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Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing dental caries among 3–5-year-old children in Guizhou Province and the interrelationship between these factors using structural equation modeling, while providing theoretical references to improve the prevention and control strategy.Materials and Methods: A total of 1,291 children aged 3–5 years in Guizhou Province were selected by a multistage stratified and whole group random sampling to examine the caries prevalence in whole-mouth deciduous teeth crowns, and parents were surveyed with questionnaires to analyze the caries-related factors. IBM SPSS Statistics v 23.0 software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis.Results: The caries prevalence of children aged 3–5 years in Guizhou Province was 63.1%, the mean decayed-missing-filled teeth was 3.32, the caries filling rate was 0.5%, and there was no statistically significant difference between urban and rural areas and among genders in each age group; results of logistic regression analysis showed that the caries risk increased with the following factors: age, brushing frequency Conclusions: With an overall poor situation about oral hygiene habits, oral healthcare attitude of the parents, and behavior transformation, the prevalence of dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children aged 3–5 years in Guizhou Province is high, and their caries status was severe, with more than 99% of the caries cases that were untreated. Therefore, prevention and treatment measures of caries in preschool children need strengthening through the improvement of public awareness and the enhancement of the management of oral health habits of their children.

In this paper, the higher-order nonlinear self-dual network equation is investigated. Firstly, an integrable lattice hierarchy associated with this equation is constructed from a discrete matrix spectral problem without the denominator. Secondly, the condition of modulational instability for this equation is given. Thirdly, the infinitely many conservation laws are constructed on the basis of its new Lax representation. Finally, the discrete generalised $$(m, N-m)$$ -fold Darboux transformation (DT) with non-zero constant as seed solution is used to derive new rational soliton (RS) and mixed interaction solutions. As an application, RS solutions can be obtained by the discrete generalised $$(1, N-1)$$ -fold DT (i.e., generalised $$(m, N-m)$$ -fold DT with $$m=1$$ ), and mixed interaction solutions of the usual sech-type soliton (US) and RS can be derived by the discrete generalised $$(2, N-2)$$ -fold DT (i.e., generalised $$(m, N-m)$$ -fold DT with $$m=2$$ ). We also perform the numerical simulations for such soliton solutions to explore their dynamical behaviours. Results given in this paper may have some prospective applications for understanding the propagation of electrical signals.

This paper deals with localized waves in the (2+1)-dimensional Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon-Kotera-Sawada (CDGKS) equation in the incompressible fluid. Based on Hirota’s bilinear method, N-soliton solutions related to CDGKS equation are constructed. For the case N = 5 and N = 6, the exact expression of multiple localized wave solutions comprising lump solitons are obtained by using the long wave limit method. A variety of interactions are illustrated analytically and graphically. The influence of parameters on propagation is analyzed and summarized. The results and phenomena obtained in this paper enrich the dynamic behavior of the evolution of nonlinear localized waves.

Hou-Po-Da-Huang Tang (HPDHT) was used for the treatment of intestinal tract diseases in China. However, the underlying mechanisms via the intestinal bacteria remain largely unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolism of HPDHT by the human intestinal bacteria and its modulating effect on the intestinal bacteria. As a result, a total of 34 compounds were identified in HPDHT and transformed HPDHT (T-HPDHT). Among them, 12 metabolites were proved to be transformed by human intestinal bacteria. In vitro assays showed that T-HPDHT exhibited more significant elevation of free radical scavenging activity and suppression on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α when comparing to HPDHT. Additionally, in vivo experiment confirmed that HPDHT significantly increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), attenuated the malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α levels in the conventional rats compared with that of pseudo germ-free (PGF) rats. In addition, HPDHT could significantly enhance the mean counts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and inhibit the growth of Clostridium, and Enterobacteriaceae, relative to controls. Due to the transformation of HPDHT being dependent on the bacterial strain, the effect of HPDHT on the selective growth of Bifidobacterium bifidum 29521 and Lactobacillus plantarum 8014 was evaluated. The kinetic parameters of microbial growth and prebiotic activity scores indicated that HPDHT could selectively stimulate the growth of the strains Bifidobacterium bifidum 29521 and Lactobacillus plantarum 8014. Taken together, metabolism of HPDHT by intestinal bacteria is a critical step towards the emergence of their anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and prebiotic activities. This study provided valuable information for further pharmacological research on HPDHT.

