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For the problems of the well deflection, hole enlargement, bit whirl and vibration, and the bit early failures caused by the unbalanced forces on PDC bits during the drilling processes, the optimal design model of cutter-layout of global force balanced PDC bits and bending moment model were constructed based on the existing PDC bit cutting mechanics, and the corresponding solution method was proposed. Results of a cutter layout design example show that the global force balance cutter layout design method may keep the global force balanced status of PDC bits in different footages. In particular, the force balance state of PDC bit is greatly improved at small footage(<1 mm). The drilling stably of PDC bits is improved. The results are of great significance to amend the forces on drill bits, which may extend the service life of the drill bits and improve the drilling efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical significance of SP-associated molecules in oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Archival specimens of 101 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 10 cases of normal oral mucosa were recruited and tissue array was constructed. The expression of CD44, CK19, ABCG2 and MDR1 was examined with immunohistochemical staining. Both staining percentage and staining intensity were scored, and the relationship with clinical parameters was analyzed using SPSS15.0 software package. RESULTS: CD44, CK19, ABCG2 and MDR1 were expressed in majority of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Increased expression of CK19 was associated with poor pathologic differentiation. Increased expression of ABCG2 was associated with advanced TNM stage, poor pathologic differentiation and larger tumor size. Increased expression of MDR1 was associated with poor pathologic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: SP- associated molecules CD44, CK19, ABCG2 and MDR1 are closed related with clinical parameters of oral squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the chronic injury and its possible mechanism of ionizing radiation on multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells (MPPs) by determining the related indicators of MPPs in bone marrow of mice post-radiation., Methods: Sixteen C57BL/6 adult mice were randomly divided into normal control and irradiation groups, 8 mice in each group. The mice in irradiation group were exposed to 6 Gy X-ray. The proportion of bone marrow MPPs, their apoptosis and proliferation 2 months after irradiation were detected by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial activity and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in each MPPs population were detected by Mitotracker Red and DCFDA probes, and the senescent state of MPPs in the bone marrow was analyzed., Results: Ionizing radiation could reduce the proportion of MPPs in mouse bone marrow. The proportions and numbers of MPP1, MPP3 and MPP4 in the bone marrow were significantly decreased after whole-body irradiation with 6 Gy X-ray ( P <0.05). In addition, radiation significantly reduced the colony-forming capacity of MPPs in bone marrow ( P <0.05), the proportions of apoptotic cells in the MPP1 and MPP4 cell populations increased significantly in the bone marrow ( P <0.05). The activity of mitochondria was significantly reduced in the bone marrow MPP2, MPP3 and MPP4 cell populations compared with that of the control group ( P <0.05). It was also found that the radiation could significantly increase the ROS levels of MPPs in bone marrow, and the content of ROS in the MPP2, MPP3 and MPP4 cell population of the bone marrow was significantly increased( P <0.05). The senescent cells ratios of MPP1, MPP3 and MPP4 cells in the bone marrow after irradiation were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Ionizing radiation can cause chronic MPPs damage in mice, which is closely associated with persistent oxidative stress, cells apoptosis, and cellular senescence.

Objective: To investigate the biomechanical affect of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED) on adjacent segments with different degrees of degeneration and related risk of adjacent segment diseases (ASD) caused by this operation., Methods: A healthy male adult volunteer was selected, and the lumbosacral vertebra image data was obtained by CT scan, and the external contour of the bone structure was reconstructed. On this basis, the external contour of the bone structure was fitted by using the smooth curve in 3D-CAD software, and the complete three-dimensional finite element modelof the non degenerate L 3 -S 1 segment and the degenerative models of the L 3 -L 4 and L 5 -S 1 segment were drawn forward. In L 4 , L 5 segment simulating PTED surgery through the removal of right part of articular process and nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus. After PTED was simulated in the L 4 -L 5 segment and the risk of ASD has been evaluated by six changes of biomechanical indicators in flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, left and right axial rotation conditions., Results: In the finite element model without adjacent segmental disc degeneration, the annulus fibrosus von Mises stress and intradiscal pressure of the PTED model showed only a slight increase under most stress conditions, and a slight decrease in a few conditions, and there was no significant change trend before and after surgery. In the original degenerated adjacent segment disc model, the biomechanical indicators related to disc degeneration in the pre- and post-PTED model showed significant deterioration, leading to an increased risk of potential adjacent spondylopathy., Conclusion: PTED surgery will not lead to the significant deterioration of postoperative biomechanical environment of non-degeneration adjacent intervertebral discs, and the original degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs is a important risk factor for ASD.

