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Most multiphase flow separation detection methods used commonly in oilfields are low in efficiency and accuracy, and have data delay. An online multiphase flow detection method is proposed based on magnetic resonance technology, and its supporting device has been made and tested in lab and field. The detection technology works in two parts: measure phase holdup in static state and measure flow rate in flowing state. Oil-water ratio is first measured and then gas holdup. The device is composed of a segmented magnet structure and a dual antenna structure for measuring flowing fluid. A highly compact magnetic resonance spectrometer system and intelligent software are developed. Lab experiments and field application show that the online detection system has the following merits: it can measure flow rate and phase holdup only based on magnetic resonance technology; it can detect in-place transient fluid production at high frequency and thus monitor transient fluid production in real time; it can detect oil, gas and water in a full range at high precision, the detection isn't affected by salinity and emulsification. It is a green, safe and energy-saving system.

Cloud computing billing issues have attracted much attention for the deployment of cloud computing services. Based on the state of current cloud platforms, a billing system was designed via three lays including data collection layer, process layer and presentation layer. Then the billing system was illustrated in a detailed way, and a price model which combined the interest of both service providers and users was proposed. Finally the features of the system were summarized.

This paper analyzes the evolution and sedimentary filling characteristics of regional structures in the sedimentary basins in the east coast of Africa and discusses the different geological conditions of hydrocarbon accumulations (e.g. source rock, reservoir and cap-rock) and their exploration potential. These basins are superimposed basins developed on the Precambrian basement, they were successively filled with three sedimentary sequences, i.e. the late Carboniferous – early Jurassic intra-continental rifting continental sedimentary sequence, the mid/late Jurassic – early Cretaceous intra-continental weak rifting sedimentary sequence, and the late Cretaceous – Neogene passive margin marine sedimentary sequence, where different source-reservoir-caprock assemblages show good prospects for exploration. The comprehensive comparison and analysis has been conducted on such geological conditions in six key basins (Lamu, Somalia, Tanzania, Ruvuma, Mozambique and Morondava). It is considered that the Tanzania, Ruvuma and Somalia basins are highly potential for superior geological conditions, such as excellent source rocks and cap rocks, and good preservation later. The Mozambique basin is also favorable for exploration, but the Lamu and Morondava basins are unacceptable. Key words: east coast of Africa, hydrocarbon resources, hydrocarbon accumulation geological condition, exploration potential, Tanzania basin, Rovuma basin, Somali basin

According to the experimental requirements of the artificial intelligence course and combined with the practical engineering problems of rail transit obstacle detection, an experimental teaching platform of the obstacle automatic detection system based on millimeter wave radar and computer vision is developed. The experimental platform consists of data acquisition module, information processing module and early warning display module, involving image processing technology, object detection technology, network model deployment and so on. The experimental results show that the system has good effectiveness, real-time, robustness and small target detection ability, and can meet the detection performance requirements in the actual scene. The experimental teaching platform can improve students' innovative and practical ability, make students realize the application of artificial intelligence technology in practical engineering problems, and lay a foundation for future scientific research or work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of extracts of Xuanshen (Scrophularia Root, Radix Scrophulariae) on liver metabolome in rat model of hyperthyroidism. Methods The rat liver metabolites spectrums effected by Euthyrox and Xuanshen extracts were analyzed by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-time off light-mass spectrometry (UPLCTOFMS). The difference in metabolites spectrums was studied between blank group and model group by using orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS DA). The potential biomarkers were found in liver through variable importance projection (VIP). The interventional effects of Xuanshen extracts were discussed through comparing the difference in content of potential biomarkers. Results There were 21 potential biomarkers found in rat liver in model group, and among them 14 metabolites were significantly called back by Xuanshen extracts. The biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor, and metabolisms of arachidonic acid, purine, α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, glutathione and glycerophospholipid were significantly improved by Xuanshen extracts in Euthyrox induced hyperthyroidism rat model. Conclusion Xuanshen extracts can play a role of treating hyperthyroidism through improving relevant liver potential biomarkers and metabolism pathways in hyperthyroidism rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid arrival of the Internet of Everything era, massive data resources are generated on edge sides, causing problems such as large network load, high energy consumption, and privacy security in traditional distributed training based on cloud computing. Edge computing sinks computing power resources to the edge side, forming a collaborative computing system that integrates “cloud, edge, and end,” which can meet the basic needs of real-time operations, intelligence, security, and privacy protection. With the help of edge computing capabilities, edge intelligence effectively promotes the intelligent development of the edge side, which has become a popular topic. Through our research, we found that edge collaborative intelligence is currently in a stage of rapid development. At this stage, several deep learning models are combined with edge computing, and many edge collaborative intelligent processing solutions have exploded, such as distributed training in edge computing scenarios, federated learning, and distributed collaborative reasoning based on technologies such as model cutting and early exit. The combination of a shallow breadth learning system and virtualization technology allows for quick implementation of edge intelligence, which considerably improves service quality and user experience and makes services more intelligent. As a key link of edge intelligence, edge intelligence collaborative training aims to assist or implement the distributed training of machine learning models on the edge side. However, in an edge computing scenario, the distributed training of the model must coordinate several edge nodes, and many challenges remain. Therefore, by fully investigating the existing research foundation of edge intelligent collaborative training, we focus on the challenges and solutions of edge intelligent collaborative training in edge scenarios such as equipment heterogeneity, limited equipment resources, and unstable network environments. This paper introduces and summarizes the overall architecture and core modules of edge intelligent collaborative training. The overall architecture mainly focuses on the interaction framework between edge devices. In terms of whether there is a central server role, it can be divided into two categories: parameter server centralized architecture and fully decentralized parallel architecture. The core module of edge intelligent collaborative training mainly focuses on the problem of collaborative training of a large number of edge devices for neural network models to update parameters. In terms of the role of parallel computing in model training, it is divided into data parallelism and model parallelism. Finally, the many challenges and prospects of edge collaborative training are analyzed and summarized.

