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Monitoring the quality of marine water is crucial for ensuring the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. The conventional monitoring approach involves manual sampling using a water sampler, followed by packaging the water samples in plastic bottles and transporting them to a terrestrial laboratory for analysis. However, this method is time consuming, labor intensive, and cannot provide real-time data for addressing unforeseen circumstances. In response to these challenges, an advanced shipborne integrated platform for water quality inspection (ASIPWQI) has been proposed and implemented. This system automates the collection of multi-layer seawater samples in the vertical profile, conducts online measurements of monitoring elements, and provides real-time measurement data. In multiple sea trials, ASIPWQI successfully conducted onsite collection and measurement of a significant number of samples, meeting the water quality monitoring requirements in China’s nearshore waters. Comparative analysis of the laboratory measurement results for nutrients, heavy metals, and total phosphorus and nitrogen in water samples collected using automatic and manual methods revealed no significant differences between the two sampling approaches and demonstrated strong correlation. Further analysis using practical relative error (PRE) statistical methods showed that the data rate of most monitoring elements with relative errors less than 10% was higher than 70%, with nitrite, silicate, and phosphate even exceeding 90%. This indicate that ASIPWQI has excellent stability and applicability, offering a viable alternative to traditional manual sampling and laboratory testing. This innovation makes water quality monitoring significantly more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s) The prognostic value of systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer were explored by several studies. We want to know more about inflammatory biomarkers in colorectal adenoma and early cancer. Method The level of 38 inflammatory markers in the plasma of 112 adenoma patients, 72 Tis-T1 staging of colorectal carcinoma patients, 34 T2–T4 staging of colorectal carcinoma patients and 53 normal subjects were detected and compared. Result(s) Eight inflammatory biomarkers (Eotaxin, GCSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17E, MCP-1, TNF-α and VEGF-A) have higher plasma concentrations in colorectal adenoma and cancer patients compared with normal participants over 50 years old. Conclusion(s) Inflammatory markers may have the prognostic value for colorectal adenoma and early-stage carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the development of flexible silica aerogels (FSAs) has been ongoing due to their excellent thermal insulation, low density, and high elasticity. However, the physical properties of FSAs, such as density, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and surface wettability, are highly dependent on the preparation conditions. To achieve the desired properties of FSAs for various applications, it is necessary to develop a method to fine-tune their physical properties. In this paper, two modifiers of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS)/trimethylethoxysilane (TMES) were employed to fine-tune the bulk density of a series of flexible silica aerogels (FSAs), reflecting a series of FSAs with fine-tunable physical properties. First, the precursor was synthesized by a click reaction between vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and 2,2′ (ethylenedioxy) diethanethiol (EDDET). The VTMS, EDDET, and the as-prepared precursor were characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Subsequently, the precursor was converted into a series of FSAs (denoted by FSA, FSA-M, and FSA-T) through conventional sol-gel reactions with/without MTMS/TMES. Chemical structures of synthesized FSAs were confirmed by 13C and 29Si solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The porous structure of FSAs was identified by BET and SEM, respectively. Physical properties, such as thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and surface wettability of FSAs were determined by a Hot Disk, durometer/DMA in compression mode, and contact angle measurements, respectively. This study found FSAs containing none, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% of MTMS increase the density of FSAs from 0.419 g/cm3 (FSA), 0.423 g/cm3 (FSA-M1), 0.448 g/cm3 (FSA-M5), and 0.456 g/cm3 (FSA-M10). It should be noted that the thermal conductivity, surface hardness, bulk mechanical strength, and hydrophobicity of FSA-Ms of increasing MTMS loading were all found to show a rising trend, while FSA-Ts exhibited lower density. FSA-T10 exhibited lower thermal conductivity, surface hardness, and bulk mechanical strength as compared to FSA. However, it was found to show higher hydrophobicity as compared to that of FSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We compared endoscopic "calabash" ligation and resection (ECLR) and endoscopic submucosal excision (ESE) in treating endophytic gastric stromal tumors (GSTs) ≤15 mm in diameter originating from the muscularis propria. Methods: We performed a retrospective study and included patients who visited our hospital for removal of small endophytic GSTs (diameter ≤ 15 mm) confirmed by postoperative pathological reports between February 2019 and December 2020. Patients were assigned to the study (received ECLR) or control (accepted ESE) groups, and their medical records were reviewed. Age, sex, GST