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Objective: To observe the effect of Yanggan Yishui Granule (YGYSG) on collagen protein I, III, and IV, as well as fibronection (EN) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and to explore its possible renal protective mechanisms., Methods: Fourty SHR were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the model group, the Benazepril group, the low dose YGYSG group, and the high dose YGYSG group, 10 in each group. A normal control group was set up with recruited Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. After 6 weeks of treatment, the expression of collagen protein I, III, and IV, as well as FN in the 5.1 image analysis system., Results: In the WKY-control group, there was only a small amount of brown particles in the mesenchymal region, the glomerular basement membrane, or the mesangial region. The expression of collagen I, Ill, and IV, as well as EN significantly increased more in the model group than in the normal control group (P < 0.01). After treatment, the expression of collagen I, III, and IV, as well as FN significantly decreased in each treated group, showing statistical difference when compared with the model group (P < 0.01). Besides, decresed expression of collagen I, III, and IV was shown in the low dose YGYSG group and the Benazepril group (P > 0.05). The expression of collagen I, III, and IV could be further reduced in the high dose YGYSG group, showing statistical difference when compared with the Benazepril group and the low dose YGYSG group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: YGYSG might play an important role in the renal protective effect through reducing the synthesis of renal collagen I, III, and IV, as well as FN, increasing the degradation of renal collagen I, III, and IV, as well as FN, thereby reducing excessive deposition of renal extracellular matrix (ECM).

Applying biochar products from sewage sludge (SS) pyrolysis as soil amendment for plant cultivation was investigated in this study with special attention paid to heavy metal accumulation in the plants when pyrolysis temperature and biochar-to-soil mass ratio (C:S) were changed. Biochar obtained at four different temperatures were adopted as soil amendment for Allium sativum L. garlic plant cultivation. Experimental results revealed that biochars were rich in nutrient contents and they improved garlic yields. Although contents of heavy metals including As, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr and Cu, etc. were elevated in the biochars compared to local soil, they fell within the acceptable limits for land application and SS is a suitable biochar resource, especially biochar produced at 450°C had rich micropores, relatively stable functional groups in structure and rugged surface to contact well with soil, conducive to its usage as a biochar. The garlic grew faster when planted in the biochar-amended soil and had higher final dry matter yields than those planted in the reference soil, especially biochar produced at 450°C corresponding to the highest final yields. The C:S ratio related to the highest garlic yields changed when the pyrolysis temperature was changed and this ratio was 1:4 for the biochar produced at 450°C. General heavy metal accumulation in the garlic occurred only for the most enriched Zn and Cu, and mainly in the roots & bulbs; in addition this bioaccumulation was increasing as leaching from biochar increased but not increasing with C:S ratio. The garlic planted in soil amended with biochar of 450°C contained the lowest level of heavy metals compared to other biochars. Those results indicated that heavy metal accumulation in plants can be inhibited through proper pyrolysis temperature choice and prevention of heavy metal leaching from the SS biochar., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The effects of a forest road on Castanopsis carlesii (Hemsley) Hayata (Fagales: Fagaceae) seedlings and their leaf herbivory were investigated in a subtropical forest at Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi, China. A total of 1124 seedlings, 33949 leaves, 468 leaf mines, and 205 leaf galls were found. Generally, individual numbers, tree heights, and leaf numbers of C. carlesii seedlings became lower with increasing distances from the road. These results might indicate that old seedlings were fewer and survival rate of seedlings was lower in forest interiors. Leaf miners preferred the seedlings close to the forest road, while leaf gallers preferred the seedlings about 2 m from the road. Species diversity of leaf miners was higher in the forest interior area, while species diversity of leaf gallers was higher near the road. However, both leaf miners and leaf gallers decreased in general from the road to the interior forest. There were interspecific differences in the effects of roads on leaf miner species and leaf galler species. The effects of the road on seedlings and insects could be explained by varying microhabitat conditions and different ecological strategies., (This is an open access paper. We use the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license that permits unrestricted use, provided that the paper is properly attributed.)