The effects of adding different amounts (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%) of psyllium husk powder (PHP), gellan gum (GG) or konjac glucomannan (KGM) on the properties of phosphorylated surimi-crab meat mixed gels (MG) were investigated. The gel properties were improved by adding a small amount (0.1%) of PHP or GG. With increasing addition level of hydrophilic colloids, phase separation occurred, so that the gel properties did not significantly change and even began to decrease. However, the addition of KGM had no significant effect on the breaking force or gel strength, and no phase separation was observed under laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). The addition of PHP and GG increased the temperature at which G’ began to decrease, which was beneficial to the improvement of gel properties. The denaturation of myosin required higher temperature and less energy in the phosphorylated MG system with hydrophilic colloids, and temperature may become a major influential factor in the denaturation process. The overall structural stability of proteins in MG was enhanced by adding a small amount of PHP or KGM. However, PHP and GG had a destructive effect on actin. On the contrary, the addition of a small amount of KGM could increase the structural stability of actin, which may be unfavorable for the formation of gels. The interaction between myosin and actin in the MG system was conducive to enhancing the overall structural stability of proteins. The three hydrophilic colloids, especially GG, at an addition level of 0.1% was beneficial to the improvement of gel properties. The incorporation of hydrophilic colloids may be a novel strategy to improve the quality of phosphorylated MG.

BackgroundIt is still controversial whether or not serum uric acid, a key risk for coronary heart disease, is significantly associated with prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) . And there are rare large-scale and multicenter studies on serum uric acid and long prognosis of AMI in China.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between serum uric acid and long-term prognosis in AMI patients.MethodsOne thousand and ninety-eight AMI patients from 9 hospitals (Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Dujiangyan Medical Center, Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Shuangliu District First People's Hospital, Jintang First People's Hospital, the People's Hospital of Pengzhou) in Chengdu during September 2016 to July 2019 were consecutively reSScruited. Baseline data were collected via the electronic medical record system of each hospital by trained professionals, including: (1) demographic data: age, gender, prevalence of smoking; (2) clinical complications and related information: hypertension, diabetes, blood pressure, heart rate, Killip class, AMI type (NSTEMI or STEMI) , prevalence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ; (3) laboratory parameters: serum SScreatinine (Scr) , uric acid (UA) , triglyceride (TG) , total cholesterol (TC) , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) , estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ; (4) post-discharge medication: aspirin, clopidogrel/tigrelol, statins, Beta-blockers, ACEI/ARB, diuretics. Baseline data were compared between patients with and without major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during post-discharge follow-up. Then, prognosis was compared aSScross UA tertile subgroups〔A: UA

Collagen, which widely exists in skin, bone, muscle and other tissues, is a major structural protein in mammalian extracellular matrix. It participates in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and signal transmission, plays an important role in tissue support and repair and exerts a protective effect. Collagen is widely used in tissue engineering, clinical medicine, food industry, packaging materials, cosmetics and medical beauty due to its good biological characteristics. This paper reviews the biological characteristics of collagen and its application in bioengineering research and development in recent years. Finally, we prospect the future application of collagen as a biomimetic material.

