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Objective: This study aimed to construct an enzymolysis and membrane separation method to improve the production efficiency of low molecular hyaluronic acid (HA). Methods: A continuous enzymolysis and membrane separation coupling reaction system was designed, which consisted of an enzyme biological reaction tank and a flat polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane separation module. By evaluating membrane flux, membrane contamination, hyaluronic acid concentration, and yield, the effects of various factors on the separation of low molecular HA in the enzyme-membrane coupling system were systematically investigated. The process parameters of the enzyme-membrane coupling reaction were further optimized through orthogonal experiments. Results: The optimal process parameters for the preparation of low molecular hyaluronic acid by enzyme-membrane coupling reaction system were a stirring speed of 200 r/min, transmembrane pressure of 0.15 mPa, enzymolysis time of 4.0 h, and enzyme dosage of 5 g/100 g. In this method, two low molecular hyaluronic acids with different molecular weights (Mr) can be quickly prepared and separated, the low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA) with Mw between 10 000~50 000 and the HA oligosaccharides (O-HA) with Mr ＜3 000 can be prepared rapidly by one-step approach. Both of these different molecular weights hyaluronic acid could scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl free radicals. Conclusion: The enzymolysis and membrane separation coupling method provides an efficient method for simultaneous and continuous production of LMW-HA and O-HA with different molecular weights and certain antioxidant properties.

Objective To study the molecular characterization of Cronobacter sakazakii(C. sakazakii) from infant foods. Methods The C. sakazakii isolates were characterized using antibiotic susceptibility tests and whole genome sequencing(WGS). BioNumerics software was used to analyze and assemble WGS data. Then, the multilocus sequence typing(MLST), core-genome multi-locus sequence typing(cgMLST), virulence genes profiles were performed using assembled genome sequences. The resistance genes profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility were investigated. Furthermore, STs of C. sakazakii in this study were compared with those from PubMLST database. Results In this study, nine C. sakazakii isolates were detected and subtyped into five STs. ST1 and ST64 were the predominant STs, which were also the predominant STs of C. sakazakii in PubMLST database. Three C. sakazakii isolates were found to carry the mcr-9 gene. However, all C. sakazakii isolates were sensitive to 12 antibiotics including polymyxin B and E. ST1, ST64 and ST458 carried gtrB in addition to the common virulence genes. The nine C. sakazakii isolates showed highly genomic diversity according to cgMLST results. Conclusion ST1 and ST64 were predominant STs in this study, which were also predominant STs in clinical isolates in PubMLST database. These results suggested the potential pathogenicity of C. sakazakii. Our data underscored the importance of continuous surveillance of C. sakazakii in infant foods for prevention of foodborne disease caused by C. sakazakii.

Objective To compare the species identification method of Cronobacter spp. in food, in order to establish rapid, high throughout identification method. Methods A total of 19 Cronobacter spp. in foods were identified with three method including biochemical method using VITEK 2.0 Compact, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The advantages and disadvantages of the three identification method were analyzed. Results The result indicated that the accuracy of VITEK identification for C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus was 67% and 66% respectively. However, WGS and MALDI-TOF MS obtained the same result for 19 Cronobacter spp.. Three subspecies could not be identified by MALDI-TOF MS due to the limited database. Conclusion Biochemical method could not be used for species identification of Cronobacter spp. MALDI-TOF MS was rapid, high throughout and accurate, but still need to expand the fingerprint database for more Cronobacter spp. isolates.

Objective To investigate the species composition of the main host animals of Leptospira and the infection of Leptospira in the central part of Fujian Province, so as to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of leptospirosis in this area. Methods The rodents were captured in Minhou, Changle and the other three cities and counties in Fujian, June 2020-May 2021. After identification of rodent species. the kidney tissues were collected. PCR method was used to detect the pathogen of Leptospira. At the same time, the pathogen was isolated and cultured by medium, and the genotype identification of isolated Leptospira strains was conducted by 16SrRNA sequence. Results A total of 150 rodents were captured in this study, and the main species were Rattus losea and Niviventer fulvescens. The two kinds of rodents accounted for 90.0% (135) of the total number of rodents captured and the rodent species were relatively single. Leptospira infection was detected in 36 rodents, with a total infection rate of 24.0%, including 22 Rattus losea, 11 Niviventer fulvescens and 3 Niviventer confucianus. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rate between Rattus losea and Niviventer fulvescens (P>0.05). In central Fujian, the infection rate of Leptospira in the north was higher than that in the south, and the infection rate of Leptospira was the highest in Changle (52.9%). The Leptospira infection rate of rodents in Fuzhou area (38.6%) was significantly higher than that in Putian area (6.0%) (P<0.01). Five Leptospira strains were isolated and cultured, the pathogen isolation rate was 13.9%, including 3 pathogenic Leptospira and 2 non-pathogenic Leptospira. The genotype identification by 16SrRNA showed that 3 pathogenic Leptospira were 2 Leptospira borgpetersenii and 1 Leptospira interrogans, respectively. Both of the two nonpathogenic strains were Leptospira jelokensis. Conclusions There is pathogenic Leptospira infection in rodents in central Fujian area. The surveillance, prevention and control of Leptospirosis should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power industry is a basic industry related to the national economy and people's livelihood and has important strategic value. It has obvious characteristics of technology and capital intensiveness. In recent years, there has been fruitful scientific and technological achievements which have won many national science and technology awards in this industry. Three typical areas were selected: the UHV transmission technology, the safety and operation technology of the large power grid and the new energy technology to elaborate the strong technical vitality, the international influence, the talent cultivation ability and the industrial driving capabilities of the award-winning projects. It was fully verified the National Awards have a strong role in promoting the power industry and the technological innovation can effectively promote the collaborative innovation and development of power grid technology, and it is of great significance to support China to achieve "carbon peak and carbon neutrality" as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo study the effect of Xiaoyusan new formula on the articular cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rabbits and its mechanism.MethodsA total of 42 New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 months were randomly divided into normal group, model group, ointment of Xiaoyusan group, and ointment of Xiaoyusan new formula group, with 10 rabbits in each group (the other 2 rabbits were used for model validation). Except for the normal group, the right knee joints of all rabbits in the other groups were prepared as KOA models according to the modified Hulth method. After 5 weeks of molding, the rabbits in ointment of Xiaoyusan group, ointment of Xiaoyusan New Formula group were given corresponding ointments for knee arthritis treatment, once a day, each time for 10 hours. After 2-week continuous administration and treatment, the knee joint cartilage of the four groups of rabbits was taken and the cartilage damage of each group was evaluated by Outerbridge grading method. The pathological changes of the cartilage, calcified layer and subchondral bone of the knee joint of rabbits in each group were observed by HE staining method under the light microscope, and the degree of cartilage degeneration was evaluated by Mankin's method. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in the cartilage of rabbit knee joint in each group was deteced by immunohistochemistry. Results After the general observation of articular cartilage, the Outerbridge grading showed that the number of high-grade animals in ointment of Xiaoyusan group was reduced compared with the model group (P

During the repair of landing gear buffer strut,it is found that the nut thread of plunger assembly is occluded and deformed.In order to study the cause of the fault,the fault tree of thread occlusion deformation fault is constructed according to the structural characteristics and working principle of plunger assembly.Based on historical test data,thread residual strength analysis and product condition inspection,the bottom events of the fault tree are analyzed,and carry out improvement research.The results show that the design defect of the nut and the failure to assemble the nut in place are the reasons for the bite deformation of the thread,and changing the pitch to 2 mm and using the double sleeve special tooling are of great significance to improve the residual strength of the thread and ensure the decomposition and assembly quality of the nut.