The present paper reported the differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry curves and the infrared (IR) absorption spectrometry under the temperature program analyzed by the combined simultaneous thermal analysis-IR spectrometer. The gas products of coal were identified by the IR spectrometry. This paper emphasized on the combustion at high temperature-IR absorption method, a convenient and accurate method, which measures the content of sulfur in coal indirectly through the determination of the content of sulfur dioxide in the mixed gas products by IR absorption. It was demonstrated, when the instrument was calibrated by varied pure compounds containing sulfur and certified reference materials (CRMs) for coal, that there was a large deviation in the measured sulfur contents. It indicates that the difference in chemical speciations of sulfur between CRMs and the analyte results in a systematic error. The time-IR absorption curve was utilized to analyze the composition of sulfur at low temperatures and high temperatures and then the sulfur content of coal sample was determined by using a CRM for coal with a close composition of sulfur. Therefore, the systematic error due to the difference in chemical speciations of sulfur between the CRM and analyte was eliminated. On the other hand, in this combustion at high temperature-IR absorption method, the mass of CRM and analyte were adjusted to assure the sulfur mass equal and then the CRM and the analyte were measured alternately. This single-point calibration method reduced the effect of the drift of the IR detector and improved the repeatability of results, compared with the conventional multi-point calibration method using the calibration curves of signal intensity vs sulfur mass. The sulfur content results and their standard deviations of an anthracite coal and a bituminous coal with a low sulfur content determined by this modified method were 0.345% (0.004%) and 0.372% (0.008%), respectively. The uncertainty (U, k =2) of sulfur contents of two coal samples was evaluated to be 0.019% and 0.021%, respectively. Two main modifications, namely the calibration using the coal CRM with a similar composition of low-temperature sulfur and high temperature sulfur, and the single-point calibration alternating CRM and analyte, endow the combustion at high temperature-IR absorption method with an accuracy obviously better than that of the ASTM method. Therefore, this modified method has a well potential in the analysis of sulfur content.

Star-shaped porphyrin-cored poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) block copolymers (SPPLA-b-PLAMA) were synthesized via RAFT of unprotected Lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate (LAMA) in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solution at 70 °C. The structure of this as-synthesized SPPLA-b-PLAMA block copolymer was thoroughly studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and Fourier transforms infrared. Moreover, under the irradiation, such SPPLA-b-PGAMA copolymer exhibits efficient singlet oxygen generation (0.17) and indicates high fluorescence quantum yields (0.20). Notably, with UV-vis investigation, SPPLA-b-PLAMA showed a very specific recognition with RCA120 lectin. This will not only provide potentially prophyrin-cored star-shaped SPPLA-b-PLAMA block copolymers for targeted photodynamic therapy, but also improve the physical, biodegradation, biocompatibility properties of PLA-based biomaterials.

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection remains 1 of the major health threats worldwide. Currently, lamivudine plus adefovir combination therapy or entecavir monotherapy is usually used for the treatment of patients with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, there are few systematic comparisons between the efficacy of lamivudine plus adefovir and the efficacy of entecavir in the treatment of these patients., Objective: The goal of this systematic study and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of lamivudine plus adefovir compared with entecavir for the treatment of patients with lamivudine-resistant CHB., Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PUBMED, Web of Science, WANFANG database, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, were screened to obtain citations from January 1990 to January 2012 in this study. Data analysis was done by using the Review Manager Software 5.1., Results: Eight studies were suitable for analysis. A total of 696 patients with lamivudine-resistant CHB were studied and grouped according to treatment: 341 patients in the entecavir group and 355 patients in the lamivudine plus adefovir group. The results found that the rates of undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA levels, alanine aminotransferase normalization, hepatitis B e antigen loss, and hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion were not significantly different between the lamivudine plus adefovir group and the entecavir group. Moreover, the rate of adverse reactions was also not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, virologic breakthrough for the patients with lamivudine resistance was higher in the entecavir group than in the lamivudine plus adefovir group., Conclusions: For these CHB patients with lamivudine resistance, lamivudine plus adefovir was a better treatment option than entecavir alone., (© 2013 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.)