Bone cancer pain is a challenge for its not completely clarified mechanism and broad clinical morbidity. Therefore, novel and more effective drugs are urgent needed for improvement of patients' quality of life. Glutamate receptors have been associated with the development of the central sensitization of chronic pain. Inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors can effectively attenuate bone cancer pain, respectively. Herein, our results indicated that levo-Corydalmine (l-CDL), a compound from Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief could effectively attenuate bone cancer pain induced by tibia bone cavity tumor cell implantation (TCI) through simultaneously inhibiting the NMDA and mGlu1/5 receptors in rat spinal cord without notable side effects. Both intragastric and intrathecal administration of l-CDL significantly alleviated the mechanical hypersensitivity induced by TCI in rats, and the analgesic effect of l-CDL could be reversed by intrathecal administration of NMDA receptor agonist NMDA and mGlu1/5 receptor agonist DHPG but not AMPA receptor agonist AMPA. l-CDL could also selectively suppress NMDA and DHPG induced rapid rise in Ca2+ oscillations in primary cultures neurons of spinal cord in vitro. The antinociception of l-CDL were partially mediated by the reduced phosphorylation of PKC γ and ERK1/2 in spinal cord of TCI rats in a NMDA and mGlu1/5 dependent manner. In conclusion, these results suggested that l-CDL attenuates TCI induced bone cancer pain through simultaneously inhibiting the NMDA and mGlu1/5 receptors and the downstream PKC γ, ERK1/2 signaling pathways in the spinal cord.

Objective: The aim of this research was to develop a novel ALA fusion protein for target to the malignant cells surface with high uPAR expression and locally release of the scorpion toxin AGAP in an uPA-cleavable manner. It will provide an effective approach for controlled release of the peptide toxins to treat cancerous cells. Methods: The ALA fusion proteins were expressed in pichia pastoris, and the recombinant proteins were purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The proteins were added to human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) in order to investigate the characteristic of selective targeting and releasing of scorpion toxin AGAP in cancer cells with high uPAR expression. The inhibitory effect of ALA on MDA-MB-231, MCF7, LO2 and HEK-293 was evaluated by MTT assay. Moreover, the antiproliferation mechanism of ALA was determined by flow cytometric and western blot analysis. Results: The results showed that ALA could target MDA-MB-231 cells and the scorpion toxin AGAP could be released with high efficiency and selectivity. ALA inhibited the growth and invasion of breast cancer cells MDA-MB231. Also, cell apoptosis pathway was found to be associated with the inhibition mechanism of ALA according to the data of flow cytometric and western blot analysis. Therefore, ALA could be a novel antitumor candidate for targeting treatment of malignant cell. Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated that fusion of biotoxins with tumor target domain could provide a simple yet effective way to delivery of peptide or protein drugs.

internationally. With frequent appearances at fashion’s world, cities’ fashion weeks, museum exhibitions and retail, Chinese designers have started to gain international recognition. Although all the fashion designers stressed that the key to their brands success in China is design and quality, there is a significant difference between the brands’ orientations: market or design, which is embodied by the brands’ positioning strategies, approach to design, retail operation and international outlook. This research on Chinese fashion designer brands would extend our current understanding of fashion branding in China. At the same time, these designer brands provide exemplary branding strategies that suit the Chinese fashion market.

Aim: We investigated the effects of TORC1/2 kinase inhibitors on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Materials & methods: Using selective TORC1/2 inhibitors, rapamycin and PP242, we assessed their effect on the growth of CRC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Results: Rapamycin and PP242 inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of CRC cells. They also enhance proapoptotic effect of conventional chemo drug doxorubicin in CRC cells in vitro. When combined with doxorubicin, rapamycin and PP242 almost completely inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Rapamycin and PP242 inhibit phosphorylation of Akt, ribosomal S6 kinase, 4EBP1 and mTOR. Conclusion: Our study suggests rapamycin and PP242 may be a useful therapeutic agent and inhibiting mTOR signaling pathway represents a new targeted therapy for CRC.

