Serum inflammatory markers in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and their predictive value for mycoplasma severity

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)significantly impacts pediatric health,necessitating markers for early severe disease identification.AIM To investigate the correlation between serum inflammatory marker and the severity of MPP in children.METHODS A prospective study was carried out from January 2023 to November 2023.A total of 160 children with MPP who underwent treatment were selected:80 had severe MPP and 80 had mild MPP.Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the time of hospital admission and during hospitalization.Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to assess the diagnostic and prognostic for severe MPP.RESULTS Fever duration and length of hospitalization in pediatric patients with severe MPP exceeded those with mild MPP.The incidence of pleural effusion,lung consolidation,and bronchopneumonia on imaging was markedly elevated in the severe MPP cohort compared to the mild MPP cohort.In contrast to the mild cohort,there was a notable increase in C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,lactic dehydrogenase,D-dimer,and inflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]in the severe MPP group were significantly higher.CONCLUSION Serum inflammatory markers(CRP,PCT,IL-6,D-dimer,IL-10 and TNF-α)were considered as predictors in children with severe MPP.

Proso Millet Protein Elevates Plasma Level of High-Density Lipoprotein:A New Food Function of Proso Millet

We examined the effects of dietary proso-millet protein on plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in different rats from animals reported in our previous studies. The results showed also, in this animal, that the ingestion of the millet protein elevates plasma levels of HDL-cholesterol like our earlier works. Taking into account the anti-atherogenic function of HDL, therefore, the millet protein would be useful as a new food ingredient which has the function that regulates cholesterol metabolism

Study on the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A, triglyceride and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a concern due to its rapid increase in incidence in recent years.AIM To investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A(PAPP-A),triglyceride(TG),and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25-(OH)D]with GDM in early pregnancy.METHODS A total of 99 patients in early pregnancy admitted to Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to September 2017 were included,and underwent a fasting glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test screening at 24-28 wk of pregnancy.Of these cases with GDM,51 were assigned to group A and the remaining 48 cases without GDM were enrolled in group B.Serum PAPP-A,TG and 25-(OH)D in the two groups were compared and their correlation with blood sugar was analyzed.In addition,their diagnostic value in GDM was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Group A had markedly lower serum PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels and a significantly higher serum TG level than group B,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Furthermore,Pearson analysis identified that PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels(r=-0.605,P<0.001),(r=-0.597,P<0.001),while TG and FBG levels were positively correlated(r=0.628,P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,area under the curve(AUC)and optimal cut-off value of serum PAPP-A level in the diagnosis of GDM were 72.55%,82.35%,0.861 and 16.340,respectively,while the sensitivity of TG in diagnosing GDM was 86.27%,the specificity was 66.67%,the AUC was 0.813,with an optimal cut-off value of 1.796.The corresponding sensitivity,specificity,AUC and optimal cut-off value of serum 25-(OH)D were 64.71%,70.59%,0.721 and 23.140,respectively.Moreover,multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG,vascular endothelial growth factor,Flt-1,serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D were related risk factors leading to GDM in patients.CONCLUSION Serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D levels are all correlated with blood glucose changes in GDM,and are independent factors affecting the occurrence of GDM and have certain value in the diagnosis of GDM.

Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels are elevated first month after surgery and may promote growth of residual metastases

