Plasma levels of hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine correlate with the efficacy of antidepressant agents and serve as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers.

Objective: Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is associated with depressive-like behavior in rodents. We undertook cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of plasma levels of HS and its substrate homocysteine (Hcy) in depression and assessed the association of both parameters with psychopathology and cognitive function.

Methods: Forty-one patients suffering from depression (PSDs) and 48 healthy volunteers were recruited.

Cu(I)-catalyzed synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines from aminopyridines and nitroolefins using air as the oxidant.

A copper-catalyzed method for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aminopyridines and nitroolefins using air as oxidation agent in a one-pot procedure has been developed. In this process, the reaction appears to be very general and suitable for construction of a variety of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.

[Study on the solid state transformation of PET/nano-CaCO3 composites by variable temperature FTIR spectroscopy].

Solid state transformation of crude poly (ethylene terephthalate)(PET) and PET/nano-CaCO3 (MPET) composites were studied by variable temperature FTIR spectroscopy during the heating process from 40 to 250 degrees C. The effects of nanometer calcium carbonate(nano-CaCO3) on the solid state transformation and crystal correlation bands of MPET composites were analyzed by the curves of the ratio of 1 342 and 1 410 cm(-1) absorbency(A1 342/A1 410) with temperature increasing, and together with DSC curves in the same condition. The results showed that the crystallization degrees of crude PET and MPET are obviously different in this condition by adding nano-CaCO3 particles as inhomogeneous nucleating agents.

[Analysis on influence factors of dietary supplement used in population aged above 45 years in Beijing].

Objective: To explore influence factors of dietary supplement used in population aged above 45 years in Beijing.

Methods: Utilizing the data of the survey of dietary supplement (DS) used in Beijing in 2006 was to investigate the influence factors by using multi-factorial logistic regression analysis.

Results: All 2487 samples were included in the analysis.

[Finger reconstruction with extended free second toe flap transfer].

Objective: To investigate an ideal method for finger reconstruction with extended the second toe flap transfer.

Methods: The second toe free flap was created, combined with an pedicled skin flap from the fibular side of the great toe inlaid in the ventral side of the second toe, a double-wing flap and the distal part of the metatarsal bone. The composite free flap was transferred by vascular anastomosis for finger reconstruction.