Unexpected divergence in magnetoreceptor MagR from robin and pigeon linked to two sequence variations

Birds exhibit extraordinary mobility and remarkable navigational skills,obtaining guidance cues from the Earth’s magnetic field for orientation and long-distance movement.Bird species also show tremendous diversity in navigation strategies,with considerable differences even within the same taxa and among individuals from the same population.The highly conserved iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding magnetoreceptor(MagR)protein is suggested to enable animals,including birds,to detect the geomagnetic field and navigate accordingly.Notably,MagR is also implicated in other functions,such as electron transfer and biogenesis of iron-sulfur clusters,raising the question of whether variability exists in its biochemical and biophysical features among species,particularly birds.In the current study,we conducted a comparative analysis of MagR from two different bird species,including the migratory European robin(Erithacus rubecula)and the homing pigeon(Columba livia).Sequence alignment revealed an extremely high degree of similarity between the MagRs of these species,with only three sequence variations.Nevertheless,two of these variations underpinned significant differences in metal binding capacity,oligomeric state,and magnetic properties.These findings offer compelling evidence for the marked differences in MagR between the two avian species,potentially explaining how a highly conserved protein can mediate such diverse functions.

Progress,challenges,and prospects of spent lithium-ion batteries recycling:A review

The recycling and reutilization of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have become an important measure to alleviate problems like resource scarcity and environmental pollution.Although some progress has been made,battery recycling technology still faces challenges in terms of efficiency,effectiveness and environmental sustainability.This review aims to systematically review and analyze the current status of spent LIB recycling,and conduct a detailed comparison and evaluation of different recycling processes.In addition,this review introduces emerging recycling techniques,including deep eutectic solvents,molten salt roasting,and direct regeneration,with the intent of enhancing recycling efficiency and diminishing environmental repercussions.Furthermore,to increase the added value of recycled materials,this review proposes the concept of upgrading recycled materials into high value-added functional materials,such as catalysts,adsorbents,and graphene.Through life cycle assessment,the paper also explores the economic and environmental impacts of current battery recycling and highlights the importance that future recycling technologies should achieve a balance between recycling efficiency,economics and environmental benefits.Finally,this review outlines the opportunities and challenges of recycling key materials for next-generation batteries,and proposes relevant policy recommendations to promote the green and sustainable development of batteries,circular economy,and ecological civilization.

Effects of shore-normal coastal structure on medium-to long-term embayed shoreline evolution

Based on high-tide shoreline data extracted from 87 Landsat satellite images from 1986 to 2019 as well as using the linear regression rate and performing a Mann-Kendall(M–K)trend test,this study analyzes the linear characteristics and nonlinear behavior of the medium-to long-term shoreline evolution of Jinghai Bay,eastern Guangdong Province.In particular,shoreline rotation caused by a shore-normal coastal structure is emphasized.The results show that the overall shoreline evolution over the past 30 years is characterized by erosion on the southwest beach,with an average erosion rate of 3.1 m/a,and significant accretion on the northeast beach,with an average accretion rate of 5.6 m/a.Results of the M–K trend test indicate that significant shoreline changes occurred in early 2006,which can be attributed to shore-normal engineering.Prior to that engineering construction,the shorelines are slightly eroded,where the average erosion rate is 0.7 m/a.However,after shore-normal engineering is performed,the shoreline is characterized by significant erosion(3.2 m/a)on the southwest beach and significant accretion(8.5 m/a)on the northeast beach,thus indicating that the shore-normal engineering at the updrift headland contributes to clockwise shoreline rotation.Further analysis shows that the clockwise shoreline rotation is promoted not only by longshore sediment transport processes from southwest to northeast,but also by cross-shore sediment transport processes.These findings are crucial for beach erosion risk management,coastal disaster zoning,regional sediment budget assessments,and further observations and predictions of beach morphodynamics.