BACKGROUND MMP-2 also known as gelatinase A and MMP-7(matrilysin)are members of the zinc-dependent family of MMPs(Matrix metalloproteinase).MMP-2 and MMP-7 are remodeling enzymes that digest extracellular matrix;MMP-2 is extensively expressed during development and is upregulated at sites of tissue damage,inflammation,and in stromal cells of metastatic tumors.MMP-7 is expressed in the epithelial cells and in a variety of cancers including colon tumors.Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels were assessed before and after minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer pathology.AIM To determine plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels before and after minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer pathology.METHODS Patients enrolled in a plasma bank for whom plasma was available were eligible.Plasma obtained from preoperative(Preop)and postoperative blood samples was used.Only colorectal cancer(CRC)patients who underwent elective minimally invasive cancer resection with preop,post-operative day(POD)1,3 and at least 1 late postop sample(POD 7-34)were included.Late samples were bundled into 7 d blocks(POD 7-13,14-20,etc.)and treated as single time points.Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in duplicate.RESULTS Total 88 minimally invasive CRC resection CRC patients were studied(right colectomy,37%;sigmoid,24%;and LAR/AR 18%).Cancer stages were:1,31%;2,30%;3,34%;and 4,5%.Mean Preop MMP-2 plasma level(ng/mL)was 179.3±40.9(n=88).Elevated mean levels were noted on POD1(214.3±51.2,n=87,P<0.001),POD3(258.0±63.9,n=80,P<0.001),POD7-13(229.9±62.3,n=65,P<0.001),POD 14-20(234.9±47.5,n=25,P<0.001),POD 21-27(237.0±63.5,n=17,P<0.001,)and POD 28-34(255.4±59.7,n=15,P<0.001).Mean Preop MMP-7 level was 3.9±1.9(n=88).No significant differences were noted on POD 1 or 3,however,significantly elevated levels were noted on POD 7-13(5.7±2.5,n=65,P<0.001),POD 14-20(5.9±2.5,n=25,P<0.001),POD 21-27(6.1±3.6,n=17,P=0.002)and on POD 28-34(6.8±3.3,n=15 P<0.001,)vs preop levels.CONCLUSION MMP-2 levels are elevated for 5 wk and MMP-7 levels elevated for weeks 2-6.The etiology of these changes in unclear,trauma and wound healing likely play a role.These changes may promote residual tumor growth and metastasis.

Modeling OH transport phenomena in cold plasma discharges using the level set method

Cold atmospheric plasmas(CAPs)have attracted considerable interest in the field of plasma medicine.Generated reactive species such as hydroxyl(OH)species play an important role in applications of CAPs.Transportation of OH species towards the target and distribution of these OH species in the plasma plume play an important role in the applications of plasma medicine.In the present work,a computational model was built to simulate the transportation and distribution of OH species in CAP discharges,which was based on the level set method to dynamically track the propagation of plasma carrier gas in air.A reaction term was incorporated for the OH species.The OH species tended to diffuse around the main stream of the carrier gas,and thus covered larger radial and axial distances.A CAP discharge onto a skin layer led to the largest accumulation of OH species at the central part of the exposed area.The distribution of OH species on the skin was asymmetric,which agreed with experiments.The computational model itself and the obtained results would be useful for future development of plasma medicine.

Plasma and wound fluid levels of eight proangiogenic proteins are elevated after colorectal resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal resection is associated with 3-5 wk long elevations in the plasma levels of at least 11 proangiogenic proteins that may stimulate tumor angiogenesis postsurgery.The increases during the first week after surgery may be related to the acute inflammatory response;the cause(s)of the week 2-5 increases is unknown.The wounds are a possible source because of the important role that angiogenesis plays in the healing process.The main hypothesis of the study is that wound fluid levels of the proteins studied will be elevated well beyond plasma levels which,in turn,are elevated from preoperative baseline levels.AIM To determine plasma and wound fluid levels of 8 proangiogenic proteins after colorectal resection for cancer and benign pathology.METHODS Blood and wound fluid samples were taken simultaneously on postoperative(postop)day 1,3,and later time points until wound drain removal in 35 colorectal cancer patients and 31 benign disease patients undergoing colorectal resection in whom closed wound drains had been placed in either the pelvis or the subcutaneous space of the abdominal incision.Postop plasma levels were compared to preop plasma and postop wound fluid levels(separate analyses for cancer and benign groups).RESULTS Sixty-six colorectal disease patients were studied(35 cancer,31 benign pathology).Most patients underwent minimally invasive surgery(open surgery in 11%of cancer and 6%of benign patients).The majority in the cancer group had rectal resections while in the benign group sigmoid or right colectomy predominated.Plasma levels of all 8 proteins were significantly elevated from baseline (P<0.05) at all post-operative time points in the cancer group and at 90% of time points(29/32) in the benign group.Wound levels of all 8 proteins were 3-106 times higher (P<0.05) than plasma levels at 87-90 percent of postop time points;of note,wound levels were more than 10 times higher at 47-50% of time points.CONCLUSION Plasma protein levels were elevated for 3 weeks after surgery;wound fluid levels were much greater than corresponding blood levels.Healing wounds may be the source of the plasma increases.

