Search

Considering the impact of differences in watershed characteristics on river water quality, with the Chaohu Lake Basin as the research object, based on the data of water quality, meteorology, topography, soil, and remote sensing images of the river monitoring points from October 2019 to September 2020, the watershed unit at each monitoring point was divided through digital terrain analysis, and the comprehensive landscape characteristics based on the watershed unit were explored through the comprehensive use of correlation analysis, redundancy analysis, and multiple regression analysis to investigate the influence of comprehensive landscape characteristics based on watershed units (including land use, climate, topography, soil, etc.) on the water quality of rivers around Chaohu Lake. The results showed that:① the water quality of rivers around Chaohu Lake had large spatial differences, with the main pollutants being total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen. Most of the rivers had total nitrogen concentrations exceeding the Class V water quality standards, and the areas with serious nitrogen and phosphorus pollution were concentrated in the urban area of Hefei and the surrounding rivers, as well as in the middle and lower reaches of the Fengle and Hangbu Rivers. ② The comprehensive landscape characteristics of the watershed unit had a significant impact on the river water quality. Among them, the proportion of built-up land, the density of patches, the dispersion and juxtaposition index, and the Shannon diversity index were positively correlated with the water quality indicators, whereas the proportion of forest and grassland and the spreading index were negatively correlated with the water quality indicators. ③ In different seasons, the effect of the integrated landscape characteristics of the watershed unit on river water quality was stronger in the wet season than in the dry season, which was mainly caused by the difference in precipitation in the dry and wet seasons.

Biochar, as a soil amendment for synergizing the reduction of pollution and carbon emissions, shows great potential and future prospects in controlling antibiotic contamination. In order to research the effects of biochar on antibiotic behaviors in soil systematically, a Meta-analysis was conducted based on 20 studies published from 2011 to 2021. The results showed that the adsorption and degradation of antibiotics in the soil were significantly affected by the application rate and property of biochar. A 2% biochar application dose seemed to be the highest effect size (ES) of 0.19 on adsorption, while there was a significant effect (ES=0.23) on the degradation when the application rate was 5%. The specific surface area, polarity, stability, and aromaticity of biochar could increase the partition coefficient significantly, and the ES was 0.11, 0.13, 0.09, and 0.18, respectively, whereas the effects of antibiotic transport on the dose and property of biochar were insignificant. Biochar also indirectly controlled antibiotic behavior by altering the soil environment. However, the response of the coupling mechanism in antibiotic behaviors on biochar application into soil is still unclear. Moreover, the long-term and negative effects of biochar application in the field are still lacking basic data.

At present, the effect characteristics and mechanism of organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer on organic carbon mineralization and active organic carbon in dryland yellow soil remain unclear. In order to explore the effect of organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer on organic carbon mineralization and active organic carbon in dryland yellow soil, we used soil with no fertilization (CK), only chemical fertilizer (NP), 50% organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer (1/2(NPM)), and 100% organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer (M). We examined the indoor mineralization culture of organic carbon and explored the characteristics of soil organic carbon and the change in active organic carbon under the condition of organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer. The results showed that organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer increased soil pH, organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and C/N. During the culture period, the soil organic carbon mineralization rate of all treatments decreased sharply in the initial stage (2-4 days), decreased slightly in the middle stage (4-20 days), and tended to be stable in the last stage (20-60 days). After fertilization, the cumulative mineralization of soil organic carbon significantly increased by 7.9%-27.7%. Compared with that in the NP treatment, the cumulative mineralization of soil organic carbon decreased by 5.2% in the 1/2(NPM) treatment and increased by 12.2% in the 1/2(NPM) treatment. Before mineralization culture, the substitution of organic fertilizer for chemical fertilizer had no significant effect on soil recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC) but significantly increased the content of microbial biomass carbon (MBC). The content of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was significantly increased in the 1/2(NPM) treatment and decreased in the M treatment. After 60 days of culture, the content of soil active organic carbon in all treatments decreased compared with the initial content, of which MBC decreased the most (30.6%-41.2%). The accumulated mineralization of organic carbon was significantly positively correlated with soil pH and SOC and significantly positively correlated with the initial value of MBC and the change value before and after culture. To summarize, 100% organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer significantly promoted soil organic carbon mineralization and reduced soil organic carbon stability; 50% organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer inhibited soil organic carbon mineralization, which was beneficial to soil sequestration and fertilization; and 50% organic fertilizer replacing chemical fertilizer significantly increased soil active organic carbon content, and MBC was used as the main carbon source in the process of soil organic carbon mineralization.

Objective: To detect the relationship between CTGF in the bone marrow of MM patients and osteolytic lesion of myeloma, moreover, to investigate the clinical significance of CTGF in MM., Methods: Fifity-four MM patients treated in our hospital from March 2019 to April 2020 were enrolled, and 28 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The plasma in bone marrow of the patients was collected, and the ELISA was used to detect the level of CTGF in bone marrow plasma and the relationship between its and clinical characteristics were statistically analyzed., Results: The CTGF level of MM patients was significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (P<0.001); the CTGF level in male patients was higher than that in female patients (P=0.007); the CTGF level in MM patients with osteolytic lesions was significantly higher than patients without osteolytic lesions and controls (P=0.007, P=0.001). The CTGF level in MM patients was positively correlated with the number of bone lesions (P<0.001, r=0.52). CTGF levels in patients with ≥3 bone lesions were significantly higher than those with <3 bone lesions and without bone lesions (P=0.014, P=0.002). ROC curve result showed that CTGF expression level shows a significant diagnostic value for MM bone disease (P<0.001)., Conclusion: The abnormally high expression of CTGF level in MM patients is related to the degree of myelomas osteolytic lesions and can reflect the progress of MM.

Objective: To investigate the imaging findings of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: Consecutive CTEPH cases admitted to receive CTPA in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from December 2015 to December 2019 were enrolled with prospective data collected. The medical histories, imaging manifestation and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed. Patients were divided into proximal lesions group and distal lesions group according to the site of thrombus, and imaging findings were compared between these two groups. Results: In 135 cases of CTEPH, CTPA showed thrombus in both lungs in the majority of patients (133 cases, 98.5%) with location of thromboembolic disease in level Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ for most patients, only 8 cases with level Ⅳ(7.3%) and no level 0 patients. The most common signs of chronic thrombus were vessel cutoffs (134 cases, 99.3%), eccentric wall-adherent filling defects (111 cases, 88.2%), web or bands (80 cases, 59.3%), stenosis (41 cases, 30.4%). Compared to patients with distal lesions, eccentric wall-adherent filling defects, irregular vessel wall were more common in patients with proximal lesions, stenosis was more common in distal lesions, all P< 0.05. The most common lung parenchymal signs were mosaic attenuation (104 cases, 77.0%), and pulmonary infarction (79 cases, 58.5%). Pulmonary infarction included pleura-based consolidation opacity (35/79, 44.3%), linear opacities (23/79, 29.1%), or both (13/79, 16.5%). Pulmonary artery enlargement (132 cases, 97.8%) and right ventricular hypertrophy (130 cases, 96.3%) were common, other signs included contrast reflux into the inferior vena cava (70 cases, 51.9%), enlargement of bronchial arteries (68 cases, 50.3%). No differences were found for all the secondary signs between patients with proximal lesions and those with distal lesions, all P> 0.05. Conclusions: Vessel cutoffs, eccentric wall-adherent filling defects, web or bands are the most common CTPA findings of chronic thrombus in CTEPH. Secondary signs include mosaic attenuation, pulmonary infarction, pulmonary artery enlargement, right ventricular hypertrophy and enlargement of bronchial arteries. Eccentric wall-adherent filling defects are more common in patients with proximal lesions than those with distal lesions.