Correlation between genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi and clinical characteristics of patients with scrub typhus in Guangzhou,China

Objective:To explore the correlation between genotypes of Orientia(O.)tsutsugamushi and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients with scrub typhus admitted to different types of medical institutions in Guangzhou from September 2012 to December 2016 were collected using medical records.Demographic data,clinical manifestations,as well as hematological and biochemical indicators of patients infected with different genotypes were analyzed and compared.Results:A total of 192 patients were included in this study,including 121 patients with Karp genotype of O.tsutsugamushi infection(63.0%),36 patients with Gilliam genotype(19.0%),23 patients with Kato genotype(12.0%),and 12 patients with TA763 genotype(6.0%)infection.The median value of albumin in patients with Karp genotype infection was significantly lower than that of Gilliam-infected patients(P=0.032).Patients with Karp genotype infection had a significantly longer hospital stay(9 days)than those with Gilliam genotype(7 days)(P=0.009)and Kato genotype infection(6 days)(P=0.005).Karp-infected patients also represented for the largest number of patients with complicated organ involvement(88/133,66.2%).Furthermore,Karp-infected patients had higher risk of developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(18.2%)and requiring intensive care unit treatment(15.9%).Besides,patients with Gilliam genotype(8 days)and TA763 genotype infection(7.5 days)had shorter fever duration than those with Karp genotype(9 days)and Kato genotype(9 days)infection,respectively.Conclusions:Genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi were associated with varying clinical manifestations,organ involvement,and treatment outcomes,suggesting that genotypes ranged in virulence.

Bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction: Clinical characteristics and diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography

AIM: To determine the possible predisposing factors of bezoar-induced small bowel obstruction(b I-Sb O) and to discuss the diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral computed tomography,particularly contrast-enhanced scanning,in this condition.METHODS: A total of 35 b I-Sb O cases treated at our hospital from January 2007 to December 2013 were retrospectively analysed.Complete clinical and computed tomography(CT) data of the patients were available and confirmed by surgery.SbO was clinically diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations.Of the 35 patients,18 underwent abdominal and pelvic CT planar scanning with GE 64-slice spiral CT and 17 underwent abdominal and pelvic CT planar scanning with GE 64-slice spiral CT combined with contrastenhanced examination.Original images were processed using a GE ADW4.3 workstation to obtain MPR,CPR,MIP and CTA images.The images of all patients were evaluated by two abdominal imaging experts.The main analytical contents of planar scanning included intestinal bezoar conditions,changes in the intestinal wall and changes in peri-intestinal conditions.Vascular hyperaemia and arterial blood supply conditions at a specific obstruction site and the distal end of the obstruction site were evaluated through contrastenhanced examination.RESULTS: The proportion of males to females among the 35 cases was 1:1.69(13:22); median age was 63.3 years.The following cases were observed: 29(82.8%) cases occurred in autumn and winter and showed a history of consuming high amounts of persimmon and hawthorn; 19(54.3%) cases revealed a history of gastrointestinal surgery; 19 exhibited incomplete dentition,with missing partial or whole posterior teeth; 26 suffered from obstruction at the ileum.A total of 51 bezoars were found in these patients,of whom 16(45.7%) had multiple bezoars.CT planar scanning of bezoars showed lumps with mottled gas inside the intestinal cavity.Furthermore,9 cases of bezoars had envelopes and 11 cases were accompanied with thickening of the distal wall of the obstructed bowel.Scanning of 17 cases was enhanced; the results revealed that the mesenteric blood vessels at the obstruction site and the proximal site were dilated,and a total of 7 cases were accompanied with distal vascular dilation and intestinal wall thickening.CONCLUSION: b I-Sb O exhibits regional and seasonal characteristics.CT planar and contrast-enhanced scanning can be applied to diagnose and observe vascular conditions in obstructed zones.

The Scientometric Measurement of Interdisciplinarity and Diversity in the Research Portfolios of Chinese Universities

