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偏鄉地區學生由於居住及學習的地理環境、家庭社經地位、學習資源與文化不利等多重因素，長期處於學習弱勢，因此，如何減少教師流動並將其教學效能極大化，為一刻不容緩的課題。然儘管偏鄉學生學習狀況值得關注，但對於偏鄉教師需求的瞭解，以及給予的支持和協助的文獻相對較少。有鑑於此，本研究設計教師自我效能量表對262位教師進行施測。驗 證性因素分析結果顯示，量表具良好的信度與效度。再者，本研究比較偏鄉教師不同個人變項，包含經驗變項和背景變項在教師自我效能的差異情形，量表提供412位偏鄉教師進行施測。結果發現，偏鄉教師的年資並不會影響自我效能感的高低。另在個人背景方面，發現無論在教學效能或班級經營效能，均為男性教師高於女性教師。此外，本研究進一步探究學校 環境脈絡因素與學生表現等構面，對偏鄉教師自我效能之影響。結果顯示，教師的學校整體環境覺知對於教學效能和班級管理效能有負向影響，標準化估計值依序為-.15、-.25；教師的學校支持覺知對於教學效能和班級管理效能有正向影響，標準化估計值依序為.29、.31；而學生的正向行為與表現對偏鄉教師教學效能和班級經營效能均具正向影響，標準化估計值依序為.44、.38，但負向表現對其教學效能感沒有顯著影響。 Teacher turnover is a global concern in the field of education (Ingersoll, 2003; Moon, 2007) and is particularly prevalent in schools with poor economies and high proportions of minority students (Kersaint et al., 2007; Lankford et al., 2002). Students in rural areas have faced educational disadvantages because of various factors, such as geographical environment, family socioeconomic status, availability of learning resources, and prevailing learning culture. Therefore, addressing teacher turnover and enhancing their teaching efficacy are imperative (Song et al., 2011; Sung et al., 2014). Teacher efficacy is strongly associated with teaching success (Ross et al., 1996; Woolfolk et al., 1990) and teachers’ professional performance. Teachers with higher levels of teaching efficacy tend to exhibit higher professional performance (Chesnut & Burley, 2015; Wang et al., 2017; Ware & Kitsantas, 2007). For example, teacher efficacy is positively associated with student achievement (Ashton & Webb, 1986; Klassen & Tze, 2014). In addition, teachers’ persistence, enthusiasm, commitment, and teaching behavior considerably affect their beliefs related to self-efficacy (Tschannen-Moran & Hoy, 2001) and students’ motivation to learn (Midgley et al., 1989). Gibson and Dembo (1984) demonstrated that teachers with higher levels of self-efficacy are better equipped to help students cope with learning setbacks and offer less critical feedback on students’ mistakes. Additionally, teachers with higher levels of self-efficacy exhibit higher levels of patience when working with students who are struggling to maintain learning pace; these teachers are more willing to use new teaching methods to meet the needs of such students (Soodak & Podell, 1993). Furthermore, teachers with higher levels of self-efficacy are more capable of using teaching methods that enhance student engagement (Wahlstrom & Louis, 2008), implementing effective classroom management strategies (Emmer, 1994), and fostering positive student-teacher relationships (Ashton & Webb, 1986). Conversely, studies have indicated that teachers who choose to leave the teaching profession have significantly lower levels of self-efficacy than do those who decide to remain in this field (Glickman & Tamashiro, 1982). Factors contributing to teacher attrition include familial obligations, work pressure (Ho, 2022), self-doubt regarding teaching abilities (Fives et al., 2007; Skaalvik & Skaalvik, 2007), and insufficient preparation resulting in low self-efficacy (Haberman, 1996; Skaalvik & Skaalvik, 2007). Although studies have focused on the learning status of students in rural schools, few studies have explored the needs of rural teachers and the support and assistance they should receive. Therefore, the present study was conducted to address this research gap and offer a reference for relevant policymaking. This study had three main objectives. First, a teacher self-efficacy scale tailored to the specific context of rural schools was developed. This scale included factors that may influence teacher efficacy. The reliability and validity of this scale were examined. This scale may serve as a reference for subsequent research on teacher efficacy in rural areas. Second, we performed a comparative analysis of the self-efficacy levels of rural teachers by analyzing various personal factors, including those associated with their experience and background. Furthermore, we investigated the potential effects of factors related to the school environment and student performance on the self-efficacy levels of rural teachers. Our study may serve as a reference for education authorities engaged in designing teachers’ professional development courses and rural education policies. To attain our goals, a teacher self-efficacy scale was designed and administered to 262 rural school teachers. Additionally, the scale was administered to an extended sample of 412 teachers to analyze how certain personal factors drove the differences in self-efficacy between the two cohorts. The analysis yielded the following major findings. First, a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the favorable reliability and validity of the scale. Second, in terms of the personal experience of rural teachers, the seniority of teachers did not affect their efficacy levels; this finding is consistent with the findings of Tschannen-Moran and Johnson (2011) and Klassen and Chiu (2010) but not with those of Wolters and Daugherty (2007). Third, regarding the factors related to the background of rural teachers, male teachers demonstrated higher levels of both teaching and class management efficacies than did female teachers. This finding is consistent with that of Klassen and Chius (2010), who reported that male teachers are slightly more effective in terms of class management than are female teachers. Moreover, we found that age differences did not necessarily translate into variance in teachers’ self-efficacy level; this finding is consistent with that of another study indicating that seniority does not influence teacher efficacy. Fourth, regarding the effect of the school environment on teacher efficacy, the perception of the overall school environment significantly affected teachers’ teaching efficacy and negatively affected their class management efficacy. Fifth, teachers’ perception of school support within the context of the school environment (including administrative support and teachers’ collaborative efforts) positively affected their teaching and class management efficacies. Sixth, positive student behavior and performance enhanced the self-efficacy of rural teachers; however, negative student performance did not exert a significant effect on teachers’ self-efficacy. Based on the aforementioned findings, we propose some suggestions for follow-up research and practical applications. Future studies can compare teacher efficacy and factors influencing this parameter between rural and urban teachers to elucidate the roles of various influencing factors in different teaching environments. Additionally, teachers’ resilience can be included as an intermediary variable to elucidate whether resilience mediate the correlations between predictor and outcome variables. Regarding practical implications, educational institutions are encouraged to develop robust mechanisms for supporting and fostering collaboration among teachers. Such mechanisms would increase teachers’ self-efficacy levels. Furthermore, schools should provide professional development opportunities for rural teachers. Finally, appropriate professional development activities that are specifically tailored to the needs of teachers in remote areas should be designed to increase their self-efficacy levels.