Objective: To summarize the clinical and genetic features of β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). Methods: The clinical data of 17 patients with BPAN with WDR45 gene variants were retrospectively collected at Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Peking University First Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and Shanghai Children's Hospital from June 2016 to December 2018, and their clinical manifestations, electroencephalogram, neuroimaging and genetics were analyzed. Results: Seventeen cases (13 females, 4 males), aged 1.1-8.8 years, were included. The median age of seizure onset was 14.5 months, from 3 months to 24 months of age, manifested with epileptic spasm in 6 cases and focal seizures in 5 cases. Eight patients had only one seizure type and 8 patients had two or more seizure types. Nine patients had complete remission of seizures. All 16 patients with seizures had developmental delay before the seizure onset, of whom 13 patients had moderate to severe seizures. The brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was abnormal in 13 patients, including cerebral atrophy (10 cases) and thinning of the corpus callosum (9 cases). The brain magnetic susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in preschool stage showed prominent T2 hypointense signals in bilateral globus pallidus and brainstem ventral in two cases. Five seizure types (spasm, focal, absence, myodonic and generalized tonic clonic seizures)were found on ictal electroencephalogram(EEG) recordings. Compared to female patients(17(6-24) months of ege), male cases had earlier seizure onset (3, 4, 5, 18 months of age) . All patients had de novo variations in WDR45(6 nonsense, 4 frameshift, 3 missense and 4 splicing variations), with hemizygous variants in 3 males, mosaic variants in a male and heterozygous variants in 13 females, within which 5 variations had not been reported (c.977-1C>T,c.976+1G>C,c.10C>T,c.806del and c.110T>C). Conclusions: The patients with BPAN have profound developmental delay and are vulnerable to seizures. The male patients with BPAN tend to have more severer clinical phenotype than females. Early brain SWI could facilitate the timely diagnosis of this disease.

As the famous Chinese patent medicine, Yinhua Miyanling Tablets, which was derived from ancient prescription denominated Bazhengsan, has not only the effects in clearing away heat and purging pathogenic fire, removing dampness and relieving stranguria, but also have the functions of detoxifying and tonifying. A great number of scientific studies have demonstrated that Yinhua Mi-yanling Tablets played significant roles in destroying harmful microbes and resisting inflammatory and diuresis. Compared with antibiotics, traditional antibacterial Chinese patent medicine Yinhua Miyanling Tablets has the advantage in bacterial resistance in long-term use. Fundamental studies about the content of pharmaceutical ingredients and the modern pharmacology of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets were collected and summarized, which conduces to indicating the active ingredients of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets with the medicinal efficacy from the molecular level and the internal mechanism of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in the treatment of urinary tract infection(UTI) from the scientific perspective. In the field of clinical research, literatures associated with Yinhua Miyanling Tablets for the treatment of UTI were summarized and analyzed in terms of treatment type, administration mode, dosage, frequency of medication, course, efficiency, side effects and whether combined with healthy lifestyle. These literatures confirmed the medicinal values and the application prospect of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in treating UTI, especially acute UTI, which provides a scientific theoretical foundation and a correct direction for the clinical application of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets. In conclusion, this article contributes to the standardization of Yinhua Miyanling Tablets in the treatment of UTI, in the expectation of giving the scientific guidance for clinical practice.

A questionnaire survey of 1 000 clinicians having experience in treating uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections from different levels of hospitals was conducted to mainly evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of clinical application of clinical practice guideline on traditional Chinese medicine therapy alone or combined with antibiotics for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection(hereinafter referred to as Guideline). The research was conducted with the three-level quality control strictly throughout the process, and the data was real and reliable. The survey's results showed that: most clinicians considered that the Guideline had good clinical applicability. The availability and price of the recommended medicine were moderate. Traditional Chinese medicine had obvious features and advantages in treating lower urinary tract infection for it could reduce the usage of antibiotics and shorten the course of antibiotic application. In the recommendation section, clinicians proposed increasing medication guidance, updating the Guideline timely, as well as increasing treating methods and techniques, strengthen propaganda and promotion, and improve the use of evidence-based methods. In the evaluation of effectiveness, the majority of clinicians agreed that the definition in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine and differential diagnosis in the Guideline were accurately described and the basic principle of treatment as well as the treating method of TCM were recommended appropriately. The TCM formulas and Chinese patent medicine had good effect. Some clinicians suggested refining the syndrome differentiation of stranguria. Some clinicians considered that the formulas and herbs recommended in Guideline didn't have obvious effect and some had doubts about the manipulation of fumigation and washing in the part of other methods recommended in Guideline. Moreover, specification and procedure of manipulation of fumigation and washing using herbs and the acupuncture included in characteristic TCM therapy treating uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection remained to be developed., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Objective: To determine component changes of metabolic syndrome in pre-elderly people with healthy obese phenotype., Methods: A total of 1 686 adults aged between 45-59 yr. who underwent health examinations from 2010 to 2016 in West China Hospital of Sichuan University participated in this study. The participants had healthy obese phenotype at the baseline but no history of diabetes,high blood pressure,high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Component changes of metabolic syndrome (MS) and associated factors over the seven-year period were analysed using logistic regression modeling., Results: The number of MS components increased over the years in centrally obese individuals,and 11.0% developed MS,including 118 men [(53.29±4.00) years old,66.95% current smokers,5.93% past smokers,24.58% alcohol drinkers] and 67 women [(52.01±4.06) years old,26.87% current smokers,1.49% past smokers,11.94% alcohol drinkers]. The most frequently presented MS components included higher fasting glucose,higher blood pressure and higher triglyceride. Healthy status (0 MS component) resumed in 44 participants who had abdominal obesity (1 MS component) at the baseline: 27 women and 17 men. Age ( OR =1.732, 95% CI ：1.594-1.882, P <0.000 1),smoking ( OR =7.188, 95% CI ：4.311-11.986, P <0.000 1) and drinking ( OR =3.986, 95% CI ：2.283-6.959, P <0.000 1) were identified as risk factors of MS., Conclusion: MS components increase over years in both men and women. Smoking and drinking are the main risk factors of MS progression. Regular MS surveillance and behavioral interventions are recommended for pre-elderly people with healthy obese phenotype., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).)

An analysis of the effect of ENSO events with different strengths on the isotopic composition of precipitation is conducted based on test data for 206 precipitation samples collected from January 2012 to February 2017 in Shanghai coupled with the archives for Nanjing, Wuhan, Fuzhou, and Hong Kong from 1961 to 2012 from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) database. During the research periods, the δD and δ 18 O values in precipitation are lower in summer and autumn but higher in winter and spring. The slope and intercept of the atmospheric precipitation lines during El Niño events are larger than during other times, while anti-temperature, precipitation amount, and vapor pressure effects are more significant than during La Niña events. The δ 18 O and deuterium excess values (value of d ) of rainfall in Shanghai during El Niño and La Niña events of varied strengths have an obvious negative correlation with the oceanic Niño index (ONI), sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA), and the extreme and cumulative values of ONI. Moreover, ENSO events are closely intertwined with the correlation between δ 18 O isotopic value in precipitation, ONI, and SSTA.

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics of poorly-differentiated chordoma with INI1 loss in children and to discuss the differential diagnosis. Methods: The clinical, radiological, histopathological profiles and molecular pathologic characteristics of two pediatric poorly differentiated chordoma cases with INI1 loss were reviewed. Results: The patients were a girl and a boy. Both lesions involved the slope. Both patients were presented with progressive muscle weakness or neck pain. Radiological examination showed clivus bone destruction and compression of the brain stem and cervical spinal cord. Histologically, the tumor cells lacked typical organization and were associated with inflammatory cells infiltration. On high power field, the tumor cells were ovoid or fusiform with prominent atypia, vacuolated nuclei and prominent nucleoli. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells expressed cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, brachyury and were negative for INI1. In both cases, INI1 gene deletion was detected by FISH. Conclusions: Poorly-differentiated chordoma with INI1 loss mainly occurs in children. The morphology is different from classical chordoma.INI1 gene deletion is detectable by FISH. It can be distinguished from atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors and other neoplasms by the identification of nuclear brachyury expression. The loss of INI1 expression in poorly-differentiated chordoma might be associated with a poorly-differentiated morphology and an adverse prognosis.

