Clinical therapeutic effect of self-prescribed Sanhanchushi Tongbi on lumbar disc herniation

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation(LDH)commonly occurs during spinal surgery;LDH is on the increase in younger patients and is classified as"paralysis"and"back pain."Sanhanchushi Tongbi(SPST)is a customized prescription.It disperses cold,relieves pain,removes cold from the meridians and viscera,and treats neuropathic pain.However,few studies have investigated its mechanism of pain relief.AIM To observe the clinical therapeutic effects on LDH treated with self-prescribed SPST.METHODS A total of 211 patients with LDH syndrome were divided into two groups:107 patients in the control group were treated with conventional massage combined with traction,and 104 patients in the observation group were treated with a combination of the control regimen and self-prescribed oral SPST.The patients were treated for 4 wk.Indices of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score and serum inflammatory factor levels were measured.RESULTS After therapy,the TCM syndrome score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The main symptoms,clinical signs,daily activities,and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after therapy(P<0.05).The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,and C-reactive protein were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).In the observation group,superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher,whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower,compared with the control group(P<0.05).The overall efficacy rate in the observation group was 96.15%,which was substantially higher than that in the control group(88.79%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Self-prescribed SPST can reduce the levels of inflammatory and pain-causing factors as well as lumbar pain in patients with LDH.

Progress in pathogenesis and treatment of type A hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure:a comprehensive review

Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious neuropsychiatric complication caused by liver failure,which is characterized by the development of cognitive and motor disorders into coma.Typically,hepatic encephalopathy can be divided into three types(A,B,and C)according to the etiology.Type A hepatic encephalopathy(AHE)caused by acute liver failure seriously affects the prognosis of patients,ranging from mild neuropsychological changes to coma,brain edema,and even death.So far,the research on the pathogenesis of AHE has focused on the toxic effects of ammonia on the central nervous system,metabolic disorders(glutamine and lactate accumulation),neurotransmission alteration,systemic inflammation,especially neuro-inflammation.All these mechanisms are not independent,but mutually have synergistic effects.In clinic,treatment of AHE based on only one mechanism is often ineffective.To clarify the pathogenesis and the interaction among the mechanisms will be beneficial to the effective treatment of AHE and reduce the mortality.The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive scientific evidence for the clinical treatment of AHE via collecting and analyzing the latest mechanism of AHE,and clarifying the relationship among these mechanisms combing the investigation of the latest research progress of drug treatment of acute liver failure.Consequently,we find that the pathogenesis of AHE is a complex neurocognitive disorder shaped by interactions among hyperammonemia,inflammation,and changes in neurotransmission,the signaling pathways thereby integrating the inflammatory and neurological inputs to impact pathophysiological or neurobehavioral outcomes.

In vitro study on blocking mTOR signaling pathway in EGFR-TKI resistance NSCLC

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of inhibitor everolimus on EGFR-TKI resistance NSCLC.Methods:MTT assay was used to detect proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549.Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes of apoptosis and cycle distribution in each group after 24 h and 48 h.RT-PCR was used to detect the changes of PTEN and 4EBP1 expression levels after 48 h of monotherapy and combination therapy.Results:MTT assay showed that everolimus had dose-dependent inhibition against growth of A549 cells.Flow cytometry showed when everolimus could induce apoptosis and induce G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest,which was time-dependent(P<0.05).RT-PCR showed everolimus could increase PTEN and 4EBP1 expression.Conclusions:mTOR inhibitor everolimus has an inhibitory effect on EGFR-TKI resistant NSCLC,which cannot reverse the resistance effect of EGFR-TKI resistant cell line A549.The relationship between EGFR/AKT signaling pathway and the mTOR signaling pathway and the mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer need further study.