Ascites in patients with hepatic cirrhosis is caused by cirrhosis in most cases. For most malignant ascites, the primary malignancy could be readily identified using conventional imaging methods, e.g., computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, in a small fraction of the patients, the primary malignancy remains occult even with these examinations. In this retrospective study, we assessed the usefulness of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and malignant ascites of otherwise unknown origin.Twenty-eight patients with malignant ascites of unknown primary sites after CT, MRI and ultrasound during the period of five years between January 2008 and December 2012 had received (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Medical records of these patients were reviewed and analyzed.Elevated (18)F-FDG absorption was found in 23 of 28 cases in the following sites: gastrointestinal tract (n=10, 43.5%), prostate (n=5, 21.7%), peritoneum (n=4, 13.3%), and ovary (n=4, 13.3%). Cancer was confirmed by pathology in 20 cases after open or laparoscopic surgeries. Five patients were found to have benign ascites, among which, 3 were found to be false positive due to tuberculosis. SUV values were significantly higher for tumors than for benign lesions (mean values, 6.95 vs. 2.94; P=0.005).The (18)F-FDG PET/CT can be as a powerful imaging tool in identifying tissue origin in liver cirrhosis patients suspected of cancers or with cancers of unknown primary sites.

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a polypeptide member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily of cytokines and performs many cellular functions. Its overexpression may lead to renal fibrosis.This study planed to investigate the effects of TGF-β1 on the cell cycle and phenotype of mesangial cells.Rat mesangial cells were cultured together with different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 ng/mL) of TGF-β1 for specified times from 0 min to 72 h. 0 ng/mL TGF-β1 and 0 min served as controls. Cell cycles were assessed by flow cytometry and α-smooth muscle actin expression (α-SMA) protein expression by western blot analysis. All data were presented as Mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Results were considered significant at p 0.05.After 15 min of co-culture with different concentrations of TGF-β1, the percentage of mesangial cells in G0/G1 phase was significantly elevated compared to the control (p 0.05). 12 h co-culture induced cell hyperplasia, 24 h co-culture obvious up-regulation of α-SMA (p 0.01) and one or two cells' myofibroblast phenotype transition, and 36 h co-culture several cells' phenotype transition. Correlation analysis prompted that the TGF-β1-induced premature aging was time-dependent (p 0.01).TGF-β1 may induce mesangial cells' premature senescence and myofibroblast-like phenotype transformation time-dependently, which may contribute to the development of early stage of glomerulosclerosis.

We investigated the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes, and detected the expression of scavenger receptor CD36 in monocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes.According to the criteria by WHO, diabetic patients were classified into two groups: well controlled diabetic patients (WCP) and poorly controlled diabetic patients (PCP). The expression of CD36 protein and mRNA were evaluated by flow cytometry and reversal transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Plasma levels of accumulation of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) were directly measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.Flow cytometry and RT-PCR showed that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD36 in monocyte and CD36 mRNA were significantly higher in the PCP and WCP in comparison with healthy controls (P0.01). CD36 MFI and mRNA in the PCP were increased by 78% and 36% compared to the WCP. In both groups, CD36 MFI and mRNA were significantly higher in patients with diabetic atherosclerosis in comparison with those without diabetic atherosclerosis (P0.05). No significant difference was found in CD14 expression between the groups (P0.05). The concentrations of plasma oxLDL were higher in the PCP group compared to WCP and control group (P0.05), whereas oxLDL average values did not differ significantly between WCP and control groups (P0.05). In the WCP and PCP groups, oxLDL levels were higher in patients with diabetic atherosclerosis than those without diabetic atherosclerosis (P0.05).The increased expression of scavenger receptor CD36 may be one of the mechanism of accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetic. The poorly controlled diabetes patients are at higher risk for the vascular complications than the well controlled diabetic patients.

