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Spent nuclear fuel reprocessing is the key step of the nuclear fuel cycle. It also restricts the sustainable development of nuclear power. With the help of external neutron source in an accelerator driven advanced nuclear energy system(ADANES), spent nuclear fuel reprocessing only needs to remove some volatile fission products and neutron poisons, such as rare elements. Moreover, it is not necessary to separate the long-lived minor actinides Np, Am and Cm finely. These minor actinides can be refabricated as new nuclear fuels together with uranium dioxide for burn, transmutation, breeding, and power production in the accelerator driven advanced nuclear energy system. Based on this, our group proposed a technical route for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and regeneration of accelerator driven advanced nuclear energy system, including high-temperature oxidation pulverization and volatilization, selective dissolution separation, and fuel regeneration. The recent research of our group is summarized, which has a great significance for implementation of accelerator driven advanced nuclear energy system.

Objective To determine the effect of Polygonum multiflorum extract (PME) on DNA methylation and transcriptome levels in the brain tissue of D-galactose-induced senescence C57BL/6 mice, and explore its mechanism of delaying aging. Methods Fifty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, that is, normal control group (CC), aging group (MC), high-, medium- and low-dosed PME groups (MH, MM and ML). Except the CC group, the mice of the other 4 groups were induced to establish an aging model by D-galactose. Sixty days later, the mice of the MH, MM and ML groups were given intragastrical infusion with PME at 1, 0.6 and 0.3 g·mL-1·kg-1 for 60 d, and those of CC group and the MC group received same volume of normal saline. All the mice were anesthetized, and the eyeballs were removed to collect blood samples for malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities to determine the establishment of aging model and the effect of Polygonum multiflorum in delaying aging in mice. The DNA methylation level and transcription level in brain tissue of each group of mice were detected by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and RNA-seq sequencing. And bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the differentially methylated region (DMR) and differentially expressed genes in the brain samples of each group. The related genes in the promoter region of DMR were analyzed by GO clustering and KEGG pathway analysis. Real-time qPCR was used to verify the expression of some genes. Results Compared with the CC group, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased obviously (P < 0.05), and the content of MDA was increased significantly in the MC group (P < 0.05). After PME treatment, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and MDA content in aging mice were distinctly relieved, especially in the MM group (P < 0.05). In DNA methylation sequencing, there were 52 related genes in the promoter region of DMR with methylation changes between the CC group and the MC group, and between the MC group and the MM group. Among these genes, the methylation levels of 7 genes were negatively correlated with transcriptome results, including Synpo and Mapkapk5 (associated with senescence), while the methylation levels of 13 genes were positively correlated with the transcriptome, including Tcf7 and Rab15 (associated with senescence). The mRNA levels of these 4 genes were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. Conclusion PME exerts a delaying senescence effect probably by regulating the methylation of Synpo, Mapkapk5, Tcf7 and Rab15 genes, and thereby regulating their transcription levels in senescent mice.

H-type hypertension is accompanied by elevated homocysteine （Hcy） （≥10 μmol/L） in the blood， which synergistically increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases with hypertension， especially stroke. Approximately 75% of hypertensive patients in China are H-type， which is closely associated with the characteristics of Chinese population. Early screening and diagnosis of H-type hypertension and accurate prevention and treatment are of significance. Folic acid supplementation based on blood pressure reduction can effectively reduce the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients. The effects of folic acid supplementation on stroke prevention vary among different populations. Screening patients with a higher cost-benefit ratio can significantly improve prevention and treatment efficiency. With the proposal of H-type hypertension concept， more and more related studies have been conducted， which provides valuable clues for elucidating relevant mechanisms. It is necessary to carry out further in-depth research to expand and supplement related theories of H-type hypertension.

In order to study the effect of reaction time (0~90 min) on the characteristics of hydrothermal carbonization products of Camellia oleifera shells (WCOSs), this paper took Camellia oleifera shells as raw material, used high-pressure reactor, reaction temperature of 240 °C, solid-liquid ratio of 1:8 hydrothermal carbonization test. The results showed that after the reaction time of 30 min, with the prolongation of the reaction time, the carbon production of hydrothermal carbon first increased and then decreased, and the HHV and fixed carbon contents increased. FTIR analysis showed that the hydrothermal carbon undergoes dehydration and decarboxylation reactions during the hydrothermal carbonization process. SEM showed that with the prolongation of the reaction time, the hydrothermal carbon gradually formed a pore structure from the slight destruction of the surface structure. The combustion characteristics showed that the Ti of the hydrothermal carbon gradually increased with the prolongation of the reaction time, and the TG curve of the hydrothermal carbon shifted to the high temperature region. GC-MS analysis showed that at the beginning of the reaction, the main compound product in the liquid phase product of hydrothermal charcoal was furfural, and with the prolongation of reaction time, the content of phenolic substances in the liquid phase product gradually increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enrich the comprehensive utilization of bagasse and improve the comprehensive industrial value, the preparation of bagasse microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis was studied, the physical and chemical properties and structure of bagasse microcrystalline cellulose were analyzed, the mixed liquid system of bagasse microcrystalline cellulose and available natural gum was constructed, and the effect of bagasse microcrystalline cellulose on the rheological properties of available natural gum was studied. The results showed that the polymerization degree of bagasse microcrystalline cellulose, water holding capacity, diameter and melting temperature were 143, 7.55, 10 µm and 169.5 °C, FTIR and XRD analysis showed that it retained the basic chemical structure of cellulose. Sugarcane bagasse microcrystalline cellulose can enhance the solution of the curdlan. In the scanning range, the rheological behavior of G' > G" is a typical weak gel characteristic, indicates that bagasse microcrystalline cellulose has good dispersibility in the solution of the curdlan, which helps to enhance the network structure of the solution system and the stability of the solution is good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioisotope 99mTc (T1/2＝6.01 h) is the decay daughter of 99Mo, which is a widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine. It accounts for about 80% of all radioactive isotopes used. Recently, the direct production of 99mTc on cyclotron accelerators via 100Mo(p,2n)99mTc reaction has been the most promising approach with many advantages, such as nonreactors, no highly enriched uranium, less radioactive waste and no nuclear proliferation. This paper reviews the reported several separation strategies for 99mTc based on cyclotron production, which includes column chromatography, solvent extraction, chemical precipitation and thermochromatography. This work could provide some theoretical reference for the investigation of direct production of 99mTc on cyclotron accelerator in China.