size, resection outcomes, procedure measurements, lengths of hospital stays, medical expenses, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow‐up outcomes were documented and compared between the two groups. Propensity score matching was used to avoid retrospective biases. Results: A total of 277 patients were included in the analysis, with 135 in the study group and 142 in the control group. After propensity score matching, 119 cases in each group were finally included in the study. Compared to the control group, the study group had significantly shorter procedure durations and lengths of hospital stays, as well as reduced medical expenses. Compared to the control group, the study group also had significantly lower incidence rates of intraoperative stomach perforation, postoperative intraperitoneal infection, and postoperative electrocoagulation syndrome, as well as a lower intensity of postoperative pain. There were no significant differences in the other measurements between the two groups. Conclusion: ECLR is an effective and safe procedure for treating patients with endophytic GSTs ≤15 mm in diameter originating from the muscularis propria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the successful removal of gallbladder stones using a minimally invasive procedure called single-operator peroral cholangioscopy (SOC). The case study involves a 28-year-old woman with recurrent abdominal pain caused by gallbladder stones. The stones were removed under direct visualization using a retrieval basket and other techniques. The article highlights the potential of SOC in managing gallbladder diseases and emphasizes the shift towards less invasive procedures for gallstone removal. The study was conducted ethically and with the patient's informed consent. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is the main cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. Compared with conventional microbiological tests (CMT), metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can quickly and simultaneously detect a wide array of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in an unbiased manner. It is increasingly used for severe respiratory infectious diseases, especially for immunocompromised patients. However, the effects of mNGS-based antimicrobial treatment procedures on clinical outcomes in immunocompromised patients with SCAP have not been evaluated. Methods/Design: The MATESHIP study is a prospective, multicenter, parallelgroup, open-label, randomized controlled trial from 20 ICUs in university hospitals and academic teaching hospitals across Shandong Province, China. We will enroll 342 immunocompromised patients with early onset SCAP who are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Participants will be randomly allocated to an mNGS-guided treatment group or a conventional treatment group (guided by CMT), according to centrally computer-based block randomization stratified by participating centers. Participants will undergo CMT tests using appropriate lower respiratory tract (LRT) and other necessary specimens, with or without mNGS tests using LRT specimens. The primary outcomes will be: (1) The relative change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score from randomization to day 5, day 7, day 10, or the day of ICU discharge/death; and (2) the consumption of antimicrobial agents during ICU stay (expressed as defined daily doses). The secondary outcome measures will be: days from randomization to initiation of definitive antimicrobial treatment; overall antimicrobial agent use and cost; total cost of hospitalization; length of ICU stay; 28- and 90-day mortality; and clinical cure rate. This study hypothesizes that mNGS-guided treatment will decrease the degree of organ dysfunction/failure, the consumption of antimicrobial agents, and mortality, while the cure rate will be increased, and the time to initiation of appropriate therapy will be advanced. Discussion: The MATESHIP study will evaluate for the first time whether mNGS-guided antimicrobial therapy improves the outcomes of SCAP in an immunocompromised population, and provide high-level evidence on the application of mNGS in the management of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized and investigated the boron-doped and boron/nitrogen co-doped large single-crystal diamonds grown under high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions (5.9 GPa and 1290 °C). The optical and electrical properties and surface characterization of the synthetic diamonds were observed and studied. Incorporation of nitrogen significantly changed the growth trace on surface of boron-containing diamonds. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements showed good evident that nitrogen atoms successfully incorporate into the boron-rich diamond lattice and bond with carbon atoms. Raman spectra showed differences on the as-grown surfaces and interior between boron-doped and boron/nitrogen co-doped diamonds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements indicated that the nitrogen incorporation significantly decreases the boron acceptor concentration in diamonds. Hall measurements at room temperature showed that the carriers concentration of the co-doped diamonds decreases, and the mobility increases obviously. The highest hole mobility of sample BNDD-1 reached 980 cm2⋅V−1⋅s−1, possible reasons were discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A low appropriate therapy rate indicates that a minority of patients will benefit from their implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Quantitative measurements from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) may predict ventricular arrhythmia (VA) occurrence after ICD placement.Methods: We performed a prospective observational study and recruited patients who required ICD placement. Pre-procedure image scans were performed. Patients were followed up for VA occurrence. Associations between image results and VA were analyzed.Results: In 51 patients (33 males, 53.9 ± 17.2 years) analyzed, 17 (33.3%) developed VA. Compared with patients without VA, patients with VA had significantly larger values in scar area (17.7 ± 12.4% vs. 7.0 ± 7.9%), phase standard deviation (51.4° ± 14.0° vs. 34.0° ± 15.0°), bandwidth (172.9° ± 39.8° vs. 128.7° ± 49.9°), sum thickening score (STS, 29.5 ± 11.1 vs. 17.8 ± 13.2), and sum motion score (42.9 ± 11.5 vs. 33.0 ± 19.0). Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that scar size, dyssynchrony, and STS were associated with VA occurrence (HR, 4.956, 95% CI 1.70-14.46).Conclusion: Larger left ventricular scar burden, increased dyssynchrony, and higher STS quantified by 18F-FDG PET may indicate a higher VA incidence after ICD placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] To explore the protective effect of Sanguis Draconis flavones (SDF) on rat focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) models established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). [Methods] A total of 60 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. They were evenly and randomly divided into sham group, model group, edaravone group (12 mg/kg) and SDF group (360 mg/kg), and administered intragastrically and intraperitoneally. The middle cerebral artery of each rat was blocked by suture-occluded method to establish a CIRI model. After ischemia for 2 h and reperfusion for 48 h, the pathological injury on the ischemic side was observed by HE staining; the neuron and myelin sheath structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy; the expression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was preserved by immunohistochemistry; and the transfer of GRK2 was detected by western-blot. [Results] After 48 h of CIRI, the nuclei of the penumbral cortical neurons shrank, the chromatin was unevenly distributed, the nuclear membrane was dis-solved and the mitochondria in the cytoplasm were swollen and vacuolated. The myelin layer was disordered. With this change, the distribution of GRK2 subcellular cells in the penumbra of the injured lateral cortex transferred from the cytoplasm to the membrane. SDF can effectively restore neuronal and myelin sheath structural damage and reduce the functional (membrane coupling) expression of GRK2. [Conclusions] GRK2 may be an effective target for SDF to protect the impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) in CIRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five trace elements including Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr and As were investigated in surface water from ten typical sampling sites in Honghu Lake. The consequence indicated that all of the detected trace element levels were within the allowed standard of China’s safe water guideline. The hazard quotients (HQ) and the hazard index (HI) value levels of all the five heavy metals in all sampling sites did not exceed the acceptable risk limits of non-carcinogenic value through the selected assessment method. Pearson’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Zn and Cu mainly originated from the natural alluviation and non-point agricultural sources, whereas Cr and As were mainly derived from industrial effluents. Moreover, Cd mainly originated from both non-point agricultural and industrial pollution sources. In addition, cluster analysis (CA) implied that cluster 1 (including S3, S5, S6 and S10) was considered the set of high pollution sites and cluster 2 (including S4 and S9) was identified as the set of moderate pollution sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain and abnormalities in defecation associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety due to the dysfunction of brain-gut axis. This study aims to determine whether trans-Resveratrol affects chronic-acute combined stress (CACS)-induced IBS-like symptoms including depression, anxiety and intestinal dysfunction. Methods: ICR male mice were exposed to the CACS for 3 weeks. trans-Resveratrol were administrated daily (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.g.) 30min before CACS. Behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the treatment effects of trans-Resveratrol on IBS. Hippocampus tissues were collected and processed Golgi staining and immuno-blot analysis. Ileum and colon tissues were collected and processed Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and immuno-blot analysis. Results: Administration with trans-Resveratrol before CACS for 3 weeks significantly reversed CACS-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and intestinal dysfunction in mice, which implied a crucial role of trans-Resveratrol in treatment of IBS-like disorder. Furthermore, trans-Resveratrol improved hippocampal neuronal remodeling, protected ileal and colonic epithelial barrier structure against CACS insults. The further study suggested that trans-Resveratrol normalized phosphodiesterases 4A (PDE4A) expression and CREB-BDNF signaling that were disturbed by CACS. The increased pCREB and BDNF expression in the hippocampus were found, while decreased pCREB and BDNF levels were observed after treatment with trans-Resveratrol. Conclusions: The dual effects of