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Cyperus esculentus is a new industrial crop with the high comprehensive utilization value, which is a strongly resistant to stresses and has a great potential to grow in saline soil. In order to clarify its salt tolerance, five NaCl concentrations (0, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2%) were set in this study to analyze the effects of NaCl stress on morphological and physiological indexes during germination and seedling growth. The results showed that the germination percentage, root length, and seedling height were less affected under 0.3% and 0.6% NaCl stresses. Meanwhile, the contents of indicator of membrane damage degree, malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress substance, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), did not increase significantly. However, the contents of osmoregulation substances [glycine betaine (GB), and proline (Pro)] and the activities of antioxidant enzymes [super oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)] were significantly increased, and the damage of salt stress was less on the whole. However, under 0.9% and 1.2% NaCl stresses, the salt stress injury was very obvious and the germination and seedling growth of Cyperus esculentus were severely inhibited. In order to further identify the genes related to salt tolerance, RNA-seq technology was used to detect the gene expression in roots under 0, 0.3%, and 0.6% NaCl stresses. 24 GO terms mainly related to oxidoreduction, transmembrane transport, chitin hydrolysis was significantly enriched, among which 15 significantly up-regulated genes were involved, through gene differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and GO enrichment analysis. Among them, DN23985_c0_g1, DN2960_c0_g1, and DN8384_c1_g1 encoded zeaxanthin epoxidase, L-ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, respectively, which had antioxidant effects and participated in antioxidant regulation. Both DN21785_c1_g1 and DN6596_c0_g1 encoded amino acid transporters, which may enhance osmoregulation by accumulating small amino acid molecules such as Pro. DN14393_c0_g1 encoded chitinase, which hydrolyzed chitin and promoted plant response to stress. In this study, it was confirmed that Cyperus esculentus had a good salt tolerance under 0.6% or less NaCl stress, and the salt-tolerance related genes were further screened out, which provided an important reference for the cultivation in saline soil and the breeding of salt-tolerant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference material is indispensable for the reliability, comparability, and accuracy of transgenic detection results. In this paper, the effects of long-term preservation of matrix reference materials on PCR detection and the stability of low content reference materials were studied. The reproducibility and quantity stability of transgenic reference materials and transgenic samples with different contents were detected by three methods (common qualitative PCR, real-time fluorescent PCR, and droplet digital PCR). The result showed that the transgenic reference material with 0.1% GM content could still be clearly amplified after 9 years of storage, and the Ct value was about 36. The digital PCR revealed that the quantity of GM matrix reference materials remained stable for long storage time. There was no effect on the detection of transgenic elements in sample mixed with soybean, corn and rice powder which stored at -70 to -75 °C for 11 years. In summary, the long-term storage of GM matrix reference materials at low temperature would not affect the detection of each transgenic component and its application as a positive control for transgenic nucleic acid detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the accumulative pore volume and specific surface area by pore diameter of shale samples from JY-1 well of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation and CY-1 well of Niutitang Formation, combined with the geochemical parameters and percentage of mineral components in samples, the paper analyzes the influence of shale components on the pore development differences between the two formations. The results show that TOC is positively correlated with micropores, indicating the organic micropores contribute to the development of shale pores, and organic micropores are more developed in the shale of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation than that in Niutitang Formation. The positive correlation between quartz-pyrite contents and micropores indicates the primary pores and developed marginal pores contribute to the development of shale pores. The different correlations between quartz and meso- and macropores reveal the different protection degrees of quartz to the two by biogenic quartz content. The positive correlation between pyrite content and macropores reflects that pyrite can protect macropores to a certain extent in terms of pyrite content. The negative correlation between feldspar and pores shows the less obvious support of feldspar on pores due to the influence of compaction and complex structure. The unobvious correlation between carbonate minerals and pores shows the weak rigidity and instability of chemical properties and low content have no significant influence on pore development. Compared with Niutitang Formation, the high content of rigid minerals in the shale of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation has a more favorable influence on the development of micropores (such as intergranular and marginal pores), mesopores and macropores. The negative correlations between clay minerals and micro- and mesopores indicate the intermineral pores easy to shrink under strong compaction have a negative effect on the pore development of reservoir, reflecting that the deep burial of Niutitang Formation has an unfavorable effect on the development of intermineral pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber is a perfect model cell for studying cell initiation and growth, so it is critical to find new promoters specifically or preferentially expressed in fiber for functional genomics of fiber and improvement of cotton fiber yield and quality. We found a gene GhFLA1 with very high expression level in fiber elongation stage and cloned its promoter (pGhFLA1). pGhFLA1::GUS was transferred into cotton YZ1 (Gossypium hirsutum) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) to identify its expression pattern in different plant tissues. GUS activity in transgenic plant was obviously detected in fiber from 0 DPA (days post anthesis) to 20 DPA, also in stamens, pistils, sepal, radicle, cotyledon and root, but not in petal, leaf and bract. Quantitative analysis of GUS activity showed that GUS expression level driven by pGhFLA1 was the highest in 20 DPA fiber and 22-fold higher than that in CaMV 35S. In transgenic tobacco, GUS activity was detected in leaf and trichome and reproductive organs like ovary, stigma, anther, bract, petal and seed. In general, the promoter pGhFLA1 fusion with GUS highly expresses in cotton fiber and tobacco trichome, which could be used in fiber functional genomics research and improvement of cotton fiber quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spinning deployment of solar sails is a new space technique, which utilizes the centrifugal force of spinning to deploy the sail membranes stowed in a spiral folding status and to sustain the configuration of fully deployed membranes. This technique, hence, has the advantages of light weight and low energy consumption because it does not need any extra supportive structure. Sufficient ground simulation tests for the spinning deployment dynamics and control of a solar sail are significantly important for this technique before it is tested on orbit and applied to any space missions. This paper presents how to design and realize the ground simulation test for spinning deployment dynamics of a solar sail model, including deployment and control devices, as well as several kinds of sail membranes. The paper also presents the ground simulation tests of spinning deployment of a solar sail model either under the normal atmospheric pressure or in a vacuum chamber. Repeated ground simulation tests verify the approach to deploy the sail membranes fully and smoothly. The photos taken by two high-speed cameras, from horizontal and vertically directions respectively, enable one to observe the spinning deployment process and analyze both the length of deployed membranes with respective to time and the dynamic response of membranes in the second deployment stage via digital image processing. A simplified dynamic model is established to explain the sever out-of-plane vibration observed in the second stage of deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reveals the effects of the group delay in a digital filter on the stability of an active flutter suppression system for a 2 dimensional airfoil section. The wind tunnel tests show that the active flutter suppression system becomes unstable at very slow flow speed if the group delay of the digital filter is long enough. In the wind tunnel tests of flutter suppression, the flutter amplitude under control often decreases at first as expected, and then the other self--excited vibration with lower frequency and moderated amplitude appears. The paper well explains such a phenomenon through a combined theoretical and numerical study. Both wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations demonstrate that the group delay greatly affects the above unstable motion, and that both the amplitude and frequency of the new self-excited vibration will increase with the group delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative ground-based experiment design based on the principle of dynamic similarity is presented for simulating the in-plane motions of a Tethered Satellite System (TSS) on a circular orbit. The experiment features in using a combination of air-bearing facilities and on-board thrusts to achieve the simulation of the gravity gradient field and the Coriolis forces experienced by the TSS. The online measurement and control platforms for the experiment have been established by exploiting the technologies of computer vision and wireless local network. The ideas of online optimization and receding horizon control are introduced to the design feedback controller for the TSS. Even though the proposed feedback law is not analytically explicit, it is easy to determine it via a rapid re-computation of the open-loop optimal trajectory online by using the Legendre pseudo-spectral and nonlinear programming methods. Finally, representative experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the experimental system and the performance of the proposed control scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The group delay of digital filters induced instability of a controlled-double pendulum was discussed, and then a discrete delayed linear quadratic controller was used to suppress the instability. First, the dynamic model of the double-pendulum on a moving cart was established and the free-decaying vibration of the system was measured. It was found that the settling time of the free system was very long, and hence, an active control was needed to shorten the settling time. Then, the effects of digital filters on the stability of the system under the linear quadratic control were discussed, where the Butterworth low pass digital filters were used to remove the heavy noise embedded in the control input signal. The conclusion of this re- search is that if the filter parameters are properly selected, the digital filters can not only enhance the performance of control system, but also reduce the cost of energy. However, when the specifications of the filters are set too high, the group delay will exceed the critical value and cause the instability of the closed loop system. The delay controls based on state transform are suitable for the dynamic systems involving digital filters because the group delay of a digital filter can be completely determined by its frequency response of phase and can be estimated accurately beforehand. At the last section of the paper, therefore, a newly proposed discrete delayed linear quadratic controller is represented to suppress the group delay induced instability of the double pendulum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tethered satellite formation system can take various configurations, among which three configurations are most popular, namely, the hub-and-spoke configuration, the closed-hub-and-spoke configuration and the series configuration. In this paper, the dynamic control is studied for a three-body tethered satellite formation system in hub-and-spoke configuration. A combination of the quasi-linearization method and the Legendre pseudo-spectral algorithm is introduced to convert the original nonlinear optimal control problem into a series of linear algebraic equations that can be solved iteratively. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented control scheme is demonstrated through three case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the in vitro eradicative effect of self-assembled azithromycin/rhamnolipid nanoparticles (AZI-RHL NPs) on P seudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) biofilm., Methods: AZI-RHL NPs were prepared and characterized. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AZI-RHL NPs on planktonic P. aeruginosa was measured by the broth microdilution method. The eradicative effect of AZI-RHL NPs on P. aeruginosa biofilm was evaluated via crystal violet staining and SYTO 9/PI live/dead staining. Fluorescence labeling was used to measure the eradicative effect of NPs on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In addition, crystal violet staining was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of AZI-RHL NPs on the adhesion of P. aeruginosa on human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. To investigate the ability of AZI-RHL NPs to penetrate mucus, the interaction between NPs and mucin was measured via particle size changes after co-incubation with mucin solution., Results: The AZI-RHL NPs had a particle size of about 121 nm and were negatively charged on the surface, displaying a high encapsulation efficiency and a high drug loading capacity of 96.72% and 45.08% for AZI, respectively and 99.38% and 53.07% for RHL, respectively. The MIC of AZI-RHL NPs on planktonic P. aeruginosa was half of that of using AZI alone. AZI-RHL NPs displayed the capacity to effectively destroy the biofilm structure and remove the proteins and polysaccharides in EPS, eradicating biofilms in addition to reducing the survival rate of bacteria in the biofilm. AZI-RHL NPs were shown to have inhibited P. aeruginosa adhesion on BEAS-2B cells and prevented the residual bacteria from forming a new biofilm. There was no significant change in the particle size of NPs after co-incubation with mucin solution, indicating a weak interaction between NPs and mucin, and suggesting that NPs could penetrate the mucus and reach the P. aeruginosa infection sites., Conclusion: AZI-RHL NPs were able to effectively enhance the removal of P. aeruginosa biofilm through a four-step strategy of biofilm eradication, including penetrating the mucus, disintegrating the biofilm structure, killing the bacteria dispersed from biofilm, and preventing the adhesion of residual bacteria. We hope that this study will provide a replicable common strategy for the treatment of refractory infections caused by P. aeruginosa and other types of biofilms., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Famous traditional formula Sanpian Decoction(SPD)comes from Dialectical Records of Chen Shiduo of the Qing Dynasty,and ranks among 100 classic prescriptions of Classic Famous Traditional Formula catalogue(the First Batch). SPD was prepared according to Management Standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction Room in Medical Institutions. According to the polarity of different components in SPD,two HPLC fingerprints were established, in which six herbs, namely Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Paeoniae Randix Alba, Sinapis Semen, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Pruni Semen, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix,are all reflected in the fingerprints; The dry extract rate, transfer rate and similarities of fingerprints were used as indicators to study the relationship between the quality value transmitting of medicinal herbs-decoction pieces-whole decoction of Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Experiment result shows that,the transfer rate of ferulic acid from medicinal herbs to decoction pieces is between 72.00% and 108.36%; the transfer rate of ferulic acid from decoction pieces to SPD is between 31.76% and 64.09%; the dry extract rate of the whole decoction is between 14.69% and 20.16%;The similarity range of fingerprint 1 of 15 batches of SPD is between 0.971 and 0.998, and the similarity range of fingerprint 2 is between 0.980 and 0.996. The established fingerprint has rich information,and the established quality evaluation method is suitable for the quality control of medicinal herbs-decoction pieces-whole decoction of Chuanxiong Rhizoma, which can provide a certain reference for developing the quality control evaluation method for formulated granules, famous formulae and other terminal products derived from traditional Chinese medicine decoction.