[ Objective ] The properties and drying methods of pigment from walnut husks ( Juglans regia L. ) were studied to provide references for the development and utilization of walnut husks. [ Method ] Green husk pigment was extracted and purified from walnut husks ( Juglans regia L. ) by alkali extraction and acid precipitation. The main chemical compositions of green husk were identified. The effects of pH value, heating time, thickeners and copigments on green husk pigment were studied, and the stability of the pigment dried by different drying methods was also studied. [ Result ] The main components of green husk pigment included alkaloids, phenols, flavones and anthraquinones. Green husk pigment was stable at alkaline condition, and heating could lead to color fading. Thickeners, gallic acid, glucose and acid hydrolyzed casein enhanced the color of pigment in a certain extent. Green husk pigment dried by freeze-drying was more stable than vacuum drying and hot air drying. [ Conclusion ]Copigments and drying methods have critical effects on coloration and stability of green husk pigment, so proper copigments and drying methods should be chosen during food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of Maillard reaction in heated Torreya grandis cv. Merrilli seed oil was verified by detecting browning index and the contents of the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) 3-deoxyglucosone, methylglyoxal and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, and the effects of the MRPs on the quantification of total phenolics using the Folin-Ciocalteu and Fast Blue BB assays were explored. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay showed that the content of total phenolics in the oil increased after treatment at 150 ℃ for 90 to 120 min, while the Fast Blue BB assay showed the opposite result. It was also observed that the absorbance of the oil at a wavelength of 294 nm increased after long-term low-temperature or high-temperature heat treatment. 3-Deoxyglucosone (0.21–0.47 μg/g) and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (0.06–0.40 μg/g) were detected only in the 150 ℃ treated oil, while methylglyoxal (0.67–1.73 μg/g) existed in both oil samples. In the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, the absorbance at a wavelength of 765 nm of 3-deoxyglucosone and methylglyoxal linearly increased with an increase in their concentrations, and the decreasing order of the absorbance of the MRPs at the same concentration was 3-deoxyglucosone > methylglyoxal > 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. In the presence of 3-deoxyglucosone, the Folin-Ciocalteu result was greater than the actual value, and the degree of interference was not related to the content of total phenolics in samples, but instead was positively correlated with the concentration of 3-deoxyglucosone. In the Fast Blue BB assay, there was no significant difference in absorbance at 420 nm among the three MRPs. For food matrices prone to the formation of 3-deoxyglucosone and methylglyoxal during processing, the Fast Blue BB assay can be selected instead of the Folin-Ciocalteu assay to mitigate the interferences from the two substances in the quantification of total phenolics.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of cordycepin (Cor) in the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in asthmatic rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): control group, ovalbumin (OVA) group, OVA+10 mg/kg Cor group, OVA+50 mg/kg Cor group. After 7 days of treatment, the cell counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Masson's trichrome staining was used to detect epithelial collagen deposition. Human bronchial epithelioid cells 16HBE were divided into 3 groups: control group, TGF-β1 group and TGF-β1+Cor group. Immuno-fluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of c-Jun in the cells. Cell proliferation and migration were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell. The protein expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, α-SMA, vimentin, Smad3, p-Smad3, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 was detected by immuno-histochemical staining or Western blot. Results With comparison with specific control groups, the following results were recorded. The collagen fiber area and cell count of OVA group increased significantly(P＜0.05). The collagen fiber area and cell count of OVA+10 mg/kg Cor group and OVA+50 mg/kg Cor group both decreased (P＜0.05). E-cadherin staining degree and protein expression of OVA group decreased, while the staining degree of α-SMA increased and the protein expression of N-cadherin, α-SMA and vimentin increased (P＜0.05); E-cadherin staining degree and protein expression of OVA+10 mg/kg Cor group and OVA+50 mg/kg Cor group increased, while the staining degree of α-SMA decreased and the protein expression of N-cadherin, α-SMA and vimentin decreased (P＜0.05). Compared with control group, the cell viability and the number of migrating cells in the TGF-β1 group increased (P＜0.05); compared with the TGF-β1 group, the cell viability and the number of migrating cells in the TGF-β1+Cor group were both decreased (P＜0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin protein in TGF-β1 group decreased, while the protein expression of N-cadherin, α-SMA, vimentin, p-Smad3 and p-ERK1/2 increased (P＜0.05). The E-cadherin protein expression level of TGF-β1+Cor group increased, while the N-cadherin, α-SMA, vimentin, p-Smad3 and p-ERK1/2 protein expression levels decreased (P＜0.05). The relative fluorescence intensity of c-Jun in TGF-β1 group increased (P＜0.05); The relative fluorescence intensity of c-Jun in TGF-β1+Cor group decreased (P＜0.05). Conclusions Cordycepin inhibits EMT in asthma by inhibiting Smad3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathway and c-Jun.