A field experiment was conducted to test the effects of high and low herbivorous insect stresses on the growth, development and yield-related traits of insect-resistant transgenic rice. Three Bt transgenic rice Bt63, R1 and R2 were selected as the test materials, and non-transgenic rice Shanyou63 was taken as the control. The differences in the vegetative growth, seed-setting, and stem borer resistance between transgenic and non-transgenic rice were compared. Under herbivorous insect stress, the transgenic rice fully displayed the stem borer-resistance of exogenous gene. Under the high stress, the stem borer-damaged degree of the three transgenic rice lines was much lower than that of the control. The plant height, tillers per plant, aboveground fresh mass, panicle length, panicle fresh mass, productive panicles per plant, filled grains per plant, grain mass per plant, seed setting rate, and 1000-grain mass of the three transgenic rice lines excelled the control, but had no significant differences except plant height, tillers per plant, and panicle length. Therefore, introducing exogenous Bt gene into rice had no negative effect on rice seed-setting, and high herbivorous insect stress had less impacts on transgenic rice yield.

Liver cells release the high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein when exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). However, the timing and levels of protein released remain unclear. The present study aimed to characterize the secretion of the late pro-inflammatory cytokine HMGB1 by liver L02 and HepG2 cells. The human mononuclear macrophage cell line U937 was used as a control. Various concentrations of LPS were added to human U937, L02 and HepG2 cells for different durations, and the cells were analyzed at different time-points following this addition. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure cellular HMGB1 mRNA levels, western blotting was performed to detect HMGB1 in cellular supernatants and the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytosol was examined using immunofluorescence staining. L02 and HepG2 cells exhibited higher HMGB1 mRNA levels compared with the control U937 cells 20 and 24 h following continuous exposure to LPS. U937 cells exhibited higher HMGB1 mRNA levels compared with the corresponding L02 and HepG2 cells 16 h following LPS exposure. The phase of HMGB1 protein detected in the cellular supernatants of L02 and HepG2 cells (16 h) was later than that of U937 cells (8 h). For the three cell lines, HMGB1 levels demonstrated a time dependency; however, the protein level was the highest in U937 cells. In the three cell lines, translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytosol occurred; however, the phases of HMGB1 translocation in L02 and HepG2 cells occurred later than in U937 cells. LPS-induced secretion of the late pro‑inflammatory cytokine HMGB1 by liver cells is characterized by a late phase of release and smaller quantity, and the process of HMGB1 secretion appears to be associated with HMGB1 translocation.

Staphylococcal pneumonia provoked by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a life-threatening infection in which α-toxin is an essential virulence factor. In this study, we investigate the influence of naringenin on α-toxin production and further assess its therapeutic performance in the treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia. Remarkably, the expression of α-toxin was significantly inhibited when the organism was treated with 16 μg/ml of naringenin. When studied in a mouse model of S. aureus pneumonia, naringenin could attenuate the symptoms of lung injury and inflammation in infected mice. These results suggest that naringenin is a promising agent for treatment of S. aureus infection., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Retinal dystrophies are predominantly caused by mutations affecting the visual phototransduction system and cilia, with few genes identified that function to maintain photoreceptor survival. We reasoned that growth factors involved with early embryonic retinal development would represent excellent candidates for such diseases. Here we show that mutations in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligand Growth Differentiation Factor 6, which specifies the dorso-ventral retinal axis, contribute to Leber congenital amaurosis. Furthermore, deficiency of gdf6 results in photoreceptor degeneration, so demonstrating a connection between Gdf6 signaling and photoreceptor survival. In addition, in both murine and zebrafish mutant models, we observe retinal apoptosis, a characteristic feature of human retinal dystrophies. Treatment of gdf6-deficient zebrafish embryos with a novel aminopropyl carbazole, P7C3, rescued the retinal apoptosis without evidence of toxicity. These findings implicate for the first time perturbed TGF-β signaling in the genesis of retinal dystrophies, support the study of related morphogenetic genes for comparable roles in retinal disease and may offer additional therapeutic opportunities for genetically heterogeneous disorders presently only treatable with gene therapy.