Objective: To explore the MRI manifestation of encephalopathy of prematurity (EOP), so as to find an access to the early prevention, early diagnosis, effective treatment and prognosis. Methods: A total of 2 718 premature infants were collected, MRI and clinical data were analyzed who were admitted to NICU of Children's Hospital of Fudan University between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014. The manifestation and lesions distribution in MRI were analyzed. Results: All the 2 718 preterm infants underwent MRI. 58.8% (1 599/2 718) of which had normal MRI apperance, whereas 24.9% (678/2 718) showed manifestations of EOP.78.8% (534/678) EOP were non-cystic EOP. 21.2% (144/678) EOP were cystic EOP. Periventricular and cerebral lobe white matter were primary distributions of these lesions. Cystic lesions were primarily distributed in the body of periventricular whiter matter (49.3%). However, more non-cystic EOP were found in cerebral parietal lobe whiter matter (25.1%). Non-cystic EOP were also distributed in the body of periventricular whiter matter, frontal lobe and basal ganglia(20.8%, 20.2% and 18.9%, respectively ). Conclusions: The morbidity rate of EOP in preterm infants was 24.9%. 21.2% (144/678) EOP were cystic EOP. 78.8% (534/678) EOP were non-cystic EOP. Cystic lesions were primarily distributed in the body of periventricular whiter matter. Non-cystic EOP were also distributed in the body of periventricular whiter matter, frontal lobe and basal ganglia.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) belongs to the category of stranguria. This article describes the unsatisfactory situations in clinical practice such as antibiotics abuse, increasing of drug-resistant bacteria, high recurrence rate, etc. According to evidence-based medicine, literatures as evidence are collected for summarizing and analyzing and the result shows the advantages of TCM of relieving symptoms, reducing the dosage of antibiotics, less side effects, lower recurrence rate, etc. In the field of fundamental research, literatures associated with UTI are also summarized and analysed from several perspectives, such as causes, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation, pharmacological effects of Chinese herbal medicine, working mechanism of non-drug therapy, etc and the result presents that integrated treatment of TCM in UTI has significant advangtages and its own characteristic., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and genetic characteristics of patients with TBC1D24 gene mutations. Method: The clinical data of a patient with novel TBC1D24 compound heterozygous mutations from Children's Hospital of Fudan University were collected, the related literature was searched from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, National Center from Biotechnology Information and Pubmed (up to April 2016) by using search terms "TBC1D24" "epilepsy" . The clinical features, electroencephalogram (EEG) and prognosis of the patients with TBC1D24 gene mutations were studied. Result: The patient was a boy with non-consanguineous healthy parents.He had an acute episode of focal continuous myoclonus lasting a few hours with consciousness preserved at the age of 3 months.Myoclonic jerks alternatively affected the eyelids, either the right or left limbs, sometimes triggered by fever or fatigue.The frequency was once 3-7 days.At the age of 6 months he was found to have myoclonus seizures with onset from a unilateral eyes lid and limb lasting 10 more minutes and subsequently affected four extremities or the trunk.They occurred once 3-4 months with perserved consciousness and lasted from several hours to up to ten more hours.They mostly disappeared during sleep.He had ataxia and mild mental retarding.Paroxysmal anomalies were not found on ictal traces.A novel compound heterozygous mutation of TBC1D24 gene, c. 730G>A, p.A244T and c. 1571G>C, p.R524P were found in the patient.Further study showed that c. 730G>A mutation was inherited from his father and c. 1571G>C from his mother. These two were not reported in public databases and predicted deleterious by Mutation Taster and polyphen-2.Literature relevant to TBC1D24 published all around the world was reviewed, no Chinese cases with TBC1D24 gene mutations had been reported. The total of 24 cases including the present case with TBC1D24 gene mutation were reported.Among them, 11 cases had compound heterozygous mutations and 13 cases had homozygous mutations.Ten mutations were identified, including 1 termination mutation, 1 frameshift mutation and 8 missense mutations. Conclusion: TBC1D24 gene mutational analysis should be performed on patients with early-onset focal continuous myoclonus, if the etiology was unclear.

Objectives: To investigate the association between obesity and osteoporosis in men aged above 50 in Chengdu., Methods: Male participants aged above 50 were recruited from those who visited West China Hospital of Sichuan University for health examinations. Bone mineral density was measured by MetriScan Bone Densitometry. The participants were divided into three groups according to T values: normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis., Results: About 5.75% (525 cases) of the 9 135 male participants had osteoporosis. The three groups had significant different anthropometric parameters, including body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), a body shape index (ABSI), and body roundness index (BRI)( P <0.01). The participants with the highest quartile (Q4) of BMI, BRI, WHtR, WHR, ABSI, waist circumference and height had an age-adjusted odds ratios ( OR ) of 0.443 [95% confidence interval ( CI ): 0.342-0.574), 0.580 (95% CI : 0.454-0.740), 0.587 (95% CI : 0.460-0.751), 0.664 (95% CI : 0.516-0.854], 1.369 (95% CI : 1.069-1.751), 0.634 (95% CI : 0.497-0.809), and 1.357 (95% CI : 1.047-1.758), respectively, for osteoporosis compared with those with the lowest quartile (Q1). The area under cures ( AUC ) of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of BMI for osteoporosis was 0.606 (95% CI :0.580-0.632)., Conclusions: Large body mass was negatively associated with osteoporosis in middle and old aged men. BMI is the strongest predictor of osteoporosis. Further longitudinal studies are required to verify such asscoiations.

Objectives: To determine the association between obesity and bone mineral density in menopausal women., Methods: We recruited menopausal women aged 50 years and older who undertook health examinations in West China Hospital of Sichuan University in this study. Bone mineral density of the participants was measured by MetriScan Bone Densitometry. The participants were categorized into three groups according to the T value: normal density, osteopenia and osteoporosis., Results: Of the 4 938 participants, 8.55% had obesity [body mass index (BMI)>28 kg/m 2 ]. The three groups of participants were different in BMI, a body shape index (ABSI), body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference and height ( P <0.01). The age-adjusted T values were positively correlated with height, body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR) and body roundness index (BRI) ( P <0.05). The areas under curves ( AUC ) of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) were 0.540 and 0.568, respectively, for waist circumference and BMI in those with osteoporosis., Conclusions: Obesity in menopausal women is negatively associated with osteoporosis. The clinical significance of such an association requires further studies with a longitudinal design.

A method for determining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by cryogenic dynamic adsorption in solid adsorbent tubes, subsequent thermal desorption with cryofocusing in a cold trap and analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was adapted for continuous ambient air monitoring. VOCs pollution characteristics and health risk assessment (HRA)were researched in detail. Moreover, the sources apportionment was reliably analyzed by positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results showed that the average concentration of VOCs was 332.34 μg·m -3 per day, the concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbon and halo hydrocarbon were remarkably high compared to the other VOCs. Particularly, the PMF analysis results revealed that solvent/paint use emission, biomass or coal combustion and motor vehicle exhaust emissions were the main pollutants emission sources. Additionally, the cancer risk index of all carcinogenic substances was higher than the suggested value of USEPA(1×10 -6 ), which could cause potential harm to human health.

The chloroacetic acids are ubiquitous present as a class of trace chlorinated organic pollutants in surface and drinking water. Most of chloroacetic acids are known or suspected carcinogens and, when at high concentrations, are of great concern to human health. In order to economically remove chloroacetic acids, the degradation of chloroacetic acids by cast iron was investigated. Moreover, the effect of iron style, pretreatment process, shocking mode and dissolved oxygen on chloroacetic acids reduced by cast iron was discussed. Compared to iron source and acid pretreatment, mass transfer was more important to chloroacetic acid removal. Dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) were the main products of anoxic and oxic degradation of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) by cast iron during the researched reaction time, respectively. With longtitudinal shock, the reaction kinetics of chloroaectic acid removal by cast iron conformed well to the pseudo first order reaction. The anoxic reaction constants of TCAA, DCAA and MCAA were 0.46 h(-1), 0.03 h(-1) and 0, and their oxic constants were 1.24 h(-1), 0.79 h(-1) and 0.28 h(-1), respectively. The removal mechanisms of chloroacetic acids were different under various oxygen concentrations, including sequential hydrogenolysis for anoxic reaction and sequential hydrogenolysis and direct transformation possible for oxic reaction, respectively.

