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The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect and mechanism of anemoside B4 on renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. A total of 50 rats were randomly divided into the model group(NS) and anemoside B4 low-dose(1.25 mg·kg~(-1)), medium-dose(2.5 mg·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(5 mg·kg~(-1)) groups after the right kidney was removed and the left kidney was ligated to make the ischemia reperfusion model. Another 10 rats were selected as sham operation group only for normal control group(NS, received normal saline). Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure serum blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine(Cre), cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) and urinemicroalbumin(mALB) levels after 5 days of tail vein injection treament. Total urine protein and total urinary albu-min were calculated and kidney samples were collected. Histopathological changes of renal tissues were observed by PAS staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB in renal inflammatory factors related to NLRP3 pathway and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The results showed that the levels of BUN, Cre, urinary total protein and urinary total albumin in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), with severe renal tubule injury was serious, manifested by obvious expansion of renal tubules, more serious tubular proteins, and some tubular epithelial cells were exfoliated. At the same time, the expression of inflammatory factors related to NLRP3 pathway and TLR4/NF-κB pathway increased significantly(P<0.01 or P<0.05). The levels of BUN, Cre were reduced in different doses of anemoside B4(P<0.05). The levels of total urinary protein and total urinary albumin were decreased in the low and high dose groups of anemoside B4.The level of total urinary albumin in the high-dose group of anemoside B4 was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Renal tubular injury was alleviated, tubular epithelial cell exfoliation was reduced, and the expression of related inflammatory factors was reduced in different degrees(P<0.01 or P<0.05). This study showed that anemoside B4 could alleviate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. And its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory factors related to response mediated by NLRP3 pathway and TLR4/NF-κB pathway by anemoside B4.

This paper was aimed to observe the effect of anemoside B4(hereinafter referred to as B4) on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice, and to investigate its possible mechanism in renal protection from inflammation and apoptosis aspects. Mice were divided into normal group, model group, dexamethasone positive group and B4 high, middle and low dose groups(5, 2.5, and 1.25 mg·kg~(-1 )doses). All the other mice groups except normal group were given with tail vein injection of cisplatin(15 mg·kg~(-1)) to induce acute kidney injury models. The drug administration was started on the day of modeling, and lasted for 4 days. After 1 hour of the last injection, orbital blood was collected. After the serum was separated, serum urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine(Cre), total protein(TP), and albumin(ALB) were tested by using an automatic biochemical analyzer; the changes of kidney pathological morphology were observed by PAS staining; the protein expression levels of inflammatory factors including nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor(NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1(caspase-1), interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6) and apoptosis factors including p53, caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax), and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) were analyzed by Western blot. The results showed that B4 significantly reduced the serum BUN and Cre contents, and alleviated pathological changes in renal tissues, such as the shedding and degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, tubulin tubule type. B4 significantly down-regulated the protein expressions of p53, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3 in the kidney and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2/Bax. In model group, however, no significant up-regulation was observed in the protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines(NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6). The results suggested that B4 had a certain protective effect on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, and could activate p53 signaling pathway related apoptotic factors. B4 renal protective effect was mainly related to the regulation of p53 signaling pathway, while NLRP3 inflammasome and related inflammatory factors had no obvious response in this model.

Objective: Tracking the information on 1.69 million fetal cases across Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) so as to study the occurrences of total and major birth defects in order to evaluate the ability on related prevention and control programs in Guangxi. Methods: Using the self-developed "Gui Women's System" to establish a database of 1.69 million fetal cases in Guangxi and to analyze the distribution of time, space and population, as well as the outcomes of pregnancy, using the big data. Results: During the 29 months of observation, the overall live birth rate was 99.25 % , with stillbirth rate during pregnancy as 0.44 % , stillbirth rate during birth as 0.02 % , and the 0-6 days mortality rate as 0.14 % . The total detection rate on birth defects was 197.63/10 000; the incidence rate was 103.04/10 000, the birth rate was 102.55/10 000. The overall discovery rate of major birth defects was 48.33/10 000, with the incidence rate as 783 000, the birth rate as 0.58/10 000. The discovery rates of major birth defects in 14 cities were between 35 and 68/10 000, and the birth rate dropped significantly to less than 1.00 in 10 000. Nationalities showed that the number of pregnant women with birth defects more than 50 000 would include Hui (9.68/10 000), Yao (9.57/10 000), and Jing (9.37/10 000). With the increasing age of gestation, number of birth defects, incidence of major birth defects also increased. Ninety-five percent of the major birth defects were found within <28 weeks and with the top 5 kinds of major birth defects as complicated congenital heart disease (9.11/10 000), alpha thalassemia (8.36/10 000), and 21-trisomy syndrome (7.85/10 000), beta thalassemia (5.32/10 000) and fetal edema syndrome (4.92/10 000). The top 5 major birth defects appeared as complicated congenital heart disease (9.11/10 000), alpha thalassemia (8.36/10 000), and 21-trisomy syndrome (7.85/10 000), beta thalassemia (5.32/10 000) and fetal edema syndrome (4.92/10 000). Conclusion: Programs leading to increase the rate on discovery of major birth defects were fundamental in effectively reducing the major birth defects.