This article establishes models and gives examples to explain why the effect of traditional bureaucracy broadcasting of agricultural technology extension is getting worse, while the experience broadcasting can effectively meet the farmers' needs of agricultural technology, and the effect of agricultural technology extension is better. The research is helpful for improvement on the service of agricultural technology extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the generalized Nash bargaining (GNB) model to analyse farmers' horizontal combining mechanism, using the model of multiple agency by agreement, this paper went about the business process reengineering (BPR) of farmers' vertical cooperating business based on agriculture industrialization which business process outsourcing (BPO) was embedded. The study shows that by farmers' horizontal combining and vertical cooperating, by outsourcing technique and logistic, by optimizing governance structures and profit distribution between farmers and co-organizer, between co-organizer and outsourcing organization, the paper can better resolve the problem of abutment joint between small-scale peasant economy and market economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinformatics of GmRAV homologs in soybean genome was analyzed using Phytome database, NCBI website, MEGA 4.0 and ClustalX softwares. Four copies of soybean GmRAV homologs were found to distribute on chromosome 1, 2, 10 and 20, respectively. GmRAV protein had AP2/ERF doinnin and B3 domnin. According to RAV sequence and phylogenetic relations, Glycine max, Galega orientalis and Medicago truncatula had closer relationships. Among four homologs in soybean, GmRAV and Glyma20g32730 had close relationship, and were in the same cluster within Galega orientalis homolog. Glyma01g22260 and Glyma02g11060 had close relationship within the same cluster of Medicago truncatula MV. Results suggested that larger functional differentiation of RAV copies on photoperiod control might have occurred during evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean resistance to SMV1 was investigated by artificial inoculation. F1, F2 and F2:3 populations from Hefeng25 (S) × Dongnong93 - 046 (R) were used as materials. Result showed that F1 had the resistance. Segregation ratio of 225 F2 populations was 3 (resistant and necrosis) : 1 ( susceptible) . The ratio of F2:3 families were 1 (resistant) : 2 ( heterozygous) : 1 ( susceptible) . Results also showed that Dongnong93 - 046 had a single dominant resistant gene to SMV1. Investigation of reciprocal crosses between Dongnong93 - 046 (R) and Conrad (S) proved that resistance to susceptibility ratio was 1: 1. No cytoplasmic effect was found which indicated that Dongnong93 - 046 was a highly resistant accession, and a single dominant gene conferred plant resistance to SMV1. Modified bulked segregation analysis (BSA) demonstrated that 6 SSR markers in F linkage group were closely linked to RSMV1 in F2 mapping population from Hefeng25 × Dongnong93 -046. The orientation of RSMV1 and 6 SSR markers was determined as HSP176 (10. 9cM) , Satt114 (4.3cM) , RSMV1 (0.0cM) , Satt510 (6. 6cM) , Sct _033 (11.7cM) , 5att334 (18.0cM) , Satt362 (35.3cM). Coincidence rates of selecting homozygous and heterozygous resistant plants were 100% and 94.5% respectively using HSP176 marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better perform an overall evaluation on the selection of robot design, a new method was proposed based on the combination of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy theory. In this method, the factor weights were calculated through the fuzzy extent model of AHP, and the value of single factor was evaluated with trigonometrical fuzzy number. Then the overall evaluation on robot design was conducted with hierarchical structures, and the result of robot design selection was obtained. The feasibility of this method was validated by an example of humanoid-robot selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increasing incidence rate，ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammation of the colon causing diarrhea and blood in the stool. Existing studies have shown that oxidative stress is an important factor leading to UC, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) has a certain effect on relieving UC symptoms. To improve its bioavailability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was self-assembled into nanoparticles (ΔSOD) by heating it. The activity, transmembrane capacity and radical scavenging capacity of ΔSOD were significantly better than those of native SOD. ΔSOD liposomes (L-ΔSOD) were prepared by reverse-phase evaporation and orally administered to mice with UC. The results showed that compared with the positive control and model groups, L-ΔSOD significantly ameliorated UC, reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, restored the morphology of colon tissue, increased the length of colon, reduced the density of colon and spleen coefficient, and restored the integrity of mucosal epithelium. Besides, L-ΔSOD could reduce the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory factors in colon tissue and increase the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and tight junction protein mRNA expression. These results confirmed that oral L-ΔSOD has a good ameliorative effect on UC, which will lay the foundation for the application of SOD in promoting human health.

Volatile organic compounds （VOCs） from the wooden furniture-manufacturing industry are an important emission source. To study the emission characteristics of VOCs from the wooden furniture-manufacturing industry and associated environmental impacts, nine typical wooden furniture manufacturers in China were selected to carry out sample collection and VOCs detection. The maximum incremental reactivity （MIR） method and secondary organic aerosol （SOA） formation potential method were used to quantify the corresponding contributions to the generation of O 3 and SOA. The results showed that： ① The concentrations of VOCs emitted from different types of coating exhaust gas were different. The emission concentration of VOCs in solvent-based coating exhaust gas was significantly higher than that in water-based coating exhaust gas and ultra-violet （UV） coating exhaust gas, and the VOCs emission concentrations ranged between 2.82 - 155.37, 1.13 - 104.45, and 0.57 - 1.15 mg·m -3 , respectively. ② The main organic group in solvent-based coating exhaust gas was esters, accounting for 45.88%, and butyl acetate （31.07%） was the main VOCs species. The main organic group in water-based coating exhaust gas and UV coating exhaust gas was alcohols, and the main VOCs species in water-based coating exhaust gas and UV coating exhaust gas were both ethanol, accounting for 46.63% and 34.32%, respectively. ③ The OFP of VOCs emitted by solvent-based coating, water-based coating, and UV coating were 149.23, 50.90, and 1.87 mg·m -3 , respectively, and the primary contributing components of OFP of different types of coating were m / p -xylene （26.61%）, ethanol （36.35%）, and ethanol （23.98%）, respectively. ④ The SOA of VOCs emitted by solvent-based coating, water-based coating, and UV coating were 0.76, 0.25, and 0.01 mg·m -3 , respectively. The SOA generation of various types of coating was dominated by aromatics（96.35%-98.96%）, and the main active compounds were toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. ⑤ Comparing the environmental impact of exhaust gas from solvent-based coating, water-based coating, and UV coating, it was found that the OFP and SOA generated by the VOCs emitted from solvent-based coating were much higher than those for water-based coating and UV coating. Therefore, the implementation of water-based coating and UV coating substitution strategy from the source could effectively reduce VOCs emissions and abate OFP and SOA productions.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acupuncture on JNK pathway and autophagy level in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage （ICH） and explore the partial mechanism of acupuncture against ICH., Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group and acupuncture group. Each group was divided into Day 1, Day 3 and Day 7 subgroups respectively, with 5 rats in each group. The autologous blood injection was adopted to duplicate rat model of ICH. In the acupuncture group, the needle was inserted from "Baihui" （GV20） towards "Qubin" （GB7） on the affected side, stimulating for 30 min each time, once daily； the same acupuncture technique was opera-ted in each subgroup for 1, 3 and 7 days, separately. Using Bederson scale, the neurological deficit was evaluated in each group. Western blot was adopted to detect the protein expression levels of Beclin1, LC3Ⅰ/Ⅱ, phosphorylated c-Jun amino-terminal kinase （p-JNK） and the phosphorylated （p）-c-Jun around hematoma lesion of the brain tissue of rats in each group., Results: After treatment, the neurological deficit score of rats in the model group was higher than that of the blank group at each time point （ P <0.05）, and the score of the acupuncture group started declining since the 3 rd day of treatment when compared with the model group （ P <0.05）. At each time point, compared with the blank group, the protein expression levels of LC3Ⅰ/Ⅱ, Beclin1, p-c-Jun and p-JNK was increased （ P <0.01）. Compared with the model group, the protein expression level of LC3Ⅰ/Ⅱ was reduced （ P <0.05）； the protein expression levels of Beclin1, p-c-Jun and p-JNK was increased （ P <0.05, P <0.01） on day 3 and 7 in the acupuncture group., Conclusion: Acupuncture can activate the JNK pathway in the brain tissue of rats with ICH and increase the level of autophagy, thereby improving the neurological function of the rats with ICH.

