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Objective: To investigate the expression and physiological significance of the ferroptosis marker 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in myofibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), providing theoretical evidence for its potential role in the diagnosis and treatment of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc)., Methods: Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH3t3) were cultured and divided into two groups after 12 h of starvation: the control group (cultured in 1% serum-containing medium) and the TGF-β1 group (cultured in 10 μg/L TGF-β1 with 1% serum-containing medium). Cell morphology changes in both groups were observed under a microscope. To confirm successful establishment of the SSc cell model, fibrosis markers were analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Next, flow cytometry was employed to assess the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both groups. Finally, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the expression of 4-HNE in the TGF-β1-treated cells., Results: Microscopic observations revealed that TGF-β1 treatment caused the NIH3t3 cells to transition from a typical spindle shape to a flat, polygonal shape with multiple protrusions, indicating fibroblast activation. The RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses showed that the expression of the fibrosis marker Vimentin was significantly upregulated in the TGF-β1 group compared with the control group ( P < 0.01), confirming that TGF-β1 effectively promoted fibrosis-related gene and protein expression. Flow cytometry results indicated that TGF-β1 significantly elevated intracellular ROS levels, suggesting the induction of oxidative stress. Furthermore, both Western blot and immuno-fluorescence staining demonstrated a significant increase in 4-HNE expression in the TGF-β1-treated cells (immunofluorescence intensity P < 0.05)., Conclusion: TGF-β1 promotes fibroblast activation and fibrosis while inducing ROS production, leading to a marked increase in 4-HNE expression. Given the role of 4-HNE as a marker of lipid peroxidation and its elevated levels in the SSc cell model, this study suggests that 4-HNE could serve as a potential biomarker for fibrosis in SSc. The findings highlight the importance of investigating the mechanisms of 4-HNE in fibrosis and suggest that targeting this pathway could offer new therapeutic opportunities for treating SSc.

As a potential vectored vaccine, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been subject to various studies for vaccine development, while relatively little research has outlined the immunomodulatory effect of the virus in antigen presentation. To elucidate the key inhibitory factor in regulating the interaction of infected dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, DCs were pretreated with the NDV vaccine strain LaSota as an inhibitor and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for further detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results revealed that NDV infection resulted in the inhibition of interleukin (IL)-12p40 in DCs through a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)‍-dependent manner, thus inhibiting the synthesis of IL-12p70, leading to the reduction in T cell proliferation and the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 induced by DCs. Consequently, downregulated cytokines accelerated the infection and viral transmission from DCs to T cells. Furthermore, several other strains of NDV also exhibited inhibitory activity. The current study reveals that NDV can modulate the intensity of the innate‍‒‍adaptive immune cell crosstalk critically toward viral invasion improvement, highlighting a novel mechanism of virus-induced immunosuppression and providing new perspectives on the improvement of NDV-vectored vaccine.

Objective: To understand the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis and related factors among cross-border couples in Mangshi county, Dehong autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. Methods: From May, 2017 to April, 2019, 2 500 couples with 5 000 cross-border marriages were selected by using cluster sampling method. The demographic characteristics, AIDS-related health services, HIV, HCV, syphilis infection and other information were collected through questionnaires and laboratory tests. The influencing factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 2 500 couples with cross-border marriage were investigated, among which 2 438 (97.5%) couples were Chinese men with Myanmar women. The average age of 5 000 participants was (34.16±9.00) years. Most of them were minority groups (59.9%), farmers (98.5%), education years ≤6 years (81.4%), marriage years>3 years (80.0%), and from mountainous areas (61.7%). The HIV prevalence of Chinese and Myanmar populations was 1.7% (43/2 500) and 2.0% (49/2 500), respectively. The HCV infection rates were 2.0% (49/2 500) and 1.3% (32/2 500), respectively and the infection rates of syphilis were 0.4% (10/2 500) and 0.2% (4/2 500), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of three diseases among Chinese and Myanmar populations ( P >0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that compared with those aged ≤ 30 years, having lower AIDS awareness, never receiving HIV testing, without HCV and syphilis infection, HIV prevalence was higher among those aged>30 years ( OR =3.21, 95% CI : 1.80-5.73), having higher AIDS awareness ( OR =17.41, 95% CI : 4.27-70.91), receiving HIV testing ( OR =4.93, 95% CI : 2.72-8.92), with HCV infection ( OR =5.64, 95% CI : 2.72-11.70) and syphilis infection ( OR =8.37, 95% CI : 1.63-43.08). Compared with those aged ≤ 30 years, having marriage years ≤ 3 years, and with HIV negatives, HCV infection rate was higher among those age>30 years ( OR =3.02, 95% CI : 1.69-5.38), having marriage years>3 years ( OR =2.24, 95% CI : 1.34-3.74), and with HIV positives ( OR =6.69, 95% CI : 3.29-13.59). Compared with those having HIV negatives, the syphilis infection rate was relatively higher among participants with HIV positives ( OR =9.07, 95% CI : 2.00-41.10). Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV, HCV, and syphilis among cross-border couples in Mangshi county, Dehong autonomous prefecture of Yunnan province is relatively high. Age, AIDS awareness, HIV testing history, and the length of marriage are associated with the HIV, HCV, and syphilis infection.

Objective: To evaluate residents in North China cognition level of iodine nutrition and their intention to evaluate individual iodine status., Methods: From February 2019 to June 2020, randomly selected six provinces and cities in north China and more than three cities or areas, then randomly selected local investigators and distributed questionnaires to urban and rural residents. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: basic information, iodine nutrition knowledge, iodine status evaluation demand and approaches., Results: Finally, there are 740 questionnaires were included. The scores of iodine knowledge of the subjects were generally low, about 71.22% of the subjects with less than 6 points(full score of 12 points). Residents who did not know how to choose the type of salt accounted for 25.14%. Provinces and cities with low utilization rate of iodized salt(Tianjin, Shandong) had higher requirements for salt use guidance and iodine status evaluation. The awareness rate of the subjects to the harm of iodine deficiency was low(34.46%), especially the hazard to pregnant women and infants(7.57%, 4.59%). Subjects had a high demand for using wechat mini-program or kit to evaluate individual iodine nutrition(87.45%, 89.39%)., Conclusion: At present, residents in North China have a low cognitive level of iodine nutrition, which lead to them the doubts when choosing salt types. The selection of iodized salt can be effectively guided by propagating iodine nutrition knowledge and promoting accurate iodine nutrition evaluation.

Objective: To collate and analyze the screening results of high-risk lung cancer populations in communities in Nanchang from 2018 to 2019, and to explore the lung-positive nodules and risk factors for lung cancer. Methods: Data of the screening subjects in 8 administrative districts and 15 street health service centers in Nanchang city, Jiangxi province from November 2018 to October 2019 were collected, people at high risk of lung cancer was assessed, clinical screening of high-risk groups of lung cancer was conducted by low-dose helical computed tomography (LDCT), and risk factors for suspected lung cancer and lung-positive nodules were analyzed. Results: Of the 25 871 people participated in screening, 5 220 were at high risk for lung cancer and 15 374 without other malignant tumors were at high risk. There were 2 417 cases participated in clinical LDCT screening, including 193 cases of lung-positive nodules, 67 cases of suspected lung cancer, 912 cases of other lung diseases, the positive rate of lung cancer or lung-positive nodules was 10.76% (260/2 417). Univariate analysis showed that age, coarse grain intake, oil intake, housing heating, passive smoking, alcohol consumption and mental trauma were associated with positive pulmonary nodules or lung cancer (all P <0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, housing heating, smoking and drinking were related to the occurrence of lung nodules or lung cancer (all P <0.05). Conclusions: Men are more likely to develop lung cancer or lung-positive nodules than women. The age is an independent risk factor for lung-positive nodules or lung cancer. In a certain range, age will increase the incidence of lung cancer, housing heating may be the protective factor for lung cancer, while smoking and drinking are risk factors.

