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This study aimed to isolate and select potential probiotic strains from the feces of healthy forest musk deer and to evaluate their in vitro probiotic characteristics. Twelve isolates were obtained and identified by cell morphology and bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing. Their survival under low pH and bile salt conditions, antagonistic activities against five pathogens (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076 and Arcanobacterium pyogenes LSN3), auto-aggregation characteristics, hydrophobicity, antibiotic susceptibility and antibiotic resistance genotypes, and growth curves were evaluated. The results showed that five Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolates and one Pediococcus acidilactici isolate survived at pH 4, or in 0.5% bile salt with survival rates of more than 88.5% and 87%, respectively. All of them inhibited the five pathogens with diameters of inhibition zones of 17.20-20.19 mm for E. coli ATCC 25922, S. aureus ATCC 25923, P. aeruginosa PAO1 and S. enteritidis ATCC 13076 and of 14.23-15.53 mm for A. pyogenes LSN3. They had similar auto-aggregation capacity (53.1%–56.2%) and surface hydrophobicity (52.9%–56.0%) to L. paracasei L22. They were resistant to streptomycin, ciprofloxacin and vancomycin, carried the vanX gene and rapidly grew; the optical density at 600 nm (OD600) reached 9.0 and 7.1 for L. plantarum and P. acidilactici from the gut of forest musk deer after 24 h incubation, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that these six isolates can be used as sources for the development of probiotic preparations intended for forest musk deer.

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes are closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Arterial spin labeling (ASL) uses water proton in blood as an endogenous contrast agent to obtain CBF, which has attracted must attention in AD studies due to its advantages of non⁃invasiveness and safety. However, there is still a lack of uniformity in the implementation of ASL in clinical settings, and limited by sample size and different population cohorts, research results may be different or lack of universality, which lead to the fact that this technology has not yet been widely applied in AD. This article reviews the new research progress on the correlation between CBF measured by ASL and AD disease process, pathologic biomarkers, vascular pathological burden, apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoEε4) gene, and cognitive impairment development, in order to provide guidance for the clinical application of ASL in AD.

Objective To report 2 pedigrees of early⁃onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD) caused by PSEN1 gene mutation, review previous studies and summarize the PSEN1 gene mutation sites, clinical presentation and genotype characteristics of EOFAD in China. Methods and Results The clinical data of 2 pedigrees with EOFAD from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were collected. Genomic DNA from peripheral venous blood of the proband was screened. Search the reported Chinese cases of EOFAD caused by PSEN1 gene mutation. In the Case 1 family, there were 3 members with memory loss, including the proband, onset at the age of 45. His head MRI showed mild atrophy of the cerebral cortex and bilateral hippocampus. A c.488A＞G (p.His163Arg) pathogenic mutation in the exon 6 of PSEN1 gene was found, proving the diagnosis. In the Case 2 family, there were 6 members with memory and working competence loss, including the proband, onset at the age of 42. Head MRI showed whole cerebral cortical atrophy and bilateral hippocampal atrophy, obviously on the left side. A c.344A＞G (p.Tyr115Cys) pathogenic mutation in the exon 5 of PSEN1 gene was found, proving the diagnosis. A total of 40 cases (including this 2 cases) of EOFAD patients caused by PSEN1 gene mutation in China were enrolled. Thirty⁃eight pathogenic mutation sites were reported. The age of onset ranged from 21 to 62 years old, and the course of disease ranged from 4 to 10 years. About 87.50% (35/40) of the patients' onset manifestation was progressive memory loss and then rapidly with multiple cognitive domains involved. Some patients manifested with extrapyramidal symptoms, epilepsy or ear symptoms. Conclusions c.488A＞G and c.344A＞G mutations in the PSEN1 gene were identified to cause EOFAD, and c.344A＞G mutation is the first report in China. EOFAD occurs early and progresses rapidly, and sometimes the initial symptoms may be atypical. Therefore, gene detection plays an important role in the diagnosis of the disease.

Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer have significantly increased the survival of cancer patients, which causes cancer itself and its treatment related sequelae and side effects appearing in their later life. Patients with cancer before, during and even many years after completion of therapies can exhibit cognitive impairment, negatively affecting cancer survivors' quality of life and functional independence. Internationally, patients with cancer complaining cognitive symptoms due to the disease itself and/or its therapy are called cancer⁃related cognitive impairment (CRCI). However, many aspects of the association between cancer and cognitive impairment remain uncertain. The definitive connection between systemic cancer and central nervous system is yet to be established. Therefore, this review summarizes the current evidence on potential pathophysiology in these patients with CRCI, emphasizing knowledge gaps and the potential strategies to address them.

Diphenyldiphenylethynylsilane monomer (DPDPES) was synthesized with ethyl bromide, diphenyldichlorosilane and phenylacetylene by Grignard reaction. The molecular structure was characterized by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The polymer of polydiphenyl(diphenylethynyl)silane (PDPDPES) was also prepared by thermal polymerization. Non-isothermal thermal decomposition process of PDPDPES was studied with TG-DTG technology via model method to get thermal decomposition function and the corresponding mechanism which was further verified by model-free method. Results show that the apparent activation energy and the pre-exponential factor are about Ea=245.37kJ/mol and lgA=13.78s-1 obtained by six different kinetic methods, respectively. The mechanism of functions are f(α)= 10/23 ·(1-α)·[-ln(1-α)]-1.3 and g(α)=[-ln(1-α)]2.3。

The average content of uranium in sandstone-type uranium deposits is 635 μg/g, whereas the content of rhenium is 0.3-1.9 μg/g. Because of low rhenium content, now precise determination of low Re in high U ores remains unresolved. In this study, a method for the determination of trace Re in sandstone-type uranium deposits by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry was developed. Samples were digested by MgO sintering, and were then extracted by hot water. 103Rh was used as the internal standard element to eliminate the interferences of uranium, molybdenum and other matrix elements on Re. Under optimum conditions, the detection limit of trace rhenium is 0.12 ng/g, and the recovery is 99.8%. The method was validated by a variety of standard samples, the measured Re contents are in good agreement with the standard values. The relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 1.5% for Re contents of 0.06-180.57 μg/g, which meets the requirement of determining trace Re in high U ores from sandstone type uranium deposits.

