficiencia de la reparación. Los resultados experimentales muestran que, en comparación con la tecnología electrodinámica tradicional, el método electrodinámico mejorado puede mejorar eficazmente la tasa de eliminación del cromo total en el suelo y proporcionar apoyo técnico para la remediación electrodinámica mejorada del suelo contaminado con cromo. El sistema de control de pH hace que el pH del electrolito del ánodo y del cátodo siempre se mantenga ácido, y la velocidad de migración del H+ es más rápida que la del OH-, y el pH del suelo cerca del ánodo es más bajo que el del cátodo.

ABSTRACT High concentration of chromium salt has caused serious pollution to the environment since its production. The long-standing chromium residue has polluted the soil, and the total chromium concentration of some polluted soil has reached 30000 mg / kg. For the remediation of chromium contaminated soil, the enhanced electrodynamic method was proposed. In order to improve the efficiency of electrokinetic remediation of chromium contaminated soil, two enhanced electrokinetic remediation technologies were proposed: Electrokinetic oxidation enhanced remediation technology and electrokinetic enhanced remediation technology. Cr(III) in soil was polluted by oxidant chromium oxide to increase the content of dissolved Cr(VI),so as to improve the efficiency of electric repair, in order to find a suitable PRB medium as a breakthrough to improve the repair efficiency. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional electrodynamic technology, the enhanced electrodynamic method can effectively improve the removal rate of total chromium in the soil, and provide technical support for the enhanced electrodynamic remediation of chromium contaminated soil. The pH control system makes the pH of anode and cathode electrolyte always maintain acidic, and the H+ migration speed is faster than that of OH-, and the pH of soil near the anode is lower than that near the cathode.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the underlying mechanism of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) induced by Gynura segetum by measuring autophagy in mouse models. Methods: The model group was administered G. segetum (30 g/kg/d) by gavage, while the normal control group was administered an equal volume of saline daily for five weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hepatic histopathological examinations, and Masson staining were performed to evaluate liver injury. Liver intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and P-selectin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Hepatocellular apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein expression levels of autophagy markers were measured using Western blot analysis. Results: Gynura segetum was found to significantly induce liver injury compared with control mice, as evidenced by the increase of serum transaminases, a decrease in triglyceride levels, and histopathological changes in mice. Gynura segetum remarkably induced hepatocellular apoptosis and upregulated the expressions of ICAM-1 and P-selectin and also downregulated the protein expression levels of LC3, Atg12 and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein. Conclusions: Our results suggested that G. segetum induced liver injury with HSOS, and it was partly due to its ability to impair the autophagy pathway.

Abstract: Conventional kilns dominate the wood drying industry. However, energy consumption during the process of ventilation remains a significant challenge. In this study, we designed a device to recover waste heat from exhausted wet air during kiln drying. To determine energy conservation, the device was installed in a 50 m3 kiln used for drying sawn timber in two different Chinese cities, and a traditional kiln with identical size was chosen to enable comparison. Two kinds of hardwood (Betula costata Trautv and Quercus mongolica) swan timbers were dried using conventional technology to investigate the energy saving effect of rainy seasons as well as seasonally different temperature. The results revealed that drying time and energy consumption decreased with the use of this energy-conserving device. Electrical and energy consumption were reduced by 18,9% and 38,5%, respectively. Waste heat recovery efficiencies ranged from 20,32% to 28,15%. Energy-conservation efficiency can be predicted to range from 12,23% to 22,74% annually. Equipment costs can be recovered within 3,5 years.

ABSTRACT In large-scale natural disasters and military supplies, multiple parafoils are more capable of performing actual tasks. The cooperative paths planning for multiple parafoils with different initial positions and headings is an important step in multiple parafoils airdrop, which has to satisfy multiple objectives, namely, parafoils can’t collide with each other, parafoils should rendezvous at same target area, most of parafoils need to keep alignment against wind, and planned paths should be in the range of maneuver performance constraints to ensure that every parafoil’s path is flyable. Due to more factors need to be considered, it is more difficult to plan paths for multiple parafoils than single parafoil. In this paper an improved genetic algorithm is used to solve the multi-objective cooperative paths planning problem of multiple parafoils system. Parafoils’ paths are encoded by real matrix, and the cooperative relationship between parafoils is realized by paths fitness function. The random single point crossover and Gaussian mutation are introduced to accelerate algorithm convergence rate. Finally, a simulation example is given, simulation results show that proposed method can plan feasible paths for all parafoils, meanwhile, it satisfies the requirements of anti-collision, rendezvous to target point, and keep alignment against the wind.

