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Fine-grained entity typing assigns fine-grained types to entities in the text, which can provide entities with rich semantic information through type information, and plays important roles in downstream tasks such as relation extraction, entity linking, and question answering systems. Since the length and position of entities in sentences are not uniform, the representation of entities in context can not be calculated. Existing fine-grained entity typing models process entity mentions and their contexts separately into individual feature representations, which separates the semantic relationship between them. This paper proposes a context-aware feature representation method in fine-grained entity typing, which places entities back into their contexts and solves the problem of computing entity feature representation when the entity length and position are not uniform. Experimental results demonstrate that this method can extract the feature representation of entities in their contexts, and significantly improve the performance of fine-grained entity typing. The Macro-F1 value of this method on the Chinese finegrained entity classification dataset CFET is improved by more than 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the relationship between nicotine dependence and depression among the elderly of Dai ethnic group in Jinggu county, Yunnan Province. Methods By using the method of multi-stage stratified random sampling, 1 409 rural Dai people aged 60 and over in Jinggu county, Yunnan Province were investigated by face-to-face questionnaire. Results The current smoking rate of rural Dai elderly in Jinggu county, Yunnan Province was 18.6% (37.1% for males and 0.8% for females). The smoking rate of males was significantly higher than that of females (P < 0.01). At present, the nicotine dependence rate of smokers was 32.8% (32.4% for males and 50.0% for females). There was no significant difference in nicotine dependence among Dai elderly people of different genders (P > 0.05), age groups (P > 0.05), education (P > 0.05), and annual family per capita income (P > 0.05). The prevalence rate of depression in the surveyed population was 52.0% (49.4% for males and 54.5% for females). Multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed that patients with nicotine dependence were more likely to suffer from depression than those without nicotine dependence (OR=1.517, 95%C%: 1.0662.158). Conclusion Nicotine dependence is positively correlated with depression in the elderly of Dai ethnic group in Yunnan Province. Taking effective measures to reduce the nicotine dependence rate of smokers is helpful to improve the mental health level of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the determination of biological samples by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, sample powder pellets pressed by traditional sample preparation technique at 220-440 MPa are not compact and smooth, so the sample room of X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry becomes contaminated by dropped sample powder, which can then influence long term stability. Biological sample powder can be pressed into smooth and compact pellets using high pressure at 1760 MPa, therefore the sample preparation reproducibility is improved to 0.1%-2.6% (RSD, n=5). A method for direct determination of 23 major and minor elements (Al, Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Si, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) in biological samples by Wavelength Dispersion X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry was established on this sample preparation basis. The matrix effects can be corrected by using Rh-Kα(from the X-ray tube target) Compton-scattered radiation and by using the background as the internal standard. The precision of the method is 0.1%-11.3% (RSD) for most elements and the detection limits is 0.08-140.96 μg/g. The feasibility of the proposed method was tested by analyzing several national biological standard materials; the results obtained were consistent with the certified values.

To compare the characteristics of vascular bundle of peduncle and flag leaf and assimilate translocation of stems and leaves and to explore the relationship between the characteristics of vascular bundle and the assimilate translocation of stems and leaves and yield formation, four different types of rice varieties were selected and studied, including indica hybrid rice, indica-japonica hybrid rice, indica conventional rice, and japonica conventional rice. The results showed that there were differences in genotypic phenotypes among the number and anatomical characteristics of vascular bundles of peduncle and flag leaf and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) translocation in stems and leaves among different rice varieties. Among the four different types of rice varieties, the number of vascular bundles, average cross-section area and phloem area of peduncle and flag leaf of indica hybrid rice and indica-japonica hybrid rice were higher than those of the other two types of rice varieties, and the stem and leaf NSC translocation and yield were also higher than those of the other two types of rice varieties, followed by indica conventional rice. The vascular bundle number, average cross-sectional area and phloem area of peduncle and flag leaf in japonica conventional rice was the lowest, and the NSC translocation and yield of stem leaf was also the lowest. The characteristics of the vascular bundle and the translocation of stems and leaves NSC were affected by nitrogen application levels. Low nitrogen could promote the NSC translocation of stems and leaves, high nitrogen application could increase the number of vascular bundles, the average cross-section area and phloem area of peduncle and flag leaf, but the density of the cross-section vascular bundle of peduncle was decreased. Correlation analysis showed that the number of large and small vascular bundles of peduncle and flag leaf was significantly or extremely significantly positively correlated with NSC translocation of stems and leaves, the number of large and small vascular bundles, average cross-section area and phloem area of peduncle and flag leaf were significantly or extremely significantly positively correlated with yield. In conclusion, selecting rice varieties with well vascular bundle phylogeny and rational application of nitrogen fertilizer can improve the characteristics of vascular bundle, facilitate the translocation of assimilate in stems and leaves, and promote grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate chromosome karyotype and immune phenotype distribution in acute myeloid leukemia and clinical curative effect. Methods 48 cases of acute myeloid leukemia patients were detected with chromosome karyotype and immune phenotype, and the clinical efficacy after treatment were analysed. Results There were 32 cases (67%) of abnormal karyotype, M3 patients were detected with 100% t (15; 17), M2 patients with t (8; 21), three body 8 is most common in the number of abnormal. There were a total of 13 patients CD96 positive expression (28.9%), 15 cases with CD123 (33.3%) positive, CD96 and CD123 and chromosomal abnormalities exist significant correlation (r= 0.376, 0.498, P< 0.05) .In 41 patients complete remission rate was 46%, the karyotype low-risk group, the moderate and high-risk group for the first time complete response rate was 58%, 43%, 37% respectively, among which 8 cases of t (15; 17) - M3 patients with complete response rate was 88%. Conclusion The immune phenotype and chromosome karyotype of patients has good correlation, the detection of immune phenotype and chromosome karyotype is of great significance for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The parameter estimation of chaotic system is a premise of system control and synchronization. In view of chaotic system's characteristics, such as sensitivity to initial condition, long-term unpredictability and so on, a filter applying to chaotic system was proposed based on chaotic system state space theory and particle filter (PF) theory. In a superimposed noise conditions, the parameter estimation and filtering of Lorenz chaotic system were simulated and analyzed. The simulation results show the proposed filtering algorithm is better than a chaotic system parameter estimation and filtering method based on extended Kalman filter (EKF) in bias estimates, and is an effective method for estimating the parameters of chaotic system and filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the sensitivity analysis of discrete node group control equation for thermal network, a new improved solution, detached variables-parameters coefficient (DVPC) method, is proposed to solve thermal network problem in heat-transfer analysis of spacecraft. It emphasizes analyzing the spacecraft surface material properties' influence on the temperature field distribution. Monte Carlo ray tracing method is used to solve solar direct incidence area and network radiation transfer coefficient. Meanwhile, effects of spacecraft geometry sheltering on thermal network coefficient are discussed. Numerical simulation results indicate that the maximum temperature value of satellite main body in simulation model is larger than that of solar array. At the beginning stage, cooling velocity increases rapidly and gets to its maximum value, then descends slowly and reaches up to steady stage with 17 K discrepancy. For analyzing the impact of solar absorption coefficient, the calculating results of a=0. 35 is employed as original value. Meanwhile, influence of increasing solar absorption coefficient is better than that of decreasing to true value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principle of synchronization between two chaotic systems whose parameters are driven by an external chaotic signal was presented. The dynamical behavior of two Lorenz systems driven by the Rössler system was studied. The numerical simulations indicate that it is undertaken complicated dynamicl processes piror to the ordinary chaos synchronization between the two Lorenz systems as their driven parameters vary to some extent. This kind of synchronization between the two parameter-driven chaotic Lorenz systems is dependent of their initial states. The two systems become synchronized only if their trajectories emanating from different initial states are attracted into the same basin of attraction; otherwise, the synchronization is not achievable. From the viewpoint of application, the complicated evolution of the chaotic signal can generate an encrypted signal with high complexity or disorder, and thus upgrades the ability of decrypt. It is practical to model two chaotic systems without coupling each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese patent medicine preparations containing Epimedii Folium and Psoraleae Fructus have been associated with the occurrence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury(IDILI). However, the specific toxic biomarkers and mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of bavachin and epimedin B, two principal consti-tuents found in Psoraleae Fructus and Epimedii Folium, on an IDILI model induced by tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) treatment, both in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate the extent of liver injury, various parameters were assessed. Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) release in the cell culture supernatant, as well as the levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate transaminase(AST) in mouse plasma were measured. Additionally, histological analysis employing hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe liver tissue changes indicative of the severity of liver injury. Furthermore, a pseudo-targeted metabolomics approach was employed, followed by multivariate analysis, to identify differential metabolites. These identified metabolites were subsequently subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The results showed that at the cellular level, after 2 hours of TNF-α stimulation, bavachin significantly increased the release of LDH in HepG2 cells compared to the normal group and the group treated alone; after the combination of bavachin and epimedin B, the release of LDH further significantly increased on the original basis. Similarly, although the individual or combination treatments of bavachin and epimedin B did not induce liver injury in normal mice, the combination of both drugs induced marked liver injury in TNF-α treated mice, leading to a significant elevation in plasma AST and ALT levels and substantial infiltration of inflammatory immune cells in the liver tissue. Pseudo-targeted metabolomics analysis identified seven common differential metabolites. Among these, D-glucosamine-6-phosphate, N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, 17beta-nitro-5a-androstane, irisolidone-7-O-glucuronide, and N-(1-deoxy-1-fructosyl) valine emerged as potential biomarkers, with an area under the curve(AUC) exceeding 0.9. Furthermore, our results suggest that the metabolism of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, as well as the linoleic acid metabolic pathway, may play pivotal roles in bavachin and epimedin B-induced IDILI. In conclusion, within an immune-stressed environment mediated by TNF-α, bavachin and epimedin B appear to induce IDILI through disruptions in metabolic processes.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of gene mutation in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its effect on prognosis., Methods: The clinical and laboratorial characteristics of 54 AML patients (≥60 years old) in Department of Hematology, Tangdu Hospital were analyzed retrospectively during April 2016 to October 2019. Thirty-four AML/myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm related mutant genes were detected by second-generation sequencing technology, and their clinical characteristics, treatment effect, and influence on prognosis were analyzed., Results: All the patients received DAC+CAG induction treatment, after 1-2 couses of treatment, 36 cases (66.7%) achieved complete response, with a total effective rate of 75.9%, and the median survival time was 17 months. The most frequent mutant genes were TET2 (33.3%), CEBPA (31.5%), DNMT3A (18.5%), ASXL1 (16.7%), NRAS (14.8%), RUNX1 (14.8%), FLT3-ITD (12.9%), TP53 (12.9%), NPM1 (12.9%), and IDH2 (12.9%). Among 7 patients with TP53 mutation, 6 cases obtained complete response after 1-2 courses of induction treatment, but there was no statistically significant difference in the effect on prognosis. Patients with FLT3-ITD and NRAS mutations had shorter overall survival time compared with who had no mutation (P=0.47, P=0.48). Multivariate analysis showed that FLT3-ITD and NRAS mutations were poor prognostic factors., Conclusion: The incidence of TET2 gene mutation is high in elderly AML patients. AML patients with TET2 and TP53 mutations may benefit from Decitabine-based chemotherapy. However, patients with FLT3-ITD and NRAS mutations have a short survival time, and may have a poor prognosis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML) patients with ASXL1 mutation., Methods: The clinical data of 229 newly diagnosed AML patients treated in our hospital from April 2016 to October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The next-generation sequencing technology was used to detect gene mutations in all the patients, the clinical characteristics of the patients with ASXL1 mutation were analyzed., Results: ASXL1 gene mutation was detected out in 45 patients(19.6%). Among these patients, the frameshift mutation (n=22,48.9%) was most common, followed by missense mutation (n=15, 33.3%) and nonsense mutation (n=8,17.8%), respectively, all of them were located at exon 12. The median mutation rate was 32.47%(range, 2.74%-53.50%). The median age of the patients with ASXL1 mutation was 54(range, 14-74) years old, and most of the patients were male, and most of them with the history of MDS or MPN, and low white blood cell count at the initial diagnosed (P<0.05). Patients with ASXL1 mutation showed a lower CR rate than that of without ASXL1 mutation. Patients with or without ASXL1 mutation showed a statistically significant difference in survival at 20 months (P=0.042), while there was no significant difference between the patients in the two groups over 20 months (P=0.505). All the 6 patients with ASXL1 mutation in low-risk group were survived, while the median OS time was 16 months in the high-risk group(P=0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that the history of MDS or MPN and CR rate from induction therapy were the independent risk factors affecting survival of the patients., Conclusion: Frameshift mutation is commonly in AML patients with ASXL1 gene mutation, and ASXL1 mutation were more often in men, the history of MDS or MPN, and low white blood cell count. The CR rate of the patients with ASXL1 mutation was lower than that of the AML patients without ASXL1 mutations, AML patients with ASXL1 mutation showed poor short-term efficacy, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in long-term survival over 20 months.