Objective: To explore the inhibitory effects of silencing long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) HIF1A-AS2 on epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor stem cell-like phenotype in cervical cancer cells., Methods: We designed 3 shRNA constructs for silencing HIF1A-AS2 in CaSki cells, and the shRNA with the strongest interference effect was selected for subsequent experiment. CaSki cells were transfected with shRNA-NC or Sh-HIF1A-AS2, and the changes in cell viability, invasion ability, EMT, expressions of EMT-related proteins, formation of cell spheres and expressions of stem cell markers were detected., Results: Transfection with shRNA-NC and Sh-HIF1A-AS2 did not significantly affected the viability of CaSki cells ( P > 0.05). Compared with the cells transfected with shRNA-NC, the cells transfected with Sh- HIF1A-AS2 showed significantly reduced invasion ability, expressions of vimentin N-cadherin, and cell sphere formation ability. HIF1A-AS2 silencing obviously lowered the rate of ABCG2-positive cells, significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of Nanog, OCT4, and SOX2, and strongly enhanced the expression of E-cadherin in CaSki cells ( P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Silencing HIF1A-AS2 can inhibit proliferation, invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells in vitro .

Objective: To investigate the effects of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) on the proliferation and activation-induced cell death of mouse T cells and the mechanism underlying the immunosuppressive effects of TGP., Methods: Purified total T cells isolated from the spleen of C57BL/6 mice were treated with TGP at 0, 50, 100, or 200 μg/mL and stimulated by anti-CD3/ CD28. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the cell death and the proliferation of CFSE-labeled T cells. The expression of Fas/FasL mRNA was detected using RT-PCR, and flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of Fas/FasL proteins on activated T cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2 in the cells., Results: TGP treatment for 48 h significantly reduced the total number and percentage of viable T cells and dose-dependently lowered the percentage of divided T cells. TGP treatment obviously up-regulated the cellular expression of Fas mRNA, enhanced Fas expression on the surface of the T cells, and decreased the expression level of Bcl-2 protein in the cells., Conclusions: TGP significantly inhibits proliferation and promotes activation-induced cell death of mouse T cell by increasing the expression of Fas and downregulating the expression of Bcl-2.

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of " Tiaoren Tongdu acupuncture" and oral estradiol and dydrogesterone tablets (femoston) on premature ovarian insufficiency of kidney deficiency., Methods: A total of 50 patients with premature ovarian insufficiency of kidney deficiency were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each one.In the observation group, " Tiaoren Tongdu acupuncture" was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zhongji (CV 3), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Yaoshu (GV 2), Mingmen (GV 4), etc. once every 2 days, 1 month as a course. In the control group, femoston was prescribed for oral administration, one tablet per time, once a day, 1 month as a course. Both of the two groups were given consecutive treatment for 3 courses. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptoms, menstrual improvement as well as the changes of estradiol (E 2 ), luteotrophic hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum were observed in the two groups., Results: After treatment, the clinical symptoms and menstrual conditions were improved ( P <0.01), the levels of FSH and LH were significantly reduced ( P <0.01), and the levels of E 2 were significantly increased in the two groups ( P <0.01). There were no significant difference in menstrual improvement rate and menstrual improvement time between the observation group and the control group ( P <0.05), the recurrence rate of menopause and clinical symptom score improvement in the observation group were superior to the control group ( P <0.05). In the observation group, the level of E 2 in serum was lower and the levels of FSH and LH in serum were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P <0.05, P <0.01). In the observation group, the rate of adverse reaction was 4.0% (1/25), which was lower than 36.0% (9/25) in the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: " Tiaoren Tongdu acupuncture" has better therapeutic effect for premature ovarian insufficiency of kidney deficiency. It is superior to femoston in improving clinical symptoms and recurrence rate of menopause as well as reducing the levels of FSH and LH.