Objective: To analyze the status and related factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with syphilis infection in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Methods: A total of 9378 pregnant women with syphilis infection who were diagnosed by Guangxi medical and health care institutions at all levels and were registered in the national "Management information system for mother-to-child transmission of AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis B" . The delivery date of these pregnant women were from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018, and their demographic characteristics, treatment, non-treponema pallidum titer, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of adverse pregnancy outcome. Results: The age of the pregnant women with syphilitic infection was (30.05±6.07) years old. There were 1 184 cases with an adverse pregnancy outcome. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome was 12.63%, and 83.30% (7 812 cases) of patients received syphilis treatment, of which 50.32% (3 931 cases) were treated with standard treatment. The results of multivariate analysis showed that, the probability of an adverse pregnancy outcome for a 35-year-old was higher than those of the <25 year old [ OR (95 %CI )=1.37(1.13-1.67)]. The possibility of the occurrence of an adverse pregnancy outcome in 1-2 times of delivery was lower than that of 0 times of delivery in the past, with the OR (95 %CI ) value was 0.81 (0.70-0.94). Compared with those who tested for syphilis in the early stages of pregnancy, patients with gestational weeks ≥ 28 weeks of initial examination were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the OR (95 %CI ) value was 1.54 (1.26-1.88). Compared with the first test titer level was <1:8, the probability of an adverse pregnancy outcome was higher in the titer of ≥1:8, with the OR (95 %CI ) value was 1.33 (1.12-1.57). There was a higher probability of an adverse pregnancy outcome in the untreated patients compared to the treatment of the syphilitic, with the OR (95 %CI ) value was 1.41(1.19-1.68). Patients with unregulated treatment were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes than those with standardized treatment, with the OR (95 %CI ) value was 1.27 (1.09-1.47). Conclusion: Gestational weeks of first examination in pregnant women with syphilis infection, the first test titer, and the treatment condition were closely related to the occurrence of the adverse pregnancy outcome. Pregnant women with syphilis infection without treatment and unstandardized treatment were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes than those of treatment and standardized treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution of the mandibular first molar with different thicknesses and heights of the axial wall restored by the endocrown with two marginal designs and thus provide a theoretical basis for selecting clinical preparation through the finite-element method., Methods: Two marginal endocrowns of the mandibular first molar with different axial-wall thicknesses (t=1, 2, 3 mm) and heights (h=2, 3, 4 mm) were established. Group A was the butt-joint design, whereas group B was the shoulder-surrounded design. After applying vertical and oblique loads , the size and distribution of the maximum principal stress and equivalent stress of residual tooth tissue were recorded., Results: The maximum principal stress and equivalent stress distribution of residual tooth tissue were similar among different models. Group A showed a lower maximum principal stress and equivalent stress than group B at the same thickness and height under vertical load. Meanwhile, under oblique load, the maximum principal stress values of groups A and B decreased with increased thickness at constant height. Group A showed lower equivalent stress than group B at the same thickness and height of 2 and 
3 mm. However, when the height was 4 mm, the trend was reversed., Conclusions: In mastication, when bearing the vertical force, the retention of the butt-joint marginal endocrown preferred to the shoulder-surrounded one. Given the higher axial wall of the shoulder-surrounded marginal endocrown, it showed better ability to bear the oblique force than the butt-joint one.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on injury of A549 cells induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)and the influence of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression., Methods: Logarithmic growth phase A549 cells(it originated from alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cell line) were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =10):normoxic control group (N), Dex group (D), hypoxia/reoxygenation group (H), hypoxia/reoxygenation + Dex group(HD). At the beginning of modeling, 1 nmol/L Dex was puted into D and HD groups. N and D groups were cultured in the normoxic incubator for 30 h. H and HD group were incubated in the anoxic cultivation for 6 h, fo llowed by normoxic culture for 24 h. Then A549 cells were observed under the inverted microscope to observe the morphological changes. Cell activity was detected by cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8) and the apoptosis index(AI) was detected by in situ end labeling (TUNEL) method. The expression of CHOP、glucose-regulated protein of molecular weight 78 kDa (Grp78)、cysteinyl aspirate-specificprotease-3 (caspase-3) protein and CHOP、Grp78 mRNA were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR., Results: Compared with N group, the number of adherent cells in H group decreased significantly, and cell morphology changed. The absorbance value in H group decreased obviously ( P <0. 01). The AI value and expression of CHOP, Grp78, caspase-3 proteins and CHOP, Grp78 mRNA were significantly increased ( P <0.01). Compared with H group, the cell damage in HD group was decreased, the absorbance value increased ( P <0.01), the number of apoptosis cells decreased relatively ( P <0.01), the expression of CHOP, caspase-3 protein and CHOP mRNA decreased ( P <0. 01)., Conclusions: Dex has notable effects against H/R injury, which may be related to effective inhibition of apoptosis mediated by the CHOP's signal path.