trans-Resveratrol on stress-induced psychiatric and intestinal dysfunction may be related to normalization of PDE4A expression and subsequent pCREB-BDNF signaling in the hippocampus, ileum and colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metro Construction monitoring plays an indispensable role in the process of subway construction. This paper combines engineering examples of Zhuanyang Avenue to Sports Center South Station in Wuhan Metro Line 3, and the construction monitoring of the shield tunnel is deeply analyzed. According to the engineering characteristics of Zhuanyang Avenue to Sports Center South Station of Subway, the corresponding scheme of construction monitoring is put forward, and the monitoring data is analyzed in detail. Comparing the actual test data of ground settlement with the Peck formula, it can be known that there are some differences between the two curves, but it can well predict the area and the shape of soil section. In addition, the maximum deformation of the left line interval convergence is 3.31mm on the 32th ring. The maximum displacement at the bottom of the arch is raised up to 1.10mm on the 5th ring. The maximum displacement of vault settlement is 0.71mm on the 25th ring and 32th ring. The results have some guidance for the future subway construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effectiveness of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been increasingly reported. However, studies addressing the safety and application value of ESD in elderly patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) were still lacking. This meta-analysis was intended to evaluate the feasibility and safety of ESD in elderly patients with EGC. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Studies were screened out if data of elderly and non-elderly gastric cancer patients were reported separately. The qualities of included studies were assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The pooled odd ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Review Manager 5.2 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Results: Nine studies (eight in Japan, one in China), including a total of 30,100 lesions, met the inclusion criteria. The "en bloc" and histological complete resection rates of the elderly and non-elderly groups were similar [OR, 0.98, 95 % CI, 0.56 to 1.71; P = 0.93 and OR, 0.79, 95 % CI, 0.58 to 1.07; P = 0.13, respectively]. As for procedure-related complications, similar perforation rates [OR, 1.19, 95 % CI, 0.94 to 1.51; P = 0.15], and bleeding rates [OR, 1.13, 95 % CI, 0.83 to 1.56); P = 0.43] between the elderly and non-elderly groups were observed. Whereas, the elderly patients had a higher procedure-related pneumonia rate compared with non-elderly ones [OR, 2.18, 95 % CI, 1.55 to 3.08; P < 0.01]. Conclusions: The ESD procedure appears to be a safe technique in elderly patients with EGC while appropriate approach should be taken to avoid procedure-related pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adsorption of a water molecule on the surface of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS, (HSiO), n = 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) with cage structures was studied using the density functional tight-binding method with the inclusion of an empirical dispersion term in total energy. The results revealed that water molecule is favor to adsorb on the ring surfaces which are formed by Si-O-Si bonds of various cage structures. With the increase of the ring size in the same cage, both the adsorption energy and charge transfer increase, while the hydrogen bond length decreases. For all the cage structures, the presence of a single water molecule causes only negligible charge transfer (no more than 0.01 e) from the cages to the water molecule, indicating that the adsorption of a single water molecule has no significant effects on the electronic properties of POSS. Comparing to the large energy gaps (about 8.27-8.63 eV) between the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, the water adsorption can only cause slight reductions (within 0.15 eV) in the energy gap. Hence, the energy gap of the systems are primarily determined by the characteristics of POSS, instead of the energy transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this paper is to argue for the necessity and possibility of teaching English for medical purpose (EMP) in our university. Methods Students' language aptitudes and learning needs for medical English were investigated by questionnaires, the data about students' achievements on CET-4 and their enrollment on EMP courses were collected, and all data were statistically analyzed. Results 76.84% students on our campus have good language aptitude and 68.5% students have strong desire for EMP. Their CET-4 achievements are improving (the average score for Grade 2011 is 456.09 and 461.53 for Grade 2012, while the accumulative pass rates of CET-4 are 39.28% for Grade 2011 and 45.09% for Grade 2012), which provide a sound foundation for EMP courses. The actual EMP course enrollment is satisfactory. Conclusion It is necessary to reform the present curriculum into the one including EMP courses so that students can maintain their interests in English learning and gain greater benefit for their future careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and its related regulators in biliary atresia (BA) livers and exlpore their relationships with the inflammation pathway in BA livers.Method: The iNOS expression in livers of 38 cases of BA children, 15 cases of neonatal cholestasis (NC) children, and 18 cases of normal control were, respectively, examined and total nitric oxide (NO) metabolites concentration of all samples were calculated by a colorimetric method based on Griess reaction. The TdT-mediated dupt biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to label the apoptotic bile duct epithelial cells and hepatocytes. The western blotting and immunohistochemistry methods to semi-quantitatively analyze the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) expression of each group were also used.Results: The iNOS expression intensity and total NO metabolites concentration of BA group (0.30 +/- 0.08, 90.40 +/- 12.46 micromol/L) were significantly higher than those of NC and normal control groups, P < 0.01. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the serum AST level (152.76 +/- 29.59 U/L) and total NO metabolites concentration in BA group. Compared with the NC (32.47 +/- 5.55) and normal control (20.72 +/- 5.63) groups, a significantly higher apoptosis rate of intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells was found in BA group (54.00 +/- 11.67) that tightly correlated with the iNOS intensity (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). The NF-kappaB intensity of BA group was also significantly higher than that of NC and normal control groups and had a strong positive correlation with the iNOS intensity (r = 0.97, P < 0.01).Conclusion: The abnormal hyper-expression of iNOS may play an important role in mediating the inflammation procedure in BA livers. This change perhaps has some relationship with the high expression of NF-kappaB and NO. These regulators can up-regulate the apoptosis of bile duct epithelial cells in BA livers and cause the damage to liver tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using oral mucosal grafts for urethroplasty in the treatment of complex segmented urethral strictures. Between January 2002 and January 2008, 25 cases of long or multi-segmented urethral strictures (10–18 cm, mean 11.72) were treated using combined two oral mucosal graft urethroplasty. Of the 25 patients, combined double buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty was performed in nine patients, double lingual mucosal graft (LMG) urethroplasty in seven patients and combined lingual and buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in nine patients. Follow-up was obtained for 6–72 months (mean 26.83) post-operatively. Urethrocutaneous fistulas developed in two patients. Urethral strictures developed in one patient undergoing BMG urethroplasty; the patient underwent five urethral dilations, after which he voided well with a urinary peak flow of 26.4 ml/s. Meatal stenosis developed in one patient undergoing LMG and a second operation was required, after which the patient voided well (urinary peak flow of 28.7 ml/s). The other patients voided well and urinary peak flow rates ranged from 16.8 to 49.2 ml/s (mean 28.65 ml/s). Combined two oral mucosal grafts substitution urethroplasty is an effective technique for the treatment of long, segmented urethral strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether rectal administration of muscovite can ameliorate colonic inflammation in a rat model of experimental colitis, and its possible mechanism. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis were treated with rectal administration of muscovite or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) daily for 14 days. The changes in body weight, macroscopic damage and histologic scores were subsequently evaluated. Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), mucin2 (MUC2) and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in the colonic tissues was assessed by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) while protein levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. Mucin2 expression in colonic mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry. The capacity of muscovite to adsorb cytokines in vitro was determined by the changes in the amount of TNF-α, IL-1β secreted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 cells and IL-8 secreted by LPS-stimulated HT-29 cells. Results: Rectal administration of muscovite improved the loss of body weight, macroscopic and histologic scores of TNBS-induced colitis in a dose-dependent manner. Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-1β was reduced by muscovite and 5-ASA treatment. Reduction of MUC2 expression in colitis rats was reversed by muscovite and 5-ASA treatment. However, the expression of TFF3 mRNA in colonic mucosa was not affected. In addition, we found muscovite inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β secreted by THP-1 and IL-8 secreted by HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated for the first time that rectal administration of muscovite can ameliorate colonic inflammation of TNBS-induced colitis. Further confirmatory studies are needed to prove that muscovite might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect whether muscovite exerts its protective role in the progression of atrophic gastritis (AG) and evaluate the possible mechanism. Methods: AG rats were established and then randomly divided into groups administrated with different doses of muscovite for 8 weeks. Histological changes in gastric antrum and the number of parietal cells, chief cells, and G/D cells were observed. Serum gastrin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), C-erbB-2, p21, p53, p16 and bcl-2 in gastric tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β secreted by THP-1 cells were detected when incubated