Abstract Vancomycin is a first-line drug for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Thrombocytopenia is a rare adverse reaction to vancomycin treatment, and there are no reports of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) in infants. We describe the case of a 3-month-old girl who was diagnosed with purulent meningitis. After 13 days of treatment with vancomycin, her platelet count reduced to 8 × 109/L. Vancomycin was discontinued, and intravenous methylprednisolone was administered. The platelet count returned to normal after 4 days. Patients, especially young children, receiving vancomycin for a long clinical course should undergo careful monitoring of laboratory indicators and blood tests.

Resumo Fundamentos: As microvesículas derivadas de células (MVs) são vesículas liberadas de células ativadas ou apoptóticas. No entanto, os níveis de MVs no infarto do miocárdio foram encontrados inconsistentes nas pesquisas. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre MV e infarto do miocárdio por meio de uma meta-análise. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa sistemática na literatura em PubMed, Embase, Cochran e no banco de dados eletrônico do Google Scholar. Uma comparação dos níveis de MV entre pacientes com infarto do miocárdio e pessoas saudáveis foi incluída no nosso estudo. A Diferença Média Padrão (DMP) e o intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% nos grupos foram calculadas e meta-analisadas. Resultados: Foram incluídos 11 estudos com um total de 436 participantes. Em comparação com as pessoas saudáveis, as MVA [DMP = 3,65, IC 95% (1,03, 6,27)], MVPs [DMP = 2,88, IC 95% (1,82, 3,93)] e MVEs [DMP = 2,73, IC 95% (1,13, 4.34)], foram maiores em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio. No entanto, os níveis de MVL [DMP = 0,73, IC 95% (-0,57, 2,03)] não foram alterados significativamente em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio. Conclusões: MVAs, MVPs e MVEs podem ser biomarcadores potenciais para o infarto do miocárdio.

Abstract Background: Cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) are vesicles released from activated or apoptotic cells. However, the levels of MVs in myocardial infarction have been found inconsistent in researches. Objective: To assess the association between MVs and myocardial infarction by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochran, Google Scholar electronic database was conducted. Comparison of the MVs levels between myocardial infarction patients and healthy persons were included in our study. Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in groups were calculated and meta-analyzed. Results: 11 studies with a total of 436 participants were included. Compared with the health persons, AMVs [SMD = 3.65, 95% CI (1.03, 6.27)], PMVs [SMD = 2.88, 95% CI (1.82, 3.93),] and EMVs [SMD = 2.73, 95% CI (1.13, 4.34)], levels were higher in patients with myocardial infarction. However, LMVs levels [SMD = 0.73, 95% CI (-0.57, 2.03)] were not changed significantly in patients with myocardial infarction. Conclusions: AMVs, PMVs and EMVs might be potential biomarkers for myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Reactivation of hypersaline aerobic granular sludge after low-temperature storage was studied by slowly increasing the organic loading. Results indicated that the basic external features of thawed hypersaline aerobic granules were still largely intact after a six-week low temperature storage, but the colors and internal structure changed greatly. Aerobic granules experienced a process of particle disintegration, fragmentary particles, filamentous bacteria-like particles, and dense granules during the recovery process. After more than one-month re-cultivation, the settling property, dehydrogenase activity, and nitrification properties of hypersaline aerobic granules returned to normal. During the re-cultivated process, the decentralized growth pattern of particles can be effectively controlled, and granules can grow compactly by controlling water alkalinity, aeration rate and reactor settling time.

Resumen: Se estudió la reactivación de lodo granular aerobio hipersalino, posteriormente a su almacenamiento a baja temperatura, mediante el incremento progresivo de la carga orgánica. Los resultados indicaron que las características externas básicas de los gránulos aerobios hipersalinos descongelados permanecieron prácticamente intactas después de su almacenamiento a baja temperatura durante seis semanas, pero el color y las características de la estructura interna habían cambiado significativamente. Los gránulos aerobios presentaron desintegración y fragmentación de partículas, partículas parecidas a bacterias filamentosas y gránulos densos durante el proceso de recuperación. Después de más de un mes de recultivo, la propiedad de asentamiento, la actividad de la deshidrogenasa y las propiedades de nitrificación de los gránulos aerobios hipersalinos regresaron a la normalidad. Durante el proceso de recultivo, el patrón de crecimiento descentralizado de las partículas puede controlarse eficazmente y los gránulos pueden crecer en forma compacta mediante el control de la alcalinidad del agua, del índice de aireación y del tiempo de asentamiento en el reactor.