Water temperature has significant effects on the disinfection by-product (DBP) formation and concentration in many water utilities and distribution systems. To study the temperature effect on the DBP concentration, the uniform formation condition (UFC) test was referred in testing the formation concentration of DBPs [including (trihalomethanes) THMs and (haloacetic acids) HAAs] at different temperatures during chlorination of the humic acid (HA) solution. A kinetic model was consequently proposed to predict DBP concentration during chlorination. Results show that for the three detected DBPs, including chloroform (CHCl3), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), increasing temperature could considerably enhance both the DBP formation rates and the maximum DBP concentrations, where the maximum concentrations increase exponentially with the water temperature (R2 > 0.90). By using the data-processing software Origin, the detected DBP values were fitted using the proposed first order kinetic model, and the result showed a strong correlation for each DBP at various temperatures (R > 0.94). The apparent reaction rate constant k was also derived for each DBP. In order to quantify the temperature effect on DBP formation, the Arrhenius Equation was employed to calculate the apparent reaction activation energy for each DBP-22.3, 25.5 and 40.8 kJ x mol(-1) for CHCl3, DCAA and TCAA, respectively. By comparing the model predicted and the detected DBP values at 20 and 30 degrees C, the model showed a strong performance in predicting DBP formation concentrations, which indicated the reliability and validity of this proposed kinetic model.

Objective: To construct a breast cancer cell line MD-MB-231 stably overexpressing RSK4 gene and study its in vivo effects on tumor tumorigenesis., Methods: The MD-MB-231 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1/Neo and pcDNA3.1/Neo-RSK4 by lipofectamin transfection respectively. The stable expression of RSK4 (MR11 and MR12) and control vector (MN10 and MN11) were inoculated into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice subcutis to establish a model of human breast cancer in SCID mice. The xenograft tumor growth, invasion and metastasis were observed after 6 - 10 weeks., Results: The stable cell lines MR11, MR12 and MN10, MN11 were screened successfully. We constructed the human breast cancer transplanted model and dissected SCID mice. After 6 weeks, SCID mice subcutis of the MN10/MN11 group yielded 10/10 metastatic tumors versus 6/10 and 7/10 in the MR11/MR12 group respectively. MR11 and MR12 showed much smaller tumor sizes and significantly reduced tumor volume and weight versus MN10 and MN11 (P < 0.001). In the control group, visceral metastasis developed in 80% (8/10) of mice while in metastasis developed in 40% (4/10) of mice injected with RSK4-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells. Histological examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin sections of lungs revealed numerous metastases in mice injected with vector control cells whereas RSK4-overexpressing cells showed markedly decreased metastatic lesions., Conclusion: Transplanted human breast cancer in SCID mice closely correlates with the disease course of clinical tumor patients. Overexpression of RSK4 can inhibit tumor growth of transplanted human breast cancer in SCID mice.

Objective: To investigate possible mechanism of silencing lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene by RNA interference affecting on invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells., Methods: LOX-RNAi-LV was designed and synthesized, which was transfected into breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The expressions of LOX, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were determined by Real-time PCR in MDA-MB-231 cells, and the protein expression of LOX was determined by Western blot. The cells migration and invasion abilities were measured by cell migration and invasion test. 111 cases of breast cancer tissue and cancer-adjacent breast tissues and 20 cases of benign lesion tissues of LOX, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship of LOX and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed., Results: The expression levels of LOX mRNA and protein were down-regulated obviously after transfecting LOX-RNAi-LV, with the inhibition rate 89.2% ± 1.3% and 84.4% ± 0.4% respectively. The relative expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were 0.496 ± 0.021 and 0.571 ± 0.099 in RNAi group, which was significantly lower than that in negative control group (0.846 ± 0.047, 0.786 ± 0.042) and blank control group (1.000 ± 0.000, 1.000 ± 0.000) (both P < 0.05). Cell migration and invasion test showed the average cell numbers per field in the group RNAi were 47 ± 2 and 63 ± 2, was significantly lower than that in negative control group (100 ± 1, 118 ± 2) and blank control group (100 ± 1, 118 ± 2) (both P < 0.05). The expression of LOX protein in breast cancer, cancer-adjacent breast tissues and benign breast tumor were 48.6% (54/111), 26.1% (29/111), 20.0% (4/20), the expression of LOX protein in breast cancer was significantly higher than that in cancer-adjacent breast tissues and benign lesion tissues (P = 0.019). The expression of LOX protein was associated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor size. Correlation analysis showed that LOX protein expression was significantly positive correlation with MMP-2 (r = 0.262, P = 0.005) and MMP-9 (r = 0.424, P = 0.000)., Conclusion: LOX can promote invasion and metastasis of breast cancer; LOX and MMP-2, MMP-9 may have a synergistic role in promoting invasion and metastasis of breast cancer.

To understand the present status of the heavy metal (Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Hg) pollution of the sediments in water supply reservoirs in Huizhou, sediment cores were sampled from three representative reservoirs. The heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by ICP-MS, and the pollution status was assessed by geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI). In the meantime, the possible sources of the heavy metals were analyzed by the principal component analysis (PCA). In the sediments of the three reservoirs, the test heavy metals had different vertical distribution, some had less change, the others decreased or increased with depth, and the distribution patterns differed with the reservoirs. According to the Igeo, the sediments in the reservoirs were seriously polluted by Zn and Pb (Zn: 49.98-640.29 mg x kg(-1); Pb: 21.94-300.66 mg x kg(-1)), reaching slight to high pollution, and the middle or bottom part of the sediments was slightly polluted by Cu (16.85-45.46 mg x kg(-1)). On the whole, the sediments were not polluted by Cr, Cd and Hg. According to the RI and the potential ecological risk coefficient [Er(i)], the sediments in the three reservoirs were under low potential ecological risk. Based on the PCA and relevant information, the human activities such as mining and smelting, urbanization, and agriculture and forestry had great contribution to the heavy metal pollution. The Zn and Pb pollution mainly originated from mining and smelting, Pb pollution also came from motor vehicle exhaust emission and domestic wastes, and Cu pollution mainly derived from agriculture and forestry.