Objective: To investigate the associated factors of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) and its association with 10-year risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a Chinese community-based general population., Methods: The participants of this study were from an atherosclerosis cohort survey which was established by the Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital in 2011. The cohort survey was performed in the Gucheng and Pingguoyuan communities of Shijingshan district in Beijing, China. The inclusion criteria of this study were: (1) endogenous EPO was measured; (2) health questionnaire data and other clinical data were complete; (3) participatants who had cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases (defined as self-reported coronary heart disease, stroke or transient ischemic attack) or anemia or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/(min·1.73 m 2 ) at baseline were excluded. Multivariate linear regression model was used to examine the associated factors of endogenous EPO. The participants were grouped into low (< 5%), moderate (5%-10%) and high risk (≥10%) groups, based on predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk using the prediction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in China (China-PAR) equations., Results: A total of 4 013 participants were included. Mean age of them was (55.9±8.2) years, 62.2% ( n =2 496) of them were female, and 46.3% ( n =1 859), 70.9% ( n =2 845), 21.9% ( n =879) had hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes, individually. The average body mass index was (26.1±3.3) kg/m 2 . The median of EPO level was 12.8 (9.3-17.4) IU/L and 25.1% ( n =998) were at high 10-years risk of cardiovascular disease. Hemoglobin ( β =-0.05, 95% CI : -0.07 to -0.04) and eGFR ≥90 mL/(min·1.73 m 2 ) ( β =-0.05, 95% CI : -0.07 to -0.04) were associated with lower in transformed EPO levels while hypertension ( β =0.08, 95 %CI: 0.05 to 0.12) and obesity ( β =0.14, 95% CI : 0.09 to 0.18) were associated with higher in transformed EPO levels in multivariate linear regression analyses. Ten-year cardiovascular disease risks were positively associated with in transformed EPO levels ( β =0.07, 95% CI : 0.05 to 0.09). The participants at moderate and high cardiovascular disease risks had significant higher EPO levels than the low risk group (all P < 0.05)., Conclusion: In community-based Beijing populations, endogenous EPO was associated with hemoglobin, renal function, obesity and hypertension. Individuals at high 10-years cardiovascular disease risks have higher endogenous EPO levels. Endogenous EPO may be a potential risk marker of cardiovascular disease.