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of decitabine combined with CAG regimen in the treat-ment of newly diagnosed elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML)., Methods: Fourty-nine patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (except M3) who were admitted to our hospital were selected. All the patients were older than 50 years old, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation could not be performed for various reasons. Decitabine-based chemotherapy regimens were used during induction therapy including single decitabine therapy(DAC), decitabine combined with CAG regimen(DAC-CAG) and decitabine combined with HAAG regimen(DAC-HAAG). Most of patients continued to use the original treatment after complete remission, while others were given the standard "3+7" regimen chemotherapy. A total of 2-4 courses of treatment was conducted in the majority of patients., Results: All of the 49 patients completed the induction therapy, in which 26 cases achieved complete remission(CR), 7 cases achieved partial remission(PR) and no response(NR) existed in 16 cases. The complete remission and the overall response rate(ORR) were 53% and 67% respectively. The overall response rate of DAC group, DAC-CAG group and DAC-HAAG group were 17%, 77% and 63% respectively. 14 patients were infected and 1 patients died of pulmonary infection during the induction therapy. The median number of suspended red blood cells and platelet infused were 9 units and 69 units respectively. Neutrophil recovery time was 15.1 days while the platelet recovery time was 20.1 days during the induction therapy. The mean follow-up time was 21 months. Overall survival(OS) was 75% at 6 months, 30% at 1 year, and 26% at 2 year, while disease-free survival(DFS) was 83% at 3 months, 54% at 1 year, and 47% at 2 year. The induction therapy could reach CR that was an independent prognostic factor, however, the initial white blood cell count, platelet count, age, chemotherapy regimen, prognostic stratification and whether complical by pnenmonia during chemotherapy were not independent prognostic factors., Conclusion: The induction efficacy of decitabine combined with chemotherapy is superior to that of decitabine alone. The outcome of induction chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor, however, the high white blood cell count, poor karyotype, complications and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes do not affect long-term survival. DAC-CAG regimen is effective and have relatively few adverse reactions in AML. It is suitable for the patients who are ineligible for conventional chemotherapy.

With the growth of number of Chinese patent medicines and clinical use, the rational use of Chinese medicine is becoming more and more serious. Due to the complexity of Chinese medicine theory and the uncertainty of clinical application, the prescription review of Chinese patent medicine always relied on experience in their respective, leading to the uncontrolled of clinical rational use. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory and characteristics of the unique clinical therapeutics, based on the practice experience and expertise comments, our paper formed the expert consensus on the prescription review of Chinese traditional patent medicine for promoting the rational use of drugs in Beijing. The objective, methods and key points of prescription review of Chinese patent medicine, were included in this expert consensus, in order to regulate the behavior of prescription and promote rational drug use., 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.)

To observe the effect of geniposide on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and discuss the mechanism of geniposide for NAFLD from the aspect of free fatty acid, forty healthy Wistar male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, geniposide and Xuezhikang group. The rats in normal group were fed with normal diets, and the rats in other 3 groups were given with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce the NAFLD models. From the week 5 to end of week 8, the rats in geniposide and Xuezhikang group were intervened with corresponding medicines. The body weight, liver wet weight, and fat weight of the rats were recorded. Visual and pathological changes in hepatic tissues were observed with HE staining. The contents of TG, FFA, FAS, AMPK, ACCase and Malonyl-CoA in hepatic tissue, contents of CHO and LDL-C in serum and activities of AST and ALT in serum were detected by using corresponding methods. The results showed that the body weight, liver wet weight, and fat weight of the rats, CHO, LDL-C, ALT and AST levels in serum, TG, FFA, FAS, ACCase and Malonyl-CoA levels in hepatic tissues of the rats in model group were significantly higher than those in normal group (P<0.01), while AMPK activity was significantly lower than that of the normal group (P<0.01), with obvious visual and pathological steatosis in hepatic tissues, and inflammatory injury occurred in model group. Compared with the model group, body weight of the rat, fat weight, levels of FFA in hepatic tissues, ALT and AST activities in serum, liver wet weight, TG, FAS, ACCase and Malonyl-CoA levels were significantly decreased in geniposide group (P<0.01), while the AMPK activity in hepatic tissues was significantly increased (P<0.05),with improvement in visual and pathological performance. Compared with the model group, liver wet weight, fat weight, TG and FFA levels in hepatic tissues, and LDL-C level in serum were significantly decreased in Xuezhikang group (P<0.05). Compared with Xuezhikang group, the body weight of rat, fat weight and FFA level in hepatic tissues were significantly lower in geniposide group (P<0.01), but with no significant difference in other aspects. These findings indicated that geniposide was highly effective in improving the pharmacological effect of NAFLD induced by high-fat diet, and the mechanism was achieved through AMPK-ACCase-Malonyl-CoA-FFA axis., 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.)

