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Two types of porous titanium plates with the various thicknesses were prepared by powder rolling followed by vacuum sintering in this study, using the hydrogenated dehydrogenated titanium powders as the raw materials. The mechanical properties of the porous titanium plates either perpendicular or paralleled to the rolling direction were studied by the analysis of pore size and pore size distribution, scanning electron microscopy, tension test, three-point bending test, and shearing strengh test, which were also explained from the aspects of pore size distribution and sintering necking development. The results show that, the maximum pore size of the 1.96 mm-thick porous titanium plate is smaller than that of the 1.32 mm-thick plate, while the pore size distributions are relatively uniform. For the powder-rolled porous titanium plates in the same thickness, the average tensile strength and bending strength of the porous titanium plate perpendicular to the rolling direction are 25% and 45% higher than that paralleled to the rolling direction, respectively. With the thickness increasing, the tensile strength, bending strength, and shear strength all rise significantly. It is found that the effect of rolling direction on the mechanical properties of the powder-rolled porous titanium plates exhibits contrary to that of the densified titanium plates.

[Aim] Diaphorina citri plays an important role as an insect vector for Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), contributing to the spread of HLB, leading to economic losses in citrus production. Physical management is currently the main strategy for monitoring, forecasting, and controlling citrus psyllid. Among these strategies, LED light-based trapping technology has shown significant potential for practical application. To determine the attractive effect of LED light sources on citrus psyllids under different time periods and environmental conditions, and to identify the optimal wavelength range. [Methods] We determined the attractive effects of seven LED light sources. These included white, pink, purple (435-445 nm), blue (455-460 nm), green (525-530 nm), yellow (590-595 nm), and red (625-630 nm), under indoor and outdoor conditions during daytime (9:00-10:00) and nighttime (20:00-21:00). [Results] The results demonstrated that green and blue LED light sources significantly increased the attraction rate of D. citri. In the outdoor environment, blue, green, and white LED light sources attracted the highest proportion of D. citri during the daytime. Conversely at night, purple, blue, green, and white LED light sources attracted the most D. citri. [Conclusion] These findings indicate blue and green LED lamps have superior attractant efficiencies under varying conditions of time (day/night) and environment (indoor/outdoor). Thus, these lamps are recommended as candidates within the visible light range of LED for the "lure and kill" technology in citrus phyllid control. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of a valuable light-attraction based technique for the control, monitoring, and early detection of citrus psyllid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the genetic mechanism of amino acid content in soybean seeds at R6 stage, the contents of arginine, alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid related to flavor quality of vegetable soybean were determined using 264 soybean germ-plasm materials in 2020 and 2021, and genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was performed. The results showed that a total of 89 SNP loci were significantly associated with the contents of four amino acids at R6 stage in soybean in two years, among which 5 SNPs [S03_40647948 (Chr. 3), S05_2727464 (Chr. 5), S10_4122977 (Chr. 10), S17_34559022 (Chr. 17), and S19_48541685 (Chr. 19)] could be repeatedly detected by two years or two traits, respectively, which explained 11.25%-28.19% of phenotypic variation. The SNP marker S17_34559022 on Chr. 17 was significantly associated with glutamic acid content in different environments, which belonged to a stable genetic locus. A total of 9 candidate genes were excavated, including bHLH (bHLH DNA-binding superfamily protein), auxin-responsive protein family, and aspartyl protease family protein, it may be an important gene that affected amino acid content. In this study, 5 amino acid content dominant SNP sites and 9 candidate genes were excavated, which provided an insight into the genetic basis of amino acid content in soybean seed at R6 stage and laid a foundation for further mechanism exploration and breeding for flavor quality of vegetable soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccase widely (exists in soil and has potential industrial value in degradation of organic pesticide residues and lignin. In this study, a laccase gene, lac13H9, with total length of 1 389 hp was obtained from the soil macro genome. It encoded 462 ammo acids polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 50 kDa and contained a signal peptide composed with 17 amino acid residues. The deduced ammo acid sequence was a new protein through aligning with available protein sequences held in the NCBI. The recombinant lac13H9 heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli Transseta (DE3) and purified by the affinity chromatography on a Ni-NTA column. The maximal activity of laccase was observed at 40°C, the optimum pH was 6.0, and it had good thermal stability. About 60% enzyme activity was remained under 50°C for 90 min. At the same time, low concentration of Fe2+ could promote laccase enzyme activity, while high concentration could inhibit enzyme activity. Fine enzymatic property of Lac13H9 has laid foundation for its application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a multicopper oxidase, laccase is important for its applications in industries such as environmental protection, biological energy, food industry, and paper biobleaching. In this paper, full-length sequence of cotA gene from 168 strains of Bacillus subtilis was cloned by PCR amplification. The size of the laccase gene cotA is 1 542 bp, consisting of one open reading frame, which encodes a polypeptide of 513 amino acids and a termination codon. The cotA gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli Transetta (DE3) under microaerobic conditions. The recombinant protein CotA was purified by Ni-NTA column and characterized. The optimal temperature and pH of CotA were 60°C and 4.5, respectively. This enzyme showed better thermostability at 60°C. There was still 71.70% residual enzyme activity after 90 min heat preservation. Under the optimum reaction condition, the Km, kcat and Vmax of purified recombinant protein CotA with ABTS as the substrate were approximate 63. 9 ± 5 µmol/L, 39. 1 ± 1 /s and 0.005 µmol/Lĝ⋅min⋅mg, respectively. Moreover, the specific activity of recombinant protein CotA under microaerobic conditions was 2 655.4-fold higher than that of aerobically grown cells. Accordingly, the microaerobic fermentation method can significant!)' improve the specific activity of recombinant protein CotA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific primers were designed for rbcS gene based on the published sequence (AF303939-1) in NCBI. Total RNA was isolated using Trizol method from the seedling leaves of soybean variety Jinong 13 and the full length cDNA of rbcS was amplified by means of reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction(RT - PCR). The amplified fragment was ligated to the prokaryotic expression vector pET-30a(+) and transformed into E. coli BL21 competent cells. The positive clones were identified by double enzyme digestion. The sequencing results indicated that the complete cDNA sequence of rbcS gene was 696 bp with a 537 bp ORF (open reading frame) and encoded 178 amino acids. A 29.1 kDa fusion protein was expressed for rbcS by IPTG induction through SDS - PAGE analysis. The size of expression product matched with anticipated theoretical value. The protein expression quantity was maximum (64.15% ) at 7 hour induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From gas turbine blade cooling mode and mechanism of gas turbine cooling air volume is calculated. These air consumes a large amount of compression work, so that the gas turbine power output is very low. According to the principle of energy cascade utilization, water is used for cooling. Water absorbs part of the tail gas ao that the heat is forced cooling, the temperature of the water temperature rises to the vapor liquid interface. With the improvement on the design of combustion chamber, a phase change room is designed, and let the temperature of the water vapor liquid interface injec the phase change room, the heat of the combustion chamber is absorbed, and phase changes into steam, thus the combustion chambers is cooled. Steam and gas mixing heat into overheating steam are used as the working substance involved in work, thereby the turbine blade is cooled and heat damage reduced. Using water as cooling medium, not only finishes all the film cooling performance index, also reduces the compression work of compressor, greatly increases the output power of gas turbine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to accurately predict Web service QoS (Quality of Service) has recently become a hot research topic. Considering the influence of user locations on Web service QoS, some studies have proposed a couple of location-aware Web service QoS prediction methods. However, the relationship between Web service QoS and user locations is rarely empirically investigated. Therefore, an empirical study for evaluating the relationship between them is carried out, and a set of experiments on a real dataset of Web service QoS is constructed. Experimental results show that two users that are close in location are likely to observe similar QoS values on the same set of Web services, and vice versa. These findings confirm the strong correlation between Web service QoS and user locations, which can provide important evidences for the effectiveness of location-aware Web service QoS prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the origin-destination-based Frank-Wolfe algorithm proposed by Anthony Chen (2002) which means the shortest-path of all OD pairs with the same origin was searched in the algorithm at one time and the link flow was updated by using one-OD-at-a-time flow update strategy, the initialization, linear search and shortest path search of ODBFW algorithm was improved in this paper, and the improved ODBFW algorithm was proposed. The improved ODBFW algorithm was used for Sioux Falls network which was common used in international similar researches and the road network of Zhucheng City, Shandong Province, China to compare the feasibility, efficiency and stability of the standard FW algorithm, ODBFW algorithm and improved ODBFW algorithm. The results indicated that the improved ODBFW algorithm has more efficiency and stability than standard FW algorithm. The time used for the improved ODBFW algorithm to reach convergence is nearly 15% less than the time used for the original algorithm in small road network, and is nearly 5% less than that in large road network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theory of multiple-scale integrated assessment of societal and ecosystem metabolism (MuSIASEM), a comprehensive evaluation was made on the human activity time, exosomatic energy input, and added value of Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone in 2000-2007. During the study period, the life quality of local citizens increased year after year, while the agricultural industry dwindled. Manufacturing industry was still the main pillar industry, but its energy consumption was greater. Service industry was at its early stage, falling behind manufacturing industry. The exosomatic metabolic level of the whole zone and its various industries had an obvious increase, and the energy intensity decreased continuously. With the fact that both the human activity time and the exosomatic energy input had a ceaseless decrease, the economic added value increased steadily, and the zone was under its way towards sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of CPD1, a novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, on renal interstitial fibrosis after unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI). Male BALB/c mice were subjected to UIRI, and treated with CPD1 once daily (i.g, 5 mg/kg). Contralateral nephrectomy was performed on day 10 after UIRI, and the UIRI kidneys were harvested on day 11. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson trichrome and Sirius Red staining methods were used to observe the renal tissue structural lesions and fibrosis. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression of proteins related to fibrosis. HE, Sirius Red and Masson trichrome staining showed that CPD1-treated UIRI mice had lower extent of tubular epithelial cell injury and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in renal interstitium compared with those in the fibrotic mouse kidneys. The results from immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay indicated significantly decreased protein expressions of type I collagen, fibronectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) after CPD1 treatment. In addition, CPD1 dose-dependently inhibited the expression of ECM-related proteins induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in normal rat kidney interstitial fibroblasts (NRK-49F) and human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2). In summary, the novel PDE inhibitor, CPD1, displays strong protective effects against UIRI and fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β signaling pathway and regulating the balance between ECM synthesis and degradation through PAI-1.