Objective To report 2 pedigrees of early - onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD) caused by PSEN1 gene mutation, review previous studies and summarize the PSEN1 gene mutation sites, clinical presentation and genotype characteristics of EOFAD in China. Methods and Results The clinical data of 2 pedigrees with EOFAD from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were collected. Genomic DNA from peripheral venous blood of the proband was screened. Search the reported Chinese cases of EOFAD caused by PSEN1 gene mutation. In the Case 1 family, there were 3 members with memory loss, including the proband, onset at the age of 45. His head MRI showed mild atrophy of the cerebral cortex and bilateral hippocampus. A c.488A > G (p.His163Arg) pathogenic mutation in the exon 6 of PSEN1 gene was found, proving the diagnosis. In the Case 2 family, there were 6 members with memory and working competence loss, including the proband, onset at the age of 42. Head MRI showed whole cerebral cortical atrophy and bilateral hippocampal atrophy, obviously on the left side. A c. 344A > G (p. Tyr115Cys) pathogenic mutation in the exon 5 of PSEN1 gene was found, proving the diagnosis. A total of 40 cases (including this 2 cases) of EOFAD patients caused by PSEN1 gene mutation in China were enrolled. Thirty-eight pathogenic mutation sites were reported. The age of onset ranged from 21 to 62 years old, and the course of disease ranged from 4 to 10 years. About 87.50% (35/40) of the patients' onset manifestation was progressive memory loss and then rapidly with multiple cognitive domains involved. Some patients manifested with extrapyramidal symptoms, epilepsy or ear symptoms. Conclusions c.488A > G and c.344A > G mutations in the PSEN1 gene were identified to cause EOFAD, and c.344A > G mutation is the first report in China. EOFAD occurs early and progresses rapidly, and sometimes the initial symptoms may be atypical. Therefore, gene detection plays an important role in the diagnosis of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the clinical and imaging differences between limb - girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) and immune - mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Methods Forty-five patients with LGMD2B and 45 patients with IMNM from January 2014 to December 2018 were included. Sex, age of onset, age of diagnosis and time of delay in admission were recorded, and serum creatine kinase (CK) level was measured. Cervical flexion, proximal and distal upper limbs, proximal and distal lower limbs were evaluated by Medical Research Council (MRC) Level 6 and muscle strength percentages were calculated. Skeletal muscle fatty infiltration and edema degree on both thighs were evaluated by MRI. Results The onset age (Z = -3.605, P = 0.000) and diagnosis age (Z = -2.757, P = 0.006) of LGMD2B patients were earlier than those of IMNM patients, while the delay time of admission was longer than that of IMNM patients (Z = -4.749, P = 0.000), the serum CK was higher than that of IMNM patients (Z = -2.247, P = 0.025). The muscle strength of neck flexion (Z = -6.320, P = 0.000) and percentage of muscle strength (t = -6.320, P = 0.000), the muscle strengh of proximal upper extremities (Z = -3.528, P = 0.000) and percentage of muscle strength (t = -3.762, P = 0.000) in IMNM patients were lower than those in LGMD2B patients, while the muscle strengh of distal lower extremity (Z = -3.256, P = 0.001) and percentage of muscle strength (t = -2.883, P = 0.004) in LGMD2B patients were lower than those in IMNM patients. LGMD2B patients had higher muscle fatty infiltration degree in anterior group (Z = -3.119, P = 0.002) and posterior group (Z = -2.534, P = 0.011) of thigh muscle than IMNM patients, but IMNM patients had highter thigh muscle edema degree in posterior group than LGMD2B patients (Z = -3.887, P = 0.000). Conclusions Compared with IMNM patients, LGMD2B patients had earlier onset age, longer delay in diagnosis time, worse muscle strength of distal lower extremities, higher serum CK and more obviously thigh muscle fatty infiltration. In IMNM patients, muscle weakness of neck flexion and proximal upper extremities, thigh muscle edema of posterior group were more obvious. These characteristics contribute to the clinical differentiation of the two diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using `Yuyan 10' as the material, the effects of different phosphorus fertilizer applica- tion on root characteristics of tobacco, such as root dry mass and the difference of dry matter distri- bution and mineral nutrient accumulation between its above and underground parts were investiga- ted. The results showed that the growth of flue-cured tobacco root system and the distribution of dry matter to the aboveground part were significantly promoted by phosphorus fertilizer application. The application of 30 kg P2O5·hm-2 led to the maximums of root dry mass, root volume, root activity and the minimum of root to shoot ratio. The maximum nutrient accumulation rates of root and leaf appeared 57-66 days after transplanting and 44-55 days after transplanting, respectively. Phos- phorus could not only promote the mineral nutrition absorption of tobacco and the earlier appearance of maximum nutrient accumulation, but significantly promote the nutrient accumulation of the aboveground part. But, the positive effects described above would be weakened when the amount of phosphorus fertilizer was more than 30 kg P2O5 ·hm-2. Therefore, it' s necessary to control the amount of phosphorus application to improve the quality of tobacco leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of saikosaponins-d (SSd) on experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and its potential mechanisms. Methods One hundred SD male rats were randomly divided into model group, DMSO control group and SSd intervention group. The model group was administered intragastrically with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) (5 times/week) for 14 weeks. DMSO control group was simultaneously administered with the same dosage of DMSO as SSd group. Saikosaponin-d intervention group was injected intraperitoneally with SSd (1.0mg/kg) once a day for 18 weeks. All rats were killed at the end of week 18. The expressions of Ang-2 and VEGF in liver tissue and serum were measured by immunocytochemistry and ELISA. Results Liver injury was alleviated obviously and the death rate was reduced in SSd group. Immunocytochemistry and ELISA indicated that Ang-2 and VEGF expressions were decreased significantly in SSd group compared with model and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion SSd can inhibit angiogenesis of DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of Ang-2 and VEGF expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoma is a benign tumor, which is composed of mature differentiated bone tissue and derived from osteoplast in the periosteum endothecium. Great osteomas in the condylar process is rare. This article reported a case with condylar process osteoma. The clinical manifestation, pathologic diagnosis and surgical treatment were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restrictions on the use of phthalates have led to the wide use of alternative plasticizers (APs) such as organophosphate, adipate, citrate, and sebacate. However, because plasticizers combine with polymers in plastic products via unstable noncovalent bonds, they can easily migrate out of these products, causing environmental pollution. In particular, their migration out of food packaging, containers, and other food-contact materials and into food has raised great concerns. Toxicological studies have shown that APs contain potentially toxic substances that can affect endocrine functions and cause neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and other adverse effects. Thus, their potential risks to food should not be underestimated. Sesame oil is a necessity in daily cooking. The results of risk monitoring in recent years have indicated that sesame oil often contains phthalates in excess of the standard limits. However, the potential risks of APs in sesame oil have not yet been reported. Some common detection methods for APs include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Unfortunately, these methods use low-resolution mass spectrometry and are limited by the resolution, scan rate, and analysis mode. Gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-Q-TOF/MS) has the advantages of high resolution, sensitivity, and analysis speed. In full-scan mode, GC-Q-TOF/MS can accurately collect the full-spectrum mass number of target compounds with low content levels in complex substrates, thereby realizing efficient screening and quantitative analysis. It shows outstanding advantages in the trace analysis of pesticide residues and pollutants. Furthermore, it features strong qualitative and high screening abilities. Establishment of a personal compound database and library (PCDL) addresses limitations in the number of compounds that can be measured and enables the rapid identification of targets without the use of standard products. In addition, increasing the number of targets for synchronous screening enables the retrospective analysis of new targets. In this study, a method based on GC-Q-TOF/MS was developed for the determination of 54 APs in sesame oil. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile and purified using a PSA/silica solid-phase extraction column. The mass-spectral information of the samples was then collected by GC-Q-TOF/MS in full-scan mode, and the 54 APs were searched using an established high-resolution mass-spectrum database to simultaneously achieve the broad-spectrum screening, qualitative identification, and quantitative analysis of multiple targets. The effects of different extraction solvents and purification methods on sample extraction and purification were compared. The accuracy of the screening results was improved by optimizing the GC-separation conditions, quality-extraction window, retention-time deviation, and other screening parameters. The screening detection limits (SDLs) of the 54 APs ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg; specifically, the SDL of 41 compounds was 0.01 mg/kg and that of 13 compounds were 0.02 mg/kg. The limits of quantification were in the range of 0.02-0.04 mg/kg. A total of 80 sesame-oil samples were rapidly screened using this method under optimal conditions. Five APs were identified from the 80 sesame-oil samples and quantitatively analyzed using the matrix-matched external-standard method. The results of this quantitative methodology showed that the five APs had good linear relationships in the range of 0.01-0.2 mg/L, with all correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The accuracy and precision of the method were verified using a standard recovery test with blank sesame-oil samples. Under the three standard levels of 0.04, 0.08, and 0.2 mg/kg, the recoveries of the five APs ranged from 71.3% to 97.8%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 0.4% to 6.1%( n =6). The developed method is fast, accurate, sensitive, and has high throughput. Thus, it can realize the efficient screening, qualitative identification, and quantitative analysis of the 54 APs in sesame oil and provides a potential solution for the monitoring of other contaminants in food.