Increased plasma levels of Lp(a) enhance the development of coronary atherosclerosis

Objective To test the hypothesis that increased plasma levels of Lp(a)may enhance the development of atherosclerosis in the setting of hypercholesterolemia.Methods The plasma Lp(a)was analyzed by SDS-PAGE Western blotting and quantitated using specific ELISA kits.Plasma total cholesterol,triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were determined using Wako assay kits.The left coronary artery was used for the evaluation of coronary atherosclerosis(stenosis %).For quantitative study of the lesions in coronary atherosclerosis,hematoxylin-eosin and Elastica-van Gieson staining were used.To study cellular components(SMC vs.macrophages)and Lp(a)deposits in the lesions,immunohistochemical staining was performed and then image analysis system was used.Results Plasma total cholesterol,triglycerides,or HDL-C were not significantly different between transgenic(Trg)and nontransgenic(nonTrg)rabbits.Trg rabbits had 200% increase in coronary stenosis caused by atherosclerosis.The lesions of Trg WHHL rabbits contained more SMCs and less macrophage than those of nonTrg WHHL rabbits.Conclusions The results suggest that increased plasma levels of Lp(a)enhance the development of coronary atherosclerosis.

Plasma Levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes 1 and 2 and <i>AGTR</i>2 (T1247G and A5235G) Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated to Breast Cancer Progression

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Diagnosed and treated timely, patients may have good prognostics. In Brazil, in 2012, the estimate of new cases was 52,680 and the number of registered deaths in 2012 was 12,852. The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is known for its role in arterial hypertension and in other cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the key to Ang-(1-7) formation, and counterbalances the ACE1/AngII/AGTR1 axis actions. RAS components have complex interactions with different tissues and their actions are not restricted to the cardiovascular system. Recently, the RAS has been associated with different types of cancers and in particular with gynecological cancers. Objectives: Our aim is to investigate possible associations between allelic distribution of two genetic polymorphisms in the AGTR2 receptor with ACEs 1 and 2 plasma levels among women with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Patients with breast cancer were genotyped for two polymorphisms of the AGTR2 (T1247G and A5235G). Genotyping assays (TaqMan) were performed with genomic DNA extracted from blood cells. ACEs plasma level measurements were conducted in women from the breast-cancer group (N = 53). ACEs were measured in the plasma of these patients using ELISA kits. Results: SNPs genotype distribution is correlated with ACEs plasma levels. ACEs plasma levels are also correlated with clinical variables and ACE2 high levels are associated with better prognostics. Conclusions: Changes in circulating levels of ECA1/AngII ECA2/ Ang-(1-7) determine the magnitude of the inflammatory response that an individual can trigger and the variation in ACE 1 and 2 plasma level measurements in the blood of breast cancer patients suggests an association with the process of mammary carcinogenesis. Thus, the RAS may be associated with the process of mammary carcinogenesis by both genotypic variations of RAS components and by circulating levels of ACEs.

Correlation of Preoperative D-Dimer Levels and Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: The relationship of preoperative D-dimer and Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of D-dimer in the detection of early VTE after TKA and THA. Materials and Methods: A total of 312 patients were evaluated in this retrospective study from 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary care centre, Mumbai who were operated for THA and TKA. The measurement of plasma D-dimer level was done preoperatively and clinically symptomatic patients were evaluated and confirmed for VTE by Colour Doppler Sonography. The plasma D-dimer levels were correlated statistically with the sonographic VTE. Results: 11 patients developed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and 1 patient developed Pulmonary embolism (PE). Preoperative plasma D-dimer levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in patients who developed DVT postoperatively. Colour Doppler Sonography showed that 2 thrombi were seen in proximal veins (pelvic and femoral veins), and 2 thrombi were seen in distal veins (posterior tibial, peroneal, gastrocnemian veins) of the calf in THA patients, and all 8 thrombi were seen in the distal veins (posterior tibial, peroneal, gastrocnemian veins) of the calf in TKA patients. Conclusion: We infer that if the preoperative D-dimer levels were more than 0.5 mg/l, the chances of developing VTE postoperatively are more, which can be diagnosed clinically and further by other investigations. In this study, we have shown that doing preoperative D-dimer level can almost PREDICT the development of VTE and thus prevent complications.