本研究檢視臺灣國小畢業生英語詞彙量與閱讀理解之間的相關性，依此推估臺灣國小畢業生欲展現該學習年段閱讀理解程度所需要達到的詞彙閾值（lexical threshold），並探究臺灣國小畢業生英語詞彙量的分布狀況，以提供具體證據來評估當前國小英語詞彙學習目標（應用300個字詞）是否合理。本研究運用英語能力診斷及認證系統（Diagnosis and Certification of English Competency, DCEC），對1,903名國小畢業生進行詞彙和閱讀兩子測驗施測。本研究有三重貢獻：第一為瞭解臺灣小學生畢業時的詞彙量分布概況；其二為闡明設定詞彙量、詞彙閾值對於設計理想英語文課綱與課程的重要性；其三為彌補英語文課綱詞彙量設定時未採用實徵證據之不足。倡議詞彙量之設定，應從語言技能運用的觀點，先提出各階段所欲達成的語言技能層次，再探討獲致該語言技能層次所需的詞彙閾值（最小詞彙量），最後以該詞彙閾值作為課綱詞彙量設定之參考。 In this study, we examined the relationship between the vocabulary size and reading comprehension of Taiwanese elementary-school graduates. We identified a lexical threshold that they need to cross to demonstrate adequate reading comprehension. We investigated the English vocabulary sizes of Taiwanese elementary-school graduates to provide solid evidence of whether the current English vocabulary-learning goal (300 words) is reasonable. We employed the Diagnosis and Certification of English Competency (DCEC) as the main assessment tool and administered the DCEC-Vocabulary Size (DCEC-VS) and DCEC-Reading Comprehension (DCEC-RC) subtests to 1903 elementary-school graduates. This study has three crucial contributions. The first contribution is evidence that explains the distribution of the vocabulary sizes of Taiwanese elementary-school graduates. The second contribution is proof of how crucial vocabulary size and lexical threshold are for an ideal curriculum. The third contribution compensates for a lack of empirical evidence regarding a lexical threshold at the elementary-school level. We propose that the application of language skills should be the main consideration when setting a lexical threshold. The degree to which specific language skills should be acquired at each level should first be proposed, followed by an exploration of the lexical threshold (minimum vocabulary size) required to match goals for specific language skills at each level. Finally, the lexical threshold proposed should be used as reference when determining the vocabulary size in the curriculum.

An important part of the iron-and-steel production process, converter steelmaking is the most widely used and efficient method of steelmaking in the world. Under the requirements of"China Manufacturing 2025, "ensuring intelligent steelmaking, improving smelting production efficiency, and reducing production cost are major concerns that should be addressed urgently in converter steelmaking. Owing to the complex thermodynamic and dynamic reactions in the converter smelting process, sublance control and traditional flue-gas analysis models have limitations that result in low prediction accuracy of the end-point carbon in converter smelting, thereby causing the main technical bottleneck in intelligent steelmaking. Therefore, a functional digital twin model of the steelmaking process based on flue-gas analysis was proposed. First, continuously monitored real-time data were obtained by flue gas analysis to observe the carbon and oxygen reaction state of molten steel in the converter. Then, according to various stages of the converter reaction, the functional data analysis method was used to establish the functional prediction models for the early and late stages of blowing. The greatest advantage of the method is that the model can automatically adjust the coefficient function according to the measured off-gas data by using a continuous functional curve to fit the complex dynamic reaction process. Therefore, the proposed model can accurately predict not only the normal smelting process but also the decarburization and carbon drawing process for the secondary scraping slag. An industrial experiment on a 260 t converter was conducted to prove that the functional digital twin model of the converter smelting process has good self-learning and self-adaptive ability and is robust to the abnormal smelting state. Furthermore, the model can predict the carbon content of the converter dynamically in the entire process and the end-point carbon content can reach 95% at ± 0. 02%. Using the predicted value of the carbon content to control the final blowing point through the functional digital twin model can effectively prevent overblowing or underblowing. More importantly, on the premise of guaranteeing the stability of raw material composition, temperature, weight, and other parameters, the model is expected to cancel the blown-off sampling step based on sublance. This feature can reduce the production cost while improving the product quality and production efficiency for a wide range of industrial applications.