Objective: To investigate the role of autophagy in the regulatory effect of Shufeng Huoxue Fumula (SFHXF) on the proliferation and melanin metabolism in cultured murine B16 melanoma cells., Methods: B16 cells were treated with solutions containing 0.12, 0.25, 0.49, 0.98, or 1.96 mg/mL SFHXF preparations, rapamycin (an autophagy inducer), or rapamycin+SFHXF. The changes in the proliferation of B16 cells were assessed using MTT assay, and tyrosinase activity and melanin content in the cells were determined. The expressions of autophagy-related proteins P62, p-mTOR, LC3B, and beclin 1 in the cells were detected using Western blotting., Result: Compared with the blank control cells, treatments with SFHXF both in the presence and in the absence of rapamycin concentration-dependently inhibited the cell proliferation (P<0.05) and obviously increased tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in B16 cells (P<0.05); 0.98 mg/mL SFHLF, rapamycin+0.98 mg/mL SFHXF, and 50 nmol/L rapamycin all significantly up-regulated the expressions of LC3B-II and beclin 1 and down-regulated the expressions of P62 and p-mTOR in the cells., Conclusion: SFHXF can regulate melanin metabolism and enhance tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis through the autophagy pathway to inhibit the proliferation of B16 cells in vitro.

Assara inouei Yanmanaka is an important pest of pomegranate fruits in Yunnan Province. To examine the effects of different pomegranate varieties on the development and reproduction of A. inouei, the biological characteristics, such as the developmental duration, the survival rate and reproduction of this pest feeding on five pomegranate varieties including Tianlvzi, Houpitianshazi, Tianguangyan, Suanlvzi and Suanshazi were observed respectively, and the life table parameters were established under the laboratory conditions of (25±1) ℃, RH (70±10)% and a photoperiod of 15 L:9 D. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the egg stage, larval stage, pupal stage, the longevity of male adults, generation duration form egg to adult and egg hatch rate among the five varieties. There were significant differences in the pre-pupal stage, the longevity of female adults, larval survival, pupation, eclosion and total survival rates, the number of eggs laid per female as well as male and female pupal mass among the five varieties, and all of which except the larval survival were higher on Suanlvzi, followed by Houpitianshazi, but there was no significant difference between these two varieties. The results of life table showed the net reproduction rate, the intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of increase of the Suanlvzi population were the highest. There were no significant differences in the mean generation time among the five varieties, but significant difference was observed in the population doubling time, which was the shortest on Suanlvzi population. The development and reproduction of A. inouei were better on the Suanlvzi and Houpitianshazi among the five varieties.

Objective: To assess the application of three-dimensional jaw model in treatment of superolateral dislocation of condyle., Methods: Nine patients with superolateral dislocation of condyle and symphyseal fractures were admitted in hospital from June 2008 to June 2013. Spiral CT scan on maxilla and mandible was performed，and three-dimensional jaw model was constructed with rapid prototyping technology. According to conditions of condylar superolateral dislocation model，the operation scheme was designed. The symphyseal fracture line was made and fracture was reduced on three-dimensional jaw model. Individualized prefabricated reconstructive titanium plate was made on symphyseal fracture model. Symphyseal fracture was replaced with individualized prefabricated mandibular reconstruction titanium plate according to occlusal relationship. At the same time，reduction of condylar superolateral dislocation was accomplished., Results: Operations were successfully completed in 9 cases under guidance of three dimensional jaw model surgery. Operative incision was primarily healed，and occlusal relationship was restored. Postoperative CT scan showed that the locations of condyle in 9 cases were completely restored. Patients were followed-up for 6-28 months with a median of 18 months. The maximum of mouth opening was 3.1- 4.2 cm with a medians of 3.3 cm，and the occlusal relationship of all patients was normal after surgery., Conclusion: Three-dimensional jaw model can show complete status of condylar superolateral dislocation and symphyseal fracture. The model can accurately shape symphyseal reconstructive titanium plate and restore condylar superolateral dislocation during reductive surgery.