Objective To analyze the clinical features of patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis. Method This retrospective study included a cohort of 68 osteoarticular tuberculosis patients hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020.Results The patients included 42(61.8%)males and 26(38.2%)females,with a median age of 56 years.Tuberculosis pathogen was detected in 39(57.4%)patients,and 29(42.6%)patients were diagnosed by clinical manifestations.The median time from onset to diagnosis was 4 months.The most common manifestations were pain and dysfunction(86.8%),followed by fever(47.1%),weight loss(36.8%),and night sweats(13.2%).Concomitant active tuberculosis in other organs was observed in 27(39.7%)patients.Unifocal and multifocal osteoarticular tuberculosis occurred in 51(75.0%)patients and 17(25.0%)patients,respectively,which mainly attacked thoracic and lumbar spines.Tuberculosis T cell test was positive in 92.7% patients.All the bone biopsies revealed epithelioid granuloma with/without necrosis,with 75.0% positive for mycobacterial DNA,55.1% positive for mycobacterial culture,and 20% positive for acid-fast staining.The risk of developing multifocal osteoarticular tuberculosis in the patients with weight loss was 5.333 times( P =0.013)that of the patients with stable weight.Conclusions The diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis is difficult and tuberculosis T cell test is an effective means.Bone biopsy is the key to diagnosis,and the PCR of mycobacterial DNA shows the highest positive derection rate.Multifocal osteoarticular tuberculosis is not rare,especially in the patients with weight loss.Thus,a comprehensive imaging evaluation is recommended to avoid missed diagnosis.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)complicated with cytomegalovirus infection(CMV). Methods The medical records of patients diagnosed with SLE at discharge in the Department of Immunology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 1,2017 and April 1,2019 were retrospectively reviewed,and the clinical and laboratory data related to CMV infection were analyzed. Results Of the 231 patients with SLE,115(49.8%)had CMV infection.Among them,78(67.8%)were asymptomatic CMV infection and 37(32.2%)were diagnosed with CMV disease.Univariate analysis showed the number of organs involved( P =0.015),presence of other infections( P =0.004),methylprednisolone pulse therapy( P =0.001),cumulative dose of prednisolone within 30 days( P =0.001),average dose of prednisolone within 30 days( P <0.001),intravenous cyclophosphamide( P =0.003),methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus immunosuppressants( P =0.001),Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 at admission( P =0.018),and serum albumin(ALB)level≤30 g/L( P <0.001)were associated with CMV infection.Multivariate analysis showed presence of other infections( OR =8.003,95% CI =2.108-30.383, P =0.002),methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus immunosuppressants( OR =10.336,95% CI =2.107-50.711, P =0.004),and serum ALB≤ 30 g/L( OR =3.367,95% CI =1.157-9.796, P =0.026)were independent risk factors for CMV infection. Conclusion Presence of other infections,recent methylprednisolone pulse therapy plus immunosuppressants,and serum ALB≤30 g/L can increase the risk of CMV infection in patients with SLE.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, laboratorial and bone marrow pathological features of primary thrombocytopenia (ET) patients with different mutations of CALR, JAK2 and MPL genes., Methods: The chinical data of 120 cases of ET in Jiangsu provincial people's hospital/ The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2017 were collected and analyzed, including 76 cases with JAK2 gene mutation, 40 cases with CALR gene mutation, 2 cases with MPL gene mutations, 2 cases without gene mutation., Results: Among the ET patients, compared with the JAK2 gene mutation, CALR gene mutation showed statistically significant deareament of white blood cells and hemoglobin (P=0.001, P=0.01) and the male platelets in CALR group showed significant increament (P=0.04). Fourthermore, the average number of megakaryocytes and its cluster numbers in each hight power field of vision showed statistically significant decreament in CALR group as compared with JAK2 group (P=0.001, P=0.001), and thrombotic events in CALR group were signicantly lower than those in JAK2 group (7.5% vs 18.4%) (P=0.03)., Conclusion: Mutations of CALR, JAK2 have different clinical characteristics and blood pathological changes of Chinese ET patients, and their clinical significance is worth to explore.