Aims: Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is closely related to high regional mechanical stress in the plaque itself. We aimed to explore the longitudinal mechanical properties of upstream and downstream shoulders and fibrous cap tops of human atherosclerotic plaques in vivo by velocity vector imaging (VVI) combined with acoustic densitometry (AD) imaging., Methods and Results: We included 135 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque. VVI and AD were used to examine 3 regions of carotid plaque along the longitudinal-axis view. A total of 405 regions were classified with low or high AD values by corrected averages image intensity (AIIc%) < or ≥50, respectively. Peak systolic strain, strain rate (SR), and velocity were significantly greater for upstream than downstream shoulders and fibrous cap tops of carotid plaque (P < 0.05 for both). AIIc% was significantly lower for upstream than downstream plaque shoulders (P < 0.05). Peak systolic SR of the plaque regions was negatively correlated with corresponding AIIc% (R(2) = 0.499, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The longitudinal strain of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques as derived by VVI is associated with its corresponding AD but also in part with the internal position of the strain, with values greater for upstream than downstream shoulders and fibrous cap tops., (© 2012, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The effects of mild pretreatment at temperature of 100 degrees C on the solubilization anP anaerobic digestibility of high solid sludge with low organic content were studied with the variation of heating times. Experimental results show soluble organic concentrations in supernatant increase with the prolonging of thermal pretreatment time rapidly, and slowly after 30 min. The dissolution rates of COD, protein and carbohydrate with 30 min of thermal pretreatment at 100 degrees C were 10.5%, 11.6% and 8.2%, respectively. Mild thermal pretreatment not only enhanced total methane yield, but also advanced the peak time of methane production. The methane production ratio with 30 min of thermal hydrolysis was 136 mL.g-1 (VS) at day 10 of anaerobic digestion, with an 86% increase over the control group. VS reduction ratio after 30 days anaerobic digestion o also increased to 33.3% with 30 min of thermal pretreatment at 100 degrees C compared with 19.1% in control group. In addition, studies on enzymatic activity indicated the activities of four key enzymes (protease, acetokinase, phosphotransacetylase and coenzyme F420) involved in anaerobic digestion were all enhanced by mild thermal pretreatment.

At solid retention time (SRT) of 20 days, biogas production, volatile solid (VS) degradation and system stability in co-digestion systems of dewatered sludge (DS) and kitchen garbage (KG) were investigated in semi-continuous completely mixed reactors numbered R1-R5 (the DS/KG of their feeding substrate based on wet mass was 1:0, 4:1, 3:2, 2:3 and 0:1, respectively). The results showed that, with larger proportion of KG in feeding substrate, higher methane yield and biogas yield were obtained with lower methane content. For certain reactor at given SRT, KG addition could significantly improve the organic loading rate (OLR) and volume biogas production. System with more KG addition favored higher hydraulic constant k and VS reduction. The hydraulic constant k was 0.25 d(-1), 0.61 d(-1), 1.09 d(-1) and 1.56 d(-1), and the VS reduction was 37.4%, 50.6%, 60.7% and 68.2% for R1-R4, respectively, indicating higher hydrolysis rates with more KG addition, which led to increased VS reductions. With larger KG proportion in feeding substrate, pH, total alkalinity (TA), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and free ammonia nitrogen (FAN) showed decreasing trend. As KG addition increased by 60%, pH, TA, TAN and FAN decreased by 6%, 16%, 22% and 75%, respectively. FAN and Na+ respectively were potential inhibitory chemicals that threatened the stability of the mono-system of DS and KG. In comparison with the mono-system of DS or KG, the co-system showed higher stability by diluting toxic chemicals like ammonia or Na+ to much lower levels.