Objective: To study the effect of over-expression of KLF4 on the proliferation and apoptosis of K562 cells., Methods: The recombinant plasmid with over-expression of KLF4 was transfected into K562 cells by electroporation, then the obtained G418-resistant clones of K562 cells (K562/pEGFP-KLF4) were used as experimental group, and the vector control (K562/pEGFP-C1) and blank K562 cell control groups were set up at the same time. The expression of EGFP-KLF4 fusion protein in K562 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy; the Western blot was performed to detect the level of KLF4 protein in the cells of each groups, the cell proliferation was tested by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry., Results: Compared with K562/pEGFP-C1 group and blank K562 group, the level of KLF4 protein of K562/ pEGFP-KLF4 cells were significantly increased, and the over-expression ratio reached 74.07%(P<0.05). The proliferation ability of the over-expressing KLF4 K562 cells was inhibited significantly (P<0.05). However, the apoptosis of K562/pEGFP-ILK cells with over-expression of KLF4 was increased (P<0.05)., Conclusion: A stable over-expressing KLF4 protein K562 cell line with was constructed successfully, and the over-expression of KLF4 can inhibi proliferation and promote apoptosis of K562 cells.

Objective To observe the effects of active ingredients of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) , such as saponins, volatile oils, effective compositions of polysaccharides, on expressions of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) , B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) , cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) , and β-amyloid precursor protein (pAPP) in hippocampus of Ap1&#95;40-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats. Methods Totally 112 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the sham-operation group, the model group, the Aricept group, the saponin group, the volatile oil group, the polysaccharide group, 16 in each group. The AD rat model was established by injecting Aβ₁₋₄₀ from bilateral hippocampus. Equal volume of double distilled water was administered to rats by gastrogavage in the normal control group, the sham-operation group, the model group from the 2nd day after modeling, once per day for 2 successive weeks (at 10:00 am). Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablet, 1. 67 mg/kg per day) , saponin (9 mL/kg per day) , benzene (3. 33 mL/kg per day) , and polysaccharides (8. 33 mL/kg per day) was administered to rats by gastro- gavage to the Aricept group, the saponin group, the volatile oil group, the polysaccharides group, re- spectively, once per day for 2 successive weeks (at 10:00 am). By the end of gastrogavage spatial learning and memory capacities were detected using Morris water maze (MWZ). Apoptosis in hippocam- pal CAI region was detected using TUNEL staining. Expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and PAPP were measured via Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results There was no statistical difference in pre-modeling escape latency and times of crossing platforms among groups at the same time point (P >0. 05). Besides, escape latency was gradu- ally shortened as time went by. Compared with the model group, escape latency was shortened, and times of crossing platforms was significantly increased in the Aricept group and the saponin group (P < 0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, the amount of apoptotic cells in hippocampal CA1 re- gion was obviously reduced (P <0. 05, P <0. 01) , expressions levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and pAPP were down-regulated, Bcl-2/Bax ratio was obviously elevated in the saponin group, the volatile oil group, the polysaccharide group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Conclusion Three active ingredients (spaonins, benzene, and polysaccharides) of QKR could improve spatial memory and learning capacities to different degrees, which might be possibly achieved by decreasing expressions of Bax, Caspase-3, PAPP in hippocampal CA1 region, elevating Bcl-2 expression, and inhibiting apoptosis in hippocampus.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of miR-142-3p overexpression on secretion of inflammatory factors in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its underlying mechanism., Methods: hPDLCs were cultured by tissue cultivation in vitro and treated with various concentrations of LPS for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. hPDLCs were treated with miR-142-3p mimics for 24 h in the presence of 2.0 μg/mL LPS and the expression levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were detected by ELISA assay. The target relationship between miR-142-3p and interleukin-1 receptor- associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The miR-142-3p and IRAK1 mRNA expression was measured by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of IRAK1, TLR4 and NF-κB were detected by Western blotting. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0 software package., Results: The miR-142-3p expression level was decreased significantly at 24 h in 2.0 μg/mL LPS-treated hPDLCs (P<0.01). Transfection of miR-142-3p mimics remarkably increased miR-142-3p expression (P<0.01). The secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in LPS-treated hPDLCs was significantly decreased by miR-142-3p overexpression (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed a directly targeting relationship between miR-142-3p and IRAK1. Overexpression of miR-142-3p significantly reduced the IRAK1 protein expression in LPS-treated hPDLCs (P<0.05), whereas no obvious effect on IRAK1 mRNA expression was noted (P>0.05). Moreover, miR-142-3p overexpression markedly diminished the protein expression of TLR4 and phosphorylated NF-κB in LPS-treated hPDLCs (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Overexpression of miR-142-3p can alleviate the inflammatory response induced by LPS in hPDLCs and the underlying mechanism may be associated with targeting and inhibiting IRAK1 expression leading to suppression of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway through which miR-142-3p overexpression protects peridentium against inflammation.

Purpose: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of silencing Egr-1 on MS-mediated secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines in hPDLs., Methods: The secretion and expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-11 were detected using ELISA and RT-PCR when cells were cultured with or without various duration (6, 12, 24 and 48 h) and force (3%, 6%, 12%, 15%) of mechanica stress (MS). RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of Egr-1 under a 12% MS for 24 h. The roles of silencing Egr-1 in MS-mediated expression of inflammatory cytokines were determined using ELISA and RT-PCR. The protein levels of PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were determined using Western blotting. Moreover, cells were pretreated with 20 μmol/L LY294002 for 30 min, in order to study the mechanisms of Egr-1 in MS-mediated secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.0 software package., Results: The secretion and expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-11 were increased gradually with the time under a MS force of 12% in hPDLs, and peaked in cells after exposure to MS for 24 h. The mRNA and protein levels of Egr-1 were elevated in hPDLs after exposure to 12% MS for 24 h. Moreover, depletion of Egr-1 inhibited MS-mediated secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines. Knockdown of Egr-1 reduced the protein level of PTEN, and increased the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt in hPDLs. LY294002 blocked partially the inhibitory roles of Egr-1 in the secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines., Conclusions: Depletion of Egr-1 suppressed the secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by MS through PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway.