Objective To explore the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the prognosis of disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacteria(NTM)diseases in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)negative patients. Methods Cases of disseminated NTM disease were retrospectively collected in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2012 to October 2018.Clinical manifestations,laboratory findings,treatment,and prognosis of these cases were retrieved from the electronic medical record system. Results Among the 23 HIV negative patients with disseminated NTM disease,21 had underlying diseases,with rheumatoid immune disease(n=7)as the most common one.The main clinical manifestation was fever(n=23).Laboratory tests showed anemia [hemoglobin(85.78±25.47)g/L],hypoalbuminemia [albumin 29(27-32)g/L],elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [(85.73±43.78)mm/h] and hypersensitive C-reactive protein [(112.00±70.90)mg/L],and reduction of lymphocyte count [0.69(0.29-2.10)×10 9 /L].Lymphocyte subset analysis indicated reduction in CD4 + T cells [213(113-775)/μl],CD8 + T cells [267(99-457)/μl],B cells [39(4-165)/μl],and NK cells [88(32-279)/μl] and elevation of human leukocyte antigen-D related(HLA-DR),and CD38 expression in CD8 + T cells [HLA-DR + CD8 + /CD8 + ,60(40-68)%;CD38 + CD8 + /CD8 + ,81(65-90)%].The most common species of NTM was Mycobacterium intracellular(n=6).Lymphocyte,CD8 + T cell,B cell,and NK cell counts were significantly lower in dead patients than surviving patients(P =0.045,P=0.045,P=0.032,and P=0.010,respectively). Conclusions Disseminated NTM disease in HIV negative patients is mainly manifested as fever,anemia,hypoalbuminemia,and elevated inflammatory indicators.It is more likely to occur in immunocompromised patients.Patients with decreased lymphocytes,CD8 + T cells,B cells and NK cells tend to have a poor prognosis.

Between March, 2016 and January, 2017, 53 patients underwent robotic-assisted esophagectomy with triple incisions. All the patients were intubated with Double lumen endotracheal tub with one-lung ventilation and CO 2 pneumoperitoneum, and CO 2 pneumothorax was used in 7 cases. Most of the patients could tolerate OLV and CO 2 pneumoperitoneum, and 4 patients with CO 2 pneumothorax had hypoxemia and required double-lung ventilation or high frequency ventilation; 15 patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications and were transferred to ICU. These results suggest that CO 2 pneumothorax during robotic-assisted esophagectomy with triple incision seriously disturbs pulmonary function, and careful anesthesia management is essential for preventing complications.

Objective: To explore the environmental risk factors of different categories of congenital heart defects (CHD) and provide evidence for further risk factors and prevention research of CHD phenotypes., Methods: Data of Guangdong CHD Register Study from 2004 to 2012 were used. In the study, 3 038 CHD cases and 3 038 paired controls from 34 hospitals distributed in 17 cities were registered and related information were collected using uniform, and structured questionnaires. All the CHD phenotypes were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) and classified into 6 categories according to their pathological features. Univariate analyses were adopted to filter potential risk factors for each category of CHD. Then multivariate conditional Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios of the risk factors for each category of CHD., Results: The risk factors for left-to-right shunt CHD included low (OR=2.63, 95%CI:2.04-3.39) or over birth weight (OR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.47-3.32), premature delivery (OR=1.95, 95%CI: 1.53-2.49), polyembryony (OR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.22-3.26), maternal low education, mother as factory worker (OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.32-1.98), parity≥2 (OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.13-1.69), maternal abnormal reproduction history (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.75-3.01), fever (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.26-4.48), virus infection (OR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.29-2.51), medicine usage (OR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.11-2.69), passive smoking (OR=1.69, 95%CI: 1.26-2.29), chemical agent contact (OR=8.71, 95%CI: 2.33-32.58), living in newly decorated houses (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.60-4.09) or room close to the main road (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.14-1.72) in the first 3 months of pregnancy and father as factory worker (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.23-1.73). The risk factors for pulmonary outflow tract obstruction CHD included low (OR=5.98, 95%CI: 2.88-12.44) or over birth weight (OR=6.56, 95%CI:1.19-36.26), maternal low education, parity≥2 (OR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.03-4.22), virus infection in the first 3 months of pregnancy (OR=4.30, 95%CI: 1.27-13.45). The risk factors for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction CHD included father as factory worker (OR=6.01, 95%CI:1.05-34.59). The risk factors for transposition of the great arteries included low birth weight (OR=12.93, 95%CI:1.14-146.26), maternal low education, mother as factory worker (OR=3.69, 95%CI:1.53-8.91). The risk factors for conditions with intra cardiac mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood included parity=2 (OR=3.45, 95%CI: 1.42-8.38). The risk factors for other CHD included over birth weight (OR=4.87, 95%CI: 1.19-19.94), maternal abnormal reproduction history (OR=2.96, 95%CI: 1.14-7.68), virus infection (OR=4.92, 95%CI: 1.56-15.47), medicine usage (OR=4.90, 95%CI: 1.22-19.77) or passive smoking (OR=10.31, 95%CI: 1.25-85.05) in the first 3 months of pregnancy., Conclusion: The environmental risk factors were discrepant among different categories of CHD. Further risk factors study of CHD phenotypes should be performed specially. To prevent CHD, attention should be paid to the risk factors which are related to multi or complex categories of CHD.

The chromatographic fingerprint was established by eluting with the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid water on an Agilent TC-C18 (2) column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm). Six chromatographic peaks were identified by HPLC-MS/MS method. Ten batches of Glycyrrhizea Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle were determined, and the similarity was arranged from 0.72 to 0.99. Good precision, stability and repeatability were obtained, and this study provides a reference for the quality control of Glycyrrhizea Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle.

Objective: To explain the essence of pungent-hot herb property express according to in vivo and in vitro studies on its effect on calmodulin on the base of the observation of the adjustment in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis functions of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Curculiginis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex and bitter-cold herb Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in rats under the state of yang deficiency., Method: The yang-deficient model was duplicated by intramuscularly injecting hydrocortisone sodium succinate powder injection. After the intervention with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Curculiginis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex and bitter-cold herb Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex for seven days, TSH, T3, T4, 17-OHCS, COR, T, E2 of hypothalamus-pituitary-target gland axis and other relevant indexes were detected. The calmodulin expression in livers and L02 cells cultured in vitro was detected by using Western blot., Result: Pungent-hot herbs Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Curculiginis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex can significantly correct indicators of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis and calmodulin, whereas the bitter-cold herb Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex showed no obvious effect., Conclusion: The pungent-hot herb property expression may be closely related to calmodulin.

Objective: To observe the effects of cyclic stretch on expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs), herein to provide a theoretical basis to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)., Methods: HPAECs were subjected to cyclic stretch by the Flexcell FX-5000T system at 0.5 Hz of 10% or 20% elongation for 3, 6, 12, 24 hours respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of interleukin (IL-6, IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was determined by fluorescent quantitation reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or Western blotting., Results: Increasing the stretch force, the mRNA and protein expression of IL-8, MCP-1, ICAM-1 were up regulated with increasing stretch time. Compared with the control (set 1), after 20% cyclic stretch for 24 hours, IL-8 mRNA expression was up regulated to 1.58±0.10, MCP-1 mRNA expression was up regulated to 2.85±0.52, and ICAM-1 mRNA expression was up regulated to 1.90±0.14 (all P<0.05). Compared with control group, after 20% cyclic stretch for 24 hours, the protein expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 in HPAEC was significantly increased (IL-8: 3401.08±439.60 ng/L vs. 1422.60±66.98 ng/L, MCP-1: 1117.64±237.54 ng/L vs. 307.88±80.84 ng/L, both P<0.05), ICAM-1 protein expression was up regulated to 2.15±0.40 (P<0.05), while the expression of IL-6 mRNA and protein had no statistic difference compared with control group., Conclusions: Cyclic stretch enhanced the expression of IL-8, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in an intensity-dependent fashion, so it may be involved in the pathogenesis of lung injury induced by mechanical ventilation.