Improvements in living standards have led to an increase in the consumption of animal-derived foods. Pesticides may be used illegally during animal breeding as well as meat production and processing for pest control and preservation. Pesticides applied to crops may also be enriched in animal tissues through the food chain, thereby increasing the risk of pesticide residue accumulation in muscles and visceral tissues and endangering human health. China has stipulated maximum residue limits for pesticide residues in livestock and poultry meat and their viscera. Many other major developed countries and organizations, including the European Union, Codex Alimentarius Commission, and Japan, have also set maximum residue limits for these residues (0.005-10, 0.004-10, and 0.001-10 mg/kg, respectively). Research on pretreatment technologies for pesticide residue detection in plant-derived foods is widely available, but insufficient attention has been paid to animal-derived foods. Thus, high-throughput detection technologies for pesticide residues in animal-derived foods are limited. The impurities that can interfere with the detection process for plant-derived foods mainly include organic acids, polar pigments, and other small molecular compounds; by contrast, the matrix of animal-derived foods is much more complex. Macromolecular proteins, fats, small molecular amino acids, organic acids, and phospholipids can interfere with the detection of pesticide residues in animal-derived foods. Thus, selecting the appropriate pretreatment and purification technology is of great importance. In this study, the QuEChERS technique was combined with online gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GPC-GC-MS/MS) to determine 196 pesticide residues in animal-derived foods. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, purified using the QuEChERS technique coupled with online GPC, detected by GC-MS/MS, determined in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM), and quantified using the external standard method. The effects of the extraction solvent and purification agent type on the extraction efficiency and matrix removal of the method were optimized. The purification effect of online GPC on the sample solution was investigated. The optimal distillate receiving time was obtained by studying the recoveries of the target substances and matrix effects over different distillate receiving periods to achieve the effective introduction of target substances and efficient matrix removal. Further, the advantages of the QuEChERS technique combined with online GPC were evaluated. The matrix effects of 196 pesticides were assessed; ten pesticide residues showed moderate matrix effects, while four pesticide residues showed strong matrix effects. A matrix-matched standard solution was used for quantification. The 196 pesticides showed good linearity in the range of 0.005-0.2 mg/L, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.996. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.002 and 0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of 196 pesticides at spiked levels of 0.01, 0.05, and 0.20 mg/kg were 65.3%-126.2%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.7%-5.7%. The proposed method is rapid, accurate, and sensitive; thus, it is suitable for the high-throughput screening and detection of multiple pesticide residues in animal-derived foods.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QEOrbitrap-MS/MS) was used to explore the inhibitory effect and mechanism of ginkgo flavone aglycone(GA) combined with doxorubicin(DOX) on H22 cells. The effects of different concentrations of GA and DOX on the viability of H22 cells were investigated, and combination index(CI) was used to evaluate the effects. In the experiments, control(CON) group, DOX group, GA group, and combined GA and DOX(GDOX) group were constructed. Then the metabolomics strategy was employed to explore the metabolic markers that were significantly changed after combination therapy on the basis of single medication treatment, and by analyzing their biological significance, the effect and mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of GA combined with DOX were explained. The results revealed that when 30 μg·mL~(-1) GA and 0.5 μmol·L~(-1) DOX was determined as the co-administration concentration, the CI value was 0.808, indicating that the combination of GA and DOX had a synergistic anti-tumor effect. Metabolomics analysis identified 23 metabolic markers, including L-arginine, L-tyrosine and L-valine, mostly amino acids. Compared with the CON group, 22 and 17 metabolic markers were significantly down-regulated after DOX treatment and GA treatment, respectively. Compared with the DOX and GA groups, the treatment of GA combined with DOX further down-regulated the levels of these metabolic markers in liver cancer, which might contribute to the synergistic effect of the two. Five key metabolic pathways were found in pathway enrichment analysis, including glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation. These findings demonstrated that the combination of GA and DOX remarkably inhibited the viability of H22 cells and exerted a synergistic anti-tumor effect. The mechanism might be related to the influence of the energy supply of tumor cells by interfering with the metabolism of various amino acids.

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine tablets is correlated with clinical efficacy and drug safety, and plays a great role in promoting the development of traditional Chinese medicine. However, the existing traditional artificial identification and modern instrument detection in terms of accuracy and timeliness have both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, how to quickly and accurately identify the quality of traditional Chinese medicine tablets has become a high-profile issue. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of the application of electronic eye technology in the study of rapid identification of traditional Chinese medicine quality. A total of 80 batches of samples were collected and tested by Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus for traditional empirical identification(M&#95;1) and modern pharmacopeia(M&#95;2). The optical data was collected from electronic eyes, and the chemical metrology was used to establish suitable discrimination models(M&#95;3). Four authenticity and commodity specification models, namely identification analysis(DA), minimum bidirectional support vector machine(LS-SVM), partial minimum two-multiplier analysis(PLS-DA), main component analysis identification analysis(PCA-DA), were established, respectively. The accuracies of the authenticity identification models were 82.5%, 90.0%, 96.2% and 93.8%, while the accuracies of the commodity specification identification models were 89.3%, 96.0%, 90.7% and 97.3%, respectively. The models were well judged, the authenticity identification was based on the final identification model of PLS-DA, and the commodity specification was based on the final identification model of PCA-DA. There was no significant difference between its accuracy and M&#95;1, and the time of determination was much shorter than M&#95;2(P&lt;0.01). Therefore, electronic-eye technology could be used for the rapid identification of the quality of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus.