Purpose: To investigate the effect and mechanism of CPNE7 siRNA on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLs)., Methods: hPDLs were isolated by enzyme digestion, transfected with pSUPER-CPNE7 in order to knock down CPNE7. The expression of CPNE7 mRNA and protein was detected by Western blot and RT-PCR; ELISA was carried out for the activity of NF-κB; hPDLs were pretreated with PDTC (10 μmol/L) for 30 min, CCK8 was used to evaluate the proliferation; ALP activity was assayed with ELISA; The expression of RUNX2, OSX and OCN was measured with RT-PCR and Western blot. The data were analyzed with SPSS11.0 software package., Results: After transfection with pSUPER-CPNE7, CPNE7 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ELISA assay indicated that CPNE7 siRNA enhanced NF-κB activity. CCK8 and RT-PCR assay showed that CPNE7 siRNA inhibited cell proliferation, ALP activity and decreased the expression of RUNX2, OSX and OCN in hPDLs; however, these effects were abolished by PDTC., Conclusions: CPNE7 siRNA inhibits the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLs through NF-κB pathway.

Objective: To establish discriminant functions of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by studying it from quantitative diagnosis angle, hoping to reduce interference of subjective factors in diagnosing and differentially diagnosing Chinese medical syndromes of IBS-D., Methods: A Chinese medical clinical epidemiological survey was carried out in 439 IBS-D patients using Clinical Information Collection Table of IBS. Initial syndromes were obtained by cluster analysis. They were analyzed using step-by-step discrimination by taking information of four Chinese medical diagnostic methods and serum brain-gut peptides (BGP) as variables., Results: Clustering results were Gan stagnation Pi deficiency syndrome (GSPDS), Pi-Wei weakness syndrome (PWWS), Gan stagnation qi stasis syndrome (GSQSS), Pi-Shen yang deficiency syndrome (PSYDS), Pi-Wei damp-heat syndrome (PWDHS), cold-damp disturbing Pi syndrome (CDDPS). Of them, GSPDS was mostly often seen with effective percentage of 34. 2%, while CDDPS was the least often seen with effective percentage of 5.5%. A total of 5 discriminant functions for GSPDS, PWWS, GSQSS, PSYDS, and PWDHS were obtained by step-by-step dis- crimination method. The retrospective misjudgment rate was 4.1% (16/390), while the cross-validation misjudgment rate was 15.4% (60/390)., Conclusion: The establishment of discriminant functions is of value in objectively diagnosing and differentially diagnosing Chinese medical syndromes of IBS-D.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of three kinds extracts (saponins, volatile components, polysaccharide components) of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) in improving learning and memory capabilities of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats., Methods: A controlled comparison method was used. Totally 56 male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups, i.e., the normal control group, the sham-operation group, the model group, the Aricept group, the saponin group, the benzene group, and the polysaccharide group, 8 in each group. AD rat model was established by bilateral hippocampus injection of Aβ1-40 (2 µL, 2.5 µg/µL). The next day after modeling rats in the saponin group, the benzene group, and the polysaccharide group, the saponin group, the Aricept group were intragastrically administered with saponin (at the daily dose of 9 mL/kg, 2.1 g/mL) , benzene (at the daily dose of 3.33 mL/kg, 5.7 g/mL) , polysaccharide (at the daily dose of 8.33 mL/kg, 2.28 g/mL), Aricept (at the daily dose of 1.67 mg/kg), respectively, once a day for 2 consecutive weeks from 10 am every day. Equal volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group. Learning and memory capabilities were detected using water maze 2 weeks later. Expression levels of synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) in the cortex and hippocampus of AD rats were detected using immunohistochemistry., Results: Learning and memory capabilities could be improved by three kinds extracts of QKR. There was no statistical difference in the escape latency between the polysaccharide group and the model group (P >0. 05). The escape lacency was shortened in the rest treatment groups (P < 0.05). The escape latency was obviously prolonged in three kinds extracts of QKR groups, when compared with the Aricept group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, times for crossing platforms were significantly increased in the saponin group and the Aricept group (P < 0.05). Compared with the Aricept group, average times for crossing platforms were significantly lessened in three kinds extracts of QKR groups (P < 0.01). Compared with the sham-operation group, expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and βAPP in the cortex and hippocampus were increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of cortical Syt-1 increased in the saponin group and the benzene group; the expression of cortical IL-1β increased in the benzene group and the polysaccharide group; the expression of hippocampal GFAP increased in the three kinds extracts of QKR groups; expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and β-APP in the cortex and hippocampus decreased in the rest treatment groups (all P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the Aricept group, expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and βAPP in the cortex and hippocampus were significantly increased in three kinds extracts of QKR groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Three kinds extracts of QKR might play roles in anti-AD possibly by decreasing expression levels of Syt-1, IL-1β, GFAP, and βAPP in the cortex and hippocampus.

Objective: To study effects of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) and its volatile oil on the expressions of Abeta(25-35) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), beta-amyloid (Abeta), beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP), and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats induced by injecting Abeta(25-35) into the bilateral amygdala., Methods: Totally 32 male SD rats were selected. The AD rat model was establish by injecting Abeta(25-35) from bilateral amygdala. After modeling they were randomly divided into the model group, the Donepezil Hydrochloride group [Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablet (1.67 mg/kg), abbreviated as the DH group], the QKR group (QKR Decoction, 12.67 mL/kg), and the volatile oil group (3.33 mL/kg), 8 rats in each group. Another 8 rats were selected as the normal control group. Equal volume of double distilled water was administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group by gastrogavage, once daily for 2 successive weeks. The Morris water maze test was performed by the end of medication. The escape latency and times of crossing the platform in the water maze test were recorded during the 1st day to the fifth day. The expressions of GFAP, Abeta, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus of the rats in each group were detected by immunohistochemical assay., Results: Compared with the model group, the escape latency from the 3rd day to the 5th day was shortened, the expressions of GFAP, Abeta, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 decreased in the cortex and hippocampus, the times of crossing the platform increased in each medication group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the DH group, the expressions of Abeta in the cortex and hippocampus decreased, and the betaAPP expression increased in the QKR group. The expressions of GFAP, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus increased in the volatile oil group. The escape latency from the 3rd day to the 5th day was obviously prolonged, and the times of crossing the platform decreased in the volatile oil group, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: QKR could obviously improve the learning and memory capabilities of AD rats, which might be achieved through decreasing the expressions of GFAP, Abeta, betaAPP, and Caspase-3 in the cortex and hippocampus.