This study aimed at understanding the differences in traits of functional twigs and leaves of a typical alpine shrub species, Rhododendron przewalskii , at Kaka Mountain in the headwater region of Minjiang River. Leaf and twig traits were compared for shrubs at different growth stages (flower bud stage and flowering stage) and altitude (3600 m and 3800 m). The effects of spatial heterogeneity on their correlations and trade-offs were evaluated at leaf and twig levels, respectively. Our results showed that twig length was significantly longer at low altitude than high altitude for the shubs at the same growth stage. The number and mass of flowers at flowering stage were significantly higher at high altitude than those at low altitude. At the same altitude, twig mass, number of leaves, total leaf mass, total leaf area and total petiole mass were all significantly greater at the flower bud stage than those at the flowering stage, while the individual leaf mass and individual petiole mass at flower bud stage were significantly smaller than those at flowering stage. Compared with the flower bud stage, the proportion of leaf mass decreased by 13% at the flowering stage, while biomass proportion of twig significantly increased. At the flower bud stage, twig mass had a higher contribution to total twig mass. In contrast, the contribution of total leaf mass to total twig mass was higher at flowering stage. More biomass of leaf was allocated to individual leaf mass at flower bud stage. More biomass of leaf was allocated to individual petiole mass and individual leaf mass at flowering stage at low altitude and high altitude, respectively. At low altitude, allometric growth patterns presented between twig mass and total leaf area, total leaf mass. Similarly, individual petiole mass and individual leaf area had allometric growth. Our results indicated that the functional traits of twigs and leaves varied across both altitude and plant growth stage.

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on bone mineral density (BMD) and expression of calcium transport-related receptors in ovariectomized rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of osteoporosis., Methods: Thirty-two three-month female SD rats were randomly divided into control, sham operation, model and EA groups ( n =8 in each group). The ovariectomy model was established by resection of bilateral ovaries. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Guanyuan"(CV4)+"Sanyinjiao"(SP6) or "Shenshu"(BL23)+"Housanli"(ST36) alternatively for 20 min, once daily (except the weekends) for 12 weeks. BMD of the tibia and femur were detected by using a bone densitometer. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanillic receptor 5 (TRPV5), transient receptor potential vanillic receptor 6 (TRPV6), sodium calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), membrane calcium adenosine triphosphate hydrolase (PMCA1b), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin and claudin in intestinal mucosa were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively., Results: Following modeling, BMD of both tibia and femur, and expression levels of TRPV5, PMCA1b, ZO-1, occludin and claudin mRNAs were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the control and sham operation groups ( P <0.05, P <0.01)，while the mRNAs levels of TRPV6 and NCX1 in the model group were increased ( P <0.01). After the treatment, BMD of both tibia and femur, and expression levels of TRPV5, PMCA1b, ZO-1 and occludin mRNAs were significantly increased( P <0.01， P <0.05)，and TRPV6 and NCX1 were significantly decreased( P <0.01， P <0.05) in the EA group than those in the model group. Compared with the control and sham operation groups, protein expression levels of TRPV5, PMCA1b, ZO-1, occludin and claudin in the model group were significantly decreased ( P <0.05), while the protein levels of TRPV6 and NCX1 in the model group were increased ( P <0.05). After EA intervention, modeling-induced decrease of TRPV5, PMCA1b, ZO-1, occludin and claudin protein levels and increase of TRPV6 and NCX1 protein levels were all completely reversed in the EA group relevant to the model group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: EA intervention can improve bone mineral density and up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of TRPV5, PMCA1b, ZO-1 and occludin, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of osteoporosis.

The Laennec capsule of liver was first discovered and reported by French doctor Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec in 1802.However, it has not received enough attention for more than 200 years since then. In recent years, with the rapid development of liver surgery represented by laparoscopic technology, and the deepening of the theory of precise liver surgery, the fine anatomical structure of liver Laennec capsule has returned to the vision of liver surgeons.Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of Laennec capsule in liver histology, covering the whole liver surface, and lining the surface of liver parenchyma around the Glisson pedicle and the main hepatic vein along the inflow and outflow channels of the liver. Based on the Laennec capsule approach, it is expected to unify the current approach of Glisson pedicle and the approach of hepatic vein, and provide a new theoretical basis for the liver surgery, and guide us in the standardization of liver surgeries.

Objective: To investigate the roles of change in sodium pump activity and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the isolated rat hearts., Methods: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups ( n =10 each):normal control group (NC), I/R group (I/R), ouabain-I/R group (OUA-I/R), anti-digoxin antiserum-I/R group (Anti-Dig-I/R), PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor)-ouabain-I/R group (PP2-OUA-I/R),U73122 (PLC inhibitor)-ouabain-I/R group (PP2-OUA-I/R). The isolated rat hearts were perfused on the Langendorff apparatus. Except for NC group, all the hearts were subjected to 30 min global ischemia and followed by 120 min reperfusion. The cardiac function indexes were recorded at the same time. The coronary effluent was collected for estimating the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). The activity of Na + -K + -ATPase and intracellular calcium concentration in myocardial tissue were measured. Apoptosis was evaluated by Flow cytometric analysis. The expressions of sodium pump α1 subunit, glucose regulated protein(GRP78),C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and Bcl-2/Bax were determined by Western blot., Results: Pretreatment with ouabain significantly reduced the recovery of cardiac function, increased the levels of CK, LDH and intracellular calcium concentration, decreased the activity of Na + -K + -ATPase. In addition, ouabain markedly increased the myocardial apoptosis index, down-regulated the expressions of sodium pump α1 subunit and Bcl-2, up-regulated the expressions of GRP78,CHOP and Bax; while these changes were significantly improved in the Anti-Dig-I/R group compared with those in the I/R group; PP2 or U73122 partially blocked the effects of ouabain on myocardial I/R injury. Compared with the OUA-IR group, the recovery of cardiac function, the activity of Na + -K + -ATPase and the expressions of sodium pump α 1 subunit and Bcl-2 were significant higher, meanwhile the leakage of CK and LDH, intracellular calcium concentration, myocardial apoptosis index and the expressions of GRP78 and Bax were significantly lower in PP2-OUA-I/R and U73122-OUA-I/R group., Conclusions: Changes in sodium pump function and endoplasmic reticulum stress all participate in the process of I/R injury. Current findings further suggest that sodium pump mediates ERS by activating signals of Src and PLC pathway, which may be one of the mechanisms of apoptosis induced by I/R injury.

Objective: To prepare felodipine/copovidone solid dispersions, which were made based on different preparation technologies. Insoluble felodipine was selected as the model drug in this research. This drug belonged to Biopharmaceutics Classification System II (BCSII) with insoluble property and good permeability across intestinal mucosa simultaneously. A comparative study was carried out for further investigating their corresponding pharmaceutical properties., Methods: Felodipine/copovidone solid dispersions were achieved by four methods including spray-drying method, microwave-induced fusion quench cooling method, freeze-drying method and co-precipitation method. These solid dispersions were produced based on corresponding processes that corresponded to these methods. Internal properties of co-povidone solid dispersions were analyzed by various approaches including scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The improvement on insoluble properties of felodipine by solid dispersions produced by different technologies was characterized by dissolution experiments based on dissolution instrument. Crystallization inhibition effect of polymers against drugs was studied by supersaturated experiments through determining the concentration value at different time points., Results: The internal drug was dispersed in amorphous form in solid dispersions produced by spray-drying, microwave method, microwave/quench-cooling method and co-precipitation method. Freeze-drying method resulted in a form of crystal in felodipine/copovidone solid dispersions. Compared with other technologies, microwave-induced quench cooling method could significantly improve the dissolution of insoluble drug felodipine (P<0.05). The dissolution concentration reached approximately 4.65 mg/L at 60 min time point. Copovidone could inhibit or retard the crystallization of felodipine in a supersaturated state. In the solution pre-dissolved with maximum copoyidone polymer, the minimum crystallization rate of supersaturated felodipine was observed at 240 min time point. The value of crystallization rate was 0.19 mg/(L×min)., Conclusion: The study is helpful to understand and clarify the internal properties of solid dispersions obtained by different technologies. The research also provides beneficial consultation for the choice of technology in practical production of drug-polymer solid dispersions.