The modeling air-cooled turbine blades specimens of DD6 single crystal superalloy with different distributions of cooling film holes were used to study the high cycle fatigue properties at room temperature. The SEM fracture observation was carried out. The results indicate that the cooling holes have significant effects on the high fatigue life of DD6 single crystal superalloy. The average life of non-hole specimens is four times of that of the three-row holes specimens under the same testing conditions. However, the distribution of cooling film holes has relatively less influence on fatigue life. The fracture of the specimens with non-hole is linear source by SEM analysis, but the cracks are found around the cooling film holes and the fracture of the specimens with single row to three rows is a typical multi-source rupture, and cracks all initiate from near film holes. According to fracture and crystallography theoretical conjecture, the cracks propagate along the {001} slip plane for non-hole, single-row holes and the middle location of the multi-row holes specimens. However, the cracks around the holes grow along the {111} slip plane for upper and lower holes of the specimens with multi-row holes. In addition, the distribution of stress field along cooling holes of four different specimens was analysed by FEM method. The results show that the fracture location and morphology of specimens are consistent well with numerical simulation analysis.

Objective: To explore the difference in the effectiveness between proximal femoral nail anti-rotation(PFNA) and proximal femoral locking compression plate(PFLCP) of intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly patients combined with knee osteoarthritis., Methods: The clinical data of 65 intertrochanteric femoral fractures combined with knee osteoarthritis between June 2015 and February 2021 were retrospectively analyze. They were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods. PFNA group was composed of 36 patients, 12 males and 24 females, aged from 61to 88 years old with an average of (77.0±6.4)years old. There were 17 cases of left injury and 19 cases of right injury. According to modified Evans classification, there were 3 cases of typeⅡ, 19 cases of type Ⅲ, 10 cases of type Ⅳ, and 4 cases of type Ⅴ. PFLCP group was composed of 29 patients, 11 males and 18 females, aged from 60 to 92 years old with an average of (78.8±6.5) years old. There were 14 cases of left injury and 15 cases of right injury.According to modified Evans classification, there were 2 cases of typeⅡ, 18 cases of type Ⅲ, 7 cases of type Ⅳ, and 2 cases of type Ⅴ. Comparison of operation time, intraoperation blood loss, postoperative bed time, incidence of postoperative complications, Harris score at 6 months and 1 year postoperation., Results: All 65 patients were followed up ranging from 12 to 24 months with an average of (16.9±3.6) months. In the PFNA and PFLCP groups, the operation time was respectively (57.6±6.8) min and (77.4±6.5) min, the intraoperative blood loss was (128.3±50.3) ml and (156.3±23.9) ml, postoperative bed time was (4.0±2.5) days and (8.1±2.0) days, Harris score at 6 months postoperative was (45.3±8.6) points and (36.3±7.0) points. There were significant differences between two groups( P <0.05). Incidence of postoperative complications was 19.4%(7/36)and 34.5%(10/29), Harris score at 1 year postoperative was (60.8±6.7) points and (59.0±8.1) points.There was no significant difference between the two groups( P >0.05)., Conclusion: Compared with PFLCP, PFNA treatment of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis between the femoral intertrochanteric fractures shorter surgical time, less intraoperative blood loss, bed rest after surgery, short-term hip function recovery better, when the affected knee joint can tolerate traction, can be used as a priority.

Objective: To screen microRNAs with specific expression of in hippocampus of rats with chronic stress induced depression model, and observe the effect of traditional Chinese medicine Chaihu Shugan San on the expression of microRNA in hippocampus., Method: SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the normal control group, the model control group and the Chaihu Shugan San group. The depression model was replicated by unpredictable chronic mild stress combined with separation. Behavioral changes of the rats were observed by Open-field test and sucrose solution consumption test, and the expression of microRNAs in hippocampus was assayed by microRNA micro-array., Result: Compared with the normal control group, there were 13 specific miRNAs in hippocampus in the model control group with the expression difference of more than 2 times. Among them, down-regulating miRNAs included miR298, miR-130b, miR-135a, miR-323, miR-503, miR-15b, miR-532, and miR-125a, and the up-regulation miRNAs included miR7a, miR-212, miR-124, miR-139, and miR-182. Among the 13 specific miRNAs, miR-125a and miR-182 recovered to normal after intervention with Chaihu Shugan San in the Chaihu Shugan San group., Conclusion: This study preliminarily found that 13 specific miRNAs in hippocampus are related to depression. Among them, miR-125a and miR-182 recover to normal after intervention with Chaihu Shugan San, which may be the target points of the antidepressant effect of Chaihu Shugan San. We shall further analyze the target genes and their mechanisms.