This study was purposed to construct prokaryotic expression vector and to investigate the expression of Notch ligand Jagged1 in E.coli. An expression vector pET-hJagged1 was constructed, which can be inserted in Jagged1 with different lengths, but the DSL domain of human Jagged1 should be contained. Then the recombinant plasmids were transformed into the competent cell of E.coli BL21, and the expression of the fusion protein was induced by IPTG. Fusion protein was purified from the supernatant of cell lysates via the Nickel affinity chromatography. The results showed that prokaryotic expression vectors pET-hJagged1 (Bgl II), pET-hJagged1 (Hind I) and pET-hJagged1 (Stu I) were successfully constructed, but only pET-hJagged1 (Stu I) could express the soluble TRX-hJagged1. The purified TRX-Jagged1 protein could be obtained via the Nickel affinity chromatography, and then confirmed by Western Blot. It is concluded that prokaryotic expression vector pET-hJagged1 is successfully constructed, but only pET-hJagged1 (Stu I) can express the soluble TRX-hJagged1 and the TRX-Jagged1 fusion protein is obtained through the prokaryotic expression system, which laid a solid foundation for further to explore the effects of Jagged1 in hematopoietic and lymphoid system.

Objective: To investigate the regulatory effects of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on the activation of nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor (IκB) kinase beta (IKKβ) induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)., Methods: (1) Hela cells were cultured routinely in vitro. One portion of cells were collected and divided into TNF-α group (cultured with serum-free RMPI 1640 medium containing 20 ng/mL TNF-α for 30 min), low-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, moderate-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, high-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, LaCl3 group (cultured with serum-free RMPI 1640 medium containing 100 µmol/L LaCl3 for 30 min), and control group (cultured with serum-free RMPI 1640 medium for 30 min) according to the random number table. Cells in low-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, moderate-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, high-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group were first cultured with serum-free RMPI 1640 medium containing 5, 25, 100 µmol/L LaCl3 for 4 h, and then stimulated with serum-free RMPI 1640 medium containing 20 ng/mL TNF-α for 30 min. There were 3 samples in each group. Cells were collected for detection of intracellular location of NF-κB/p65 protein by immunofluorescence staining. (2) Another portion of cells were collected and divided into TNF-α group, low-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, moderate-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, high-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, and control group with the same treatment as above. There were 3 samples in each group. The protein levels of NF-κB/p65 in nuclei, and the protein levels of IκBα, phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) as well as IKKβ and phosphorylated IKKβ (p-IKKβ) in cytoplasm were determined by Western blotting. The binding activity between NF-κB/p65 in the nuclear and target gene was determined by NF-κB/p65 transcription factor kit (denoted as absorption value). Data were processed with analysis of variance or LSD-t test., Results: (1) High expression of NF-κB/p65 was observed in cytoplasm of control group. High expression of NF-κB/p65 was observed in nuclei of TNF-α group. The expression of NF-κB/p65 in cytoplasm of LaCl3 group was lower than that of control group. In groups treated with LaCl3 and TNF-α, NF-κB/p65 expression levels in nuclei and cytoplasm were decreased along with the increase in the concentration of LaCl3, which were all lower than those in TNF-α group. (2) There was certain amount of NF-κB/p65 protein expressed in nuclei of control group. The expression of NF-κB/p65 protein in nuclei of TNF-α group was higher than that of control group. In groups treated with LaCl3 and TNF-α, the expressions of NF-κB/p65 protein in nuclei were decreased along with an increase in the concentration of LaCl3. The level of IκBα in TNF-α group was significantly decreased but that of p-IκBα increased as compared with those in control group. Along with the increase in the concentration of LaCl3, the levels of IκBα gradually increased and the levels of p-IκBα gradually decreased in groups treated with LaCl3 and TNF-α. There were no statistical differences in expression levels of IKKβ among the 5 groups. The expression of p-IKKβ could be hardly observed in control group, but it was obviously increased in TNF-α group. The expression levels of p-IKKβ in groups treated with LaCl3 and TNF-α were gradually decreased along with the increase in the concentration of LaCl3. The absorption value in TNF-α group was 0.39 ± 0.03, which was higher than that in control group (0, t = -7.23, P<0.01). The absorption values in low-dose LaCl3 +TNF-α group, moderate-dose LaCl3 + TNF-α group, and high-dose LaCl3 +TNF-α group were respectively 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.03, and 0, which were obviously lower than that in TNF-α group (with t values respectively -6.54, -5.92, -7.23, P values all below 0.01)., Conclusions: LaCl3 can block the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by blocking the phosphorylation of IKKβ of Hela cells.

Using the independently designed high pressure sample preparation mold and high pressure sample preparation technology (patent number: 201310125772. 5), studies on the high pressure pressed various geological samples such as rocks, soils and stream sediments were first described in the present paper. It is the first experiment conducted in this field with significant achievements obtained. Without any binder, various types of geological powder samples can be pelleted well using 1600KN high pressure method. Such pellet has the characteristics of dense, flat, smooth and shiny surface, no cracks, no delamination, and no powder dropping. The study provides a new and contamination-free approach to sample preparation of X-ray fluorescence spectrum analysis. The comparison study conducted between the same samples pelleted under the low pressure (400 kN) and high pressure (1 600 kN) showed that using the high pressure the element peak to background ratios, and sensitivities are significantly improved, the detection limits are lowed, and the accuracies, the precisions and sample preparation repeatability are greatly improved. The Si FWHM became wider for the high pressure (1 600 kN) pellet than the same sample pelleted under the lower pressure (400 kN). The further SEM observation revealed that variation of Si spectrum shape may be caused by that the silica crystal lattices are destroyed and the particle size becomes smaller by using the high pressure pelleting techniques. So the particle size and mineral effects are also effectively reduced and the precisions and accuracies of the analytical method are improved.

Objective: To investigate the antiproliferative effect of cycloartan-24-ene-1alpha, 2alpha, 3beta-triol from Myrrh against human prostate cancer cells., Methods: Morphological changes of compound-treated human prostate PC3 cells were determined by staining cells with Hoechst. The cell cycle progression and apoptosis were evaluated using flow cytometry assay. Apoptosis related protein levels were analyzed using Western blotting., Results: Treatment of PC3 cells with cycloartan-24-ene-1alpha,2alpha,3beta-triol caused an increase ratio of apoptotic cells, which was verified by flow cytometry. It was also found that cycloartan-24-ene-1alpha,2alpha, 3beta-triol arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Apoptosis related proteins, such as BCL-2, BAX, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were changed., Conclusion: These observes data indicate that cycloartan-24-ene-1alpha,2alpha,3beta-triol inhibit the proliferation of PC3 cells via induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Objective: To understand the demographic, occupational and clinic characteristics of occupational poisoning case due to trichloroethylene in Dongguan in recent years for the purpose of prevention., Methods: Using the trichloroethylene patients of poisoning diagnosed in the years between 2002 to 2009 as subjects, their age, sex, industry, job, working duration and exposure level were analysed., Results: In Dongguan between 2002 and 2009 altogether 82 cases were reported, among the 82 cases 8 patients were dead with case fatality rate of 9.8%. among them there were 12 cases of poisonings(8 females ,4 males); 9 cases were classified as mild poisonings and the rest serious ones, among the 12 cases 3 patients were dead with case fatality rate of 25.0%; Dermatitis caused by TCE there were 70 cases (37 males and 33 females), among the 70 cases 5 patients were dead with case fatality rate of 7.1%. 11 persons (91.7%) were engaged in the job of cleaning and 1 (8.3%) in water gun, and they performed the job only for 3 days in shortest and for 450 days in longest. The cases were distributed in the jobs as the following: 29 (41.4%), 12 (17.1%), 8 (11.4%), 5 (7.1%), 4 (5.7%), cases respectively in the job of cleaning, parts hanging, board washing, painting, gun water spraying; a job duration of 1-50 d (27.4 days in average)., Conclusion: In summary the TCE poisonings in Dongguan were two types of poisoning, i.e., systematic poisonings and drug rash-like dermatitis, occupational TCE poisonings took place mainly in the cleaning workers. Dermatitis caused by TCE can cure but hard to prevent, we should strengthen the early examination of new works.