Soil compaction and nutrient deficiency are common problems in Ningxia Yellow River pumping irrigation area, which adversely affect crop yield. A two-year (2017-2018) field experiment of straw returning combined with nitrogen fertilizer were designed. Four nitrogen application levels (pure N with 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg·hm -2 ) were set under the condition of full smashing of maize straw (12000 kg·hm -2 ) returning, with the conventional nitrogen application (pure N with 225 kg·hm -2 ) without straw returning as the control (CK) to investigate the effects of straw returning combined with different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer on soil physical and chemical properties and maize yield under drip irrigation condition. The results showed that, compared with no-straw returning treatment, the treatments of straw returning combined nitrogen fertilizer with 300 and 450 kg·hm -2 reduced soil bulk density (0-20 cm) by 3.3% and 5.4%, but increased soil porosity by 3.7% and 7.1%, respectively. Straw returning combined with nitrogen with 300 kg·hm -2 and 450 kg·hm -2 was the best treatment which increased soil organic matter content, available K, P, alkaline N and total N in 0-40 cm soil layer. Compared with the non-returning treatment, straw returning combined with nitrogen fertilizer 300 kg·hm -2 significantly increased soil water storage by 13.6% and 22.1%, increased maize yield by 31.1% and 46.0 % in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The analysis of yield components showed that the high maize yield was achieved mainly by increasing grain number and the100-grain weight. Curve fitting showed that the optimum amount of nitrogen fertilizer was 260 kg·hm -2 . Our results provide important basis for soil fertility improvement and sustainable production.

Traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) decoction contains complex bitterness. In this paper,the simple mixing of TCM monomer bitter substances is used as the entry point to study the law of bitterness superposition. With berberine hydrochloride( alkaloids),geniposide( terpenoids),and arbutin( glycosides) as mother liquor,sophoridine( alkaloids),gentiopicroside( terpenoids),and puerarin( glycosides) as additive substances,these different additive substances were mixed with different mother liquor according to concentration gradients to form different liquid mixtures. The bitterness of the additive solution and the mixtures was evaluated by traditional human taste panel method( THTPM) and electronic tongue; the bitterness-concentration fitting model of the additive solution and the liquid mixtures was established by Weibull and logarithmic curves. By comparing and analyzing the bitterness-concentration model and the bitterness difference( ΔI&#95;0/ΔI&#95;e) of the additive solution and the mixture,the influence of mother liquor on the bitterness of the mixture was investigated. The results showed that both the additive solution bitterness model and the liquid mixture bitterness model were consistent with the Weibull model and the logarithmic model( THTPM: R~2≥0. 887 0,P&lt;0. 01; electronic tongue test:R~2≥0. 753 2,P&lt;0. 05). The fitting degree of the Weibull model was generally higher than that of the logarithmic model; the bitterness difference( ΔI&#95;0) was monotonously decreasing; the fitting equation of tongue bitterness and electronic tongue bitterness: R~2≥0. 874 2,P&lt;0. 01. In this article,through the superposition of different kinds of TCM bitter substances,THTPM and electronic tongue test was combined. It was found that the bitterness after superposition was still in Weibull or logarithmic relationship with the concentration of additive substances; THTPM showed that the effect of bitter mother liquor on the bitterness of the mixture decreased with the increase of the concentration of the additive; the bitterness of the electronic tongue was obviously related to the bitterness of THTPM. However,further verification is needed later by optimizing the concentration gradient and expanding the sample size.

An incubated study was conducted to explore the effect of different manure application dosages (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%, referred to as T0, T1, T2, and T4, respectively) on dynamic changes in the organic carbon fraction and aggregate stability of soil under different incubation times (120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days). Soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions, such as light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), and polysaccharides, cellulose, water-soluble substance (WSS), fulvic acid carbon (FAC), humic acid carbon (HAC) content, and aggregate stability were measured. The results showed that SOC and its fractions were increased with increasing manure application rates. The SOC, LFOC, polysaccharides, cellulose, WSS, FAC, HAC contents and the HAC/FAC ratio increased by 15.3%-83.2%, 6.8-15.9 times, 8.5%-46.4%, 39.3%-122.6%, 35.7%-112.9%, 3.3%-46.9%, 42.5%-88.3%, and 28.5%-38.6% under T1-T4 treatments, respectively, compared to the T0 treatment at the end of the incubation period. With a longer period of incubation, the contents of SOC and HAC showed a decreasing trend, the LFOC increased first and decreased. The FAC content and the HAC/FAC ratio showed a fluctuation trend, but the content of polysaccharides showed an increasing trend. The application of manure decreased the content of >2 mm mechanically stable aggregates but increased the content of > 0.25 mm water stable aggregates in the soil. The mean weight diameter of water stable aggregate (WMWD) increased by 58.6%, while by the end of the incubation period, the percentage aggregate destruction rate (PAD) decreased by 22.2% under the T4 treatment compared to the T0 treatment. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between SOC and its fractions, and between organic carbon fractions (except polysaccharides) and aggregate stability. Path analysis showed that the content of HAC and > 2 mm mechanically stable aggregate had a significant direct impact on the mean weight diameter of mechanically stable aggregate (DMWD) ( P <0.05). Furthermore, the content of > 2 mm and < 0.25 mm water stable aggregates had a significant direct impact on the WMWD ( P <0.01). The content of<0.25 mm water stable aggregates had a significant direct impact on the PAD ( P <0.01), while the content of SOC and WSS had a significant indirect impact on the PAD via a direct effect on the content of<0.25 mm water stable aggregate ( P <0.05).

To quantitatively assess the health benefits brought by the implementation of the Action Plan of Air Pollution Prevention and Control, we firstly analyzed the spatial and temporal changes of PM 2.5 population-weighted concentrations over China from 2013 to 2017. The BenMAP model was used to analyze the differences in premature death between the PM 2.5 baseline scenario in 2013 and the control scenario in 2017 in 338 prefecture-level cities nationwide, so as to quantitatively analyze the number of premature deaths in 31 provinces. The results show that compared with other provinces, the largest reduction in premature deaths due to the significant decrease of PM 2.5 concentration occurred in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding regions, and the environmental health benefits from air quality have been greatly improved. The results show that from 2013 to 2017 the population weighted PM 2.5 concentration was decreasing year by year due to the significant decrease in PM 2.5 concentration; Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and the surrounding areas witnessed the largest reduction in premature deaths. In 2017, the number of avoided premature deaths in 280 prefecture-level cities nationwide increased, but declined in 58 cities. Taking the target value of the first phase of the WHO transition period (an annual average PM 2.5 concentration of 35 μg·m -3 ) as the control scenario, it is estimated that the number of premature deaths in 2013 was approximately 101293, and in 2017 was approximately 41080. The implementation of the Action Plan helped to avoid approximately 60213 premature deaths. According to the method of 'willingness to pay', the monetary benefits are estimated to be approximately 54.97 billion yuan.