Organic matter pores in the chang 7 lacustrine shales from the Ordos Basin and its effect on reflectance measurement

To quantify the pore characteristics of various macerals in Chang 7 lacustrine shales,macerals were effectively identified according to their optical and morphological characteristics,and the nanoscale pore structure of macerals was observed by scanning electron microscope.Meanwhile,the reflectances of different positions in the same pieces of vitrinite or solid bitumen with heterogeneous pores development were measured.The results showed that the average contents of sapropelinite,liptinite,vitrinite,inertinite and solid bitumen are 42.7%,8.7%,13.6%,13.8% and 21.2%,respectively,which suggests that the source of the organic matter of the Chang 7 shales is a mixed source input.The organic pores of Chang 7 shales are enriched,and the pore shapes are mostly round or elliptical.The pore size of organic pores has a wide distribution,mainly concentrate in the range of 100-400 nm,and the average plane porosity of organic pores is 10.13%.The size order of the organic pores in various macerals is:solid bitumen<bituminite<alginite<vitrinite<fusinite<liptinite.The abundance order of organic matter pores of each maceral is as follows:alginite>fusinite>bituminite>solid bitumen>vitrinite>liptinite.OM pores are mainly contributed by bituminite,solid bitumen and fusinite.The plane porosity of bituminite increases with maturity.In the process of thermal evolution,the plane porosity of fusinite is distributed in the two ranges of 20%-28% and 1%-7%.The former is mainly the primary pores of the fusinite itself,and the latter is the secondary pores formed in the thermal evolution.As for the organic pores of other macerals,no obvious thermal evolution law was found.Meanwhile,the surface imperfections of vitrinite or solid bitumen is enhanced by the enrichment of organic pores(an increase in pore size or pore number),which may result in the underestimation of their reflectances.

明代甘肃长城诗歌的情感表达

长城蜿蜒连绵,宛如一条巨龙,浩浩荡荡,东起辽东半岛西至西北戈壁,横穿中国的北方大地。她象征着源远流长,自力更生,顽强不息的中华精神,具有无与伦比的崇高美。甘肃作为华夏文明的起源地之一,丝绸之路的重要通道,也拥有大量的长城遗址与长城文化资源。明代作为甘肃地区修建长城的重要时代之一,很多明代文人在这里留下了不少歌咏长城的诗歌,诗人们的生活境遇和社会实践的差异,长城诗中的情感表达和审美意识也不相同。本研究摘选了部分明代甘肃长城体裁的诗歌,试分析其情感表达与审美意识。

Utility of Goal Attainment Scaling(GAS)in evaluating a multicomponent exercise programme for community-dwelling pre-frail older adults

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Goal Attainment Scaling(GAS)in assessing an intervention for pre-frail senior citizens.Additionally,the study aimed to explain how the GAS goals were established based on the International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health(ICF)categories,including body function,activity and participation and environmental factors.Methods In this study,220 pre-frail older adults were randomly selected to participate in a controlled trial.The intervention group engaged in multicomponent exercise three times a week,once at a community health service location and twice at home.The control group received advice on physical activity but did not have supervised exercise.Participants in both groups selected individualised GAS goals from 23 goals developed based on ICF by focus group discussion.The study used generalised estimating equations to analyse the differences between the groups.Results The study included 144 participants,72 in the exercise group and 72 in the control group.The top three individualised goals for all participants were vestibular functions(53.5%),pain management(43.1%)and lifting and carrying objects(31.9%).Both groups saw a significant increase in GAS scores at week 8 and week 24 of the intervention(p<0.05),but the exercise group showed a more significant improvement(p<0.05).The participants living alone were associated with lower postintervention improvements in the GAS scores.In contrast,the participants who were using a smartphone were likely to get higher postintervention improvements in the GAS scores.Conclusions GAS can be a valuable tool for setting and evaluating individualised and meaningful goals in body functions,activity and participation and environmental factors.The multicomponent exercise interventions can help pre-frail older adults achieve their expected goals as measured by the GAS.

