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Hydration status refers to the balance between the intake and discharge of water in the body. When the ingested and discharged water are roughly equal and the body is in water balance, it is the normal hydration status, and when the water intake is too little or too much, it is the "dehydration" or "overhydration status". The hydration status of the body not only affects metabolism, but also affects the functions of the urinary system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, etc. In order to further clarify the relationship between body hydration status and decompression sickness (DCS), this paper reviewed relevant studies and analyzed the interaction between hydration and decompression safety during diving. The primary causes of dehydration in diving are "hyperbaric diuresis", "immersion diuresis", breathing dry gas, heat, and cold. Dehydration not only promotes the occurrence of DCS but also reduces the aerobic work efficiency and athletic performance of divers, as well as affects cognition and mood. A study found that appropriate rehydration before and during diving can reduce the risk of DCS, which possibly associates with the increase of blood volume, plasma surface tension, and vasoconstriction. Fluid therapy is also important for those who already have DCS. This paper analyzed the amount, nature, timing, and effect of rehydration involved in the above links, comprehensively sorted out the relationship between hydration and diving safety, summarized the existing problems, and provided reference for practical application and future research.

For improving the anti-permeability of waterborne polyurethane coatings to concrete,the silane coupling agent was applied to modify the surface of nano-SiO2 to reduce the reunion degree of nanoparticles,and then the modified nano-SiO2 with better dispersibility was added into the waterborne polyurethane coatings.The modification effect of silane coupling agent on nano-SiO2 was analyzed by thermal analysis (TG),infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS),and the effect of nano-SiO2 on the morphology and composition of waterborne polyurethane coatings was also expounded.Furthermore,the influence of nano-SiO2 modified waterborne polyurethane coatings on the anti-permeability of concrete was analyzed.Results showed that the nano-SiO2 modified by silane coupling agent possessed less-OH on the surface and a lower reunion degree.Comparing with the concrete specimens painted with the polyurethane coatings containing no SiO2 or unmodified nano-SiO2,the concrete specimen painted with polyurethane coating containing modified nano-SiO2 had stronger adhesion between the coating and the concrete.The capillary water absorption per unit area of the specimen and the penetration depth of chloride ions were reduced,and the permeability resistance of the concrete was improved.

ObjectiveTo provide a new idea for exploring the molecular genetic approach to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia via construction of microRNA-messenger RNA （miRNA-mRNA） regulatory network in schizophrenia.MethodsThe microarray datasets of GSE54578 miRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood and GSE145554 mRNA expression in the anterior cingulate in postmortem brain of schizophrenic subjects were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） database since July 2021. The GEO2R was used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs， screen the miRNA with target differentially expressed mRNA， and predict their potential upstream transcription factors. The overlapping genes from the mRNA targeted by the differentially expressed miRNA and the mRNA differentially expressed in GSE145554 dataset were collected. Then the biological features of hub genes were analyzed via Gene Ontology （GO） analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis， and the protein-protein interaction （PPI） network and miRNA-mRNA regulatory network of hub genes were constructed.ResultsA total of 8 up-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs with targeted mRNA were screened out in GSE54578 datasets regarding schizophrenia， which involved in the regulation of 10 transcription factors， 247 down-regulated differentially expressed mRNAs were screened out in GSE145554 datasets， and 17 overlapping mRNAs were obtained. GO analysis showed that the target mRNAs were mainly involved in astrocyte differentiation and development. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the target mRNAs were mainly involved in Rap1 and Ras signaling pathways. PPI network analysis showed that the mRNAs （KRAS and CD28） might be key genes in schizophrenia.ConclusionThe integrated bioinformatics analysis based on GEO database can identify potential susceptibility genes in schizophrenia， and it also contributes to the construction of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in schizophrenia.

Objective: A strategy of degrading organic pollutants using a photo-enzymatic cascade process was established, to avoid the problem caused by the use of H2O2 as oxidant in peroxidase-catalyzed reaction. Methods: After screening of photosensitizer, reaction pH and temperature, phenols and azo dyes can be degraded efficiently herein, by a combination of photo-catalytic H2O2 generation in situ and peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation. Results: 8 organic pollutions in different structure can be degraded with good to excellent degradation rate within 40 minutes. Moreover, the mechanism of this degradation process was proposed. Conclusion: Compared with classic methods of degrading organic pollutants, this photo-enzymatic cascade process has an advantage of safety and efficiency, and has application potential in environmental and food safety.

Objective: The flavor formation process of stewed pork was investigated in this study. Methods: Electronic nose and gas-phase mass spectrometry （GC-MS） techniques were used to compare the key processes such as bleaching, frying, stewing and addition of sauces during the processing of stewed pork, and to analyze the changes of flavor compounds. Results: The results of electronic nose measurement were consistent with the results of gas chromatography analysis. The flavor content of raw pork and sauces was the highest, and the flavor substances decreased in the blanching, frying and stewing stages. However, the characte-ristic flavor substances were formed continuously. A total of 148 compounds were detected by GC-MS, including 39, 32, 23, 20, 38, and 65 compounds in raw pork, blanched, fryed, stewed and finished products and sauces, respectively, which mainly produced aldehydes and ketones, esters and alcohols, heterocyclic compounds, and aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives. The characteristic flavors of finished products were hexanal, benzaldehyde, 1-octen-3-ol, cinnamaldehyde, 2-pentylfuran, 2-acetyl pyrrole, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, etc. The content of acetoin was higher in the pre-preparation stage of stewed pork, while methoxy-phenyl-Oxime stayed high in all of the processes. Conclusion: The electronic nose technique can be used to detect the changes of flavor substances in different processing stages of stewed pork, but the specific substance changes need to be determined and analyzed by GC-MS.

In view of problems of large space occupation and complex structure existed in current internal measuring method of hydraulic cylinder stroke, internal measuring systems of hydraulic cylinder stroke which are respectively based on optical mouse and wheel pulse were designed, work principle and hardware and software design of the systems were introduced. The test results show that the optical mouse mode measuring system is suitable for short stroke of hydraulic cylinder, and the wheel pulse mode measuring system is suitable for long stroke of hydraulic cylinder.