In order to find the endogenous potential biomarkers of in vitro hepatic injury caused by NCTD-Na and elucidate the mechanism of hepatic injury of NCTD-Na,ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used for lipidomics detection.Multivariate statistical analysis was used to study the endogenous lipid metabolic changes of human normal liver cells LO2 injury after the treatment with sodium norcantharidate(NCTD-Na).The results showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50) of NCTD-Na was 0.034 mmol·L-1.A total of 280 differential metabolites were found between the control group and the low-dose group,with VIP > 2.0 and P<0.05.At the same time,a total of 273 differential metabolites were found between the control group and the high-dose group,with VIP > 2.0 and P<0.05.Cell metabolite profiles showed clear separation among control group,the low-dose group and the high-dose group,and 111 differential metabolites were found,with VIP > 2.0,P<0.05,RSD<30% and in a dose-dependent manner.It was found that most of the above differential metabolites were lipid metabolites after the analysis of simple preparnation methods and database search.A total of 32 potential biomarkers were identified,including 3 phosphatidylcholine(PC),5 lysophosphatidylcholine(Lyso PC),3 ceramide(Cer),1 sphingomyelin(SM),1 phosphatidylethanolamine(PE),10 lysophosphatidylethanolamine(LysoPE),4 diacylglycerol(DG),1 Phosphatidic acid(PA),1 lysophosphatidic acid(Lyso PA),1 phosphatidyl glycerol(PG),1 fatty acid hydroxy fatty acid(FAHFA) and 1 phosphatidylserine(PS).The changes of PCs,Cers,SM,PE and DGs were closely related liver protection,DNA methylation and self-repair in hepatocytes,apoptosis,methylation and detoxification of carcinogens,as well as lipid peroxides production process.Also,they had impact on the proliferation of hepatocytes,differentiation and gene transcription disorders.Cells stimulated by NCTD-Na could promote the production of PA as well as the synthesis and catabolism of FAHFA in a variety of ways.The levels of Lyso PCs,LysoPEs and Lyso PA were correlated with PCs,PE and PA;PE and PS might have valgus during apoptosis,triggering phagocytosis.

The study focused on the problems of lean soil and low fertility in arid area of central Ningxia. To explore the optimum rate of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application under straw returning, taking the treatment with straw return and no nitrogen fertilization as control, we investigated the effects of three N application levels (150, 300, 450 kg·hm -2 ) with return of total maize straw (9000 kg·hm -2 ) on soil water and nutrient status and maize yield. The results showed that the soil water storage (0-100 cm) at 300 and 450 kg N·hm -2 in middle and late growing period of maize was significantly increased by 10.1% and 9.0%. The enhancement of soil fertility was highest at 300 kg N·hm -2 , with significant increases of the contents of soil organic matter, total N, alkali-hydrolyzable-N, available P, and available K by 12.8%, 31.6%, 11.6%, 20.6% and 74.2%, respectively. The enhancement of maize grain yield was highest at 300 and 450 kg N·hm -2 , with the value being 32.1% and 23.7%, respectively. The net income at 300 and 450 kg·hm -2 N was significantly increased by 31.8% and 16.8%, respectively. Our results showed that straw returning plus proper quantity of N fertilizer could improve soil water and fertilizer status and enhance maize yield and net income in arid area of central Ningxia. The treatment of straw returning with 300 kg·hm -2 N was the best one.

By coupling particle source apportionment technology (PSAT) with a comprehensive air quality model with extensions (CAMx), the regional transport matrix of PM 2.5 was built for 13 cities in the Jingjinji Region in 2015. Results showed that the major contributor to PM 2.5 was local source emissions, contributing 21.49%-68.74%, The internal transport from in-region sources contributed 13.31%-54.62% and the external transport from out-region sources contributing 13.32%-45.02% were also significant. The spatio-temporal distribution of the PM 2.5 transport matrix was characterized by geographical, meteorological, and source patterns. Local emissions exerted the most significant impact on the central part of Jingjinji in winter, while regional transport contributed more to the southern region in other seasons. By assessing the input/output and activity of PM 2.5 transport, Langfang, Hengshui, Chengde, Qinhuangdao, and Xingtai were receptors; Tianjin, Cangzhou, Tangshan, Beijing, Shijiazhuang, and Handan were sources, and Zhangjiakou and Baoding had a balanced transportation mode. The seasonal matrix of PM 2.5 showed significant transport between Beijing and Langfang, Baoding, Chengde, Tianjin, Cangzhou, while the city list for Tianjin and Shijiazhuang differed slightly.

Tropospheric NO 2 vertical column densities (VCDs) from ozone monitoring instrument(OMI) were analyzed to evaluate the decrease in NO x emissions during two special events, 70th anniversary of the end of World War Ⅱ in 2015 and the G20 summit in 2016. Results showed a positive correlation between NO 2 VCDs and near ground NO x emissions and verified that the NO x emission control policy during "12 th five-year plan" were remarkably effective, with a 24.98% drop in VCDs in five years. At the early stage of "13 th five-year plan", in 2016, NO 2 VCDs decreased by 3.18% year-on-year, showing a consistent drop in NO x .

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of GEMOX regimen on patients with refractory non-hodgkin's lymphoma., Methods: Eighty-two cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were divided into 2 groups: gemcitabine+oxaliplation(Gem+Oxa) group (42 cases) and vinorelbine+oxaliplatin(Vin+Oxa) group (40 cases) according to chemotherapy regimens. The clinical efficacy, side effects, progression-free survival situation in 2 groups were compared., Results: There was no significant difference on the clinical effects of 2 groups (P>0.05); The therapeutic efficacy for B cell lymphoma was higher than that for T cell lymphoma(P<0.05); The therapeutic effects for I-II stages was lower than that for III-IV stages(P<0.05); The incidences of platelet decline, nausea and vomit, peripheral nerve symptoms in Gem+Oxa group were lower than those in Vin+Oxa group(P<0.05); There was no significant difference in the median progression free survival(P>0.05)., Conclusion: The efficacy of GEMOX regimen for refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been confirmed to be good, it has distinct clinical curative effect, it can prolong the progression-free survival time in patients with B cell lymphoma, specially for III-IV stages. It can be used as the preferred method for the treatment of patients with refractory NHL.