Clothianidin was selected as a model compound for kinetics and mechanistic investigation of the photocatalytic degradation of nicotine insecticides. We assessed the feasibility of the degradation process, and systematically explored the effects of catalyst amount, reaction temperature, substrate concentration, initial solution pH value, and the presence of inorganic anions and cations on the reaction. The results revealed a Langmuir-Hinshelwood interaction of pseudo-first-order kinetics, showing a rate constant of 0.0506 min -1 . The photocatalytic degradation rate was the highest when the amount of catalyst (TiO 2 ) was 3 g·L -1 . It was observed that an increase of reaction temperature or lowering of substrate concentration was beneficial to clothianidin degradation. Additionally, the initial pH value of the solution had an obvious effect on the degradation process. Strong acid and alkali were not conducive and the degradation rate constant was the largest at pH=5. Furthermore, most of the inorganic anions and cations significantly hindered the degradation of clothianidin. Finally, the degradation intermediates were identified by GC/MS, and the reaction pathways at the initial stage of the photocatalytic process were proposed:hydroxylation of parent compound, cleavage of N-N bond in the nitroguanidine group, and cleavage of the C-N bond connected to the nitroguanidine and thiazole rings.

The characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and brominated disinfection by-products ( Br-DBPs ) during a seawater desalination ultrafiltration (UF) combined reverse osmosis (RO) process were studied. The seawater contained high level of bromide ion (45.6-50.9 mg x L(-1)) and aromatic compounds with specific ultraviolet absorbance ( SUVA) of 3.6-6.0 L x (mg x m)(-1). The tryptophan-like aromatic protein, fulvic acid-like and soluble microbial by-product-like were the main fluorescent DOM in the seawater. After pre-chlorination of the seawater, the concentrations of DBPs was significantly increased in the influent of UF, which was dominantly the Br-DBPs. Bromoform (CHBr3) accounted for 70.48% - 91.50% of total trihalomethanes (THMs), dibromoacetic acid (Br2CHCO2H) occupied 81.14% - 100% of total haloacetic acids (HAAs) and dibromoacetonitrile (C2HBr2N) occupied 83.77% - 87.45% of total haloacetonitriles ( HANs). The removal efficiency of THMs, HAAs and HANs by the UF membrane was 36.63% - 40.39%, 73.83% - 95.38% and 100%, respectively. The RO membrane could completely remove the HAAs, while a little of the THMs was penetrated. The antiestrogenic activity in the seawater was 0.35 - 0.44 mg x L(-1), which was increased 32% - 69% after the pre-chlorination. The DBPs and other bio-toxic organics which formed during the UF-RO process were finally concentrated in the UF concentrate and RO concentrate.

Objective: To study the toxicity of methomyl to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in different regions., Methods: The optimal temperature and time for measurement of AChE activity were determined in vitro. The dose- and time-response relationships of methomyl with AChE activity in human erythrocyte membrane, rat erythrocyte membrane, cortical synapses, cerebellar synapses, hippocampal synapses, and striatal synapses were evaluated. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and bimolecular rate constant (K) of methomyl for AChE activity in different regions were calculated, and the type of inhibition of AChE activity by methomyl was determined., Results: AChE achieved the maximum activity at 370 °C, and the optimal time to determine initial reaction velocity was 0-17 min. There were dose- and time-response relationships between methomyl and AChE activity in the erythrocyte membrane and various brain areas. The IC50 value of methomyl for AChE activity in human erythrocyte membrane was higher than that in rat erythrocyte membrane, while the Ki value of methomyl for AChE activity in rat erythrocyte membrane was higher than that in human erythrocyte membrane. Among synapses in various brain areas, the striatum had the highest IC50 value, followed by the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus, while the cerebral cortex had the highest Ki value, followed by the hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum. Lineweaver-Burk diagram demonstrated that with increasing concentration of methomyl, the maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) of AChE decreased, and the Michaelis constant (Km) remained the same., Conclusion: Methomyl is a reversible non-competitive inhibitor of AChE. AChE of rat erythrocyte membrane is more sensitive to methomyl than that of human erythrocyte membrane; the cerebral cortical synapses have the most sensitive AChE to methomyl among synapses in various brain areas.

Objective: To isolate Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) strains from stray cats and explore their prevalence in Xuzhou City., Methods: The sera of 41 stray cats were collected to detect the antibodies of T. gondii by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) kit. The tissues including the heart, brain and tongue from these cats were digested by acid pepsin solution and inoculated to Kunming mice. These suspicious isolates were subsequently identified by a specific PCR method., Results: A total of 11 strains were isolated from 41 stray cats, which were confirmed by the PCR results. Moreover, 17 cats (41.5%) were found to be positive with the antibodies of T. gondii., Conclusion: A high prevalence of T. gondii infection was found in Xuzhou City, which indicates that the stray cats infected with T. gondii would be an important infection source that may infect humans and other animals in this area.

Objective: To analyze the results of the first-stage toxicological evaluation of 1 502 pesticide samples., Methods: The classification of the 1 502 pesticide samples was analyzed, and the experimental results of the samples in different years were compared., Results: Most of the 1 502 pesticide samples were insecticides, accounting for 52.5% of all, followed by bactericides and herbicides. In the 5 years, the proportion of biogenic insecticides showed a significant rising trend (χ² = 11.426, P < 0.05). The proportion of single pesticides was 65.8%; mixed pesticides accounted for 32.7%; original pesticides accounted for only 1.5%. From 2008 to 2012, most pesticides had low toxicity, regardless of the exposure route (via the mouth, skin, or respiratory tract). Acute oral and dermal toxicity tests showed that pesticides with moderate toxicity declined year by year (oral exposure χ² = 18.036, P < 0.01; dermal exposure χ² = 40.482, P < 0.01). There was a small proportion of pesticides with high toxicity. We did not detect any pesticide with extreme toxicity. Acute skin irritation and eye irritation test showed an upward trend in proportion of non-irritating pesticides (χ² = 77.110, P < 0.01; χ² = 12.693, P < 0.05), while the proportion of medium-irritation pesticides decreased significantly (χ² = 18.941, P < 0.01; χ² = 13.129, P < 0.05). Sensitization test showed that all samples were weak sensitizers., Conclusion: The major type of investigated pesticides was insecticide. Most samples were single pesticides, and there was a certain proportion of mixed pesticides. Novel pesticides such as bio-pesticides are the development tendency. The tested pesticides were mainly low-toxicity pesticides, with a certain proportion of medium- and high-toxicity pesticides. Personal protection should be strengthened during production and use of pesticides.

Objective: To examine the automatic processing of facial expression and explore the pathogenesis in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients., Methods: Fifteen GAD patients and 15 gender-, age- and education-matched healthy volunteers were recruited from First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University. The expression-related mismatch negativity (MMN) was recorded to explore the automatic processing mechanism into emotional faces with task-irrelevant emotional faces as effective media., Results: The MMNs elicited by emotional faces were significantly lower in GAD participants than those in healthy participants [MMN1:case group (-0.30 ± 0.09) µV, control group (-0.68 ± 0.13) µV, P = 0.0003; MMN2: case group (-0.22 ± 0.13) µV, control group (-0.72 ± 0.13) µV, P = 0.011] (Ps < 0.05) analyzing. For the effect of expression, it was found that the MMNs elicited by negative expression were lower in GAD participants than those in healthy participants mainly in right hemisphere while positive expression mainly in left hemisphere [MMN1:case group (-0.45 ± 0.15) µV, control group (-0.99 ± 0.15) µV, P = 0.017; MMN2:case group (0.23 ± 0.22) µV, control group (-1.23 ± 0.22) µV, P = 0.003; (MMN1:case group (-0.12 ± 0.14) µV, control group (-0.65 ± 0.14) µV, P = 0.015; MMN2:case group (0.14 ± 0.18) µV, control group (-0.42 ± 0.18) µV, P = 0.039]., Conclusion: There is an impairment of automatic processing of emotional faces.