Objective: To isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ), to examine their morphology, particle size, and distribution, to study the effect of EVs derived from Mtb ( Mtb- EVs) on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytokine secretion in dendritic cells (DCs), and to make preliminary exploration of Mtb- EVs' effect on the immune regulation of DCs., Methods: Mtb- EVs were obtained by ultrafiltration concentration and the protein concentration was determined by BCA assay. The morphology of Mtb- EVs was observed through negative staining electron microscopy (EM). The particle size distribution and concentration of Mtb- EVs were determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Mouse bone marrow was isolated through sterile procedures and mice myeloid DCs were induced and amplified by the combined use of recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rm GM-CSF) and recombinant mouse interleukin-4 (rm IL-4). Then, morphological and immunophenotypic characterization was performed. After that, the DCs were treated with Mtb -EVs at different concentrations and CCK-8 assay was done to measure their effect on the survival rate of DCs and to identify the appropriate stimulation concentration for subsequent experimental procedures. The intracellular ROS levels of DCs were evaluated with DCFH-DA fluorescence probe and the cytokine secretion of DCs was determined by ELISA., Results: EM observation showed that Mtb -EVs isolated by ultrafiltration concentration were spherical vesicles of varied sizes, all being approximately 100 nm in diameter and displaying typical morphology. NTA results from NanoSight nanoparticle tracker showed that the peak particle size was 98.5 nm, that the average particle size was 110.2 nm, and that the particle size was mainly distributed between 68.4-155.7 nm. Mtb -EVs that were smaller than 250 nm accounted for 98.39% of the total. Mouse myeloid DCs directionally induced and amplified in vitro displayed typical DC phenotype and morphology, and the purity exceeded 85%. EM verified the abundance of microvilli and radial protuberance on the surface of DCs, which had uniform cytoplasm and clear nuclear membrane. Loaded with Mtb -EVs at different concentrations, including 10 2 , 10 3 , and 10 4 particles/cell, the DCs had significantly upregulated levels of intracellular ROS ( P <0.05). In addition, Mtb -EVs induced the release of IL-1β and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: We established in the study a technical process for the extraction of Mtb -EVs by ultrafiltration concentration and obtained Mtb -EVs with sound morphology, high purity, and concentrated particle size distribution. Furthermore, Mtb -EVs can upregulate the intracellular ROS level in DCs and induce the release of IL-1β and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Objective To investigating the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) pretreated with stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) on carotid stenosis in rats. Methods The plasmid carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was transfected into BMSCs and then intravenously injected into rats. The rats were divided into carotid artery injury model control group, BMSCs transplantation group, and BMSCs pretreated with SDF-1 group. Two weeks after the cell transplantation, the injured vascular tissues were collected and EGFP expression was detected by immunofluorescence histochemistry to determine the homing of BMSCs. Four weeks after cell transplantation, the endothelialization of injured intima was observed by Evans blue staining, and CD31 expression in injured vessels was detected by the immunofluorescence technique. The neointimal hyperplasia of injured carotid arteries was observed by HE staining. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in injured vessels was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The protein level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was tested by Western blot analysis. Results The transplantation of BMSCs pretreated with SDF-1 could effectively promote the homing of BMSCs to injured blood vessels, and promote the re-endothelialization of injured vessels. The neointimal area and neointimal area/medial area in the two BMSC-transplantation groups were both lower than those in the model control group, which were more significantly different from the BMSCs pretreated with SDF-1 group. The transplantation of BMSCs pretreated with SDF-1 could significantly increase the expression of CD31 and VEGF in injured intima and inhibit the expression of PCNA. Conclusion The transplantation of BMSCs pretreated with SDF-1 can inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the media and reduce arterial stenosis by promoting the migration of BMSCs to the injured site and inducing the differentiation of BMSCs.

In this study, a computer-based network pharmacology approach was applied to investigate the potential mechanism and important components of Rhodiola crenulata in the protection of H9c2 cells against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress. The intestinal absorption liquid of R. crenulata enhanced the cell viability, maintained cell morphology and inhibited cell apoptosis in the H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in H9c2. Then, computer-based network pharmacology was used to analyze the relevant mechanism. A total of 133 oxidative stress-related compounds were screened out; and 26 of them occupied the top 20%, and all of the compounds enriched in 43 oxidative stress-related key targets. Finally, a "compound-target-pathway-function" network was constructed. Based on the analysis of the network pharmacology, R. crenulata protected H9c2 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress probably by affecting apoptosis-related processes, such as cell death, nitric oxide metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial mechanism, redox process, redox-related enzyme activty and other oxidative stress-related process. And salidroside, ethyl gallate and catechins, which were the main components of R. crenulata, played an important role in this process. Therefore, the potential mechanism and important components of R. crenulata revealed the protective effect on oxidative stress. This study shows a multi-component, multi-target and overall regulation effect of R. crenulata on the oxidative stress, and provides a reliable reference for subsequent systematic experimental studies for the pharmacodynamic material foundation and mechanism of action R. crenulata., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Objective To study the effect of the knock-down of the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) on the cell cycle of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) Bel7402/5-Fu hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its MDR mechanism. Methods After cationic liposome-mediated siDNA-PKcs oligonucleotide transfection, the drug sensitivity of Bel7402/5-Fu cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) and adriamycin (ADM) was determined by MTT assay; the cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry; meanwhile, the protein expressions of cell cycle-related proteins P21, cell cycle protein B1 (cyclin B1), cell cycle division protein 2 (CDC2) were tested by Western blotting; the expressions of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53 at both mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results The MTT results showed siDNA-PKcs increased the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of Bel7402/5-Fu cells to 5-Fu and ADM. The flow cytometric analysis showed siDNA-PKcs decreased the percentage of S-phase cells but increased the percentage of G2/M phase cells. Western blotting showed siDNA-PKcs increased the protein expression of P21 but decreased cyclinB1 and CDC2 proteins. In addition, siDNA-PKcs also increased the expressions of ATM and p53. Conclusion DNA-PKcs silencing increases P21 while decreases cyclin B1 and CDC2 expressions, and finally induces G2/M phase arrest in Bel7402/5-Fu cells, which may be related to ATM-p53 signaling pathway.