The present study was to explore the temporal and spatial distributions and variations of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthetase (nNOS) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of Aβ-induced cognitive dysfunction rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups. Three experimental groups were intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) injected with condensed-amyloid beta peptides 1-42 (Aβ 1-42 , 2.5 µg/µL, 4 µL) and were observed on day 7 (7 d Aβ group), day 14 (14 d Aβ group) and day 21 (21 d Aβ group), respectively. Three control groups were i.c.v. injected with equivalent volume of normal saline and observed at the same time points as the experimental groups. The learning and memory abilities of rats were tested with Y-maze; the locations and protein expression levels of α7nAChR and nNOS in cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA1, CA3, DG regions were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. The result showed that, compared with the control groups, the three experimental groups exhibited decreased learning and memory behavioral abilities, and down-regulated expressions of nNOS and α7nAChR in prefrontal cortex and hippocampal regions, especially in superficial layer of prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA3 region. Comparisons among the three experimental groups showed that the inhibitory effects of Aβ on the abilities of learning and memory and the expressions of α7nAChR and nNOS in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were time dependent. The results suggest that the coincident declines of α7nAChR and nNOS in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus may be the foundations of the cognitive dysfunction.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Huangqin Tang (HQT) on TLR4/Myd88 pathway and the downstream cytokines in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) to explore its underlying mechanisms of action. The model of UC rats with cell immunoreactivity was made using a compound method (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid plus ethanol). Rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine (SASP) group, high, medium and low dose(20, 10, 5 g·kg-1) of HQT groups. After a three-day treatment, production of NO in serum was detected by Griess assay, the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17 and prostaglandin E2（PGE2） in serum were detected by ELISA. After a five-day treatment, the positive protein expressions of COX-2 and iNOS in the colon tissue were determined by ICH method, the protein expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 in colon tissue were determined by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the levels of NO, IL-17, PGE2, the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and the protein positive expressions of COX-2, iNOS were apparently higher in the model group. Compared with model group, the above indexes were significantly improved in the SASP and high-dose HQT groups (P < 0.05). These results show that HQT has a definite effect on UC in rats. Its mechanisms of action may be achieved by inhibiting the activity of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway and down-regulation of NO, IL-17 and PGE2 production.

Water is a major limiting factor for plant growth in arid and semi-arid regions. To find out the main sources of water for two artificial sand-fixation plants (Caragana korshinskii and Artemisia ordosica), we analyzed the characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in water molecules of rainfall, soil water and xylem water. To analyze water sources of these two plants, we used a direct comparison method and a multi-variate mixed linear model. The results showed that an equation of local meteoric water line in Shapotou was δD=7.83δ 18 O+5.64 (R 2 =0.91). The value for rainfall δ 18 O varied during plant-growing season, which was higher in the beginning and end of growing season, and lower in the peak of growing season. The value for soil water δ 18 O in the upper layers changed dramatically. The change range became smaller in the deeper soil layer. C. korshinskii had a greater efficiency (56.1%) in utilizing soil water in 40-80 cm soil layer. A. ordosica had a utilizing efficiency of 56.4% in 20-60 cm soil layer. A week after rain event, C. korshinskii and A. ordosica showed a higher efficiency in upper soil water. C. korshinskii showed an increase of 12.5% in utilizing soil water in 0-40 cm soil layer and A. ordosicas showed an increase of 10% in utilizing soil water in 0-20 cm layer. These results suggested that C. korshinskii and A. ordosica changed their water use strategy after large rainfall events, which might enable them to more easily adapt to arid environment.

A simple and selective HPLC method for simultaneous determination and quantification of anthraquinones, lignans and flavonoids in Xiao-Cheng-Qi Tang (XCQT), Hou-Po-San-Wu Tang (HPSWT) and Hou-Po-Da-Huang Tang (HPDHT) was developed and validated. An Agilent Zorbax SB-C 18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 µm) column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.5% acetic acid aqueous solution in gradient elution mode was used. The flow rate was 1.0 mL · min(-1) at 30 °C, and injection volume was 10 µL. The detection wavelength was set at 254 nm and 294 nm simultaneously for the quantitative analysis. The current HPLC assay was validated for linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, recovery and stability. The method was applied to the content comparison of the gallic acid, cinnamic acid, sennoside A, sennoside B, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, magnolol, honokiol, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin and nobiletin in XCQT, HPSWT and HPDHT. The good linear equations of eighteen constituents were obtained within the investigated ranges (r > 0.998). The recovery of the method was 94.28%-99.89% and the precision was less than 5%. The sample was stable within 16 h. There were some differences between the contents of anthraquinones, lignans and flavonoids in analogous formulae about XCQT. XCQT contained the greatest abundance of anthraquinones and flavonoid, HPSWT contained the greatest abundance lignans. In conclusion, the methods are simple, low-cost, precise, accurate and reliable for the determination of eighteen constituents in analogous formulae about XCQT, and these results provide methodological support for its quality control.

Using 'Yuyan 10' as the material, the effects of different phosphorus fertilizer application on root characteristics of tobacco, such as root dry mass and the difference of dry matter distribution and mineral nutrient accumulation between its above and underground parts were investigated. The results showed that the growth of flue-cured tobacco root system and the distribution of dry matter to the aboveground part were significantly promoted by phosphorus fertilizer application. The application of 30 kg P2O5 · hm(-2) led to the maximums of root dry mass, root volume, root activity and the minimum of root to shoot ratio. The maximum nutrient accumulation rates of root and leaf appeared 57-66 days after transplanting and 44-55 days after transplanting, respectively. Phosphorus could not only promote the mineral nutrition absorption of tobacco and the earlier appearance of maximum nutrient accumulation, but significantly promote the nutrient accumulation of the aboveground part. But, the positive effects described above would be weakened when the amount of phosphorus fertilizer was more than 30 kg P2O5 · hm(-2). Therefore, it's necessary to control the amount of phosphorus application to improve the quality of tobacco leaves.

To investigate the effect of huangqin tang on expression of cytokines and NF-κB p65 in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to probe into its underlying mechanisms of action. The mode of UC rats with cell immunoreactivity was made using compound method (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and ethanol). Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, SASP group and high dose, middle dose and low dose of huangqin tang group. The food intake, body weight and microscopic damage of rats in each group were evaluated after being treated for five days. The blood and colon tissue were also collected. Production of NO was detected by Griess assay, the expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2 were detected by ELISA. ICH method was undertaken to determine the expression of NF-κB p65 protein in colon tissue. The food intake and body weight of model group rats were lower than that of control group. The expression levels of NO, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2 in serum and NF-κB p65 protein of colon tissue in model group were higher than that of control group. The above indexes were ameliorated in high and middle dose of huangqin tang groups. But there was no significant difference with SASP group. NF-κB p65 may be involved in the pathogenesis of UC, and huangqin tang can inhibit the relative activity of NF-κB p65, and decrease the expression levels of NO, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2.

The pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of Huangqin Tang (HQT) were investigated in yeast-induced febrile rats. Blood sample and rectal temperature data of the rats were collected at different times after single oral administration of HQT at 20 g x kg(-1). The plasma concentrations of paeoniflorin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A, glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid were quantified by a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS) method. The blood concentrations of PGE2, 1L-1β and TNF-α were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). All pharmacokinetic parameters were processed by non-compartmental analysis using WinNonlin software. The potential relationship between the mean concentration of eight constituents and the antifebrile efficacy was investigated by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients. It was found that HQT had significant antifebrile efficacy in yeast-induced febrile rats, but had no effect to normal rats. The antifebrile effect of HQT can be attributed to the inhibition of PGE2, 1L-1β and TNF-α. The constituents (baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A, glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid) in febrile rats had delayed absorption and elimination, a longer residence time in the body, and higher C(max) and AUC than those in normal rats. Febrile condition could affect the pharmacokinetic behaviour of HQT in vivo; the flavonoids with the same backbone showed the similar fate in the body; baicalein and wogonin had a strong positive correlation (R > 0.66, P ≤ 0.02) with the antifebrile efficacy determined. Together, these constituents demonstrated different pharmacokinetic properties in the febrile body.

Purpose: To study the changes of expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in rat dental pulp cells, which were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)., Methods: Rat dental pulp cells were cultured by the method of tissue block in vitro and identified. The cells were treated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) LPS at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 10000 ng/mL. The effects of treatment were respectively examined by the expression of DSPP, BSP and ALP in rat dental pulp cells with real time PCR (RT-PCR) after 1, 3, 5 days of culture. The data was statistically analyzed with SPSS17.0 software package., Results: Under phase contrast microscopy, the adherent cells were found to be primarily typical fibroblasts, and part of the polygonal cells with protuberant cytoplasm. RT-PCR showed that rat dental pulp cells expressed higher mRNA of BSP, DSPP and ALP at concentrations of 1 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL, whereas the expression of BSP, DSPP and ALP mRNA were lower at concentrations of 100 ng/mL and 10000 ng/mL. After 1, 3, 5 days treatment, the expression of BSP, DSPP and ALP gradually reduced in the cells treated with 1, 10, 100 and 10000 ng/mL LPS; while they had no significant change at the concentration of 0.1 ng/mL LPS., Conclusions: Lower concentration of P.g LPS promotes the expression of ALP, BSP and DSPP in rat dental pulp cells, but larger concentration has inhibitory effect. With the increase of incubation time, the promoting effect decreases gradually, while the inhibition effect increases gradually.

The current study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of Huangqin Tang on different oral doses. An LC-MS method for simultaneous determination of flavonoids and terpenoids in rat plasma was developed and validated. Plasma samples were treated with hydrochloric acid (containing 1% ascorbic acid), precipitated with acetonitrile, separated on a Zorbax SB-C18 column, detected by single quadruple mass spectrometry with an electrospray ionization interface, and quantified using selected ion monitoring mode. All pharmacokinetic parameters were processed by non-compartmental analysis using WinNonlin software. The results of specificity, linearity, intra-day and inter-day precisions, accuracy, and stability for LC-MS assay were suitable for the quantification of paeoniflorin, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A, glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid in rat plasma. The concentration-time profiles of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A and glycyrrhizic acid showed double-peak phenomenon after Huangqin Tang was orally administered at 40 g x kg(-1) dose; all eight constituents in rat plasma showed good dose-exposure relationship within the dosage of 10-40 g x kg(-1); although plasma concentrations were different, the flavonoids with the same backbone showed the similar fate in the body with the corresponding dosage. In conclusion, the LC-MS assay was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic study of multi-constituents of Huangqin Tang with different doses. Additionally, these constituents demonstrated good pharmacokinetic properties in the body.

Objective: To investigate whether inflammation exacerbates lipid accumulation in the radial arteries of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to explore its underlying mechanisms., Methods: Thirty ESRD patients receiving arteriovenostomy were included. The patients were divided by the plasma level of C-reactive protein into control group (n = 16) and inflamed group (n = 14). Foam cell formation and lipid droplet accumulation were checked by HE staining and Oil red O staining. Tissue inflammation and intracellular cholesterol trafficking correlated proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescent staining., Results: There were no differences in primary diseases, age, body weight, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, glucose, lipid profile between the two groups (all P values >0.05). The expressions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) of the radial artery were increased in the inflamed group. There was significant lipid accumulation in the radial arteries of inflamed group compared to the control group, which was correlated with the increased protein expressions of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr), sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), and SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP). Confocal microscopy observation showed that inflammation enhanced the translocation of SCAP escorting SREBP-2 from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi, thereby activating LDLr gene transcription. Further analysis showed that dysregulation of LDLr pathway induced by inflammation was associated with increased protein expression of mTOR (r = 0.733, P < 0.05), especially with the enhanced co-expression of mTOR and SREBP-2(P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Inflammation accelerates the progression of foam cell formation in ESRD patients via dysregulation of LDLr pathway, which might be partly through the activation of mTOR pathway.

The study aimed to investigate the age-related changes and drug reactions of transient outward potassium current (Ito) of ventricular myocytes. Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were divided into young (3-5 months), adult (13-15 months) and aged (22-24 months) groups, and Ito currents of isolated myocytes from each group were recorded respectively by patch-clamp. The perfusion of 2.0 mmol/L 4-AP or 1.0 μmol/L isoproterenol was added respectively in each group, and the changes of Ito were observed. In comparison with young and adult groups, Ito densities of ventricular myocytes in aged group was significantly increased, the curve of steady-state activation of Ito shifted to the left, the close-state inactivation rate significantly decreased, and recovery rate from the steady-state inactivation became quicker. However, no significant changes could be detected for the Ito steady-state inactivation of ventricular myocytes in aged group. The similar responsiveness to 4-AP was observed in all three groups, but the responsiveness to isoproterenol was weaker in the aged group (55.9%) than in the other two groups (127.5% and 125.8%). In conclusion, the results show that Ito of rat ventricular myocyte of aging heart has increased current density and decreased response to isoproterenol.

To elucidate the compatibility principle of Yupingfeng powder, a cocktail probe substrates approaches were developed. The enzymatic activity of cytochrome P450 from rat liver microsome was evaluated after being interfered with 7 prescriptions of Yupingfeng powder, which was designed according to the decomposed recipes design of traditional Chinese medicine. In vitro test, rat liver microsome incubation system was utilized to detect the 50% inhibitory concentrations of Yupingfeng powder with the decomposed recipes to cytochrome P450 (CYP1A2, CYP2A6 ,CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4) enzyme. The CYPs IC50 value of Yupingfeng powder with different compatibility were greater than crude drug 1.0 g x L(-1), which indicated that all Yupingfeng powder prescriptions had no significant inhibitory activity to cytochrome P450. For CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, the IC50 value of Yupingfeng powder with the decomposed recipes had a tendency to increase, compared with the major impact factor from Yupingfeng powder. For CYPs, the detected IC50 of Yupingfeng powder with the decomposed recipes tended to decrease, compared with the linearly predicted value. From the point of view of the impact of drugs on the metabolic activity, the compatibility of Yupingfeng powder has certain advantages and reasonable.