This study investigated the protective effect of total triterpenoids from Chaenomeles speciosa against Helicobacter pylori(Hp)-induced gastritis in mice and explored its possible mechanism. The chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) model mice were randomly divided into four groups of model, total triterpenoids from C. speciosa(50 and 100 mg·kg~(-1)) and triple therapy, with C57 BL/6 J mice without Hp infection taken as the normal group. Mice in the treatment groups were given corresponding drugs once a day for 4 weeks. Then the following indexes were detected: the contents of reactive oxygen species(ROS), monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1), keratinocyte chemokines(KC), TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-4 and IL-10 in blood and gastric tissue, the activities and contents of LDH, MPO, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and MDA in gastric tissue and the activities of β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsins B and D in blood, gastric tissue and lysosome. Besides, the mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bax and Bad in gastric tissue were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, NOD-like receptor 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP), pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Bax, Bad, cytochrome C, apoptotic protease-activating factor-1(Apaf-1), pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1(PARP-1), cleaved-PARP-1 and cytosol and nucleus NF-κB p65 in gastric tissue. The results indicated that the total triterpenoids from C. speciosa significantly suppressed Hp proliferation, alleviated the damage to gastric mucosa and improved lymphocyte infiltration and gland atrophy. They were also effective in reducing the activities of β-glucuronidase, β-galactosidase, cathepsins B and D in blood and gastric tissue, elevating the activities of β-glucuronidase and cathepsin D in lysosomal organelles, decreasing the contents of ROS, MCP-1, KC, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 in blood, MDA content and MPO and LDH activities in gastric tissue and increasing the contents of IL-4 and IL-10 in blood and activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in gastric tissue. Other phenomena were also observed after the treatment with total triterpenoids from C. speciosa, including the down-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, Bax and Bad, the protein expression levels of p-IKKβ, p-IκBα, NLRP3, ASC, pro-caspase-1, caspase-1, TXNIP, pro-IL-1β, pro-IL-18, cytochrome C, Apaf-1, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP-1 and nuclear NF-κB p65, reduction of p-IKKβ/IKKβ and p-IκBα/IκBα ratios and up-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, up-regulation of pro-caspase-9, pro-caspace-3, cytosol NF-κB p65 protein expression levels and Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xl/Bad ratios in gastric tissue. These aforementioned results suggest that the total triterpenoids from C. speciosa have significant protective effects against CAG induced by Hp, and its mechanism may be related to enhancing the function of endogenous antioxidant system, suppressing the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction induced by Hp, correcting lysosomal dysfunction and inflammatory activation of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and thus inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Objective: To assess the age-related differences in the management strategies and outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) under the chest pain center model., Methods: Clinical data of 2 833 patients with ACS were enrolled in the retrospective observational registry between January 2017 and June 2019 at 11 hospitals with chest pain centers in Chengdu. The patients were divided into four groups according to their ages: < 55 years old group (n = 569), 55-64 years old group (n = 556), 65-74 years old group (n = 804), ≥ 75 years old group (n = 904). The collected data included the patients' demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, medical history, symptoms and signs of onset, experimental examination, types of ACS and the time from the symptom to the hospital (S-to-D), etc., and the clinical characteristics, management strategies, all-cause mortality in the hospital, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) within 1 year after discharge were compared. The primary end point was the clinical outcome of ACS patients in different age groups, including all-cause deaths in the hospital and the incidence of MACCE within 1 year after discharge. The secondary end point was the proportion of ACS patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in different age groups. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of all-cause deaths in ACS patients. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to express the incidence of MACCE within 1 year after discharge in different age groups. Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the incidence of MACCE within 1 year after discharge of ACS patients., Results: As age increased, the proportion of male patients gradually decreased, and the percentages of male patients aged < 55 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, and ≥ 75 years old were 87.2% (496/569), 77.0% (428/556), 66.4% (534/804), and 60.1% (543/904), respectively; and ACS patients combined with hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke history were more common [the percentages of patients with hypertension aged < 55 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, ≥ 75 years old were 41.3% (235/569), 52.2% (290/556), 59.7% (480/804), and 66.9% (605/904); the percentages of diabetes were 18.6% (106/569), 25.5% (142/556), 27.0% (217/804), and 28.2% (255/904); the percentages of coronary heart disease were 10.1% (57/564), 13.9% (77/555), 17.6% (141/803), and 23.7% (213/899); the percentages of stroke were 0.7% (4/564), 4.0% (22/552), 4.5% (36/801), and 8.6% (77/894)]. But the percentages of patients with a history of active smoking, typical chest pain/chest tightness and dyslipidemia were significantly reduced [the percentages of smoking history were 60.2% (340/565), 48.0% (266/554), 33.7% (270/801), and 21.7% (195/899), typical chest pain/chest tightness were 96.9% (536/553), 96.4% (516/535), 91.8% (716/780), 90.2% (776/860); the percentages of dyslipidemia were 11.2% (63/565), 9.2% (51/553), 5.7% (46/802), and 4.9% (44/896)], the time of S-to-D was significantly prolonged [minutes: 176.0 (73.5, 557.0), 194.5 (89.3, 682.3), 221.0 (98.8, 940.5), and 270.0 (115.0, 867.0)], hemoglobin (Hb) level was significantly reduced (g/L: 145.44±17.43, 135.95±19.25, 129.75±19.03, 122.19±20.55), and the incidence of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) increased significantly [18.6% (106/569), 20.5% (114/556), 26.6% (214/804), 26.5% (240/904)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The proportion of Killip grade III-IV were the highest in patients aged ≥ 75 years old, 9.0% and 12.6%, respectively. Compared with the groups aged < 55 years old, 55-64 years old, and 65-74 years old, the proportion of patients aged ≥ 75 years old who underwent PCI was the lowest, and the all-cause mortality in the hospital and the incidence of 1-year MACCE of patients underwent PCI were significantly lower than those of patients underwent conservative treatment [6.0% (28/463) vs. 10.4% (45/434), 14.6% (43/294) vs. 24.3 % (55/226), both P < 0.05]. As age increased, the hospital all-cause mortality and the 1-year MACCE incidence increased (all-cause mortality rates in < 55 years old, 55-64 years old, 65-74 years old, ≥ 75 years old groups were 0.9%, 2.2%, 5.5%, 8.3%, and the 1-year MACCE incidences were 5.0%, 6.7%, 13.9%, 18.7%, both P < 0.01). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age, cardiogenic shock, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the number of vascular disease and underwent PCI were the independent risk factors of all-cause mortality [the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were 1.644 (1.356-1.993), 11.794 (7.469-18.621), 2.449 (1.419-4.227), 1.334 (1.096-1.624), 0.391 (0.247-0.619), all P < 0.001]. Cox regression analysis showed that age, STEMI, the number of vascular disease and underwent PCI were independent risk factors of the occurrence of MACCE within 1 year after discharge [hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI were 1.354 (1.205-1.521), 1.387 (1.003-1.916), 1.314 (1.155-1.495), 0.547 (0.402-0.745), all P < 0.05]., Conclusions: In the chest pain center model, compared with other age of ACS patients, the proportion of NSTEMI in elderly patients group aged ≥ 75 years old was higher, the proportion of PCI was lower, and the clinical outcome was worse. However, the prognosis of elderly patients receiving PCI treatment was better than the patients receiving conservative treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the strategy of transmission interruption of schistosomiasis in Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province., Methods: The comprehensive prevention and control strategy was carried out in RunzhouDistrict, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province. The strategy was relied mainly on the Oncomelania hupensis snail control, extended chemotherapy of schistosomiasis in residents and the health education. The infection rate of schistosomiasis in residents, area with snails, area with snails controlled, and the rates of awareness and correct behavior of schistosomiasis were as evaluation indexes., Results: The area with snails controlled was 7 091.50 hm 2 in Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City from 2001 to 2016. The area with snails reduced year by year from 2001 to 2016. There was a negative correlation between the coverage intensity of snail control and the area with snails ( r = -0.874, P = 0). There were 1 703 serum positive and 199 fecal positive people of schistosomiasis in the permanent residents from 2001 to 2016. These serum and fecal positive people of schistosomiasis were all treated with praziquantel. The serum positive rate of schistosomiasis in the permanent residents dropped to below 1.0% after 2005. The fecal positive patients were not found in 2004 and later. Totally 189 639 people received the questionnaire survey for the knowledge of schistosomiasis control from 2001 to 2016. The rates of awareness and correct behavior of schistosomiasis were raised in the residents year by year. The goal of the transmission interruption of schistosomiasis came to true in Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City in 2016., Conclusions: The comprehensive prevention and control strategy including mainly the snail control, extended chemotherapy of schistosomiasis and health education could achieve the goal of transmission interruption of schistosomiasis in the areas of marshland along the Yangtze River.