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of congenital heart defects (CHD) in fetal and infants born from 2004 to 2011 in Guangdong province., Methods: Babies with CHD aged from 28th week of gestation to 1 year old postnatal from July 1 2004 to December 31 2011 were registered in Guangdong CHD monitoring network with 34 participating units. Totally 2568 CHD cases were included, and 1: 1 matched with a normal control cohort by gender, living district and birth date (time span within 3 months).Exposed information of mother and father at pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy was collected. Post collinearity diagnostics analysis, univariate analysis results were included in a multivariate analysis model with forward stepwise conditional logistic regression., Results: Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that high risk factors for CHD included low birth weight infant (OR = 5.34, P < 0.01), macrosomia (OR = 1.67, P < 0.05), low per capita income (0-1200 yuan, OR = 1.68, P < 0.01), exposure to chemical agent at early pregnancy (OR = 19.72, P < 0.01), floating population (OR = 2.13, P < 0.01), abnormal reproductive history (OR = 3.18, P < 0.01), exposure to passive smoking (OR = 2.59, P < 0.01), suffering from fever (OR = 3.74, P < 0.01), equal to or more than twice parity (OR = 1.45, P < 0.01), living in a newly (within six months)-decorated-apartment (OR = 2.74, P < 0.01), suffering from virus infection (OR = 2.08, P < 0.01), rural residence (OR = 1.33, P < 0.01), living in an apartment within 50 meters of major traffic road (OR = 1.52, P < 0.01), syphilis infection at early pregnancy (OR = 13.06, P < 0.05) and father's drinking habit at pre-pregnancy (OR = 1.57, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Numerous risk factors for CHD in fetal and infants of Guangdong province are indicated by our results, comprehensive intervention should be considered in pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy to reduce the risk of CHD.

Objective: To investigate the effect of mechanical stretch induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B in vitro., Methods: The human lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B were subjected to cyclic stretch by the FX-5000T system at 0.33 Hz of 10% or 20% elongation for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively. The morphologic changes were observed by microscopy. The mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin, Cytokeratin-8 (CK-8), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Vimentin were evaluated by immunofluorescence before and after mechanical stretch and fluorescent quantitation reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)., Results: (1) When stretch by 20% elongation for 48 hours, the morphological changes in BEAS-2B cells from cobblestone-like structure to elongated shape and obviously when stretch for up to 72 hours, while 10% elongation showed no significant morphological changes comparing to control. (2) Decreasing E-cadherin and CK-8 protein expression was associated with increased immunostaining for α-SMA protein at 72 hours after 20% mechanical stretch. (3) Expression of E-cadherin mRNA was decreased to 0.388±0.056 and 0.247±0.064 after 20% mechanical stretch for 48 hours and 72 hours compared with control without stretch (set 1, both P<0.05), expression of CK-8 mRNA was decreased to 0.436±0.060 at 72 hours after 20% mechanical stretch (P<0.01), α-SMA mRNA was increased to 1.437±0.267 (48 hours) and 1.261±0.247 (72 hours) after 20% mechanical stretch (both P<0.05), and Vimentin mRNA was increased to 1.679±0.172 (48 hours) after 20% mechanical stretch (P<0.05). Expression of E-cadherin mRNA was decreased to 0.387±0.081 at 72 hours after 10% mechanical stretch (P<0.05), Vimentin mRNA was increased to 1.688±0.179 at 48 hours after 10% mechanical stretch while other markers showed no significant changes comparing with control., Conclusions: Excessive mechanical stretch could induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B in vitro.

Objective: To analyze the differences of risk factors on congenital heart defect (CHD)between floating population and permanent residents in Guangdong., Methods: A multicenter case-control study was carried out to investigate the risk factors of CHD in floating population and in permanent residents. Data was from 34 Guangdong CHD Monitoring Network centers during the year of 2004 to 2011. Exposed information related to the parents at pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy periods, was collected, using the same questionnaire survey methodology in the two populations. Possible risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate non-conditional logistic regression(ENTER method)methods. Risk factors were compared between the two populations., Results: Totally, 855 CHD cases and their controls from the floating population, as well as 1673 cases and their controls from the permanent residents were included in this study. Age of the children under study was defined from 28th week of gestation to 1 year old postnatal. In the floating population, specific risk factor for CHD appeared as:maternal passive smoking in early pregnancy, while the specific protective factor as high family income. However, the specific risk factors would include: having diseases as maternal diabetes mellitus or syphilis, living in a newly (within half a year) decorated house or with fetal macrosomia in the permanent residents. High education level showed as a risk factor in floating population, however contrarily, as protective factor to the permanent residents. Except for the factors related to having fever of the mother and infant with low birth weight, factors as having history of deliveries more than two, with maternal virus infection, exposure to chemical agent and negative bearing history etc., have higher OR values in floating population than in the permanent residents., Conclusion: Significant differences of risk factors for CHD were noticed between floating population and the permanent residents, which have their individual specific risk factors. Most of the ORs appeared higher in floating population than in the permanent residents.

Objective: To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) and the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese adults., Methods: Data on PA and other variables were obtained at the baseline examination of China Multi-center study of Cardiovascular Epidemiology in 1998 and of International Collaborative study of Cardiovascular Disease in Asia(InterASIA) during 2000 - 2001. Follow-up study was conducted in 2007 - 2008. A total of 11 512 Chinese adults aged 35 - 74 years (5563 men and 5949 women) were included in the final data analysis. Information on demographics, PA, smoking and alcohol consumption were obtained and components of MS were examined. Participants were divided into four groups according to quartile of total metabolic equivalent (MET) values per day. In addition, subjects were grouped into the following categories according to occupational PA: inactive, light, moderate and vigorous. Binary logistic model was used to examine the association between PA and the incidence of MS., Results: A total of 2527 cases with MS were documented during an average following up of 8.1 years. The annual incidence rate of MS was 2.71% (2527/93 178.68). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with participants with total PA volume < 32.0 MET×h×d(-1) (annual incidence rate was 3.19% (697/21 830.74)), the RR (95%CI) value of participants with total PA volume during 32.00 - 37.85, 37.86 - 52.29, and ≥ 52.30 MET×h×d(-1) was 1.05(0.92 - 1.19), 0.98(0.86 - 1.12), and 0.68(0.59 - 0.80), respectively (χ(2)trend = 34.23, P < 0.05), with corresponding annual incidence rates of 2.82% (690/24 504.25), 2.73% (661/24 179.36) and 2.11% (479/22 664.33). In addition, compared to inactive occupational PA (annual incidence rate was 2.76% (402/14 588.33)), the corresponding RR (95%CI) value was 0.80 (0.69 - 0.92), 0.70 (0.59 - 0.82), and 0.54 (0.45 - 0.65) (χ(2)trend = 42.34, P < 0.05), and the annual incidence rates were 2.86% (648/22 663.41), 2.40% (455/18 956.14) and 1.89% (344/18 173.86) in participants with light, moderate and vigorous occupational PA, respectively., Conclusion: Both increased total PA volume and occupational PA intensity are significantly associated with decreased risk of incidence of MS.