Comparison of the level of thrombus precursor protein in blood plasma between patients with acute cerebral infarction and healthy persons at different time

BACKGROUND： Thrombus precursor protein （TpP） is the index of thrombus activity level, and it is also early referencing index in detecting thrombus diseases. OBJECTIVE： To dynamically observe the changes of TpP level in blood plasma of patients with acute cerebral infarction at different time after onset, and to compare the differences of plasma TpP level between patients with acute cerebral infarction and healthy persons who received health examination. DESIGN： Controlled observation SETTING： Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College PARTICIPANTS： Totally 58 patients with acute cerebral infarction who received the treatment in the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College between September 2004 and March 2005 were recruited in this study. They all met the diagnostic criteria revised by the 4^th National Conference of Cerebrovascular Disorders in 1995 and were diagnosed by clinical and skull CT and （or） MRI examinations. The patients included 33 male and 25 female aged from 36 to 87 years. Time to onset 〈 6 hours, 6 to 11 hours, 12 to 23 hours, 24 to 48 hours and 〉 48 hours were found in 10,11,14,10 and 13 patients respectively. Another 51 persons who homeochronously received the health body examination in our hospital were recruited, including 34 male and 17 female, aged 38 to 85 years, serving as control group. Patients with cardio-cerebrovascualr diseases or liver and kidney diseases were excluded. All the involved subjects were informed of the detected items. METHODS： About 4 mL venous blood was respectively taken from patients admitted to the hospital within 6 hours, 6 toll hours, 12 to 23 hours, 24 to 48 hours and more then 48 hours after onset, and healthy persons when receiving health examination. The level of TpP in blood plasma was measured with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： ① Comparison of the level of plasma TpP between patients and controls;② Comparison of the level of plasma TpP of patients with acute cerebral infarction at different time after onset. RESULTS： Totally 58 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 51 persons who received health examination participated in the result analysis. ①Comparison of plasma TpP level between patients and controls： The plasma TpP level of patients with acute cerebral infarction was significantly higher than that of control group [（16.12±3.28）vs （5.38±1.36） mg/L, t= 20.993, P〈 0.01 ]. ② Comparison of plasma TpP level of patients with acute cerebral infarction at different time after onset： The level of plasma TpP was （12.06±3.06） mg/L within 6 hours, （15.11±3.42） mg/L at 6 to 11 hours, （20.63±4.05） mg/L at 12 to 23 hours, （16.15±3.50） mg/L at 24 to 48 hours and （11.88±3.11） mg/L at more than 48 hours after onset. It increased from the 6^th hour, reached the peak at the 12^th to 23^rd hours, maintained at very high level at the 48= hour and then gradually decreased and recovered to the level within 6 hours after onset. The level of plasma TpP of patients with acute cerebral infarction was signiticantly higher at the 12^th to 23^rd hours after onset and the 24^th to 48^th hours after onset than within 6 hours after onset （t = 13.385, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： ①The level of plasma TpP of patients with acute cerebral infarction is significantly higher than that of persons who received health examination.② Plasma TpP levels of patients with acute cerebral infarction change in wave manner at the different time after onset.

2型糖尿病肾病患者血浆D二聚体水平的检测及临床意义分析

目的 评估血浆D二聚体水平的检测应用在2型糖尿病肾病患者中的作用和临床意义。方法 回顾性分析厦门市中医院在2021年1月—2022年1月期间收治的120例2型糖尿病肾病患者的全部病历资料,按照尿微量白蛋白排泄率(Urinary Albumin Ejection Rate, UACR)予以分组,分为正常蛋白尿组(n=40,UACR<20μg/min)、微量蛋白尿组(n=40,UACR在20~200μg/min之间)、大量尿蛋白组(n=40,UACR>200μg/min),每组40例。选取同期健康体检者40例作为对照组,全部均接受血浆D二聚体水平检查,分析效果与临床意义。结果 大量尿蛋白组的D二聚体高于微量蛋白尿组、正常蛋白尿组、对照组,且4组D二聚体水平对比,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。血浆D二聚体与2型糖尿病肾病患者蛋白尿水平呈正相关(r=0.253)。结论 2型糖尿病肾病患者蛋白尿水平越高,血浆D二聚体水平越高,血浆D二聚体可以作为检测糖尿病肾病患者疾病进展的重要参考指标。