Objective: To systematically assess the efficacy of different programs regarding the selenium supplementation formulae used for prevention and treatment of Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) in children., Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCI expanded, CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database), CBM (The Chinese Biomedical Database), Wanfang Database, CSCD (Chinese Science Citation Database) had been electronically searched. All the searching processes were up-dated to Dec 2012 to identify randomized trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs to compare the selenium supplementation formulae with placebo or with no intervention. Two reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the study design, including RCTs or non-RCTs according to Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1 or a checklist described by Deeks JJ, et al, respectively. Data was extracted independently., Results: There were 14 RCTs and 12 non-RCTs papers included, but showing low methodological quality. Data from Meta analysis showed that selenium supplementation had caused the following progresses: radiologic improvement (RR = 3.28, 95%CI: 2.06 - 5.22), higher hair selenium (SMD = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.00 - 3.11) lower new radiologic lesions (OR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.09 - 0.36) than in the placebo or with no treatment groups. Both selenium and vitamin C supplementation did not show differences in radiologic improvement of metaphysis (RR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.84 - 1.22). Combination of selenium and vitamin E supplementation showed higher radiologic improvement than the placebo group. Combination of selenium and vitamin C supplementation had no influence on the difference in radiologic improvement or hair selenium than selenium supplementation. Selenium-enriched yeast showed higher radiologic improvement than sodium selenite (70.83% vs. 48.84%, P < 0.05). Selenium fertilization showed higher radiologic improvement than the non-treatment group (RR = 3.98, 95%CI: 2.25 - 7.05). Comprehensive intervention program and 'grain drying approach' also showed certain effects., Conclusion: Selenium supplementation could lead to better radiologic improvement and hair selenium, with lower new radiologic lesions. Current evidence supported its benefits on prevention and treatment of KBD. Large sample sized and well-designed trials together with the reporting on adverse outcome remained necessary.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Shangke Jiegu Tablet (SJT)in repairing the mandibular defect., Methods: Totally 72 healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the normal control group (n = 24), the model group (n = 24), and the SJT group (n = 24). Then the mandibular defect model was established. Animals in the normal control group and the model group were fed with normal forage, while those in the SJT group were fed with SJT forage. On the day 7, 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment, 6 rabbits were killed in each group. The bone was collected from the mandibular defect. The gene expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) were detected by means of RT-PCR. The positive dyeing strength and area of the bone tissue were detected by means of immunohistochemical technique., Results: Compared with the normal control group, the degree of OPGmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated on day 7 after model establishment (P < 0.05) and the degree of OPGLmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated on day 14 after model establishment (P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the degree of OPGmRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated (P < 0.05), and the positive dyeing strength and area of bone tissue were stronger and broader on day 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment in the SJT group. The degree of OPGLmRNA expression was remarkably down-regulated (P < 0.05), and the positive dyeing strength and area of bone tissue were weaker and smaller on day 14 after model establishment in the SJT group. The ratio of OPGmRNA/OPGLmRNA was remarkably up-regulated on day 14, 28, and 56 after model establishment (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The effect mechanism of promoting mandibular defect repairing by SJT may be correlated to regulating the expressions of OPGmRNA and OPGLmRNA.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of acupuncture for glaucoma., Methods: The search was conducted through database to identify randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for glaucoma until September 2010. The quality assessment, data extraction and Meta-analysis were performed by Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Re views of Interventions., Results: Eight articles were included. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture did not decrease intraocular pressure compared with eye drops [SMD = -0.1 66, 95% CI (-1.45, 0.13)]. However, acupuncture increased the effectiveness rate of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 4.45, 95% CI (1.96,10.09)]. Compared with placebo, acupuncture did not decrease intraocular pressure 20 min after acupuncture (P = 0.13) and 24 hours after acupuncture (P = 0.21). Nonetheless, acupuncture increased the effectiveness rate of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 45.00, 95% CI (9.73, 208.08)]. Compared with acupuncture, quantitative acupuncture manipulation increased the effectiveness rates of treatment for glaucoma [OR = 2.23, 95% CI (1.14, 4.36)]., Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy has potential to increase effectiveness rates of treatment for glaucoma. It lacks reliable evidence to prove that acupuncture decreases intraocular pressure. More trials with high quality are needed to estimate adverse effects and cost effectiveness of acupuncture therapy.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CHSGP) on the behavior and the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase receptors B (TrkB) in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe of depression model rats., Methods: Sixty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i. e., the normal control group (NC), the model control group (MC), the CHSGP group, the disassembly 1 group (CI), the disassembly 2 group (CII), and the Fluoxetine control group (FC), 10 in each group. Except those in the NC, the rest rats were singly housed and exposed on an unpredicted sequence of mild stressor. From the fifteenth day, all rats were administered with equal volume of normal saline (to the NC group and the MC group) and of corresponding medicinal liquid (5.9 g/kg to the CHSGP group, 3.3 g/kg to the CI group, 2.6 g/kg to the CII group, and 1.8 mg/kg to the FC group) by gastrogavage for 2 successive weeks. The rats' body weight, sucrose consumption volume in the sucrose preference test, and times of grooming in the open field test were detected on the 0, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th day, respectively. The mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe were detected by immunohistochemical assay and Real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR., Results: Compared with the NC group, the rats' body weight was put up slowly in the MC group. The scores in the open field test decreased. The times of grooming and sucrose consumption volume were both reduced. The time of staying in central square was postponed. The mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe decreased with statistical significance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MC group, the behavior indices of rats in the CHSGP, CI, CII, and FC groups were significantly improved. The mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe were obviously enhanced with statistical significance (P<0.05, P<0.01)., Conclusions: CHSGP could obviously improve the depressive state of the model rats. Its mechanism might be correlated with increasing the mRNA expressions of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus, amygdala, and the frontal lobe.