Objective: To study the effects of genistein on the proliferation, apoptosis induction and expression of related gene proteins of human colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and its mechanisms of action., Methods: MTT colorimetric assay was used to detect the effects of genistein on the proliferation of human colon adenocarcinoma SW480 cells. Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the histological and ultrastructural changes. Flow cytometry was used to determine the effects of genistein on cell cycle and apoptosis. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the effects of genistein on apoptosis induction and expression of related gene proteins of colon cancer cells., Results: The MTT colorimetric assay showed that genistein inhibited the proliferation of SW480 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, and the highest inhibition rate was 60.2% after 80 microg/ml genistein treatment for 72 h. The light microscopy revealed that many genistein-treated cancer cells were shrunken, disrupted, or showing cytoplasmic vacuolization. The electron microscopic examination showed cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation and pronounced chromatin condensation, sometimes formed crescent chromatin condensation attached to the nuclear membrane. The results of flow cytometry showed that: after SW480 cells were treated with 0, 20, 40, 80 microg/ml genistein for 48 h, the FI values of PCNA were 1.49 +/- 0.02, 1.28 +/- 0.04, 1.14 +/- 0.03, and 0.93 +/- 0.08; the FI values of VEGF were 1.75 +/- 0.02, 1.34 +/- 0.06, 1.32 +/- 0.04, and 1.23 +/- 0.04; the fluorescence index (FI) values of p21 were 1.26 +/- 0.05, 1.36 +/- 0.06, 1.61 +/- 0.03, and 1.73 +/- 0.03, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the control group and each treatment group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The scores of immunohistochemical staining of PCNA and VEGF proteins were decreased, while p21 increased. There were statistically significant differences between the control group and each treatment group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Genistein can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells via apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase. The anti-tumor mechanisms of genistein may be related with the down-regulation of expression of VEGF and PCNA, and up-regulation of the expression of p21.

Objective: To investigate the effects of arginine enriched enteral nutrition (EN) on nutritional status and cellular immunity of severely burned patients., Methods: Randomized, single blind, parallel and positive control investigation was employed in the study. Thirty severely burned patients were divided into enteral immune nutrition (EIN) group and EN group. Sixteen patients in EIN group received enteral nutrition enriched with arginine, while the other 14 patients in EN group received standard enteral nutrition. Nutritional support was continued for 14 days. Gastrointestinal reaction of patients in 2 groups was observed. Fasting venous blood was drawn from patients of both groups before receiving nutrition treatment and on the morning of 7th, 14th day of treatment. Level of serum protein, hepatic function parameters, renal function parameters, fasting-blood glucose, and subpopulations of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were determined., Results: (1) Incidence of gastrointestinal side effect in EIN group (25.0%) was close to that of EN group (21.4% , P > 0.05). (2) Compared with pre-treatment days, levels of prealbumin and transferrin in serum of patients in 2 groups on 7th and 14th post-treatment days were significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups. The level of total serum protein on 14th day of treatment of patients was significantly increased in both groups, and that of EIN group (66 +/- 7 g/L) was significantly higher compared with that in EN group (64 +/- 11 g/L, P < 0.05). The level of serum albumin (29 +/- 5, 32 +/- 5 g/L, respectively) of patients in EIN group on 7th and 14th day of treatment were significantly higher than that (26 +/- 4 g/L, P < 0.05) in pre-treatment days, however there was no significant difference in EN group. (3) There was no significant difference in respect of hepatic function, renal function, and fasting-blood glucose between pre-treatment and post-treatment periods in both groups (P > 0.05). (4) The ratio of CD4(+), CD8(+) on 14th day of treatment in EIN group was close to that of pretreatment level. In EN group, cell percentage of CD4(+) significantly decreased, while that of CD8(+) significantly increased (P < 0.05), and CD4(+) was significantly higher [(56 +/- 8)%] in EIN group than that in EN group [(55 +/- 12)%, P < 0.05]. In both groups, cell percentage of CD3(+) was significantly higher than that in pre-treatment days (P < 0.05), while there was no obvious change in CD4(+)/CD8(+)., Conclusions: Arginine enriched enteral nutrition can effectively improve nutritional status and cellular immune function of burn patients.

Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) is valuable for clinical application, however, traditional ex vivo culture negatively affects long-term hematopoietic reconstitution ability. In the hematopoietic system, the expression of Notch receptors and their ligands has been widely reported. Active Notch signal inhibits the differentiation of HSCs while promotes their expansion, suggesting that ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells could be enhanced by manipulating Notch signal pathways. In this article the Notch signal pathways, Notch signal and maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cells, Notch signal and expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells and molecular mechanism of Notch signal maintaining undifferentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells were reviewed.

High frequency ventilation (HFV) is a kind of lung protective ventilation strategy. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) can decrease the water content, relocate interstitial fluid and accelerate lymph flow in the lung of dogs with smoke inhalation injury. HFJV can effectively improve breathing mechanics and gas exchange in dogs with smoke inhalation injury. Clinical application also proves that HFV is efficient in treatment of inhalation injury.

In order to construct a pichia pastoris expression vector containing the extracellular domain of human Jagged1 and the Fc fragment of human IgG1 fusion gene, or containing only the Fc fragment of human IgG1 and to express them in pichia pastoris. The extracellular domain of human Jagged1 gene was cloned from normal human bone marrow cells. After DNA sequencing, the extracellular domain of Jagged1 gene was inserted into pIC-Fc vector constructed previously, which is Pichia pastoris expression vector containing only the Fc fragment of human IgG1. The constructed plasmid was transformed into yeast GS115 by means of electroporation. The recombinant transformants with a high copy number of the plasmid were selected on MD plate with G418. The expression of protein was induced by addition of methanol. Then, protein expression was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The results indicated that the extracellular domain of human Jagged1 gene was effectively amplified. The DNA sequencing result showed that the constructed plasmid containing hJagged1(ext)-Fc fusion gene was the same as designed. The fusion protein was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. It is concluded that the hJagged1(ext) gene has been successfully cloned and expressed, which provides a new fusion protein for further experiments, the hJagged1(ext)-Fc fusion protein can be used as a new stimulator for proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vitro.

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene and pituitary specific transcription factor 1 (POU1F1) gene were studied as candidate genes on the Jinghai yellow chicken in this study. Polymorphisms of MC4R and POU1F1 gene had been analyzed by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing method. The relationship between two candidate genes and the growth performance of Jinghai yellow chicken had also been analyzed by GLM model. The frequency of A/B alleles for MC4R gene in the population was 0.929 and 0.071, and that of C/D alleles for POU1F1 gene was 0.500 and 0.500. The results showed that AA genotype of MC4R gene had higher bodyweight at 4, 8, 12 weeks compared to AB and BB genotype (P<0.05); CD genotype of POU1F1 gene had significantly higher bodyweight at all weeks compared to CC and DD genotype (P<0.01). So, it could be preliminarily deduced that MC4R and POU1F1 gene were probably the major gene on growth performance or a QTL linked gene which associated with growth performance in chicken.