Objective: To analyze the expression and clinical significance of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) actin filament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA1 (AFAP1-AS1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effect on the biobehavior of OSCC cells., Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of lncRNA AFAP1-AS1 in the tumor tissue and matching adjacent normal tissue of OSCC patients (n=55), SCC25 cells, and normal oral keratinocyte lines (NOK) cells. The correlation between AFAP1-AS1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC patients was analyzed. The relationship between AFAP1-AS1 and prognosis was also studied with the Kaplan-Meier method. AFAP1-AS1 siRNA was transfected into the SCC25 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Trans-well were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. The expression of the invasion-associated protein, AFAP1, and Rho GTPase family members, was detected by Western blot. In addition, the immunofluorescence of the cytoskeletal actin filament was observed., Results: The expression of AFAP1-AS1 was higher in the OSCC tissues than in the NOK cells, and the relative expression of AFAP1-AS1 was higher in the SCC25 cells than in the NOK cells (P<0.001). AFAP1-AS1 expression was associated with the degree of diffe-rentiation, TNM stage, lymphatic metastasis, and poor prognosis of OSCC (P<0.05). Patients with a high expression of AFAP1-AS1 had lower survival rates than those with a low expression of AFAP1-AS1 (P<0.05). After transfected by AFAP1-AS1 siRNA, the expression of AFAP1-AS1 was downregulated. The inhibition of AFAP1-AS1 expression consequently suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of SCC25. Moreover, AFAP1-AS1 siRNA upregulated the expression levels of AFAP1, RhoA, Rac2, Rab10, RhoGDI, and Pfn1 but downregulated the expression of RhoC. Immunofluorescence showed that AFAP1-AS1 also reduced the formation of stress filaments in the cytoskeleton and affected the integrity of the actin fila-ment., Conclusions: The expression of AFAP1-AS1 was high in the OSCC tissues and SCC25 cells and is associated with the development and prognosis of OSCC. The knockdown of AFAP1-AS1 might inhibit the proliferation and invasion of OSCC cells by regulating the integrity of the actin filament.

Objective: To investigate the ability of gene-loaded lipopolysaccharide-amine nanopolymersomes (LNPs) in inducing osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by in vitro gene transfection, where LNPs were used as a non-viral cationic carrier, and their properties were optimized during synthesis., Methods: LNPs were synthesized by a graft-copolymerization method, and the effects of different pH environments during synthesis on physicochemical properties of LNPs and LNPs/plasmid of bone morphogenetic protein 2-green fluorescent protein (pBMP-2-GFP) complexes were explored. Then, optimized LNPs with maximum transfection efficiency and safe cytotoxicity in rat BMSCs were identified by cytotoxicity and transfection experiments in vitro . Thereafter, the optimized LNPs were used to mediate pBMP-2-GFP to transfect rat BMSCs, and the influences of LNPs/pBMP-2-GFP on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs were evaluated by monitoring the cell morphology, concentration of BMP-2 protein, activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the formation of calcium nodules., Results: The nitrogen content, particle size, and zeta potential of LNPs synthesized at pH 8.5 were lower than those of the other pH groups, with the lowest cytotoxicity (96.5%±1.4%) and the highest transfection efficiency (98.8%±0.1%). After transfection treatment, within the first 4 days, BMSCs treated by LNPs/pBMP-2-GFP expressed BMP-2 protein significantly higher than that treated by Lipofectamine2000 (Lipo)/pBMP-2-GFP, polyethylenimine 25K/pBMP-2-GFP, and the blank (non-treated). At 14 days after transfection, ALP activity in BMSCs treated by LNPs/pBMP-2-GFP was higher than that treated by Lipo/pBMP-2-GFP and the blank, comparable to that induced by osteogenic medium; with alizarin red staining, visible calcium nodules were found in BMSCs treated by LNPs/pBMP-2-GFP or osteogenic medium, but absent in BMSCs treated by Lipo/pBMP-2-GFP or the blank with apoptosis. At 21 days after transfection, transparent massive nodules were discovered in BMSCs treated by LNPs/pBMP-2-GFP, and BMSCs exhibited the morphologic features of osteoblasts., Conclusion: LNPs synthesized at pH 8.5 has optimal transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity, they can efficiently mediate pBMP-2-GFP to transfect BMSCs, and successfully induce their directional osteogenic differentiation, whose inducing effect is comparable to the osteogenic medium. The results suggest that gene transfection mediated by LNPs may be a convenient and effective strategy in inducing directional differentiation of stem cells.

Objective: To investigate the early intellectual developmental outcome of late preterm infants., Methods: A total of 106 late preterm infants with a gestational age of 34-36 +6 weeks who were admitted to the neonatal ward between January 2012 and January 2015, cured, discharged, and regularly followed up at the outpatient service for high-risk children were enrolled as the preterm group. A total of 120 healthy full-term infants during the same period were randomly selected as the term group. Neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) was performed for late preterm infants at a corrected gestational age of 40 weeks and full-term infants at a gestational age of 40 weeks. The Gesell Developmental Scale was used for late preterm infants at a corrected age of 3, 6, and 12 months and full-term infants at an age of 3, 6, and 12 months., Results: The preterm group had an NBNA score of <37 and a significantly lower NBNA score than the term group (P<0.05). At the corrected age of 3 months, the preterm group had significantly lower scores of gross motor, fine motor, and social competence than the term group (P<0.05). At the corrected age of 6 months, the preterm group had significantly lower scores of adaptability, gross motor, and fine motor than the term group (P<0.05). At the corrected age of 12 months, the preterm group had significantly lower scores of adaptability, gross motor, and social competence than the term group (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Late preterm infants have early intellectual developmental delay. It is necessary to perform neurodevelopmental monitoring for late preterm infants.

Objective: To observe the effect of penetrative needling of "Baihui" (GV 20) to "Qubin" (GB 7) on neurologic functions and expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4, involving in inflammatory reactions) in the tissue around the local cerebral hematoma in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), so as to provide evidence for clinical treatment of ICH., Methods: Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham control, mo-del and acupuncture groups, and then further divided into three time-point subgroups(1,3,7 days after modeling, n =6/subgroup). The ICH model was established by injection of the rat's autoblood (50 μL) into the putaman region (P:0.2 mm, R:3.5 mm) in a stereotaxic apparatus and confirmed by Berderson's neurologic examination grading system (0-3 points). The neurologic function was assessed by using Longa's scoring (5-points) and footfault asymmetry testing[footfault index=(contra faults-ipsi faults)/total steps in 2 min]. For penetrative needling, an acupuncture needle was inserted into GV 20 and controlled to advance to GB 7 on the affected side and retained for 30 min, once daily. The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and TLR-4 in the cerebral tissue around the putaman was detected by immunohistochemistry., Results: After penetrative needling stimulation, the increased Longa's score and footfault asymmetry score in ICH rats were significantly decreased on day 1, 3 and 7 after modeling ( P <0.01), suggesting an improvement of neurologic function after the treatment. Immunohistochemical staining outcomes of the cerebral tissue surrounding the autoblood injection site showed that the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and TLR-4 proteins on day 1, 3 and 7 were considerably higher in the model group than in the control group ( P <0.01), and markedly lower in the acupuncture group than in the model group ( P <0.01), suggesting a suppression of the proinflammatory factors and TLR-4 levels around the locus of the brain after needling intervention. A positive correlation existed between the expression levels of TLR-4 and IL-6/TNF-α., Conclusions: Penetrative needling stimulation of GV 20 to GB 7 can reduce the levels of proinflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, and TLR-4 in the ICH tissues in rats with cerebral hemorrhage, which may contribute to its effect in improving neurological function.