临夏州多民族青少年近视患病率调查及相关因素分析

目的:研究临夏州青少年近视患病率情况及影响近视发生的因素。方法:采用整群抽样方法抽取6～18岁青少年8 683例作为研究对象,检测其视力、屈光度等,同时采用调查问卷收集其性别、年龄、民族、用眼习惯等资料。结果:本次调查研究纳入的研究对象近视患病率为42.80%,不同民族研究对象近视患病率分别为藏族(59.05%)、汉族(46.71%)、东乡族(46.36%)、土族(45.24%)、撒拉族(41.30%)、保安族(40.61%)、回族(31.97%),差异有统计学意义(χ~2=44.08,P=0.007)。多因素Logistic回归分析表明课间休息时在室外活动是近视的保护因素,而年龄、周末及节假日使用电子产品、在家学习使用房间同一照明是近视的危险因素。结论:临夏州青少年近视患病率随年龄增大而升高,不同民族青少年近视患病率存在差异。教育部门与家庭应共同努力,增加青少年户外活动时间,改善青少年用眼环境,减缓青少年近视的发生发展。

兰州市小学生干眼患病情况及相关因素分析

目的:探讨甘肃省兰州市小学生干眼的患病情况及相关因素。方法:利用随机整群抽样的方法于2017-10/11期间在甘肃省兰州市城关区抽取2所小学共1 347人作为调查对象,均进行干眼问卷调查及相关眼科检查确定诊断,并应用卡方检验、Mann-Whitney U检验、Logistic回归分析探讨小学生干眼患病现状及影响因素。结果:实际受检者共有1 268人,应答率为94.14%;诊断干眼271例,患病率为21.37%。经统计学分析发现:男生、高年级组小学生、经常使用滴眼液、不良用眼习惯、配戴角膜接触镜、视频终端设备日使用时间长、学习压力大为干眼患病危险因素。结论:干眼已成为困扰小学生生活及学习的主要疾病之一,应引起广泛重视。综合考虑以上影响因素,合理用眼,改善生活方式有助于减轻干眼对小学生眼部健康的损害。

Comparison of phacotrabeculectomy and sequential surgery in the treatment of chronic angle-closure glaucoma coexisted with cataract

AIM： To compare the safety and effectiveness of phacotrabeculectomy versus sequential surgery in chronic angle-closure glaucoma（CACG） with coexisting cataract.·METHODS： One hundred and sixty-two CACG patients（162 eyes） were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, 87patients（87 eyes） in group A had underwent phacotrabeculectomy with intraocular lens（IOL）implantation, and 75 patients（75 eyes） in group B had underwent sequential surgery with IOL implanted. Best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA）, intraocular pressure（IOP）, complications and anterior chamber angle（ACA）were measured.· RESULTS： Demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. A mean follow-up period was 15±6mo（range 13 to 24mo）, a mean IOP of 12.14 ±5.32 mm Hg in group A and 11.38 ±4.06 mm Hg in group B（P =0.84） at the last follow up. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative probability of success in both groups was similar（P =0.61）. Anterior uveitis and hypotony were the most common complications in group A, whereas group B experienced shallow anterior chamber with trabeculectomy. With the exception of anterior uveitis, no complications occurred to 11 trabeculectomized eyes. All postoperative measurements of anterior chamber showed statistically significant differences in each group according to the preoperative data（P〈 0.05）. However,fewer changes occurred in group B than in group A.· CONCLUSION： Phacotrabeculectomy and sequential surgery exhibit similar IOP reduction, visual recovery,and complications when treating CACG patients with cataract. However, for a wider ACA, phacotrabeculectomy has demonstrated higher effectiveness than sequential surgery.