Sewage sludge contains a high level of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter, with a high recovery value. The presence of heavy metals in sludges has become a major limiting factor in the utilization of these sludges. Therefore, the removal of heavy metals before land application of sewage sludge has become very necessary. Two municipal sewage sludges (S1 and S2) were collected from municipal wastewater plants in Wuhan city and were studied by oscillation leaching experiments with combination of saponin and citric acid to evaluate their removal efficiencies for Cu, Pb and Zn at different volume ratios (20:1-1:20), ratios of solid to liquid (1:20-1:80), reaction times (0-2880 min), and leaching times (1-4). The heavy metal fractions in the sewage sludges were analyzed before and after leaching to study changes in the stability and mobility of heavy metals by calculating a stability factor[relative bonding strength of heavy metals (I R )] and a mobility factor (MF). The results show that the highest removal efficiency of Cu, Pb, and Zn was 43.16% (S1), 32.45% (S2) and 38.69% (S1), respectively under the removal conditions of a volume ratio (saponin:citric acid) of 5:1, solid-liquid ratio of 1:60, and leaching time of 1440 min. The removal efficiencies of Cu and Pb were significantly enhanced and Zn had a small increase with longer leaching times, which was significantly different after two to three washing times. The highest removal rate of Cu, Pb, and Zn was 78.89% (S1), 77.08% (S2) and 49.39% (S1) after four washing times, respectively. Beyond acid soluble and reducible fractions, other forms of heavy metals have very low removal rates after a single leaching. The removal rates of heavy metal fractions increased by increasing the leaching time, particularly for Pb, which in the residual fraction was significantly increased. The stability and mobility of heavy metals changes after each leaching. For example, the I R of Cu, Pb, and Zn increased to 43.63% (S1), 39.44% (S2) and 32.00% (S1), respectively, and the MF of these heavy metals decreased from 30.19% to 79.45% in the sewage sludges after four washing events.

Objective: To assess the value of neutrophil?to?lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)., Methods: A cohort of 404 non?diabetic patients diagnosed with stable COPD between January, 2010 and December, 2012 at Zhujiang Hospital were enrolled and followed up for 3 years, during which fast blood glucose (FBG) was monitored every 6 months. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of T2DM, and the cumulative incidence of T2DM in this cohort was calculated. The patients who developed T2DM and those without T2DM at the end of the follow?up were compared for clinical parameters to identify the potential predictors for T2DM in patients with stable COPD., Results: After follow?up for a mean of 2.1 years, 41 (10.1%) patients with COPD developed T2DM, who showed significantly higher baseline NLR levels than those without T2DM (P<0.001). The receiver?operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the optimum cut?off value for NLR was 5.626. Spearman rank correlation analysis suggested that the incidence of T2DM in the patients was positively correlated with the number of hospital admissions for acute exacerbation of COPD in the past year (r=0.136, P=0.006), hypertension (r=0.151, P=0.002) and NLR (r=0.340, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified triglyceride (TG) (P=0.047) and NLR (P<0.001) as the independent risk factors for T2DM in patients with COPD., Conclusion: The occurrence of T2DM in COPD patients is closely related to NLR level, which may serve as an early predictor for T2DM in these patients.

Objective: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) preconditioning on cerebral infarct volume and the contents of TNF-α, IL-10 in serum of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury., Methods: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group and an EA preconditioning group, 12 rats in each group, which were further divided into 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion subgroups, 6 rats in each one. EA was used before model establishment for 2 weeks in the EA preconditioning group. The model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats was established with modified Longa suture method. 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion, the degree of neurological deficit was assessed by the modified behavioral scoring scale; the cerebral infarct volume was measured by TTC method and the contents of TNF-α, IL-10 in serum were detected by ELISA method., Results: Compared with the model group, the neurological severity scores in the EA preconditioning group significantly reduced 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion (both P <0.05), the cerebral infarct volume in the EA preconditioning group significantly reduced 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion (both P <0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the serum TNF-α, IL-10 contents in the model group increased 12 h and 24 h after reperfusion (both P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the serum TNF-α content reduced, while the serum IL-10 content increased in the EA preconditioning group 12 h after reperfusion (both P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the serum TNF-α, IL-10 contents reduced in the EA preconditioning group 24 h after reperfusion (both P <0.05)., Conclusion: EA preconditioning can improve neurological deficit, reduce cerebral infarct volume after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of EA on the dynamic balance between pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in peripheral blood of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in acute phase, thus alleviate acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion inflammatory response.