水下等离子体声源放电特性和声特性实测与分析

在小型消声水池中,同步测量水下等离子体脉冲声源的放电特性和声特性,实验分析研究了其在单电极和多电极下负载注入峰值功率和放电能量对声特性的影响。结果表明,在相同的电极数和间距下,直达波脉冲声源级仅与负载注入峰值功率有关,气泡脉冲声源级和气泡周期则主要受放电能量影响,多电极放电通过减小单根电极放的电能量来减小气泡脉冲声源级和气泡周期。此外,在相同的充电电压下,减小充电电容对电极数的比,可以增大直达波脉冲声源级并压制气泡脉冲;负载注入峰值功率对放电能量的比对声特性的影响也呈现出类似规律。实测及其分析结果可为进一步优化水下等离子体脉冲声源的声特性提供参考。

等离子熔积成形混相瞬态场的Level-Set方法模拟

提出了一种二维等离子熔积成形瞬态模型,该模型描述了液/气界面的自由表面发展,并模拟了熔池内流体流动和传热.采用Level-Set方法处理液/气界面边界条件,考虑了熔体流动的主要驱动力———表面张力梯度、表面曲率、浮力以及工件表面的对流散热等因素.用固液相统一模型来描述固/液界面处的熔融和凝固过程,并开发了相应的软件,对高温合金K163在不同扫描速度下的熔积层表面形貌、温度场以及熔池内流场进行了模拟分析.

去脂血浆净化治疗急性高脂血症性胰腺炎的效果分析

目的:分析去脂血浆净化治疗急性高脂血症性胰腺炎的临床效果。方法:选取2020年1月—2022年9月东台市人民医院收治的急性高脂血症性胰腺炎患者85例,按照随机数字表法分为研究组和对照组,对照组(42例)使用血浆置换治疗,研究组(43例)则采用去脂血浆净化血液灌流治疗,比较两组临床疗效。结果:研究组治疗总有效率、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)水平和平均动脉压(MAP)均高于对照组,三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、淀粉酶(AMS)、降钙素原(PCT)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白介素-6(IL-6)水平均低于对照组,腹痛消失时间早于对照组,住院时间短于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:去脂血浆净化应用于血液灌流治疗急性高脂血症性胰腺炎效果显著,能够有效稳定患者血脂水平,同时改善其免疫功能。

Shi-pi-xiao-ji formula suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma by reducing cellular stiffness through upregulation of acetyl-coA acetyltransferase 1

BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the Shi-pi-xiao-ji(SPXJ)herbal decoction formula is effective in suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),but the underlying mechanisms are not known.Therefore,this study investigated whether the antitumor effects of the SPXJ formula in treating HCC were mediated by acetyl-coA acetyltransferase 1(ACAT1)-regulated cellular stiffness.Through a series of experiments,we concluded that SPXJ inhibits the progression of HCC by upregulating the expression level of ACAT1,lowering the level of cholesterol in the cell membrane,and altering the cellular stiffness,which provides a new idea for the research of traditional Chinese medicine against HCC.AIM To investigate the anti-tumor effects of the SPXJ formula on the malignant progression of HCC.METHODS HCC cells were cultured in vitro with SPXJ-containing serum prepared by injecting SPXJ formula into wild-type mice.The apoptotic rate and proliferative,invasive,and migratory abilities of control and SPXJ-treated HCC cells were compared.Atomic force microscopy was used to determine the cell surface morphology and the Young’s modulus values of the control and SPXJ-treated HCC cells.Plasma membrane cholesterol levels in HCC cells were detected using the Amplex Red cholesterol detection kit.ACAT1 protein levels were estimated using western blotting.RESULTS Compared with the vehicle group,SPXJ serum considerably reduced proliferation of HCC cells,increased stiffness and apoptosis of HCC cells,inhibited migration and invasion of HCC cells,decreased plasma membrane cholesterol levels,and upregulated ACAT1 protein levels.However,treatment of HCC cells with the water-soluble cholesterol promoted proliferation,migration,and invasion of HCC cells as well as decreased cell stiffness and plasma membrane cholesterol levels,but did not alter the apoptotic rate and ACAT1 protein expression levels compared with the vehicle control.CONCLUSION SPXJ formula inhibited proliferation,invasion,and migration of HCC cells by decreasing plasma membrane cholesterol levels and altering cellular stiffness through upregulation of ACAT1 protein expression.