In order to explore the mechanisms underlying the vasoconstriction induced by blockade of inward rectifier K + channels (K ir ) with BaCl 2 , myogenic tone of isolated rat coronary artery (RCA) was recorded with wire myograph. The dependence of BaCl 2 - induced contraction on intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) release and extracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] o ) influx was studied by Ca 2+ deprivation and restoration. The mechanisms underlying BaCl 2 -induced RCA contraction were investigated with specific inhibitors. BaCl 2 (0.1-1.0 mmol/L) contracted isolated RCA in a concentration-dependent manner and the maximal contraction was (5.69 ± 1.07) mN, nearly equal to contraction induced by 60 mmol/L KCl. The contractions induced by BaCl 2 in Ca 2+ -free solution and by followed restoration of 2.5 mmol/L Ca 2+ accounted for (35.44 ± 6.72)% and (64.56 ± 5.94)%, respectively. Calcium channel blocker nifedipine (0.3 μmol/L), cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (100 μmol/L), ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (10 μmol/L) and chloride channel blocker niflumic acid (100 μmol/L) pretreatment depressed the BaCl 2 -induced maximal contraction by (87.82 ± 5.43)% (P < 0.01), (73.23 ± 5.47)% (P < 0.01), (75.69 ± 7.94)% (P < 0.01) and (83.24 ± 7.69)% (P < 0.01), respectively. These results demonstrate that BaCl 2 induces vasoconstriction in RCA by enhancing both [Ca 2+ ] i release and [Ca 2+ ] o influx, and suggest that increase of prostanoids synthesis, activation of calcium channels and chloride channels, as well as ERK1/2 pathway may be involved in this process.

Fe-Mn binary oxide impregnated chitosan bead (FMCB), an environmental friendly sorbent for phosphate removal, was fabricated through impregnating Fe-Mn binary oxide into chitosan matrix. The FMCB was characterized by SEM and BET surface area measurement. The adsorption behavior of phosphate on the FMCB was systemically investigated. The FMCB showed a porous and fibrous structure, with a high BET specific surface area of 248 m 2 ·g -1 and a pore volume of 0.37 m 3 ·g -1 . It had a much higher phosphate adsorption capacity than pure chitosan bead. Langmuir model was more suitable for describing the adsorption behavior and the maximal adsorption capacity was as high as 13.3 mg·g -1 at pH 7.0.The kinetic data were well fitted by the pseudo second order model. The phosphate adsorption on FMCB was pH-dependent and decreased with increasing solution pH. Coexisting Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ enhanced slightly the adsorption of phosphate, while the coexisting anions hindered the phosphate adsorption in the order of SiO 3 2- > CO 3 2- > SO 4 2- ≥Cl - . The phosphate-loaded FMCB could be effectively regenerated using NaOH solution and repeatedly used. In column tests, about 800 bed volumes of simulated groundwater containing 3 mg·L -1 were treated before breakthrough (phosphate concentration in effluent reached 0.5 mg·L -1 ).

The effects of crop rotation on sorghum [Sorghum biocolor (L) Moench] growth, rhizosphere microbial community and the activity of soil enzymes for successive crops of sorghum were evaluated. Five years of continuous monoculture sorghum as the control (CK) was compared to alfalfa and scallion planted in the fourth year. The results showed that incorporation of alfalfa and scallion into the rotation significantly improved sorghum shoot growth. Specifically, sorghum grain yield increased by 16.5% in the alfalfa rotation plots compared to the CK. The rotations also increased sorghum root system growth, with alfalfa or scallion rotation increasing sorghum total root length by 0.3 and 0.4 times, total root surface area by 0.6 and 0.5 times, root volume by 1.2 and 0.6 times, and root biomass by 1.0 and 0.3 times, respectively. Alfalfa rotation also expanded sorghum root distribution below the 10 cm soil depth. A Biolog analysis on biome functions in the sorghum flowering period indicated significantly higher microbial activity in the rotation plots. The alfalfa and scallion rotation increased the Shannon index by 0.2 and 0.1 times compared to the CK, and improved the sucrose activity in the rhizosphere soil. It was concluded that including alfalfa in rotation with sorghum improved sorghum rhizosphere soil environment, enhanced soil microbial enzyme activity, alleviated the obstacle of continuous cropping and thus increased the sorghum yield.

To detect the ecological process of the succession series of Phyllostachys glauca forest in a limestone mountain, five niche models, i.e., broken stick model (BSM), niche preemption model (NPM), dominance preemption model (DPM), random assortment model (RAM) and overlap- ping niche model (ONM) were employed to describe the species-abundance distribution patterns (SDPs) of 15 samples. χ² test and Akaike information criterion (AIC) were used to test the fitting effects of the five models. The results showed that the optimal SDP models for P. glauca forest, bamboo-broadleaved mixed forest and broadleaved forest were DPM (χ² = 35.86, AIC = -69.77), NPM (χ² = 1.60, AIC = -94.68) and NPM (χ² = 0.35, AIC = -364.61), respectively. BSM also well fitted the SDP of bamboo-broadleaved mixed forest and broad-leaved forest, while it was unsuitable to describe the SDP of P. glauca forest. The fittings of RAM and ONM in the three forest types were all rejected by the χ² test and AIC. With the development of community succession from P. glauca forest to broadleaved forest, the species richness and evenness increased, and the optimal SDP model changed from DPM to NPM. It was inferred that the change of ecological process from habitat filtration to interspecific competition was the main driving force of the forest succession. The results also indicated that the application of multiple SDP models and test methods would be beneficial to select the best model and deeply understand the ecological process of community succession.