Objective: To summarize prevalence rate and region distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in 12-month-old and younger infants among four regions of Guangdong province, China., Methods: Data from Guangdong CHD monitoring network including 34 monitoring units covering different geographic regions were analyzed. Professional training on screening and diagnosing CHD was provided to each work group member to improve the diagnosis level. CHD infants under or aged 12 months detected in the monitoring unit were included. CHD was diagnosed by fetus and infants echocardiography., Results: From July 2004 to December 2010, 383 281 perinatal were registered and 3263 cases of CHD were detected in the 34 member units of Guangdong CHD monitoring network [total prevalence rate of CHD: 0.851% (3263/383 281), male prevalence rate: 0.868% (1799/207 347), female prevalence rate:0.828% (1456/175 843)].Stillbirth CHD prevalence rate was significantly higher than livebirth CHD prevalence rate [10.627% (676/6361) vs. 0.686% (2587/376 920), P < 0.01]. The total prevalence of CHD was significantly higher in Pearl River Delta region [0.906% (2826/311 823)] than in other regions [0.611% (437/71 458), P < 0.01]. Ventricular septal defect [39.93% (1033/2587) in livebirth] was the most dominant CHD, followed by patent ductus arteriosus [29.84% (772/2587)] and secundum atrial septal defect [13.76% (356/2587)]., Conclusions: The present data indicate that the prevalence of CHD in Guangdong is at the medium-upper level of the country associated with high stillbirth rate. The dominant type of CHD is ventricular septal defect. CHD prevalence is higher in the Pearl River Delta region than in other regions.

Objective: To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on expression of peroxiredoxin 1 (prdx1) in airway epithelial cells., Methods: The airway epithelium cell line BEAS-2B was cultivated, and the cells were stimulated with 0, 1, and 10 mg/L of LPS for 12 hours and 24 hours, and then were harvested for prdx1 expression detection. The mRNA expression of prdx1 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The airway epithelium cells were stimulated with 0, 0.1 , 0.5, 1 , 5, and 10 mg/L of LPS for 12 hours, and were collected for determination of prdx 1 protein expression by Western blotting., Results: RT-PCR results showed that the prdx1 mRNA expression was significantly increased within 12 hours of stimulation with elevation of the dosage of LPS. The prdx1 mRNA expression at 12 hours of stimulation by 10 mg/L LPS was significantly higher than that in control group (2.014 ± 0.197 vs. 0.644 ± 0.178, P<0.05). However, with prolongation of LPS stimulation time, the prdx1 mRNA expression at 24 hours was slightly declined. Western blotting results showed that the prdx1 protein expression was gradually increased with elevation of dosage of LPS. The prdx1 protein expression at 12 hours of stimulation with 5 mg/L LPS was significantly higher than that in control group (1.069 ± 0.175 vs. 0.328 ± 0.010, P<0.05), and the expression remained at high level at 12 hours of stimulation with 10 mg/L LPS (0.984 ± 0.220 )., Conclusion: 10 mg/Lof LPS can induce the mRNA and protein expression of prdx1 in BEAS-2B cell after 12 hours of stimulation.

There are some small molecules with potential allergenicity in traditional Chinese medicine injections. They are lack of immunogenicity due to their small molecular weight, but they can lead to allergic reactions when they were coupled with appropriate vectors. Therefore, how to couple small molecule semi-antigens with vectors to prepare complete antigens with immunogenicity and reactogenicity is the key for screening small molecular allergenic substances out of traditional Chinese medicine injections. In terms of semi-antigen characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine injections, vector selection and application, coupling method and complete antigen purification and identification, the author introduces the latest research situations of artificial antigen and antibody preparation technology, the advance in experimental studies on screening of allergenic substances in traditional Chinese medicine injections, as well as the application prospect of immuno-chip technology in studies on allergenic substances in traditional Chinese medicine injections, with the aim of providing new experimental thoughts and methods for safety control of traditional Chinese medicine injections.

Objective: The concepts of cold and hot herbal properties in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), reflecting the efficacy trends of medicinal herbs, have the Fuzzy characteristics. It is suited for the application of Fuzzy mathematics in research of herbal properties. For a comprehensive evaluation of herbal properties, this work constructed and made a practice of the Fuzzy discrimination model regarding the biological performance of Chinese materia medica., Methods: Firstly, TCM formulas of cold or hot property were employed for setting the reference values and calculating the membership functions of cold and hot Fuzzy sets with Fisher discriminant. Then the model parameters of cold performance function (CPF) and hot performance function (HPF) were acquired. Second, the experimental data from studies on changes in multisystem indicators of animals given the classical cold formula (Sanhuang Fang) and hot formula (Jiangfugui Fang) were collected to calculate CPF and HPF. Then an experiment of administration of hot property herbs, Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) and Xianmao (Rhizoma Curculiginis), and cold property herbs, Huangbai (Cortex Phellodendri) and Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae) to normal animals and animals with glucocorticoid-induced yang-deficiency or yin-deficiency state was designed. The relative changes in animal states were analyzed by the evaluation model to find the way in which herbal properties are represented., Results: The HPF values of biological performance were higher than the CPF values in administration of Rougui to animals of normal (0.528>0.221), yang-deficiency (0.203>-0.490) and yin-deficiency (1.750>-0.479) states, and in administration of Xianmao to animals of normal (0.474>-1.601) and yang-deficiency (0.288>-1.923) states, which represented the hot property. The HPF values of biological performance were lower than the CPF values in administration of Huangbai to animals of normal (-0.870<0.798) and yang-deficiency (-0.339<0.194) states, and in administration of Zhizi to animals of yin-deficiency (-1.802<0.354) state, which represented the cold property., Conclusion: The herbal properties and the biological performance characteristics of herbal formulas are ascertained by using the Fuzzy evaluation model. The personalities, as well as commonalities of herbal properties are key areas for focus because of the multi-approach biological performance of cold and hot property.

Objective: To study the value of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of duchenne muscular dystrophy diseases (DMD) in children., Methods: Eight children with DMD were enrolled as DMD group and 10 healthy children as the control group. The echogenicity of the rectus femoris muscle and the gap between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the two groups were detected by high-frequency ultrasound., Results: Compared with the control group, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles in the DMD group showed increased echogenicity and their muscle fibers were arranged irregularly, and the gap between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles became wilder (P<0.01)., Conclusions: High-frequency ultrasound is valuable in the diagnosis of DMD.

Objective: To establish a method of isolate, purify, primary culture and identify human alveolar type II cells (AT II ) in vitro, as well as its possible maintaining phenotype characteristics., Methods: The marginal lung tissue was collected. AT II cells were isolated with trypsin and elastase, purified by a series of steps, such as, cell sieve filtration, differential adhesion, gradient separation and anti-CD14 beads separation. AT II cells were identified with immunofluorescence of human pro-surfactant-associated protein C (pro-SP-C), Green DND-26 probe and electron microscope. The purity of AT II cells was measured by immunofluorescence of human pro-SP-C and Green DND-26 probe. The viability of AT II cells was measured by trypan blue staining. The phenotypes (SP-A, SP-B,SP-C, SP-D) were monitored with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at different time points., Results: The output of AT II cells from lung tissue was (5-10) x 105/g, and the cell viability was (93 ± 2)% with trypan blue staining, the cell purity was about 98% with pro-SP-C immunofluorescence and Green DND-26 fluorescent probe, the lamellar bodies were clearly observed with transmission electron microscope. In the aspect of phenotypes maintaining, the time of surfactant expression was about 24 days [SP-A: 0.52 + 0.03 (day 16), 0.35 + 0.02 (day 20),0.26 ± 0.01 (day 24), 0.10 + 0.08 (day 28); SP-C: 0.68 0.16 (day l6), 0.31 + 0.04 (day 20), 0.18 + 0.06 (day 24), 0.14 + 0.09 (day 28)], and the longest one was more than 28 days [SP-B: 1.05 + 0.17 (day 16), 0.76 + 0.35(day 20), 0.55 0.15 (day 24), 0.36 0.19 (day 28); SP-D: 0.52 0.19 (day 16), 0.33 + 0.12 (day 20), 0.31 +0.04 (day 24), 0.23 ± 0.02 (day 28))., Conclusion: We successfully established a procedure to separate, purify,identify of AT II cells, which retain primary phenotypic characteristics over long period.