In this paper, biomarkers of liver toxicity of Triptergium wilfordii based on metabolomics was screened, and mechanism of liver toxicity was explored to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis for liver toxicity of Triptergium wilfordii. MS method was carried on the analysis to metabolic fingerprint spectrum between treatment group and control group. The potential biomarkers were compared and screened using the multivariate statistical methods. As well, metabolic pathway would be detailed description. Combined with PCA and OPLS-DA pattern recognition analysis, 20 metabolites were selected which showed large differences between model group and blank group (VIP > 1.0). Seven possible endogenous biomarkers were analyzed and identified. They were 6-phosphate glucosamine, lysophospholipid, tryptophan, guanidine acetic acid, 3-indole propionic acid, cortisone, and ubiquinone. The level changes of above metabolites indicated that the metabolism pathways of amino acid, glucose, phospholipid and hormone were disordered. It is speculated that liver damage of T. wilfordii may be associated with the abnormal energy metabolism in citric acid cycle, amino acid metabolism in urea cycle, and glucose metabolism. It will be helpful to further research liver toxicity ingredients of Triptergium wilfordii.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of establishing an integrated regional network for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care in China and evaluate the implementation effect of this network., Methods: Based on real-time electrocardiogram transmission technology, we established an integrated regional network for STEMI care (IRN-STEMI) with Xiamen Heart Center as the core center, 120 Emergency Systems, PCI-capable hospitals and other community health units as core elements of this network. Reperfusion treatment data of Xiamen Heart Center including the number of patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the mean first medical contact to balloon (FMC-to-B) time, the mean door to balloon (D-to-B) time, the mean length of hospital stay, the mean medical cost and in-hospital mortality were compared before (n = 165) and at 1 year after the built-up of IRN-STEMI (n = 343)., Results: Compared to pre-IRN-STEMI era, primary PCI ratio (84.5% (290/343) vs. 75.5% (185/245)) were significantly increased post establishment of IRN-STEMI within the network (P = 0.06). STEMI patients admitted in Xiamen Heart Center was significantly increased from 165 to 256, the annual mean FMC-to-B time ((110.3 ± 34.0)min vs. (137.9 ± 58.5) min, P < 0.01) and D-to-B ( (76.5 ± 33.0) min vs. (107.3 ± 38.0) min, P < 0.01) , as well as the mean medical cost were significantly decreased ( (51 398 ± 22 100) RMB vs. (56 970 ± 24 593) RMB, P < 0.05), while the mean length of hospital stay ((9.0 ± 4.3)d vs. (9.7 ± 4.8)d, P > 0.05) and in-hospital mortality (3.1% (8/256) vs. 3.0% (5/165) , P > 0.05) remained unchanged before and after the setting of IRN-STEMI in Xiamen Heart Center., Conclusion: Establishment of an integrated regional network system for STEMI patients in China is feasible. With collaboration of qualified heart center, EMS and PCI-capable and non-PCI capable local hospitals, establishment of IRN-STEMI effectively increased the ratio of primary PCI for STEMI patients, it also significantly shortened the FMC-to-B and D-to-B time, decreased mean medical cost, thus, the regional IRN-STEMI network might be an effective working system for improving the medical care for STEMI patients.

The researches on the plant population spatial pattern were mostly based on 0-D plant point (0-D IND) or 0-D plant count, and only a few was based on the 2-D projective cover (2-D PC) and 3-D aboveground biomass (3-D AGB reflected by canopy volume). Until now, the plant population spatial distribution patterns incarnated by these parameters were still unclear. Taking the widely distributed small semi-shrubs Seriphidium terrae-albae and Artemisia songarica in Gurbantunggut Desert of Northwest China as test objects, this paper studied the IND, PC, and AGB of each individual at two sampling plots. Through six-scale division of plot coordinate system with GIS, and by using aggregation analysis, coefficient of variation (CV) , and a scaling exponent between the CV and six scales, the characteristics of the population spatial distribution patterns with the above mentioned parameters were comparatively analyzed. At all scales, the IND (except for the S. terrae-albae population at 0.5 m scale) and the AGB of the two shrubs all presented a clumped distribution, and the aggregation intensity increased' with increasing scale. However, the PC had a uniform distribution (except for the A. songarica population at 5 and 8 m scales). With increasing scale, the CV values of the two shrubs decreased. The absolute value of scaling exponent (k value) of the IND was higher than those of the PC and AGB, and there was no significant difference in the k values between the PC and AGB, indicating that the scale variation scope of the struc- tural complexity of the IND was larger than that of the PC and AGB. The k value of each parameter for S. terrae-albae was higher than that for A. songarica, which could be related to the populations' interspecific relationship and plant size. In sum, the IND and AGB had similar spatial patterns, while the PC and AGB had almost same spatial pattern complexity and scale change characteristics.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and to determine the prognostic factors of TACE in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM)., Methods: The clinical data of 183 patients with unresectable CRLM treated with TACE from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Log-rank method was used for univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis of the prognostic factors., Results: The median survival time was 22 months, and the 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 93.9%, 81.1%, 39.8%, 18.2%, and 3.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor involved more than one lobe of the liver, and elevated CEA and CA19-9 levels were independent risk factors for the overall survival (P < 0.01). Females, more times of TACE, combination with regional therapy and received phase II resection were related with a good survival (P < 0.01) in CRLM patients after TACE treatment., Conclusions: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is an effective therapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases. Patients with tumor spread more than one lobe of the liver, high CEA and CA19-9 levels are independent poor prognostic factors. Females, patients received more times of TACE, combined with regional therapy and received phase II resection may have a good survival.

Objective: To construct a recombinant plasmid pIRES-GM-CSF-IL-21, and to investigate its antitumor effect on tumors in the mice., Methods: Fifty Bal b/c mice were included in this study. Cultured hepatoma H22 cells were inoculated in the left lobe of the liver to develop orthotopically transplanted liver tumor models. The mice with orthotopically transplanted liver tumor were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10): (1) Each mouse received injection of recombinant plasmid pIRES-GM-CSF-IL-21; (2) Received injection of plasmid pIRES-GM-CSF; (3) pIRES-IL-21; (4) Received injection of ampty plasmid pIRES (H22/neo group); (5) Received injection of PBS (H22 group) via the tail vein, respectively. Therefore, the anti-tumor effect was induced by both GM-CSF and IL-21, or by either of them alone. The serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were detected by ELISA, and the cytotoxicity of spleen NK and CTL cells were tested by MTT colorimetry., Results: Comparing with the H22 and H22/Neo groups, the tumor weight in the mice of H22/GM-CSF group was (0.603 ± 0.223) g, H22/IL21-treated group (0.583 ± 0.290) g and H22/GM-CSF-IL21-treated group (0.303 ± 0.323) g, significantly lower than that in the H22 group [(1.591 ± 0.280) g] and H22/Neo group [(1.489 ± 0.155) g]. Among them the tumor growth was most significantly inhibited in the H22/GM-CSF-IL-21 group (0.303 ± 0.323) g, compared with that of H22 and H22/neo groups (P < 0.01). But there was no significant difference between the tumor weights of the H22/GM-CSF group and H22/IL-21 group, and between the tumor weights of the H22 and H22/Neo groups (P > 0.05). The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in peripheral blood of mouse models treated with H22/GM-CSF-IL-21 were significantly increased than that in the H22/GM-CSF group and H22/IL-21 group (all P < 0.01), but significantly decreased in the H22group and H22/Neo group (P < 0.01). The anti-tumor activity of splenic NK cells and CTLs in the H22/GM-CSF-IL21 group was significantly enhanced (P < 0.01), compared with the significantly decreased in the H22 and H22/Neo groups., Conclusions: Our results demonstrate apparent antitumor effect of the plasmid pIRES-GM-CSF-IL-21 on the orthotopically transplanted liver tumor in mice. The combination of both pIRES-GM-CSF and IL-21 is more effective than that of pIRES/IL21 or pIRES/GM-CSF treatment alone. In addition, the plasmid pIRES-GM-CSF-IL-21 can also promote the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2 in vivo, and enhance the cytotoxic activity of splenic NK and CTLs against the transplanted liver tumor.