Objective: To observe the effects of HBx shRNA on MMP-2 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG2.2.15., Methods: HepG2.2.15 cells were transfected with psiHBV/X plasmid using Lipofectamine(TM);2000. The silencing efficacy was evaluated by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) detecting the expression of HBx gene. The proliferation of HepG2.2.15 cells was examined by MTT assay. The expression levels of MMP-2 mRNA and protein were assayed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively., Results: RT-PCR showed that the efficiency of RNA interference of HBx gene was 53.6%. MTT detection revealed that the cell proliferation was inhibited at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the transfection (0.388±0.087, 0.623±0.016, 0.997±0.036) and the differences had statistically significance as compared with the control group (0.436±0.027, 0.731±0.017, 1.105±0.051) (P<0.05). The qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the expression of MMP-2 decreased at both mRNA and protein levels, and the differences had statistically significance as compared with the control group (P<0.05)., Conclusion: HBx gene RNA interference can inhibit the cell proliferation and down-regulate the expression of MMP-2 in HepG2.2.15 cells.

Objective: To investigate the impact of silencing meiotic recombination 11 (MRE11) gene by shMRE11 on the chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and the resistance-associated protein (MRP1) expression on the drug-resistant BEL7402/5-FU hepatoma cells, and to confirm the relationship between MRE11 and drug-resistance of hepatoma cells., Methods: shMRE11 was transiently transfected into BEL7402/5-FU cells via cathodolyte liposome transfection method. The silencing efficiency was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. MTT assay was used to detect the sensitivity of transfected BEL7402/5-FU to cisplatin (DDP), mitomycin C (MMC), adriamycin (ADM) and 5-FU. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were employed respectively to detect the change in the mRNA and protein levels of drug-resistance protein MRP1 in transfected BEL7402/5-FU., Results: The qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the silencing efficiency of MRE11 mRNA and protein was 78.0% and 56.1%, respectively. Compared with the control group, IC50; of shMRE11 group treated with DDP, MMC, ADM, 5-FU was reduced significantly as shown by MTT assay (P<0.05); qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis of MRP1 showed that its expression significantly decreased at the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05)., Conclusion: shMRE11 can effectively improve the sensitivity of BEL7402/5-FU cells to anticancer drugs and down-regulate the expression of multidrug resistance associated protein MRP1.

Objective: To observe the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) derived from tumor microenvironment and/or afatinib on the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma H1975 cells and explore the potential mechanisms by which HGF induces primary resistance to afatinib., Methods: The effects of HGF, TGF-α and afatinib on the growth of H1975 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. The HGF concentrations of normal human fetal lung fibroblasts MRC-5 cells and human lung adenocarcinoma H1975 cells co-cultured or separately cultured were determined by ELISA assay. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of EGFR and Met signal pathway-related proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in H1975 cells treated with HGF and/or afatinib., Results: The MTT assay showed that H1975 cells were hyposensitive to afatinib in the presence of HGF. The ELISA assay showed that HGF production by H1975 cells was less than 0.1 ng/2.0×10(6) cells, but HGF production by MRC-5 cells was (151.37 ± 2.07)ng/2.0×10(6) cells incubated for 48 h. When H1975 cells and MRC-5 cells were co-cultured for 72 h, the concentration of HGF in the culture supernatant was (61.13 ± 16.21)ng/ml. In the presence of HGF, the expression of p-Met, p-Akt and p-ERK proteins in the H1975 cells was markedly up-regulated. afatinib inhibited p-EGFR, but did not affect the expression of p-Met, p-Akt and p-ERK proteins. In the presence of afatinib, HGF up-regulated the expression of vimentin and down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin., Conclusions: HGF secreted by stromal cells in the tumor micro-environment may confer resistance to afatinib in H1975 cells by activation of the Met/PI3K/Akt and Met/MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, and is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.

This study was aimed to investigate the expression of cdx2 gene in pediatric patients with acute leukemia and its clinical implication. The bone marrow and peripheral blood were collected from 33 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with acute leukemia, the cdx2 gene expression in each AL subtypes and normal controls was detected by RT-PCR, the relationship between cdx2 expression and response to treatment was observed. The results showed that the expression of cdx2 was positive in 25 out of 30 AL cases (83.3%), to be exact, in 20 of 21 ALL cases (95.2%) and in 5 of 9 AML cases (55.6%), which showed statistical difference (p < 0.05). The cdx2 mRNA could be detected also in 1 of 3 CML cases. However, no expression of cdx2 was observed in all normal control which revealed significant difference between patient group and normal control group. 21 AL patients with cdx2 positive expression (17 ALL and 4 AML patients) and 4 AL patients with cxd2 negative expression (1 ALL and 3 AML patients) all reached complete remission (CR) after treatment, which showed no correlation with CR rate. 8 patients with positive cdx2 expression were followed up. As a result, the cdx2 positive expression at initial diagnosis of patients remained positive at reaching CR, but it gradually turned to negative along with prolonging of CR, while the cdx2 negative expression at initial diagnosis of patients remained negative at CR in bone marrow level. It is concluded that cdx2 positive expression is observed in the majority of pediatric AL patients, even positive rate in ALL patients is higher than that in AML patients, while the cdx2 expression also can be observed in CML patients. The cdx2 positive expression is not related to the CR rate in AL patients.