To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury-induced cell apoptosis and caspase-12 expression, A549 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, DEX group, H/R group and DEX+H/R group. Cells of control and DEX groups were cultured in the normoxic incubator for 30 h. Cells of H/R and DEX+ H/R groups were incubated in the anoxic cultivation for 6 h, followed by normoxic culture for 24 h, and DEX (1 nmol/L) was added into the culture medium in DEX and DEX+H/R groups. Morphological changes were observed under the inverted microscope. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The apoptosis index (AI) of A549 cells was detected by TUNEL method. The activity of caspase-3 enzyme in cells was detected by using caspase-3 kit. The expressions of GRP78, caspase-12 protein and mRNA were determined by Western blot and RT-PCR respectively. Compared with control group, the morphological changes of the cultured cells were observed: some of the cell fusion occurred and the shape of the cells was multilateral; the cell viability was decreased significantly (P < 0.01), the number of apoptotic cells and the AI value, caspase-3 activity, and the expressions of GRP78, caspase-12 protein/mRNA were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in H/R group. While the administration of DEX alleviated the H/R injury-induced cell damage, obviously increased the cell viability (P < 0.01), significantly decreased the increment of apoptotic cells and the AI value induced by H/R injury (P < 0.01), and also dramatically decreased the H/R injury-induced high level of caspase-3 activity (P < 0.01) as well as high expression of caspase-12 protein and mRNA (P < 0.01). Taken together, the results suggest that DEX can effectively protect A549 cells from the H/R injury, which may be mediated by down-regulating the expression of caspase-12 and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related cysteinyl aspirate specific proteinase-12 (Caspase-12) in lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury mice., Methods: Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:sham operation group (sham group),ischemia/reperfusion injury group (I/R group), normal salinecontrol group (NS group), ischemia/reperfusion + dexmedetomidine group (DEX group). Dexmedetomidine was infused intraperitoneally into the mice to stablish situ left pulmonary I/R injury mouse model. In NS group, the isometric dexmedetomidine was replaced by normal saline,other operations were as the same as the DEX group. After reperfusion 3 hours, the lung tissue wet/dry weight (W/D), the total lung water content (TLW) of the left lung tissues were determined. The lung tissue morphology changes were observed by light microscopy and the damage assessment(IQA) was taken. The structure changes and the apoptosis index (AI) of the lung tissues were evaluated by TUNEL method. The protein and mRNA expression of Caspase-12 and grp78 in lung tissues were detected by Western blot and reverse translate-PCR., Results: Compared with the sham group, the W/D, TLW, IQA, AI, lung tissue structure damages, and the expression of Caspase-12 and grp78 protein and mRNA obviously raised both in I/R group and NS group ( P <0.01 or P <0.05). Compared with I/R group, the W/D, TLW, IQA, AI of DEX group were all decreased, the demaged lung tissue morphology changes were significantly reduced, the protein and mRNA expression level of Caspase-12 and grp78 in DEX group were decreased ( P <0.01)., Conclusions: DEX can effectively relieve the lung I/R injuries in mice, which maybe associated with inhibition of pneumocyte apoptosis induced by ERS-related Caspase-12 pathway.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of 3 different restorations on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with minor loss of dental defect in order to direct clinical design., Methods: Seventy-two recently extracted intact and single-rooted human mandibular premolars for orthodontic reason were collected and randomly divided into 3 groups (group A, B, C, n=24). Each group was respectively prepared into 1/3 defect of occlusal surface (group A), 1/2 defect of occlusal surface (group B) and 1/3 defect of proximal-occlusal surface model (group C). Then each group was divided into 3 subgroups with one restored with a light-curing composite resin(group A1, B1, C1), one restored with cast metal full crowns following a light-curing composite resin (group A2, B2, C2), and one restored with fiber posts and resin cores and cast full crowns after teeth preparations (group A3, B3, C3, n=8). Static loading tests were performed on each specimen until cracked.Fracture strength was tested and fracture patterns were examined. The data was analyzed using SPSS17.0 software package., Results: The fracture resistance of subgroup A2 was different when compared with subgroup A1 and subgroup A3. In group B and C, the fracture resistance of teeth in subgroup B2, B3, C2 and C3 were significantly higher than that in subgroup B1 and C1. There was no significant difference in the fracture mode of 3 restorations in group A, B and C., Conclusions: A composite resin combined with cast metal full crowns can be used as the first choice to restore endodontically treated premolars with proximal-occlusal 1/3 defects and occlusal defects that do not surpass 1/2 dimension of occlusion.