Objective: To investigate the effects of topical fluorescein on the preoperative diagnosis of rhinorrhea of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intraoperative localization of CSF fistula., Methods: Cotton pads soaked with 5% fluorescein were placed in the middle turbinate meatus, roof of ethmoid plate, and sphenoethmoidalis recesses via endoscopic endonasal technique of 15 patients with CSF rhinorrhea, 5 caused by accidental trauma and 10 spontaneous. Change of the color of fluorescein from yellow to green fluorescence denoted the presence of CSF, and thus the site of the leak could be traced. The accuracy rates of diagnosis and leak site identification by this technique were compared with those by glucose analysis, intraoperative findings, and follow-up., Results: The preoperative diagnosis rate of CSF rhinorrhea and the CSF fistula site localization rate by fluorescein-soaked cotton pad were both 100%. No recurrence was found during the follow-up for 2 - 24 months. No complication had been reported., Conclusions: Application of topical fluorescein is an easy, sensitive, safe, and highly accurate tool in the intraoperative localization of the site and extent of CSF fistulas and should be considered a viable noninvasive alternative to intrathecal fluorescein technique.

Objective: To analyze the patterns of serum soluble CD14 (sCD14) and C-reactive protein (CRP) alterations in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and investigate the correlations of sCD14 variation to the etiology, clinical symptoms, and the number of mononuclear cells in these patients., Methods: This study involved 246 CHF patients stratified according to their etiology and clinical symptoms, with 107 normal individuals serving as the control group. Blood samples were collected from these patients the next day after admission and also from the control subjects for measuring serum sCD14 and CPR levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rate nephelometry, respectively., Results: The CHF patients had significantly higher serum levels of sCD14 and CRP than the control subjects (P<0.01). In the CHF patients, serum sCD14 and CRP levels differed significantly in the patients with clinical symptoms of different severities (F=3.787, P=0.024), and those with moderate and severe symptoms had significantly higher levels than the asymptomatic patients (P<0.05). The difference in etiologies also resulted in significant difference in sCD14 levels (P<0.05), which were significantly lower in coronary artery disease group than in hypertension group (P<0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between sCD14 and the CRP levels in the CHF patients (r=0.227, P=0.018) and between sCD14 level and the clinical symptoms (r=0.206, P=0.001), but sCD14 level was not correlated to the absolute or relative number of mononuclear cells., Conclusions: Serum sCD14 and CRP levels are significantly elevated in CHF patients, but this condition may vary as the etiologies and clinical symptoms differ. Increased mononuclear cells do not contribute to the elevation of serum sCD14.

The kinetic characteristics of Zn uptake by Potentilla griffithii Hook. f. var. velutina Card. were studied with hydroponic culture under different Zn supply and its exposure time. When the Zn supply was 10 mg x L(-1), the Zn concentration in shoot and root reached the peak on the 8th day, being 2.49 x 10(3) mg x kg(-1) and 2.21 x 10(3) mg x kg(-1), respectively; while when the supply was 100 mg x L(-1), the Zn concentration in shoot reached the maximum (1.23 x 10(3) mg x kg(-1)) on the 16th day, but that in root did not exhibit saturation. The Zn concentration in leaf and leafstalk increased with increasing Zn supply from 0 to 160 mg x L(-1), but had no increase or even decreased when the Zn supply was higher than 160 mg x L(-1). The Zn concentration in root exhibited a positive correlation with Zn supply and its exposure time, and the kinetic curve of Zn uptake fitted linear-quadratic (LQ) model, i. e., fast linear uptake first and slow saturation uptake later, with the dividing point at about 1-2 hours' exposure, which could be related with the Zn adsorption on root cell wall and the Zn transportation across the cell membrane.

Hydroponic culture was conducted to study the effect of Cd on the growth, metal accumulation and nitrogen metabolism in Brassica chinensis. The enzymatic activities of nitrogen metabolism including nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS) and GS-transferase as well as the concentrations of chlorophyll, free proline, soluble protein, NO3(-) -N, NH4+ -N and nutrients in Brassica chinensis were determined. Results indicated that the addition of Cd reduced the content of the soluble protein and the accumulation of Cu, Ca, Fe and Mg, but promoted the P uptake. Low level of Cd (1 mg x L(-1)) could significantly increase the biomass and the content of chlorophyll of Brassica chinensis and the activities of NR, GS and GS-transferase when compared to control plants. However, when the Cd levels were above 2.5 mg x L(-1) in the culture medium, the activities of these enzymes were inhibited. Accordingly, the contents of NO3(-) -N, NH4+ -N, free proline and the activity of protease in the leaf of Brassica chinensis increased significantly. These results suggested that Cd addition could interfere with the assimilation of N in Brassica chinensis. The increase of free proline might alleviate the toxicity of ammonium in Brassica chinensis.

The scientificalness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often doubted and criticized for the record in Huangdi Neijing that the liver is located in the left of the human body. The most popular explanation of this criticism is that the conception of zang-fu viscera in TCM is quite different from which defined in Western medicine. It means that the zang-fu viscera in TCM are not exactly the corresponding anatomical organs in modern human anatomy but reflect the functions of some systems in human body. According to the classical theories of TCM in Huangdi Neijing, we consider that the record of liver located in the left of the human body is based on the Ba Gua (Eight Diagrams) of traditional Chinese philosophy, not the human anatomy. In brief, the conception of zang-fu viscera is initially a gross anatomical conception, and in a sense the anatomic sites and functions of which are mostly similar to those described in Western medicine.