Core sediments were collected from the riverine, transition and lacustrine zones of Hedi Reservoir in southern China to investigate the spatial distributions of nutrients and heavy metals and assess the potential ecological risk of heavy metals. The total nitrogen (TN) contents of the sediments at three sampling sites are between 2.314-2.427 mg x g(-1), while total phosphorus (TP) contents range from 0.591 mg x g(-1) to 0.760 mg x g(-1), TN contents of the surface sediments increase from the riverine zone to the lacustrine zone, but the TP content in the transition zone is higher than that in the other two sites (riverine zone and lacustrine zone). The mean contents of heavy metals are: 31.094, 46.85, 75.615, 385.739, 0.624 and 0.171 mg x kg(-1) respectively, except Cr, the contents of heavy metals in sediment of lacustrine zone are higher than the sediment of transition zone. In all core sediments, the contents of nutrients and heavy metals decrease from the surface to the bottom of core sediments. Inorganic phosphorus (IP) is the dominant fraction of phosphorus in the sediment and the NaOH-P is the main forms of inorganic phosphorus. The potential ecological risk assessed by using of the highest environmental background values before industrialization as the reference indicates that each single heavy metal only causes slightly pollution, but two heavy metals (Cd and Hg) cause heavy pollution based on the soil environmental background values of Guangdong province. In spite of the slight difference between two kinds of risk assessment, all demonstrated that Cd and Hg resulted in more serious pollution than the other metals and these two metals contributed most to the RI values.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficiency of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) in patients with ischemic heart failure., Methods: Fifty patients with ischemic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% were randomized to CSWT (shots/spot at 0.09 mJ/mm(2) for 9 spots, 9 times within 3 month) or control group. Dual isotope simultaneous acquisition single-photon emission computed tomography with (99)Tc(m)-sestamibi/(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((99)Tc(m)-MIBI/(18)F-FDG) was performed before randomization and at 1 month after CSWT/control to locate and evaluate viable myocardium region. Canadian cardiovascular society (CCS) class sores, NYHA, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), 6-min walk test (6 MWT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and the dosage of nitroglycerin use were compared between two groups at each time point., Results: All patients completed the study protocol without procedural complications. At 1 month, patients in CSWT group experienced improvement in NYHA (P < 0.01), CCS (P < 0.01), SAQ (P = 0.021), 6 MWT (P = 0.012) and dosage of nitroglycerin use (P < 0.01) compared to baseline. LVEF [45.0 (39.0, 48.0) vs. 47.0 (42.0, 50.0) P = 0.001], LVEDD [58.0 (56.0, 59.0) vs. 56.0 (55.0, 58.0) P = 0.002], summed perfused score [23.0 (20.5, 24.5) vs. 20.0 (18.0, 22.0) P < 0.01] and metabolic score [25.0 (23.0, 26.0) vs. 24.0 (21.5, 25.0) P = 0.028] were also improved in CSWT group. All these parameters remained unchanged in control group between baseline and at 1 month. CSWT was independent factor for improved cardiac function, quality of life and echocardiography parameters after adjusting for known factors which might affect outcome., Conclusion: CSWT could improve symptom, cardiac function, quality of life and exercise tolerance in patients with ischemic heart failure, CSWT might serve as a new, non-invasive, safe and efficient therapy for these patients.

In a batch reactor, the BrO3(-) formation was investigated in the ozonation and catalytic ozonation of Br(-)-containing Yellow river water, using the different heterogeneous catalysts. The results showed that BrO3(-) minimization was achieved in the catalytic ozonation with NiO, CuO, Fe3O4 and Al2O3 as catalysts and the percent reductions of BrO3(-) were 34.0%, 32.8%, 29.2% and 20.8% respectively. In the reaction R(ct), the ratio of concentration of *OH to O3, decreased with the reaction time, and the range of R(ct) was from 10(-8) to 10(-6). In the ozonation process, one of the main reaction pathways of BrO3(-) formation was the combination oxidation of Br(-) by *OH and then O3, another was the combination oxidation of Br(-) by O3 and then *OH. In the catalytic ozonation with Fe3O4 catalyst, the main pathway was the combination oxidation by *OH and then O3. Moreover, about 60.7% removal for UV254 was obtained after 20 min in the catalytic ozonation reaction. In our study, it was found that the catalytic ozonation process can effectively minimize the formation of BrO3(-) and also oxidize organic compounds.

Objective: To study the expression and clinical significance of ribosomal S6 kinase-4 (RSK-4) in breast cancer and explore the role of RSK-4 in the genesis and development of breast cancer., Method: The expression levels of RSK-4 mRNA and protein were detected in 56 cases of breast cancer and the normal breast tissues, as well as in 20 cases of breast benign lesions, by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry., Results: The expression rates of RSK-4 mRNA in breast cancer, the normal breast tissues and breast benign lesions were 48.2%, 76.8% and 75.0%, respectively. The expression level of RSK-4 mRNA in breast cancer was significantly lower than those in normal breast tissues and breast benign lesions tissues (P < 0.05). The expression level of RSK-4 significantly correlated with tumor size and clinical stage (P < 0.05).The expression rate of RSK-4 protein was 39.3% in breast cancer tissues, which was significantly lower than that of normal breast tissues (71.4%) and breast benign lesions (75.0%, P < 0.01). The expression level of RSK-4 protein was lower in breast cancer with large tumor, high clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. In 56 cases of breast cancer samples, the consistency rate of RSK-4 mRNA and protein was 73.2%. A significant correlation was found between RSK-4 mRNA and protein (χ² = 10.254, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The down-regulation of RSK-4 expression in breast caner suggests that it is a breast cancer suppressor gene, and the lack or down-regulation of RSK-4 expression is involved in the genesis and progression of breast cancer.

Adsorption behaviors of phosphate on the desert particulates of inflow Yellow River were investigated in natural water (river water and sea water) and the experimental data was fitted by both the improved Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption models. The results show that (1) With more clear physical meaning and more reasonable fitting parameters, the improved Langmuir isotherm adsorption model is much better for describing phosphate adsorption on the desert particulates than the improved Freundlich isotherm adsorption model; (2) The maximum phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity Qmac is in the range of 41.322-357.143 mg x kg(-1), which is the biggest in Y2 (Juyanhai Lake particulates). There is remarkable positive correlation between Qmax and organic matter of the particulates (Y1-Y5); (3) Except for Y1 (Badain Jaran Desert particulates), the EPC0 (zero equilibrium P concentration) of the particulates are higher than the concentration of P in corresponding water. The EPC0 of P adsorption on Y1 in Yellow River is lower than P concentration in corresponding water (0.010 mg x L(-1) < 0.053 mg x L(-1)), while the EPC0 of P adsorption on Y1 in Bohai Sea water is higher than the P concentration in their corresponding water (0.109 mg x L(-1) > 0.074 mg x L(-1)), which shows that Y1 adsorbs P from the water of the Yellow River, then it releases its NAP (native adsorbed exchangeable phosphorus) into Bohai Seawater. However, in the process of the P exchange between other desert particulates and their corresponding water, only desorption phenomenon were observed, which means all other desert particulates release P to their corresponding water; (4) The adsorption isotherms of phosphate on the desert particulates of inflow Yellow River are cross-axis-type with over 0.00, a new cross-axis-type adsorption-desorption model, which provide a better explanation for adsorption characteristics of P and for the dual role of natural particulates.

Objective: To understand the self-discrimination experience of MSM and its relationship with sexual behavior and psychological factors., Methods: By respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, a call-for action and anonymous self-administration questionnaire investigation was carried out in Mianyang city on experience of self-discriminations, sexual partners and behaviors and depression symptom, etc. The first 12 qualified people were designated as the "root" in the whole investigation from different MSM subgroups. Every "root" would get 3 recruit cards after their own investigation, then cards could be promoted to another 3 qualified people who were willing to accept questionnaires. And this process would go on till the sample size was accomplished. χ(2) test, rank correlation and contingency coefficient would be applied for the statistical analysis., Results: In total, 201 persons were investigated. Within the past 6 months, 59.2% (119/201) persons felt they did harm to their family or made the family down as gays, 79.6% (160/201) had to disguise their real sexual orientation in avoidance of being discriminated, 39.3% (79/201) were humiliated for having gay sex. It showed correlation between humiliation or harm to family and frequency to disco balls/night clubs (r = 0.196, χ(2) = 7.95, P < 0.05), concerts or theaters (r = 0.201, χ(2) = 8.423, P < 0.05) with MSM friends, HIV health consultancy (r = 0.231, χ(2) = 11.329, P < 0.05), experiences of one night stands (r(s) = 0.183, µ = 2.588, P < 0.05), detection of depression (r(s) = 0.241, µ = 15.717, P < 0.05) and stress-related perception (r(s) = -0.310, µ = 23.112, P < 0.05), the corresponding behavior report rates of who experienced 3-4 times were 66.7% (11/33), 52.9% (18/34), 41.2% (14/34), 17.6% (6/34), 44.1% (15/34), 44.7% (10/24). Statistical significance was found between the relations of humiliation for gay sex and frequency into concerts or theaters (r = 0.195, χ(2) = 7.933, P < 0.05) with MSM friends, experiences of one night stands (r(s) = 0.145, µ = 2.051, P < 0.05), man-man anal sex (r = 0.165, χ(2) = 10.823, P < 0.05), numbers of female sexual partners (r = 0.265, χ(2) = 11.422, P < 0.05), protectiveness of female sexual behavior in the past 6 months (r = 0.513, χ(2) = 7.442, P < 0.05), detection of depression (r(s) = 0.152, µ = 13.034, P < 0.05) and stress-related perception (r(s) = -0.259, µ = 21.190, P < 0.05), the corresponding behavior report rates of who experienced 3-4 times were 22.7% (5/22), 9.1% (2/22), 13.6% (3/22), 91.6% (2/22), 66.7% (2/3), 57.1% (4/7), 33.3% (19/57). It has statistical significance between the relations of disguising their real sexual orientation in avoidance of being discriminated and the frequency of show up in the cybercafé (r = 0.272, χ(2) = 15.932, P < 0.05), involvement of HIV test (r = 0.232, χ(2) = 11.446, P < 0.05), and stress-related perception (r(s) = -0.373, µ = 28.868, P < 0.05). It was found that increasing of discrimination was connected to entrance into gay-welcome places, acceptance of HIV consultancy and tests, posting gay information among MSM friends and hold of many sexual partners. Meanwhile, the pressure was rising when depression was checked out., Conclusion: Self-discrimination was prevalent among MSM, which had brought critical influence on the individual behavior, MSM psychological health and prevalence of AIDS.