Objective: To investigate the effects of taurine on myocardial mitochondria and their enzyme activities in rats with severe burn., Methods: One hundred and twenty healthy adult Wistar rats were subjected to 30% TBSA full-thickness burn. They were randomly divided into burn group (B, with intraperitoneal injection of isotonic saline), treatment group (T, with intraperitoneal injection of taurine, 200 mg/kg),with 60 rats in each group . Ten rats with sham scald were used as control (S group). The myocardial tissue samples in B and T groups were harvested at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 postburn hours (PBH) for determination of activity respectively of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome oxidase (CCO), the superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ca2+ -ATPase in mitochondria, and contents of cytochrome c (Cyt c), cytochrome aa3 (Cyt aa3), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Ca2+ in mitochondria and cytoplasm . The myocardial tissue samples of controls were harvested at 1 PBH for determination of above indices., Results: The activity of CCO in B group was decreased at 1 PBH , especially at 6 ,12 PBH. The activity of SDH in B group was decreased to lowest level at 6 PBH, and its value was lower than that of S group at each time point. The activity of CCO or SDH in T group was not obviously decreased, and the activity of CCO at 3, 6, 12 PBH showed significant difference compared with B group (P < 0.05). The contents of Cyt aa3 and Cyt c in B group at 3, 6, 12, 24 PBH were obviously decreased, which were significantly lower than those in T group (P < 0.05). The activity of SOD in B group at 3, 6, 12 PBH was obviously decreased, the activity of Ca2+ -ATPase at 3, 6, 12 and 24 PBH was decreased to different extent, which was significantly lower than those in T group (P < 0.05). The MDA contents in B and T groups were higher than that in S group at 3-48 PBH ,and it was highest in B group (P < 0.05). The Ca2+ content of mitochondria in B group at 1 PBH was increased (13.7 +/- 1.5), and it was (24.8 +/- 2.6), (29.7 +/- 3.1), (16.3 +/- 1.9) and (13.5 +/- 1.7) at 3, 6, 12, 24 PBH respectively,and they were all higher than that of S group (10.7 +/- 1.6, P < 0.05). The Ca2 contents of cytoplasm in group B at 3 - 24 PBH were also higher than that in S group (P < 0.05). The Ca2+ content of mitochondria in T group at 3, 6, 12, 24 PBH was (16.8 +/- 2.8), (18.7 +/- 1.9), (10.5 +/- 1.8) and (13.3 +/- 1.7)respectively, which were lower than that in B group at every time point., Conclusion: Taurine have protective effect on mitochondria and their enzyme activities in myocardium in rats with severe burn, and it may be attributable to improving the ability of eradicating oxygen free radicals and alleviating Ca2+ overload in the mitochondria.

Aim: To construct a Pichia pastoris expression vector PIC- hDll1(ext)-Fc, and to express the fusion protein containing the extracellular domain of human Delta-like1 and the Fc fragment of human IgG1 fusion gene in Pichia pastoris., Methods: The extracellular domain of human Delta-like1 gene was amplified from pEF-BOSneo-hdll1(ext)-Fc by PCR. The expression vector was constructed by DNA recombination. The constructed plasmid was transformed into yeast GS115 by electroporation. The recombinant transformants with a high copy number of the plasmid were selected by using MD plate and G418. The expression of protein was induced by addition of methanol.Then analyzed protein expression by SDS-PAGE and Western blot., Results: The extracellular domain of human Delta-like1 gene was effectively amplified. The DNA sequencing result showed that the constructed plasmid containing hDll(ext)-Fc fusion gene was the same as designed. The fusion protein was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris., Conclusion: The hDll1(ext) gene has been successfully cloned and expressed in the form of Fc fusion protein, which provides a new fusion protein for further experiments.

Objective: To investigate the effects of glutamine enriched enteral feeding on immunoregulation in burn patients., Methods: Twenty burn patients were randomly divided into enteral nutrition (EN) group and enteral immune nutrition (EIN) group, with 12 patients in each group. Patients in EN group received a standard enteral formula, while those in EIN group received an enteral formula enriched with glutamine after hospital admission. Nutritional support was continued for 10 days. Blood samples were obtained to determine plasma level of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PAB) and transferrin (TF) at 1, 4, 7, 10 post-burn days (PBD). At the same time the concentration of immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG and IgM) were determined, the percentage of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ subpopulations of T lymphocytes, and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were determined by FCM., Results: (1) There were no obvious difference of the plasma level of TP, ALB, TF, CD3+, IgM between the two groups at each time-point (P > 0.05). (2) The plasma PAB contents in EIN group were significant higher than that in EN group on 4 PBD [(90 +/- 14 vs 60 +/- 15) mg/L, P < 0.05], 7 PBD [(92 +/- 16 vs 64 +/- 13) mg/L, P < 0.05] and 10 PBD [(106 +/- 21 vs 72 +/-16) mg/L, P < 0.05]. (3) The percentage of CD4+ subpopulation and ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in EIN group were obviously higher than those in EN group on 7 PBD [CD4+ (55 +/- 5 vs 45 +/- 5)%, CD4+/CD8+ (1.92 +/- 0.31 vs 1.53 +/- 0.27)%, P < 0.05] and 10 PBD [CD4+ (56 +/- 5 vs 49 +/- 5)%, CD4+/CD8+ (2.36 +/- 0.36 vs 1.72 +/- 0.42), P < 0.05]. (4) The concentration of IgA and IgG in EIN group were markedly higher than that in EN group on 7 PBD [IgA (2.8 +/- 0.6 vs 2.2 +/- 0.5) g/L, IgG (12.1 +/- 1.3 vs 9.8 +/- 1.2) g/L, P < 0.05] and 10 PBD [IgA (3.1 +/- 0.6 vs 2.5 +/- 0.5) g/L, IgG (14.2 +/- 1.3 vs 10.4 +/- 1.3) g/L, P < 0.05]., Conclusion: These findings suggest that glutamine enriched enteral feeding can improve nutritional status by promoting the synthesis of IgA, IgG, and increasing the PAB concentration, and corrected immunologic dysfunction in burn patients.

Forty three cultivated and wild Chinese medical herbs erigeron breviscapus were scanned on two Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy instruments. Twenty samples were used to set up the BP-NN models and the others were used to validate the models. Fifteen principal components, whose variance contribution rate is above 99%, were collected as input nodes for BP-NN models. The correct identification rates of calibration samples were 100% for the models on both the two instruments, and the correct identification rates of validation samples were 100% and 95.7%, irrespectively. The results showed that using NIR to fast detect cultivated and wild Chinese medical herbs erigeron breviscapus was feasible.

Objective: To explore the influence of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction, and to investigate its possible mechanisms., Methods: The RAW264.7 macrophages were randomly divided into four groups: i. e, control group (without treatment), LaCl3 group (with treatment of 2.5 micromol/L of LaCl3 for 24 hrs), LaCl3 + LPS group (with treatment of 2.5 micromol/L LaCl3 for 24h), and LPS group (with treatment of 1 mg/L LPS for 24 hrs). The iNOS protein expression was measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot. iNOS gene expression was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NO production in culture supernatant was assayed by nitrate reductase method., Results: Immunofluorescence analysis showed that iNOS was located mainly in the cytoplasm. RAW264.7 cells with overexpression of iNOS accounted for 44.4%, which was obviously higher than that in LaCl3 + LPS group (11.8%, P < 0.05). There was a faint signal of FITC-labeled green tint in control group or LaCl3 group. The iNOS mRNA and protein expression, and the NO content in LPS group were significantly higher than those in control, LaCl3, and LaCl3 + LPS groups (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: LaCl3 can suppress LPS-induced iNOS overexpression at mRNA and protein level and reduce NO production, indicating that LaCl3 can antagonize the excessive activation of iNOS induced by LPS.

Objective: To investigate the influence of early enteral immunonutrition on immunological function of body and intestine in severely scalded rats., Methods: Sixty-four healthy adult SD rats were subjected to 30% TBSA full-thickness scald and randomly divided into enteral nutrition group (EN, n = 32) and enteral immunonutrition group (EIN, n = 32). Another 8 healthy rats were enrolled as normal controls. The changes in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets, the PCNA expression in intestinal mucosa,the amount of plasmocytes in lamina propria of small intestine and the content of s-IgA in small intestine were determined on 1, 4, 7 and 10 post-burn days (PBD)., Results: (1) CD3+, CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ were remarkably declined, while CD8+ was obviously raised after scald in EN group, and there were statistically significant differences at most of time-points when compared with those in control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CD3+, CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ on 7 and 10 PBD in EIN group were obviously higher (increased from 4 PBD on, and it was 1.86 +/- 0.25 on 10 PBD) than those in EN group (CD4+/CD8+ was 1.26 +/- 0.10 on 10 PBD), while CD8+ in EIN group was evidently lower than that in EN group (P < 0.01). (2) The level of PCNA expression in intestinal mucosa, the amount of plasmocytes in lamina propria of small intestine and the content of s-IgA in small intestine in EIN group were increased significantly compared with EN group on 4, 7, 10 PBD (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Early enteral immunonutrition can improve immunological function of body and intestine after severe scald, with better results than enteral nutrition.

Background & Objective: Weak liver function reserve of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with severe cirrhosis lead to high risk of operation. This study was to explore the safety and effects of hepatectomy for HCC patients with severe cirrhosis, and analyze prognostic factors., Methods: Clinical data of 67 HCC patients with severe cirrhosis, who underwent hepatectomy from 1998 to 2003, were reviewed. The patients were followed up till March 2006. The prognostic factors were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: Three patients died after operation. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 62.6%, 46.7%, and 19.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that Child-Pugh classification, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15), platelet count, tumor size, number of tumors, and radical resection were significant prognostic factors. Cox multivariate proportional hazard model indicated that Child-Pugh classification and radical resection were independent prognostic factors., Conclusion: Correct preoperative assessment of liver function reserve can increase the safety of radical surgical resection for HCC patients with severe cirrhosis.