加味补阳还五汤联合依达拉奉对急性脑梗死患者血浆溶血磷脂酸水平的影响

目的 探讨加味补阳还五汤联合依达拉奉对急性脑梗死患者血浆溶血磷脂酸水平的影响。方法 随机选取衡阳市中医医院于2021年3月—2023年3月收治的80例急性脑梗死患者为研究对象,依据不同治疗方法分为治疗组与对照组,每组40例,对照组采用依达拉奉治疗,治疗组采用加味补阳还五汤与依达拉奉联合治疗,比较两组的治疗效果。结果 治疗前,两组患者血浆溶血磷脂酸水平对比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后3、5、7、14 d,治疗组患者血浆溶血磷脂酸水平低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。治疗组治疗总有效率为92.50%,高于对照组的75.00%,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=4.501,P<0.05)。结论 急性脑梗死患者进行加味补阳还五汤联合依达拉奉治疗效果明显,能够有效降低血浆溶血磷脂酸水平,对抑制血小板聚集。

ARTP诱变灰葡萄孢霉筛选高产脱落酸菌株

目的:利用常压室温等离子体(Atmospheric Room Temperature Plasma,ARTP)技术对生产脱落菌的潜力宿主灰葡萄孢霉进行诱变,以获得遗传稳定性好的高产脱落酸的突变菌种。方法:利用酶解法去除灰葡萄孢霉细胞壁,从而获得灰葡萄孢霉原生质体。接着将灰葡萄孢霉原生质体在输出功率120 W,工作气流10 L/min,照射距离2 mm,照射时间120 s的条件下进行ARTP诱变处理。检测突变菌株的脱落酸产量,并对最佳突变菌株进行发酵优化。结果:与野生型相比,突变菌株的脱落酸生产能力有了不同程度的提高,其中突变菌株A4和A7的脱落酸生产能力显著提高,分别提高了26.3%和30.5%。进一步通过单因素实验,确定突变菌株A7的最佳发酵碳源和氮源成分为葡萄糖和黄豆粉,最佳接种量为8%。结论:采用ARTP诱变技术能够有效获得高产脱落酸的突变菌株,为脱落酸的工业化生产提供了有利支撑。