Characteristic of uranium biosorption in water solution by Rhodotorula glutinis was investigated in the present study and the optimal pH for uranium adsorption was found to be 6-7. At the same time, maximum adsorption capacity of 149.4 mgU/(g dry cell) was identified, and Langmuir adsorption models can be used to simulate the isothermal biosorption process with high correlation coefficient of 0.99. According to Fourier transform infrared spectra, a new peak at wave number of 904 cm(-1), which can be assigned to the stretch vibration of UO2, was detected in the cell which was contacted by the uranium, indicated that uranium was really absorbed by Rhodotorula glutinis. Changes in the uranium-exposed yeast biomass were in the stretching vibrations of amino or hydroxyl groups, which shift from 3309 to 3287 cm(-1), and in the stretching vibrations of C--O band, which shift from 1068 to 1080 cm(-1), and these are all attributed to the important role that they may played in the binding of uranium. Hardly any changes can be found in the characteristic IR adsorbing peaks of protein at wave numbers of 1653, 1540 and 1237 cm(-1) before and after uranium adsorption, making it clear that the major component and the structure of the biomass remained intact. 96% of the absorbed uranium can be easily desorbed by 0.1 mol x L(-1) NaHCO3. Obviously, the application potential of this yeast in the uranium wastewater treatment was very wide and expansive, and more more work should be done to realize its industrial use.

Objective: To observe the effect and mechanism of resveratrol on cardiac fibroblast (cFs) proliferation induced by angiotensin II (Ang II)., Methods: The in vitro cFs proliferation model was established by stimulating cultured cFs of new born rats with Ang II by differential attachment method. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay, and the effect of resveratrol, L-NAME and ODQ on cell proliferation were observed respectively. Besides, the hypertrophic response of cFs was estimated by measuring expressions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA, with the levels of ANP and BNP in culture medium determined by radioimmunoassay and ELISA respectively; and their mRNA expressions determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Level of nitric oxide (NO) in the culture medium was measured by Griess reagent; nitric oxide synthase (NOS) level by chemical colorimetric method; and cGMP by radioimmunoassay., Results: Resveratrol at the dose of 25-100 micromol/L inhibited cFs proliferation in a time and dose dependent manner, which could be partially blocked by pretreatment with L-NAME or ODQ. NO and cGMP levels increased, ANP, BNP levels and their mRNA expression lowered after resveratrol treatment., Conclusion: Resveratrol in a definite concentration range could inhibit cFs proliferation and hypertrophic response induced by Ang II, up-regulating the signal pathway of NO and cGMP might be one of the acting paths of the inhibitory effects.

Objective: To investigate the effect of pioglitazone (Pio) on dendritic cell-(DC) specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) expression in DCs and explore the possible mechanism of Pio inhibiting DC adhesion and transmigration., Methods: DCs derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured and divided into 6 groups: blank control group, Pio 0.1 micromol/L group, Pio 1.0 micromol/L group, Pio 10 micromol/L group, GW9662, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma antagonist, 10 micromol/L group, and GW9662 10 micromol/L + Pio 10 micromol/L group. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of DC-SIGN 24 h later. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were obtained and co-cultured with the DCs undergoing different treatments. Immunofluorescence test was used to detect the protein expression of DC-SIGN. DCs labeled with 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) were added into the monocellular layer of fused ECs. Blank DCs and DCs pretreated with anti-DC-SIGN antibody were used as blank and experimental groups. Laser confocal microscopy was used to observe the adhesion ability of the DCs. HUVECs were inoculated into the upper chamber of Transwell plate and CMFDA-labeled DCs of above mentioned groups were added to the mono-cellular layer of these ECs. Serum-free culture medium with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was added into the lower chamber. Eight hours later the transmigration ability was observed., Results: Western blotting showed that the DC-SIGN protein expression levels of the DCs of the Pio 1.0 micromol/L and Pio 10 micromol/L group were 0.96 +/- 0.09 and 0.80 +/- 0.08 respectively, both significantly lower than that of the blank control group (1.25 +/- 0.23, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01); and the DC-SIGN protein expression level of the GW9662 10 micromol/L + Pio 10 micromol/L group was 1.10 +/- 0.12, significantly higher than that of the Pio 10 micromol/L group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence test showed that the DC-SIGN protein expression levels of the DCs of the Pio 1.0 micromol/L and Pio 10 micromol/L group were 22.3 +/- 5.4 and 14.4 +/- 2.3 respectively, both significantly lower than that of the control group (29.5 +/- 5.1, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), and the DC-SIGN protein expression level of the GW9662 10 micromol/L + Pio 10 micromol/L group was 24.9 +/- 4.3, significantly higher than that of the Pio 10 micromol/L group (P < 0.01), and not significantly different from that of the blank control group (P > 0.05). The adhesion rates of the Pio 1.0 micromol/L and Pio 10 micromol/L groups were 10.8% +/- 2.0% and 7.6% +/- 1.5% respectively, both significantly lower than that of the control group (13.4% +/- 2.1%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01); and the adhesion rate of the GW9662 + Pio 10 micromol/L group was 12.1% +/- 1.9%, significantly higher than that of the Pio 10 micromol/L group (P < 0.01), and not significantly different from that of the blank control group (P > 0.05). The transmigration inhibition rate of DCs of the Pio 0.1, 1.0, and 10 micromol/L groups were 4.1%, 12.9%, and 17.2% compared with the transmigration rate of the blank control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01). The transmigration rate of the GW9662 + Pio 10 micromol/L group was significantly higher than that of the Pio 10 micromol/L group (P < 0.05), and not significantly different from that of the blank control group (P > 0.05). The transmigration rate of the anti-DC-SIGN intervention group was lower by 17.8% than that of the control group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Pio down-regulates the DC-SIGN protein expression and inhibits DC adhesion and transmigration through the pathway of PPAR-gamma.