Objective: To provide a theoretical basis for surface modification of titanium implants, the effects of the stiffness of polyelectrolyte multilayer films on titanium surface on bacterium adhesion was explored., Methods: Via layer-by-layer technique, catechol functionalized polyelectrolyte multilayer film (cPEM) was constructed on titanium surface by using catechol functionalized hyaluronic acid (cHA) and lipopolysaccharide-amine nanopolymersomes (NP). The stiffness of cPEM was controlled by adjusting the catechol substitution degree of cHA (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%). Titanium samples covered with cPEM were selected as test group, and the cPEM was constructed with the lowest, medium and highest stiffness. The polished titanium was used as a control. The surface topography of titanium before and after film construction was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At 1 and 24 h after incubation, the adhesion and clonal formation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on different titanium surfaces were quantified, and their morphology and survival status were observed by SEM and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM)., Results: When the catechol grafting ratio was 5%, 30% and 70%, the lowest, medium and highest cPEM stiffness were obtained, and the cPEM stiffness were (10.69±4.54) GPa(cPEM-L), (20.99± 5.81) GPa (cPEM-M) and (32.57±6.93) GPa (cPEM-H) respectively, and the stiffness of polished titanium was (107.12±8.68) GPa (P<0.05). SEM observation showed that after cPEM coating, the titanium surface became smoother. After incubation for 1 and 24 h, the amount of adhesion and clonal formation of S. mutans on cPEM were higher than those on control titanium, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). SEM images showed that for 1 h incubation, softer surfaces were beneficial for S. mutans adhering and agglomerating, while this difference nearly disappeared at 24 h. Observation under LSCM revealed that most of bacteria were alive on titanium disks at 1 h, and their amount decreased with the increase of stiffness. At 24 h, the living/dead bacterium ratios on cPEM-L and control titanium was higher than that on cPEM-M and cPEM-H, and cPEM-L surface was dominated by living bacteria, while stiffer cPEM-M and cPEM-H had more dead bacteria than living bacteria., Conclusions: Increasing the stiffness of polyelectrolyte films on titanium limits the adhesion of S. mutans. As an independent factor, stiffness influences the bacterium adhesion.

Objective: To explore biomimetic mineralization of polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEM) of gene-loaded lipopolysaccharide-amine nanopolymersomes/hyaluronic acid self assembled on titanium surface., Methods: Via lay-by-layer self assembly technology, PEM were constructed on titanium or quartz surface using bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2) plasmid-loaded lipopolysaccharide-amine nanopolymersomes(pLNP) as a polycation, and hyaluronic acid(HA) as a polyanion. The constructed PEM were defined as substrate-pLNP-(HA-pLNP)n, where a successive deposition of HA and pLNP on substrate surface was defined as one assembly cycle, and n was the cycle number. Biomimetic mineralization on surfaces of Ti-pLNP-(HA-pLNP)4(Group A, with outermost layer of pLNP), Ti-pLNP-(HA-pLNP)4.5(Group B, with outermost layer of HA), blank control(polished titanium, Ti) and alkaline-heat treated titanium(Ti-OH) were investigated. The biomimetic mineralization was analyzed by observing the topography under field-emisssion electron microscopy(FE-SEM), characterizing the surface chemical structure and components via X-ray diffractometer(XRD) and X-ray energy disperse spectroscopy(EDS)., Results: For experiment groups, XRD analysis showed that the diffraction peak of hydroxyapatite appeared, and its intensity was higher than that for Ti group. FE-SEM images showed that its surface was homogeneously covered by discrete agglomerate of big particles. EDS spectra showed that the percentage of Ca and P were 77.24% and 64.23%, and these were much higher than those in Ti group., Conclusions: The surface of Ti-pLNP-(HA-pLNP)n is favorable for in vitro biomimetic mineralization.

Objective: To evaluate the platelet adhesion ability on pure titanium surfaces modified with different techniques., Methods: Pure titanium specimens were treated with 5 different surface modification techniques, including machine polish (MP), dual acid-etch (DAE), sand blast-large grit and acid-etch (SLA), micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and anodized titania nanotube (TNT). The surface topographies of specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical compositions, surface roughness and static water contact angle of specimens were detected by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and contact angle analyzer respectively. Platelets were cultured on specimen surfaces for 30 min. The amount and viability of adhered platelets adhered were evaluated. Platelet distribution and morphology were observed by LSCM and SEM., Results: Surface topographies of the five groups of specimens differed significantly. MP, DAE, SLA and MAO surfaces showed micro-scale topographies, while TNT surfaces showed nano-scale topography with nanotubes at the diameter of (80.46 ± 0.35) nm. The surface roughness of MAO was the highest among the 5 groups. TNT surfaces demonstrated the lowest roughness as well as the lowest static water contact angle as 13.55° ± 0.96°. The amount of platelets adhered on TNT surface was the greatest as (300 729 ± 8 325) platelet/µl and the viability was the highest (A450 value 2.14 ± 0.05). Platelet adhered intensively on TNT surfaces, forming pseudopodia, extending and connecting with each other., Conclusions: Surface properties of pure titanium affect platelet adhesion ability. Nano-scale topography can greatly improve platelet adhesion. Increased surface roughness and hydrophilicity can improve platelet adhesion ability.

Objective: To study the adsorption behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen (Fg) and the competition of them on titanium before and after ultraviolet (UV)-photofunctionalization, and to provide the evidence of photofunctionalization on the surface modification of titanium implants., Methods: Titanium disks and sensors of quartz crystal microbalance-D (QCM-D) were stored and sealed in the dark for 4 weeks before being divided into two groups, namely the UV-treated group and control group. Samples in the UV-treated group were treated with UV rays for 48 hours. Then the Fg adsorbing property of disks in both groups was tested at 1, 12 and 24 h. Protein films of Fg and BSA formed on QCM sensors after 1 h incubation were imaged via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Then with QCM-D, for both surfaces the adsorption of Fg and BSA as well as the competition between them was tested by introducing proteins with different sequences., Results: After being incubated for 1 and 12 h, UV-treated group attracted more Fg[(0.250 ± 0.005) and (0.172 ± 0.006) mg] than control group did [(0.207 ± 0.004) and (0.144 ± 0.004) mg] (P < 0.05). However, after 24 h incubation, Fg residual on the UV-treated group [(0.080 ± 0.003) mg] was smaller than that in the control group [(0.127 ± 0.004) mg] (P < 0.05). AFM showed protein clustered more densely on UV-treated surfaces than control surfaces and QCM displayed the same result. In addition, when Fg was introduced into QCM-D after BSA, the mass of protein film increased on both surfaces. However, when BSA was introduced after Fg, the mass of protein film on the control group had no change, but slightly decrease on the UV-treated group., Conclusions: UV-photofunctionalization promotes protein adsorption but has no influence on the competition between Fg and BSA.