Aim: To investigate the role of calcium-activated chloride channels and the Cl- channel blockers niflumic acid (NFA) and indanyloxyacetic acid (IAA-94) in the regulation of vascular contraction induced by phenylephrine (PE)., Methods: The PE-induced contraction in rat pulmonary artery was observed by using routine blood vascular perfusion in vitro. The fluorescence Ca2+ indicator Fura-2/AM was used to observe intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) which were obtained by the acute enzyme separation method (collagenase I plus papain) on NFA and IAA-94 effects on PE-induced contraction. Changes of [Ca2+]i in PASMCs were measured by spectrofluorometry., Results: The anion channel blockers NFA and IAA-94 produced inhibitory effects on PE-induced contractions in the pulmonary artery. NFA and IAA-94 negligibly affected the KCl-induced pulmonary artery contractions. PE could increase [Ca2+]i but NFA and IAA-94 negligibly affected it., Conclusion: Calcium-activated chloride channels contribute to the agonist-induced pulmonary artery contractions under physiological conditions, which may be a new clue to investigate the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Objective: To construct recombinant adeno-associated virus vector carrying antisense interleukin-5 (IL-5) gene (rAAV-asIL-5), and to explore the effects of this virus transfection on IL-5 mRNA and protein in CD(4)(+) T lymphocytes of asthmatic rats., Methods: The eukaryotic antisense IL-5 expressing vector plasmid of recombinant adeno-associated virus (pasIL-5/rAAV) was constructed by gene recombination technique. The rAAV-asIL-5 particles were produced by co-transfection of pasIL-5/rAAV, pXX2, and pXX6 in package cell 293 through phosphate calcium deposit, and the titers of rAAV-asIL-5 were measured by Southern blot. The rAAV-asIL-5 particles were transfected into CD(4)(+) T lymphocytes obtained by gradient of Ficoll and immunomagnetic beads from the peripheral blood of asthmatic rats. Then IL-5 mRNA in T lymphocytes and IL-5 protein in supernatant of cell culture were determined with semi-quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA respectively., Results: (1) The rAAV-asIL-5 was constructed and identified, and the titer of rAAV-asIL-5 was 1.3 x 10(11) virus particles/ml. (2) The relative ratio A of absorbance (IL-5/beta-actin) of rAAV group was 1.0515 +/- 0.1477, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (1.4271 +/- 0.1655) (n = 6, P < 0.01). (3) The protein level of IL-5 in supernatant of culture of rAAV group was (12.0840 +/- 1.4769) ng/L, significantly lower than that of the control group [(15.3590 +/- 1.2685) ng/L, n = 6, P < 0.01]., Conclusion: Construction of rAAV-asIL-5 was successful, and transfection of this virus was capable of inhibiting the expression of IL-5 mRNA and protein in CD(4)(+) T lymphocytes of asthmatic rats. The results of this study provide experimental data for further study of gene therapy for asthma.

Objective: To find out some evidence that may indicate the theory of voice pitch of the five tones being correlated with the five zang viscera in Huangdi Neijing, which was lost 2 000 years., Methods: Eight-four healthy females were divided into younger group (<34 years old) and older group (> or =34 years old) according to their ages. The pronunciations of these females were examined by sono-frequency analysis facility., Results: The frequency of Jiao tone was much higher than those of the other tones in both groups (P<0.01) and the frequency of Jiao tone increased as aging. The frequency of Zhi tone in the younger group was higher than that in the older group (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The results of higher frequency of Jiao tone in females is in accordance with the theory put forward by Ye Gui (a famous doctor in Qing Dynasty of China) that the liver is the congenital base of female life. In traditional Chinese medicine, Jiao tone is correlated with the liver, and Zhi tone is correlated with the heart. The high frequency of Zhi tone in younger females implies that regulating the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang and Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin may be beneficial to the health maintenance of younger female.

The ancient theory and technology which are related to preventive treatment of disease by dietetic regulation and coordinating meridian according to 25 tones have been developed in the early 21st century. It is proved in sonocytology by nanotechnology that cells are able to produce noise, and the noise will change at first when the cells have any disorders. This theory is in accordance with the one in Huangdi Neijing. The nanotechnology can be introduced into the basic research of traditional Chinese medicine and may contribute to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective: To investigate the effect of high-salt diet on blood pressure, renal morphology and osteopontin (OPN) expression in Sprague-Dawley rat with Ang II-induced renal injury., Methods: Thirty-six male SD rats aged 12 weeks receiving normal salt diet were rolled in the study, and received Ang II (100 ng.kg-1.min-1) for two weeks using subcutaneous minipump. Rats were then fed high sodium (n=18, 4% NaCl) or normal sodium (n=18, 0.6% NaCl) diet from third week respectively and lasted for 12 weeks. Eighteen rats in the control were sham-operated and fed normal sodium diet. Tail systolic blood pressure (SBP) was determined every two weeks. Expressions of TGF-beta1 OPN mRNA and its protein in SD rat kidney were measured with quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively at the end of Ang II infusion and at the end of the experiment. Renal ultrastructure was observed by electronmicroscopy., Results: SBP of the rats received Ang II increased significantly compared with controls (P?0.05). SBP returned to normal after Ang II infusion stopped. No significant difference existed in blood pressure between rats fed high salt diet and normal salt diet in the period of 12 weeks (P<0.05). Expressions of TGF-beta1, OPN mRNA and its protein in the kidney of the rats fed with high salt diet were up-regulated at the end of Ang II infusion (P>0.05) and at the end of the 12th week compared with the rats fed normal salt diet and controls (P<0.01). The kidney was damaged by Ang II, which was further aggravated by the infusion of high salt diet., Conclusions: High salt diet could aggravate the renal injury of the rats with Ang II-induced renal injury that may be independent of blood pressure change. Expressions of the TGF-beta1, OPN mRNA and its protein were up-regulated after renal injury.