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant Gram-positive bacterium that is associated with a broad spectrum of diseases ranging from minor skin infections to lethal pneumonia, endocarditis, and toxinoses. α-Hemolysin is one of the most important exotoxins that contribute to the pathogenesis of S. aureus infections. Liquiritigenin is one of the most significant active components in licorice. In this study, hemolysis, western blot, and real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays were performed to investigate the impact of liquiritigenin on the production of S. aureus α-hemolysin. The results showed that low concentrations of liquiritigenin remarkably decreased S. aureus α-hemolysin production in a dose-dependent manner. Using live/dead cell staining and lactate dehydrogenase assays, we found that liquiritigenin could protect human lung cells (A549) from α-hemolysin-mediated injury. The data indicated that this compound could potentially be useful in developing drugs aiming at staphylococcal α-hemolysin.

About 20 million tonnes of sludge (with 80% moisture content) is discharged by the sewage treatment plants per year in China, which, if not treated properly, can be a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions. Anaerobic digestion is a conventional sewage sludge treatment method and will continue to be one of the main technologies in the following years. This research has taken into consideration GHGs emissions from typical processes of sludge thickening+anaerobic digestion+dewatering+residue land application in China. Fossil CO(2), biogenic CO(2), CH(4,) and avoided CO(2) as the main objects is discussed respectively. The results show that the total CO(2)-eq is about 1133 kg/t DM (including the biogenic CO(2)), while the net CO(2)-eq is about 372 kg/t DM (excluding the biogenic CO(2)). An anaerobic digestion unit as the main GHGs emission source occupies more than 91% CO(2)-eq of the whole process. The use of biogas is important for achieving carbon dioxide emission reductions, which could reach about 24% of the total CO(2)-eq reduction., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The circular distributions of plant modulars (branches, leaves) and endophagous herbivory (mines, galls) were investigated within the crowns of four dominant Fagaceae trees in a subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest at Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi, China. The hypothesis is that more plant modulars and more endophagous herbivory should occur in the crown area perpendicular to the roads. Circular statistical techniques were used to verify new patterns of the impact of roads on plants and insects. The results confirmed that the roadside light environments had larger impacts on the circular distribution patterns of plant modulars than those of leaf herbivores. For herbivores, the impact of light was larger on mine distribution than on gall distribution. The branches of all four tree species were concentrated in the direction perpendicular to the roads. In the preferred direction, branches were longer and higher. More leaves, more mines, and more galls were found surrounding the preferred branch direction. In general, leaf miners and leaf gallers preferred leaves in the sun over those in the shade; however, leaf gallers had a lower degree of preference for sun than leaf miners. Different endphagous insects also showed clear interspecific differences in sun/shade leaf selection.

Background: Chemotherapy completion rate can reflect the tolerance and compliance of patients to chemotherapy. Poor tolerance may result in delay or suspension of the comprehensive treatment plan, thus affect the efficacy of cancer treatment. Evaluating methods to improve the completion rate of chemotherapy and reduce the occurrence of delayed chemotherapy has gained increasing attention and is the significant area of study in the field of cancer treatment. Studies have shown that Chinese medicine combined with chemotherapy could improve the quality of life in patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Objective: To observe the effects of Feitai Capsule, a Chinese patent herbal drug, combined with chemotherapy in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC., Design, Setting, Participants and Interventions: A total of 60 diagnosed stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients from the Department of Oncology, Fuzhou General Hosipital of Najing Military Region were randomly divided into treatment group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases). Patients in the treatment group were treated with chemotherapy plus Feitai Capsule and patients in the control group only received chemotherapy. Both groups of patients were treated for 4 therapeutic cycles., Main Outcome Measures: The chemotherapy completion rate and the chemotherapy delay rate were observed in each cycle of treatment. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 4 cycles., Results: The chemotherapy completion rate was 96.42% in the treatment group, while that of the control group was 74.07%. The chemotherapy delay rate was 3.57% in the treatment group, while that of the control group was 14.8% (P=0.007 0). The disease control rate was 78.6% in the treatment group, while that of the control group was 59.3% (P=0.173 9)., Conclusion: Feitai Capsule can increase the chemotherapy completion rate in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC.