Objective: To study predominant risk factors for survival in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIM)., Methods: The clinical data of 163 cases of IIM were reviewed, who received the diagnosis and treatments in West China Hospital from January 1997 to December 2010. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used for the survival analysis of these patients with IIM. Univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors for survival in the patients with IIM were carried out by Log-rank test, univariate Cox regression analysis and Cox regression model respectively., Results: There were 21 death occured among 163 patients with IIM, and the estimated 3, 5, 10-year survival rate was 93%, 89%, 80% respectively. The mortality of the patients with dermatomyositis (DM) or amyophathic dermatomyositis(ADM) increased significantly when compared with polymyositis (PM, P=0. 033, P= 0. 06). The mortality of IIM patients complicated with tumor or cadiovascular involvement was much higher than that of those patients without any complications (P<0. 001, P=0. 015). Tumor and cadiovascular involvement were two independent risk factors for the survival of IIM individuals., Conclusion: DM and ADM have much unfavorable prognosis than PM. Tumor and cadiovascular involvement are two major risk factors for the survival of IIM patients.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, pathogen constitution and their tolerance to antibiotics in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) patients complicated with pneumonia and the associated risk factors., Methods: The clinical data and pathogen test results of 93 IIM patients with pneumonia and 52 IIM patients without pneumonia (control group) were retrieved and compared., Results: Age of onset and interstitial lung disease were identified as risk factors associated with IIM complicated with pneumonia. Gram negative bacteria were the most common pathogen. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common bacteria and Candida albicans was the most common fungus causing infections in the IIM patients, which were relatively sensitive to the third- and fourth-generation of antibiotics such as cephalosporin, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycoside., Conclusion: Older patients with interstitial lung disease are prone to having pneumonia, especially those caused by gram negative bacteria and other atypical pathogens. Timely and reasonable anti-infection treatment is essential.

This study is purposed to investigate the effects of praeruptorin A (PA) and praeruptorin C (PC) on UGT1A1 in HepG2 cells through hCAR pathway. PA and PC were incubated with HepG2 cells for 24 h and 48 h, mRNA and protein expressions of UGT1A1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting assays. Additionally, effects of PA and PC on UGT1A1 mRNA and protein expressions were also measured after transient transfection of a specific CAR siRNA for 72 h in HepG2 cells. UGT1A1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased by PA and PC after incubation for 48 h. Moreover, the mRNA and protein up-regulations of UGT1A1 were attenuated by transient transfection of a specific CAR siRNA, suggesting the induction was mediated by CAR. The results suggest that PA and PC can significantly up-regulate UGT1A1 expression partially via the CAR-mediated pathway.

Hard and soft classification techniques are the conventional methods of image classification for satellite data, but they have their own advantages and drawbacks. In order to obtain accurate classification results, we took advantages of both traditional hard classification methods (HCM) and soft classification models (SCM), and developed a new method called the hard and soft classification model (HSCM) based on adaptive threshold calculation. The authors tested the new method in land cover mapping applications. According to the results of confusion matrix, the overall accuracy of HCM, SCM, and HSCM is 71.06%, 67.86%, and 71.10%, respectively. And the kappa coefficient is 60.03%, 56.12%, and 60.07%, respectively. Therefore, the HSCM is better than HCM and SCM. Experimental results proved that the new method can obviously improve the land cover and land use classification accuracy.