Objective: To investigate the cytotoxicity of bromoxynil on SH-SY5Y cells and its effect on the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and I kappa B alpha (IκBα) in SH-SY5Y cells., Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to bromoxynil (10, 50, or 100 µmol/L) for 24 and 48 h, and other SH-SY5Y cells, which were used as a control, were exposed only to dimethyl sulfoxide. After 24 and 48 h of exposure, the morphological changes of these cells were observed under an inverted microscope, and the cytotoxicity of bromoxynil was measured by MTT assay. The cellular proliferation was examined by cell counting after 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure. After 24 h of exposure, the expression of NF-κB was evaluated by Western blot and immunocytochemistry, and the expression of IκBα was evaluated by Western blot., Results: The cellular proliferation inhibition rates (CPIRs) of 50 and 100 µmol/L groups were significantly higher than that of the control group after 24 and 48 h of exposure (P < 0.05); the CPIR was significantly higher after 48 h than after 24 h in the two groups (P < 0.05). The growth curve revealed that these groups began to show differences in cell count at the 24th of exposure and that the differences were even more marked as the exposure went on (F = 17.15, P < 0.05). The control group had a significantly increased cell count at the 48th, 72nd, and 96th h of exposure (P < 0.05); the 10 and 50 µmol/L groups had a significantly increased cell count at the 72nd and 96th h of exposure (P < 0.05); the 100 µmol/L group showed no significant change in cell count during 96h of exposure. The 50 and 100 µmol/L groups hada significantly longer cell doubling time than the control group (P < 0.05). The immunocytochemistry showed that as the dose of bromoxynil increased, the brownish yellow particles in the cytoplasm and nuclei became darker, the expression of NF-κB was upregulated, and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB was increased. The Western blot showed that the 100 µmol/L group had significantly higher expression of NF-κB in the nuclei than the control group (P < 0.05) and that the 50 and 100 µmol/L groups had significantly lower expression of IκBα in total proteins than the control group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Bromoxynil can inhibit the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells under this experimental condition, which may be related to activation of NF-κB.

Objective: To investigate the effects of trimethyltin chloride (TMT) on proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative damage, and NF-κB expression in PC12 cells in vitro., Methods: PC12 cells were treated with 0, 0.3125, 0.6250, 1.2500, 2.5000, 5.0000, 10.0000, and 20.0000 µmol/L TMT for 24 and 48 h, and MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability. PC12 cells were treated with 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT for 12 and 24 h, and flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptotic rates of cells. PC12 cells were treated with 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT for 6 h, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. PC12 cells were treated with 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT for 12 h, and Western blot was used to measure NF-κB levels., Results: Compared with solvent controls, the PC12 cells treated with 2.5000, 5.0000, 10.0000, and 20.0000 µmol/L TMT for 24 h showed significantly decreased cell viability (P < 0.05); the PC12 cells treated with 1.2500, 2.5000, 5.0000, 10.0000, and 20.0000 µmol/L TMT for 48 h showed significantly decreased cell viability (P < 0.05). The PC12 cells treated with 1.2500, 2.5000, 5.0000, and 10.0000 µmol/L TMT for 12 h had apoptotic rates of 15.30% ± 0.75%, 18.90% ± 0.61%, 22.00% ± 0.60%, and 36.50% ± 0.66%, respectively, and the PC12 cells treated with 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT for 24 h had apoptotic rates of 28.6% ± 0.40%, 43.54% ± 2.00%, 65.73% ± 0.71%, and 74.67% ± 0.40%, respectively, all significantly higher than those of the control group (12 h: 12.80% ± 1.00%, 24h: 16.83% ± 0.25%) (P < 0.05). The ROS fluorescence intensities of the PC12 cells treated with 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT were 1.42, 1.71, 1.78, and 1.89 times that of the control group (P < 0.05); the PC12 cells treated with 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT had GSH levels of 0.17 ± 0.0, 0.20 ± 0.04, and 0.07 ± 0.03 µmol/µg protein, significantly lower than that of the control group (0.30 ± 0.01 µmol/L protein) (P < 0.05). The PC12 cells treated with 2.50, 5.00, and 10.00 µmol/L TMT had significantly higher expression of NF-κB p65 than the control group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Under our laboratory conditions, TMT can significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in PC12 cells, which may be related to oxidative stress and NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of proteasome β5 subunit in human atherosclerotic plaque., Methods: The specimens of carotid endarterectomy were collected from 16 carotid stenosis patients. For the case group, they were divided into 2 groups: plaque (group A) and areas adjacent to plaque (group B). And carotid endarterium was obtained from 6 patients undergoing aortic replacement surgery. Relatively normal arterial intima (subclavian artery & innominate artery) was selected as the control group (group C). Content of proteasome β5 subunit was evaluated by hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot., Results: (1) In patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia and probable smoking, proteasome β5 subunit was enhanced in all groups; (2) Proteasome β5 subunit was demonstrated in both cytoplasm and nucleus of vascular smooth muscle cells, but mainly confined to cytoplasm; (3)The positive expression rate of β5 was 9/16 in group A, 11/16 in group B and 6/6 in group C. There was significant divergence in the expression of β5 in different sample sub-groups: group A (atherosclerotic plaque) < group B (areas adjacent to plaque) < group C (control group)., Conclusion: The expression of β5 decrease markedly in human atherosclerotic plaques.

Objective: To study the clinical effects of Shen-nourishing and menstruation-regulating method (SNMRM) combined with Triptorelin Acetate Injection (TAI) on patients with luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS)., Methods: Sixty-two LUFS patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group. TAI was given to patients in the control group while SNMRM + TAI was given to those in the treatment group. The ovulation rate and the pregnancy rate were observed in the two groups., Results: The ovulation rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group, but without significant difference (85.53% versus 79.07%, P > 0.05). The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (56.25% vs 30.00%, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Treatment of LUFS by SNMRM + TAI could improve the ovulation rate and the pregnancy rate, indicating that LUFS patients' ovary functions could be improved by using different menstruation regulating methods during different follicular development phases.

This paper presents the traditional methods of GD depth analysis method and also its limitations, and the earlier studies of real-time depth measurement technology. A new method of real-time depth determination by laser technology for GD-OES depth analysis is proposed. The real-time depth measurement system is composed of laser displacement sensor and new designed Grimm-type GD source based on laser measurement method, and the system design and technical principles are described in detail. Sputtering depth measurement signal and element spectrum signal can be synchronously collected by this system. The displacement phenomenon of glow discharge source during real-time sputtering depth measurement process is analyzed. The real-time sputtering depth measurement curve of zinc alloy standard sample was tested by two laser displacement sensors measurement system. The actual value of sputtering depth was obtained by adding the depth measurement curve of sputtering surface and the reference plane curve, and the actual depth result is in line with Dektak8-type surface profilometer.

Blakeslea trispora CarRA has both lycopene cyclase and phytoene synthase activity. In order to analyze the double functional activity of CarRA proteins and to detect the active sites of lycopene cyclase, we constructed two detection systems in Escherichia coli by color complementary. Through PCR-driven overlap extension we got carRA gene cDNA, then constructed prokaryotes expression vector pET28a-carRA. pET28a-carRA with plasmid pAC-LYC carrying crtl/crtB/crtE gene clusters were co-transformed to BL21(DE3) to validate lycopene cyclase activity. We constructed the plasmid pAC-LYC delta (crtB) carrying crtl/crtE gene clusters, then co-transtormed them with pET28a-carRA to BL21(DE3) to validate phytoene synthase activity. Based on color complementary, and HPLC analysis of metabolites, we confirmed that the CarRA protein activity detection system was reliable. Our study provides a screening model for specific mutation of lycopene cyclase without affecting phytoene synthase activity.