Purpose:Interdisciplinarity is a hot topic in science and technology policy.However,the concept of interdisciplinarity is both abstract and complex,and therefore difficult to measure using a single indicator.A variety of metrics for measuring the diversity and interdisciplinarity of articles,journals,and fields have been proposed in the literature.In this article,we ask whether institutions can be ranked in terms of their(inter-)disciplinary diversity.Design/methodology/approach:We developed a software application(interd_vb.exe)that outputs the values of relevant diversity indicators for any document set or network structure.The software is made available,free to the public,online.The indicators it considers include the advanced diversity indicators Rao-Stirling(RS)diversity and DIV*,as well as standard measures of diversity,such as the Gini coefficient,Shannon entropy,and the Simpson Index.As an empirical demonstration of how the application works,we compared the research portfolios of 42“Double First-Class”Chinese universities across Web of Science Subject Categories(WCs).Findings:The empirical results suggest that DIV*provides results that are more in line with one’s intuitive impressions than RS,particularly when the results are based on sampledependent disparity measures.Furthermore,the scores for diversity are more consistent when based on a global disparity matrix than on a local map.Research limitations:“Interdisciplinarity”can be operationalized as bibliographic coupling among(sets of)documents with references to disciplines.At the institutional level,however,diversity may also indicate comprehensiveness.Unlike impact(e.g.citation),diversity and interdisciplinarity are context-specific and therefore provide a second dimension to the evaluation.Policy or practical implications:Operationalization and quantification make it necessary for analysts to make their choices and options clear.Although the equations used to calculate diversity are often mathematically transparent,the specification in terms of computer code helps the analyst to further precision in decisions.Although diversity is not necessarily a goal of universities,a high diversity score may inform potential policies concerning interdisciplinarity at the university level.Originality/value:This article introduces a non-commercial online application to the public domain that allows researchers and policy analysts to measure“diversity”and“interdisciplinarity”using the various indicators as encompassing as possible for any document set or network structure(e.g.a network of co-authors).Insofar as we know,such a professional computing tool for evaluating data sets using diversity indicators has not yet been made available online.

Possible role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor for predicting cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease:a case-control study

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF)plays an important role in the protection of dopaminergic neurons,but there are few reports of the relationship between GDNF and its precursors(α-pro-GDNF andβ-pro-GDNF)and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the serum levels of GDNF and its precursors and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease,and to assess their potential as a diagnostic marker.Fifty-three primary outpatients and hospitalized patients with Parkinson’s disease(23 men and 30 women)with an average age of 66.58 years were enrolled from the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University of China in this case-control study.The patients were divided into the Parkinson’s disease with cognitive impairment group(n=27)and the Parkinson’s disease with normal cognitive function group(n=26)based on their Mini-Mental State Examination,Montreal Cognitive Assessment,and Clinical Dementia Rating scores.In addition,26 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects were included as the healthy control group.Results demonstrated that serum GDNF levels were significantly higher in the Parkinson’s disease with normal cognitive function group than in the other two groups.There were no significant differences in GDNF precursor levels among the three groups.Correlation analysis revealed that serum GDNF levels,GDNF/α-pro-GDNF ratios,and GDNF/β-pro-GDNF ratios were moderately or highly correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination,Montreal Cognitive Assessment,and Clinical Dementia Rating scores.To explore the risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease,logistic regression analysis and stepwise linear regression analysis were performed.Both GDNF levels and Hoehn-Yahr stage were risk factors for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease,and were the common influencing factors for cognitive scale scores.Neitherα-pro-GDNF norβ-pro-GDNF was risk factors for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.A receiver operating characteristic curve of GDNF was generated to predict cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease(area under the curve=0.859).This result indicates that the possibility that serum GDNF can correctly distinguish whether patients with Parkinson’s disease have cognitive impairment is 0.859.Together,these results suggest that serum GDNF may be an effective diagnostic marker for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease.However,α-pro-GDNF andβ-pro-GDNF are not useful for predicting cognitive impairment in this disease.This study was approved by Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University,China(approval No.XYFY2017-KL047-01)on November 30,2017.

Corneal collagen cross-linking and liposomal amphotericin B combination therapy for fungal keratitis in rabbits

AIM： To observe the therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in combination with liposomal amphotericin B in fungal corneal ulcers.METHODS： New Zealand rabbits were induced fungal corneal ulcers by scratching and randomly divided into 3groups, i.e. control, treated with CXL, and combined therapy of CXL with 0.25% liposomal amphotericin B（n =5 each）. The corneal lesions were documented with slit-lamp and confocal microscopy on 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after treatment. The corneas were examined with transmission electron microscopy（TEM） at 4wk.RESULTS： A rabbit corneal ulcer model of Fusarium was successfully established. The corneal epithelium defect areas in the two treatment groups were smaller than that in the control group on 3, 7, 14 and 21d（P 〈0.05）. The corneal epithelium defect areas of the combined group was smaller than that of the CXL group（P 〈0.05） on 7 and 14 d, but there were no statistical differences on 3, 21 and 28 d. The corneal epithelium defects of the two treatment groups have been healed by day 21. The corneal epithelium defects of the control group were healed on 28 d. The diameters of the corneal collagen fiber bundles（42.960 ±7.383 nm in the CXL group and 37.040±4.160 nm in the combined group） were thicker than that of the control group（24.900±1.868 nm）,but there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Some corneal collagen fiber bundles were distorted and with irregular arrangement, a large number of fibroblasts could be seen among them but no inflammatory cells in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION： CXL combined with liposomal amphotericin B have beneficial effects on fungal corneal ulcers. The combined therapy could alleviate corneal inflammattions, accelerate corneal repair, and shorten the course of disease.