Objective: To study the protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao recipe on PC12 cell injury induced by glutamate (Glu), in order to provide basis for the conical application of the recipe., Method: SD rats were orally administered with decoction of Qingxin Kaiqiao recipe (7.9 g x kg(-1)) for three and a half days, 2 times a day, in order to prepare cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao recipe. PC cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, the nimodipine group, the 10% normal CSF group, the 10% medicated CSF group, the 20% normal CSF group, the 20% medicated CSF group. Except for the normal group, other groups were cultured with PC12 cells and Glu with the final concentration of 20 mmol x L(-1) to establish the nerve cell injury model. Apart from the model group and the normal group, other groups were intervened with nimodipine, normal cerebrospinal fluid, and 10% and 20% medicated CSF. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of Bax mRNA, Bcl-2 mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA, and MTT method was used to detect the activity of PC12 cells., Result: The activity of PC12 cells of all of medicated CSF groups was higher than that of the model group, with the decrease in the expression of Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA and the increase in the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA. They showed a significant different with the model group (P < 0.01). The 20% medicated CSF group was superior than the 10% medicated CSF group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Qingxin Kaiqiao recipe shows an apparent protective effect on PC12 cells injured by Glu.

Objective: To study the protective effect of cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang on sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4)-induced PC12 cell injury, in order to provide basis for clinical application of the prescription., Method: SD rats were orally administered with water decoction of Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang (7. 9 g . kg-1) once every 12 h, for a total of 7 times, in order to prepare cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang. The neurocyte injury model was established by adding Na2S2O4 with the final concentration of 8 m mol . L-1 into PC12 cells. With nimodipine (1 x 10(7)mol . L-1 ) as the positive control group, MTT method test was adopted to detect the impact of cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang on the activity of PC12 cells. The expression of Bax, Bel-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR., Result: The cerebrospinal fluid containing Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang groups showed a significantly higher activity in PC12 cells than the model group, with decrease in expressions of Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA and increase in expression of Bel-2 mRNA. There were significant differences compared with the model group (P< 0. 05,P <0. 01)., Conclusion: Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang shows a notable protective effect on Na2S2 04-induced neurocyte injury.

Objective: To observe the protective effect of Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang containing cerebrospinal fluid on PC12 cell injury induced by Abeta25-35, in order to provide basis for clinical application of the formula., Method: Sprague Dawley rats were orally administration with Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang (7.9 g x kg(-1)) twice a day for 3.5 days to prepare Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang containing cerebrospinal fluid. The nerve cell injury model was established by PC12 cells and Abeta25-35 with the concentration of 10 micromol x L(-1). The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA were detected by immunohistochemical method in the PC12 cells., Result: The Qingxin Kaiqiao Fang group showed a significant higher PC12 cell activity than the model group, with decrease in Bax mRNA and Caspase-3 mRNA expressions and increase in Bcl-2 mRNA expression. There was a significant difference from the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Qinxin Kaiqiao Fang shows a significant protective effect on Abeta25-35-induced nerve cell injury.

Objective: To study the effect of qingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin on the learning and memory ability and the expression of the apoptosis signal transducers Abeta and betaAPP in AD rat brain., Method: The comparative observation method was adopted for the animal test. Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, the model group, the aricept group, the qingxin kaiqiao formula group and the saponin group, with eight rats in each group. Abeta(25-35) (10 g x L(-1)) was injected into their bilateral amygdala to establish the AD rat model. Since the next day, they were intragastrically administered with Aricept (1.67 mg x kg(-1)), Qingxin Kaiqiao decoction (12.67 mL x kg(-1)), saponin (6.30 mg x kg(-1)) and double distilled water filling for 2 weeks to observe their spatial memory ability in a Morris water maze and study the expression of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in brain tissues by immunohistochemistry., Result: Each traditional Chinese medicine groups showed significant improvement in the learning and memory ability of AD rats and notable differences (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared with the control group. The qingxin kaiqiao formula group and the saponin group showed a decrease in the expressions of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in cerebral cortex and hippocampus area, displaying notable differences (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) compared with the control group., Conclusion: qingxin kaiqiao formula and saponin can obviously improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats with by decreasing the expression of Caspase-3, Abeta and betaAPP in cortex and hippocampus.

Objective: To study the effects of Qingxin Kaiqiao Recipe (QKR) saponin on the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, beta-amyloid (Abeta), and beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) in the cortex and hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats., Methods: Thirty-two SD rats of SPF grade were selected. Abeta 25 - 35 was injected into the bilateral amygdala to prepare the AD model. After modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group (Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablet, 1.67 mg/kg), the QLR group (QLR Decoction, 12.67 mL/kg), and the saponin group (saponin, 6.30 mg/kg), 8 rats in each group. Another 8 rats were selected as the normal group. Rats in the normal group and the model group were given with equal volume of double distilled water by gastrogavage. The intervention was performed once daily for 2 successive weeks. The Morris water maze test was carried out by the end of medication. The escape latency and the platform crossing times were recorded during the 1 -5 days. The expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Abeta, and betaAPP in the cortex and hippocampus were detected using immunohistochemical assay., Results: Compared with the model group, the 3rd - 5th day escape latency were all shortened in each medication group. The expressions of Bax, Abeta, and betaAPP decreased in the cortex and hippocampus. The numbers of platform crossing increased. The expression of Bcl-2 in the cortex increased. The expression of Bcl-2 in the hippocampus increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and the QLR group with statistical difference (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group, the expression of betaAPP increased in the cortex and hippocampus of the saponin group. The expression of Abeta in the cortex and hippocampus decreased, the expression of Bax in the hippocampus decreased, and the expression of Bcl-2 in the cortex increased in the QLR group. The escape latency was obviously postponed at day 3 -5, the platform crossing times decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 in the cortex and hippocampus decreased in the saponin group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05, P<0.01)., Conclusion: QKR could significantly improve AD rats' learning, memory, and spatial capabilities, which might be achieved through decreasing the expressions of Bax, Abeta, and betaAPP in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and elevating the expression of Bcl-2.