Fava beans (Vicia faba L.) is an important food bean crop, and drought can lead to lower fava bean yields. The identification of drought tolerance genes of fava beans is beneficial to breed the drought-resistant varieties through molecular marker-assisted breeding and genetic engineering. In a previous study, we identified a class of aspartate aminotransferase genes (ASPAT) in response to faba bean drought stress by transcriptome sequencing. ASPAT catalyzes the reversible reaction of transamination between aspartate and α-oxoglutarate to generate oxaloacetate and glutamate, and plays a key role in plant metabolism. Based on transcriptomic sequencing data, ASPAT members were identified in genome-wide level. The physicochemical properties, subcellular localizations, gene structures, protein domains, conserved motifs, phylogeny, protein interaction, and gene expression patterns of each member were analyzed. The results indicate that eight ASPAT genes were identified from the transcriptomes, which included three eukaryotype ASPAT (AAT) genes and five prokarytoype ASPAT (PAT) genes with mitochondria and chloroplast location, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that ASPAT could be divided into two subfamilies Iα and Iβ. Iα is AAT protein including VfASPAT1--VfASPAT3, and Iβ is PAT protein consisting of VfASPAT4--VfASPAT8. ASPAT family members of Vicia faba contain motif 1, motif 3, and motif 9, and had similar gene structures and common protein domain aminotran-1-2. VfASPATs protein interaction network suggested that the members might be involved in stress metabolism. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR indicated that he expression patterns of the eight members were different at 16 hours and 64 hours under drought stress. All the members were up-regulated with the exception of VfASPAT4 and VfASPAT6, implying that VfASPATs may have a positive regulation effect on drought stress. In this study, eight ASPAT genes of Vicia faba were identified, and the structures, distribution, evolutionary relationship, and the relative expression patterns of ASPAT gene family members were analyzed. The results of this study laid a foundation for further analysis of drought resistance function of VfASPATs, and the application of ASPAT to improve drought resistance of fava bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compositions and contents of precipitates in metallurgical grade silicon (MG-Si) directly affect the activity and selectivity of silicone monomer synthesis. Therefore, it is particularly significant to investigate the relationship between impurity content and precipitates correspondence in MG-Si. In this study, the microstructures and distributions of precipitates in MG-Si before and after refining are investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It is found that due to the high content of Ca and Al contents in MG-Si before refining, its impurity phases are mainly Si2Al2Ca, Si-Al-Ca, Si9Al6Fe4Ca etc., but after refining, Fe is the main element in MG-Si, so its phases mainly include FeSi2 (Al), FeSi2Ti, Si8 Al6Fe4 Ca, etc. In addition, the statistics conducted by Image Pro Plus show that the Si2Al2Ca and Si8Al6Fe4Ca phases account for respectively 48% and 30% of the precipitates composition before refining, while the FeSi2(Al) phase accounts for 68% after refining, and the only Ca-containing phase (Si8Al6Fe4Ca) accounts for 7% of the precipitates content. Here we compare the compositions and proportions of precipitates in MG-Si before and after refining, in order to explore the law of impurity content on precipitated phases, so as to prepare the best downstream MGSi raw material for silicones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aim to realize the epidemiological characteristics, genotype distribution of HIV-1 and epidemic situation of drug resistance in newly-reported HIV infections in Longgang district of Shenzhen. It provides a reference for the overall prevention and control of AIDS in the local area. Methods A cross-sectional study of epidemiology was proceeded on newly - identified HIV/AIDS infections in Longgang district, Shenzhen during 2016-2019. 432 plasma samples were collected by random sampling, and its RNA were extracted. The pol fragment of HIV-1 genome was amplified by one-step RT-PCR and nested-PCR and was sequenced. Subtype analysis was performed by phylogenetic tree with neighbor-joining method. The HIV resistance mutations were determined with the use of Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. Results Subjects were majority males (88.61%, 1 346/1 519)and migrants(66.16%, 1 005/1 519), and the proportion of HIV infections through Homosexual behavior were higher in infected mainly through heterosexual behavior. The CD4+T lymphocyte counts of HIV patients were 54.58% (829/1 519) above 350 cells/^L. 368 segments were successfully amplified, among which 11 genotypes of HIV-1 and 17 URF strains were found. The main subtypes were CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC, others were CRF55_01B, B, CRF08_BC, CRF 59_01B, C, G, CRF 67_01B, CRF79_0107 and CRF 68_01B. 33 transmission clusters were found, with the total clustered rate of 21.47% (79/368). CRF55_01B had the highest cluster rate (44.90%, 22/49), which was higher than the major subtypes CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. The drug resistance mutations of WHO recommendation were found in fourteen samples. The overall rate of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) was 3.80%. TDR was predominantly towards NNRTIs, and the subtype CRF01_AE showed the highest drug resistance mutation rate. Conclusions The distribution of HIV-1 subtypes of newly reported HIV/AIDS in Longgang district of Shenzhen is complex and diverse, and the overall drug resistance rate remain at a low level. The clustering transmission of HIV-infection of CRF55_01B has been established, so the targeted intervention of this population needs to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysimachia christinae Hance (Christina loosestrife), a mat-forming perennial herb from the Primulaceae family, is a famous Chinese medicinal material and excellent ground cover plant for landscaping. The natural triploid of L. christinae is reported here so as to provide new reference for the development and utilization of L. christinae. In this study, L. christinae plants introduced from Lion Mountain population in Wuhan and Moon Mountain population in Huangshi were cultivated in the same text site. And then the plant morphology and the stoma size were observed. The chromosome numbers and karyotypes were investigated by the conventional pressing plate method. The results showed that the leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, length of petal, petal width, petal area and leaf stoma area of L. christinae from Moon Mountain population in Huangshi were significantly higher than those of L. christinae from Lion Mountain population in Wuhan. In addition, the karyotype formula of L. christinae from Moon Mountain population in Huangshi was 3n=36=3m+3sm+6st+24t, which was different with that of L. christinae from Lion Mountain population in Wuhan (2n=24=2m+2sm+4st+16t). Therefore, in this paper, the L. christinae from Moon Mountain population in Huangshi was identified as natural triploid based on abovementioned morphology and chromosome datum. The discovery of natural triploid in L. christinae enriched the polyploidy data of L. christinae. It would not only provide reference for research on genetic diversity and evolution of L. christinae, but also supply the excellent material for medicine, landscaping and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the difficulty in forecasting the water inrush risk accurately,a model based on principal component analysis,fuzzy, particle swarm optimization algorithm and support vector machine was put forward. Six factors were reduced to the structure-principal components, the hydrogeology-principal components, the coal information-principal components and the mining conditions-principal components by the method called principal component analysis. Taking advantage of the fuzzy to handle the principal components and optimize the support vector machine's parameters by particle swarm optimization algorithm, the model was established. Several cases were forecasted using the model and the results were excellent. The study proves that the model can precisely evaluate the risk of water inrush. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem that the circuit breaker can not switch on again, and a phenomenon that tripping and closing monitoring lights along with bright when we did the replacing and debugging test of 10 kV line protection devices in a Shandong 110 kV transformer substation. After analyzing operating circuit of protection device and the secondary circuit of the switching mechanism, anti-tripping of NARI-RELAYS RCS-9611C protection devices and Anti-jump switching mechanism of Qingdao Yi He was used simultaneously at the scene. A parasitic circuit was produced. A measure was proposed by accessing normally closed contact of the breaker and switch mechanism's anti-tripping relay in closing monitoring circuit. Breaker was tested repeatedly using the opportunities of power failure and switch in the test position. The results show that the program is not only the perfect solution to the problem, while the quality of closing the circuit has been monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the water level fluctuating zone of the Danjiangkou Reservoir as a case, and by the method of hierarchical cluster analysis, the soil seed banks at 37 sampling plots within the areas of 140-145 m elevation were divided into 6 groups, and the species composition, density, and diversity of the soil seed banks among the groups were compared. The differences between the soil seed banks and the aboveground vegetations were analyzed by S-rensen similarity coefficient, and the correlations among the soil seed banks, aboveground vegetations, and environmental factors were explored by principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariable regression analysis. At the same altitudes of the water level fluctuating zone, the species composition of the soil seed banks had obvious heterogeneity, and the density and diversity indices of the soil seed banks among different groups were great. The similarity coefficient between the soil seed banks and aboveground vegetations was low, and the species number in the soil seed banks was obviously lesser than that in the aboveground vegetations. The density of the soil seed banks was highly positively correlated with the aboveground vegetations coverage and species number and the soil texture, but highly negatively correlated with the soil water-holding capacity and soil porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to observe the effects and explore the mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix combination in the treatment of the inflammatory response of mice with atherosclerosis(AS) via the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Male ApoE~(-/-) mice were randomly assigned into a model group, a Buyang Huanwu Decoction group, an Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix combination group, and an atorvastatin group, and male C57BL/6J mice of the same weeks old were used as the control group. Other groups except the control group were given high-fat diets for 12 weeks to establish the AS model, and drugs were administrated by gavage. Aortic intimal hyperplasia thickness, blood lipid level, plasma inflammatory cytokine levels, M1/M2 macrophage markers, and expression levels of proteins in TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in the vessel wall were measured to evaluate the effects of drugs on AS lesions and inflammatory responses. The results showed that the AS model was successfully established with the ApoE~(-/-) mice fed with high-fat diets. Compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated plasma total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c) levels(P<0.05), thickened intima(P<0.01), and increased plasma tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) levels(P<0.01). Moreover, the model group showed increased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)(P<0.01), inhibited expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) and cluster of differentiation 206(CD206)(P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB inhibitor alpha(IκBα), and NF-κB in the vessel wall(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix combination lowered the plasma TC and LDL-c levels(P<0.01), alleviated the intimal hyperplasia(P<0.01), and reduced the plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels(P<0.05). Moreover, the two interventions promoted the expression of eNOS and CD206(P<0.05), inhibited the expression of VCAM-1 and iNOS(P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, IκBα, and NF-κB(P<0.05) in the vessel wall. This study indicated that Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix combination could delay the progression of AS, inhibit the polarization of vascular wall macrophages toward M1 type, and attenuate vascular inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the vascular wall. Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix were the main pharmacological substances in Buyang Huanwu Decoction for alleviating the AS vascular inflammatory response.