The penetrating technique of acupuncture from Yemen (TE 2) to Zhongzhu (TE 3) acts on the extraordinary effect of promoting Shaoyang meridian qi. The technique is specially good for heat pattern/syndrome of the triple energizer and it is commonly used in the treatment of common cold, high fever, anhidrosis in heat pattern/syndrome, migraine, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, tinnitus, ear pain, swelling and pain of the teeth, ulcers in the mouth and tongue, sore throat, neck rigidity, etc. In the manipulation, the needle is inserted from Yemen (TE 2), going obliquely upward along the metacarpal interspace to Zhongzhu (TE 3). With this technique, the Ying-spring and Shu-stream acupoints can be stimulated simultaneously with one needle. This method is characterized as less acupoints, exquisite needling, strong sensation, easy and safe manipulation, remarkable immediate effect and high curative rate of single treatment. Hence, it is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Objective: To clarify advantages and disadvantages of using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for detecting exonic deletions and duplications of the Dystrophin gene, and to explore the appropriate management for single-exon abnormality detected by MLPA., Methods: MLPA were performed to detect exonic copy number changes in 70 Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) patients diagnosed by clinical and histological findings. PCR, DNA sequencing and real-time PCR were applied to the samples in which MLPA indicated single-exon deletion or duplication., Results: Of all 70 patients, MLPA detected exonic deletions in 42 (60%), including 12 with single-exon deletion and one with ambiguous single-exon deletion. Exon duplications were found in 7 patients (10%), among which two were single-exon duplication. 21 patients showed normal results (30%). For the 12 patients with single-exon deletion, MLPA results were confirmed by PCR in 11. In one patient, a deletion of two nucleotides (c.4470-4471delAA) was found by sequencing. A novel two-nucleotide deletion (c.4746-4747delCT) was identified in the patient with the ambiguous single-exon deletion. For the two patients showed single-exon duplication, MLPA results were confirmed by real-time PCR., Conclusion: MLPA should be the first choice in detecting Dystrophin gene exon deletions and duplications. Single-exon deletion/duplication resulted from MLPA should be further evaluated by other methods.

Objective: To compare the effects of Oleum Cinnamomi and water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi in rats with yang-deficiency cold syndrome based on mathematical analysis., Methods: A total of 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (normal, model, Oleum Cinnamomi and water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi). Yang-deficiency cold syndrome was induced by hydrocortisone sodium succinate. Oleum Cinnamomi and water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi were given by gastrogavage daily for one week to respective groups. Material metabolism indexes such as glucose (GLU), uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), triacylylyceral (TAG), total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB); energy metabolism indexes such as lactic acid (LAC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase); endocrine system indexes such as corticosteroid (CS), triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), estradiol (E(2)), vitamin C (VC) and 17-hydroxycorticosteriod (17-OHCS); and immune system indexes such as immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) were measured. And then the data were analyzed by mathematical analysis method., Results: Oleum Cinnamomi and water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi had similar influence on some indexes of material metabolism, energy metabolism and endocrine and immune systems in rats with yang-deficiency cold syndrome. Positive effects were showed in GLU, TC, TAG, TP, ALB, IgM, E(2), CS, VC and 17-OHCS. Water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi had no significant effects on TSH, LAC and SDH, but Oleum Cinnamomi had, while water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi had significant effects on ATPase, LDH and IgG., Conclusion: There is a complex relationship between Oleum Cinnamomi and water extract of Cortex Cinnamomi in their effects on rats with yang-deficiency cold syndrome. They have similar property, however, disparities exist between them to some extent. The exact mechanism needs further research.

Objective: To investigate the value of intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) monitoring in fluid management strategy in septic shock patients., Methods: In a prospective study, 33 patients who were diagnosed to be suffering from septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled . Seventeen patients who received pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring, and ITBVI was used as indicator of fluid management, were enrolled into ITBVI group; 16 patients who received traditional fluid management strategy [directed by central venous pressure (CVP)] were enrolled into control group. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) score, sepsis related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and vasopressor score were compared between 1 day and 3 days of treatment. The characteristics of fluid management were recorded and compared within 72 hours., Results: (1)In 3 days of treatment, APACHEII, SOFA and vasopressor score were significantly lower in ITBVI group compared with that of in 1 day of treatment[21.3±6.2 vs. 25.4±7.2, 6.1±3.4 vs. 9.0±3.5, 5 (0, 8.0) vs. 20.0 (8.0, 35.0), respectively, all P<0.01], whereas there were no changes in control group. (2)Although fluid output (ml) was higher in ITBVI group during 48-72 hours period (2 421± 868 vs. 1 721±934, P=0.039), there was no difference in fluid intake, fluid output or fluid balance (ml) within 0-72 hours between two groups (fluid intake: 9 918±137 vs. 10 529±1 331, fluid output : 6 035±1 739 vs. 5 827±2 897, fluid balance: 3 882±1 889 vs. 4 703±2 813, allP>0.05). (3)Comparing the fluid volume (ml) used for fluid replacement period, except that there was no significance in fluid challenge with colloid during 0-6 hours between two groups [ml: 250 (125, 500) vs. 250 (69,250), P>0.05], more fluid intake (ml) was found in ITBVI group [0-6 hours crystalloid: 250(150,250) vs. 125 (105,125), 6-72 hours crystalloid: 125 (125, 250) vs. 100 (56, 125), 0-72 hours crystalloid: 250(125, 250) vs. 125 (75, 125), 6-72 hours colloid: 125 (106, 250) vs. 75 (50, 125), 0-72 hours colloid: 200 (125, 250) vs. 100 (50, 125),all P<0.01]., Conclusion: Clinical picture in patients with septic shock is improved after 3 days of treatment than 1 day of treatment under fluid management directed by ITBVI, compared with by CVP. This improvement may be attributable to accurate assessment of preload and appropriate infusion rate in fluid challenge.