with different doses of muscovite. Results: The grade of inflammation in muscovite groups was lower (p < 0.05), while the thickness and number of gastric glands were significantly elevated in muscovite groups (p < 0.01). The expression height of PCNA in the muscovite group was higher than in the AG group (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry results showed a positive expression rate of EGFR; p16 in muscovite-treated AG rats was increased (p < 0.05), while C-erbB-2 and p21 were decreased (p < 0.05). Serum gastrin and PGE2 were significantly elevated in the high-dose muscovite-treated rats (p < 0.05). In vitro studies showed that muscovite had a dose-dependent adsorption of TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusion: Muscovite could reverse gastric gland atrophy and intestinal metaplasia by promoting cell proliferation and revitalization in gastric mucosa in AG rats. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this paper is to present an intensity based algorithm for aligning 2D endoscopic images with virtual images generated from pre-operative 3D data. The proposed algorithm uses photo-consistency as the measurement of similarity between images, provided the illumination is independent from the viewing direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the functional and molecular mechanisms by which sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8S) regulates calcium mobilization in gastric antral smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of rats. Methods: Isotonic contraction of antral strips was recorded using a polyphysiograph. Immunoprecipitation was used to determine the regulatory effect of protein kinase C (PKC) on regulating the phosphorylation of the type III inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (InsP3R3) in gastric SMCs. Alterations in the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) concentration were assayed using fura-2/AM-loaded microspectrofluorometry, and the L-type calcium current (ICa-L) was recorded by patch-clamp techniques. Results: CCK-8S (5 × 10–8 mol/l) significantly increased the mean contractile amplitude of circular muscle by 61.85 ± 12.67% and the frequency of longitudinal muscle by 57.91 ± 15.70% in gastric antral strips, which were suppressed by dexloxiglumide or thapsigargin (TG) and BAPTA-AM (BA). Treatment withchelerythrine (5 × 10–8 mmol/l) significantly inhibited the CCK-8S-increased phosphorylation of InsP3R3 in SMCs. The amplitudes of the CCK-8S-triggered [Ca2+]i concentration oscillations were reduced in a dose-dependent manner when the SMCs were pretreated with increasing concentrations of PMA (from 10–8 to 10–5 mol/l). On removal of extracellular calcium or blocking ICa-L by nifedipine, a smaller but significant rise in the [Ca2+]i concentration was still elicited by CCK-8S. When [Ca2+]i was depleted by the administration of 10–5 mol/l TG and 10–5 mol/l BA or blocked by the calcium-dependent chloride current (ICl-Ca) by giving 5 × 10–6 mol/l niflumic acid, the CCK-8S-intensified ICa-L (from –56.42 ± 6.57 to –88.54 ± 5.71 pA) was apparently inhibited by 90.34 ± 4.71% and 82.59 ± 4.24%. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the CCK-8S-evoked [Ca2+]i concentration increase in gastric antral SMCs depends on the release of [Ca2+]i stores which are negatively regulated by PKC-mediated phosphorylation of InsP3R3. Released calcium in turn activates ICa-L through the activation of ICl-Ca, ultimately resulting in the contraction of the gastric smooth muscle. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmitting models of ultrasonic vibration in ultrasonic transducer and capillary were presented according to the propagating mechanism of ultrasonic wave in elastic body. The coupling characteristics of ultrasonic longitudinal-complex transverse vibration system were simulated by Matlab software. The ultrasonic vibration displacement and the velocity of high frequency were measured by using the PSV-400-M2 (1.5 MHz) laser Doppler vibrometer. The vibration locus shapes driven by the same frequency and different frequencies were tested by using GDS-820S dual channel digital oscilloscope. The microstructures at bonding interface were observed by means of KYKY2800 scanning electron microscope. The results show that ultrasonic vibration displacement or velocity and energy density increase with the decrease of section area in the transmitting process. The vibration locus shapes driven simultaneously by the same frequency and different frequencies are elliptical (or circular) loci and rectangular (or square) loci, respectively. And the characteristics at bonding interface are improved by coupling loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rice pse(t) (premature senescence, tentatively) mutant line, was isolated from 4500 independent T-DNA inserted transgenic lines. The symptoms of premature senescence appeared more severely than those of the control plants (Zhonghua 11, japonica) at the last development stage. To characterize the mutant and provide basic information on the candidate genes by mapping to a physical region of 220-kb, experiments were carried out in two phytotrons under controlled temperature of 24°C and 28°C, respectively. The content of chlorophyll, soluble protein and MDA (malondialdehyde), net photosynthesis, the antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD (superoxide dismuase) (EC 1.15.1.1) and POD (peroxidase) (EC 1.11.1.7) and the peptidase activities of leaves were measured from top to bottom according to the leaf positions at the flowering stage. Compared