Çinlilerin `T'o-pa` diye adlandırdıkları ve Divan-ı Lügâti't-Türk'te bir Türk kavmi olarak geçen Tabgaçların kökenleri ve dilleri konusunda günümüze kadar bir fikir birliğine varılamamıştır. Öne sürülen fikirler temel olarak kökenlerinin ve dillerinin Türk ya da Moğol olduğu yönündedir. Haklarındaki birçok belirsizliğe rağmen, kesin olan tek şey çok sayıda boydan müteşekkil bir `boylar birliği` olan Tabgaçların kuruluşunda sekiz boyun mevcut bulunup, hâkim olunan topraklar genişledikçe bu boyların sayısının artmış olmasıdır. Konfederasyonda menşei tespit edilen kavimler arasında Hunlar, Hsien-piler, T'u-yü-hunlar, Kao-ch'elar, Juan-juanlar, Wu-huanlar ve Yüeh-chihler bulunmaktadır.Tabgaç tarihinin ana kaynağı olan Wei-shu'da nesilleri efsanevi Sarı İmparator'a dayandırılan Tabgaçların ana yurtları Amur ile Argun Nehri arasındaki bölgedir. II. yüzyılda Hunlardan boşalan İç Moğolistan topraklarına yerleşen, daha sonra güneye doğru inmeye başlayan Tabgaçlar 315 yılında Tai Devleti'ni, 386 yılında da Kuzey Wei Hanedanlığı'nı kurdular. Resmi Çin hanedanlıklarından biri sayılan Kuzey Wei Hanedanlığı zamanında Tabgaçlar On Altı Devlet dönemine son vererek tüm Kuzey ve Merkezî Çin'i kendi hâkimiyetleri altında yeniden birleştirdiler. Bu dönemde idarî anlamda birçok yenilik yapıldı ve Budizm Çin topraklarında yayıldı. 534 yılında ikiye ayrılan Kuzey Wei Hanedanlığı zamanında her ne kadar Çinlileşme yönünde büyük reformlar yapılmış olsa da, yine de geleneksel hayatlarına devam edenler sayesinde göçebe kültürü kendilerinden sonra kurulan hanedanlıklara aktarmayı başardılar. Dolayısıyla Chin Hanedanlığı ile T'ang Hanedanlığı arasındaki dönemde hem İslamiyetten Önceki Türk Tarihi hem de Eski Çin Tarihi açısından önemli bir köprü vazifesi gördüler.Anahtar Kelimeler: Tabgaç, T'o-pa, Kuzey Wei Hanedanlığı, Hsien-pi There is no an agreement at the present on the origin and the language of Tabgatchs called as `T'o-pa` by Chinese and also considered as a Turkish tribe in Divan-ı Lügâti't-Türk. The given ideas are fundamentally the way in which their origin and language were thought to be Turkish or Mongolian. Although uncertainties are ubiquitous in Tabgatchs' history, one thing is almost certain: they were 'a confederation' which composed of many tribes and there were just eight tribes at the time of their foundation, while their territory became larger and increased in number of these clans. Hun, Hsien-pi, T'u-yü-hun, Kao-ch'e, Juan-juan, Wu-huan and Yüeh-chih clans were among them which were recognized in this confederation. The lineage of Tabgatchs was based on the legendary of Yellow Emperor in the Wei-shu which is the main resource of Tabgatchs' history. Their homeland was the area that lay between Amur River and Argun River. Tabgatchs, who settled in Inner Mongolia at first in the 2rd century and later on moved to south, founded Tai State in 315 and then Northern Wei Dynasty in 386. At the time of Northern Wei Dynasty entitled to one of the legitimate Chinese dynasties, Tabgatchs ended up Sixteen States era and reunified whole North and Central China under their own rule. In this period, many administrative renewals were made and Buddhism was spread to the Chinese territories. Although several great reforms took place with the purpose of sinicization during the Northern Wei Dynasty which separated to east and west in 534, still by virtue of those whom continued their traditional life, they succeeded in through the nomadic culture to the dynasties after themselves. Thus, in the period between Chin and T'ang Dynasties, they served as a bridge in terms of both Turkish History before Islam and Ancient Chinese History. Key Words: Tabgatch, T'o-pa, Northern Wei Dynasty, Hsien-pi 192