The implementation and evaluation of HIV symptom management guidelines: A preliminary study in China

Objective:The overarching objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of HIV symptom management guidelines in China in reducing the incidence and severity of symptoms and improving patients'quality of life.Methods:We conducted a controlled,pre-and post-implementation design in the HIV/AIDS inpatient unit in Shanghai.Patients recruited from November 2014 to February 2015 were in the intervention group and those from October 2013 to February 2014 were in the control group.There were 74 patients in each group.Participants in the intervention group received interventions based on the HIV symptom management guidelines.Overall symptom severity,depression,and quality of life were measured in two groups at baseline,week 4,and week 8.Results:Totally 126 patients completed the research,65 in the intervention group and 61 in the control group.The total symptom severity scores showed a statistically significant difference between groups across time(P<0.05).It showed that frequencies of fatigue(36.9%vs.44.3%),fever(6.2%vs.11.5%),loss in weight(9.2%vs.16.4%),mouth ulcers(12.3%vs.16.4%),headaches(9.2%vs.19.7%)and depression(F=1.09,P>0.05)in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group in week 8 without statistical significance.The multilevel growth mixture model indicated a greater increase in the total score of quality of life for the group treated according to the symptom management guidelines(P=0.04).Conclusion:The evidence-based HIV symptom management guidelines can improve a patient's quality of life and relieve negative symptoms.The guidelines can be applied in a similar context to other HIV/AIDS units or clinics.

Endoscopic-catheter-directed infusion of diluted(-)-noradrenaline for atypical hemobilia caused by liver abscess:A case report

BACKGROUND Hemobilia occurs when there is a fistula between hepatic blood vessels and biliary radicles,and represents only a minority of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages.Causes of hemobilia are varied,but liver abscess rarely causes hemobilia and only a few cases have been reported.Here,we present a case of atypical hemobilia caused by liver abscess that was successfully managed by endoscopic hepatobiliary intervention through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old man presented to our emergency department with a history of right upper quadrant abdominal colic and repeated fever for 6 d.Abdominal sonography and enhanced computed tomography revealed that there was an abscess in the right anterior lobe of the liver.During hospitalization,the patient developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a duodenal ulcer bleeding that was treated with three metal clamps.However,the hemodynamics was still unstable.Hence,upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed again and fresh blood was seen flowing from the ampulla of Vater.Selective angiography did not show any abnormality.An endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD)tube was inserted into the right anterior bile duct through ERCP,and subsequently cold saline containing(-)-noradrenaline was infused into the bile duct lumen through the ENBD tube with no episode of further bleeding.CONCLUSION Hemobilia should be considered in the development of liver abscess,and endoscopy is essential for diagnosis and management of some cases.

The SPH approach to the process of container filling based on non-linear constitutive models

In this work, the transient free surface of con- tainer filling with non-linear constitutive equation＇s fluids is numerically investigated by the smoothed particle hydrody- namics （SPH） method. Specifically, the filling process of a square container is considered for non-linear polymer fluids based on the Cross model. The validity of the presented SPH is first verified by solving the Newtonian fluid and Oldroyd- B fluid jet. Various phenomena in the filling process are shown, including the jet buckling, jet thinning, splashing or spluttering, steady filling. Moreover, a new phenomenon of vortex whirling is more evidently observed for the Cross model fluid compared with the Newtonian fluid case.