Objective: To investigate the effect of Nrf2 gene knockdown on hirsutanols A-induced cytotoxicity in cancer cells., Methods: The changes in the cell viability following treatment with different concentrations of hirsutanols A was detected by MTT assay, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assayed using flow cytometry. AnnexinV-FITC apoptosis kit was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Nrf2 protein expression in HepG2 and SW480 cells transfected with the siRNA targeting Nrf2 was analyzed with Western blotting., Results: At the concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 µmol/L, hirsutanols A obviously inhibited the cell proliferation of human liver cancer HepG2 and colon cancer SW480 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The levels of hydrogen peroxide increased rapidly after hirsutanols A treatment in both HepG2 (30 µmol/L) and SW480 (15 µmol/L) cells. Hirsutanols A also induced apoptosis of the two cells. Pretreatment with 5 mmol/L NAC totally inhibited apoptosis and ROS accumulation in the two cells induced by hirsutanols A. Transfection of HepG2 and SW480 cells with the siRNA caused a significant reduction in Nrf2 protein expression, which resulted in an increased sensitivity of the cells to hirsutanols A., Conclusion: Hirsutanols A can induce apoptosis in HepG2 and SW480 cells by promoting ROS production and up-regulating Nrf2 expression. Nrf2 knockdown by siRNA can increase the sensitivity of the cancer cells to hirsutanols A in vitro.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of liver transplant recipients who received liver allografts from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive donors., Methods: The medical records of 23 male patients (median age, 42.5 years; range: 29-61) who received HBsAg-(+) liver allografts in our organ transplant center were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had confirmed diagnosis of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) secondary to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including 13 HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(-)/HBcAb(+) cases and 10 HBsAg(+)/HBeAb(+)/HBcAb(+) cases. After transplantation, all patients were administered oral entecavir and intravenous anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) (2000 IU/d during the first week), along with a steroid-free immune suppression regimen. HBV-related antigen and antibody and HBV DNA were detected on post-transplantation days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 30. The liver allografts were monitored by ultrasound imaging. After discharge, monthly follow-up recorded liver function, renal function, acute rejection, infections, vascular complications, biliary complications, HBV recurrence, cancer recurrence, and patient survival., Results: Two of the recipients died from severe perioperative pneumonia. The remaining 21 recipients were followed-up for 10 to 38 months, and all 21 patients remained HBsAg(+). One recipient developed biliary ischemia and required a second liver transplantation at five months after the primary transplantation. Three recipients (all primary) died from tumor recurrence at 9, 14, and 18 months post-transplantation, respectively. All other recipients survived and had acceptably low HBV DNA copy levels. Color Doppler imaging showed good graft function and normal texture. The patient and graft survival rates were 78.3% (18/23) and 73.9% (17/23), respectively. The recurrence rate of HBV infection was 100% (23/23). In surviving patients, no liver function abnormality, graft loss, or death was found to be related to the recurrence of HBV infection., Conclusion: Liver transplantation using HBsAg(+) liver grafts was safe for patients with ESLD secondary to HBV infection.