Risk factors for flat anterior chamber after glaucoma filtration surgery

AIM： To investigate the incidence rate and risk factors for grade Ⅲ flat anterior chamber（FAC） after glaucoma filtration surgery based on 5-year data.METHODS： Patients who underwent glaucoma filtration surgery in Daping hospital from January 2009 to December 2013 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The incidence of grade Ⅲ FAC following glaucoma filtration surgery was determined. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the influence of glaucoma type, surgical approach, age, and preoperative intraocular pressure（IOP） on the risk of postoperative FAC.RESULTS： A total of 2179 eyes receiving anti-glaucoma surgery were included. Ninety-one eyes suffered from postoperative FAC, with an overall incidence rate of 4.18%. Of 471 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma（POAG）, grade Ⅲ FAC occurred in only 3 eyes（0.64%）. Primary angleclosure glaucoma（PACG） was diagnosed in 1076 eyes, 39（3.62%） of which developed grade Ⅲ FAC, including 12 eyes（12/300, 4%） with acute PACG（aP ACG） and 27 eyes（27/776, 3.48%） with chronic PACG（c PACG）. Six of 259 eyes（2.32%） with secondary glaucoma, 28 of 186 eyes（15.05%） with neovasular glaucoma, 1 of 66 eyes（1.52%） with congenital glaucoma, and 14 of 115 eyes（12.17%） with remnant glaucoma suffered from grade Ⅲ FAC. Of 6 eyes with mixed glaucoma, none developed grade Ⅲ FAC after surgery. When stratified by surgical approach, 24 of 766 eyes（3.13%） undergoing trabeculectomy, 21 of 924 eyes（2.27%） treated by trabeculectomy plus mitomycin C（MMC）, 18 of 109 eyes（16.51%） undergoing Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation, 23 of 201 eyes（11.44%） managed by Ahmed implantation plus MMC, and 5 of 133 eyes（3.76%） treated by Ahmed implantation plus lens extraction or vitrectomy developed grade Ⅲ FAC. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors including neovasular glaucoma, remnant glaucoma, glaucoma valve implantation, glaucoma valve implantation＋MMC, glaucoma valve implantation＋vitrectomy, age〉60 y, and IOP at admission 〉50 mm Hg were significantly associated with an increased risk for grade Ⅲ FAC.CONCLUSION： The overall incidence of grade Ⅲ FAC after glaucoma filtration surgery is 4.18%. Patients with neovasular glaucoma and remnant glaucoma are at a higher risk of developing FAC. Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation is associated with a higher risk for grade Ⅲ FAC compared with trabeculectomy. No significant correlation was observed between the use of MMC in glaucoma filtration surgery and the risk of postoperative FAC. Higher IOP at admission（〉50 mm Hg） and old age（〉60 y） are risk factors for grade Ⅲ FAC.

Exosome-mediated aptamer S58 reduces fibrosis in a rat glaucoma filtration surgery model

AIM:To confirm whether exosome-mediated delivery of aptamer S58(Exo-S58) has a better antifibrotic effect than naked S58 in human conjunctival fibroblasts(HCon Fs) and a rat glaucoma filtration surgery(GFS) model.METHODS:To enhance the effective reaction time of aptamer S58 in vivo, we loaded aptamer S58 into exosomes derived from HEK293 T cells by PEI transfection to determine the effect of Exo-S58 in HCon Fs and a rat GFS model.RESULTS:Exo-S58 can significantly reduce cell proliferation, migration and fibrosis in TGF-β2-induced HCon Fs. In an in vivo experiment, Exo-S58 treatment prolonged filtering bleb retention and reduced fibrosis compared with naked S58 treatment in GFS rats.CONCLUSION:The exosomes are safe and valid carriers to deliver aptamers. Furthermore, Exo-S58 exhibited superior antifibrotic effect than naked S58 both in HCon Fs cells and rat GFS models.

Bio-modulation of scaring Glaucoma Filtration Surgery using a novel application of coated magnesium