The crater depth value of sample surface during sputtering is important analysis information for the depth profile analysis of glow discharge spectrometry. Real-time sputtered depth measurement with Laser triangulation measurement method for glow discharge compositional analysis, effectively solves the issues of incorrect depth value calculation and complicated procedures in traditional depth analysis method. This paper presents a new Grimm-type glow discharge source for real-time sputtering depth measurement by laser displacement sensor. This GD source also ensures fine sputtering effects and ideal resolution for multi-layer structure and interface. Optical fiber is used to transmit glow spectrum signal from GD-source to multi-channel photoelectric detection system. The design for the first time accomplishes the real-time signal collection and time-based synchronization analysis for both spectrum signal and sputtering depth signal. The real-time sputtering depth measurement curve of standard samples is obtained. The design and operating principle of this new-type GD-source is described in detail. Under the sputtering conditions of 30 mA, 900 V and 20 minutes, the sputtering rates of iron-based and copper-based sample sputtered by this GD source with good depth resolution are about 10 and 55 nm x s(-1). Surface topography picture of sputtering crater and microphotograph of metal samples are provided in the paper. Low-alloy steel standard sample is tested with this new GD source, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of C, Cu, Al, Ni, Mo, Mn and V elements are less than 1.7%, while for Cr and Si elements RSDs are less than 2.6%. The result data of the testing is provided in this paper.

There are three important parameters in the DC glow discharge process, the discharge current, discharge voltage and argon pressure in discharge source. These parameters influence each other during glow discharge process. This paper presents an automatic control system for DC glow discharge plasma source. This system collects and controls discharge voltage automatically by adjusting discharge source pressure while the discharge current is constant in the glow discharge process. The design concept, circuit principle and control program of this automatic control system are described. The accuracy is improved by this automatic control system with the method of reducing the complex operations and manual control errors. This system enhances the control accuracy of glow discharge voltage, and reduces the time to reach discharge voltage stability. The glow discharge voltage stability test results with automatic control system are provided as well, the accuracy with automatic control system is better than 1% FS which is improved from 4% FS by manual control. Time to reach discharge voltage stability has been shortened to within 30 s by automatic control from more than 90 s by manual control. Standard samples like middle-low alloy steel and tin bronze have been tested by this automatic control system. The concentration analysis precision has been significantly improved. The RSDs of all the test result are better than 3.5%. In middle-low alloy steel standard sample, the RSD range of concentration test result of Ti, Co and Mn elements is reduced from 3.0%-4.3% by manual control to 1.7%-2.4% by automatic control, and that for S and Mo is also reduced from 5.2%-5.9% to 3.3%-3.5%. In tin bronze standard sample, the RSD range of Sn, Zn and Al elements is reduced from 2.6%-4.4% to 1.0%-2.4%, and that for Si, Ni and Fe is reduced from 6.6%-13.9% to 2.6%-3.5%. The test data is also shown in this paper.

Objective: To study the protective effect of MG-132 on hippocampus cells apoptosis induced by deltamethrin (DM), one kind of pyrethroid pesticide., Methods: 40 Male wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: olive oil control, DM treated alone (12.5 mg/kg), MG-132 (0.5 mg/kg) plus DM group, MG-132 treated 2h plus olive oil. After 24h treatment of DM, the hippocampus was taken out to detect the apoptotic cell rate, the level of bcl-2 and Caspase-3 activity., Results: Compared with DM treated alone group (27.29% +/- 2.41%), the apoptotic cell rate in MG-132 + DM group (19.94% +/- 2.07%) was increased (P < 0.05), bcl-2 expression was enhanced [(0.43 +/- 0.06) vs. (2.01 +/- 0.23)] (P < 0.05) and the activity of Caspase-3 was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in MG-132 treated 2h plus DM group [(4.55 +/- 0.46) vs.(3.73 +/- 0.35)]., Conclusion: MG-132 can protect hippocampus cells against apoptosis induced by deltamethrin.

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of the tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) on PC12 cells from neurotoxicity induced by manganese., Methods: Cytotoxicity of PC12 cells was measured by MTT assay, following the PC12 cells treatment with different concentrations of MnCl₂ (300, 600, 900 μmol/L) for 24, 48 or 72 h. PC12 cells were pretreated with 40 μmol/L tBHQ for 12 h, followed by the treatment of 600 micromol/L or 300 μmol/L MnCl₂ for 72 h. Cytotoxicity of PC12 cells was measured by MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was examined by the method of Annexin V-FITC/PI in flow cytometry (FCM)., Results: The proliferation of PC12 cells treated with 300, 600, 900 μmol/L MnCl2 was suppressed in the dose dependent pattern (P < 0.01). Proliferation of PC12 cells treated with 600 μmol/L MnCl₂ was suppressed to 40% of that in control group (P < 0.01), but the proliferation rate of PC12 cell pretreated with 40 μmol/L tBHQ was 180% of that in control group (P < 0.01). Apoptotic rate of PC12 cells treated with 300 micromol/L MnCl₂ was higher than the vehicle control group (P < 0.01). Apoptotic rate of 40 μmol/L tBHQ pretreatment followed by 300 μmol/L MnCl₂ treatment was lower than that of MnCl2 treatment group (P < 0.01). The inhibition rate of apoptosis was 61%., Conclusions: Manganese may suppress PC12 cells proliferation and induce apoptosis. tBHQ can reduce PC12 cells proliferation suppressed by manganese and attenuate the apoptosis induced by manganese.

Objective: To explore the effect of deltamethrin (DM) on production of free radical and transcription factor Nrf2 in rats' brain tissue., Methods: 8 male rats were randomly assigned to four groups and administered with 1% W/W tertiary butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) or olive oil for 3 days, prior to exposure to DM and then with 12.50 mg or 0mg DM/Kg BW for 5 days. The level of free radical in rats' hippocampus tissue was detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. 18 male rats were randomly assigned to three groups and administered with i.p. (daily dose was respectively 0, 3.13, 12.50 mg/kg DM) for five days. After treatment, Nrf2 protein levels in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of both cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue were measured by western blot., Results: The level of free radical in hippocampus tissue of rats administered by DM and pretreatment with tBHQ prior to DM were increased to a 2.45-fold and 2.97-fold of values of control group, respectively (P < 0.05). Nrf2 protein levels in the cytoplasmic fractions of cerebral cortex of both low and high dose group were significantly increased, 1.68- fold and 1.34- fold of values of control group, respectively. Nrf2 protein levels in the nuclear fractions of cerebral cortex of both low and high dose group were increased in a dose- dependent model, 1.51-fold and 2.29-fold of values of control group, respectively (P < 0.01). Nrf2 protein levels in the cytoplasmic fractions of hippocampus tissue of both low and high dose group were increased in a dose- dependent model, 2.26-fold and 3.58-fold of values of control group, respectively. Nrf2 protein levels in the nuclear fractions of hippocampus tissue of both low and high dose group were increased, 2.42-fold and 2.45-fold of values of control group, respectively (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: The studies in vivo demonstrate that DM treatment could induce free radical production and expression of Nrf2 protein in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue and activate Nrf2.

Objective: To explore the symptomatic characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis patients and the report symptom-based outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery., Method: One hundred and nineteen chronic rhinosinusitis patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, including 52 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and 67 patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, were enrolled. Patients were asked to evaluate their symptoms before surgery and 12 months after endoscopic sinus surgery using 10 cm visual analog scale measures., Result: The most commonly reported symptoms were nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, headache, facial pressure and altered sense of smell. Compared with patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, patients of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps reported significantly higher scores of nasal discharge, whereas lower scores of altered sense of smell (P<0.01 for both). The most disturbing symptom was nasal discharge and altered sense of smell for chronic rhinosinusitis patients without and with nasal polyps, respectively. After endoscopic sinus surgery, the scores for all studied symptoms were improved greatly in both chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps groups (P<0.01 for all)., Conclusion: Chronic rhinosinusitis patients with and without nasal polyps present different symptomatic characteristics. Endoscopic sinus surgery can improve patient-based symptoms significantly. Visual analog scale is a simple and powerful tool to evaluate chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic value of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at acupoints in slow transit constipation (STC)., Methods: Thirty-nine patients with (STC) who met the Rome III diagnostic criteria, were randomly assigned to 2 groups: TENS treatment group including 2 males and 18 females, aged (46 +/- 14), undergoing TENS at the acupoints ST36 (Zusanli) and PC6 (Neiguan) twice a day, 30 min after breakfast and 30 min before going to bed, for 2 weeks, and control group, including 2 males and 17 females, undergoing sham TENS treatment at 2 sham acupoints. Questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the dyschezia scores. Self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) were used to assess the depression and anxiety status. X-ray examination with barium strips, radio-opaque marker, was used to detect the colonic transit status., Results: (1) The dyschezia symptom total score after treatment in the TENS treatment group was (9.05 +/- 0.58), significantly lower than that before treatment (18.30 +/- 0.45, P < 0.01), and the oppilative symptom total score after the sham treatment of the control group was (18.00 +/- 0.46), not significantly different from that before the treatment (18.03 +/- 0.45, P > 0.05). (2) The number of vestigial barium strips of the TENS treatment group was (7.2 +/- 1.2), significantly lower than that before treatment (15.1 +/- 1.1, P < 0.01), and the change was especially obvious in the colon sector (3.3 +/- 0.8 vs 11.0 +/- 1.0, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the number of barium strips in the control group before and after the sham treatment. (3) The score of SDS and SAS of the TENS treatment group after the treatment were 34.7 +/- 0.9 and (43.7 +/- 1.5 respectively, both significantly lower than those before the treatment (37.3 +/- 0.9 and 48.1 +/- 1.8 respectively, both P < 0.05), however, there were not significant differences in the SDS and SAS scores before and after the sham treatment in the control group., Conclusion: TENS at the acupoints Zusanli and Neiguan is capable of improving the oppilative symptoms and ameliorating anxiety and depression state, promoting colonic transit in STC patients.

