Anatomical variability of sub-epidermal moisture and its clinical implications

BackgroundTechnologies have been developed to monitor changes in dermal oedema, indicative of the early signs of pressure ulcers. However, there is limited information on the effects of regional differences in tissue morphology on these sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) parameters. This study was designed to investigate the absolute SEM readings across different anatomical sites using a commercial device.MethodsTwenty-four healthy participants were recruited to evaluate basal SEM values at different bony prominences, sampled by an experienced operator.ResultsDistinct differences were observed in unloaded SEM values across different anatomical sites, notably between the upper and lower extremities. A high degree of variability was observed in particular sites, such as the heels. Moreover, SEM values at certain locations revealed significant relationships with age, BMI and gender (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study revealed a high level of variability between and within anatomical sites in a healthy cohort of participants. Determining the changes in local skin and sub-dermal tissue status using SEM may require consideration of both site specific and individual demographic factors, with further research needed in cohorts at risk of pressure ulcers.     

3种测定鲜蒜中水分含量方法的比较

目的优选大蒜水分含量测定方法。方法采用《中国药典》、《美国药典》和《中国食品安全标准》中的3种水分含量测定方法测定鲜蒜中水分含量。结果《中国药典》法测定鲜蒜中水分,干燥后大蒜呈现浅黄色,含水量为58．9％;《美国药典》法测定鲜蒜中水分,干燥后大蒜呈现焦黄色,含水量为63．8％;《中国食品安全标准》法测定鲜蒜中水分,干燥后大蒜呈现浅黄色,含水量为61．4％。《中国食品安全标准》中减压干燥法测定鲜蒜中水分是最优方法,测定结果符合国家要求。结论减压干燥法可以作为大蒜水分含量测定的方法。     

面向手机应用的皮肤水分与人体脂肪测量系统的研制

将生理参数测量功能嵌入到手机等移动设备是移动健康的发展趋势。该文研究了皮肤水分和人体脂肪含量两种生理参数的测量方法,设计了可贴在手机表面的、方便嵌入手机的测量电极。数据处理方面,实验探索方便快速的测量方法,皮肤水份和全身体脂测量结果,与商用产品相比,均方误差小于4%,相关性高达0.9以上。此外,局部体脂测量表明,局部体脂含量与局部体阻抗间有接近线性的正相关关系。     

Investigation of Moisture Dissipation of Water-Foamed Asphalt and Its Influence on the Viscosity

Water-foamed asphalt is capable of improving the workability of asphalt mixture. It has been extensively used for its energy-saving and emission-reducing features. Water plays an essential part in improving the workability of water-foamed asphalt mixture. However, there is still lack in profound studies of moisture dissipation of the water-foamed asphalt over time and its influence on workability. In this study, the evolutions of residual water content and rotational viscosity of the water-foamed asphalt with time were respectively measured by the analytical balance and modified rotational viscometer (RV). The atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was conducted to discuss the mechanism of viscosity reduction of water-foamed asphalt. The results showed that moisture evaporation is significantly influenced by the foaming water content and ambient temperature, which results in the different stabilizing time of water-foamed asphalt. When water-foamed asphalt was stabilized, the residual water inside the asphalt was less than 0.01% relative to the asphalt mass. The AFM analysis showed that the foaming process changed the distribution of wax in the water-foamed asphalt resulting in reduction of viscosity. The viscosity reduction of asphalt is highly related to the initial foaming water content. After the foaming process, the viscosity keeps stable and is independent of moisture dissipation.     

Relationship between Moisture Transportation,Efflorescence and Structure Degradation in Fly Ash/Slag Geopolymer

The relationship between moisture transportation and efflorescence in sodium hydroxide- or sodium silicate-activated fly ash/slag geopolymers was investigated. The results show that the efflorescence products are sodium carbonate hydrates, mainly composed of natron, heptahydrate, trona and sodium carbonate. The efflorescence induces compressive strength loss, water absorption increases and pore structure degradation in the geopolymer. When the curved surface of a geopolymer cylinder is covered with plastic film, the moisture transportation drives the free alkalis to the top surface to initiate efflorescence. In comparison, the efflorescence occurring on the curved surface of an uncovered geopolymer cylinder results in a more intensive alkalinity loss. For the uncovered geopolymers prepared with sodium hydroxide activator, efflorescence deposits are formed on the lower half of cylinder. A low capillary absorption capacity developed in the pore structure can only drive the moisture to the middle of cylinder, which is confronted with the drying front. More efflorescence products are formed on the upper half of the uncovered geopolymer cylinder prepared with sodium silicate activator. A relatively higher capillary absorption capacity, developed in the more compact pore structure, transports the moisture from the bottom to the top of cylinder, so no drying line is observed in the cylinder.     

朝鲜龙胆的生药学研究

目的 对中药朝鲜龙胆进行生药学研究,为其品质评价提供理论依据.方法 依据《中华人民共和国药典》中龙胆的研究方法对朝鲜龙胆进行性状鉴定、显微鉴定;同时测定其水分、灰分、浸出物;采用高效液相色谱法对其主要化学成分龙胆苦苷进行含量测定.结果 2个不同产区的朝鲜龙胆根中含水量分别为6.50%及6.42%;水溶性浸出物的含量分别为53.43%及40.84%;灰分含量分别为3.55%及4.10%;龙胆苦苷的含量分别为4.20%及5.40%.结论 朝鲜龙胆中龙胆苦苷的含量较高,水溶性浸出物的量亦较高,可作为龙胆新资源开发利用.     