This study aims to explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycosides on the inflammatory response of apolipoprotein E~(-/-)(ApoE~(-/-)) mice and RAW264.7 cells through nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. In the in vivo experiment, ApoE~(-/-) mice were fed with high-fat diets for 12 weeks to induce the animal model of atherosclerosis, and 75 μg·mL~(-1) oxidized low-density lipoprotein(Ox-LDL) incubated RAW264.7 cells for 24 h to establish the atherosclerosis cell model. Automatic biochemical analyzer, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), Western blot, and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(PCR) were used to determine the blood lipid levels, aortic intimal thickness, inflammatory factor content, NF-κB pathway-related proteins, and mRNA expression levels, and evaluate arterial atherosclerotic lesions and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of the drug. The model of atherosclerosis was successfully established in ApoE~(-/-) mice after 12 weeks of feeding with high-fat diets. In the model group, the plasma levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were increased(P<0.01), the intima of the blood vessels was thickened, the levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) were increased, and the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB and inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα) were significantly increased as compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, the high-dose Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycoside group decreased the plasma levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, reduced the plaque area and thickness and the content of inflammatory factor TNF-α, and inhibited the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB and IκBα, with the effect same as Buyang Huanwu Decoction. In the in vivo experiment, 75 μg·mL~(-1) Ox-LDL stimulated RAW264.7 cells for 24 h to successfully establish a foam cell model. As compared with the control group, the nuclear amount of NF-κB and the protein and mRNA expressions of IκBα in the model group increased. Compared with the model group, the middle-dose and high-dose Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycoside groups decreased the nuclear amount of NF-κB and the protein and mRNA expressions of IκBα. The above results show that the glycosides are the main effective substances of Buyang Huanwu Decoction against atherosclerosis, which inhibit the NF-κB pathway and reduce the inflammatory response, thus playing the role against atherosclerotic inflammation same as Buyang Huanwu Decoction.

Objective: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination on urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy., Methods: Eighty patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a routine group, 40 cases in each group. Anesthesia at Yaoshu (GV 2) was given in the two groups. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3)，Guanyuan (CV 4)，Pangguangshu (BL 28) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency. After operation, induced urination was given, namely hot compress of bladder area and sound of hearing water. In the routine group，induced urination was given after operation. The score of the first urination waiting time, the distension of lower abdomen on the evening of the postoperative, the first time urinary volume and incidence of urinary retention were compared between the two groups., Results: The scores of the first urination waiting time after operation and distension of lower abdomen in the evening of the postoperative in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the routine group, the first time urinary volume was more than that in the routine group, and the incidence of urinary retention was lower than that in the routine group (5.0% (2/40) vs 22.5% (9/40), all P <0.05)., Conclusion: Electroacupuncture preconditioning combined with induced urination can effectively prevent the incidence of urinary retention after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy.