Filtration surgery still plays a mainstream role of treatment for glaucoma.Postoperative scarring is the main cause of surgical failure.This study evaluated the biocompatibility and anti-proliferative properties of pure magnesium with three different coatings,which are hydroxyapatite(HA),dicalcium phosphate dihydrate(DCPD)and DCPD+stearic acid(SA),in a primary culture of human tenon's capsule fibroblasts(HTCFs)and in rabbit Glaucoma Filtration Surgery.Titanium and glass were used as controls in vitro,and trabeculectomy was used as control in vivo.The results show the number and shape of HTCFs seeded on different coatings showed less quantity and poor cell morphology.Each type of coated magnesium demonstrated significantly decreased metabolic activity of HTCFs.DCPD+SA showed higher cytotoxicity than the other coatings.Significant inhibition of proliferation was observed with the DCPD+SA coating.The expression ofα-SMA was decreased in the cells when seeded on all of the coated magnesium disks.In vivo,no obvious adverse effects were observed after operation.No significant difference existed for any of the different samples regarding different ion concentrations in the aqueous humor.The inflammatory response in the titanium,DCPD and DCPD+SA treated eyes was more intense than in the trabeculectomy alone and HA groups.Western Blot analysis showed that collagen-1 andα-SMA expression was significantly lower in the titanium,HA,DCPD and DCPD+SA groups compared with the control.Different coatings on magnesium were able to affect the corrosive properties,which in turn,influenced the morphology and function of HTCFs.HA coated magnesium may be considered a very promising biodegradable material for the next generation of glaucoma drainage devices.

A feasibility study of using biodegradable magnesium alloy in glaucoma drainage device

Technological advances in glaucoma have challenged the traditional treatment paradigm. Historically incisional surgery has been used in cases of advanced disease and/or uncontrolled intraocular pressures resistant to medical or laser interventions. More recently, perhaps due to advancements in imaging, surgery has been suggested to be beneficial earlier in the treatment paradigm. Despite these trends, surgical manipulation of the tissues and unpredictability of wound healing continue to result in surgical failure. Magnesium is an essential element for human body and plays a critically important role in maintaining the functional and structural integrity of several tissues, including the eye. Due to several of its advantageous properties such as non-toxicity, biodegradability, and high biological compatibility, magnesium alloy has attracted great attention as a novel biomaterial. Biodegradable cardiovascular stents made of magnesium alloy have already been introduced into clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to determine if bioabsorbable magnesium alloys can be utilized as a promising candidate for the development of a new generation of glaucoma surgical assistive devices.

Is KPNB3 Locus Associated With Schizophrenia?

Objective To reconfirm the association of KPNB3 with schizophrenia in Chinese population. Methods Two single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs）, rs2588014 and rs626716 trios consisting of fathers, mothers, and affected offsprings at the KPNB3 locus, were genotyped in 304 Chinese Han family with schizophrenia. These 2 SNPs were detected by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） analysis. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for genotypic distributions was estimated by the goodness-of-fit test. The UNPHASED program was used to perform transmission disequilibrium test （TDT）, haplotype analysis, and pair-wise measure of linkage disequilibrium （LD） between these 2 SNPs. Results The genotypic distributions of both rs2588014 and rs626716 were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P〉0.05）. The TDT revealed allelic association with rs626716 （χ^2 =9.31, P=0.0023） but not with rs2588014 （χ^2 =3.44, P=0.064）. The global P-value was 0.0099 for 100 permutations. The haplotype analysis also showed a disease association （χ^2 =25.97, df=3, P=0.0000097）. Conclusion The present study provides further evidence in support of the KPNB3 association with schizophrenia in Chinese population.

Total femur replacement with 18 years of follow-up:A case report

BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors and is more common in adolescents.The femur is the most common site of osteosarcoma,and many patients require total femur replacement.We reviewed the relevant literature and case findings,summarized and analyzed this case in combination with relevant literature,and in doing so improved the understanding of the technology.CASE SUMMARY The case we report was a 15-year-old patient who was admitted to the hospital 15 days after the discovery of a right thigh mass.The diagnosis was osteosarcoma of the right femoral shaft.After completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and preoperative preparation,total right femoral resection+artificial total femoral replacement was performed.Then,chemotherapy was continued after surgery.The patient recovered well after treatment,and the function of the affected limb was good.No recurrence,metastasis,prosthesis loosening,dislocation,fracture or other complications were found during 18 years of follow-up.At present,the patient can still work and lives normally.The results of the medium-and longterm follow-up were satisfactory.CONCLUSION Artificial total femur replacement is a feasible limb salvage operation for patients with femoral malignant tumors,and the results of medium-and long-term follow-up are satisfactory.