Objective: To provide a basis for surface modification of polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEM) on implants by exploring the effects of immobilization of PEM on titanium surfaces on their cell biological effects., Methods: By using plasmid of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (pBMP-2)-loaded lipopolysaccharide-amine nanopolymersomes (pLNP) as cationic polyelectrolytes and hyaluronic acid (HA) as anionic polyelectrolytes. PEM were constructed on alkaline-heat treated titanium surfaces via layer by layer self-assembly(LbL) technique. A successive deposition of HA and pLNP on titanium surfaces was defined as one cycle of assembly. The morphology of titanium surface before and after assembly treatment was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ultraviolet (UV) spectra and surface contact angles of PEM with different self-assembly cycles were measured. The adhesion and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) on surfaces of group A (4 cycles of assembly, with outermost layer of pLNP), group B (4.5 cycles of assembly, with outermost layer of HA), blank control (polished titanium, Ti group) and alkaline-heat treated titanium (Ti-OH group) were investigated. Cell differentiation indexed by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and in situ transfection of BMSC on surfaces of group A, Ti, negative control [4 cycles of assembly without pBMP- 2] were evaluated., Results: Self assembly of PEM made the titanium surface become relatively smooth. DNA absorption peaked appear at 260 nm in UV spectra, and the absorption intensity increased with assembly, suggesting the successful construction of PEM. After alkali- heat treatment, the surface contact angle of titanium decreased from (62.6±4.9) ° to (8.1±2.2) °. During LbL, with alternately introducing pLNP and HA, the contact angle increased in a jagged mode at a gradually decreased rate, which further proved the success of assembly. Cell adhesion for group A at 0.5 and 1 h was 0.415±0.085 and 0.426±0.048, which was significantly higher than those for group B (0.299±0.012, 0.355±0.022), Ti-OH group (0.225±0.007, 0.260±0.010) and Ti group (0.302±0.056, 0.339±0.028) (P < 0.01). Cell proliferation for group A and B at 3, 5 and 7 d were significantly higher than those for Ti and Ti-OH group (P < 0.01). ALP in group A at day 7 was 261±58, which was significantly higher than those in group B and Ti group. Group A had in situ transfection capability for BMSC., Conclusions: PEM with good cell biological effects can be constructed successfully on titanium surfaces using gene- loaded lipopolysaccharide- amine nanopolymersomes and hyaluronic acid.

Partial least squares (PLS) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) combined with near infrared spectros- copy (NIR) were applied to develop models for cordycepic acid, polysaccharide and adenosine analysis in Paecilomyces hepialid fermentation mycelium. The developed models possess well generalization and predictive ability which can be applied for crude drugs and related productions determination. During the experiment, 214 Paecilomyces hepialid mycelium samples were obtained via chemical mutagenesis combined with submerged fermentation. The contents of cordycepic acid, polysaccharide and adenosine were determined via traditional methods and the near infrared spectroscopy data were collected. The outliers were removed and the numbers of calibration set were confirmed via Monte Carlo partial least square (MCPLS) method. Based on the values of degree of approach (Da), both moving window partial least squares (MWPLS) and moving window radial basis function neural network (MWRBFNN) were applied to optimize characteristic wavelength variables, optimum preprocessing methods and other important variables in the models. After comparison, the RBFNN, RBFNN and PLS models were developed successfully for cordycepic acid, polysaccharide and adenosine detection, and the correlation between reference values and predictive values in both calibration set (R2c) and validation set (R2p) of optimum models was 0.9417 and 0.9663, 0.9803 and 0.9850, and 0.9761 and 0.9728, respectively. All the data suggest that these models possess well fitness and predictive ability.

Objective: To evaluate the combination of lipopolysaccharide-amine nanopolymersomes (LNPs), as a gene vector, with target gene and the transfection in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) so as to provide a preliminary experiment basis for combination treatment of bone defect with gene therapy mediated by LNPs and stem cells., Methods: Plasmid of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (pBMP-2)-loaded LNPs (pLNPs) were prepared. The binding ability of pLNPs to pBMP-2 was evaluated by a gel retardation experiment with different ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus elements (N/P). The morphology ofpLNPs (N/P = 60) was observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The size and Zeta potential were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The resistance of pLNPs against DNase I degradation over time was explored. The viability of BMSCs, transfection efficiency, and expression of target protein were investigated after transfection by pLNPs in vitro., Results: At N/P ≥ 1.5, pLNPs could completely retard pBMP-2; at N/P of 60, pLNPs was uniform vesicular shape under AFM; TEM observation demonstrated that pLNPs were spherical nano-vesicles with the diameter of (72.07 ± 11.03) nm, DLS observation showed that the size of pLNPs was (123 ± 6) nm and Zeta potential was 20 mV; pLNPs could completely resist DNase I degradation within 4 hours, and such protection capacity to pBMP-2 decreased slightly at 6 hours. The cell survival rate first increased and then decreased with the increase of N/P, and reached the maximum value at N/P of 45; the cytotoxicity was in grade I at N/P ≤ 90, which meant no toxicity for in vivo experiment. While the transfection efficiency of pLNPs increased with the increase of N/P, and reached the maximum value at N/P of 60. So it is comprehensively determined that the best N/P was 60. At 4 days, transfected BMSCs expressed BMP-2 continuously at a relatively high level at N/P of 60., Conclusion: LNPs can compress pBMP-2 effectively to form the nanovesicles complex, which protects the target gene against enzymolysis. LNPs has higher transfection efficiency and produces more amount of protein than polyethylenimine 25k and Lipofectamine 2000.

Objective: To study the incorporation rate and release behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA) incorporated into the calcium phosphate coating by biomimetic deposition, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the hybrid coating, and to provide experimental basis for the fabrication of growth factor/biomimetic calcium phosphate coating and exploration for the loading/release behavior of growth factors., Methods: Pure titanium specimens were immersed into saturated calcium phosphate solutions(SCP) containing no BSA (controlled group) and 3 different concentrations of BSA (experimental groups) : 1, 10 and 100 mg/L. Biomimetic calcium phosphate coating was formed on titanium surface and BSA was incorporated into the coating through co-deposition. The topography of the specimen was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical structure and phase composition of coatings were detected by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. BSA incorporation rate and release profile were determined by bicinchoninic acid protein assay kit., Results: The biomimetic calcium phosphate coating was mainly composed of hydroxyapatite and octacalcium phosphate. BSA was successfully incorporated into the calcium phosphate coatings in all the 3 experimental groups. With the increase of BSA concentration, plate-like units of the coatings were turned into small grid structure. BSA incorporation rates of the three experimental groups were (72.4 ± 2.4)%, (62.3 ± 0.9)% and (42.2 ± 1.7)% respectively. The in vitro release test showed that all three BSA release profiles could be divided into two significant different stages: early burst release stage and later sustained release stage. The amount of BSA release of the 3 experimental groups in 24 h and 30 d were (1.57 ± 0.09), (8.82 ± 0.93), (140.24 ± 3.12) µg, and (2.39 ± 0.29), (14.39 ± 0.70), (151.06 ± 2.00) µg respectively., Conclusions: Biomimetic calcium phosphate coating can be used as an effective carrier for protein. BSA concentration has an impact on the incorporation rate and release speed of BSA from the calcium phosphate coating. Favorable BSA incorporation rate and release behavior can be obtained at BSA concentration of 10 mg/L.