Purpose: To provide theoretical reference for maxillary anterior restoration designment in clinics by observing the masticatory stress distribution of the implant-bone interface and the displacement of implant., Methods: This study built simplified 3 dimensional finite models with different angles, which included partial implant (4.3 mm×11.5 mm), abutment and all ceramic crown (Zirconia) and combined with angle of implant A between the long axis of ideal implant and factual implant (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°), as well as angle of abutment B between the long axis of abutment and implant (0°, 5°,10°,15°,20°,25°). A force load of 178 N was applied 2 mm below the incisal edge on the palatal surface of the crown, with an approximately 130° angle to the long axis of the crown. The displacement of implant maximum principal stress value and distribution of the implant-bone interface were determined by using Ansys 13.0 software., Results: Sixteen 3-dimensional models of different implant restoration plan of implant dentures of maxillary incisor were built. When the angle of abutment was increasing with the same labial inclination of implant, the objective functions were enhanced. When the labial inclination of implant was increasing with the same angle of abutment, the objective functions were also improved. With the change of labial inclination of implant and angled abutment, the labial inclination of implant concentrated more than the angle of abutment on the objective functions. When the angle of abutment was between 0 degree and 20 degree, the amplitude of all the objective functions were gentle, while the labial inclination of implant and amplitude of all the objective functions were increased when the angle of abutment increased to 25 degree., Conclusions: A positive correlation is found between the value of stress of the bone around the implant, and the displacement of implant and the labial inclination of the implant and the angle of abutment. It is necessary to decrease the labial inclination of the implant and the angle of abutment, especially strictly control the labial inclination of the implant. Taking the stress and displacement into consideration, both of two angles ranging from 0 degree to 20 degree are the best optimal choice for the anterior implants. When both of two angles increase to much greater than 20 degree, the value of stress increase remarkably, which will decrease the chance of successful implant.

Objective: To explore the complications after radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer according to Clavien-Dindo classification and examine the major risk factors for complications., Methods: From October 2010 to June 2013, a total of 614 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy at Department of Gastric,Duodenal & Pancreatic Surgery at Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital were divided into 2 groups according to the occurrence of complications (n = 76, 12.38%) or not (n = 538, 87.62%). Their clinicopathological data, such as age, gender, co-morbidities, surgical duration, operative blood loss volume and pathological stage were retrospectively analyzed by Logistic regression with a case-control model., Results: Among them, 76 patients developed complications (12.38%). According to Clavien-Dindo classification, 56(9.12%), 14(2.28%), 3(0.49%) and 3(0.49%) patients suffered stage II, III, IV and V complications respectively. Comparing with the control group, the patients had a higher transfusion rate (43.42% (n = 33) vs 24.16% (n = 130), P < 0.01) and a longer postoperative hospital stay in the complication group ((23 ± 18) vs (14 ± 6) days, P < 0.01). There was no difference in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), number of dissected lymph node, levels of hemoglobin and albumin at admission, intraoperative hemorrhage, surgical duration and pathological TNM stage in two groups (all P > 0.05). Univariate analysis revealed that BMI > 25 kg/m(2), co-morbidities, diabetes mellitus, complications due to gastric cancer, hemoglobin <100 g/L, albumin <30 g/L, ascites, total gastrectomy, combined multi-organ resection, surgical duration >240 min and perioperative transfusion were associated with postoperative complications (all P < 0.05).Further multivariate analysis showed that perioperative transfusion (OR = 2.78, 95%CI: 1.42-5.43, P < 0.01) and combined multi-organ resection (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.14-2.58, P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after radical gastrectomy., Conclusions: Classifying the complications after radical gastrectomy according to Clavien-Dindo classification is important for comparisons and quality assessments among different studies. And decreasing perioperative transfusion and avoiding combined multi-organ resection may reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and shorten the length of hospital stay.