Evaluation of Spatial-Temporal Variations of Water Quality and Plankton Assemblages and Its Relationship to Water Use in Kulekhani Multipurpose Reservoir, Nepal

Spatial and temporal variation in planktons and water quality parameters were investigated in order to determine the effects of seasonal water use on reservoir water quality and planktons’ diversity in Kulekhani Multipurpose Reservoir, Nepal. This study also focuses on interactions among various water quality parameters with planktons and how such interactions can affect the second major utility, the fish farming in the reservoir. The analyses of seasonal water samples collected from three different sampling locations in the reservoir showed that select water quality parameters varied significantly (P < 0.05) with sampling seasons (transparency: 30 - 250 cm, pH: 7 - 7.5, alkalinity: 30 - 120 mg/L, DO: 6 - 11.5 mg/L, CO2: 0.1 - 1.1 mg/L) and sampling locations (phosphate: 0.1 - 0.25 mg/L, nitrate 0.01 - 0.19 mg/L) in the reservoir. Three groups of zooplankton and four classes of phytoplankton, respectively with eleven and twelve genera, were identified and quantified in the reservoir. Among them, Cyclops, Asplanchana, and Keratella were most dominant zooplanktons while Synedra, Melosira and Peridinum were the most dominant phytoplankton in the reservoir water. The abundance of select zooplanktons (Cyclops, Keratella, Polyanthra), and phytoplankton (Navicula, Melosira, Amphora, Chroococcus, Staurastrum, Scendesmus) showed significant interaction between sampling sites and sampling seasons, while the other varied only with sampling seasons and/or sites. These results showed that seasonal water level fluctuations, along with the variation of water quality parameters, change the abundance and diversity of planktons’ in the reservoir. Such changes can negatively impact the fish in cage culture, affecting the livelihood of people extensively relying on these fish farming.

The role of phosphatidylcholine 34:1 in the occurrence,development and treatment of ulcerative colitis

Lipid homeostasis is considered to be related to intestinal metabolic balance,while its role in the pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)remains largely unexplored.The present study aimed to identify the target lipids related to the occurrence,development and treatment of UC by comparing the lipidomics of UC patients,mice and colonic organoids with the corresponding healthy controls.Here,multi-dimensional lipidomics based on LC–QTOF/MS,LC–MS/MS and iMScope systems were constructed and used to decipher the alteration of lipidomic profiles.The results indicated that UC patients and mice were often accompanied by dysregulation of lipid homeostasis,in which triglycerides and phosphatidylcholines were significantly reduced.Notably,phosphatidylcholine 34:1(PC34:1)was characterized by high abundance and closely correlation with UC disease.Our results also revealed that down-regulation of PC synthase PCYT1 α and Pemt caused by UC modeling was the main factor leading to the reduction of PC34:1,and exogenous PC34:1 could greatly enhance the fumarate level via inhibiting the transformation of glutamate to N-acetylglutamate,thus exerting an anti-UC effect.Collectively,our study not only supplies common technologies and strategies for exploring lipid metabolism in mammals,but also provides opportunities for the discovery of therapeutic agents and biomarkers of UC.

Impacts of wind conditions on hydrogen leakage during refilling hydrogen-powered vehicles

Although hydrogen leakage at hydrogen refueling stations has been a concern,less efforts have been devoted to hydrogen leakage during the refueling of hydrogen-powered vehicles.In this study,hydrogen leakage and dilution from the hydrogen dispenser during the refueling of hydrogen-powered vehicles were numerically investigated under different wind configurations.The shape,size,and distribution of flammable gas clouds(FGC)during the leakage and dilution processes were analyzed.The results showed that the presence of hydrogen-powered vehicles resulted in irregular FGC shapes.Greater wind speeds(v wv)were associated with longer FGC propagation distances.At v_(wv)=2 m·s^(−1)and 10 m·s^(−1),the FGC lengths at the end of the leakage were 7.9 m and 20.4 m,respectively.Under downwind conditions,higher wind speeds corresponded to lower FGC heights.The FGC height was larger under upwind conditions and was slightly affected by the magnitude of the wind speed.In the dilution process,the existence of a region with a high hydrogen concentration led to the FGC volume first increasing and then gradually decreasing.Wind promoted the mixing of hydrogen and air,accelerated FGC dilution,inhibited hydrogen uplifting,and augmented the horizontal movement of the FGC.At higher wind speeds,the low-altitude FGC movements could induce potential safety hazards.