On the basis of medical literature review and clinical research experience, the authors analyzed the reasons for low recognition rate of depression and poor progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation of depression in this paper and put forward that depressive episode symptoms and the corresponding common terminology classification of Chinese and Western medicine should be the breakthrough points. Through symptom stratification and combination, as well as distinguishing between primary and secondary symptoms, the comprehensive integrative medicine clinical assessment of depression was explored so as to further obtain expert consensus and provide a methodology reference for the TCM differentiation of depression and the research of etiology and pathogenesis.

Objective: To evaluate the application of ultrasonography in the detection of nasal interdomal fat pad (IFP)., Methods: Thirty-eight patients who underwent open rhinoplasty and other surgeries in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients were studied by ultrasonography to evaluate the shape, structure, size, and location of IFP. The results of ultrasonography were compared with intraoperative findings., Results: The boundaries between IFP and the subcutaneous fat were clear under ultrasonography in 32 patients (84.2%), but were not clear in 6 patients (15.8%) who had undergone injection rhinoplasty (n=2) or augmentation rhinoplasty (n=4). As shown by ultrasonography,the average length,width,and height of IFP were (11.81∓1.28) mm, (2.49∓0.57) mm, and (1.90∓0.61) mm, respectively,which were not significantly different between male and female patients (P>0.05). In addition, the length, width, and height of IFP were significantly larger in nasorostral hypertrophy group than in normal group (P0.05)., Conclusion: Ultrasonography can accurately evaluate the size and morphology of IFP pre-operatively, and therefore is helpful to ensure the success of rhinoplasty.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Chaihu Shugan San (CHSGS), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on behavior and plasma levels of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of rats with chronic mild unpredicted stress depression., Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, untreated group, fluoxetine group and CHSGS group. Except the normal control group, rats were singly housed and exposed to an unpredicted sequence of mild stressor for continuous 4 weeks to induce depression. Since the fifteenth day, rats were intragastrically administered with equal volume agents respectively for 2 weeks [normal saline for the normal control group and the untreated group, fluoxetine (1.8 mg/kg) for the fluoxetine group and CHSGS (5.9 g/kg) for the CHSGS group]. Behavioral scores of rats were detected by open-field test and sucrose preference test, and the plasma levels of CRH and ACTH in different groups were detected by radioimmunoassay., Results: Compared with the normal control group, body weights of the rats in the untreated group were significantly decreased. Scores of crossing, rears and grooming in open-field test were reduced significantly. Pure water consumption in sucrose preference test was increased significantly. The levels of plasma CRH and ACTH were significantly increased. The depressive behaviors of the rats were improved significantly and the levels of plasma CRH and ACTH were obviously reduced in the CHSGS group., Conclusion: Chronic mild unpredicted mild stress can affect the neuroendocrine and behavior and cause depression in rats. CHSGS can regulate HPA hyperactivity of rats caused by chronic stress and has antidepressive effects.

Objective: To prepare a porcine aortic valve (PAV) free of the cellular components., Methods: The cellular components of porcine PAV were completely removed using trypsin and Triton X-100, and the acellular PAV was examined microscopically with HE staining with its physical and chemical properties assessed. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the integrity of the collagen and elastin and the DNA contents in the PAV was detected to confirm the total removal of the cellular components. With the fresh PAV as the control, small pieces of the acellular PAV were implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of 4 rabbits, and 4 weeks after the implantation, the implants were harvested for microscopic observation., Results: The cellular components were effectively removed from the cusps and roots of the PAV by trypsin and TritonX-100, with marked soluble protein loss [(0.24-/+0.04)% vs (0.48-/+0.12)%] and significantly increased water content [(92.2-/+1.5)% vs (89.2-/+1.6)%]. The acellular PAV still maintained good fibrous scaffold structure and the shrinkage temperature and tension at fracture underwent no significantly changes [(67.9-/+1.0) degrees celsius; vs (68.8-/+0.8) degrees celsius; and (489.3-/+19.0) g/mm2 vs (540.7-/+19.5) g/mm2, respectively]. The PAVs implanted in rabbits showed only mild tissue reaction with a few infiltrating neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasmocytes observed 4 weeks later. The accelular PAV caused obviously milder inflammatory reactions than fresh PAV., Conclusions: The acellular PAV prepared by treatment with trypsin and Triton X-100 retains good fibrous scaffold structure and mechanical strength with low antigenicity.