Objective: To explore the major risk factors for intra-abdominal infections after radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer., Methods: From October 2010 to January 2013, a total of 479 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy at Department of Gastric, Duodenal & Pancreatic Surgery, Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital were divided into 2 groups according to an onset of postoperative intra-abdominal infections (n = 32, 6.68%) or not (n = 447, 93.32%). Their clinicopathological data, such as age, gender, co-morbidities, surgical duration, operative blood loss and pathological stage were retrospectively analyzed by Logistic regressive analysis with a case-control study model., Results: As compared with the control group, the patients had a greater age ((59 ± 10) vs (53 ± 11) years, P < 0.01), lower lymphocyte count ((1.4 ± 0.7) ×10(9)/L vs (1.7 ± 0.6) ×10(9)/L, P = 0.02), lower hemoglobin level ( (108 ± 28) vs (117 ± 24) g/L, P = 0.04), lower albumin level ((34 ± 6) vs (37 ± 5) g/L, P < 0.01) and longer surgical duration ((244 ± 43) vs (216 ± 45) min, P < 0.01) in the postoperative intra-abdominal infection group. Univariate Logistic regressive analysis found that a history of abdominal surgery, body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m(2), co-morbidities, diabetes mellitus, complications due to gastric cancer, lymphocyte count <1.5×10(9)/L, hemoglobin <100 g/L, albumin <30 g/L, ascites, perioperative transfusion, total mastectomy, combined organ resection and surgical duration >240 min were associated with the occurrence of postoperative intra-abdominal infections (all P < 0.05). Further multivariate analysis identified 4 independent risk factors for intra-abdominal infections after radical gastrectomy, including combined multiorgan resection (OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 1.39-9.55), BMI>25 kg/m(2) (OR = 3.04, 95%CI: 1.17-7.92), diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.41, 95%CI: 1.05-11.09) and perioperative transfusion (OR = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.02-5.13)., Conclusion: A correction of modifiable risk factors may reduce the incidence of intra-abdominal infections after radical gastrectomy, shorten the length of hospital stays and improve outcomes in patients with gastric cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of two kinds of fixed prosthesis on the stress of the mandibular first molar with separation prosthodontic therapy., Methods: A 3-D finite element model of the mandibular first molar was established with single and combined crowns and their supporting tissues by means of cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanning technology and software Mimics, Geomagic, UG of image processing program. Under dispersed vertical load and dispersed oblique load, the stresses of dental tissues and periodontium were obtained and analysed., Results: When dispersed vertical load was applied, the dental and periodontal stress distribution of two models were similar to the normal. The dental stress value and maximum tensile stress of the periodontal membrane increased and changed greatly in the single crown. When dispersed oblique load was applied, the model of combined crown was similar to the normal. The stress concentrated area expanded in the distal root of the single crown model and the buccal bottom half of the periodontium. The dental stress value and maximum tensile stress of the periodontal membrane increased and changed greatly in the single crown., Conclusions: The combined crown is a better choice for restoration of mandibular first molar after separation prosthodontic therapy.