Objective: Chronic prostatitis, especially type III A, is a common disease in adult males, for which there are quite a few therapeutic methods. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of enoxacin in the treatment of III A prostatitis., Methods: We selected 198 cases of III A prostatitis with complete treatment and follow-up data from the outpatients, all treated by enoxacin injection for 1 week, followed by oral medication of enoxacin for 2 weeks. Then we evaluated the therapeutic effect based on the NIH-CPSI scores and changes in the indexes of expressed prostatic secretions (EPS)., Results: The rate of total effectiveness was 86.4%, cure 8.6% (17/198), remarkable effectiveness 58.1% (115/198), improvement 19.7% (39/198), and ineffectiveness 13.6% (27/198). Only 16 cases (8.1%) complained of transitory gastrointestinal tract discomfort and/or skin itching., Conclusion: Enoxacin has desirable efficacy and few adverse effects on type III A prostatitis.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of the custom shade guide of tetracycline stained teeth in color matching., Methods: Forty-two patients with 59 tetracycline stained teeth were included in this study. Color matching was performed with Shofu shade guide and custom shade guide of tetracycline stained teeth. According to the two results, two porcelain fused to metal crowns were fabricated for each tooth. Evaluations were made both visually by dentists and patients and with ShadeEye NCC., Results: Color difference between prostheses made according to custom shade guide and natural teeth was (7.80 +/- 4.70). Color difference between prostheses made according to Shofu shade guide and natural teeth was (10.68 +/- 4.70). Both visual evaluation and ShadeEye NCC evaluation showed that the custom shade guide provided a more accurate shade selection than the Shofu shade guide did, and the difference between the two shade guides was significant (t = 7.328, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The custom shade guide of tetracycline stained teeth provided a standard for clinical shade matching for the tetracycline stained teeth and could be a supplement to Shofu shade guide.

Background and Objective: As a new cryptolepine derivative containing indole and quinoline structures, SYUIQ-5 has been reported to induce and stabilize G-quadruplex, inhibit c-myc promoter and telomerase activity. This study was to investigate autophagy induced by a G-quadruplex ligand SYUIQ-5 and its mechanisms in nasopharyngeal cancer cells., Methods: The protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), Akt, p-Akt, autophagy-related genes BNIP3 (adenocarcinoma E1B19KD interacting protein 3) and Beclin1 were determined by Western blot in nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines CNE1, CNE2 and HONE1. The mRNA levels of LC3 and BNIP3 was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RNA interference was used to block the expression of BNIP3 and the effect of BNIP3 was evaluated in SYUIQ-5-induced autophagy. The localization of FOXO3a was observed using confocal immunofluorescence., Results: The protein and mRNA levels of LC3 in CNE1, CNE2 and HONE1 were up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner after being treated with 0.25-2 microg/mL SYUIQ-5 for 48 h. Incubation of CNE2 cells with SYUIQ-5 markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, but did not statistically change the total Akt level. After incubation with 3 microg/mL SYUIQ-5 for 24 h, nuclear translocation of FOXO3a was observed under confocal immunofluorescence in CNE2 cells. Autophagy-related gene BNIP3 was significantly elevated in nasopharyngeal cancer cells, whereas Beclin1 was not significantly changed. Knockdown of BNIP3 expression using small interfering RNA caused LC3-II down-regulation., Conclusion: SYUIQ-5 induces autophagy in cancer cells. This may be related to SYUIQ-5-mediated p-Akt down-regulation and FOXO3a nuclear translocation, which promot LC3 transcription. BNIP3 is involved in SYUIQ-5 induced autophagy.

Objective: Castrated rats exhibit significant shrinkage of the ventral prostate and apoptosis of prostatic cells, which can be attributed to the reduced blood supply to the prostate. But what causes the blood decrease in the prostate remains unknown. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of the changes in the microcirculation of the ventral prostate of rats following castration., Methods: We randomized 24 male adult rats into 6 groups of equal number, and collected their ventral prostates at 0, 1/2, 1, 2, 3 and 7 d, respectively, after castration. Then we observed the changes of the microvessels under the transmission electron microscope, detected the apoptosis of endothelial cells by TUNEL, and determined the expressions of VEGF, endostatin, angiostatin and angiopoietin-2 by Western blot., Results: The castrated rats showed dramatic changes in the microvessels of the ventral prostate, obvious apoptosis of the endothelial cells, down-regulated expression of VEGF, and up-regulated expressions of endostatin and angiostatin, while angiopoietin-2 remained unchanged., Conclusion: The decreased level of VEGF and increased levels of endostatin and angiostatin might underlie the mechanism of the changes in the microcirculation of the ventral prostate of rats following castration.