with the control plant, the mutant showed the following characteristics: (1) Higher net photosynthesis rate ( P n) appeared in the 1st and 2nd leaves, contents of chlorophyll and soluble protein were also higher in the 1st leaf; (2) The activities of SOD, POD and peptidase were higher according to the leaf position from top to bottom; (3) The symptom of premature senescence was accelerated in the mutant at 28°C treatment. The MDA content and the SOD and POD activities between the 24°C and 28°C treatment mutants were not significantly different. Content of chlorophyll and soluble protein of leaves mutant decreased rapidly at 28°C treatment. The results show that pse(t) is sensitive to high temperature. The probable function of PSE(T) is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene-expression changes related with precancerous lesion of gastric cancer (PLGC) are surveyed. Not only the regulative effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on oncogene, antioncogene and anti-apoptosis gene that are related with PLGC is analyzed, but also current research state is presented. It's showed that TCM has effects of therapy and inversion on PLGC. These effects are related with the inhibition to related oncogene expression, the regulation and activation to the deletion of antioncogene, the inhibition to the high-expression of mutant gene-protein about antioncogene, and the regulative function to anti-apoptosis gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate clinical, Quality of Life (QoL) and medical cost outcomes in patients with symptomatic reflux esophagitis (RE) receiving different “triple combination therapy”. Methods: A multicenter medical effectiveness trial conducted in 10 hospitals of 5 regions in Zhejiang Province. 248 patient-volunteers were assigned to 8 weeks of “triple combination therapy” with Lansoprazole plus Cisapride and Sucralfate or Ranitidine plus Cisapride and Sucralfate. Main outcomes assessment included symptoms scale scores, RE severity, QoL at baseline and 8 weeks. Medical cost data were collected with cost analysis questionnaire. Results: (1) More Lansoprazole group patients noted RE symptoms resolution than Ranitidine group (92.3% vs 78.4%, P<0.01). There was no striking difference between two groups in RE healing rate (90.8% vs 82.9%, P>0.05). (2) RE significantly impaired QoL of patients ( P<0.001). Compared with Ranitidine group, QoL in Lansoprazole group had significant improvement (rate of “good” QoL 64.5% vs 45.6%, P<0.01). (3) There was close correlation between symptomic effectiveness and QoL rating scale in both the Lansoprazole and Ranitidine group ( P<0.01, r=0.235 and 0.353 respectively). There were no statistical difference of medical cost between the two groups ( P>0. 05). Conclusion: RE significantly impaired QoL of patients. “Triple combination therapies” can significantly improve RE symptoms and QoL. Lansoprazole combination therapy was more cost-effective than Ranitidine combination group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the deficiencies of the English curriculum for medical graduates and promote the process of teaching reform, through evaluating the English courses and the graduates' ability in Kunming Medical University. Method By using the method of questionnaire, a random sample of graduates was investigated, and the results were tabulated and analyzed by SPSS software. Result Students were not satisfied with the teaching methods and the curriculum, and traditional teaching methods should be changed. Conclusion We should take the "exemption + elective +hierarchical teaching" model in the curriculum, and use effective teaching methods and select appropriate English textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic value of virtual colonoscopy versus colonoscopy was compared in detection of colorectal neoplasia. Virtual colonoscopy was performed on 29 patients with suspected colorectal diseases, Results were compared with colonoscopy for each case. Virtual colonoscopy was successfully performed on each patient. All patients tolerated virtual colonoscopy well, had no complications. All colorectal malignance were identified both by virtual colonoscopy and colonoscopy. Twenty-five polyps were detected with colonoscopy, whereas only 16 polyps were defined by virtual colonoscopy. Detection rates of polyps greater than 1.0 cm, between 0.5–0.9 cm and less than 0.5 cm in size were 90%, 62.5% and 28.6% respectively. Virtual colonoscopy is fast, minimally invasive and well tolerated. This technique is a valuable clinical method in diagnosis of colorectal malignance and polyps larger than 0.5 cm in size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the relationship between ulcer recurrence and Helicobacter Pylori. 147 patients with peptic ulcer were divided into H. Pylori infected group and H. pylori uninfected group by rapid urease test serum antibody examination and histopathology of gastric biopsy specimens. We assigned all patients to receive dual oral therapy with omeprazole 40 mg/day for 4 weeks and amoxicillin 2000 mg/day for 2 weeks. To all patients, repeated gastroscope was performed at 8 weeks and one-year after beginning therapy to record whether the ulcer was cured. Endoscopic biopsy was also performed to determine H. pylori status. One year later, H. pylori positive patients had a higher ulcer recurrent rate than H. pylori negative patients (23. 33% vs 2. 70%; P=0.001). Ulcer recurrence was closely related to H. pylori infection. H. pylori was the risk factor for ulcer relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]