Objective: To investigate the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) captopril on Calpain-mediated cardiomyocytes apoptosis and cardiac function in diabetic rats., Methods: Thirty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10), normal control group (NC group), diabetes mellitus group (DM group)and captopril treated group (Cap group). Streptozocin (STZ) were used to make the model of diabetes mellitus, captopril was administrated by gavage at the dose of 50 mg/kg every day, while in NC group and DM group the same volume of normal saline was administrated. Twelve weeks later, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVDEP), maximal rise rate of left ventricular pressure (+ dp/dtmax) and maximal fall rate of left ventricular pressure (- dp/dtmax) were detected; Western blot was used to detect the expression of Calpain-1 Calpain-2, Bcl-2, Bax and total Caspase3 protein; apoptosis index (AI) were assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)., Results: Compared with NC group, LVDEP was significantly higher; LVSP, + dp/dtmax and - dp/dtmax were significantly decreased (P < 0.05); Bcl-2 protein expression was decreased; the expression of Calpain-1, Calpain-2, Bax and total Caspase3 protein were increased; the value of AI was significantly increased. Compared with DM group, LVDEP was significantly lower; LVSP, + dp/dtmax and - dp/dtmax were significantly increased (P < 0.05); Bcl-2 protein expression was increased, the expression of Calpain-1, Calpain-2, Bax and total Caspase3 protein were decreased; the value of AI was significantly decreased (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Captopril can protect diabetic myocardial structure through inhibiting activation of Calpain-1 and Calpain-2, up-regulating the expression of Bcl-2, down-regulating the expression of Bax to inhibit Caspase3 dependent apoptosis, thereby improving the ventricular function and myocardial structure.

Objective: To study the MRI manifestation of testicular tumor and the value of MRI in the diagnosis of the disease., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 23 cases of pathologically confirmed testicular tumor, and observed the morphological characteristics, signals and surrounding conditions of the tumor using plain and enhanced MRI scanning., Results: Of the 23 cases, seminoma was identified in 7, mixed germinoma in 3, teratoma in 3, endodermal sinus tumor in 2, epidermoid in 1, Leydig cell tumor in 1, leucoma in 1, nonspecific inflammatory mass in 3, and tuberculosis in 2. MRI revealed the precise locations and specific characteristics of, Conclusion: Based on MRI findings and clinical manifestation, most testicular tumors can be diagnosed correctly.

Objective: To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of SP600125-specificity inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)on lung ischemia /reperfusion injury in rats., Methods: The unilateral lung ischemia/reperfusion model was replicated in vivo. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): control group, ischemia/reperfusion group ( I/R group) and ischemia/reperfusion + SP600125 group (SP600125 group). The lung tissues sampled at the end of each experiment were assayed for wet/dry weight ratio (W/D),the injured alveoli rate (IAR), the expression of phosphorylation JNK (p-JNK) and JNK protein were detected by Western blot, the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3 protein were detected by immunocytochemistry techniques, the pneumocyte apoptosis index (AI) was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end abeling(TUNEL), the ultrastructure changes were observed under electron microscope., Results: Compared to I/R group, the expression of p-JNK, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 protein were markedly decreased (all P < 0.01), the expression of Bcl-2 protein and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax were markedly increased in SP600125 group(all P < 0.01). The value of AI, W/D, IAR showed significantly lower than those in I/R group (all P <0.01). Meanwhile, light morphological and ultrastructure injury were found in SP600125 group., Conclusion: SP600125 can suppress JNK signal pathway, up-regulate the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax to inhibit Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis, so that it protects lung tissue from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on pneumocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein, as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, I/R group and PNS group. The unilateral lung I/R model was replicated by obstruction of left lung hilus for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min in vivo. The rats in PNS group were given intraperitoneal injection of PNS at 60 min before ischemia and 10 min before reperfusion. Some lung tissues sampled at the end of the experiment were assayed for wet/dry weight ratio (W/T). The expressions of phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) and JNK protein were detected by Western blot. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein were detected by immunocytochemistry techniques. The pneumocyte apoptotic index (AI) was detected by terminal deoxynuleotidy1 transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The morphological and ultrastructure changes were observed under light microscope and electron microscope, and the injured alveolus rate (IAR) was counted as well. The results showed that compared to control group, I/R group showed increased expressions of p-JNK, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein (all P < 0.01), decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (P < 0.05), and increased values of AI, W/T and IAR (all P < 0.01). Moreover, light microscope and electron microscope showed serious morphological and ultrastructure injury in I/R group. Compared to I/R group, PNS group showed markedly decreased expressions of p-JNK, Bax and Caspase-3 protein (all P < 0.01), increased expression of Bcl-2 protein and ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (both P < 0.01), and lower values of AI, W/T and IAR (all P < 0.01). Meanwhile, light morphological and ultrastructure injury was found to be alleviated in PNS group. These results suggest that PNS can protect lung tissue from I/R injury, and the mechanism may correlate with suppressing JNK signal pathway, up-regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax which results in inhibition of Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis.