Alcohol,postprandial plasma glucose,and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To identify factors associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) after initial therapy.METHODS:A total of 377 HCC patients who were newly treated at Katsushika Medical Center,Japan from January 2000 to December 2009 and followed up for > 2 years,or died during follow-up,were enrolled.The factors related to survival were first analyzed in 377 patients with HCC tumor stage T1-T4 using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.A similar analysis was performed in 282 patients with tumor stage T1-T3.Additionally,factors associated with the period between initial and subsequent therapy were examined in 144 patients who did not show local recurrence.Finally,214 HCC stage T1-T3 patients who died during the observation period were classified into four groups according to their alcohol consumption and postprandial glucose levels,and differences in their causes of death were examined.RESULTS:On multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis,the following were significantly associated with survival:underlying liver disease stage [non-cirrhosis/Child-Pugh A vs B/C,hazard ratio(HR):0.603,95% CI:0.417-0.874,P = 0.0079],HCC stage(T1/T2 vs T3/T4,HR:0.447,95% CI:0.347-0.576,P < 0.0001),and mean postprandial plasma glucose after initial therapy(< 200 vs ≥ 200 mg/dL,HR:0.181,95% CI:0.067-0.488,P = 0.0008).In T1-T3 patients,uninterrupted alcohol consumption after initial therapy(no vs yes,HR:0.641,95% CI:0.469-0.877,P = 0.0055) was significant in addition to underlying liver disease stage(non-cirrhosis/Child-Pugh A vs B/C,HR:0649,95% CI:0.476-0.885,P = 0.0068),HCC stage(T1 vs T2/T3,HR:0.788,95% CI:0.653-0.945,P = 0.0108),and mean postprandial plasma glucose after initial therapy(< 200 mg/dL vs ≥ 200 mg/dL,HR:0.502,95% CI:0.337-0.747,P = 0.0005).In patients without local recurrence,time from initial to subsequent therapy for newly emerging HCC was significantly longer in the "postprandial glucose within 200 mg/dL group" than the "postprandial glucose > 200 mg/dL group"(log-rank test,P < 0.05),whereas there was no difference in the period between the "non-alcohol group"(patients who did not drink regularly or those who could reduce their daily consumption to < 20 g) and the "continuation group"(drinkers who continued to drink > 20 g daily).Of 214 T1-T3 patients who died during the observation period,death caused by other than HCC progression was significantly more frequent in "group AL"(patients in the continuation and postprandial glucose within 200 mg/dL groups) than "group N"(patients in the non-alcohol and postprandial glucose within 200 mg/dL groups)(P = 0.0016).CONCLUSION:This study found that abstinence from habitual alcohol consumption and intensive care for diabetes mellitus were related to improved prognosis in HCC patients.

Prediction and Analysis of Deposition Efficiency of Plasma Spray Coating Using Artificial Intelligence Method

Modern industrial technologies call for the development of novel materials with improved surface properties, lower costs and environmentally suitable processes. Plasma spray coating process has become a subject of intense research which attempts to create functional layers on the surface is obviously the most economical way to provide high per- formance to machinery and industrial equipments. The present work aims at developing and studying the industrial wastes (Flay-ash, Quartz and illmenite composite mixture) as the coating material, which is to be deposited on Mild Steel and Copper substrates. To study and evaluate Coating deposition efficiency, artificial neural network analysis (ANN) technique is used. By this quality control technique, it is sufficient to describe approximation complex of in- ter-relationships of operating parameters in atmospheric plasma spray process. ANN technique helps in saving time and resources for experimental trials. The aim of this work is to outline a procedure for selecting an appropriate input vec- tors in ANN coating efficiency models, based on statistical pre-processing of the experimental data set. This methodology can provide deep understanding of various co-relationships across multiple scales of length and time, which could be essential for improvement of product and process performance. The deposition efficiency of coatings has a strong dependence on input power level, particle size of the feed material, powder feed rate and torch to substrate distance. ANN experimental results indicate that the projection network has good generalization capability to optimize the deposition efficiency, when an appropriate size of training set and network is utilized.

Alterations in D-Dimer, Prothrombin Time and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time as Thrombogenesis Activity Markers in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity despite the identification of major risk factors and risk reduction strategies. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a relevant cardiovascular worldwide event for morbidity and mortality. In most cases, sudden cardiac death is triggered by ischemia-related ventricular tachyarrhythmia and accounts for 50% of deaths from cardiovascular disease in developed countries. This is a descriptive analytical case control study aimed to determine D-dimer, PT and PTT level and among patients with acute myocardial infarction conducted in Sudan cardiac center hospital. Thirty patients after MI and twenty normal controls have been studied. The MI patients also include co-exist disease diabetes and hypertension, they receive different anticoagulants therapy. The result demonstrates a significant increase post MI in the mean level of D-dimer (p = 0.00) whereas none significantly compares to control group. There are no differences between INR (0.393), PTT (0.648) and PT (0.393), parameters between cases and controls. In conclusion, our study reveals higher D-dimer level among patients than the control. In conclusion, serum D-dimer levels appear to be useful for diagnosing MI and may assist in the prediction of mortality among those patients which are presented with acute chest pain or known diagnosed with MI and should be done as indicator for thrombosis risk during therapy in post MI.