Aim: To establish a lung cancer A549 cell line stable over-expressing human integrin linked kinase (ILK) and study the effect of over-expression of ILK on biological activity of A549 cells., Methods: Human ILK gene was amplified by RT-PCR, then cloned into pEGFP-C1 vector to construct pEGFP-ILK. After confirmed by restriction analysis and sequencing, the recombinant plasmid was transfected into A549 cells mediated with liposome, then G418-resistant clones of A549 cells (A549/pEGFP-ILK) as experimental group were obtained, and paralleled with the vector control (A549/pEGFP-C1) and A549 cell control. The expression and localization of EGFP-ILK fusion protein in A549 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the level of ILK mRNA and ILK protein of each group cells respectively. The cell proliferation was tested by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, and the cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and the morphologic changes of cells were observed by HE staining., Results: Both restriction analysis and sequencing proved that the pEGFP-ILK plasmid was constructed correctly. The distribution of fluorescence of stable transfected A549 cells indicated that the product of ILK gene was mainly located in cytoplasm. Compared with A549/pEGFP-C1 group and A549 group, the level of ILK mRNA and ILK protein of A549/pEGFP-ILK cells were significantly increased, which over-expression ratio was 218.18% and 245.45% respectively (P<0.05). The proliferation ability of the A549 cells over-expressing ILK was increased significantly (P<0.05). However, the apoptosis of A549/pEGFP-ILK cell was inhibited significantly by over-expression of ILK (P<0.05). After HE staining, the increased mitosis were observed only in A549/pEGFP-ILK group cells., Conclusion: The lung cancer cell line stable over-expressing ILK protein was constructed successfully, and ILK over-expression could promote cell proliferation, inhibit cell apoptosis and increase mitosis.

Objective: To establish a chromatography-based method for simultaneous analysis of the concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in human blood., Methods: With paracetamol as the internal control, human plasma samples, after treatment with methanol for protein sedimentation and centrifugation, were loaded for analysis with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HPLC analysis was carried out using a C18 column (5 µm, 4.6 mm×150 mm) with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-PBS (0.05 mol/L) of 10:90 (pH 2.3), UV detection wavelength of 220 nm, flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, and column temperature of 25 degrees celsius;., Results: The retention time of acetaminophen for potassium clavulanate, amoxicillin sodium and the internal control was 5.3, 7.2, and 8.5 min, respectively, and no interference by the endogenous impurities in the plasma samples was found. Amoxicillin sodium showed a good linearity within the concentration range of 0.52-4.16 µg/ml (r(2)=0.9996), and potassium clavulanate had a good linearity within the range of 0.266-2.14 µg/ml (r(2)=0.9998). The minimum detectable concentrations of amoxicillin sodium and potassium clavulanate were 0.065 µg/ml and 0.066 µg/ml, respectively. The relative recoveries of amoxicillin sodium were 95.9%-96.5% (n=5), and those of clavulanate potassium were 92.5%-98.8% (n=5); the intra- and inter-day RSD of amoxicillin sodium was 1.84%-6.4% and 2.1%-7.8%, as compared to that of potassium clavulanate of 3.57%-8.6% and 1.8%-9.1%, respectively., Conclusion: This method is simple, accurate, sensitive, specific and reproducible for analyzing the concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium simultaneously in human plasma.

To examine the impact of Corbicula fluminea on sediment properties and phosphorus dynamics across sediment-water interface in lake, the microcosm experiment was carried out with sediment and lake water from the estuary of Dapu River, a eutrophic area in Taihu Lake. Rhizon samplers were used to acquire pore water, and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) flux across sediment-water interface and sediment properties were determined. The activity of C. fluminea destroyed the initial sediment structure, mixed sediment in different depths, increased oxygen penetration depth, sediment water content, and total microbial activity in sediment. The downward movement of overlying water was enhanced by the activity of C. fluminea, which decreased Fe2+ in pore water by oxidation. The production of ferric iron oxyhydroxide adsorbed SRP from pore water and decreased SRP concentration in pore water, and this increased iron bound phosphorus in corresponding sediment. The emergence of C. fluminea accelerated SRP release from sediment to overlying water, and enhanced SRP flux increased with the rise of introduced C. fluminea density. Metabolization of C. fluminea might play an important role in accelerating SRP release.

Objective: To investigate the effect of bortezomib on the apoptosis and drug sensitivity of endometrial cancer cell line Ishikawa cells., Methods: The IC50 of bortizomib, ADR, DDP and PTX in Ishikawa cells was determined using MTT method. After treatment with IC50 bortezomib for 6 and 12 h, the expressions of caspases-3, caspases-9 and bcl-2 genes were detected by RT-PCR, and the cell apoptotic rate and ROS level Ishikawa cells were evaluated by flow cytometry after treatment with half of the IC50 of the drugs for 24 h., Results: The IC50 of bortizomib, ADR, DDP, and PTX was 71.6 nmol/L, 0.572 micromol/L, 67.4 micromol/L and 719.5 nmol/L, respectively. Bortizomib significantly increased the mRNA expressions of caspases-3 and caspases-9 but decreased the expression of bcl-2. Compared with the treatment with agents alone, combined treatment of the cells significantly improved the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agents (P<0.05) and increased the ROS level and the apoptosis of the cells., Conclusion: Bortizomib can inhibit the protein kinase to induce the apoptosis and enhance the chemosensitivity of Ishikawa cells.

Objective: To investigate the effects of alpha-keto acid on the expression of neuropeptide Y in malnutrition rats with chronic renal failure., Methods: SD rats received 5/6 nephrectomy and were fed with 4% casein to establish models of malnutrition with chronic renal failure. Serum albumin, urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, type-1 insulin like growth factor and body weight of the rats were measured. The rat models were randomized into chronic renal failure group, alpha-keto acid group and normal control group, and after a 4-week treatment as indicated, neuropeptide Y mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were measured by RT-PCR in rats with surgically induced renal failure (two-stage subtotal nephrectomy). The blood neuropeptide Y of the rats were analyzed by radioimmunoassay., Results: Malnutrition occurred in chronic renal failure rats at the end of 10 weeks. Compared with those in the chronic renal failure group, the plasma neuropeptide Y concentrations in alpha-keto acid group were significantly lowered with substantially elevated neuropeptide Y mRNA expression in the hypothalamus., Conclusion: alpha-keto acid capsule can improve malnutrition in rats with renal insufficiency possibly by up-regulating neuropeptide Y mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and reducing the level of blood neuropeptide Y.