Under hatchery conditions (temperature, 23.5-24.0 degrees C; salinity, 29.5-30.0), effects of microalgal diets on growth and survival of the juvenile ark shell, Scapharca broughtonii, were investigated for 24 days by feeding with diets made of single or combinatory use of four different microalgae, Isochrysis galbana, Chlorella sp., Chaetoceros muelleri and Nitzschia closterium. The results showed that the survival rates were over 95% in all diet groups with no significant difference among them. When feeding with single microalgae, the best feeding effects on growth were observed in I. galbana, while the worst effects occurred in Chlorella sp. When feeding with various combinations of microalgae, the optimal effects on shell length and specific growth rate were observed in diets containing I. galbana compared to the other diets. The diet composed of I. galbana and Chlorella sp. (1:1) provided the best effects for S. broughtonii juveniles, resulting in a specific growth rate of 5.6% x d(-1) in shell length and 6.4% x d(-1) in shell height. These results should be valuable to direct the technique optimization of artificial breeding for the hatchery production of S. broughtonii seeds.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between fetal growth restriction and decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) in adulthood to screen high-risk population for early interventions., Methods: Forty-four patients with FGR and 88 normal women aged 18-40 years were enrolled. All the subjects were examined for serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B (INH-B), and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in the first 3-5 days of the menstrual cycle, and the counts of antrum ovarian follicle were detected by transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasonography., Results: The serum levels FSH, INHB, AMH, and AFC in FGR group differed significantly from those in the control group (P<0.05)., Conclusion: FGR will affect reproductive endocrine function in adulthood to cause a decreased ovarian reserve.

Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial property of ultraviolet rays (UV)-treated titanium and its alloy by observing the attachment and colony-forming units (CFU) of Staphylococcus Aureus (Sa) and Fusobacterium Nucleatum (Fn)., Methods: Both of the titanium and its alloy were divided into 2 groups according to the UV treatment protocol as the UV-treated group (UV-Ti, UV-A), and two control groups (C-Ti, C-A) were also prepared. Then the sand-blasted and acid etched titanium and its alloy disks were stored in the dark and sealed containers for 4 weeks and treated with or without UV light for 48 hours. The hydrophilicity of disks were measured using contact angle measuring device. The attachment of the two kinds of bacteria were observed using inverted fluorescence microscope after stained by the Hoechst 33342 which was part of blue fluorescent dyes used to stain DNA and the results were replenished and verified by the Safranine O staining. CFU were used to measure the antibacterial property of the materials., Results: The contact angles of UV-Ti (1.32 ± 0.29)° and UV-A (0.89 ± 0.07)° were smaller than those of C-Ti (81.18 ± 1.46)° and C-A (83.34 ± 0.06)° (P < 0.05). After being cultured on the surface of the two kinds of materials for 15 min, 30 min and 1 h, the attachment of Sa and Fn on the surface of titanium [(31 ± 13, 73 ± 13, 263 ± 49), (10 ± 7, 26 ± 19, 105 ± 37)] and its alloy disks [(64 ± 19, 57 ± 16, 304 ± 53), (11 ± 5, 59 ± 18, 124 ± 53)] which were treated with the UV light were much lower than those in control titanium groups[(139 ± 30, 271 ± 51, 749 ± 172), (164 ± 16, 227 ± 65, 483 ± 64)] and its control alloy group [(174 ± 11, 387 ± 39, 1409 ± 262), (265 ± 45, 374 ± 133, 910 ± 103)] (P < 0.05). What's more, the CFU number of the two kinds of bacteria decreased sharply after the UV treatment (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: UV treatment can reduce the attachment and viability of different kinds of bacteria and the antibacterial effect will at least last for 24 hours.

To study the angiogenic activity of amphoteric brush-type copolymer complex of alginate-graft-PEI/pVEGF (Alg-g-PEI/pVEGF) in vivo, we evaluated the toxicity of Alg-g-PEI/pVEGF complexes to rMSCs and zebra fish first. Then, we used gel retardation assay to investigate the protection of complex to pDNA against DNase I, serum and heparin. For in vivo study, we evaluated the angiogenic activity of Alg-g-PEI/pVEGF complexes by using CAM and zebra fish as animal models, PEI 25K/pVEGF and saline as positive and negative controls. Our results show that Alg-g-PEI protected pVEGF from enzymolysis and displacement of heparin in some degree, and its complexes with pVEGF were less toxic to rMSCs and zebra fish. Alg-g-PEI/pVEGF complexes induced significant angiogenesis, which was dosage-dependent. In CAM, when the dosage of pVEGF was 2.4 microg/CAM, Alg-g-PEI group achieved the maximum of angiogenesis, and the area ratio of vessel to the total surface was 44.04%, which is higher than PEI 25K group (35.90%) and saline group (24.03%) (**P < 0.01). In zebra fish, the angiogenesis increased with the increase of N/P ratios of Alg-g-PEI/pVEGF complexes in our studied range; when N/P ratio was 110, the optimal angiogenesis was obtained with vessel length of 1.11 mm and area of 1.70 x 10(3) pixels, which is higher than saline group (0.69 mm and 0.94 x 10(3) pixels) (**P < 0.01) and PEI 25k group (0.82 mm and 1.11 x 10(3) pixels) (**P < 0.01). Our results demonstratethat Alg-g-PEI/pVEGF significantly induces angiogenesis in CAM and zebra fish, and has a great potential in therapeutic angiogenesis.

Objective: To evaluate the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells on the ultraviolet (UV)-treated titanium in different storing environment, and to find a way to enhance the bioactivity of titanium and to prevent its age-related degradation., Methods: Acid-etched titanium disks stored under ambient conditions for 4 weeks and treated with UV light for 48 h.Then disks were divided into three groups and placed in a sealed container for 0 h (no-stored,NO group) , 4 weeks (air-stored, AS group) or in a sealed container filled with nitrogen for 4 weeks (nitrogen-stored,NS group) respectively. A group of UV-untreated titanium served as negative control (NC group).The surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and hydrophilicity of disks were measured using contact angle measuring device. Cell counting kit-8 was used to measure the cell adhesion and proliferation. Cell differentiation was evaluated by testing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity using ALP reagent kit., Results: There was no difference in surface topography among groups.Contact angels in NS group [(67.70 ± 3.59)°] and NO group [(0.70 ± 0.28)°] were smaller than the others (P < 0.05). Cell adhesion in NS group at 2 h and 4 h point was (0.237 ± 0.006) and (0.578 ± 0.039), respectively, and proliferation at 3 d and 5 d point was (0.743 ± 0.026) and (1.548 ± 0.046) respectively, which were significantly higher than those in AS group [(0.158 ± 0.036), (0.400 ± 0.010), (0.499 ± 0.019) and (1.174 ± 0.062)] and in NC group [(0.161 ± 0.024), (0.390 ± 0.011), (0.508 ± 0.015) and (1.209 ± 0.025)] at the same time point (P < 0.05). How ever the results mention above in the NS group were lower than those in the NO group (P < 0.05). No difference were found between data from the AS group and NS group (P > 0.05). Osteoblast-like cells had an abundant spread on NS and NO group during 2 h incubation, but did not exactly spread on AS and NC group after incubation for 4 h. No difference were found in ALP among groups., Conclusions: UV treatment can enhance bioactivity of titanium, and nitrogen storage can slow down its biological aging.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of selenium (Se) supplementation on concentrations of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and TPOAb IgG subclasses in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) patients with different thyroid functional status., Methods: A blind and placebo-controlled prospective study was performed for a total of 134 cases with AIT and thyroid peroxidase antibodies above 300 U/ml. Their mean age was 41 years (range: 15-70). All of them were recruited from Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from June 2008 to June 2009 and divided into 2 groups according to thyroid function: euthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 89) and hypothyroidism (n = 45). Then they were randomized into 2 groups: selenium-treated and placebo-treated. And 49 cases in subclinical autoimmune thyroiditis group and 28 cases in hypothyroidism group received 200 µg oral selenium yeast daily for 6 months while others placebo. Serum concentrations of TPOAb, TPOAb IgG subclasses, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT(4)) and Se were measured at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of follow-up., Results: The TPOAb levels showed an overall decrease of 4.3% at 3 months and of 12.6% at 6 months (both P < 0.05) post-supplementation in subclinical autoimmune thyroiditis patients. In overt hypothyroidism patients, the overall decrease of TPOAb concentrations was 21.9% at 3 months and 20.4% at 6 months (both P < 0.05) compared with those at pre-treatment. The predominant TPOAb IgG subclasses in sera from the AIT patients were IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 and the positive percentages 72%, 41% and 72% respectively. The positive rate and concentrations of IgG3 in the patients with hypothyroidism were significantly higher than those of subclinical autoimmune thyroiditis (P < 0.05). Significant decreases in IgG1 and IgG3 levels were noted in subclinical autoimmune thyroiditis group at 6 months post-supplementation (P < 0.05). IgG1 levels in overt hypothyroidism decreased significantly compared with those at pre-supplementation (P < 0.05). In all patients with supplementation (n = 77), the TPOAb levels decreased in 52 at 6 months while increase or no change occurred in 25. The positive percentage and concentrations of IgG1 in patients whose TPOAb levels decreased at 6 months post-supplementation were markedly higher than those whose TPOAb levels increased (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Se is effective in reducing TPOAb concentrations and the predominant decreasing TPOAb IgG subclasses are IgG1 and IgG3. And a high level of IgG1 subclass may explain the difficult decline of TPOAb.