The effects of excess aluminum on water distribution system and human health were mainly attributable to the presences of some aluminum species in drinking water. A prediction model for the concentrations of aluminum species was developed using three-layer front feedback artificial neural network method. Results showed that the reaction rates of both inorganic monomeric aluminum and soluble aluminum varied with reaction time and water quality parameters, such as water temperature, pH, total aluminum, fluoride, phosphate and silicate. Their reaction orders were both three. The reaction kinetic parameters of inorganic monomeric aluminum and soluble aluminum could be predicted effectively applying artificial neural network; the correlation coefficients of k and 1/C0(2) between calculated value and predicted value were both greater than 0.999. Aluminum species prediction results in the drinking water of City M showed that when the concentration of total aluminum was less than 0.05 mg x L(-1), the relative prediction error was large for inorganic monomeric aluminum. When the concentration of total aluminum was above 0.05 mg x L(-1), the model could predict inorganic monomeric aluminum and soluble aluminum concentrations effectively, with relative prediction errors of +/- 15% and +/- 10% respectively.

Objective: To determine feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention on HIV/AIDS among MSM based on venues and peer network., Methods: The intervention trial was conducted in Mianyang and Yibin in Sichuan province, where the cultural and social environment were similar. These two cities have no HIV/AIDS intervention conducted yet before this study. The intervention was conducted in Mianyang, while Yibin was regarded as control, in which education materials related HIV/AIDS and VCT service were available. Intervention in Mianyang included MSM venue intervention distributing the education materials, condom and promoting HIV-test and STIs clinic referral by 40 MSM as Popular Opinion Leaders who received the knowledge and intervention skill training.Meanwhile, Popular Opinion Leader intervention was implemented in MSM peer network to advocate safe sex. After 6-month intervention the survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of intervention., Results: The scores of knowledge related HIV/STDs and self-efficacy of condom use was 1.293 (95%CI: 0.657 - 1.292, P < 0.05) and 1.556 (95%CI: 0.656 - 2.456, P < 0.05) higher in post-intervention than in pre-intervention which was (12.42 +/- 0.232) and (10.25 +/- 0.327) respectively in Mianyang, while no significant changing in Yibin during the time. Score of knowledge related HIV/STDs increase 0.577 (95%CI: -0.173 - 1.327, P > 0.05) in post-intervention compared with (10.40 +/- 0.412) in pre-intervention and score of self-efficacy of condom use decreased 0.362 from 9.86 +/- 0.547 in pre-intervention (95%CI: -1.458 - 0.534, P > 0.05). In the six months prior to survey, the rate of unprotected sexual intercourse with male casual sexual partners in last 3 times decreased to 11.0% (22/200) (OR(adjusted) = 0.472, 95%CI: 0.265 - 0.841, P < 0.05) from 19.5% (39/200) baseline in Manyang, while in Yibin that increased to 19.0% (38/200) from 17.5% (35/200) in baseline (OR(adjusted) = 1.153, 95%CI: 0.660 - 2.014, P > 0.05). The rate of HIV-test increased significantly from 9.0% (18/200) to 22.0% (44/200) (OR = 2.852, 95%CI: 1.583 - 5.138, P < 0.05) in intervention city and Accordingly in the control, that was 24.5% (29/200) in baseline and 24.0% (28/200) in post-intervention (OR = 0.960, 95%CI: 0.548 - 1.682, P > 0.05). No difference was found in number of male sexual partner pre- and post-intervention both in intervention and control city., Conclusion: The intervention based on MSM venues and peer network among MSM is feasible and can increase knowledge related HIV/STDs and self-efficacy and as well as condom use and HIV testing.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a rate-limiting enzyme converting arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs), which is a key messenger in traumatic brain injury- and ischemia-induced neuronal damage and in neuroinflammation. COX-2 is implicated in the pathogeneses of neurodegenerative diseases. Growing evidence implies that the contribution of COX-2 to neuropathology is associated with its involvement in synaptic alteration. Elevation or inhibition of COX-2 has been shown to enhance or suppress excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission and long-term potentiation (LTP). These events are mainly mediated via PGE2, the predominant reaction product of COX-2, and the PGE2 subtype 2 receptor (EP2). Thus, elucidation of COX-2 in synaptic signaling may provide a mechanistic basis for designing new drugs aimed at preventing, treating or alleviating neuroinflammation-associated neurological disorders.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex disorder with a strong genetic background. CDC2L2 is one of the susceptibility genes of type 2 diabetes in Chinese Han population in northern area. The relationship between CDC2L2 and type 2 diabetes remains unknown. In this paper, the function and its molecular pathway of p58, a protein coded by CDC2L2, in beta cell apoptosis were investigated. INS-1 cells cultured in high glucose (20 mmol/L) medium were divided into control, vector control (transfected with pcDNA3.0) and experimental (transfected with pcDNA3.0-HA-p58) groups. Beta cell apoptosis level was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay. The flow cytometry results showed that in high glucose medium (20 mmol/L), high expression of p58 increased beta cell apoptosis significantly compared with that in blank and vector controls (P<0.01, P<0.05). Western blot revealed that the expressions of Caspase-3, Bax and cytochrome C in cytoplasm increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01), whereas the expression of Bcl-2 decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the INS-1 cells with high expression of p58, compared with those in both control groups. However, the Bad and Bik expression levels of INS-1 cells did not show obviously changes compared with those in both controls. The above results suggest that in high glucose condition, p58 may induce INS-1 cell apoptosis through up-regulating the expression of Bax and down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2, since both of them could promote the release of cytochrome C into cytoplasm, and finally activate Caspase-3. These results provide an important basis for the further exploration of the molecular mechanism of beta cell apoptosis induced by CDC2L2.

The effects of aluminum on water distribution system and human health are mainly attributable to their presence in drinking water. Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the influence of temperature and pH on the distribution of aluminum species applying alum synthetic water. Aluminum species studied in the experiments included monomeric aluminum, soluble aluminum, suspended aluminum, and polymeric aluminum, which were determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry method. Results indicated that suspended aluminum was the major species at pH 6.5, occupied about 62.2% in the total aluminum mass concentration. While at pH above 7.0, monomeric aluminum was the major species; and varied little as reaction time increased. Polymeric aluminum mass concentration was low at studied water quality condition and also varied little as reaction time increased. The influence of temperature on aluminum species distribution was similar to solution pH; and both could be explained by pOH. Aluminum species in drinking water could be controlled by adjusting the pOH value, which provided theoretical guidance for the operation of the water distribution system and aluminum toxicity control.