Objective: To investigate the effect of deltamethrin (DM) on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and its mechanism., Methods: PC12 cells were treated with various dose of DM (0, 10 or 100 micromol/L) for 1, 6 or 12 h respectively. Furthermore, PC12 cells were treated with various dose of DM (0, 10 or 100 micromol/L) for 24 or 48 h, respectively. PC12 cells were pre-incubated with 10 mmol/L N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) for 2 h, or with 500 micromol/L DL-Buthionine-[S, R]-Sulfoximine (BSO) for 16 h, or with 40 micromol/L tertiary butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) for 16 h, prior to exposure to DM and then with 10 micromol/L DM for 6 h. After treatment, ROS production in PC12 cells were measured by a molecular probe, 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA)., Results: DM induced a dose-time dependent increase in ROS production (indicated by DCF fluorescence intensity). 10 micromol/L DM treatment for 6 h enhanced DCF fluorescence intensity that reached approximately 2.24 times of values of control group. Furthermore, a pretreatment with NAC, BSO or tBHQ significantly reduced the DM-enhanced DCF fluorescence intensity that reached approximately 22%, 62% or 38% of values of DM treatment, respectively (P < 0.05), indicating that all these pretreatments attenuate ROS production., Conclusion: The in vitro studies demonstrate that DM could enhance ROS production, and may be the influential factor for the decreased mercapto level and antioxidative function.

As a classic eye movement method, electrooculogram (EOG) has been extensively used in many applications. There are many different types of eye movements and artifact in the EOG signal. Noise attenuation and signal separation have received special attention in the EOG research. In this paper, we introduce a novel Linear-nonlinear combinational filter based on weighted FIR-median-hybrid (WFMH) with the characteristic of the EOG signal. The result of the simulation shows that this filter has the property of removing random noise more efficiently when preserving sharp edges. Finally, it is shown that the new filter is effective in separating saccadic and eye blink in the EOG signal.

Objective: To establish and optimize methods to detect the immune complexes (IC) of hepatitis B virus directly., Methods: A C1q solid phase ELISA, mouse anti-HBs MAb solid phase ELISA and the complement consumption assay were established to detect the IC and these methods were optimized., Results: All the three methods were highly sensitive, specific and reproducible. The C1q used for coating tended to lose its activity easily at room temperature. Although strict requirements are needed for the raw and processed materials for complement consumption assay and the process of manipulation is complex, it can quantitatively detect IC. Comparing to the C1q solid ELISA and complement consumption assay, the mouse anti-HBs MAb solid phase ELISA has its own merits: convenience and stability., Conclusion: Mouse anti-HBs MAb solid phase ELISA is the best way to detect IC directly.

Objective: To study the toxicity on rats by hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and to explore the role of oxidative stress in the mechanism of HCB intoxication., Methods: SD female rats were fed on a powdered diet containing 0.25 per thousand or 2.00 per thousand HCB for 14 days. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of total-superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, liver tissue and serum were determined. Eleven biochemical indicators including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were surveyed., Results: (1) MDA levels in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, liver and serum of the high dosage group rats and that in hippocampus and serum of the low dosage group were significantly higher than that of the control group. (2) The activity of T-SOD was increased in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the rats in both groups (P < 0.01), but decreased in the serum of the high dosage group (P < 0.01). (3) The activity of CAT was also increased in the hippocampus of rats in the high dosage group. (4) In cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the rats in the high dosage group and in the hippocampus of the rats in the low dosage group, the activity of GSH-PX was significantly higher compared with the control group. However, in liver of both dosage groups, the activity of GSH-PX was decreased (P < 0.01). (5) The activity of serum alkaline phosphatase of both dosage groups was also decreased, but the contents of both serum albumin and total cholesterol were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: HCB can induce enhanced lipid peroxidation on SD rats, and the oxidative stress plays an important role in the mechanism of neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Objective: To investigate the effects of deltamethrin on the filial brain nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and neurobehavioral development of the exposed lactational rats., Methods: Pregnant rats were randomizedly divided into the treated group and the control group. The treated group was administered orally with 3.35, 6.70 mg/kg deltamethrin every other day from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 19 while the control group was administered with the corn oil of same amount in the same period. The activity of NOS of filial brain and neurobehavioral functions of the filial rats were observed., Results: The lactational survival rate (81.80%:78.60%) in both treated groups was decreased significantly (P < 0.01) compared with that in the control group. The body weight of filial rats on PND 10, 21 in 6.70 mg/kg DM treated group [(16.62 +/- 2.2 8), (31.34 +/- 6.94) g] was less than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The delayed time in the filial rats in 6.70 mg/kg group was (3.05 +/- 1.20) s and the positive rates of passive escaping response in 3.35 and 6.70 mg/kg DM treated group were 22.5% and 21.5% respectively. There was the trend of the developmental increase of the activity of filial brain NOS between PND 5 and PND 21 and the NOS activity of rat brain on PND 5 in 6.70 mg/kg group [(0.60 +/- 0.07) U.mg pro(-1).h(-1)] was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Exposure to high dose of deltamethrin in lactational female rats will decrease the activity of NOS of brain and retard the neurobehavioral development of their filial rats.

Objective: To study the effects of deltamethrin (DM) on the permeability of mitochondrial membrane and the expression of cytochrome C in brain tissue of rats., Methods: Wistar rats were randomizedly divided into five groups (including four treated groups and one control group). In the treated groups, DM of 12.5 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally once in rats and the rats were sacrificed 5, 24, 48 and 72 hours later while in the control group, the salad oil of 5 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally once. The mitochondria in brain tissue of rats were extracted to measure the membrane permeability and the activity of cytochrome C oxidase as well as the expression of cytochrome C in cortex and hippocampus., Results: After the treatment the permeability of mitochondrial membrane was significantly increased in the treated groups compared with the control group. The expression of cytochrome C was increased in cortex and hippocampus CA1 and CA2 5 h, 24 h and 48 h groups and CA4 24 h group (0.57 +/- 0.04, 0.67 +/- 0.09, 0.58 +/- 0.04) and (0.81 +/- 0.18) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) while there was no significant difference in the expression of cytochrome C in cortex and hippocampus CA2 72 h group and CA3 and CA4 5 h, 48 h and 72 h groups between the treated groups and the control group (P > 0.05). The activity of cytochrome C oxidase was inhibited (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Deltamethrin can significantly increase the permeability of mitochondrial membrane and the expression of cytochrome C in brain tissue of rats.