Objective: To study the effect of Yanggan Yishui Granule (YGYSG) on 12-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) on plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) content and renal cortical Ang II, TGF-beta1, CTGF mRNA expressions, and to further explore the mechanism of YGYSG in the kidney protection., Methods: Forty 12-week-old male SHR were randomized into the model group, the Bella Plymouth group (at the daily dose of 1.8 mg/kg), the YGYSG low dose group (at the daily dose of 5.4 g/kg), and the YGYSG high dose group (at the daily dose of 27 g/kg), 10 in each group. Another ten Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were included as the control group. Equal volume of normal saline was given to SHR by gastrogavage in the model group and the normal control group, once a day for six weeks. The plasma Ang II, TGF-beta1 and CTGF concentrations, and the renal cortical Ang II, TGF-beta1, CTGF mRNA expressions were measured in each group., Results: Bella Plymouth was superior to YGYSG in reducing plasma Ang II, TGF-beta1 and CTGF, while the high and low dose YGYSG showed no significant difference (P>0.05). In reducing plasma Ang II, TGF-beta1 and CTGF mRNA expressions, low doses YGYSG was similar to the role of Bella Plymouth, and the role of high dose YGYSG was superior to low dose YGYSG and Bella Plymouth., Conclusion: YGYSG played a role in kidney protection mainly through reducing the Ang II , TGF-beta1 and CTGF expressions of kidney.

Objective: To examine the effect of a Chinese medicinal herbal formula (Feitai Capsule, ) on the quality of life (QOL) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Methods: Sixty-two patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (31 cases) and the control group (31 cases). For the treatment group, 4 capsules (1.2 g/capsule) of Feitai Capsule were administered 3 times a day after meals for 3 weeks; then no drug was administered for 1 week. This schedule was continued for at least 3 more cycles (12 weeks totally). If there were no obvious toxic reactions, the treatment was extended. The patients were evaluated at least once every 8 weeks until progressive disease (PD). For the control group, the regular follow-up and evaluation were performed at least once every 8 weeks until PD. Clinical symptoms, objective response, physical constitution and energy, QOL, and PFS were evaluated regularly. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), a non-parametric test, and analysis of covariance were used to compare clinical features, amelioration of clinical symptoms, physical constitution and energy, and QOL. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the two-group PFS., Results: Sixty patients finished the final evaluation, with 30 patients in each group. Baseline characters between groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). The control group had a 36.7% improvement in clinical symptoms, while the treatment group had a 73.3% improvement. This difference was statistically significant (Z= -2.632, P=0.008). The control group had a 26.7% improvement in the Karnofsky performance status (KPS), while the treatment group had a 53.4% improvement. This was also significantly different (Z=-2.182, P=0.029). A comparative analysis indicated a positive correlation (r=0.917, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, QOL in the treatment group was significantly improved, except in the social/family condition and doctor-patient relationship indicators. The PFS of the treatment group and control group were 6.23 months and 4.67 months, respectively (P=0.048)., Conclusion: Feitai Capsule, a Chinese medicinal herbal treatment could improve the QOL and extend the PFS of the unresectable NSCLC patients.

In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) against Staphylococcus aureus, and its influence on the production of S. aureus alpha-haemolysin (Hla) were investigated, along with the in vivo activity of GA against S. aureus-induced pneumonia. GA could not inhibit the growth of S. aureus, but the secretion of Hla by S. aureus was significantly inhibited by low concentrations of GA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in vivo data show that GA provides protection against staphylococcal pneumonia in a murine model system., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) was established by groin subcutaneous injection with dexamethasone sodium phosphate 35 mg each twice a week for eight weeks. There were two groups: infected group (eighteen rats) and normal control group (six rats) . Pathological changes in lung tissues were observed in the lung imprint after staining with Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) and in tissue sections after staining with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of lipid peroxide (LPO) in lung tissue homogenate were detected by spectrophotometric method. Results showed that in infected group more PC cysts were found in the lung imprint and typical pathological change observed in the lung section. SOD activity in infected group [(31.49 +/- 7.18) U/mgprot] decreased significantly compared with the control [(54.41 +/- 8.97) U/mgprot] (P < 0.01), but LPO in infected group [(2.26 +/- 0.21) nmol/mgprot] was higher significantly than the control [(1.63 +/- 0.01) nmol/mgprot] (P < 0.01).