Objective: To study the differential gene expression of adriamycin-resistance of breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR as compared with its parent cell MCF-7 and screen the related genes., Methods: The in vitro inhibitory rate of MCF-7/ADR and MCF-7 cell lines to ADM (adriamycin) was examined by MIT assay. Then a cDNA microarray representing 14,755 genes was used to analyze the expression profiles of these two breast cancer cell lines., Results: The inhibitory rate of MCF-7/ ADR to ADM was lower than that of MCF-7(P <0.05)and the drug resistance to ADR of MCF-7/ADR was stronger than that of MCF-7. There were 2374 differential expression genes in MCF-7/adr and MCF-7 cell lines, of which 1099 genes upregulated with 99 genes 10-fold upregulated and 1275 genes downregulated with 71 genes 10-fold downregulated. The important upregulated genes were Bcl-2, GSTP1, c-myc, MMP-1 and NNMT while those downregulated ones p53, p21, p27 and CYPIA1., Conclusion: Drug resistance of breast cancer is a complicated process involving the expression of many upregulated or downregulated genes. The application of gene chip in screening drug-resistant genes may be a new approach for selecting the optimal chemotherapeutic regimens. [Key words]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intrathecal pumping tramadol on cell-mediated immunity in rats with formalin inflammatory pain., Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley adult male rats weighting 250 approximately 300 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8 in each group):Saline group (NS) and 3 tramadol groups (T1,T2,and T3). The rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal chloral hydrate (300 approximately 350)mg/kg. Microspinal catheter was inserted into the subarachnoid space at the lumber region according to modified Yaksh techniques. In the tramadol groups,after 5 days tramadol was continuously infused through the spinal catheter at 50 (T1),25 (T2), and 12.5 microg/h (T3) for 7 days. In the NS group normal saline was continuously infused instead of tramadol. On Day 7 formalin (5%, 50 microL) was injected into the plantar surface of the left hindpaw. The number of flinches, lickings and total time of licking was recorded for 60 min.Pain intensity scoring(PIS)(0 approximately 3;0= no pain, 3=severe pain) was used to assess the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal tramadol. The rats were killed after the evaluation of pain intensity. Body weight and spleen weight were measured and spleen index (spleen weight/body weight) was calculated. T-lymphocyte function was evaluated based on Concanavalin-A(ConA) induced splenocyte proliferation. A modified lactic acid dehydrogenase(LDH) release assay was done to assess the NK cell activity. Phenotypic expressions of cell surface markers of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, CD3+ CD8+, and CD4+/ CD8+) and NK cell(CD161+) in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry., Results: The PIS scores were significantly lower in the T1,T2,and T3 groups than those in the NS group. The spleen index and splenocyte proliferation induced by ConA were significantly suppressed in the T1 group,and the phenotypes of T lymphocyte subsets were significantly changed,but no significant difference was found in the T2 and T3 groups compared with the NS group. There were no differences in NK cell activity in the 3 tramadol groups from the control group., Conclusion: Intrathecal pumping tramadol has significantly antinociceptive effect. Intrathecal pumping higher dosage tramadol (50microg/h) suppresses T lymphocyte proliferation and alteres T lymphocyte subset phenotype but does not affect NK cell activity. General analgesic dosage tramadol (25 and 12.5 microg/h) has no effect on the immune function.

The residual Al concentration and species distribution of a north Chinese city was surveyed using fluorimetry. Results showed that the highest total Al concentration was 0.078 mg x L(-1) and the mean concentration was 0.038 mg x L(-1), lower than the latest portable water standard of 0.2 mg x L(-1). Inorganic mono-aluminum and inorganic poly-aluminum, the main toxicity-leading species, were also the major existence species with the mean concentration 0.011 mg x L(-1) and 0.013 mg x L(-1) respectively. While organic combined aluminum concentration was quite low. Correlation analysis results showed that the Al concentration and species distribution in a certain pipe line was connected with the water quality. When the distribution system contained more salts and less soluble organic matter, the Al concentration would be controlled in a low level, which was important to guide the local operation.

Objective: To evaluate the anti-tumor effect of recombinant toxin EGF-TCS against transplanted human hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice., Methods: Human hepatocellular carcinoma BEL-7,402 cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the right axillary region of nude mice, and 6 days later, EGF-TCS was injected intravenously at 100, 50, and 25 microg/kg. The mice were executed on the next day of drug withdrawal and the tumors were weighed and the tumor inhibition rate calculated. Immunohistochemistry was also performed on the tumor tissues to provide clue for the possible pathways of tumor inhibition., Results: EGF-TCS markedly inhibited the tumor growth in nude mice, with a tumor inhibition rate of 71.3%, 60.87% and 45.22% corresponding to EGF-TCS dosage of 100, 50, and 25 microg/kg, respectively. Variance analysis suggested that EGF-Linker-TCS could significantly inhibit the tumor growth in the mice (F=8.712, P=0.006), and immunohistochemistry showed significantly inhibited angiogenesis in the tumors by EGF-TCS. No blood vessels were found in the tumor tissues in high dosage group, and there were also reduced blood vessels in the other two smaller dose groups in comparison with the untreated model group, indicating that EGF-TCS inhibited tumor growth and migration by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis., Conclusion: EGF-TCS can inhibit the growth of solid tumors in nude mice, suggesting the potential value of this preparation in cancer therapy.

Objective: To construct a recombinant expression vector of the fusion protein epidermal growth factor (EGF)-Linker-trichosanthin (TCS) and achieve its expression in E. coli to obtain purified EGF-linker-TCS fusion protein., Methods: The gene fragments of EGF-linker were amplified by PCR and inserted into the expression plasmid PQE30-TCS, followed by transformation of the recombinant plasmid into E. coli M15 for expression of the fusion protein. Ni-FF column chromatography was utilized for purification of the expressed product., Results: The recombinant plasmid PQE30-EGF-linker-TCS was stably and highly expressed in E. coli M15. The expressed product existed in the form of soluble protein accounting for about 40% of total cellular protein and reached a purity of above 95% after purification with Ni-FF column chromatography., Conclusion: The recombinant plasmid PQE30/EGF-linker-TCS has been successfully constructed, which provides a basis for further structural and functional study of EGF and TCS and their potential clinical application for cancer therapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate and forecast the minimum consumption expenditure on food of 8 provinces using linear programming model., Methods: Analysis was based on the food data of 2000 of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The linear programming model's target population was 18 - 49 years old adult with different physical activity level. The mathematical model was established and functioned by GAMS., Results: It was not a high consumption expenditure on food of 8 provinces when meet with the 13 nutrients and the required amount of food, even in the year of well-to-do., Conclusion: We should improve the household' s dietary quality by following the viewpoint of lowest cost but enough nutrients in different income level. The study suggested that we should tell the residents about the lowest cost when we engage nutrition education.

Objective: To observe the effect of propofol combined with flurbiprofen axetil for abortion anesthesia., Methods: Eighty ASA I - II induced abortion patients were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group I was administrated 1 microg/kg with tramadol first, after 10 minutes with 2 mg/kg propofol. Group II was administrated with 1 mg/kg tramadol first, after 10 minutes with 2 mg/kg propofol. Group III was administrated flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg first, after 10 minutes 2 mg/kg propofol. Group IV was administrated propofol 2 mg/kg. The speed of intravenous injection of propofol was 100 mg/min in all groups. Induction time, recovery time, propofol dosage, HR, BP, SpO2, and side effect were recorded. The anesthesia effect was judged by operation doctors., Results: Propofol consumption and awaken time in Group IV was more than those of other groups. The number of patients in Group I with minimum value of SpO2 in the operation (85% - 90% or SpO2<85%) was higher than that of other groups (P<0.05). The number of patients in Group I and II with the tongue falling backwards during anesthesia, with post-anesthesia nausea and vomit was higher than that of other groups (P<0.05). Incidences of post-anesthesia excitement or delirium were higher than other groups. Fewer patients in Group IV showed a good level anesthesia effect than other groups. The post-operative hypogastric pain of VAS score (0 - 2) in Group III was better than others., Conclusion: Propofol combined with flurbiprofen axetil gives more efficient anesthesia for induced abortion patients in gynecology department. It can not only have satisfactory anesthesia effect, but also decrease adverse effects and obtain better depression effects to the post-operative hypogastric pain.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the HLA-DQB1 allele polymorphisms and the clinical features of 15 familial myasthenia gravis (MG) cases in north China., Methods: By polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP), the HLA-DQB1 gene polymorphisms were determined in 64 MG patients (15 familial and 49 sporadic) and 52 healthy individuals as control group. The clinical characteristics of 15 familial MG patients and 49 sporadic were analyzed. The measurement data was analyzed by t test and enumeration data by chi-square test., Results: The frequency of DQB1*0501 was significantly increased in familial MG, especially in the ocular type, compared with sporadic MG (P<0.05, OR=3.08) and healthy controls (P<0.01, OR=4.439). Comparing with healthy controls, the frequency of DQB1*0301/4 was increased (P<0.05, OR=2.56), while the frequency of DQB1*0601 was significantly decreased (P<0.05, OR=0.33) in sporadic MG. The familial patients had an early age of disease onset, but less severity and good prognosis., Conclusion: The familial MG has distinctive clinical features. DQB1*0501 allele is positively related to the genetic susceptibility to familial MG patients in north China, especially to the ocular type. DQB1*0301/4 allele is positively related to the pathogenesis of sporadic MG. DQB1*0601 may be a protecting allele for sporadic MG. The phenotype of MG may be the result of interaction of hereditary defects and environmental factors. The familial MG may be different from sporadic patients in genetic immune mechanism.

