The focus of this work is the study of the extractive dividing wall column (EDWC) for separating the azeotropic mixture of dipropyl ether and 1-propyl alcohol with N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) as the entrainer. Three separation sequences are investigated, including a conventional extractive distillation sequence (CEDS), EDWC and a pressure swing distillation sequence (PSDS). The static simulation results showed that the EDWC with DMAC as the entrainer is more economically attractive than CEDS and PSDS. Subsequently, a control structure CS1 based on a three-temperature control loop and a control structure CS2 with the vapor split ratio as the manipulated variable are investigated for the EDWC. Their dynamic control performances are evaluated by facing large feed flow rates and composition disturbances. The results showed that the CS1 can deal with feed flow rate disturbance effectively. However, the transient deviation is large and the settling time is too long when facing feed flow composition disturbances. The CS2 can quickly and effectively deal with feed flow rate and composition disturbances, and it can maintain the two products at high purity.

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Sarsasapogenin-AA13 (AA13) is a novel synthetic derivative of sarsasapogenin extracted from the Chinese herb Rhizoma Anemarrhenae. In this study we investigated the effects of AA13 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory factors in macrophage cells and the anti-inflammatory activity of AA13 in an inflammatory model of dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema. Macrophage cells (RAW264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages) were exposed to LPS (1 μg/mL); pretreatment with AA13 (5-20 μmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, TNF-α and PGE, and LPS-stimulated expression levels of COX-2 and iNOS. Furthermore, pretreatment with AA13 dose-dependently suppressed LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, but had no effect on ERK in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, pretreatment with AA13 inhibited LPS-induced activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB in RAW264.7 cells. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AA13 was demonstrated in a mouse inflammatory model: pre-treatment with either AA13 (20 mg·kg·d, ig) or a positive control antifani (10 mg·kg·d, ig) for 3 d significantly relieved dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema. Our results demonstrate that AA13 effectively inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophage cells in vitro and relieve dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in vivo.

The present study indicated that the neuroprotective effect of AA13 might relate to its modulatory effects on microglia activation state, phagocytic ability, and expression of Aβ-degrading enzymes, which makes it a promising therapeutic agent in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

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Objective Percussion massage guns are commonly used by professional athletes and nonathletes worldwide for warmup and physical recovery; however, there are no published clinical or evidence-based reports on percussion guns regarding their benefits, indications, contraindications, and even side effects. The purpose of this case report is to describe the first case of rhabdomyolysis as a severe and potentially life-threatening illness following use of a percussion gun. Methods (Case Description) A young Chinese woman with untreated iron deficiency anemia presented with fatigue and pain in her thigh muscles for 3 days and tea-colored urine for 1 day, after cycling and subsequently receiving percussion gun treatment by her coach for the purpose of massage and relaxing tired muscles. Muscle tenderness and multiple hematomas were found on her thighs, and her urinalysis indicated hemoglobinuria. Her serum creatine kinase was reported as “undetectably high,” a hallmark of serious muscle damage leading to a diagnosis of severe rhabdomyolysis. Aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation, urine alkalinization via intravenous alkaline solution, assessment of urine output, and maintenance of electrolyte balance were administered during hospitalization. Results The patient’s clinical presentation gradually improved with the decline of creatine kinase, and she recovered well during follow-up. Conclusion A case of severe rhabdomyolysis after percussion massage should alert caregivers, sports professionals, and the public to suspect and recognize the potentially serious adverse effects of percussion guns and to ensure that percussion massage guns be used appropriately and safely in rehabilitation therapy, especially in individuals with an underlying disease or condition. Research is needed to examine the benefits, indications, contraindications, and adverse reactions of percussion guns.