Objective: To investigate the influence of lanthanum on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NF-KB activation in murine peritoneal macrophage., Methods: Peritoneal macrophages were isolated and cultured by routine method, and randomly divided into 5 groups: i. e, control group, LPS group (with LPS stimulation for 30 min), La3+ group (with 2.5 micromol/L La3+ group for 30 min) , La3+ + LPS group( with 1 microg/ml LPS stimulation for 30 min after 30 min incubation with DMEM-F12 containing 2.5 microM of lanthanum.) ; La3+/LPS group (with 2.5 microM of lanthanum stimulation for 30 min, and then with 1 microg/ml of LPS for another 30 min after lanthanum was removed. The location of NF-kappaB p65 subunit (NF-kappaB/p65) in Mphi was detected by immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscope. The binding activity of NF-kappaB/p65 with DNA in nuclei was detected by TransAMTM NF-kappaB/p65 Transcription Factor assay kit. Meanwhile, the expression of NF-kappaB/p65 in nuclei, as well as IkappaBalpha in cytoplasm was measured by Western blotting. TNF-alpha content in culture supernatant were detected by ELISA., Results: (1) The green fluorescence in control, La3+, La3+ LPS and La+/LPS groups was mainly located in cytoplasm, while that in LPS group was located in nuclei. The fluorescent intensity in LPS group was (116 +/- 14), which was obviously higher than that in other 4 groups (42 +/-7,73 +/-30,48 +/- 11 and 67 +/- 19, respectively, P <0.01). (2) The IkappaBalpha protein level in cytoplasm in control (0.048 +/- 0.027), La3+ group (0.062 +/- 0.049), La3+ + LPS group (0.066 +/-0.031) and La3+/LPS group (0.108 +/- 0.017) was significantly lower than that in LPS group (0.435 +/-0.066, P <0.01). (3) The expression and activation of nucleus p65 protein in Mphi in LPS group was obviously higher than the other 4 groups, but changes in the IkappaBalpha expression between LPS group and other 4 groups was of controversy. (4) TNFalpha level in the culture supernatant in La3+ group was lower than that in control group ( P < 0.05) and below the detection limit (25 pg/ml). Moreover, it in La3+ + LPS group and La3*/LPS group was lower than that in LPS group (P <0.01), but higher than that in control group., Conclusion: LPS can activate the nucleus translocation of NF-kappaB/p65 in Mphi of mice, increase NF-KB/p65 expression and activity, but reduce IkappaBalpha protein expression, which lead to increase of TNFalpha secretion. Lanthanum can inhibit lipopolysaccharide induced NF-kappaB activation.

Objective: To analyze the correlation factors affecting the incidence of burn shock, so as to provide guidance for the clinical treatment of shock after burns., Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 15 624 patients hospitalized in our department from 1973 to 2005 was undertaken . The incidence of shock during every 10 years, as well as the relationship between shock incidence and age, burn area, interval between injury and hospitalization, and complications were analyzed statistically., Results: The incidence of shock during 1973-1980, 1981-1990, 1991-2000 and 2001-2005 periods was 14.69%, 13.50%, 9.38% and 7.88%, respectively, and there was significant difference of shock incidence between each 10 years and its succeeding period (P < 0.01). The occurrence of shock was closely related to age, length of time between injury and hospitalization, and burn area. The shock incidence of children under 7 years old or elderly more than 60 years old was obviously higher than other age groups, and there was positive relationship between burn area and shock incidence. Moreover, the shock incidence of the patients hospitalized later than 4 to 12 hours after burn shock was also markedly higher than those hospitalized earlier (P < 0.01). In addition, the incidence of sepsis, alimentary tract hemorrhage, acute renal failure, pulmonary failure, and cardiac failure in patients with shock was obviously higher than those without shock (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: For the children and aged people, special attention should be paid in the prevention and resuscitation of burn shock. Early fluid resuscitation is vital for the prevention of organ complication, and it is beneficial to promote wound healing.

Objective: To investigate the biological characteristics of xenogenic acellular dermal matrix( Xeno-ADM) incorporated with silver, and to observe its effect in grafting., Methods: Xeno-ADM was prepared with 0. 25% trypsin and 0. 5% triton X-100 , and then it was immersed in 2 g/L silver nitrate solution to prepare xeno-ADM incorporated with silver. The bacterial inhibitory effect of two kinds of xeno-ADM on burn wound was determined, and the histological characteristic of the wounds was observed with optical microscope, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. The Ag+ content in the xeno-ADM incorporated with silver was measured with atomic absorption spectrometer. Twenty-seven rabbits with full-thickness skin defects on the back were randomly divided into three groups, i. e. split-thickness skin autograft only( group A, n = 9) , xeno-ADM with overlying split-thickness skin autograft( group B, n = 9) , xeno-ADM incorporated with silver with overlying split-thickness skin autograft ( group C, n = 9). The skin specimens from grafted area in each group were harvested at 2,4 and 6 post-operation weeks( POW) and examined under light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The condition of the graft, the contraction degree of the grafts and the historical changes in grafting area were observed at 2,4,6 POW. The survival rate of the grafts was calculated and the proliferative activity of the lymphocyte in each group was determined at 2 POW., Results: 1. Compared with xeno-ADM, the anti-bacterial effect of xeno-ADM incorporated with silver was much better ( P < 0. 05). No epidermis was seen in both types of xenografts ,and the collagen fibers were even in size and arranged regularly, with no obvious degeneration, and the dermis was also devoid of cells and cellular components. The Ag + content in xeno-ADM incorporated with silver measured (2. 7+/-0. 7) mg/g. 2. The grafts in B and C groups presented similar color to that of normal skin at 6 POW, and it was smooth, with fine texture and no scarring. The collagen fibers was arranged regularly, and conjunction between epidermis and dermis, the structure of basal cell desmosome and semi-desmosome were well reconstructed. The grafts in A group was in dark red color, with obvious contraction, and easily broken. The contraction rate in A group at 2,4 and 6 POW were obviously higher than those in B and C groups( P < 0. 05), while no obvious difference was observed between B and C groups. ( P >0. 05). The overall survival rate of the grafts in C group at 2 POW was 91.7% , which was evidently higher than that in A (77.8%) and B (80. 6% ) groups. The lymphocyte proliferative activity exhibited no difference among A, B and C groups( P >0.05)., Conclusion: The xeno-ADM incorporated with silver has good anti-bacterial effect. In addition, it preserves the basic tissue structure and integral collagen fiber scaffold, without cells to induce rejection, so that it can be used as an ideal dermal substitute.

Objective: To investigate the changes in the serum content of immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) after burns or inhalation injury, and to explore its diagnostic significance., Methods: Twenty-four dogs were randomized into 4 groups, i. e. A (n = 6, with moderate degree inhalation injury) , B ( n = 6, with severe inhalation injury), C (n = 6, with most severe inhalation injury) and D (n = 6, with severe burns) groups. The serum content of iCT and blood gas analysis before and after injury were determined at different time points. The degree of inhalation injury was determined with fibrobronchoscopic examination at 6 post-inhalation injury hour (PIH)., Results: (1) Fiber bronchoscopic examination showed that the degree of inhalation injury in each group was coincident with the anticipation. (2) The serum content of iCT in each group at 1 PIH was obviously higher than that before injury, and it was evidently higher in A, B and C groups than that in D group at 4 PIH. The peak value of iCT in group A at 24 PIH was (453+/-224) ng/L, and it increased gradually in B and C groups at 48 PIH. The serum content of iCT increased continually from 2 PIH on, and it reached (125+/-41) ng/L at 48 PIH. (3) Compared with PaO2 value before injury (109+/-8) mmHg, there was no obvious difference of the PaO, in A and D groups. PaO2 value in B and C group began to descend continually at 8 PIH (65+/-6) mmHg, and that in C group began to descend at 4 PIH (71+/-9) mmHg. PaCO2 value in C group began to increase at 24 PIH(52+/-11) mmHg when compared with that before injury(38+/-5 ) mmHg., Conclusion: The changes in the serum level of iCT within 8 PIH occurred much earlier than PaO2 and PaCO2, thus it has the same diagnostic significance as fibers bronchoscopic examination.