Objective: To observe the effect of perivenous support with autologous pericardium on neointimal thickening in canine vein grafts., Methods: An autologous pericardium graft of 7 cm x 4 cm was harvested in right anterolateral thoracotomy. Two equal segments of the jugular vein were transplanted to both sides of the femoral arteries in 12 dogs, and on one side of the vein graft, perivenous support with autologous pericardium was applied. The vein grafts were harvested 2 and 4 weeks after operation and the thickness and area of the neointima calculated using computerized image analysis system. Scanning electron microscopy and PCNA immunohistochemistry were also performed., Results: The thickness and area of the neointima were significantly greater in the control grafts than in the grafts with perivenous support (P<0.05), and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the supported graft was less active (P<0.05). Electron microscopy showed extensive destruction of the endothelium in the control graft, but only slight damage was found in the graft with perivenous support., Conclusion: Perivenous support of the vein graft with autologous pericardium can reduce intimal and medial hyperplasia in the graft.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of ultrasonic atomization of Shaduolika (a traditional Chinese herb), dexamethasone for pain relief in patients with foliate papillitis., Methods: 84 patients with foliate papillitis were divided into two groups randomly with the single-blind method. Patients in the experimental group were treated with ultrasonic atomization of Shaduolika and dexamethasone, while patients in the control group were treated by taking Niuhuangjiedu tablets (mixed traditional Chinese medicine). All the patients were observed for five days. Pain relief degree by VAS and the response to the interventions between the experimental and the control group were recorded and compared. The data was analyzed with Ridit test, Chi-square test and Student's t test using SAS6.12 software package, respectively., Results: Pain scores between the experimental and the control group prior to treatment had no significant difference (U=0.1859<1.96, P>0.05), while significant difference existed in pain relief after treatment (U=5.773, P<0.01). The effect of ultrasonic atomization of Shaduolika and dexamethasone for pain relief was significantly better than the control group (U=5.233,P<0.01)., Conclusions: For patients with foliate papillitis, ultrasonic atomization of Shaduolika and dexamethasone is a safe and effective method.

Background & Objective: The major cause of death in breast cancer patients is distant metastasis. This study was to explore the expression and significance of small breast epithelial mucin (SBEM) mRNA, the specific marker of breast cancer, in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients., Methods: Expression of SBEM mRNA in peripheral blood samples from 67 breast cancer patients, 16 benign breast disease patients, and 20 healthy volunteers was detected by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR)., Results: SBEM mRNA was not detected in healthy volunteers and benign breast disease patients. Positive rate of SBEM mRNA was 50.7% (34/67) in breast cancer patients. Positive rate of SBEM mRNA was 25.0% (2/8) in stage I patients, 45.8% (11/24) in stage II patients, 43.8% (7/16) in stage III patients, and 73.7% (14/19) in stage IV patients, respectively. Positive rate of SBEM mRNA was significantly higher in stage IV patients than in stages I, II, and III patients (P0.05). The expression of SBEM mRNA in peripheral blood was not correlated with patient's age, primary tumor size, pathologic type, and estrogen or progestin receptor status (P0.05)., Conclusion: SBEM mRNA is specifically expressed in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients, and may be a marker of micrometastasis of breast cancer.

Objective: To explore early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding after cardiac surgery., Methods: In the last 13 years, cases complicated with GI bleeding after cardiac surgeries were analyzed retrospectively., Results: Fourty-four GI bleeding occurred post-operatively in (6 +/- 3) d. The mortality was 23% (10/44). Thirty-eight were located in upper GI tract, of them 26 underwent conservative therapy while 4 died of other than GI bleeding cause; six underwent laparotomy while 1 and 3 died of septicemia and multi-organ failure respectively; six underwent gastric endoscopic hemostasis by electrocautery or clipping the bleeding vessel while all survived. Six were located in lower GI tract, and 2 of them underwent laparotomy without finding bleeding section and died of multi-organ failure. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, deaths were highly related to the post-operative ventilator-dependence, acute renal insufficiency, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) assisting and laparotomy., Conclusion: The mortality of GI bleeding after cardiac surgeries is very high, early gastrointestinal endoscopic examination and minimally invasive intervention can treat this complication more effectively. GI bleeding must be prevented whenever complicating post-operative ventilator-dependence, acute renal insufficiency, and IABP assisting after cardiac surgery.

Objective: To compare the anesthesia properities of hyperbaric bupivacaine with those of isobaric and hypobaric solutions when administered in the supine position undergoing hip surgery or lower limb surgery using continuous spinal anesthesia., Methods: Sixty patients( ASA I approximately III ) scheduled for hip or lower limb surgery were randomly divided into 3 groups with 20 patients in each group: Group A: 0. 375% hyperbaric bupivacaine solutions; Group B :0.375% isobaric bupivacaine solutions; and Group C: 0. 375% hypobaric bupivacaine solutions. The following variables were measured every 2 minutes during the first 30 minutes after the intrathecal injection : the onset time of sensation block, the highest plane of analgesia, the time to reach complete motor blockade, and the plane of analgesia and the extent of lower extremities' movement (modified bromage score, BMS) at different time after the administration. Meanwhile the changes of hemodynamics were recorded., Results: There was no statistical difference among the basic conditions ( P > 0.05). The onset time of sensation block, and the time to reach complete motor blockade, and the time receiving the highest sharp pain sensory block in Group A were significantly shorter than those in Group B and Group C ( P < 0.01 ). The plane of analgesia obtained in the hyperbaric group was significantly higher than in both the isobaric and the hypobaric groups ( P < 0.01). The mean arterial pressure(MAP) , HR in the hyperbaric group decreased significantly after the intrathecal injection( P < 0.05 )., Conclusion: The 0.375% Isobaric bupivacaine used during contiuous spinal anesthesia in the supine position produces a suitable and a more "controllable" anesthesia, but a minimum dosage of 10 approximately 12.5 mg is required to obtain adequate anesthesic conditions with moderate hemodynamic changes and satisfying analgesia effects. Under similar conditions, 0. 375% hyperbaric bupivacaine produces major hemodynamic consequences with high cephalad spread and 0. 375% hypobaric bupivacaine has a too long onset time.

The adsorption behaviors of herbicide glyphoste on three soils were studied. The influence of pH value and ion strength on adsorption was discussed. It was shown that the adsorption dynamic process of glyphoste on three soils all was first order reaction, and the adsorption isotherms all were linear, adsorption coefficients Kd ranged from 2.2207-3.5280 mL x g(-1). The adsorption percentage of glyphoste on three soils increased with the ionic strength decrease. The adsorption percentage of glyphoste on the Huhhot soil and Dongsheng soil increased with pH value gradually decrease (9-3), and the adsorption percentage of the Hangjing 2 soil early increased and late decreased with pH value gradually decrease (9-3).