Objective: To compare the effect of electroacupuncture preconditioning with different frequencies on anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy., Methods: A total of 120 patients with mixed hemorrhoids were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group A (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency), an electroacupuncture group B (continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency) and an electroacupuncture group C (continuous wave, 100 Hz in frequency), 40 cases in each group. Electroacupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Chengshan (BL 57) was applied with tolerant intensity for 30 min before operation in all groups. The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the 3 groups, the visual anal pain score (VAS) and limb activity score at 4, 12, and 24 h after operation, the maximum VAS score within 24 h after surgery and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine were compared., Results: The number of additional anesthetic drugs in the electroacupuncture group A, the electroacupuncture group B and the electroacupuncture group C were 4, 5, 4 respectively, and there was not statistically significant ( P >0.05). There was no significant difference in the anal pain VAS score and limb activity score at 4 h after operation among the 3 groups ( P >0.05), at the 12 h after operation, the VAS scores and limb activity scores in the electroacupunctures group A and B were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group C ( P <0.05), at 24 h after operation, the VAS score and limb activity score in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C ( P <0.05), the maximum VAS score within 24 h and oral dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine within 24 h after operation in the electroacupuncture group A were lower than those in the electroacupuncture group B and C ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Different frequency electroacupuncture preconditioning has the effect of alleviating anal pain after milligan-morgan hemorrhoidectomy. The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture with different frequencies is different. The electroacupuncture analgesic effect of 2 Hz /100 Hz dilatational wave is better than 2 Hz and 100 Hz continuous waves.

Objective: On the basis of western medication, to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with auricular point sticking therapy for anal pain of mixed hemorrhoid after external excision and internal ligation，so as to explore the method of improving its effect., Methods: Ninety patients of mixed hemorrhoids who received external excision and internal ligation were randomly assigned into an EA group, an auricular point sticking group and a combined group, 30 cases in each one. All the treatment was applied 30 min before surgery. Electroacupuncture was used at Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1) in the EA group, once a day. The auricular points were bilateral shenmen (TF 4 ), pizhixia (AT 4 ), jiaogan (AH 6a ) and gangmen (HX 5 ) in the auricular point sticking group, pressing 3-6 times every day, once 3-5 min. EA and auricular point sticking therapy were applied in the combined group. When the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was above 6, aminophenol dihydrocodeine was applied in the three groups. The scores of anal pain VAS and limb activity at the 4th, 12th, 24th, 48th, 72th hours after operation were compared among the three groups, as well as the maximum scores of VAS in 24 hours (T24max VAS) of 1-3 days after operation, the total dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine 72 h after operation., Results: The VAS and limb activity scores at all the time points after operation, the T24max VAS on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days after operation and the dose of aminophenol dihydrocodeine in the combined group were better than those in the EA and auricular point sticking groups (all P <0.05). The VAS and limb activity scores at 4, 12, 24 h after operation and T24max VAS on the 1st day after operation in the EA group were lower than those in the auricularpoint sticking group (all P <0.05). The VAS and limb activity scores at 48, 72 h after operation, and the T24max VAS on the 2nd and 3rd days in the auricular point sticking group were lower than those in the EA group (all P <0.05)., Conclusion: EA combined with auricular point sticking therapy are better than simple EA and auricular point sticking therapy for anal pain of mixed hemorrhoid after external excision and internal ligation. The analgesic effect of EA is rapider, and the effect of auricular point sticking therapy is longer. The combination of the two methods own coordination effect.

Objective: To observe the differences in the therapeutic effects on chronic perianal eczema between auricular point sticking therapy and auricular sticking pseudo-press therapy on the basis of the treatment with western medication., Methods: Ninety patients were randomized into an auricular therapy group and an auricular pseudo-press therapy group (pseudo group), 45 cases in each one. The western medication was used in both of the groups. In the auricular therapy group, the auricular sticking method with semen vaccariae was added at Fengxi (SF 1,zi ), Shenshangxian (TG 2p ), Duipingjian (AT 1,2,4i ), Fei (CO 14 ), Pi (CO 13 ), Gangmen (HX 5 ). The patients were advised to press each auricular point every day. In the pseudo group, the plaster was applied to the same auricular points without semen vaccariae used and pressing manipulation given. The auricular sticking therapy was used once every three days in the two groups. The treatment for 2 weeks was as one session and one or two sessions of treatment were given accordingly. The severity of perianal itching, the area of skin lesion, the form of skin lesion and the score of dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the clinical therapeutic effects were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The adverse reaction and recurrence rate in 1-year follow-up visit were observed during treatment., Results: After treatment, the itching degree, the area of skin lesion, the form of skin lesion and DLQI score were all reduced apparently as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P <0.05). The results in the auricular sticking therapy group were better than those in the pseudo group (all P <0.05). The curative and markedly effective rate and the total effective rate in the auricular sticking therapy group were apparently better than those in the pseudo group[52.3% (23/44) vs 19.0% (8/42), 97.7% (43/44) vs 76.2% (32/42), both P <0.05]. The recurrence rate in the auricular sticking therapy group was lower apparently than that in the pseudo group[7.0% (3/43) vs 37.5% (12/32), P <0.05]. No severe adverse reactions were found during the treatment in the two groups., Conclusions: The auricular sticking therapy combined with western medication effectively release itching in chronic perianal eczema and local skin lesions, improve the living quality and reduce recurrence rate.