Objective: The properties of Chinese materia medica are believed to be the summarization of the effects of biological performance on the various body states. Systemic discussion of chemical-factor elements, body-condition elements, biological-performance elements and their interrelationships is needed for research into the properties of Chinese materia medica. Following the practical characteristics of Chinese medicine, the three-element mathematical model was formed by introducing some mathematical concepts and methods and was used to study the cold or hot property of Chinese medicine, and to investigate the difference in biological performances of the two properties., Methods: By using the concept of different functionality of Chinese medicine on abnormal states and the idea of interaction in mathematics, the effects of chemical-factor elements and body-condition elements were normalized to the amount of biological performance which was represented by some important indicators. The three-element mathematical model was formed with scatter plots through four steps, including effect separation, intensity calculation, frequency statistics and relevance analysis. A comparison pharmacology experiment of administration of hot property medicines, Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) and Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), and cold property medicines, Huangbai (Cortex Phellodendri) and Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae) on normal and glucocorticoid-induced yang-deficiency and yin-deficiency states was designed. The results were analyzed by the mathematical model. The scatter plots were the main output of model analysis. The expression of cold property and hot property was able to be quantified by frequency distribution of biological indexes of administrations on yang-deficiency and yin-deficiency states in the "efficacy zone" and "toxicity zone" of the plots and by the relevance analysis., Results: The ratios of biological indicator frequency in the "efficacy zone" of administrations on yang-deficiency state and yin-deficiency state were 7:3 for Fuzi, 3:3 for Rougui, 4:4 for Huangbai and 1:5 for Zhizi. The sums of the biological indicator frequency in the "toxicity zone" of administration on the two states were 4 for Fuzi, 0 for Rougui, 2 for Huangbai and 4 for Zhizi. The relevance analysis showed that the order from Fuzi, Rougui, Huangbai to Zhizi was proportional to the change from "be true of yang-deficiency state" to "be true of yin-deficiency state". The extent of the hot property decreased while that of the cold property increased in the order of Fuzi, Rougui, Huangbai and Zhizi. The stronger the efficacy of above medicines is, the more obvious the toxicity displayed., Conclusion: The three-element mathematical model employed in this study is effectively capable of explaining the different biological expressions between hot property medicines and cold property medicines. This suggests that it may provide a mathematical tool and theoretical basis for the modern interpretation of cold property and hot property of Chinese medicine, and provide new ideas for further studing into the essence of Chinese medicine property theory.

Objective: Immunohistochemistry using antibodies to dystrophin is the pathological basis for the differential diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD). In rare cases, however, labelling dystrophin on sarcolemma is equivocal and similar to that observed in controls. This makes the diagnosis of BMD difficult. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibody for clinically suspected BMD., Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on muscle specimens of 5 cases of BMD with positive expression of Dys-C (3 cases had a confirmed diagnosis of BMD, 2 cases were clinically suspected as BMD) by using dystrophin and nNOS antibodies. Normal muscle specimens from the children with fracture were used as controls., Results: Compared with the controls, the expression of Dys-R, Dys-C and Dys-N was markedly reduced and nNOS was not expressed on sarcolemma in the three cases of definitely diagnosed BMD. The two cases of clinically suspected as BMD had a complete absence of sarcolemmal nNOS, even if had a similar expression of dystrophin on sarcolemma to the controls., Conclusions: nNOS antibody staining can be used for a definite diagnosis in children with clinically suspected BMD who have the almost normal expression of dystrophin.

Objective: To investigate the pathogens, clinical manifestations, prognosis of and the risk factors for pulmonary mycosis in China., Methods: All cases of pulmonary mycosis from 16 centers in 10 cities from Jan. 1998 to Dec. 2007 that met the diagnostic criteria were included for clinical, microbiological and radiological analysis., Results: Totally 474 cases of pulmonary mycosis were retrieved. The top 5 pulmonary mycosis was pulmonary aspergillosis (180 cases, 37.9%), pulmonary candidiasis (162 cases, 34.2%), pulmonary cryptococcosis (74 cases, 15.6%), pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (23 cases, 4.8%) and pulmonary mucormycosis (10 cases, 2.1%). The constituent ratio in the last 3 years was similar to that in the former 7 years. The main pathogens of pulmonary candidiasis were Candida albicans (308/474, 65.0%) and Candida tropicalis (57/474, 12.0%), which were sensitive to common azoles. Compared with bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary mycosis showed more symptoms of hemoptysis (147/474, 31.0%) and pleural effusion (95/474, 20.0%), and less radiological specificity. Classical halo sign (4/474, 0.8%) and crescentic sign (17/474, 3.6%) were only shown in several cases of pulmonary mycosis. The most common underlying diseases were tumor (including solid tumor and malignant hematological diseases) (94/474, 19.8%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (52/474, 11.0%), pulmonary tuberculosis (50/474, 10.5%) and diabetes (48/474, 10.1%). Compared with the other common pulmonary mycosis, pulmonary cryptococcosis affected younger patients, and more cases were community-acquired, but fewer cases with underlining diseases or compromised immune function, and had a better prognosis., Conclusion: The ahead five species of pulmonary mycosis in China were orderly pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary candidosis, pulmonary cryptococcosis, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and pulmonary mucormycosis. The main pathogens of pulmonary candidosis were Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, which were sensitive to common azoles. Compared with the other common pulmonary mycosis, pulmonary cryptococcosis catch younger patients, had more community-acquired cases, and had better prognosis.

In this study, polyelectrolyte microcapsules have been fabricated by biocompatible ferrosoferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and poly allyamine hydrochloride (PAH) using layer by layer assembly technique. The Fe3O4 NPs were prepared by chemical co-precipitation, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectrum (IR). Quartz cell also was used as a substrate for building multilayer films to evaluate the capability of forming planar film. The result showed that Fe3O4 NPs were selectively deposited on the surface of quartz cell. Microcapsules containing Fe3O4 NPs were fabricated by Fe3O4 NPs and PAH alternately self-assembly on calcium carbonate microparticles firstly, then 0.2 molL(-1) EDTA was used to remove the calcium carbonate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zetasizer and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to characterize the microcapsule's morphology, size and magnetic properties. The result revealed that Fe3O4 NPs and PAH were successfully deposited on the surface of CaCO3 microparticles, the microcapsule manifested superparamagnetism, size and saturation magnetization were 4.9 +/- 1.2 microm and 8.94 emu x g(-1), respectively. As a model drug, Rhodamin B isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (RBITC-BSA) was encapsulated in microcapsule depended on pH sensitive of the microcapsule film. When pH 5.0, drug add in was 2 mg, the encapsulation efficiency was (86.08 +/- 3.36) % and the drug loading was 8.01 +/- 0.30 mg x m(L-1).

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) first presenting as fever of unknown origin (FUO)., Methods: The clinical data of 100 cases of FUO, diagnosed as TB finally, among in-patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed retrospectively., Results: (1) Sites of TB:there were 39 patients with merely pulmonary TB, 28 patients with merely extrapulmonary TB, and 33 patients with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. (2) CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: depending on the different sites of tuberculous lesion, the clinical symptoms varied accordingly. The common laboratory findings included anemia, hypoalbuminemia, elevation of the level of ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP). (3) Methods for diagnosis: 34 cases were diagnosed by sputum smear- or cultivation-positive for acid-fast bacilli; 8 cases by histopathology; 49 cases by clinical diagnosis of TB with an effective anti-TB therapy; and 9 cases by effective diagnostic anti-TB therapy. (4) Responses to treatment: among 73 cases with complete follow-up data, only 2 cases (2.7%) died and the other cases were cured or alleviated. Fifty-five cases (77.5%) showed marked efficacy after less than 4 weeks of regular anti-TB therapy, 37 cases (52.1%) suffered adverse effects of anti-TB agents, and all of them had improved after modifying anti-TB therapy and supporting treatment., Conclusions: The diagnosis of TB that presents as FUO is quite difficult, and the median interval time for making diagnosis is 14 weeks (3 - 77 weeks). Investigating clinical manifestations comprehensively, reviewing radiology data carefully, and eliciting microbiological and pathologic evidence of TB, are extremely important for making the correct diagnosis. In some cases, a therapeutic trial of anti-TB therapy is necessary.