Abstract To explore the effect of fruit and vegetable (FV) juice on biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant gene expression in rats, 36 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, low FV juice dosage or high FV juice dosage treatment groups. The rats were given freshly extracted FV juice or the same volume of saline water daily for five weeks. After intervention, serum and tissues specimens were collected for biomarker and gene expression measurement. FV juice intervention increased total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, vitamin C, β-carotene, total polyphenols, flavonoids levels andglutathione peroxidaseenzyme activity in rat serum or tissues (p < 0.05). FV juice intervention caused reduction of malondialdehyde levels in rat liver (p < 0.05) and significantly modulated transcript levels of glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase l (NQO1)in rat liver and brain (p < 0.05). The results underline the potential of FV juice to improve the antioxidant capacity and to prevent the oxidative damage in liver, brain and colon.

ABSTRACT In order to establish an optimal soybean embryonic tip regeneration system that can serve as soybean genetic transformation receptor, and be used for the study of genetic function verification, the influences of single factor on the adventitious bud of embryonic tip induction, elongation and rooting stage, are researched and compared.The single factors includes seeds soaking time, different kinds of hormones, different concentration of hormone and different concentration of sucrose. By one-way ANOVA and LSD ad hoc test , the results show that, for the embryonic tip adventitious bud induction stage, 12h is the optimal seeds soaking time, 2.0mg·L-1 is the optimal concentration of 6-Benzyl Aminopurine(6-BA), for the embryonic tip adventitious bud elongation stage, 0.2mg·L-1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is optimal and 2.0mg·L-1Gibberellic acid (GA3) is optimal, and for the adventitious bud of embryonic tip rooting stage, 2.0mg·L-1 IBA is optimal,the average rooting rate is 93.34%. An Optimal embryonic tip regeneration system is established, and optimum mediums in different stages are found.

Objective: to evaluate the association between serum uric acid and obesity among university students who participated in routine health screening in 2013. Methods: in this cross-sectional study, 3529 subjects were analyzed. Obesity categories were classified by BMI levels references in China. And serum uric acid levels were classified by serum uric acid quartiles. Two-sample T-test and Wilcoxon Rank sum test were used to compare age, biochemical and anthropometric parameters of subjects of two genders. Rank correlation used to analyze relationship between serum uric acid and obesity. Results: there were 1285 males (mean age, 19.8 ± 1.3 years) and 2244 females (mean age, 19.9 ± 1.3 years) in this study. Association between 2nd serum uric acid quartile and normal in male are significant and coefficient was 0.519. The 3rd serum uric acid quartile and normal in female was associated significantly(r = 0.173, p = 0.010). And associations between overweight and 3rd and 4th serum uric acid quartiles in female were significant( r = 0.128, p = 0.038 in 1st quartile and r = 0.282, p = 0.004 in 4th quartile). The 4th serum uric acid quartile and Obesity in two gender groups were significantly associated(r = 0.291, p = 0.000 in male and r = 0.484, p = 0.001 in female). Conclusion: high serum uric acid was positively associated with obesity in overweight and obesity group. However, the association was weak between two variables because serum uric acid.

Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre el ácido úrico en suero y la obesidad entre los estudiantes universitarios que participaron en los exámenes de salud de rutina en 2013. Métodos: en este estudio transversal, 3.529 sujetos fueron analizados. La obesidad categorías fueron clasificados por el IMC niveles referencias en China.Y los niveles de ácido úrico en suero fueron clasificados por el ácido úrico en suero cuartiles. Dos Sample T - test y Wilcoxon Rank sum test se utiliza para comparar los parámetros antropométricos, bioquímicos y de los sujetos de ambos sexos. Rango correlación utilizado para analizar la relación entre el ácido úrico en suero y la obesidad. Resultado: hay 1.285 hombres (edad media, 19,8 ± 1,3 años) y 2.244 mujeres (edad media, 19,9 ± 1,3 años) en este estudio. Asociación entre el segundo cuartil de ácido úrico en suero y normal en el macho son significativos y se 0,519 coeficiente. El tercer cuartil de ácido úrico en suero y normal en mujeres se asoció significativamente (R = 0,173, p = 0,010). Y asociaciones entre sobrepeso y 3º y 4º de ácido úrico sérico cuartiles en mujeres fueron significativa (R = 0,128, p = 0,038 en 1er cuartil y R = 0,317, p = 0,004 en cuarto cuartil). El cuarto cuartil de ácido úrico en suero y la obesidad en dos grupos de género fueron asociados significativamente (R = 0,286, p = 0,000 en macho y R = 0,484, p = 0,001 en mujeres). Conclusión: alta de ácido úrico en suero fue asociado positivamente con la obesidad en el sobrepeso y la obesidad. Sin embargo, la asociación entre dos variables es débil porque el ácido úrico en suero influenciado la obesidad con otros factores conexos.