Correlation between tibial nerve ultrastructural abnormalities and post-mercury poison-induced muscular pain in rats

BACKGROUND： The pathways induced/activated by mercury poisoning that lead to muscle pain remain unclear. The present study addressed the structural changes observed in the peripheral nerve following mercury poisoning. OBJECTIVE： To establish the mercury poison rat model, rats were intragastrically administered mercury, The correlation between post-mercury poison-induced muscular pain and tibial nerve morphological changes were observed. DESIGN： Observational contrast animal study. SETTING： Shangdong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine. MATERIALS： Thirty adult Sprague Dawley rats of equal gender. Mercury chloride （HgCl2, analytical grade： 99.99%; batch number： 990402） was provided by Shanghai Chemical Reagent Factory, and sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate （DMPS） injection by Shanghai Harvest Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. （batch number： 0309011）. METHODS： This study was performed at the Animal Experimental Center of Shangdong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine from December 2005 to January 2006. Rats were randomly divided into high-dose mercury, low-dose mercury, and control groups, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the two mercury groups were intragastrically administered 17 mg/kg and 8.5 mg/kg HgCl2 solution, respectively, once a day to establish a rat model of subacute mercury poisoning. Rats in the control group were intragastrically administered 2 mL saline, once a day. Intragastric administration in the three groups lasted for （20± 2） days. After model establishment, rats in the two mercury groups were injected DMPS once a day to remove mercury. The injection lasted for 3 days after every 4-day interval. Seven days was regarded as one treatment cycle, and there were two treatment cycles in total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Mercury-induced muscular pain status; ultrastructural changes of the right tibial nerve following model establishment and mercury removal under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS： Thirty rats were included in the final analysis. Muscular pain status： one rat exhibited mercury-induced muscular pain. Red swelling of the skin was observed on the posterior claws, lower limbs, and tail. The rat incessantly licked and scratched the red swelling of the skin, turned over, and occasionally hissed. The axon myelin sheath of the tibial nerve was intact, clear, and dense. The mitochondrial membrane was intact and smooth, and the cristallin was clear. Microfilaments and microtubules were tightly arranged. Axon pathological changes and demyelination lesion occurred in the right tibial nerve in the two mercury groups. However, mercury removal with DMPS for two treatment cycles did not inhibit the peripheral nerve lesion. In the pain model rats, the myelin sheath of the tibial nerve was mottled. Mitochondria in the axoplasm were swollen, the structure was unclear, numbers were decreased, and cristallin disappeared. The mitochondrial membrane was broken, and the microfilament was reduced and unorganized. After two treatment cycles of mercury removal with DMPS, nerve demyelination lesion was aggravated, and the myelin sheath was increasingly mottled. Both rarefaction degeneration and vacuolar transformation were observed in most of the axon myelin sheath. The axonal membrane was damaged to a certain degree. CONCLUSION： Subacute HgCl2 poisoning might result in tibial nerve injury. The myelin sheath of the tibial nerve was mottled in mercury poisoned rats without muscular pain. Nevertheless, the correlation between mercury poisoning and pain remains unclear. The injured tibial nerve of the rats was not repaired after dimercaptopropanesulfonate treatment.

Inorganic electron-transport materials in perovskite solar cells

We have witnessed unprecedented progress of perovskite solar cells(PSCs) in last few years. The power conversion efficiency(PCE) has been boosted from 3.8% to the current record of 25.5%[1, 2]. A typical PSC consists of a polycrystalline perovskite layer sandwiched between electron-transporting layers(ETLs) and hole-transporting layers(HTLs).