Staphylococcus aureus causes a broad range of life-threatening diseases in humans. The pathogenicity of this micro-organism is largely dependent upon its virulence factors. One of the most extensively studied virulence factors is the extracellular protein α-toxin. In this study, we show that allicin, an organosulfur compound, was active against S. aureus with MICs ranged from 32 to 64 μg/mL. Haemolysis, Western blot and real-time RT-PCR assays were used to evaluate the effects of allicin on S. aureus α-toxin production and on the levels of gene expression, respectively. The results of our study indicated that sub-inhibitory concentrations of allicin decreased the production of α-toxin in both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the transcriptional levels of agr (accessory gene regulator) in S. aureus were inhibited by allicin. Therefore, allicin may be useful in the treatment of α-toxin-producing S. aureus infections.

The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both acute (IL-1β and TNF-α) and chronic [high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1)] phases, is thought to play important roles in the development of fulminant hepatitis (FH). Triterpenoid Acankoreanogenin A (AA) which is extracted from the leaves of the Acanthopanax gracilistylus W.W. Smith (AGS) has shown its inhibiting effect on TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 release in vitro in our preliminary experiments. In present study, we investigated the effect of AA on mice with fulminant hepatitis in vivo. Fulminant hepatitis mice model was established by intraperitoneally injecting galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The levels of serum of TNF-α, IL-1β, ALT, AST and HMGB1 from AA-treated mice were measured at different time points. Our results demonstrated that pre-treatment of mice with AA markedly reduced the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, HMGB1, ALT and AST with the improvement in histological features. And the survival rate from AA-treated fulminant hepatitis mice was increased. Furthermore, delayed administration of AA after peak occurrence of the early pro-inflammatory cytokines still endowed significant protection against GalN/LPS-induced lethality. The post-treatment of AA could significantly attenuate the release of HMGB1, but not the TNF-α and IL-1β. These results indicate that AA inhibits the systemic release of pro-inflammatory cytokine HMGB1, and dose-dependently rescue the mice from lethal GalN/LPS-induced fulminant hepatitis, which suggests this component as a candidate therapy for fulminant hepatitis., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a late mediator of lethal systemic inflammation. Acute liver failure (ALF) has been shown to trigger systemic inflammation in clinical and animal studies. To evaluate the possibility of HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation in ALF, we determined whether HMGB1 is released in hepatocytes and end organ in patients with liver failure/injury., Methods: HepG2 cell were stimulated with LPS or TNF-α, the increase of HMGB1 extracellularly in the culture medium and intracellularly in various cellular fractions were determined by western blot or immunocytochemistry. To observe sub-cellular location of HMGB1 in hepatocytes, liver specimens were obtained from 6 patients with ALF caused by HBV infection, 10 patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, 6 healthy controls, as well as animals model of ALF by intraperitoneal administration of D-GalN (600 mg/kg) and LPS (0.5 mg/kg)., Results: In HepG2 cell culture, LPS or TNF actively induced HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation and release in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. In animal model of ALF, cytoplasmic HMGB1 translocation was observed in hepatocyts as early as 3 hours post onset of ALF. In patients with ALF caused by HBV infection, cytoplasmic HMGB1 translocation was similarly observed in some hepatocytes of the liver specimen., Conclusions: Cytoplasmic HMGB1 translocation may occur during ALF, which may potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of liver inflammatory diseases.

Chronic viral hepatitis B remains a global public health concern. Currently, several drugs, such as tenofovir and adefovir, are recommended for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. tenofovir is a nucleoside analog with selective activity against hepatitis b virus and has been shown to be more potent in vitro than adefovir. But the results of trials comparing tenofovir and adefovir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B were inconsistent. However, there was no systematic review on the comparison of the efficacy of tenofovir and adefovir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. To evaluate the comparison of the efficacy of tenofovir and adefovir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. We searched PUBMED, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP database, WANFANG database, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review. Finally six studies were left for analysis which involved 910 patients in total, of whom 576 were included in tenofovir groups and 334 were included in adefovir groups. At the end of 48-week treatment, tenofovir was superior to adefovir at the HBV-DNA suppression in patients[RR = 2.59; 95%CI(1.01-6.67), P = 0.05]. While there was no significant difference in the ALT normalization[RR = 1.15; 95%CI(0.96-1.37), P = 0.14], HBeAg seroconversion[RR = 1.32; 95%CI(1.00-1.75), P = 0.05] and HBsAg loss rate[RR = 1.19; 95%CI(0.74-1.91), P = 0.48]. More high-quality, well-designed, randomized controlled, multi-center trails are clearly needed to guide evolving standards of care for chronic hepatitis B.