Objective: To understand the status and influential factors of those neglect of left-behind children in rural area, and to provide bases for the development of intervention measures., Methods: 2917 students were selected as the study subjects from Changfeng county of Anhui province with cluster sampling method and were evaluated by a Parents-Child Conflict Tactics Scales and questionnaire on influential factors., Results: 1694 left-behind children, accounted for 58.1% of the total students, were surveyed in this investigation. The prevalence rates of neglect, among total children, left-behind children, non-left-behind children were 67.4%, 70.2%, 63.5%, respectively. The prevalence of neglect among left-behind children was higher than that among non-left-behind children (χ(2) = 14.322, P < 0.000). There were no significant associations with the neglect rate of left-behind children regarding gender or age differences. Result from multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the neglect among the left-behind children were associated with family dysfunction (OR values of moderate and serious family dysfunctions compared to good family function were 1.628 and 2.341, respectively) and the rate of keeping in touch with parents (OR values of sometimes and seldom keeping in touch compared to regular in touch were 1.299 and 1.844, respectively). The starting age of being left-behind (OR values of starting age that being left-behind from 6 to 10 and ≤ 5 years relative to starting age of left-behind ≥ 11 years were 0.703 and 0.630, respectively) appeared to be the protection factor to the neglect of those left-behind children., Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the status of neglect among the left-behind children was serious. Prevention programs on the issue should target on a number of factors, including the characteristics of the children them-selves, as well as on the family of the children.

Objective: To describe the current epidemiological characteristics of injuries among primary and middle school students in one rural area of Anhui province and to explore the relationship between the ways of coping and related injuries., Methods: Through cluster sampling methods, all students from 3 to 9 grades in 5 primary schools and 3 middle schools in Changfeng county of Anhui province were investigated with questionnaire. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire concerning their experiences with injuries during the 12 months preceding the survey. The ways of coping to injuries were evaluated by Trait Coping Style Questionnaire. Factors associated with injuries were identified using a negative binomial regression analysis., Results: Of 2917 students, the annual event-based rate of injuries was 17.4 per 100 students. Positive coping score had no significant differences between the injury and non-injury groups (33.98 ± 6.38 vs. 33.66 ± 6.37) (t = 0.979, P = 0.328). The score of negative coping style was higher in injury group than in non-injury group (27.65 ± 7.79 vs. 26.54 ± 7.62) (t = 2.775, P = 0.006). Statistically, the annual injury rates were significantly different in three groups on their negative styles of coping (χ(2) = 6.131, P = 0.013). Data from the multivariable negative binomial regression analysis, after adjusted for demographic characteristics, showed no significant difference on the relationship between positive coping style and injury incidence. Those with moderate negative style of coping had lower risks compared to those with highly negative one (IRR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.63 - 0.94)., Conclusion: Negative ways of coping was an important risk factor for injuries. Data from our research suggested that psychological preventive measure need to be taken to improve the style of coping. It was also important to promote the related personality development in planning the strategies for future prevention on injuries.

Objective: To explore the relationship between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnant women with well-controlled glucose and pregnancy outcomes., Methods: Two hundred and fifty-one GDM pregnant women of 24 - 28 weeks in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were recruited from Mar. 2005 to Mar. 2010. Two hundred and sixteen cases of GDM with well-controlled glucose were defined as glycemic satisfied group, and they were treated by diet therapy (169 cases) or insulin therapy (47 cases). Thirty-five cases with unsatisfied glucose were defined as glycemic unsatisfied group. One hundred and ninety-two healthy pregnant women of 24 - 28 weeks were defined as healthy control group. Serum SHBG and homeostasis model analysis of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at 24 - 28 weeks and above 36 weeks were measured. GDM was diagnosed by "two-step" method according to the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria. The pregnancy outcomes and complications of the three groups were recorded., Results: (1) Comparison of pregnancy outcomes and complications:glycemic satisfied group was less likely to develop hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (10.6%), premature birth (8.3%), large for gestational age (LGA) (8.8%), neonatal asphyxia (3.7%) and neonatal hypoglycemia (2.3%) compared to glycemic unsatisfied group (42.9%, 34.3%, 31.4%, 22.9% and 11.4%, respectively). And the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was no significant difference for incidence of polyhydramnios, pueperal infection, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia between the two groups (P > 0.05). When compared to healthy control group (7.3%, 2.1%, 4.2%, 2.1% and 1.6%), no significant difference was found for incidence of premature birth (8.3%), pueperal infection (3.2%), postpartum hemorrhage (5.1%), neonatal asphyxia (3.7%) and neonatal hypoglycemia (2.3%, P > 0.05). (2) Comparison of results of 24 - 28 weeks and above 36 weeks: serum SHBG of glycemic satisfied group [(384 ± 88), (457 ± 48) nmol/L] was significantly higher than that of glycemic unsatisfied group [(313 ± 45), (401 ± 73) nmol/L]; HOMA-IR of glycemic satisfied group (5.3 ± 1.1, 5.5 ± 1.1) was significantly lower than that of glycemic unsatisfied group (7.0 ± 1.3, 7.6 ± 1.7; P < 0.01). Serum SHBG of glycemic satisfied group was significantly lower than that of healthy control group [(492 ± 95), (565 ± 40) nmol/L]; and HOMA-IR of glycemic satisfied group (5.3 ± 1.1, 5.5 ± 1.1) was significantly higher than that of healthy control group (3.6 ± 0.6, 3.9 ± 0.5; P < 0.01). FPG of glycemic satisfied group [(5.84 ± 0.28), (5.16 ± 0.13) mmol/L] was significantly lower than that of glycemic unsatisfied group [(6.13 ± 0.16), (5.68 ± 1.14) mmol/L;P < 0.01]. FINS of glycemic satisfied group [(20.4 ± 2.1), (24.1 ± 4.2) mmol/L] was significantly lower than that of glycemic unsatisfied group [(24.7 ± 4.5), (29.9 ± 2.7) mmol/L; P < 0.01]. (3) Correlation analysis. Between 24-28 weeks, SHBG was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR in the three groups (r = -0.952, P < 0.01); and SHBG was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR in glycemic satisfied group (r = -0.903, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Well-controlled glucose can not completely improve maternal and fetal outcomes of GDM pregnant women. High insulin resistance and low serum SHBG can influence pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xiaoyusan plaster and Daoyin in the treatment of cervical vertebrae disease, to search new methods in the treatment of cervical vertebrae disease., Methods: From May 2007 to April 2008, 63 patients with disease of cervical vertebrae were treated. By odd or even numbers in random digits table, the patients were randomly divided into two groups included treatment group and control group. Thirty-three patients in the treatment group were treated with Xiaoyusan plaster and Daoyin included 21 males and 12 females with an average age of (30.60+/-7.89) years ranging from 20 to 49. Thirty patients in the control group were treated with Votalin Sustained Release Tablets included 16 males and 14 females with an average age of (32.43+/-8.00) years ranging from 20 to 49. The pain, pressing pain, activity of cervical vertebrae were observed before and after treatment in two groups., Results: Compared the scores before and after treatment in treatment group: pain (t=8.953, P<0.001); pressing pain (t=7.867, P<0.001); activity (t=6.918, P<0.001). Compared the scores before and after treatment in control group: pain (t=8.733, P<0.001); pressing pain (t=7.663, P<0.001); activity (=5.066, P<0.001). The symptoms such as pains, pressing pain, movement restriction improved significantly in two groups., Conclusion: Xiaoyusan plaster and Daoyin are one of the effective methods in the treatment of disease of cervical vertebrae, especially can improve symptoms and correct dynamic balance of cervical vertebrae.