Background & Objective: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT), adenomatous nodular hyperplasia (ANH), and focal fatty change (FFC) are common hepatic tumor-like lesions, a group of benign liver diseases, which remains difficult to be distinguished from primary liver cancer (PLC). This study was to investigate the clinical features and treatment of these 4 kinds of hepatic tumor-like lesions., Methods: Clinical data of 70 patients with pathologically conformed hepatic tumor-like lesions, treated in Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University from 1992 to 2004, were studied retrospectively., Results: Of the 70 patients, 34 (48.6%) had clinical symptoms, and most of them suffered mild pain in the abdomen; 22 (31.4%) were positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen; 21 had mild abnormal liver function; 6 had alpha fetal protein (AFP) > 25 microg/L. The ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) presentations of the tumor-like lesions were various. Only 8 cases of FNH were diagnosed preoperatively. Sixty-one patients received resection, with no postoperative complication occurred. One case of FNH and 1 case of IPT were recurred during follow-up, and treated with non-resection therapy., Conclusions: Hepatic tumor-like lesions are difficult to be distinguished from PLC. Exploratory operation should be performed in cases suspicious of PLC.

Objective: To determine the expression of immunoglobulins in HT-29 cells (an established colon cancer cell line, and explore their effect on the biological activities of the cancer cells.), Methods: The transcripts of variable regions of immunoglobulin heavy chains in HT-29 cells were detected by RT-PCR. Antisense CDR3 (specific to HT-29)-pIRES 1 neo vector was constructed, then transfected into HT-29 cells by electroporation. Programmed cell death and growth inhibition of HT-29 cells were detected by FCM and MTT, respectively., Results: The transcripts of Ig heavy chain (V(H) CDR3 region) were expressed in HT-29 cells. Moreover, they showed a monoclonal characteristic after being sequenced. After transfection of the antisense vector of CDR3 (specific to HT-29)-pIRES 1 neo, expression level of Ig in HT-29 cells was significantly decreased, and growth inhibition (P < 0.05) and apoptosis (P < 0.01) were induced., Conclusion: These results suggest that tumor derived Ig could promote the survival and growth of tumor cells.

Objective: To investigate the effects of enteral immuno-nutrition (EIN) combined with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on nutrition metabolism, immunological function and inflammatory response in rats with severe scald., Methods: Sixty-four SD rats subjected to 30% total body surface area (TBSA) III degree scalds were randomly divided into EIN and EIN combined with recombinant human growth hormone (EIN+rhGH) groups. Animals of both groups were fed isocaloric enteral nutrition. Nutrition metabolism, T lymphocyte subsets, serum levels of immunoglobulins and inflammatory mediators were determined on the 1, 4, 7 and 10 postinjury day (n=8). Another 8 rats served as controls, and the above-mentioned parameters were also determined., Results: Total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), transferrin protein (TFP), CD3(+), CD4(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+), IgG, IgM and IgA in group EIN+rhGH were slightly higher than those of group EIN (all P>0.05) at all time points after the injury, while CD8(+) slightly lowered (P>0.05). Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plummeted significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01)on 4th, 7th and 10th postinjury day compared with group EIN., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that EIN combined with rhGH is superior to EIN alone in the early stage of severe scald in rats, not only ameliorate the disturbance in metabolism and immunological function, but also reduce inflammatory response.

Background & Objective: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a rare benign hepatic tumor, and its diagnosis and treatment remain controversial. This study was to summarize the clinical features of FNH, and explore its diagnosis and treatment principles., Methods: Clinical data of 38 FNH patients, treated in our hospital from Jul. 1997 to Jul. 2004, were studied retrospectively with literature review to summarize the clinical feature, diagnosis, and treatment of FNH. All the patients were followed up till Jul. 2004., Results: Among the 38 patients, 30 (78.9%) were under 40 years old, 26 (68.4%) were asymptomatic, 32 (84.2%) had normal liver function, and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) was negative in all the patients. Correct diagnosis rates were 5.3% (2/38) for B ultrasonography, 45.5% (5/11) for color Doppler ultrasound, 100% (2/2) for contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and 36.8% (14/34) for double-phase helical CT scan. Of the 38 patients, 34 (89.5%) underwent hepatic resection without any complication, 1 underwent biopsy and transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), 2 underwent biopsy and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), 1 only underwent biopsy. The size of lesions didn't change after TAE or PEI. HCC appeared in 2 patients with hepatitis 69 and 32 months after the resection of FNH lesions. At the end of follow-up, 37 patients were survival, and the other one died of other disease 1 year after PEI., Conclusions: The patients with FNH usually have no clinical symptoms with good prognosis. The combination of multiple imaging measures is of help to the diagnosis of FNH. We recommend close observation for patients with confirmed diagnosis of FNH and without clinical symptoms, and recommend surgical resection for those with equivocal diagnosis, symptoms, lesion enlargement, or accompanied with hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Background & Objective: The TNM staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was revised by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) from the 5th edition (TNM5) to the 6th edition (TNM6) in 2002. This study was to evaluate the prognostic value of TNM6 staging in a large cohort study of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy, and investigate its feasibility and applicability in China., Methods: Clinical and follow-up data of 478 HCC patients, who underwent hepatectomy in our center from Jan. 1993 to Dec. 1998, were reviewed retrospectively. Survival rates of the patients were compared according to TNM5 staging and TNM6 staging. The advantages and disadvantages of TNM6 staging were analyzed., Results: According to TNM5 staging, 12 (2.5%) patients were in stage I, 224 (46.8%) in stage II, 95 (19.9%) in stage IIIA, 8 (1.7%) in stage IIIB, and 139 (29.1%) in stage IVA. The 5-year survival rates were 81.8%, 41.5%, 17.0%, 0%, and 10.2%, respectively; there were significant differences in survival rate between stage II and IIIA, between stage II and IIIB, and between stage IIIA and IIIB, but no significant differences were observed between stage I and II, or between stage IIIB and IVA. According to TNM6 staging, 234 (48.9%) patients were in stage I, 41 (8.6%) in stage II, 96 (20.1%) in stage IIIA, 88 (18.4%) in stage IIIB, and 19 (4.0%) in stage IIIC. The 5-year survival rates were 43.3%, 20.2%, 13.1%, 13.0%, and 0, respectively; there was significant difference in survival rate between stage I and II, but no significant differences were found between stage II and IIIA, between stage II and IIIB, and between stage IIIA and IIIB., Conclusions: TNM6 staging has important improvement, and is simpler than TNM5 staging. But TNM6 staging still has limitation, which is not very accurate to predict the prognosis in clinical practice, and is not suitable for Chinese HCC patients who were usually accompanied with cirrhosis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of taurine on myocardial injury in severely scalded rats., Methods: A total of 130 healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group (C, without burns), the burn group (B, subjected to a 30% TBSA III degree scalding) and the treatment group (T, treated with intraperitoneal injection of taurine (400 mg/kg) immediately after scald injury). The plasma and myocardial tissue samples in B and T groups were harvested at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 postburn hours (PBH) for the determination of the contents of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and angiotensin II (AngII) in plasma, and the contents of TNF-alpha, AngII and calcium ion in myocardial tissue. The morphological change in the myocardial tissue was observed with transmission electronic microscope (TEM) and was compared with that in C group. The changes in the plasma TNF-alpha and AngII were analyzed in relation to that of plasma cTnT., Results: The plasma cTnT content in B group at 3 PBH was markedly higher than that in C group (0.16 +/- 0.03 microg/L) (P < 0.01), and it peaked (6.32 +/- 0.41) at 12 PBH and remained at high level at 48 PBH. While the plasma MDA content and the calcium ion level in B group were evidently higher than those in C group during 3 to 48 PBH (P < 0.01). The TNF-alpha contents in plasma and myocardial tissue during 6 to 48 PBH were significantly higher than those in C group (P < 0.01). The AngII contents in plasma and myocardial tissue during 3 to 24 PBH were obviously higher than those in C group (P < 0.01). All the indices in T group were significantly lower than those in B group (P < 0.01). Histological examination revealed that there was myocardial damage in various degrees during early postburn stage in B group, such as focal dissolution and fragmentation of myofilament, mitochondrial edema, myocyte sarcoplasmic protrusions like piano keys. But all the above changes in T group were evidently ameliorated to near normal. There was close positive correlation between the change in the concentrations of plasma content of TNF-alpha and AngII and cTnT in B group (r = 0.87 and 0.82, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The production of TNF-alpha, MDA, cTnT, AngII and high calcium ion level of myocardiocytes in severely burned rats can be inhibited by taurine, which was beneficial in the management of myocardial injury after severe burns.