黄竹清脑颗粒对痰热腑实证脑出血大鼠IL-6、Na^＋-K^＋-ATP酶活性及脑含水量的影响

目的：探讨黄竹清脑颗粒对痰热腑实型脑出血大鼠模型血清中IL-6、Na^＋-K^＋-ATP酶的活性及脑含水量的影响。方法：采用脑内注射胶原酶I-肝素混合液配合大鼠自体粪便灌胃的方法建立大鼠脑出血痰热腑实证模型,将SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、黄竹清脑颗粒大、中、小剂量组、二陈汤提取液组、鲜竹沥口服液组、痰热腑实证模型组,分别采用放免法及光化学比色法测定各组大鼠血清中IL-6、脑组织匀浆中Na^＋-K^＋-ATP酶的活性及脑组织含水量的变化。结果：（1）模型组与空白组相比,血清中IL-6水平及脑组织含水量明显升高（P〈0．01）,脑组织中Na^＋-K^＋-ATP酶明显降低（P〈0．01）;（2）黄竹清脑颗粒大、中剂量组疗效均明显优于二陈汤组、鲜竹沥组及黄竹清脑颗粒小剂量组。结论：黄竹清脑颗粒可显著提高脑组织中Na^＋-K^＋-ATP酶的活性,降低血清中IL-6的含量,具有减轻细胞内水肿、抑制炎性反应,保护脑神经细胞的作用;并对痰热腑实型脑出血有明显的改善作用。     

Chemical Composition and Related Properties of Lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) Bark and Wood as Affected by Tree Growth Conditions

Tilia cordata Mill. is a favourite tree used in urban spaces. For this reason, it is important to know its sensitivity to environmental stress, which is particularly burdensome for vegetation in urban spaces. The aim of the study was to investigate the properties necessary to control the growth of these trees and their subsequent use, i.e., chemical properties (percentage contents of cellulose, holocellulose, lignin, pentosans and substances soluble in NaOH and EtOH) as well as the chemical elements (K, Na, Mg, Ca and Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, B, Ni, Cr, Al, As and Hg) and selected hygroscopic properties (hysteresis and sorption isotherms). Trees of Tilia cordata Mill. growing in environments exposed to environmental stress of varying severity were examined. Regardless of the growth conditions, in terms of its chemical composition, bark differs significantly from wood, showing twice the contents of soluble substances in NaOH and lignin and half the content of polysaccharides. Growth conditions clearly affect the range of selected chemical components in bark, e.g., substances soluble in ethanol, cellulose, or lignin. The main inorganic elements in bark and wood are Na, K, Ca, Mg and Zn. In bark, a relationship was found between the content of most chemical elements and differing environmental growth conditions. It was shown that environmental stress influenced the hygroscopic properties of wood and bark, which are a consequence of the percentage of chemical components.     

Respiratory and allergic health effects of dampness, mold, and dampness-related agents: a review of the epidemiologic evidence

Objectives

Many studies have shown consistent associations between evident indoor dampness or mold and respiratory or allergic health effects, but causal links remain unclear. Findings on measured microbiologic factors have received little review. We conducted an updated, comprehensive review on these topics.

Data sources

We reviewed eligible peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies or quantitative meta-analyses, up to late 2009, on dampness, mold, or other microbiologic agents and respiratory or allergic effects.

Data extraction

We evaluated evidence for causation or association between qualitative/subjective assessments of dampness or mold (considered together) and specific health outcomes. We separately considered evidence for associations between specific quantitative measurements of microbiologic factors and each health outcome.

Data synthesis

Evidence from epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses showed indoor dampness or mold to be associated consistently with increased asthma development and exacerbation, current and ever diagnosis of asthma, dyspnea, wheeze, cough, respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and upper respiratory tract symptoms. Associations were found in allergic and nonallergic individuals. Evidence strongly suggested causation of asthma exacerbation in children. Suggestive evidence was available for only a few specific measured microbiologic factors and was in part equivocal, suggesting both adverse and protective associations with health.

Conclusions

Evident dampness or mold had consistent positive associations with multiple allergic and respiratory effects. Measured microbiologic agents in dust had limited suggestive associations, including both positive and negative associations for some agents. Thus, prevention and remediation of indoor dampness and mold are likely to reduce health risks, but current evidence does not support measuring specific indoor microbiologic factors to guide health-protective actions.     

复方止痛湿敷剂的制备及疗效观察

目的 对复方止痛湿敷剂的制备与质量控制进行研究并进行临床疗效观察。方法 对主要成份大黄素、大黄酸、三七总皂苷等进行定性鉴别;进行动物皮肤刺激皮肤过敏试验;设立对照组进行临床疗效观察。结果 本制剂质量稳定,主要有效成份的鉴别特征性强,对皮肤刺激性小,临床疗效佳。结论 此制剂对急慢性扭伤、关节炎等引起的疼痛疗效良好。