Objective: To determine the factors that influence the development of abnormal thyrotropin (TSH) level in an euthyroid population., Methods: We conducted a follow-up study in 3 communities with different iodine status. Of the 3403 euthyroid subjects at baseline screened in 1999, 80.1% (n = 2727) was visited and sampled in 2004 for measuring TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb)., Results: Iodine status in the 3 communities were stable. Decreased TSH level (< 0.3 mU/L) developed in 2.5% (n = 68) of sampled subjects, while raised TSH level (> 4.8 mU/L) in 2.4% (n = 64). A logistic analysis showed that risk factors for developing decreased TSH level included positive conversion of TPOAb (OR = 5.5), positive TPOAb both in 1999 and in 2004 (OR = 4.0), positive TgAb in 2004 (OR = 3.7) and TSH < 1.0 mU/L in 1999 (OR = 2.6). Risk factors involved in developing raised TSH level included iodine status of Zhangwu community (OR = 4.1), iodine status of Huanghua community (OR = 3.9), positive TgAb in 2004 (OR = 3.7), positive TPOAb both in 1999 and 2004 (OR = 3.6), positive conversion of TPOAb (OR = 2.7) and TSH > 1.9 mU/L in 1999 (OR = 2.6)., Conclusions: Exposure to long-term iodine excess imposes danger of developing hypothyroidism. The risk will be even higher when exposing to iodine adequacy after correction of iodine deficiency. An interval between 1.0 and 1.9 mU/L of TSH level was optimal with the least probability of developing abnormal TSH level.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of bruxism on masticatory muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity., Methods: Twenty-four bruxers and sixteen asymptomatic control subjects were included through questionnaire and clinical examination. EMG activity was recorded by placing surface electrodes on bilateral anterior temporalis (TA), masseters (MM), anterior digastrics (DA) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles. EMG activities at rest, during maximal voluntary clenching in intercuspal position and swallowing were recorded by means of Bio PAK system., Results: EMG activities of TA and MM at rest were significantly higher in bruxism group than in control group (P<0.05). When subjects clenched their teeth in intercuspal position, the activities of TA and MM were much lower in bruxism group than in control one (P<0.05). EMG activity during swallowing was no significant difference between the two groups. The asymmetry index of bilateral TA and MM in bruxism group was a little higher than the control group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05)., Conclusion: Masticatory muscle dysfunction of bruxers is mainly represented as higher potential in postural position and lower potential during maximal voluntary clenching in intercuspal position of anterior temporalis and masseters.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of gestational transient thyrotoxicosis (GTT) and analyze the cause of thyrotoxicosis encountered in this period., Methods: An epidemiologic survey in ten hospitals in Shenyang was performed and 534 pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy filled questionnaire, received physical examination and had serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T(4) (FT(4)), free T(3) (FT(3)), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyrotrophin receptor antibody (TRAb), and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) tests., Results: (1) The total prevalence of thyrotoxicosis was 9.75% (52/534) in the first trimester and the prevalence of GTT was 7.86%, which accounted for 80.77% of the thyrotoxicosis encountered in this period. A total of 88.89% of the overt GTT showed only elevated FT(3) level. (2) The level of serum hCG increased gradually in the first trimester. The medians of hCG were 25 300, 85 220 and 81 780 IU/L 6, 8 - 10 and 12 weeks after gestation, respectively (P = 0.000). The medians of serum TSH were 1.45, 1.10 and 0.84 mIU/L 6, 8 - 10 and 12 weeks after gestation, respectively (P < 0.01). (3) When serum hCG was more than 50 000 IU/L, the prevalence of GTT increased obviously. When serum hCG was between 80 000 IU/L and 110 000 IU/L, subclinical GTT increased significantly. When serum hCG was more than 110 000 IU/L, overt GTT increased significantly. Correlation analysis showed that serum hCG was related negatively with TSH (r = -0.402, P = 0.000) and positively with FT(3) (r = 0.165, P = 0.000), but not related with FT(4)., Conclusions: The prevalence of GTT is 7.86% in the first trimester and it is the main cause of thyrotoxicosis found in the first trimester, accounting for 80.77% of all the causes. The serological characteristic of overt GTT is mainly the elevation of serum FT(3) level. Serum hCG level is related with the severity of GTT.

Objective: To investigate the stress distribution in three ferrule designs in a maxillary central incisor restoration using PFM crown with post, and evaluate the biomechanical mechanism of the ferrule effect in the post crown by 3D finite element dynamic analysis., Methods: The 3D finite element model of a maxillary central incisor restored with post and PFM crown was established. By simulating three types of ferrule effect [crown wrapping dentine (A), core collar wrapping (B), and contrabevel (C)] under dynamic loading, the dentin stress was analyzed., Results: During dynamic loading, the stress distribution tended to increase from the cervical part to root middle and radical part of the tooth, and greater high stress area was found around the apex of the post, where the peak stress was observed value. The stress of the labial dentin of the root inferior segment increased obviously. The high stress areas were invariable at every loading step during dynamic loading. The peak stress was sigma(vonA)

Objective: To investigate the effect of iodine excess on thyroid follicle epithelial ultrastructure and the relationship between thyroid injury and autoimmune thyroiditis., Methods: NOD. H-2(h4) mice and Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups receiving plain water, 5 fold, 10 fold, and 100 fold excessive iodine water. 4, 8 and 24 weeks after receiving iodine water, the mice were killed. After fixation with osmic acid and dual staining with uranyl chloride and citrate lead, thyroid gland ultrastructure was examined with electron microscopy., Results: Iodine treated NOD. H-2(h4) mice exhibited marked accumulation of peroxisome and secondary lysosomes, apoptosis and necrosis of thyroid epithelial cell, damage of thyroid follicles and lymphocytic infiltration. The observed changes induced by iodine were in a dose dependent way., Conclusion: The oxidative injury on the thyroid epithelial cells induced by iodine excess might be the prerequisite for the creation of autoimmune thyroiditis.