Pd nanoparticles embedded in N-Enriched MOF-Derived architectures for efficient oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

Developing high efficient Pd-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) is still challenging for alkaline membrane fuel cell,since the strong oxygen adsorption energy and easy agglomerative intrinsic properties. In order to simultaneously solve these problems, Pd/Co_(3)O_(4)–N–C multidimensional materials with porous structures is designed as the ORR catalysts. In details, the ZIF-67 with polyhedral structure was firstly synthesized and then annealed at high-temperature to prepare the N-doped Co_(3)O_(4)carbon-based material, which was used to homogeneously confine Pd nanoparticles and obtained the Pd/Co_(3)O_(4)–N–C series catalysts. The formation of Co–N and C–N bond could provide efficient active sites for ORR. Simultaneously, the strong electronic interaction in the interface between the Pd and N-doped Co_(3)O_(4)could disperse and avoid the agglomeration of Pd nanoparticles and ensure the exposure of active sites, which is crucial to lower the energy barrier toward ORR and substantially enhance the ORR kinetics. Hence, the Pd/Co_(3)O_(4)–N–C nanocompounds exhibited excellent ORR catalytic performance, ideal Pd mass activity, and durability in 0.1 mol L-1KOH solution compared with Co_(3)O_(4)–N–C and Pd/C. The scalable synthesis method, relatively low cost, and excellent electrochemical ORR performance indicated that the obtained Pd/Co_(3)O_(4)–N–C electrocatalyst had the potential for application on fuel cells.

Precipitation behavior of γ′ phase in superalloy FGH96 under interrupted cooling test

The precipitation behavior of γ′ phase,under various interrupt cooling tests after 1170℃,solution treatment was examined.The results indicate that the size of secondary γ′ precipitates increases with the decrease of interrupt temperature,and the shape changes from spherical to butterfly like.The fine tertiary γ′ can form either during the post cool air quenching at high interrupt-temperatures,or during the specified 5℃ min-1cooling.Air quenching at high temperatures cannot suppress further nucleation of tertiary γ′ phase.

Clinical value of detecting autoantibodies against β1-, β2-, and α1-adrenergic receptors in carvedilol treatment of patients with heart failure

Objective To determine the possible association of anti-β1-adrenergic receptors(anti-β1-AR), anti-β2-AR and anti-α1-AR with carvedilol treatment in patients with heart failure(HF). Methods A total of 267 HF patients were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All of the patients received carvedilol for their HF. Each patient was followed up for six months and their cardiac function was measured. Results The final analysis encompassed 137 patients comprising 65 patients with three autoantibodies(positive group) and 72 patients without all three autoantibodies but with one or two autoantibodies(negative group). The frequency and geometric mean titer of anti-β1-AR, anti-β2-AR, and anti-α1-AR were significantly lower in the group without all three autoantibodies after six months of carvedilol treatment(all P < 0.01;from 100% to 57%, 50%, and 49%, respectively;and from 1: 118, 1: 138, and 1: 130 to 1: 72, 1: 61, and 1: 67, respectively). Furthermore, 28 patients in the positive group demonstrated complete ablation of autoantibodies. In addition, left ventricular remodelling and function was significantly improved by the use of carvedilol combined with the standard treatment regime for six months in the positive group(P < 0.01) when compared to the negative group(P < 0.05). Conclusions Carvedilol treatment significantly decreases frequency and geometric mean titer in patients with all three autoantibodies, even up to complete ablation, and significantly improved cardiac function and remodelling. The effect of carvedilol is probably correlated to the presence of all three autoantibodies.

Medroxyprogestogen enhances apoptosis of SKOV-3 cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

We sought to assess the effect of progestin on the apoptosis of epithelial ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 and via regulation of phosphorylation signaling in. Epithelial ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 was treated with me- droxyprogestogen, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and vehicle control. Akt, phospho-Akt, Bcl-2 and phospho-Bad proteins were examined by immunoblotting assays. Medroxyprogestogen-induced apoptosis was assessed by MTT assays and Annexin V apoptosis assay. We found no significant difference in Akt and Bad expression in both the medroxyprogestogen groups and the control group. The levels of phospho-Akt, Bcl-2 and phospho-Bad were decreased in all the medroxyprogestogen groups and significantly decreased in the high dose mitogen-activated protein （MAP） group （10 gmol/L）. Viability of SKOV-3 was reduced and apparent apoptosis of SKOV-3 cells was observed with increased doses of MAP. The findings suggest that medroxyprogestogen can induce SKOV-3 cell apoptosis by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation.