Objective: To study the effects of deltamethrin (DM) on the mRNA expression of copper-zinc dependent SOD (CuZn-SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) light subunit (GCSl), as well as on expression of both mRNA and protein of gamma-GCS heavy subunit (GCSh) and NFE2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats., Methods: Eighteen Wistar male rats were randomizedly divided into three groups, six for each group. The low dosage and high dosage DM treated groups were administrated intraperitoneally with DM (the daily dosage was 3.125, 12.500 mg/kg BWT respectively) for five consecutive days while the control group was administered intraperitoneally with olive oil. The relative amount of mRNA expression of these genes was measured by the method of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (n = 6). The protein level was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry and image analysis system (n = 4)., Results: There was no change in mRNA expression level of CuZn-SOD, GR, GCSh and Nrf2 gene in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue in rats administrated with DM. However, the mRNA level of GCSl gene in cerebral cortex of high dosage group as well as in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the low dosage group was significantly lower than that in corresponding tissue in the control group, and was decreased to 71.1%, 63.6% and 75.2% of mRNA level of corresponding tissue in the control group (P < 0.01). There was no obvious effect on protein level of both GCSh and Nrf2 in CA1, CA2, CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus as well as on that in cerebral cortex in rats treated with DM., Conclusion: Under the experimental conditions, there is no obvious effect in the mRNA expression level of CuZn-SOD, GR gene, as well as on expression of both mRNA and protein of Nrf2 gene in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue in rats administered with DM. DM depresses the mRNA expression of GCSl gene, but does not affect the mRNA expression of GCSh gene.

Objective: To investigate the time course of mRNA expression of gamma- glutamylcysteine synthetase light (GCSl) and heavy subunit (GCSh), as well as protein expression of both GCSh and NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus in rats exposed at single dose of deltamethrin (DM)., Methods: Wistar male rats were exposed at single dose of DM (12.50 mg/kg bw) with i.p. At various time points of post-exposure, the rats were sacrificed at indicated time, then their cerebral cortex and hippocampus were isolated. The relative amount of mRNA expression of these genes was measured by the method of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein level was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry and image analysis system., Results: (1) At 5 and 48h after DM exposure, GCSh mRNA relative levels in cerebral cortex in rats were significantly decreased to 83.9% and 86.0% of mRNA level of corresponding tissue of control group at Oh, respectively (P < 0.05). At 5, 24 and 48h after DM exposure, transcriptional factors Nrf2 mRNA relative levels were more higher than those of both control and 72 h group and increased to 146.4%, 145.2% and 147.9% of those of control group at Oh,respectively (P < 0.05). (2) At 5 and 48h after DM exposure, GCSh mRNA relative levels in hippocampus were significantly increased to 118.4% and 118.4% of those of control group at 0h, respectively (P < 0.05). At 5h after DM exposure, GCSl mRNA relative levels in hippocampus were more higher than those of control,24h and 48h group and increased to 121.4% of those of control group at Oh (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: After single dose of DM exposure, there are up-regulation of mRNA expression of both GCSh and GCSl gene in rats hippocampus, down-regulation of mRNA expression of GCSh gene and up-regulation of mRNA expression of Nrf2. gene in rats cerebral cortex under the experimental condition.

Objective: To explore the lipid peroxidation induced by deltamethrin (DM) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rat., Methods: Wistar male rats were administrated with DM (daily dose was 3.125, 12.500 mg/kg respectively). The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of total-superoxide dismutase (T-SOD, including Mn-SOD and CuZn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GR) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue were determined. The reduced glutathione (GSH) content and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) activity in cytosolic fraction of cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissue was determined by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic assay with o-phthalaldehyde pre-column derivation., Results: (1) MDA content in cerebral cortex of the high dose group was significantly higher than those in the low dose group, and MDA content in hippocampus tissue of the high dose group was significantly higher than those in both the control and the low dose group after 5 d of DM exposure. (2) The activity of T-SOD and CuZn-SOD in cerebral cortex of both high and low dose group were significantly lower than that in the control group, and there was no effect on CAT activity in cerebral cortex (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). (3) GSH content in cerebral cortex of the high dose group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05), and that in hippocampus tissue of high dose was significantly lower than that in both control and low dose group (P < 0.05). GR activity of low dose group in cerebral cortex was significantly lower than that in both control and high group [(11.80 +/- 5.15) vs (18.98 +/- 3.68), (17.35 +/- 2.47) U/mg pro] (P < 0.01). Gamma-GCS activity in hippocampus tissue of the high dose group was significantly lower than that in both control and low dose group [(1.75 +/- 0.60) vs (3.17 +/- 0.79), (2.72 +/- 0.75) nmol x mg pro(-1) x min(-1)] (P < 0.01). GR activity in hippocampus tissue of both high and low dose group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(21.63 +/- 4.92), (21.46 +/- 8.89) vs (31.22 +/- 6.97) U/mg pro] (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The oxidative stress in nerve tissue, which could be resulted from effect of DM on the activity of SOD, gamma-GCS and GR and GSH content, is one of the mechanisms of neuro-toxicity induced by DM; The decreased activity of gamma-GCS and GR may be the primary cause of DM-induced decrease in that GSH content in hippocampus tissue.

Objective: To investigate the effect of cadmium (Cd) on estrogen receptor and to assess its endocrine disrupting action., Methods: The estrogen receptor rich supernatant was prepared from the ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of cadmium on estrogen binding were performed using a sing-dose ligand-binding assay. Extract from uterus were treated with various concentrations of cadmium (0, 10(-3), 10(-5) or 10(-7) mol/L) for various pre-incubation time (0, 30, 60, 90 min) by means of orthogonal experimental design with orthogonal layout of L16(4(5)) (the experiment was repeated for 5 times). In addition to the radioinert competitor, each assay included a zero tube and a DES standard curve for quality control purpose. Data for cadmium and the DES standard curve were plotted as percent [3H]-E2 bound versus log (molar concentration), and the IC50 for cadmium was determined. The RBA for cadmium was calculated by dividing the IC50 of DES in terms of the IC50 of cadmium., Results: Cadmium could not block the binding of estradiol to the receptor because hormone binding did not change with increasing cadmium concentration or increasing preincubation time. The results showed that the binding of [3H]-estradiol to uterine cytosols was not significant (P > 0.05). The Bmax (its unit is pmol/mg protein) of various concentrations of cadmium (0, 10(-3), 10(-5) or 10(-7) mol/L) for pre-incubating 0 min is 203.15 +/- 75.16, 203.41 +/- 22.78, 220.82 +/- 45.35, 209.10 +/- 49.66 respectively; The Bmax of them for pre-incubating 30 min is 215.67 +/- 92.97, 139.79 +/- 53.78, 205.27 +/- 23.60, 172.63 +/- 55.09 respectively. The Bmax of them for pre-incubating 60 min is 197.11 +/- 50.68, 203.24 +/- 66.33, 183.92 +/- 31.89, 183.33 +/- 32.70, respectively. The Bmax of them for pre-incubating 90 min is 229.69 +/- 76.88, 175.70 +/- 70.28, 164.26 +/- 24.46, 150.78 +/- 65.97 respectively. Mean IC50 for cadmium is 10(-4) - 10(-3) M. If the affinities of DES binding to estrogen receptors was taken to be 100%, the relative binding affinities of cadmium was 10(-6) - 10(-7). The results indicated that cadmium had only a very poor affinity with estrogen receptor., Conclusion: In vitro assay cadmium did not have distinct disrupting effect on binding of estradiol to estrogen receptors from rat uterine.

Objective: To investigate the effects of pyrethroids on nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways in male rats and its mechanism., Methods: Different doses of permethrin (PM, 200, 400 mg/kg) and deltamethrin (DM, 6.25, 12.50 mg/kg) in corn oil were administered to rats by gavage once daily for ten days, then the contents of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the substantial nigra and striatum were analyzed by HPLC-fluorescence detection., Results: The contents of DA in striatum in four administered groups were decreased to a certain extent. DA in 6.25 mg/kg DM group [(6.14 +/- 0.57) microg/g wet weight] was lower than that in control group [(9.46 +/- 1.95) microg/g wet weight], P < 0.05. The turnover rate of DA in 200, 400 mg/kg PM and 6.25, 12.5 mg/kg DM groups increased by 133.33%, 166.67%, 166.67%, 266.67% respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), however there was no significant difference in DA and DOPAC in substantial nigra between control and administered groups., Conclusion: DM may inhibit tyrosine hydroxylase and decrease the level of DA in striatum, and both pyrethroid pesticides may increase the metabolism of dopamine in striatum.