Background & Objective: It is important to accurately estimate liver reserve function before hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to determine proper hepatic resection volume during operation, thus, to avoid postoperative liver failure. Recently, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG(R15)) has been considered as a sensitive marker for liver reserve function. However, how to evaluate the maximal hepatic resection volume according to liver reserve function, especially ICG(R15), remains controversial. This study was to evaluate the influence of ICG(R15) and hepatic resection volume on postoperative liver failure., Methods: Records of 225 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative ICG(R15) value, intraoperative hepatic resection volume, and postoperative liver function were analyzed., Results: Of the 225 patients, 113 received resection of no more than 1 segment (group A), 76 received resection of 1-2 segments (group B), 36 received resection of more than 2 segments (group C). When ICG(R15) was below 10%, the incidences of postoperative ascites in groups A, B, and C were 21.2% (14/66), 14.3% (8/56), and 15.4% (4/26), respectively (P>0.05); the incidences of jaundice were 3.0% (2/66), 7.1% (4/56), and 15.4% (4/26), respectively (P>0.05). When ICG(R15) was 10%-20%, the incidences of ascites were 26.8% (11/41), 38.9%(7/18), and 50.0% (5/10), respectively (P>0.05); the incidence of jaundice was lower in group A than in group B, and group C [0 (0/41) vs. 27.8% (5/18), and 20.0% (2/10), P<0.01]; 2 patients, who had 2 or 3 segments resected, died of postoperative encephalopathy. When ICG(R15) was more than 20%, ascites occurred in 2 of 6 patients (33.3%) in group Au both of the 2 cases in group B developed postoperative ascites and jaundice, and 1 died., Conclusions: When ICG(R15) is below 10%, 2 or more segments can be resected safely when ICG(R15) is 10%-20%, 1 segment can be resected safely, 2 or more segments may be resected with great care when ICG(R15) is more than 20%, the patient's general condition and other liver function tests should be taken into consideration if 1 segment is resected, resection of 2 or more segments will cause high surgical risk.

Background & Objective: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the routine treatment for unresectable primary liver cancer, but 3-year survival rate of patients received TACE alone is only about 20%. This research was to evaluate efficacy of external radiotherapy (RT) combined with TACE on unresectable primary live cancer., Methods: From Jun. 1994 to Apr. 2002, 114 patients with unresectable primary liver cancer were non-randomized to receive TACE plus RT (54 patients), or TACE alone (60 patients) as control. For TACE, after skiagram confirmed catheterization, suspension of 300 mg of carboplatin, 50-60 mg of epirubicin, 14-20 mg of mitomycin, and 10-30 ml of iodized oil was perfused into hepatic arteries, 1-2 mm of Gelfoam particles was given to embolize hepatic arteries according to blood supply conditions of tumors, this process was repeated every 4-8 weeks. Either group was treated with 1-4 sessions of TACE. In TACE+RT group, patients received radiation on tumor and generous margin 21-28 days after TACE. The radiation dose was 46-60 Gy in daily 2 Gy fractions., Results: In TACE+RT group, response rate (AFP titer decrease of >50%) was 61.1%, and 1-, 2-, 3-year survival rates of TACE+RT group were significantly higher than those of TACE group (66.5% vs. 53.9%, 48.4% vs. 37.2%, and 37.4% vs. 17.8%, P<0.05). Three-year survival rate correlated with tumor size, liver function grade, and portal vein embolus., Conclusion: TACE combined with RT may prolong survival time of patients with unresectable primary live cancer.

Background & Objective: As a non-surgical minimally invasive treatment, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) is widely used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment effect of PRFA depends on extent of ablative zone. Initially, necrosis diameter achieved by RFA in normal ex-swine liver was about 1.4-1.6 cm, but now larger ablative zone can be achieved with recently developed techniques. This study was to explore optimal operating parameters to enlarge ablative zone resulted from a single process, reduce chances of needle seeding via reducing needle insertion times, and improve curative effects., Methods: The first step: mode A, B, and C (starting power was set to 10 W, 50 W, and 90 W, respectively, output power ascended by 10 W/min till ultimate power of 90 W) were adopted to perform ablation on 8,7,7 normal ex-swine livers, respectively, which were processed to be cylinders. The second step: mode A was adopted to perform ablation on 22 ex-swine liver cylinders, the distances between needle tip and grounding pad were set to 3,8,and 13 cm. Characteristics of ablative zones, such as parallel and vertical diameters, isoperimetric ratio, and volume of ablative zones, ablative energy, and time were analyzed., Results: The average ablative zone achieved by mode A was larger than those achieved by mode B, and C (2.5 cm x 2.7 cm vs. 1.6 cm x 1.8 cm, and 2.0 cm x 1.5 cm, P<0.05); the volume of ablative zone achieved by mode A was larger than those achieved by mode B, and C (10.0 cm(3) vs. 3.1 cm(3), and 2.1 cm(3), P<0.05); the ablative time achieved by mode A was longer than those achieved by mode B, and C (281.9 s vs. 79.4 s, and 61.4 s, P<0.05)u the ablative zones achieved by mode A were much like a pellet. Ablative zone volume was strongly correlated with ablative time, and energy output (R(2)=0.920, and 0.853, P<0.05). When the distances between needle tip and grounding pad were 3, 8, and 13 cm, the achieved ablative zones were 2.5 cm x 2.7 cm, 3.8 cm x 3.4 cm, and 4.9 cm x 4.1 cm, respectively; ablative volumes were 10.0 cm(3), 22.9 cm(3), and 43.3 cm(3), respectively; ablative time were 281.9 s, 495.6 s, and 896.1 s, respectively (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Adopting lower starting power, and slower power ascending speed may enlarge ablative zone. In a certain extent, distance between needle tip and grounding pad may be positively correlated with ablative volume, and needed ablative time; ablative zone volume may be positively correlated with ablative time, and energy output.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of the repairing of soft tissue defects of foot with reverse island skin flap nourished by vasa vasorum of the sural nerve., Methods: The skin flap was designed with sural nerve and its vasa vasorum as the pedicle, and was harvested from the posterior crural region based on the size of the wounds. The defects of the foot in eighteen patients were repaired by reverse transplantation of the skin flap. The state of the skin flaps was observed post-operatively., Results: All the skin flaps survived. The biggest skin flap was 10.5 cm x 16.5 cm in size. The donor sites healed well with negligible change in appearance and function., Conclusion: Reverse gastrocnemius musculocutaneous flap nourished by sural nerve vasa vasorum was easily procured with high survival rate, and it could be an ideal flap for the repair of soft tissue defect of the foot.

Background & Objective: Accurate estimation of liver reserve function before hepatectomy for liver cancer may avoid postoperative liver failure. Recently,it has been considered that indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes (ICG(R15))can assess liver reserve function with exactitude and high sensitivity. This study was to discuss the evaluation of liver cirrhosis severity and liver reverse function by ICG(R15), analyze the relationship between ICG(R15) and post-operative liver failure,and compare ICG(R15) with Child-Pugh grading., Methods: Records of 225 patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)have been collected. Pre-operative data, such as a variety of routine liver biochemistry tests, Child-Pugh grading, and ICG(R15) value, and intra-operative data, post-operative data were analyzed., Results: The mean value of ICG(R15) was (9.9+/-6.2)% in cirrhosis group,and (7.4+/-3.8)% in non-cirrhosis group (P< 0.01). The mean value of ICG(R15) was (8.5+/-5.0)% in mild cirrhosis subgroup, (10.7+/-5.7)% in moderate cirrhosis subgroup, and (15.8+/-9.6)% in severe cirrhosis subgroup; significant differences can be observed while multiple comparisons were performed (P< 0.05). The mean values of ICG(R15) in patients who suffered from post-operative ascites, and jaundice were (11.5+/-6.8)%,and (12.1+/-7.1)%; significantly higher than those without ascites, and jaundice [(8.5+/-4.9)%,and (9.0+/-5.3)%] (P< 0.05). Possible predictor variables indicating risk factors of post-operative complications were entered into a multiple logistic regression model, the results showed that ICG(R15) significantly affected the occurrence of both post-operative ascites and jaundice (P< 0.05). The mean value of ICG(R15) of patients of Child-Pugh B grade was (15.2+/-8.6)%, much higher than that of patients of Child-Pugh A grade [(8.8+/-5.1)%](P< 0.01). ICG(R15) values were above 10% in 67 of the 212 patients of Child-Pugh A grade, and 6 of these 67 patients have a value above 20%., Conclusions: ICG(R15) value rises with the aggravation of liver cirrhosis,it affects the occurrence of post-operative liver failure significantly. Some correlation can be observed between ICG(R15) and Child-Pugh grading.