Ocean University of China

About: Ocean University of China is a education organization based out in Qingdao, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Sea surface temperature. The organization has 27604 authors who have published 27886 publications receiving 440181 citations. The organization is also known as: Zhōngguó Hǎiyáng Dàxué & OUC.

Efficacy and safety of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies: systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Abstract: Objective Recently, several large randomised controlled trials about the treatments of cognitive impairment or dementia due to Parkinson9s disease (CIND-PD or PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) were completed. Here, we systematically reviewed the studies (including the recent reports) to provide updated evidence for the treatments of CIND-PD, PDD and DLB. Methods We searched Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group Specialised Register, Pubmed, Embase, and other sources for eligible trials. We selected global impression and cognitive function as primary efficacy outcomes, and dropouts and adverse events as safety outcomes. Furthermore, Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were used here. Results Ten trials were included in this study. Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine produced small global efficacy on clinicians’ global impression of change (CGIC), from a weighted mean difference of −0.40 (95% CI −0.77 to −0.03) to −0.65 (95% CI −1.28 to −0.01); however, cholinesterase inhibitors but not memantine significantly improved cognition on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), from 1.04 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.65) to 2.57 (95% CI 0.90 to 4.23). Additionally, both of them had good safety outcomes, although rivastigmine showed an increased risk on adverse events than placebo (risk ratio, RR 1.19, TSA adjusted 95% CI 1.04 to 1.36), these events were usually mild or moderate, and the risk disappeared on serious adverse events. Conclusions Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine slightly improve global impression; however, only cholinesterase inhibitors enhance cognitive function. Besides, all the drugs have good safety outcomes. But the limited trials precluded the generalisation of these outcomes.

Environmental processes and toxicity of metallic nanoparticles in aquatic systems as affected by natural organic matter

Abstract: The environmental processes of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely investigated in the literature where the importance of natural organic matter (NOM) was often highlighted. This review thoroughly summarized the emerging efforts in understanding interactions between MNPs and NOM. The main environmental processes influenced by NOM are adsorption, stabilization/aggregation, dissolution and surface transformation. Adsorption, competition and desorption irreversibility of NOM on the MNP surface were discussed with regard to NOM properties. For soluble MNPs, their dissolution was generally promoted after interacting with NOM although dissolution suppression was also reported. Besides dissolution, two main surface transformation processes including oxidation and sulfidation can occur on the MNP surface in the presence of NOM. The relationship between NOM-induced dispersion and other processes such as adsorption, dissolution and surface transformation was discussed. Due to the alteration of the above environmental processes, NOM can have an impact on the toxicity of MNPs on aquatic organisms. Therefore, the toxicity of MNPs in the presence of different types of NOM was addressed. It is concluded that NOM can alter MNP toxicity through changing suspension stabilization of MNPs, bioavailability of metal ions dissolved from MNPs, electrostatic interactions and steric repulsion between MNPs and organisms, and MNP-induced reactive oxygen species generation. However, the impact of MNP transformation induced by NOM on toxicity needs further investigations. Moreover, mesocosm studies and mathematical models are suggested to examine the environmental processes of MNPs in the presence of NOM in large-scale aquatic systems. Several key research challenges are provided at the end of this review.

Ocean barrier layers’ effect on tropical cyclone intensification

Abstract: Improving a tropical cyclone’s forecast and mitigating its destructive potential requires knowledge of various environmental factors that influence the cyclone’s path and intensity. Herein, using a combination of observations and model simulations, we systematically demonstrate that tropical cyclone intensification is significantly affected by salinity-induced barrier layers, which are “quasi-permanent” features in the upper tropical oceans. When tropical cyclones pass over regions with barrier layers, the increased stratification and stability within the layer reduce storm-induced vertical mixing and sea surface temperature cooling. This causes an increase in enthalpy flux from the ocean to the atmosphere and, consequently, an intensification of tropical cyclones. On average, the tropical cyclone intensification rate is nearly 50% higher over regions with barrier layers, compared to regions without. Our finding, which underscores the importance of observing not only the upper-ocean thermal structure but also the salinity structure in deep tropical barrier layer regions, may be a key to more skillful predictions of tropical cyclone intensities through improved ocean state estimates and simulations of barrier layer processes. As the hydrological cycle responds to global warming, any associated changes in the barrier layer distribution must be considered in projecting future tropical cyclone activity.