Chemical fertilizers are often excessively applied on vegetable fields to pursue higher yields. In some areas, the fertilization rates are several times of those needed by vegetables. Nitrogen and phosphorous are obviously accumulated in the vegetable soils, resulting in the malnutrition, excessive nitrate, and poor quality of vegetables. Furthermore, a series of environmental problems, e.g., deterioration of vegetable soil physical and chemical properties, nitrate pollution of groundwater, and eutrophication of surface water, are produced. This paper reviewed the present status of nitrogen and phosphorous non-point source pollution from vegetable soils (accumulation characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorous and their pollution risks to water environment and vegetables), pollution mechanisms (sources, transformation, and losses of nitrogen and phosphorous), and control techniques (fertilization, chemical addition, nitrogen catch crop cultivation, optimal planting system, spatial matching of source and sink landscapes, and grass buffer strip technology), aimed to supply references for the further study on the nitrogen and phosphorous non-point source pollution from vegetable fields.

A field experiment with Chinese cabbage, water spinach, and three-colored amaranth cropped three times in one year was conducted to study the effects of seven fertilization modes, i.e., none fertilization, basal application of chemical fertilizers, 1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers, basal application of chemical fertilizers and dicyandiamide, 1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers and dicyandiamide, 1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers and organic manure, and basal application of organic manure, on the plant height, yield, nitrogen accumulation, and fertilizer nitrogen utilization of the vegetables, and the loss of NO3- -N and NH4+ -N from vegetable field under natural rainfall condition. The results showed that comparing with none fertilization, the fertilization modes '1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers and organic manure' and 'basal application of chemical fertilizers and dicyandiamide' improved the agronomic properties of test vegetables, increased their yields by 103%-219% and 93%-226%, and nitrogen accumulation by 153% -216% and 231%-320%, respectively, and enhanced fertilizer nitrogen utilization rate. They also decreased the surface runoff loss of NO3- -N and NH4+ -N by 48.1% and 46.5%, respectively, compared with the mode 'basal application of chemical fertilizers', and hence, reduced the risk of agricultural non-point pollution. Therefore, these two fertilization modes could be popularized in vegetable production.

Objective: To explore the effect of Shenmai injection the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in rabbits with reperfusion injury after pulmonary ischemia., Method: Single lung ischemia/reperfusion injury animal model was used in vivo. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10, in each), pulmonary ischemia and reperfusion injury (PIRI) group and I-R + Shenmai injection group. The tissue slides were stained by in situ hybridization (ISH) for HO-1 to detect the expression of HO-1 in lung and to analyze the absorbance. Wet to dry ratio of lung tissue weight (W/D) and the injured alveoli rate (IAR) were measured at 180 minutes after lung reperfusion. Meanwhile the lung tissue slide was prepared for electron microscopic observation at 180 minutes after reperfusion., Result: HO-1 expression was upregulated in two groups in the pulmonary endothelial cells, part of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells, extima of vessels and epithelial cells of airway, the absorbance was 0.148 +/- 0.013, 0.158 +/- 0.012, respectively. The Shenmai injection group showed higher absorbance than those of the IRI group (P < 0.01), lower W/D and IAR values than those of the IRI group (P < 0.01) significantly and lighter abnormal changes of the lung tissue in morphologically than those of the PIRI group., Conclusion: Shenmai injection possesses notable protective effects on PIRI in rabbits by increasing the expression of HO-1 in lung.

Objective: To develop a composite material containing human hair keratin (HHK), collagen sponge (inner layer) and poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) film that allows sustained release of polydatin and test its effect as a biological dressing in promoting burn wound healing in SD rats., Methods: Three HHK materials with fast, moderate, and low degradation rates were mixed at the ratio of 4:3:3 to prepare a reticular structure, which was processed into a composite material with bovine tendon-derived collagen sponge, and further complexed with HEMA film containing PD prepared by polymerization. Degree II burn wound was induced in SD rats by scalding and within postburn day 2-5, the wounds were cleansed and covered with the composite material or with glutaraldehyde-treated porcine skin (positive control). At week 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 following wound dressing, 6 full-thickness skin samples were harvested from the wounds for histological observation and immunohistochemical detection of collagen and elastic fibers, and the wound healing time and healing rate were recorded., Results: The prepared collagen sponge film was transparent and porous (50-300 microm in diameter) and allowed sustained PD release into normal saline within 48 h. Compared with the porcine skin, the composite material reduced exudation and maintained ideal moisture of the wound, and significantly shortened the wound healing time (P=0.000). On day 7, 14, and 21 following dressing, the composite material and porcine skin significantly increased the wound healing rate as compared with the negative control group (P=0.000), and on day 14, the composite achieved significantly greater healing rate than the porcine skin (P<0.05)., Conclusion: HHK-collagen sponge-PHEMA/PD composite as a dressing material promotes burn wound healing in rats by allowing in vivo construction of tissue engineered epidermis. PHEMA is feasible for sustained drug delivery in this composite.