Background & Objective: Rhabdastrellic acid-A is an isomalabaricane triterpenoid isolated from the sponge Rhabdastrella globostellata from South China Sea. Our previous study indicated that rhabdastrellic acid-A can inhibit the proliferation of many types of tumor cells with minor toxicity. This study was to investigate the apoptosis of human leukemia HL-60 cells induced by rhabdastrellic acid-A and its possible mechanisms., Methods: Inhibitory effect of rhabdastrellic acid-A on the proliferation of HL-60 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. DNA fragmentation was analyzed by agarose electrophoresis. Cell morphology was observed under fluorescent microscope. The protein levels of Caspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), P73, Bcl-2 and Bax were analyzed by Western blot. The expression profile of apoptosis-related genes was analyzed by gene microarray. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to confirm some altered genes identified by gene microarray., Results: Rhabdastrellic acid-A inhibited the proliferation of HL-60 cells and the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) was (0.64+/-0.21) microg/ml. When treated with 1 microg/ml rhabdastrellic acid-A for 36 h, condensation of nuclear chromatin of HL-60 cells was observed under fluorescent microscope and DNA fragmentation was observed by agarose electrophoresis. Also, rhabdastrellic acid-A induced cleavage of PARP and Caspase-3. The mRNA levels of 44 genes, including p73, JunD, TNFAIP3 and GADD45A, were up-regulated and the mRNA levels of 16 genes, including MAP2K5 and IGF2R, were down-regulated. The results were further confirmed by RT-PCR. The protein level of P73 was up-regulated after rhabdastrellic acid-A treatment., Conclusion: Rhabdastrellic acid-A could induce the apoptosis of HL-60 cells which may be related to the up-regulation of apoptosis-related genes such as p73 and JunD, and the down-regulation of MAP2K5 and IGF2R.

We evaluated the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) on the performance of two pilot-scale constructed wetlands in treating contaminated water from an urban stream. The aim of this study was to investigate a more effective DO distribution in contaminated stream water treatment wetland that may aid future constructed wetland design effort. The results show poor natural aeration condition and inadequate DO in wetland directly result in the deterioration of effluent water quality. Natural waterfall is an effective aeration way and can improve DO concentration in wetland. The aeration capability of waterfall can be evaluated by oxygen deficit ratio (the ratio of difference between concentration of saturated DO and DO measured before and after waterfall). The distributions of DO obviously correlated with the quantity distribution of micrdorganism and removal rate of organic contaminants in wetland, however there was no obvious relationship between DO and TP removal rate. Results of the study also indicate setting multi-waterfall in plug-flow wetland can balance the distribution of DO and improve the nitrification.

The Resonance light scattering (RLS) spectra, fluorescence spectra, and absorption spectra of Cal-Red-Cu(II) metal complex with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied. As the Cal-Red-Cu(II)-BSA complex formed, the RLS spectra and fluorescence spectra enhanced, but the absorption spectra weakened and the absorption peak at 594 nm disappeared. At pH 5.65-5.75, the enhanced RLS of Cal-Red-Cu(II) metal complex with BSA system was characterized by the maximum scattering at 317 nm, and the RLS intensity is proportional to the concentration of BSA. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration was 0.75-10 microg x mL(-1), the linear regression equation was I=150. 88+201.48c(BSA, microg x mL(-1))with r=0.9973, and the limit of detection was 5.62 x 10(-2) microg x mL(-1). The method was applied to the determination of BSA in synthetic samples satisfactorily. A mechanism of electrostatic force was suggested for the interaction between BSA and Cal-Red-Cu(II).