Objective: To investigate the effects of intensive insulin therapy on plasma nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)., Methods: A total of 36 patients were randomly assigned to routine therapy (RT) group and intensive insulin therapy (IT) group, with 18 patients in each group. The blood glucose levels during surgery were maintained at 3.9 to 10.0 mmol/L and those after surgery at 3.9 to 6.1 mmol/L in IT group, whereas patients in RT group didn't undergo the treatment of controlling glucose levels during operation and maintained below 13.9 mmoVL after operation. Levels of plasma NO and ET-1 in both groups were respectively measured before surgical anesthesia, at the initiation of CPB, and 0 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after the termination of CPB., Results: In RT group, plasma NO concentration was decreased since the initiation of CPB [from (68.2 +/- 16.3) micromol/L to (67.8 +/- 8.4) micromol/L] and reached the trough at the termination of CPB [ (60.0 +/- 10.2) micromol/L, P < 0.05 compared with that before anesthesia]. Then it began to increase and neared to the preoperational level 48 h after the termination of CPB. In contrast, plasma ET-1 concentration was increased since the initiation of CPB [from (62.2 +/- 10.2) ng/L to (68.3 +/- 10.8) ng/L] and reached the peak at the termination of CPB [ (112.5 +/- 18.6) ng/L, P < 0.01 compared with that before anesthesia]. Then it began to decrease and reached the preoperational level 24 h after the termination of CPB. In IT group, however, the changes of NO and ET-1 levels at different time points during CPB and thereafter didn't reach the significance as compared with those before anesthesia., Conclusions: Intensive insulin therapy may relieve the changes of CPB-induced NO and ET-1 levels during cardiovascular surgery, which suggests its protective effects on cardiovascular function.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of glossy ganoderma decoction in Amanita mushroom poisoning., Methods: Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, including a normal control, a model poison group, and 2 treatment groups (different doses of glossy ganoderma decoction). The activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and liver function were measured., Results: The activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase of the model group significantly decreased, and those of the 2 treatment groups were significantly higher than those of the model group. There was a dose-dependent manner between the 2 treatment groups ( all Ps<0.01), and the differences of liver function test including total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DB), total bile acid (TBA), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the 4 groups were significant (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Glossy ganoderma decoction may protect the liver from Amanita mushroom poisoning. Its mechanism may be related to the increase of the activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase.

Objective: To explore the role of Bid protein in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated apoptotic pathway., Methods: Apoptosis of MUTZ-1 cells induced by homoharringtonine (HHT) was measured by FACS. Mitochondria and ER associated apoptotic pathway was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. And the translocation of Bid protein was measured by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM)., Results: After exposure of MUTZ-1 to HHT at 0.05 microg/ml for 24 h, typical ER-stress phenomenon induced apoptotic cells and release of Ca2+ from the cytosolic Ca2+ storage and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were observed. RT-PCR analysis revealed that mRNAs for ER stress-associated proapoptotic factor were markedly increased at 4 h after 0.05 microg/ml HHT treatment and peaked at 12 h, then decreased steady. Activation of caspase protein was also observed at 8 h. The translocation of Bid protein from ER to mitochondria was observed at 12 h after HHT treatment., Conclusion: HHT can induce MUTZ-1 cells apoptosis. The cell death may be likely mediated by the ER stress pathway as well as mitochondrial pathway and Bid protein may be the cross talk of the two apoptotic pathways.

Objective: To observe the expression and distribution of caveolin and phosphorylated caveolin-1 in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) under H(2)O(2) treatment., Methods: HLECs (SRA01/04) were exposed to different concentrations of H(2)O(2) for different periods of time. The distribution of caveolin and phosphorylated caveolin-1 in H(2)O(2) treated cells was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. Western blot was conducted to analyze the protein expression alterations of caveolin and caveolin-1 phosphorylation., Results: HLECs contained abundant caveolin. Immunofluorescence image of caveolin in cytoplasm increased significantly in H(2)O(2) treated cells. One hour after H(2)O(2) treatment, the cells membranes began to break, whereas the immunofluorescence image of caveolin could still be observed. Caveolin-1 was phosphorylated on tyrosine 14 in HLECs after stimulation with H(2)O(2). Western blot analysis revealed that caveolin protein level was down regulated under H(2)O(2) stress., Conclusions: The caveolin is redistributed and the caveolae is destroyed in HLECs when stimulated by H(2)O(2). And the caveolin expression also down regulated by H(2)O(2) stimulation. Caveolae and caveolin are likely to play an important role in the HLECs.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Baisong tablets on the nerve-biochemistry and neuroendocrine of chronic mild unpredicted stress depression in rats., Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups: a normal control (NC), a model control (MC), a fluoxetine control (FC) and a Baisong tablet treatment group (BST). All rats except the control group were singly housed and exposed to an unpredicted sequence of mild stressor. The levels of serotonin (5-HT), glutamate (Glu) and gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) of the hippocampus were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The concentration of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) in the plasma of the rats were detected by radio-immunity. The CRHmRNA expressions in the hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex were semiquantified by RT-PCR method. The differences of BDNF and TrkB protein expression in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule cells layers of hippocampus were investigated with immunohistochemistry technique., Results: In comparison with NC group, the levels of 5-HT, and GABA of the hippocampus in MC rats reduced significantly (P<0.01), and the concentration of CRH, ACTH, and CORT of the plasma and the level of Glu of the hippocampus and CRH mRNA expression in the brain increased significantly. Fluoxetine or Baisong could significantly regulate the abnormal changes of all the above., Conclusion: Chronic mild unpredicted stress can affect neuroendoerine and cause depression, and Baisong tablet has antagonism against it.