Objective: To observe the unique structural features of chicken calamus keratin (CCK) conduit as a candidate scaffold material for tissue engineering and its in vivo degradation and histocompatibility after its implantation into living tissues., Methods: Chicken calami were taken from healthy chickens and treated through sequential, controllable physical and biochemical procedures for preparation of three types of CCK conduits, namely CCK-I (mildly treated), CCK-II (moderately treated) and CCK-III (intensely treated). Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed for morphological observation. Each of these three types of CCK pieces (experimental group) and the untreated ones (control group) was implanted into the dorsal muscular tissue on both sides of SD rats, respectively. Routine tissue sectioning and HE stain were performed to identify the morphological changes under light microscope. Each of the CCK threads (experimental group) and the untreated chicken calamus threads (control group) was also grafted within the sciatic nerve bundles of SD rats, respectively., Results: The wall of the chicken calamus was composed of 4 compact parts from inside to outside on cross sections, namely the innermost basophilic homogenous coarse line, 3-5 layers of acidophilic corneum, 60-100 layers of circular keratin tracts containing massive pigment granules, and 10-20 outmost layers of keratin tracts with only a few pigment granules. The three-dimensional surface features of chicken calamus identified by SEM, as compared with untreated chicken calamus, was characterized by loose arrangement containing horizontal and vertical keratins with obvious pores of different sizes and depths on its surface. At 8 weeks after implantation into the muscular tissue in experimental groups, the CCK grafts were degraded into thin filaments or/and dispersed pieces and fine granules with the appearance of blood vessels, which facilitated the absorption of the degradation products; at 12 weeks, the grafts were markedly degraded into tiny fragments. In the control group, in contrast, the grafts remains intact throughout the experiment. After implantation of the material into the nerve bundles, similar cell infiltration and tissue responses to the grafts were observed as compared to those occur in intramuscular grafting. The degradation products did not seem to cause nerve tissue degeneration or necrosis., Conclusions: Fresh chicken calamus is a natural tube composed of multi-layered compact keratin tracts with pigment granules and small amount of matrix, and is non-absorbable in vivo, and therefore does not favor the purpose for use directly as a candidate biological scaffold. After proper treatment, the chicken calamus becomes loosely arranged porous material, and can be degraded and absorbed in vivo without resulting in tissue degradation or necrosis, suggesting its potential for applications in tissue engineering.

Background & Objective: The application of intensity- modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) requires a precise delineation of the nodal area and nodal clinical target volume (CTV) on computed tomography (CT) images,and the prerequisite is to find out the rules of CT-based distribution of metastatic lymph nodes of NPC. This study was designed to analyze the rules of CT-based distribution of nodal involvements of NPC according to the guidelines of nodal levels proposed by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)., Methods: From Jul. 2003 to Nov.2003, 259 newly diagnosed NPC patients received radiotherapy at Fudan University Affiliated Cancer Hospital. All patients had transversal contrast enhanced CT scan from base of skull to clavicle before treatment. Diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists together assessed the nodal distribution in each RTOG nodal level. Chi-square test was used to analyze the correlation between T stage and nodal metastasis rate. The neck was further divided into 3 regions by the verge of hyoid bone and the inferior border of cricoid cartilage to assess leap metastasis of nodes., Results: A total of 218 patients (84.2%)had nodal involvement. The distribution was as follow: 0 in level Ia, 6 (2.8%) in level Ib, 115 (52.8%) in level IIa,192 (88.1%) in level IIb, 78 (35.8%) in level III, 20 (9.2%) in level IV, 65 (29.9%) in level V, 0 in level VI,157 (72.0%)in retropharynx, and 2 (0.9%) at preauricular area. Leap metastases were found in only 5 patients (2.3%). No significant correlation was found between T stage and nodal involvement., Conclusion: NPC has a high probability of nodal metastases, nodes in level IIa,IIb, and retropharynx are most likely to be involved. Nodes metastasized mostly from the upper to the lower level, and from the proximal to the distal part, with a very low leap metastasis rate. The relationship between T stage and nodal involvement has no statistical significance.