Differential expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor splice variants in the mouse brain

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF) plays a critical role in neuronal survival and function. GDNF has two major splice variants in the brain,α-pro-GDNF and β-pro-GDNF, and both isoforms have strong neuroprotective effects on dopamine neurons. However, the expression of the GDNF splice variants in dopaminergic neurons in the brain remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the mRNA and protein expression of α-and β-pro-GDNF in the mouse brain by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, using splice variant-specific primers, and western blot analysis. At the mRNA level,β-pro-GDNF expression was significantly greater than that of α-pro-GDNF in the mouse brain. In contrast, at the protein level,α-pro-GDNF expression was markedly greater than that of β-pro-GDNF. To clarify the mechanism underlying this inverse relationship in mRNA and protein expression levels of the GDNF splice variants, we analyzed the expression of sorting protein-related receptor with A-type repeats(SorLA) by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At the mRNA level, SorLA was positively associated with β-pro-GDNF expression, but not with α-pro-GDNF expression. This suggests that the differential expression of α-and β-pro-GDNF in the mouse brain is related to SorLA expression. As a sorting protein, SorLA could contribute to the inverse relationship among the mRNA and protein levels of the GDNF isoforms. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Medical University, China on July 14, 2016.

Influence of nanoparticle concentrations on flow boiling heat transfer coefficients of Al_2O_3/R141b in micro heat exchanger by direct metal laser sintering

Al2O3/R141b ＋ Span-80 nanorefrigerant for 0.05 wt.% to 0.4 wt.% is prepared by ultrasonic vibration to investigate the influence of nanoparticle concentrations on flow boiling heat transfer of Al2O3/R141b ＋ Span-80 in micro heat exchanger by direct metal laser sintering. Experimental results show that nanoparticle concentrations have significantly impact on heat transfer coefficients by homogeneity test of variances according to mathematical statistics. The heat transfer performance of Al2O3/R141b ＋ Span-80 nanorefrigerant is enhanced after adding nanoparticles in the pure refrigerant R141b. The heat transfer coefficients of 0.05 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, 0.3 wt.% and 0.4 wt.% Al2O3/R141 b ＋ Span-80 nanorefrigerant respectively increase by 55.0% 72.0%, 53.0% 42.3% and 39.9% compared with the pure refrigerant R141b. The particle fluxes from viscosity gradient, non-uniform shear rate and Brownian motion cause particles to migrate in fluid especially in the process of flow boiling. This migration motion enhances heat transfer between nanoparticles and fluid. Therefore, the heat transfer performance of nanofluid is enhanced. It is important to note that the heat transfer coefficients nonlinearly increase with nanoparticle concentrations increasing. The heat transfer coefficients reach its maximum value at the mass concentration of 0.1% and then it decreases slightly. There exists an optimal mass concentration corresponding to the best heat transfer enhancement. The reason for the above phenomenon is attributed to nanoparticles deposition on the minichannel wall by Scanning Electron Microscopy observation. The channel surface wettability increases during the flow boiling experiment in the mass concentration range from 0.2 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%. The channel surface with wettability increasing needs more energy to produce a bubble. Therefore, the heat transfer coefficients decrease with nanopartide concentrations in the range from 0.2 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%. In addition, a new correlation has been proposed by fitting the experimental data considering the influence of mass concentrations on the heat trans- fer performance. The new correlation can effectively predict the heat transfer coefficient.

Clinical application of traditional herbal medicine in five countries and regions: Japan;South Korea;China's Mainland;Hong Kong, China;Taiwan, China