Objective: To study the effect of deltamethrin on the apoptotic rate and the expression of caspase-3 in rat neural cells., Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, 5 h, 24 h, 48 h and 5 d exposed groups. Apoptotic rate and the expression of caspase-3 were measured by FACS420 Flow Cytometer; Ac-DEVD-pNa was used as a substrate to detect the activity of caspase-3., Results: Apoptotic rates in 24 h, 48 h and 5 d exposed groups in hippocampus and cerebral cortex [hippocampus: (8.45 +/- 1.02)%, (9.44 +/- 1.14)%, (7.58 +/- 0.75)%; cerebral cortex: (7.90 +/- 0.49)%, (8.01 +/- 0.87)%, (7.97 +/- 0.41)% respectively] were higher than those in the control [hippocampus: (2.97 +/- 0.36)%; cerebral cortex: (3.50 +/- 0.48)%] (P < 0.01); the activity of caspase-3 in 5 h, 24 h and 48 h exposed groups (A(405) nm in hippocampus: 0.389 +/- 0.038, 0.472 +/- 0.041, 0.295 +/- 0.049; A(405) nm in cerebral cortex: 0.321 +/- 0.068, 0.429 +/- 0.077, 0.344 +/- 0.047) and 5 d group of hippocampus (0.246 +/- 0.065) were all higher than those of the control (hippocampus: 0.184 +/- 0.054; cerebral cortex: 0.198 +/- 0.049) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the expression of caspase-3 in 5 h, 24 h and 48 h exposed groups increased apparently while 5 d group did not., Conclusion: Exposure to high dose of deltamethrin would affect the apoptosis, the activity and expression of caspase-3 in rat neural cells. The increase in caspase-3 activity and expression occurred before the rising of neuronal apoptotic rate may be the upstream event of apoptosis.

Objective: To study the effects of pyrethroids on tyrosine hydroxylase in nigrostriatum of male rats., Methods: Different doses of permethrin and deltamethrin in corn oil were administered to rats by gavage for ten days, then PLC-Fluorescence detection was used to analyzed the contents of dopamine (DA), DOPAC and HVA in the Substantial Nigra and Striatum. The activities of TH were also detected by HPLC-Fluorescence detection. TH mRNA or TH protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry method., Results: Contents of DA in Striatum in 1/10LD50 DM group have a significant change, the contents of DOPAC and the turnover rate of DA all increased (P < 0.05), but DA, DOPAC and (DOPAC + HVA)/DA did not have any significant change in Substantial Nigra. The activities and mRNA level of TH had obvious decrease in two DM groups, the TH protein levels also significantly decreased in 1/10LD50 DM group., Conclusion: Deltamethrin could decrease the activities, mRNA and protein levels in nigraostriatum of rats.

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of estradiol on the release of excitatory amino acid (EAAs) mediator, and the activity of ATPase in cerebro-cortical synaptosome membrane of rats exposed to deltamethrin., Methods: Using HPLC to detect EAAs release, and colorimeter method to measure the activities of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase in the cerebro-cortical synaptosomes of ovariectomized rats exposed to deltamethrin (2 x 10(-5)mol/L), and treated with different doses of 17beta estradiol (10(-5), 10(-8), 10(-11) mol/L). Meanwhile, the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, tamoxifen, was used to investigate the effect on estradiol., Results: The release of Asp and Glu from the cerebro-cortical synaptosomes was significantly increased by 2 x 10(-5)mol/L deltamethrin exposure at the depolarizing state evoked by 50 mmol/L KCl, while 10(-8), 10(-11) mol/L 17beta estradiol could partly inhibit the effect of deltamethrin on the release of Asp (28.42%, 24.36%, respectively), Glu (21.52%, 14.57%, respectively). The activities of 4 kinds of ATPase were inhibited by 2 x 10(-4) mol/L deltamethrin, and these effects could be blocked by 10(-5) mol/L estradiol, while the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase was increased by 10(-8), 10(-11) mol/L of estradiol. However, no obvious antagonistic effect of tamoxifen on the function of estradial on EAAs release or the activities of ATPase was found., Conclusion: Estradiol showed certain neuroprotective effect on the release of EAAs and the inhibition on ATPase induced by deltamethrin. The effect of estradiol on synaptosomes may indicate the nongenetic mechanism of estradiol.

Myocyte's contraction is regulated by signal transduction pathway composed with many protein factors, but the definite mechanism is still uncertain. A novel cardiac-specific kinase gene which participates in regulation of signal transduction, p93 named, was cloned from adult heart cDNA library. p93, coding a family member of MAPKKK, localized on 1p31.1 based on bioinformatics analyses. Northern blot and 76-tissue array analyses determined that p93 was merely expressed in heart, but was undetectable in other tissues. Immunohistochemical study showed that p93 predominantly localized in the nucleus of cardiac myocytes. In vitro kinase assay indicated that p93 was a functional kinase capable of autophosphorylation. p93 could directly interact with cardiac troponin I by yeast two-hybrid system assessed utilizing bait plasmid containing p93 C-terminus (733 835 aa) and results were further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation in vivo. Our data suggest that p93 is a cardiac-specific kinase and may play important role in regulation of sarcomeric contraction protein with signal transduction pathway similar ILK.

The mortality of malignant tumors among female workers with manual spinning of chrysotile alone was investigated by a retrospective cohort study and was calculated based on the person-year at risk of the observed group by the life-table method. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR), the relative risk (RR), attributive risk (AR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated based on the mean age-specific mortality rate of local female population. 5,681 female workers with manual spinning of chrysotile for at least one year between 1960 and 1980 were traced to the end of the year of 2000. A total number of 858 death cases by all causes were found. The results showed that the percentage of specific causes of death, cancer (24.83%) was the first cause of death, and the lung cancer (40.85%) was the most prevalent. SMRs for all cancers (1.35) and for lung cancer (3.88) were significantly elevated than those of the control group. The results indicated that the excess of lung cancer among female workers with manual spinning of chrysotile did not likely to be dependent on the amphibole hypothesis, the hypothesis of mineral oils exposure and cigarette smoking, but was likely related to manual spinning of asbestos operation produced airborne fibers that were generally longer than 10 microns in length than other operations using chrysotile.

Objective: To study the effects of deltamethrin (DM) on cell survival rate and intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) concentration in primary cultured astrocytes of rat., Methods: The cell survival rate was measured by Typan Blue assay; the intracellular [Ca(2+)]i concentration was determined by the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator Fura-2/AM., Results: The survival rate of astrocytes was decreased to 91.9% after astrocytes were incubated with 1 x 10(-5) mol/L DM for 72 h (P < 0.05). The cell survival rates were 89.0%, 84.8%, 81.2% and 79.2% respectively when astrocytes were administered with 1 x 10(-4) mol/L DM for 4, 12, 24 and 72 h, which were remarkably lower than control groups (P < 0.01). Comparing with controls and before DM treatment, sharp increases in [Ca(2+)]i concentration [(451.4 +/- 42.3), (536.9 +/- 47.5) and (870.9 +/- 100.5) nmol/L respectively] were observed when astrocytes were incubated with 1 x 10(-7), 1 x 10(-6) and 1 x 10(-5) mol/L DM for 5 minutes (P < 0.01). After astrocytes were treated with 1 x 10(-8), 1 x 10(-7), 1 x 10(-6), 1 x 10(-5) mol/L DM for 15 minutes, the [Ca(2+)]i concentrations were decreased to (124.3 +/- 6.0), (131.3 +/- 19.1), (118.9 +/- 1.4), (136.6 +/- 3.8) nmol/L respectively, which were significantly different from those of controls and before treatment. And this situation was almost keeping stable to 30 min., Conclusion: The cell survival rate was decreased and the [Ca(2+)]i concentration was temporarily increased when astrocytes were treated with DM.