Objective: To observe the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP) and bcl-2 genes in modulating drug resistance and apoptosis of K562 and K562/ADM cells., Methods: Two siRNA constructs targeting respectively bcl-2 and MRP genes, were synthesized and transfected either alone or in combination into K562 and K562/ADM cells via lipofectamine2000. MTT assay was used to evaluate the viability of the transfected cells at 24, 48 and 72 h Post-fransfection, and RT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of bcl-2 and MRP. The effects of MRP siRNA and bcl2 siRNA on the apoptosis and the protein expression of Bcl-2 and MRP were evaluated with flow cytometry., Results: In K562/ADM cells, the IC (50) decreased from 12.81 microg/ml (ADM group) to 3.74 microg/ml (ADM+MRP siRNA group), 6.82 microg/ml (ADM+bcl2 siRNA group) and 2.51 microg/ml (ADM+MRP siRNA+bcl2 siRNA). Similarly, in K562 cells, the IC50 decreased significantly from 6.75 microg/ml (ADM) to 3.22 microg/ml (ADM+MRP siRNA), 3.56 microg/ml (ADM+bcl2 siRNA) and 1.84 microg/ml (ADM+MRP siRNA+bcl2 siRNA) (P<0.05). Flow cytometry demonstrated significantly increased apoptosis of the cells following MRP siRNA and bcl2 siRNA transfection, which also resulted in significantly decreased expressions of MRP and bcl-2 proteins (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Treatment with both MRP and bcl-2 siRNAs inhibits the target gene expression, and increases the drug sensitivity and apoptosis of K562 and K562/ADM cells.

Objective: To study the effect of the Qingxin Kaiqiao fang on learning and memory ability and shape hippocampal nerve cells in Alzheimer disease (AD)., Method: One handred and fifty mice were divid into five groups: blank group, model group, two groups of treatment by Qingxin Kaiqiao fang (14.82, 7.41 g x kg(-1)), piracetan comparison group (0.42 g x kg(-1)). The model group was orally given AlCl3 (200 mg x kg(-1)) every day. For Qingxin Kaiqiaofang and piracetan groups, AlCl3 treatment was given for 6 days at the beginning, followed by giving orally AlCl3 in the morning and drug in the afternoon for 8 weeks. Then, learning and memory aility, the contents of nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (NOS) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in brain, and morphology of hippocampal nerve cells were investigated., Result: Learning and memory ability of Qingxin Kaiqiaofang groups was improved, compared with comparison group; the difference was significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The drug could prevent hippocampal nerve cells from damaged obviously. The contents of NO, NOS and AchE in mice of treatment groups were lower than those of comparison group; the difference was significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Qingxin Kaiqiaofang can improve learning and memory ability of AD mice, prote chippocampal nerve cells, and treat Alzheimer disease.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) on respiratory rhythm. The experiments were carried out on the medullary slices of newborn Sprague-Dawley rats. The rhythmic discharge frequency (DF) of hypoglossal rootlets was taken as an index of rhythmic respiratory activity. The slices of medulla oblongata were superfused with ZnPP-9 (inhibitor of heme oxygenase), CO and hemin (substrate of heme oxygenase), respectively, to observe their effects on respiratory rhythm. The preparations were divided into 5 groups: control group of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF), group of ZnPP-9, group of exogenous CO, group of hemin and group of ZnPP-9 + hemin. The results obtained were as follows. In ZnPP-9 group, the rhythmic DF of the hypoglossal rootlets was increased (P<0.05); while in exogenous CO group, it was decreased (P<0.05). In the groups of hemin and ZnPP-9 + hemin, the rhythmic DF of the hypoglossal rootlets was increased (P<0.05). It is suggested that endogenous CO may play an important role in the regulation of respiratory rhythm.

With batch culture experiments in field and laboratory, the ecological effect of No. 0 diesel water accommodated fraction on marine algae was studied. A growth model of marine algae under grazing pressure and a model of growth effect on marine algae with different doses No.0 diesel water accommodated fraction were proposed. Based on the model and experiments, the growth effect of No.0 diesel water accommodated fraction on marine algae was studied. The results show that, the growth model of marine algae under grazing pressure is more suited for the marine ecological system than Logistic model. And the final biomass (B(f)) of marine algae with different doses No.0 diesel water accommodated fraction was calculated by the model with none-linear fitting software. The results also show that, under the field and laboratory conditions, lower doses No.0 diesel water accommodated fraction promotes the growth of marine algae, and the most promoting ratio are 180% and 120% respectively, however, higher doses hardly promotes but bates the growth of marine algae.

Objective: To study the protective effect of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the respiratory inhibition induced by hypoxia., Methods: Forty-four SD rats were used. The hypoxic rat model was established. The effects of TMP on the responses of respiratory activity and life time to hypoxia were observed. The Nissl's staining and immunohistochemical technique were used to investigate the effect of hypoxia on the Nissl's bodies and FOS expression in the brainstem and the antagonistic action of TMP., Results: In contrast to the group of hypoxia, the occurrence of respiratory inhibition was delayed and the life time was prolonged obviously in the rats of hypoxia plus TMP (P<0.01). Compared with the air contronl group, the intensity of the Nissl's staining of the brainstem neurons became weaker in the group of hypoxia, but in the group of hypoxia plus TMP, the Nissl's staining was stronger and the gray degree decreased obviously, compared with the group of hypoxia (P<0.05). FOS positive neurons were induced by hypoxia and mainly existed in the nucleus of solitary tract, area postrema, hypoglossal nucleus, lateral reticular nucleus, inferior olivary nucleus, nucleus raphe pallidus, facial nucleus, trapezoid nucleus, but in the group of hypoxia plus TMP, the level of FOS immunoreactivity decreased remarkably, compared with the group of hypoxia (P<0.05)., Conclusion: TMP has protective effect on the respiratory inhibition induced by hypoxia and FOS may be involved in the protection.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on the changes of respiration and expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in brainstem induced by hypoxia in the rats. Hypoxia was induced by inhalation of 8% O2-balanced N2.The electromyogram (EMG) of diaphragm was monitored to evaluate the respiratory response of the rats to hypoxia. The immunohistochemical staining technique was used to study the change of the expression of nNOS in the brainstem during hypoxia. In the rats of hypoxia group, a successive process of response, excitatory followed by inhibitory, was produced. Twenty min after hypoxia, a significant inhibition of respiration occurred, which was characterized with a marked decrease in the inspiratory duration, the respiratory frequency, and the amplitude of inspiration and a prolongation of expiratory duration (P<0.05). In the rats of pretreated with TMP, the respiratory activity was not obviously depressed (P>0.05). In the rats of hypoxia group, the level of nNOS immunoreactivity was enhanced remarkably in the lateral reticular nucleus, nucleus of trapezoid, hypoglossal nucleus and the facial nucleus compared with the control group (P<0.05). In the rats of pretreated with TMP, the nNOS level increased further in the nuclei mentioned above (P<0.05). The results obtained indicate that TMP can reverse the inhibitory effect of hypoxia on respiration in the rats and that nNOS may be involved in the respiratory protective action of TMP.