Objective: To compare the clinical effect differences among electroacupuncture (EA) combined with catgut implantation, simple EA and simple catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoids., Methods: A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned into a combination group, an EA group, and a catgut implantation group, 40 cases in each one. All the interventions were applied for 30 min before the operation. The acupoints were Changqiang (GV 1) and Chengshan (BL 57). The pain scores were compared among the three groups 4 h, 12 h, 3 d, and 7 d after operation, as well as the score of maximum pain score within 24 h (24 h Max) after operation, the pain duration score within 24 h after operation, and the total dose of aulin to relieve pain within 7 d after the operation., Results: The scores in the combination group were better than those in the other two groups, including the pain scores at all the time points after operation, the 24 h Max score and the pain duration score within 24 h after the operation, as well as the dose of aulin within 7 d after the operation (all P <0.05). The pain scores 4 h and 12 h after operation and the 24 h Max socre in the EA group were better than those in the catgut implantation group (all P <0.05). The pain scores 3 d and 7 d after operation in the catgut implantation group were superior to those in the EA group (both P <0.05). The pain duration score within 24 h after operation in the EA group was better than that in the catgut implantation group ( P <0.05). As for the aulin dose within 7 d after operation, the dosage in the catgut implantation group was less than that in the EA group ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: EA combined with catgut implantation is more effective than simple EA and simple catgut implantation for postoperative pain of mixed hemorrhoid. The analgesic effect of EA is stronger and works faster, but the duration of analgesia of catgut implantation is longer. The combination of the two Methods can achieve better analgesia.

Objective: To compare the difference in the clinical efficacy on anal pendant expansion after PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids) of mixed hemorrhoid between acupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Chang-qiang (GV 1) and oral administration of diosmin., Methods: Sixty cases of mixed hemorrhoids after PPH were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the observation group, since the 1st day, acupuncture had been applied to Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1). The needles were retained for 30 min after qi arrival, and the treatment was given once a day, totally for 7 days. In the control group, diosmin tablets had been prescribed for oral administration since the 1st day, 0.9 g each time, twice a day, totally for 7 days. The degree, persistent time and the pain score of anal pendant expansion were compared on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th days after PPH between the two groups and the efficacy was evaluated., Results: On the 1st day after PPH, the diffe-rences in the scores of the degree and persistent time of anal pendant expansion were not significant statistically between the two groups (all P >0.05), but the pain score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group ( P <0.05) and lower than that before treatment ( P <0.05). On the 2nd, 3rd and 7th days after PPH, the degree and persistent time of anal pendant expansion and pain score in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment (all P <0.05). The results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P <0.05). At the end of treatment (on the 7th day after PPH), the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[90.0% (27/30) vs 83.3% (25/30), P <0.05]., Conclusions: Acupuncture at Xialiao (BL 34) and Changqiang (GV 1) achieves the superior efficacy on anal pendant expansion after PPH of mixed hemorrhoids as compared with diosmin tablets.

Objective: To explore the effect of auricular point sticking before operation for postoperative complications of external excision and internal ligation on mixed hemorrhoid., Methods: Eighty patients with mixed hemorrhoid were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. In the control group, paracetamol and dihydrocodeine tartrate tablets were applied with oral administration 1 h after operation, 510 mg each time, twice a day; at the same time, diosmin tablets were treated with oral administration, 0.9 g each time, twice a day. Three days' treatments were required successively. In the observation group, auricular point sticking was used before operation based on the treatment in the control group. The auricular points of Shen (Co10), Pangguang (CO9), Shenmen (TF4), Pizhixia (AT4), Jiaogan (AH6a) and Gangmen (HX5) were selected. The patients were asked to press the points 3-6 times per day, 3-5 min each time, 3 days' treatment in total. The scores of the postoperative complications in the 1st and the 2nd days were compared between the two groups such as pain, edema, hematochezia, retention of urine, etc., Results: After operation, the scores of pain, edema, hematochezia, retention of urine in the 2nd day were all decreased obviously than those in the 1st day in the two groups (all P<0.05); and the scores of pain, edema, hematochezia, retention of urine in the 1st and the 2nd days of the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05)., Conclusion: Auricular point sticking before operation combined with conventional western medicine with oral administration for preventing and treating postoperative complications of external excision and internal ligation on mixed hemorrhoid achieves positive and reliable efficacy.

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacy of a combined treatment modality using transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with main branch intraportal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT)., Methods: Clinical data was collected retrospectively for patients diagnosed with and treated for HCC plus main branch PVTT at our hospital between January 2007 and January 2010. The total study population (n = 51) consisted of 38 males and 13 females, with an average of 50.1 years (range: 24-73). Among these patients, 26 had been treated with TACE + PEI (group A) and 25 had been treated with TACE alone (group B). Short-term changes in PVTT (i.e. disappearance, shrinkage, and/or stability) and tumor (i.e. complete response, partial response, and/or stable disease) were assessed by using the t-test (continuous variables) or the Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests (categorical variables). Between-group differences in survival time were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test., Results: The follow-up time ranged from 3-24 months after treatment, and no serious treatment-related complications were recorded for any of the patients (0/51). The time of TACE treatment was significantly longer for the patients receiving the combination therapy (group A: 3.21.4 vs. group B: 2.40.9, t = 2.22, P = 0.032). The patients in group A received between 2-8 PEI treatments. The TACE + PEI combined treatment showed significantly better therapeutic efficacy for PVTT (group A: 19/26 vs. group B: 10/25, X2 = 5.685, P = 0.019). The tumor response was significantly better in patients treated with TACE + PEI at post-treatment month 3 (group A: 20/26 vs. group B: 18/25, X2 = 0.163, P = 0.705) and month 6 (group A: 17/20 vs. 10/19, X2 = 2.58, P = 0.027). Finally, the average survival time was significantly better in patients treated with TACE + PEI (group A: 12.856.02 months (range: 5-23) vs. group B: 8.653.39 months (range: 4-16), t = 3.051, P = 0.004)., Conclusion: TACE + PEI combination therapy for main branch PVTT in HCC patients is more efficacious than TACE alone, and is associated with a longer survival time.

Taking the water level fluctuating zone of the Danjiangkou Reservoir as a case, and by the method of hierarchical cluster analysis, the soil seed banks at 37 sampling plots within the areas of 140-145 m elevation were divided into 6 groups, and the species composition, density, and diversity of the soil seed banks among the groups were compared. The differences between the soil seed banks and the aboveground vegetations were analyzed by S0rensen similarity coefficient, and the correlations among the soil seed banks, aboveground vegetations, and environmental factors were explored by principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariable regression analysis. At the same altitudes of the water level fluctuating zone, the species composition of the soil seed banks had obvious heterogeneity, and the density and diversity indices of the soil seed banks among different groups were great. The similarity coefficient between the soil seed banks and aboveground vegetations was low, and the species number in the soil seed banks was obviously lesser than that in the aboveground vegetations. The density of the soil seed banks was highly positively correlated with the aboveground vegetations coverage and species number and the soil texture, but highly negatively correlated with the soil water-holding capacity and soil porosity.