Based on the theory of multiple-scale integrated assessment of societal and ecosystem metabolism (MuSIASEM), a comprehensive evaluation was made on the human activity time, exosomatic energy input, and added value of Dalian Economic and Technological Development Zone in 2000-2007. During the study period, the life quality of local citizens increased year after year, while the agricultural industry dwindled. Manufacturing industry was still the main pillar industry, but its energy consumption was greater. Service industry was at its early stage, falling behind manufacturing industry. The exosomatic metabolic level of the whole zone and its various industries had an obvious increase, and the energy intensity decreased continuously. With the fact that both the human activity time and the exosomatic energy input had a ceaseless decrease, the economic added value increased steadily, and the zone was under its way towards sustainable development.

The aim of this study is to prepare cationic biodegradable dextran microspheres loaded with tetanus toxoid (TT) and to investigate the mechanism of protein loading. Positively charged microspheres were prepared by polymerization of hydroxylethyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex-HEMA) and dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) in an aqueous two-phase system. The loading of the microspheres with TT was based on electrostatic attraction. The net positive surface charge increased with increasing amounts of DMAEMA. Confocal images showed fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) could penetrate into cationic dextran microspheres but not natural dextran microspheres. TT loading efficiency by post-loading was higher compared with by pre-loading. Even though TT is incorporated in the hydrogel network based on electrostatic interaction, still a controlled release can be achieved by varying the initial network density of the microspheres.

Objective: To look for the natural ligand(s) of human triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 (TREM-1), in order to provide the theoretical basis for elucidation of the pathogenesis of sepsis., Methods: Neutrophils and monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood were treated with heat-inactivated Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus L-form or Pseudomonas aeruginosa L-form respectively for 24 hours. The cell wall was extracted from Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium tuberculosis by ultrasound. Neutrophils and monocytes were isolated and treated with the cell wall respectively for 24 hours. Neutrophils and monocytes were isolated and treated with three main components from bacterial cell wall (polysaccharides, lipids and proteins) respectively for 24 hours. The level of TREM-1 mRNA was measured with fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: The TREM-1 mRNA level and the concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in cell supernatant of neutrophils and monocytes were upgraded when treated with cell, cell wall and cell wall polysaccharides of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compared with the blank control group, the TREM-1 mRNA level of neutrophils and monocytes was upgraded to (3.86+/-0.20)-fold and (5.15+/-0.56)-fold respectively when treated with cell wall polysaccharides of Staphylococcus aureus (both P<0.05); the TREM-1 mRNA level of neutrophils and monocytes was upgraded to (4.03+/-0.15)-fold and (7.22+/-0.73)-fold respectively when treated with cell wall polysaccharides of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (both P<0.05). The effect could be attenuated by the addition of LP17 which could bind TREM-1 ligand. This attenuating effect was not found when the cells were treated with cell, cell wall or cell wall polysaccharides of Mycobacterium tuberculosis., Conclusion: The study provides the evidence that TREM-1 natural ligand(s) is present on cell wall of bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and it might be polysaccharides.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of a combined therapy using two types of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1b/6a infections., Methods: The clinical data of 171 patients with chronic HCV genotypes 1b/6a infection in Common Hospital Centre S. Januario, Macau SAR, China, were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 145 (84.8%) were infected with HCV genotype 1b and 26 (15.2%) with HCV genotype 6a. Patients were divided into two groups based on drug therapies: PEG-IFN-2b group (n=140), in which patients were treated with PEG-IFN-2b 1.5 g/kg QW plus ribavirin 800-1 200 mg/d and PEG-IFN-2a group (n=31), in which patients were treated with PEG-IFN-2a 180g QW plus ribavirin 800-1 200 mg/d. Patients was treated for 48 weeks and then followed up for 24 weeks., Results: All patients completed their therapies. The rates of early viral response (EVR) and sustained virologic response (SVR) were 78.95% and 69.59%, respectively . The two groups were not significantly different in terms of EVR P=0.091 end of treatment virological response (ETVR) (P=0.542), SVR P=0.079, relapse (P=0.497). And the two HCV genotypes patients were not significantly different in terms of EVR (P=0.268), ETVR (P=0.276), SVR (P=0.479), and relapse (P=1.000)., Conclusions: PEG-IFN combined with ribavirin can achieve high viral response in treating chronic hepatitis C. PEG-IFN-2a and PEG-IFN-2b basically are similarly effective in treating HCV genotype 1b or 6a infections.

Objective: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), characterized by degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord and symmetric proximal muscle weakness, is the most common autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease in infants and children. In Caucasian population, about 95% of clinically typical patients lack both copies of the telomeric survival motor neuron gene (SMN 1). However, the detection rate of the homozygous absence in Chinese patients is still controversial, which may lead to reduced confidence in the SMA genetic testing in clinical practice. The purpose of the current study was to determine the frequency of homozygous deletions of SMN 1 in Chinese patients, to evaluate the significance of the SMN 1 homozygous deletion assay in clinical applications, and the impact of the clinical re-visit followed by the genetic testing., Methods: Totally 85 patients initially suspected of SMA were referred for SMA genetic testing. A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was used to detect the homozygous absence of SMN 1. Clinical re-visit was performed by the pediatric neurology specialists according to the international SMA diagnostic criteria, and histological examinations were carried out when they were necessary., Results: Absence of both copies of SMN 1 exon 7 were found in 57 (67%) of the 85 patients, and 28 patients (33%) had at least one copy. For the 28 patients with negative results, 19 were followed up by the pediatric neurologists. The clinical diagnosis of SMA could be excluded in 15 patients, but retained in the other 4 patients after the clinical re-evaluation and histological examinations. Thus, approximately 95% of the patients with clinically typical SMA in our cohort lacked both copies of SMN 1. Homozygous deletions of SMN 1 were detected in 96% (22/23), 93% (28/30) and 100% (7/7) of the patients with SMA type I, type II and type III, respectively. There was no significant difference in the deletion frequency among the subtypes., Conclusions: The frequency of homozygous deletions of SMN 1 in this series of Chinese SMA patients was about 95%, which is similar to that reported in Caucasian population. The genetic test of homozygous deletions of SMN 1 should be considered as the first line test for the Chinese patients suspected of SMA. The clinical re-visit and re-evaluation which is essential in clinical diagnosis, genetic counseling and medical management, should be routinely performed after the genetic testing.

Objective: Erlotinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase, showing a significant improvement of survival in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after the failure of front-line chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy and toxicity of Erlotinib in the treatment of advanced NSCLC patients., Methods: A total of 104 patients with advanced NSCLC admitted in our department during December 2006 to November 2008 were enrolled in this study. Eligible patients received oral Erlotinib 150 mg/d until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Best clinical response was determined using RECIST criteria, the adverse events were evaluated according to the NCI criteria., Results: The total effective rate was 27.9% (29/104) and the clinical benefit was 76.0% (79/104). The median progression-free survival was 5.1 months (95%CI 4.0 - 8.0). The median survival time was 13.1 months (95%CI 10.0 - 15.7). The 1-year survival rate was 61.5%. Significant survival benefit from erlobinib therapy was observed for patients with good personal status (HR 0.56, P = 0.006), adenocarcinoma (HR 0.43, P = 0.004) and skin rash (HR 0.46, P = 0.005). But patients with smoking (HR 2.75, P < 0.001) and liver metastasis (HR 2.91, P = 0.002) add the risk of death. The adverse events were mild (grade < or = 2), most common toxicities were skin rash in 73.1% (76/104) and diarrhea in 41.3% (43/104). Only 6.7% (7/104) patients got adverse events of grade > or = 3., Conclusion: Erlotinib is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for advanced NSCLC and could offer an alternative for patients after the failure of first-line chemotherapy, unsuitable for or not wishing to receive chemotherapy.