The resonance light scattering (RLS) technique and UV-Vis absorption spectra were applied to the investigation of the interaction between atrazine and bovine serum albumin(BSA). Under acidic conditions, the formation of atrazine-BSA supermolecule by Van der Waals force and N/O--H...pi hydrogen bonds leads to a red shift of absorption band and strong RLS enhancement of atrazine. The characteristics and intensity of RLS were related to the pH, the concentration of atrazine, and temperature. Under the optimum conditions, the enhanced RLS intensities are in proportion to the concentration of BSA in the range of 0.05-100 microg x mL(-1). Based on the enhancement of the RLS, a simple and sensitive method for the determination of BSA was established. The detection limit (3sigma) is 12 ng x mL(-1). Synthesis samples were determined with satisfactory results.

Background & Objective: Meisoindigo is a powerful drug used in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but little is known about the mechanisms. This study was to investigate the inducement effect of meisoindigo on apoptosis of myelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60, and explore the possible mechanisms., Methods: After treatment of meisoindigo, the proliferation of HL-60 cells was detected by trypan blue exclusion assay, and DNA fragmentation by agarose electrophoresis; cell morphology was observed under fluorescent microscope. Cell apoptosis and the expression of Fas were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, PARP, Bcl-2, Bax and the concentration of cytochrome c in cytosol were analyzed by Western blot., Results: Meisoindigo inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. When treated with 20 micromol/L meisoindigo for 12-48 h, the proliferation of HL-60 cells was significantly inhibited. When treated for 1 h, the apoptosis rate of HL-60 cells was (3.70+/-0.56)%; the apoptosis rate was significantly higher in HL-60 cells treated for 3, 6, and 12 h than in control cells [(19.80+/-1.13)%, (29.20+/-2.69)%, and (47.05+/-7.70)% vs. (2.65+/-0.78)%, P<0.05]. When treated with meisoindigo for 3 h, typical changes of apoptosis, such as chromatin condensation and DNA ladder, were detected in HL-60 cells. The positive rate of Fas was significantly higher in cells treated with 20 micromol/L meisoindigo for 1 h than in control cells [(21.30+/-1.27)% vs. (9.35+/-0.21)%, P<0.05]. Meisoindigo activated Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9 and PARP, down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2, up-regulated the expression of Bax and the concentration of cytochrome c. Furthermore, pretreatment of caspase-3 inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk partially reversed the inhibitory effect of meisoindigo on cell proliferation, and decreased cell apoptosis; when treated with meisoindigo for 5 h, the apoptosis rate was significantly higher in pretreated cells than in cells without pretreatment [(29.8+/-5.4)% vs. (16.5+/-5.5)%, P<0.05]; when treated with meisoindigo for 12 h, the alive cell number was significantly lower in pretreated cells than in cells without pretreatment [(1.80+/-0.14) x 10(5)/ml vs. (3.57+/-0.18) x 10(5)/ml, P<0.05]., Conclusion: Meisoindigo induces apoptosis of HL-60 cells which may relate to regulation of caspases pathway and bcl-2 family proteins.

Adsorption performance of 5 GACs were compared on two abundant haloacetic acids (HAAs) as disinfection by-products (dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid). The adsorption behaviours of the two HAAs were well correlated with Langmuir equation. When the two HAAs co-existed, trichloroacetic acid tended to be adsorbed more easily. The adsorption capacity of a foreign GAC-A for dichloroacetic acid was 4.4-5.7 times that of domestic GACs, and 3.8 times that of another foreign GAC-B, while the adsorption capacity of a foreign GAC-A for trichloroacetic acid was 4.0-5.4 times that of domestic GACs, and 2.6 times that of another foreign GAC-B. The equilibrium study of competitive adsorption between dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid on GAC-A demonstrates that the relative adsorption capacity of HAAs has a linear increase with their relative equilibrium concentration. The adsorption capacity for trichloroacetic acid is sensitive to changes at its equilibrium concentration greater than that for dichloroacetic acid.

The causes of high serum potassium-induced cardiac arrest in anhepatic stage of orthotopic liver transplantation were analyzed in 3 cases without venovenous bypass, and the effectiveness of insulin was evaluated in correcting hyperkalemia during the anhepatic stage. To improve the survival rate of patients with such cardiac arrest, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and timely defibrillation should be performed.