Objective: To use distinctive water-medicine cup therapy for treatment of cervical spondylopathy of cervical type as a sample to provide a more effective cupping method for clinic., Methods: One hundred and forty cases were randomly divided into a medicine cup group (n = 47), a water cup group (n = 47) and a empty cup group (n = 46). The medicine cup group were treated by cupping therapy with a self-made medicine cup with 45 degrees C Chinese herb solution; the water cup group were treated with a cup with 45 degrees C water, and the empty cup group with a cup with nothing. Clinical symptoms and signs were observed for comparison of therapeutic effects., Results: Clinically cured was 39 cases, and markedly effective was 8 cases in the medicine cup group; 20 cases were clinically cured, 22 cases were markedly effective and 5 cases were effective in the water cup group; 12 cases were clinically cured, 19 cases were markedly effective and 15 cases were effective in the empty cup group. There were significant differences in the ratio of cases of different therapeutic effects and the difference of pain score before and after treatment between the medicine cup group and the water cup group (P < 0.05), between the water cup group and the empty cup group (P < 0.05), and between the medicine cup group and the empty cup group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of the distinctive medicine cup is better than the water cup group, and the water cup group is better than the empty cup group.

Aim: To determine whether activation of kappa-opioid receptor with U50,488H, a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, produces any changes in electrical uncoupling during prolonged ischemia and whether these changes in electrical uncoupling is associated with the cardioprotection induced by kappa-opioid receptor activation, and to explore the possible mechanism., Methods: (1) To observe the effect of U50,488H (10(-7), 10(-6), 3 x10(-6) and 10(-5) mol/L), a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, or with a selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI (5 x 10(-6) mol/L), or with a mitochondrial K(ATP) channel inhibitor 5-HD on myocardium during ischemia/reperfusion in isolated perfused rat heart. Parameters of measurements include hemodynamic data, formazan content, heart rate, coronary flow, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). (2) To examine the effect of U50,488H of different concentration on electrical coupling parameters (including onset of uncoupling, plateau time, slope, and fold increase in r1) during 70 min myocardial ischemia in isolated perfused rat heart., Results: (1) Pretreatment with U50,488H concentration dependently increased formazan content and reduced LDH release induced by 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. (2) The onset of electrical uncoupling and plateau time during prolonged ischemia was delayed by kappa-opioid receptor activation with U50,488H. (3) Linear regression analysis shown that the increase in formazan content and decrease in LDH release produced by kappa-opioid receptor activation was associated with delayed electrical uncoupling during prolonged ischemia. (4) The effects of U50,488H on formazan content, LDH release and on electrical coupling were abolished by nor-BNI, or 5-HD., Conclusion: This results demonstrate that the onset of electrical uncoupling during prolonged ischemia is delayed by kappa-opioid receptor activation with a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U50,488H, and that delayed electrical uncoupling is associated with the cardioprotection induced by kappa-opioid receptor activation with U50,488H. These effects of kappa-opioid receptor activation with U50,488H are mediated by mitochondrial K(ATP) channels.

Objective: To observe clinical therapeutic effect of moxibustion on abnormal blood lipids., Methods: The patients who did not take the medicine for regulating blood lipids and had still abnormal blood lipids after diet therapy for 3 months, were divided into 4 groups according to different types of abnormal blood lipids. Forty cases selected in each group were again divided randomly into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group were treated with moxibustion at Shousanli (LI 10), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenque (CV 3) on the basis of diet therapy, and the control group only with the diet therapy. Their therapeutic effects were observed and compared after treatment of 90 days., Results: There were significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in various groups of different types of abnormal blood lipids (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shousanli (LI 10), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenque (CV 3) has a better therapeutic effect on abnormal blood lipids.

Aim: To identify membrane-associated molecules involved in the tumoricidal cytotoxicity of TM-TNF-alpha and to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the tumoricidal cytotoxicity of TM-TNF-alpha and differences of biological effects between TM-TNF-alpha and sTNF., Methods: Antibody blocking test and RT-PCR were used to evaluate the role of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the cytotoxicity of TM-TNF-alpha mediated by TNFR I or TNFR II., Results: After the ICAM-1 expressed on the membrane of MCF-7 cells(expressing TNFRI) was blocked, the cytotoxicity of TM-TNF-alpha to this cell lines decreased significantly, while blocking VCAM-1 had no effect. Blocking ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 expressed on the membrane of HL-60 cells(expressing TNFRII)had no significant effects on the cytotoxicity of TM-TNF-alpha to this cell lines., Conclusion: ICAM-1 participates in the cytotoxicity of TM-TNF mediated by TNFRI.