Objective: To establish a LC-MS/MS method for determining the concentration of tanshinone IIA, salvianolic acid B and paeoniflorin of refined coronary cataplasm in rabbit plasma, in order to determine the concentration of the three main ingredients in blood after transdermal administration and calculate their pharmacokinetic parameters., Method: Rabbits were given refined coronary cataplasm on the basis of 15 g x kg(-1) by transdermal administration to detect the plasma concentration of the three main ingredients using LC-MS/MS. Winnonlin software was used to calculate their major pharmacokinetic parameters., Result: Tanshinone IIA, salvianolic acid B and paeoniflorin showed good linearity (r>0.999) at 1-100, 50-1 000, 10-1 000 microg x L(-1) respectively in plasma, with average recovery rate of 96.57%, 91.90%, 95.93%, respectively. The RSD within day were less than 15%. After transdermal administration of refined coronary cataplasm in rabbits, the main pharmacokinetic parameters of tanshinone IIA, salvianolic acid B or paeoniflorin were as follows: Cmax (20.85 +/- 12.68), (636.25 +/- 386.91), (787.80 +/- 395.64) microg x L(-1); Tmax (0.49 +/- 0.28), (0.44 +/- 0.27), (0.46 +/- 0.30) h., Conclusion: The LC-MS/MS method is highly selective and sensitive to determine the concentration of samples in rabbit plasma. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of tanshinone IIA, salvianolic acid B and paeoniflorin are suitable to assess the percutaneous absorption of refined coronary cataplasm.

Objective: To establish an absorption-metabolic model suitable for studying the complex traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system, with the classic Jinlingzi Powder formula as the example, in order to explore the correlation among absorption behavior and absorption-metabolism behavior of different Jinlingzi Powder formulas and their compound compatibility., Method: An absorption-metabolic model suitable for TCM study was established according to in vivo characteristics of drugs, to combine the intestinal absorption model with the liver microsomal metabolism model. A quantitative analysis was conduced for absorbable components of Jinlingzi Powder and its absorption-metabolism components by HPLC., Result: The model could be used for studies on the absorption-metabolism process of TCM. Among the 15 main components which were derived from Jinlingzi Powder extracts, 10 could be absorbed by intestinal tract. A new component peak was shown after metabolism with the A-M model. The absorbable components of Jinlingzi Powder were related to its compatibility. Toosendan was found to be the major factor impacting the main component-absorption ratio (Ar) and absorption-metabolism ratio (Mr), followed by Rhizoma Corydalis., Conclusion: The absorption-metabolism model suitable for studying the complex traditional Chinese medicine system was established and used for the study on compound compatibility of Jinglingzi Powder. The compatibility of the formula has an impact on absorbable component ratio of Jinlingzi Powder, which helps interpret the theory of formula compatibility from the angle of in vitro compound pharmacokinetics (the difference between absorption and metabolism). Toosendan is the main factor impacting overall absorption and absorption-metabolism, while Rhizoma Corydalis is the minor factor.

Objective: To investigate the molecular genetic causes and their characteristics of deafness in Ningxia province, we established screening of three common hereditary deafness genes in 336 deaf and hard-of-hearing patients in this district., Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from a total of 336 patients with non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss in parts of special education schools in Ningxia province to extract genomic DNA. The mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA m.1555A > G mutation was screened by PCR Alw26I digestion and sequence analysis PCR and direct sequencing were used to analyze the coding region of GJB2 and exons 8 and 19 of SLC26A4. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 11.0 software. Frequencies of different GJB2 or SLC26A4 mutations were compared between Han and Hui people., Results: Among these 336 patients, seven cases (2.08%, 7/336) were found to carry mtDNA 12S rRNA m.1555A > G homozygous mutation, 45 cases (13.39%) were caused by GJB2 mutations and 28 cases (8.33%) had two mutated alleles (homozygote and compound heterozygote) of SLC26A4. In detail, 16.67% (56/336) patients carried GJB2 mutations including 11 single mutant carriers. The allele frequency of c.235delC and c.299&#95;300delAT were 9.52% (64/672) and 2.68% (18/672), respectively, making up 81.19% (82/101) of all pathogenic mutated alleles for GJB2. The single mutant allele carriers of SLC26A4 is 32, and two types (c.919-2A > G and c.2168A > G) accounted for 95.29% (24/27) mutations, totally. We also found that statistically significant differences in c.919-2A > G and c.2168A > G frequencies between Han and Hui people (c.919-2A > G, χ(2) = 8.229, P = 0.004; c.2168A > G, χ(2) = 5.277, P = 0.022). However, there was no statistically significant difference in GJB2 mutation between Han and Hui people., Conclusions: GJB2 mutation was a primary cause for non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Ningxia province, and c.235delC was the most common mutant forms of GJB2. c.919-2A > G and c.2168A > G were common mutant forms of SLC26A4, their frequencies were also statistically significant differences between Han and Hui people.

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations and radiological characteristics, diagnostic methods and outcomes of pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-derived(MALT) lymphoma., Methods: A retrospective review of clinical, radiological and follow-up data of 29 pulmonary MALT lymphoma cases at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated to Tong Ji University from January 2002 to June 2010 was performed., Results: Among these patients, there were 19(65.5%) males and 10 (34.5%) females aged from 27 to 73 (median 53) years old. Common clinical manifestations were cough (51.7%), fever (20.7%), apnea (17.2%), chest pain (17.2%), fatigue (13.8%) and weight loss (13.8%), while 9(31.0%) cases had no symptoms at diagnosis. The characteristics of the chest CT showed that 22 (75.9%) of the cases had patch infiltration or consolidation of the lung, 7(24.1%) of the cases had mass, and 15 (51.7%) unilateral and 14(48.3%) bilateral lesions. Their diagnosis duration varied between 0.5 and 96 months. 18(62.1%) cases were confirmed by surgery (15 open lung and 7 video-assisted thoracic surgery, VAST), 4 (13.8%) by percutaneous lung biopsy, 5 (17.2%) by bronchoscopic biopsy, and 2 (6.9%) by peripheral lymph node biopsy. The treatment methods included surgery, combined chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Chinese herbal medicine. The 1- and 3-year-survival rates were 92.3% and 87.4%, respectively., Conclusions: Pulmonary MALT lymphoma is atypical in clinical manifestations and radiological characteristics, and easy to be misdiagnosed. Local diseases are mainly treated by operation while extensive diseases receive combined chemotherapy. A proper diagnosis is mainly based on pathological biopsy. Patients with MALT lymphoma have a favorable outcome. Poor prognosis may be connected with poor performance status and long diagnosis duration.