As one of the most common irreversible eye diseases, early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is vital for a good prognosis but difficult in clinical practice. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive procedure that can quickly acquire high-resolution cross-sectional images of the ocular structure and is used widely in ophthalmic clinics. In terms of glaucoma, OCT is used to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, the structure of the optic disc, the loss of retinal ganglion cells, the parameters of anterior chamber and anterior chamber angle, the thickness of the iris, the thickness of the lens, the thickness of the choroid, the structure of the filtration bleb and so on. This review summarized the clinical application of OCT in glaucoma diagnosis and the evaluation of glaucoma treatment up till now.

Objective: To explore the causes of postoperative anastomotic leakage of colorectal cancer., Methods: A total of 1462 cases with colorectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic operation and intestinal anastomosis at our department over the last decade were analyzed retrospectively. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 13.0. The risk factors were analyzed by binary Logistic regression while the annual incidence of anastomotic leakage by trend χ(2) test., Results: Thirty anastomotic leakage occurred in 1462 cases with an incidence rate of 2.1%. There were significant correlations of anastomotic leakage with body built, tumor location, tumor size, operation time (χ(2) = 6.117, 50.167, 36.693, 4.481, P = 0.013, 0.000, 0.000, 0.034). However, there was no correction with gender, age or histological type (P = 0.871, 0.775, 1.000). Then the significance check of binary Logistic regression equation was performed. Tumor location was an independent risk factor of postoperative anastomotic leakage for colorectal cancer. The relative risk was 2.056. The annual incidence of anastomotic leakage was statistically insignificant (χ(2) = 1.827, P = 0.176). And the difference was., Conclusions: The occurrence of anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgery is significantly correlated with body built, tumor location, tumor size and operation time. And tumor location below peritoneal reversal is an independent risk factor of anastomotic leakage.

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of the active fraction of Polygonum capitatum., Methods: Various preparative chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation and purification of the compounds in the flavonoid-enriched fraction and their structures were determined by comparison of their physicochemical and chromatographic data with those of the authentic samples and spectral analysis., Results: Fourteen compounds were obtained and identified as 1-O-P-D-(6'-O-galloyl)-glucopyranosyl-3-methoxy-5-hydroxybenzene (1) ,5,7-dihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (2), ellagic acid (3), myricetrin (4), hirsutine (5), rutin (6), quercetin-3-O-(2"-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7) , quercetin-3-O-( 3"-O-galloyl) -/3-D-glucopyranoside (8), quercitrin (9) , kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (10), quercetin-3-O-(2"-O-galloyl) -alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (11), quercetin-3-O-(3"-O-galloyl) -alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (12), quercetin (13), kaempferol (14)., Conclusion: The flavonoid-enriched fraction contains flavonols and their glycosides as its major components,which might be responsible for the biological effects of Polygonum capitatum. Compounds 1, 8 and 12 are isolated from the genus Polygonum for the first time; Compound 3 is isolated from Polygonum capitatum for the first time.

An in situ field high-frequency bio-optical measurement was carried out in the littoral region in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu, a large shallow lake of China from 24 July to 1 August in 2010. The underwater irradiance, beam attenuation coefficient and absorption coefficient, the related physical-chemical and meteorological parameters were measured and analyzed, in order to determine the relationship between water bio-optical properties and wind waves process. The absorption coefficients of particles a(p) (440), non-phytoplankton a(d) (440), phytoplankton a(ph) (440) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) a(CDOM) (440) were 3.97, 3.97, 6.58 m(-1); 1.69, 2.17, 4.20 m(-1); 2.28, 1.80, 1.33 m(-1); 1.05, 1.04, 1.08 m(-1) with the corresponding 30-minute average wind speed of <3, 3-5 and >5 m x s(-1) under small, middle and large wind and waves, respectively. Phytoplankton particles contributed the most to total absorption coefficient integrated over a range of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400-700 nm) with a value of 42.5% during small wind waves. With the increase of wind speed, the relative contributions of phytoplankton, CDOM and pure water deceased but the relative contribution of non-phytoplankton significantly increased with the values of 33.0%, 41.7% and 52.0% during small, middle and large wind waves, respectively. A significantly positive linear relationship was found between PAR diffuse attenuation coefficients and the mean wind speed within 10 minutes. Sediment resuspension caused by wind waves had a significant effect on PAR diffuse attenuation coefficient. From small wind waves to large wind waves, PAR diffuse attenuation increased 80.0% but the euphotic depth decreased 42.2%. Significant linear relationships were found between PAR diffuse attenuation coefficient, the beam attenuation coefficients at 750 nm, total suspended solid concentration and wind speed, wave height, wave shear stress, in which the correlation between PAR attenuation coefficients and meteorological hydrology factors was most significant. High-frequency bio-optical measurement showed that hydrodynamic process significantly affected the short-term variation of bio-optical properties in algal-dominated lake region of shallow lake through sediment resuspension, mixing and migration of phytoplankton.

The snail status in Xuancheng City from 2005 to 2009 showed, both the snail area and the area with infected snails appeared a declining trend, however, re-emerging snails were found every year. Prevention and control interventions for schistosomiasis should be strengthened to reduce both snail area and infected snail area.

Objective: To compare two different procedures of colostomy in the laparoscopic- assisted abdominoperineal resection(LAPR), and to reduce the related complications of colostomy., Methods: Sixty- three cases with anorectal cancer undergone LAPR from June 2001 to December 2005 were registered and followed up. Circular stapler anastomosis with sigmoid colon and abdominal skin were applied on 61 cases of the colostomy, and 2 cases were hand sutured. All patients were assigned to group A and B. Thirty- seven cases received the procedure of colostomy through the rectus abdominis peritoneally in group A,other 26 cases through extraperitoneal tunnel and the rectus abdominis in group B., Results: Descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum were dissected using laparoscopic instruments in 63 cases. No conversion to open procedure and no operative death occurred in two groups of patients. There was no significant difference between two groups in mean operation time, but significant differences were found in the time of return of bowl function[A group (2.4 +/- 1.1)d vs B group (1.9 +/- 0.8)d,P < 0.05], duration of postoperative hospital stay [A group (19.9 +/- 7.8)d vs B group (14.5 +/- 3.9)d,P < 0.01] and stoma related complications(A group 29.4% vs B group 4.0%,P < 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay were shorter, and less colostomy related complications were found in group B., Conclusion: Colostomy through extraperitoneal tunnel and the rectus abdominis is a better procedure in LAPR, which can reduce the related complications of colostomy and shorten postoperative hospital stay.