Objective:To study the characteristics of the clinical application of traditional herbal medicine in five countries and regions where traditional medicine(TM)is widely used:Japan;South Korea;China's Mainland;Hong Kong,China;Taiwan,China.And to analyze,from multiple angles,the variations in the methods of TM used in each countries and regions.Methods:Fifty commonly used traditional herbs(TOP50)from classical formulae were selected,and descriptive statistics,correlation analyses,and Friedman test were used to compare methods of clinical application and dosages in the countries and regions of interest based on a retrospective review of randomly-selected medical records.Results:There were significant differences in sequencing TOP50 among the five countries and regions(P<.01).The adherence to the classical formulae,from strong to weak was Japan;China's Mainland;Taiwan,China;Hong Kong,China;South Korea.There were also significant differences in TOP50 dosing regimens(P<.01).Overall dosages of TOP50 from high to low were:China's Mainland;Hong Kong,China;Taiwan,China;South Korea;Japan.Finally,there were significant differences in the dosage intervals(P<.01),with dosage intervals from maximum to minimum as follows:China's Mainland;Taiwan,China;Hong Kong,China;South Korea;Japan.Conclusions:The clinical dosages of traditional herbal medicine used in the China's Mainland are relatively large compared with those prescribed in the other four countries and regions,and the range of dosages in China's Mainland is more flexible.On the other hand,clinical dosages of TOP50 are the lowest in Japan,where the dosage range is also the narrowest,supporting the idea that Doctors of Kampo medicine are highly cautious and are likely to adhere strictly to classical formulae,while Hong Kong,China and Taiwan,China are in the middle.The dosage of TOP50 in South Korea is significantly lower than that used in the China's Mainland;Hong Kong,China and Taiwan,China where the adherence to the classical formulae was the lowest,albeit slightly higher than that in Japan.The methods of clinical application of traditional herbal medicine in the five countries and regions were affected by multiple factors,including history,geography,climate,and culture.

轻链型和转甲状腺素蛋白心肌淀粉样变性临床特征的比较

目的:比较轻链型心肌淀粉样变性(AL-CA)和转甲状腺素蛋白心肌淀粉样变性(ATTR-CA)的临床特征。方法:回顾性收集2011年1月至2023年10月在北京大学第三医院住院确诊的AL-CA患者35例(AL-CA组)和ATTR-CA患者21例(ATTR-CA组)。比较两组临床表现、心电图、超声心动图和心脏磁共振成像(CMR)结果的差异。结果:与ATTR-CA组相比,AL-CA组男性比例较低(90.5%vs.54.3%,P=0.005),合并高血压的患者比例较高(9.5%vs.42.9%,P=0.009)。临床表现方面,AL-CA组水肿、蛋白尿、肾功能不全和浆膜腔积液较多见,血红蛋白和血浆白蛋白水平较低,而ATTR-CA组肢体麻木的发生率较高(P均<0.05)。心电图方面,AL-CA组的肢体导联低电压的发生率(57.1%vs.28.6%,P=0.038)高于ATTR-CA组,传导阻滞的发生率(14.3%vs.61.9%,P=0.001)低于ATTR-CA组。AL-CA组从首发症状到确诊时间较ATTR-CA组短[6.0(2.0,15.0)个月vs.35.0(14.0,56.5)个月,P=0.002]。AL-CA组与ATTR-CA组的超声心动图指标室间隔厚度分别为(13.3±2.0)mm vs(.15.7±2.2)mm(P=0.001);左心室质量分别为(198.4±67.8)g vs.(246.6±53.5)g(P=0.009);CMR指标室间隔厚度分别为(16.0±2.1)mm vs.(18.9±3.8)mm(P=0.033);左心室质量分别为(132.9±45.3)g vs.(194.7±50.8)g(P=0.011),AL-CA组左心室壁增厚程度较ATTR-CA组轻,但AL-CA组NYHA心功能分级Ⅲ~Ⅳ级患者的比例较高(48.6%vs.19.0%,P=0.027),N末端B型利钠肽原和心肌肌钙蛋白T水平较高(P均<0.05),1年生存率较低(65.7%vs.100%,P=0.001)。结论:AL-CA和ATTR-CA的临床特征和心电图表现不同。AL-CA左心室壁增厚程度虽然不及ATTR-CA显著,但心功能及预后更差。

经方治疗良性前列腺增生症的研究进展

正气不足、瘀血留结、水饮停留为良性前列腺增生症(benign prostate hyperplasia,BPH)发病的主要病机。正气不足为BPH发病之根本,以金匮肾气丸、真武汤化生肾气、温阳利水;瘀血留结是BPH发病的关键病机,以桂枝茯苓丸、抵当汤以化瘀消瘢、利窍通便;水饮停留为BPH最为紧急之症,治以五苓散、当归芍药散以化气利水,解标症之急。