Objective: To establish an advanced purification techniques of the essential oils obtained from Pogostemon cablin., Method: Molecular distillation (MD) was applied., Result: Four distillates were obtained, chemical constituents of which were analyzed with GC-MS. Compared with those in original oils, the contents of active compounds (patchouli alcohol and pogostone) rose by 27%-47% in the distillates II and III., Conclusion: Molecular distillation (MD) effectively raises the contents of patchouli alcohol and pogostone. The work is of great economic and scientific significance for the industrialization of P. cablin and the discovery of new drugs.

The effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on membrane potential of neurons from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was examined in the rat by means of intracellular recording technique. The results showed that (1) AVP induced hyperpolarization in the membrane of most DRG neurons. (2) The membrane conductance of the DRG neurons increased by 19.32% following application of AVP (p<0.05). (3) Perfusion with balance sodium solution (BSS) containing Cd(2+) (blocker of Ca(2+) channel) instead of Na+ failed to affect the AVP-induced membrane hyperpolarization of the DRG neurons (p> 0.05). After perfusion with BSS containing tetraethylammonium (TEA), however, the extent of AVP-induced hyperpolarization was reduced (p<0.05). (4) The AVP-induced hyperpolarization of the neurons was blocked by the antagonist of AVP V(1) receptors. The results demonstrate that AVP induces hyperpolarization of most DRG neurons, which might be caused by K(+) outflow mediated by AVP V(1) receptors in the membrane of the neurons.

To investigate the expression of NF-kappaB in acute leukemia and its relationship with P21, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), the expression of NF-kappaB, P21, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in bone marrow cells from patients with acute leukemia (AL) was detected using immunocytochemical technique. The results showed that the expression ratios of NF-kappaB, P21, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in untreated AL group were significantly higher than those in remission and normal control groups (P < 0.05), and no obvious difference was seen between remission and normal control groups. The expression of NF-kappaB was correlated with that of P21, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (r = 0.767, 0.729 and 0.803, respectively, P < 0.05). This study indicated that P21 protein, encoded by oncogene Ras, and NF-kappaB were super-expressed in leukemia cells. In conclusion, after activation by Ras, NF-kappaB combined with the kappaB sequences of MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes, then upregulated their expression. MMP might enhance the degradative function of leukemic cell, thus to make cells easier to cross through the bone marrow barrier and release into blood.

The objective is to investigate whether Rsa I polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of cytochrome P450 2E1 gene (CYP2E1) and paraoxonase 2 gene polymorphism (PON2 148) in neonates are associated with preterm delivery. Using standard questionnaires, 209 singleton live born mother-neonate pairs (include preterm cases and term controls) were investigated by the trained field workers with cross-sectional survey at the hospitals in Anqing, Anhui Province, China. Epidemiological and clinical data and blood samples were obtained from 209 mother-neonate pairs. CYP2E1 homozygous wild-type (+/+) is not associated with a shortened gestation among neonates, compared with CYP2E1 homozygous mutant-type (-/-)/CYP2E1 heterozygote (+/-) before and after adjustment confounders, however, PON2 Ala148Ala homozygote is significantly associated with a shortened gestation among neonates. When Rsa I polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2 148 polymorphism were considered jointly, a significant shortened gestation was observed among neonates with the combined genotype of CYP2E1 homozygous wild-type and PON2 Ala148Ala homozygote. In conclusion, Rsa I polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of CYP2E1 in neonates is not associated with preterm delivery, however, PON2 148 polymorphism in neonates is significantly associated with preterm delivery. Furthermore, the gene interaction between Rsa I polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2 148 polymorphism in neonates is significantly associated with preterm delivery.

The objective is to investigate whether Rsa I polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates are associated with preterm. Using standard questionnaires, 194 singleton live born mother-neonate pairs (including preterm cases and term controls) were investigated by the trained field workers with cross-sectional survey at the hospitals in Anqing, Anhui Province, China. Epidemiological and clinical data and blood samples were obtained from 194 mother-neonate pairs. CYP2E1 homozygous wild-type (cut/cut) is not associated with a shortened gestation among neonates, compared with CYP2E1 homozygous mutant-type (uncut/uncut)/CYP2E1 heterozygote (cut/uncut) before and after adjustment confounders. However, PON2 Ser311Ser homozygote is significantly associated with a shortened gestation among neonates. When Rsa I polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2311 polymorphism were considered jointly, a significant shortened gestation was observed among neonates with the combined genotype of CYP2E1 homozygous wild-type and PON2 Ser311Ser homozygote. In conclusion, Rsa I polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of CYP2E1 in neonates is not associated with preterm, however, PON2311 polymorphism in neonates is significantly associated with preterm. Furthermore, the gene interaction between Rsa I polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates is significantly associated with preterm.

Branch of Institute for Biomedicine,Anhui Medical University,Anqing 246000,China Abstract:The objective is to investigate whether gene polymorphisms in the PON2 gene (PON2148 and PON2311) of neonates are associated with preterm. Using standard questionnaires,194 singleton live born mother-neonate pairs (include preterm cases and term controls) were investigated by the trained field workers with cross-sectional survey at the hospitals in Anqing,Anhui Province,China. Epidemiological and clinical data and blood samples were obtained from 194 mother-neonate pairs. Among neonates,PON2 Ala148Ala homozygote is significantly associated with preterm,compared with Gly148Gly homozygote / Ala148Gly heterozygote before and after adjustment confounders and the same was true for PON2 Ser311Ser homozygote. However,when PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism were considered jointly,no significant gene interaction between PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism in relation to preterm was observed. We draw a conclusion from this research that both PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates are significantly associated with preterm respectively. But the gene interactions between PON2148 polymorphism and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates are not significantly associated with preterm.