New studys on the sebaceous glands in recent years have facilitated the further understanding and treatment of acne vulgaris. This article summarizes the advancements in the relationship between sebaceous glands and acne, with focus on androgen metabolism in skin, abnormal lipids secretion, and immunology of sebaceous gland cells.

Objective: To determine the effects of Chinese herbal monomers such as baicalin, berberine, and matrine on the androgen receptor (AR) mRNA expression in SZ95 sebocytes in vitro and to explore the possible mechanism of using traditional Chinese medicines to treat acne., Methods: SZ95 sebocytes were cultured and then treated with berberine, baicalin, matrine, and 13-cis-retinoic acid for 24 hours. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect the changes of AR., Result: AR mRNA was downregulated by 13-cis-retinoic acid of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L and 1 x 10(-6) mol/L, and by baicalin of 1 x 10(-4) mol/L (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: 13-cis-retinoic acid and baicalin may exert antiandrogenitic action by inhibiting AR mRNA expression in human sebocytes.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET myocardial perfusion tomographic imaging (MPI) for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD)., Methods: Coronary angiography and (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET myocardial perfusion tomographic imaging were performed in the patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from June to December 2005 with known or suspected diagnosis of CAD. Adenosine was infused intravenously at a rate of 140 microg x kg(-1)min(-1) for 6 minutes. At the third minute of adenosine infusion, 740 MBq (20 mCi) (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET was injected intravenously. MPI was obtained 15 minutes after the (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET infusion. If the result was abnormal, rest myocardial perfusion imaging would be performed 2 hours later. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients within one week after the myocardial perfusion imaging., Results: Myocardial perfusion imaging was performed in 53 cases, 36 males and 17 females, aged 56 +/- 10, who underwent coronary angiography, among which 31 had > or = 50% stenosis of coronary artery and 23 had normal coronary artery. All of the patients with stenosis of coronary artery had positive (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging. Nineteen out of the 29 cases without stenosis of coronary artery had negative adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging were 100% and 73% respectively in the detection of stenosis of coronary arteries. Seven cases got percutaneous coronary intervention and 2 got coronary artery bypass graft. Six of the 9 patients undergoing revascularization had stenosis of stents or grafts, 5 of which had positive myocardial perfusion imaging. 3 cases hadn't restenosis and their results of myocardial perfusion imaging were negative., Conclusion: (99)Tc(m)-N-NOET myocardial perfusion imaging is a useful non-interventional method for detecting coronary artery stenosis.

Objective: To study the diagnosis and treatment of Müllerian duct cysts and their involvement with malignancy., Methods: A 44-year-old male patient with papillary cystadenocarcinoma involving a Müllerian duct cyst was presented. The presentation treatment, and pathological and radiological appearances were retrospectively analysed and discussed with literature review. The main manifestation was intermittent episode of hemospermia accompanying terminal hematuria and infertility for 15 years. Final diagnosis was determined by the findings of transrectal ultrasound scan, CT scan, MRI imaging, cystoscopic examination and biopsy., Results: Exploratory laparotomy was performed through a suprapubic retrovesical approach. The finding that a duct-like wedge of tumor tissue passed through the prostate near cyst neck to the posterior urethra without affecting the adjacent prostatic tissue during tylectomy confirmed that it arises from Müllerian duct system. Pathohistologic examination disclosed a papillary cystadenocarcinoma and it infiltrated the wall of the cyst. Both seminal vesicles and ejaculatory duct had no carcinoma invasion., Conclusion: Müllerian duct cyst involving with malignancy is exceedingly rare, the diagnosis is based on the findings of transrectal ultrasound scan, CT scan, MRI imaging, cystoscopic examination. The final diagnosis depends on the pathohistologic examination. Lumpectomy is effective and have a good outcome.

In this paper, the sol-gel method with Re2O3 (Re=Gd, Eu) as parent compounds was introduced to produce Gd2O3:Eu3+ thin films. From the luminescence intensities of the films doped with different Eu3+ concentration and annealed at different temperatures, it was found that the optimal dopant concentration and annealing procedure was 10% and 800 degrees C for 2 hours, respectively. By comparing the excitation spectra of the Gd2O3:Eu3+ film and powder, the authors found that the film has higher efficiency for energy transfer from host to dopant, which means that the film would be more suitable than the powder as a radio-luminescence material. In addition, it was first discovered that the luminescence of the film nearly disappeared after 2 hours annealing at 1000 degrees C. The phenomenon was explained with the results of SEM and XRD experiments.

Objective: To investigate the expression of protein kinase B (PKB) in human-squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma of lung (ADC) and in benign lung tissues (BD, lung tissues adjacent to cancer or from patients with benign lung diseases), and its association to clinicopathological characteristics., Methods: The PKB expression in 41 specimens from patients with SCC (26 cases) and ADC (15 cases) and in 12 specimens from patients with benign lung diseases (BD) were investigated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis., Results: PKB in benign lung tissues was usually weakly stained and scattered in distribution. It was remarkably increased in lung cancer compared to benign lung tissue. The positive rates of PKB in SCC and ADC were 50% (13/26), 60% (9/15), respectively, and there was no significant difference between them. PKB expression was significantly stronger in lung cancer patients in advanced stages (stage III or IV) or with poor differentiation, than those in early stages (stage I or II) or with moderate or well differentiation. The expression was stronger in patients with local lymph node metastasis than those without (P = 0.0391)., Conclusion: PKB protein is over-expressed in human squamous-cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of lung.