Background Rabies is very common in People’s Republic of China. Henan province, in the central portion of China, is one of the most densely populated provinces in the entire country. With the new rabies epidemic trend noted in northern and western China, it is necessary to investigate the characteristics of human rabies in this area and control the disease.Methods We chose patients in hospital isolation in 18 municipalities in Henan province as the investigation subjects. Data were collected through systematic reporting from these hospitals, whereas a questionnaire was applied to the relatives of patients.Results A total of 1022 rabies cases were reported. The incidence of human rabies in Henan has increased rapidly since 2005, having peaked in 2007, and maintained a high level in the remaining years. The cases were found mainly in rural areas in the south and east of the province. Rabies was often noted in summer and with the highest number in August. Most cases were noted in males and often in farmers. The patients aged between 40 and 60 years accounted for 36.8 % of all the cases. The wound treatment rate (12.2 %) and vaccination rate (2.6 %) of rabies cases after exposure were relatively low, while the rabies immunoglobulin utilization rate was only 2.8 %.Conclusions Rabies epidemic cases at the county level overall were increasing in Henan province during the period of 2005–2013; the epidemic has spread quickly. The data in this study imply that the disease could be better managed by more integrated surveillance across human health and veterinary sectors, improved education and better government policies.

Background: Previous study revealed that the link between dental caries and obesity has been controversial. The purpose of this research is to investigate the association between dental caries and obesity among primary school children in Wannan area, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to collect the routine health screening data for primary school children aged 5-14 years inWannan area,China, Overweight and obesity status were determined using the International Obesity Task Force standard (IOTF) BMI cut-off points. Caries status was recorded based on WHO recommendations. Results: Our results revealed that the overall caries prevalence of the subjects was 44.9%, Maximum number of caries affected children belonged to underweight and normal group, followed by overweight, and the least number was obesity. These differences were statistically significant (chi-square test, P < 0.001). Children with obesity were 1.908 times (OR =1.908; CI95%=1.750, 2.079) more likely have caries than children with underweight or health weight. Overweight children were 1.547 times (OR = 1.547; CI95% = 1.479, 1.618) more likely to have caries than children with underweight or health weight. After adjusted the gender and age, a statistically significant association was also observed between body mass index categories and caries. Conclusions: Obesity may have a significant effect on caries prevalence of primary school children in Wannan area, China. The importance of obesity should not only be emphasized with respect to general diseases but also with regard to carious lesions.

Antecedentes: Un estudio previo reveló que la asociación entre la caries dental y la obesidad es controvertida. El propósito de esta investigación fue investigar la asociación entre la caries dental y la obesidad en niños de escuela primaria en el área de Wannan, China. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio transversal para recoger los datos del chequeo rutinario de salud de los niños de escolarización primaria con edades de 5-14 en el área de Wannan, China. Se determinó el estado de sobrepeso y obesidad utilizando los puntos de corte estándar del IMC del Grupo de Trabajo Internacional en Obesidad (GTIO). El estado de las caries se registró de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la OMS. Resultados: Nuestros resultados revelaron que la prevalencia global de caries en los sujetos fue del 44,9%. El máximo número de niños afectados por las caries estaba en los grupos normal y con peso bajo, seguido por el grupo con sobrepeso y por último en el grupo de obesidad. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (test Chi-cuadrado, P < 0,001). Los niños con sobrepeso tenían una probabilidad 1,547 veces superior (OR = 1,547; IC al 95% = 1,479, 1,618) de tener caries dental que los niños con un peso bajo o normal. Tras ajustar por sexo y edad, también se observó una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el índice de masa corporal y la caries. Conclusiones: La obesidad puede tener un efecto significativo sobre la prevalencia de caries en niños en escolarización primaria en el área de Wannan, China. No sólo se debería poner el énfasis de la importancia de la obesidad en relación con las enfermedades generales sino también en relación con las lesiones cariales.

Porous asphalt pavements have been used as an effective technique to overcome road runoff challenges, and to improve efficiency of rainwater utilisation in urban areas. Using porous asphalt pavements with reservoir storage and harvesting facilities is an important consideration for the future. This study monitored changes in water quality indicators, such as pH, conductivity, and concentrations of lead and zinc, for water stored in porous asphalt pavement models with basalt-, limestone- and 'basalt+limestone'-filled reservoir structures. The research discusses findings over a 696-h storage period following artificial rainfall. Total lead and zinc concentrations were remarkably reduced throughout the initial flush, showing, on average, reductions of 90% and 80.5%, respectively. This pattern was consistent throughout the storage period, producing average reductions in lead and zinc of 99.98% and 79%, respectively, over 696 h. Conductivity and pH levels increased in all pavement models after the 696-h storage. The results obtained confirmed the potential of using porous asphalt pavements with reservoir structures to remove heavy metals from road runoff. This can be applied to future research on the removal mechanisms of porous asphalt pavements in relation to heavy metals in road runoff.