Objective: To investigate the anti-tumor effect of Paeonol (Pae) on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7404 and its molecular mechanisms., Methods: Hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7404 was treated by Pae in various concentrations and different time points respectively; and then the cell proliferation was assayed by light microscope, MTT method. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL were used to detect the apoptosis. The expression of PTEN and Akt were examined by RT-PCR and immunocytochemical ABC method., Results: Compared with the control groups Pae obviously increased the inhibitory and apoptosis rate of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Bel-7404. It also showed a typical apoptotic morphology and DNA depicted a ladder pattern characteristic of the apoptosis, indicating the presence of DNA fragmentation. RT-PCR and immunocytochemical ABC assay showed that Pae could increase the expression of PTEN and decrease the expression of Akt., Conclusion: Pae can increase the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect, and its mechanism may be the increase of apoptosis-inducing effect which is regulated by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase.

Objective: To explore the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) on the expression of phospholamban (PLB) and sarco (endo) plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a) and concentration of intracellular free calcium in myocardiocytes., Methods: The neonatal rat myocardiocytes were randomly divided into 6 groups: treatment with different concentrations of TNFalpha (1,10,30,50,and 70 microg/L, respectively) and without TNFalpha (control). The mRNA and protein expression of PLB and SERCA2a were detected with one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The changes of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured single neonatal rat cardiomyocyte were determined with Fluo-3/AM loading by laser scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS TNFalpha significantly increased the expression of PLB mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent fashion. The ratio of PLB/beta-actin mRNA in myocardiocytes incubated with 10,30,50, and 70 microg/L TNFalpha significantly increased by 66%, 106%, 141%, and 189% compared with control (P < 0.05), and protein levels significantly increased by 30%, 48%, 73%, and 114% respectively compared with control (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in PLB mRNA expression between the group treated with 1 microg/L TNFalpha and control group. TNFalpha had no effect on the expression of mRNA and protein of SERCA2a. TNFalpha (50 microg/L) incubated with cell for 24 hours diminished delta[Ca2+]i of single neonatal rat cardiomyocyte about 33% stimulated by isoproterenol (P < 0.01), but had no effect on delta [Ca2+]i of cardiomyocyte without isoproterenol stimulation., Conclusion: TNFalpha can increase the expression of PLB and decrease delta[Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes, which may be related with its negative inotropic effects on cardiomyocytes.

Objective: To explore whether transplantation of autologous bone marrow stem cells might augment angiogenesis and collateral vessel formation in a canine model of hindlimb ischemia., Methods: CD34(+) stem cells were centrifugation through Ficoll and an immune magnetic cell sorting system from bone marrow (20 ml) of canine (n = 5) and induced into endothelial cells with VEGF in vitro, and expression of von Willebrand factor. Bilateral hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced in canines and Dil fluorescence labeled autologous stem cells were transplanted into the ischemic tissues., Results: Four weeks after transplantation, fluorescence microscopy revealed that transplanted cells were incorporated into the capillary network among preserved skeletal myocytes. The stem cells transplanted group had more angiographically detectable collateral vessels, a higher capillary density (12.0 +/- 2.8 vs. 5.0 +/- 1.6 per field; t = 4.17 P < 0.05) and a higher ABI (0.58 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.32 +/- 0.11; t = 2.95, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Direct local transplantation of autologous bone marrow CD34(+) stem cells seems to be a useful strategy for therapeutic neovascularization in ischemic tissues in adults, consistent with "therapeutic vasculogenesis."

Objective: To explore the way of stably inducing canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in vitro, and provide seed cells for fabricating tissue engineering heart valves (TEHV)., Methods: Adult canine BMSCs were separated by a gradient centrifugation on Percoll (density 1.073 g/ml), then the cells were incubated in low-glucose Dulbecco Eagle's minimum essential medium (LG-DMEM) with 10% bovine calf serum. Cell phenotype were identified by immunohistochemistry staining. The second and third generation of BMSCs were committedly induced by conditioning culture medium, which were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. The induced-BMSCs were freezed, preserved and resuscitated after 7 d to observe the cell growth, proliferation and function., Results: BMSCs deriving from the bone marrow mononuclear cells separated by a Percoll gradient were positive expression of alpha-smooth muscle antibody, vimentin and negative expression of CD34, laminin. About (50 +/- 3)% induced-BMSCs were positive expression of laminin. Approximately (85 +/- 3)% freezed induced-BMSCs could be resuscitated. And the growth, proliferation and function were well., Conclusion: BMSCs could be committedly induced to differentiate into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in vitro. It is suitable to be the seed cells.

Objective: to study the effect of modified acellularization process on porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) in porcine aorta valves (PAVs)., Methods: Twenty aortic valves of pig were put into 0.1% trypsin solution, hypotonic and hypertonic TritonX-100, DNAse solution, RNAse solution, and Hanks solution in succession so as to remove the cells. The specimens of PAV were to undergo gross observation and microscopy before and after the acellularization procedure. Fracture test was made. Primers specific for the conservative gag gene of PERV were designed PCR and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of gag. In addition, 20 samples of native PAV were collected. Peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Were isolated from 20 samples of porcine peripheral blood. Ten dogs underwent acellularized PAV replacement; 3 months later, samples of the dogs' peripheral blood were collected. Porcine kidney cells of the line PK15 were used as positive controls., Results: Microscopy showed that all the cells were removed from the acellularized PAVs. Histological analysis showed that the major structural components were maintained. There was no significant difference in fracture strength between the native and acellularized PAVs (P > 0.05). PCR and RT-PCR showed a PERV 219 bp DNA fragment, 90%-95% homologous with the published PERV gene, in the genomic DNA of all native PAVs, pig PBMCs, and PK15 cells, but not in the acellularized PAVs and dog PBMCs., Conclusion: PERV exists in all native PAVs. The modified acellularization process succeeds in removing all the cell component and PERV in the PAVs, thus preventing cross-species transmission of PERV.