Objective: To analyze the KRT6A gene mutation and mutating patterns in a sporadic Chinese patient with Pachyonychia congenita (PC)-1 so as to provide a basis for gene diagnosis and genetic counseling of this disorder., Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood by standard methods from a female patient with PC-1 and her parents, and from 50 normal, unrelated individuals. Primers for specific amplification of the structural KRT6A gene without co amplification of homologous genes were designed and synthesized. All exons of the gene and their flanking intronic sequences were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to automatic DNA sequencing. The mutation was confirmed by Mbo I restriction digestion of the KRT6A-specific PCR products., Results: Direct sequencing of the PCR products revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation, I462S in the KRT6A gene, which resulted from T to G transversion at nucleotide 1385 (1385T > G) in exon 7 was detected in the patient. This mutation would result in the substitution of Isoleucine by Serine at codon 462 (I462S) located in the end 2B domain of keratin 6A. No such mutation was found in the patient's parents by sequencing of PCR products and this mutation was confirmed in the patient and excluded from both parents and 50 normal, unrelated controls by restriction analysis of PCR fragments using Mbo I enzyme., Conclusions: A de novo missense mutation in the KRT6A gene, I462S, has been found in a sporadic PC-1 patient. The identification of this novel mutation in the KRT6A gene provides further evidence that mutation in the KRT6A gene causes PC-1 phenotype.

The p74 gene of Autographa californica multicasid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) bacmid was knockouted and substituted by the p74 gene of Spodoptera litura multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpltMNPV), using RecA-mediated homologous recombination in the E. coli. No selection marker, which might influence the expression and function of p74 gene, was left in the modified p74 locus. The promoter of AcMNPV p74 gene directly controlled the expression of SpltMNPV p74 gene in the recombinant AcMNPV bacmid-polhSL74. RT-PCR showed that the substituted p74 gene was transcribed. Bioassay showed that the recombinant virus AcMNPV bacmid-polhSL74 could not infect the Argyrogramma agnata larvae per os, and thus showing the p74 gene is species-specific.

Background & Objective: Nonrandom allelic loss at chromosome 3p21.3 is a common and early event in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which implicates the presence of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) that may be involved in the pathogenesis of NPCs. BLU gene, containing a MYND domain and located at 3p21.3, has been considered as a NPC associated candidate tumor suppressor gene (TSG) due to the occurrence of loss of its expression and aberrant promoter hypermethylation in most NPCs. This study was designed to construct expression vectors containing either wild type BLU gene and its mutants and to analyze the effect of BLU gene on proliferation of NPC cells by transfection assays., Methods: The full-length cDNA of BLU gene was amplified by RT-PCR. The expression vectors containing various BLU mutants were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis by overlapping PCR. These mutants include a MYND domain deletion mutant, a Ser402Phe and del405Cys, del406Ser mutant, and a Gly160Arg mutant. The wild type BLU gene and the MYND domain deletion mutant were transfected into NPC cell lines CNE1 and CNE2. The effect on apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay. Cellular proliferation of the stably-transfected cells was examined with cell growth curve and by colony formation assays. Tumorigenicity in nude mice of CNE2 stably-transfected with BLU was investigated., Results: No significant difference in apoptosis index (AI) was observed between cells transfected with wild type or MYND domain deleted BLU gene and cells transfected with plasmid controls. Exogenous expression of wild type BLU gene had no effect on growth rate and colony formation ability of CNE1 and CNE2. BLU gene showed no suppressor ability in CNE2 tumorigenicity., Conclusion: Although BLU gene was frequently altered in NPCs, its suppressor role in NPC cells proliferation was not evident. Thus, the possibility of BLU gene as a TSG involved in NPC development remained to be elucidated by further studies.

Background & Objective: Though the molecular etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) is currently unknown, evidence from both loss of heterozygosity analysis and functional studies suggested that there are NPC-associated tumor suppressor genes(TSGs) residing in chromosome 3p21.3. Recently, two members of semaphorin family, SEMA3B and SEMA3F gene, located at 3p21.3, were characterized as TSGs. Studies showed that SEMA3B and SEMA3F are capable of suppressing the growth of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis. Loss of SEMA3B mRNA expression or aberrant SEMA3F cellular localization were found in lung cancers. In order to investigate the involvement of SEMA3B and SEMA3F in NPC, the authors examined both mutation and expression of these two genes in NPC., Methods: The entire coding regions, the splice donor/acceptor sites, and partial regulatory regions of SEMA3B and SEMA3F gene were screened for mutations by PCR-sequencing in 21 primary NPC tumors and 2 NPC cell lines(CNE2 and SUNE1). The mRNA expression levels were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis., Results: No somatic mutation was found in either SEMA3B or SEMA3F gene. However, two missense polymorphisms including Thr415Ile and lle242Met were found in SEMA3B in NPC. For the Thr415Ile polymorphism, the Ile allele type which leads to SEMA3B function defects was predominant in NPC with the allele frequency of 64% (27/42). SEMA3B mRNA was expressed in all 6 non-neoplastic nasopharyngeal epithelia, but was absent or down-regulated in 76% (16/21) of primary NPC tumors. No significant difference of SEMA3B expression was observed between NPC and noncancerous controls., Conclusion: High frequency of SEMA3B expression alterations suggests that the inactivation of this gene was strongly associated with NPC. SEMA3B may be a tumor suppressor on 3p21.3 involved in NPC.

Using of two-step integrating technology, transducted the H and L chain gene of humanized Fab fragment of anti-HB-sAg antibody into the genome of methylotropic yeast P. pastoris. Constructed a engineering yeast to produce humanized Fab fragment of the anti-HBsAg antibody. The Fab fragment was efficiently secreted into the medium at a concentration of 50-80 mg/L. The Fab fragment was purified from culturing supernatant of the recombinant yeas by affinity chromatography. The ELISA analysis showed the high affinity of the expressed humanized Fab fragment to the HBsAg.

Objective: To subclone a novel gene of Schistosoma japonicum (Sj), adenylate kinase (AK) cDNA, which was identified through expressed sequence tag (EST) strategy and homology search, so as to prepare for further functional study of this gene., Method: The inserted cDNA fragment was sequenced and searched with BLASTn program. Two PCR primers were designed according to the sequence of this Sj AK cDNA and the cloning sites in pET32a (+) plasmid, with the product purified before linkage with pMD 18-T vector. The recombinant T-vector was digested with EcoRI /XhoI to obtain Sj AK cDNA, which was then introduced into the expression plasmid pET32a (+)., Results: The novel gene possessed 86% homology with Sm AK cDNA, and the PCR product is of expected length. Double digestion with EcoR I and Xho I proved that the recombinant T-vector and the expression plasmid had the insert with length identical to that of the target fragment., Conclusion: The novel cDNA codes for adenylate kinase of Schistosoma japonicum, and the recombinant expression plasmid pET32a (+)-Sj AK have been successfully constructed.