Objective: To investigate the effect of high-salt diet on the expression of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA and its protein in Sprague-Dawley rat kidney., Methods: Forty-eight male SD rats aged 10 weeks receiving normal salt diet were enrolled in study, and were divided into two groups and fed with high salt diet (4%NaCl) or normal salt diet (0.6%NaCl) for 12 weeks respectively, with 24 rats in each group. Tail systolic blood pressure and bodyweight were measured in all rats every week. At the end of 4th, 8th and 12th week, 6 rats in each group were sacrificed for detection of the expression of OPN mRNA and its protein in the kidney with quantitatine real-time (QRT)-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively., Results: No significant difference was found in blood pressure, bodyweight and kidney weight/bodyweight between high-salt diet group and normal salt diet group (P>0.05). The expression of OPN mRNA (0.27+/-0.16 vs 0.15+/-0.13, P<0.05) and its protein (0.78+/-0.15 vs 0.61+/-0.11, P<0.01) in SD rat kidney with high-salt diet were up-regulated at the end of 12th week compared with the rats with normal salt diet., Conclusions: High-salt diet increase the expression of OPN mRNA and its protein in SD rat kidney. Renal injury induced by high salt intake might be independent of blood pressure change.

Objective: To investigate insulin resistance and the effects of intravenous acute saline load on renal production of prostaglandin I(2) (PGI(2)) and thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) in salt-sensitive hypertensive patients., Methods: The 24-hour excretion of urinary 6-keto-prostaglandin F (PGF) 1alpha and thromboxane B(2) were measured before and after intravenous acute saline load in 53 hypertensive patients whose salt sensitivity had been determined. Oral glucose tolerance test and insulin release test were performed in all the subjects., Results: after intravenous acute saline load, the 24-hour excretions of urinary 6-keto PGF 1alpha were significantly lower in salt-sensitive (SS) hypertensive patients than that in non-salt-sensitive (NSS) ones (316+/-57 pg/min vs 371+/-68 pg/min, P<0.01), and the decrease from baseline was much greater in SS group than that in NSS group (197+/-99 pg/min vs 136+/-101 pg/min, P<0.01). Both 24 hour urinary excretion of TXA(2) and the increase in urinary excretion of TXA(2) were significantly greater in SS hypertensive patients than those in NSS ones after salt loading (394+/-32 pg/min vs 359+/-44 pg/min, P<0.01, and 80+/-47 pg/min vs 47+/-45 pg/min, P<0.01, respectively). The plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in every time point were much higher in SS hypertensive subjects than that in NSS ones, and the former group had lower insulin sensitivity index than the latter (0.013+/-0.003 vs 0.018+/-0.004, P<0.01), Conclusion: Saline load produces significantly different effects on renal production of PGI(2) and TXA(2) in SS and NSS hypertensive patients, and these changes may be related to the pathophysiology of SS hypertensive patients after acute salt loading. Insulin resistance is greater in SS hypertensive patients than in NSS ones.

A new method which uses multi-wave number and double-parameter to analyse the UV-Vis. spectra is proposed to determine the composition and stabilization constants of coordination compounds. With this method, the reaction of cobalt tetrasulphonated phthalcyanine [CoTsPc] and sodium sulfide [Na2S] was studied. The result shows that pH of the medium has great effect on the reaction. A five coordinated compound Co(II)TsPc(HS) was formed at pH = 7.0. The equilibrium constants and thermodynamics are reported for the reaction under that condition. At higher pH, a redox-reaction took place and a five coordinated compound with the oxidation number I for cobalt [SCo(I)TsPc] was found.

Objective: To investigate a new therapy for effectively correcting severe hypoxemia in patients with infectious diseases by infusion of oxygen-enriched liquid, in order to raise the partial pressure of blood oxygen without passing through pathologically damaged alveoli of such patients., Methods: Intravenous drip with oxygen-enriched liquids was given to 6 cases suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and 3 cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the course of treatment for 1 to 5 days, 500-700 ml per day., Results: For all the 9 SARS cases, their hypoxemia was gradually corrected to normal in 20 minutes' or 4 hours' intravenous drip with oxygen-enriched liquid. Respiratory rate decreased from 29-49 breath/min to 18-22 breath/min, heart rate decreased from 89-145 beats/min to 60-79 beats/min, two faint patients regained consciousness, hypoxemia was redressed, partial pressure of oxygen in artery increased from 56 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) to 87 mm Hg, saturation of oxygen increased from 0.89 to 0.96., Conclusion: Intravenous drip of the oxygen-enriched liquid effectively helped correct the hypoxemia of SARS and other infectious diseases cases by bypassing the diseased alveoli through which oxygen would not pass into the blood by conventional oxygen inhalation. This therapy of oxygen-enriched liquid infusion could be quite life-saving in the combined treatment for SARS and other infectious diseases.

Objective: To observe the curative effect of percutaneous radio frequency ablation (PRFA) on hepatocellular carcinoma., Methods: Under local or epidural anaesthesia, radio frequency electrodes were percutaneously introduced with ultrasound guide into the tumor in the liver for ablation., Results: Among the 96 hepatic cancer lesions in 60 patients, 41 (42.7%) with diameter < 3.5 cm were ablated by one session. The effective rate (CR + PR) was 100% (41/41) with CR 92.6% (38/41) and PR 7.3% (3/41). During the 6 - 24 month follow up of these lesions, 36 (87.8%) of these 41 patients showed no recurrence by CT or MRI. Fifty-five (57.3%) lesions with diameter 3.5 cm < or = Phi < 12 cm were ablated by two or three sessions, with CR 3.6% (2/55), PR 67.3% (37/55) and CR + PR 70.9% (39/55) by CT or MRI in 1 to 3 months after the treatment., Conclusion: Percutaneous radio frequency ablation is effective on liver tumor with Phi < 3.5 cm. It is partly effective on lesions with 3.5 cm < or = Phi < 12 cm.