Objective: To explore an experimental method for construction of tissue-engineered heart valve (TEHV) in canine abdominal aorta., Methods: The decellular porcine aortic valve (PAV) leaflets seeded with canine vessel interstitial cells and endothelial cells (ECs) were implanted into 6 canine abdominal aortas. Valve specimens were obtained respectively at the end of 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after implantation were studied for morphology, histology and immunohistochemistry., Results: (1) After 4 weeks implantation, multiple layers of cells grew into peripheral portion of valve scaffold, while new extracellular matrix appeared, and original scaffold tissue was partially absorbed. (2) At the end of 10th week after implantation, the decellular PAV scaffold disappeared completely and was substituted by recipient cells and new extracellular matrix. The interstitial cells in matrix was mainly consisted of fibroblasts and myofibroblast. The matrix was mainly composed by type I, III collagen, some elastic fibers with neutral and acid mucopolysaccharide. (3) Surface of valve leaflets were covered with endothelial cells., Conclusions: (1) TEHV is primarily constructed with recellularized PAV after implantation into canine abdominal aorta for 10 weeks. (2) Heterotopic implantation into the abdominal aorta is an alternative experimental procedure to study the TEHV.

Objective: To construct decellular porcine aortic valve (PAV) and to observe the existence of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) and valve scaffold structure before and after implantation., Methods: (1) Porcine aortic valve was obtained. The cellular components of PAV were completely removed by using detergent and nucleotidase solution combined with alteration of osmosis. (2) The decellular underwent HE staining and light microscopy and detection of its physical and chemical properties. (3) 20 pieces of decellular PAV were implanted into dogs. On e month later blood samples of the dogs were collected. PCR and RT-PCR were used to detect the PERV expression in 20 samples of pig's peripheral blood, 20 fresh PAVs, cultured pig kidney cells of the PK15 line (as positive control), decellular PAVs implanted into the dogs, and 10 samples of dogs' peripheral blood. (4) Small pieces of decellular PAVs were implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of 6 rabbits at the back, 6 pieces for one rabbit, and then extracted by the ends of the 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th week respectively after implantation to undergo HE staining and light microscopy., Results: (1) Almost all cellular components in the PAVs had been removed after decellularization; the soluble protein contents lost markedly [(0.238 +/- 0.038)% vs. (0.484 +/- 0.116)%]; the water content of the decellular tissues increased significantly [(92.16 +/- 1.48)% vs. (89.2 +/- 1.55)%]; however, the decellular PAVs still maintained their excellent fibrous scaffold structure, and their shrinkage temperature and tension at fracture were not significantly changed [(72.0 +/- 0.7) degrees C vs. (71.2 +/- 0.8) degrees C, and (448.7 +/- 18.65)g/mm2 vs. (540.7 +/- 19.46)g/mm2 respectively]. (2) Agarose gel electrophoresis of all fresh PAVs and porcine peripheral blood samples showed a 219 bp band, which was 90% to 97% homologous with PERV-C gene, and the sequence of which is published in Medline. No 219 bp amplified band was found in all decellular PAVs and the peripheral blood samples of the dogs implanted with decellular PAV one month after the implantation. (3) The PAVs implanted in rabbit body showed very slight tissue reaction. Neutrophil, lymphocyte and plasmacyte infiltration were seen 4 weeks after; such inflammatory cell infiltration decreased markedly and the peripheral portions of the decellular PAVs began to be absorbed by the end of the 6th week after implantation. The decellular PAVs were completely absorbed without fibrosis or scar formation in the implantation area by the end of the 10th week., Conclusion: (1) The cellular components of PAV can be completely removed, the excellent fibrous scaffold structure and mechanical strength of aorta valve can be maintained, and the antigenicity is very weak. Subcutaneous implantation investigation shows that decellular PAV is an absorbable and degradable biological material. (2) There is PERV-C in PAV that can be removed after decellularization. PERV-C reaction is negative in the peripheral blood samples of the recipients implanted with decellular PAV.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Baisong tablet on the behaviors and CRHmRNA expression in the chronic stress rats., Method: Rats were exposed to different ways of chronic stress. Body weight and behaviors were investigated during the whole procedure, the CRHmRNA expressions in the hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex were semiquantified by the RT-PCR method., Result: In comparision with the normal group, rats exposed to chronic stress showed decreased body weight and a significant reduction of consumption of sucrose solution, and the duration of immobility during the forced swimming test was increased significantly. The chronic stress rats was in depression of behavior. CRHmRNA expression in the brain of the chronic stress rats was upregulated significantly, while it was downregulated in the groups of Baisong tablet and the group of fluoxetin., Conclusion: Baisong tablet has the effect of antidepressant, and it may be related to the effect of the downregulated CRHmRNA expression in brain.