In this study, levels of plasma α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein, serum tumor necrosis factor-α, serum liver function parameters and short-term mortality were measured in 100 hepatitis B patients. Release of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α from the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence/absence of spermine and α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the significance and potential mechanism of α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein in hepatitis B virus-associated liver damage. Results showed that serum α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein levels in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients were significantly lower than that in chronic hepatitis B patients or healthy controls (p < 0.05). A negative dependence between serum human α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein and tumor necrosis factor-α levels was observed. Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the lipopolysaccharide-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell supernates were significantly reduced by spermine and/or α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein. The latter two proteins jointly inhibited cytokine release. These observations suggest that plasma α2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein is an independent marker of liver damage and a prognostic indicator of hepatitis B virus chronicity. It may reduce liver inflammation by partially inhibiting release of inflammatory factors from activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The non-covalent complexes of alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins (alpha-, beta-CDs) with two aryl alkanol piperazine derivatives (Pipe I and Pipe II) have been studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The ESI-MS experimental results demonstrated that Pipe I can conjugate to beta-CD and form 1:1 or 1:2 stoichiometric non-covalent complexes, and Pipe II can only form 1:1 complexes with alpha- or beta-CD. Fluorescence spectra indicated that the fluorescence intensities of Pipe I and Pipe II can be enhanced by increasing the content of beta-CD. The mass spectrometric titration experiments showed that the dissociation constants K(d1) were 5.77 and 9.52 x 10(-4) mol L(-1) for the complexes of alpha-CD with Pipe I and Pipe II, respectively, revealing that the binding of alpha-CD-Pipe I was stronger than alpha-CD-Pipe II. The K(d1) and K(d2) values were 9.81 x 10(-4) mol L(-1) and 1.11 x 10(-7) (mol L(-1))(2) for 1:1 and 1:2 complexes of Pipe I with beta-CD, respectively. The K(d) values obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy were in agreement with those from ESI-MS titration., (Copyright (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The effects of acid and heating treatment on the structure of sepiolite and its adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and Cd2+ were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, surface area analyses and batch sorption experiments in this paper. The results showed that the BET surface area of the sepiolite samples grew with increase concentrations of HCl and prolong treatment time and no obvious structural changes were observed. CaCO3 as the impurity in the natural sepiolite can not be removed completely in the treatment process with 0.5 mol x L(-1) HCl. The surface area of sepiolite treated with 6 mol x L(-1) HCl and continuous stirring 72 h reached the maximum 301.47 m2 x g(-1). A decrease in the BET surface area was observed for the samples treated with acid at higher temperature. The BET surface area of samples treated with different acid species arranged in the order HCl > HNO3 > H2SO4. The calcinations process decreased the BET surface area from 21.44 m2 x g(-1) at 100 degrees C to 0.17 m2 x g(-1) at 900 degrees C. The adsorption results indicated that despite increases in the surface areas upon acid activation, improvements in the adsorption were not observed for heavy metal Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions. Pb2+ ions have higher affinity for specific adsorption onto the sepiolite samples than Cd2+ ions. H2SO4 treatment was found to be more effective for the removal of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions than HCl and HNO3 treatments. It is apparent that PbSO4 and CdSO4 were formed during the sorption process. The calcinations treatment exhibited no significant effects on the adsorption of Pb2+ ions onto sepiolite, but the adsorption of Cd2+ ions obviously increased above 700 degrees C.

Background: Recently the maintenance therapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who completed required treatment cycles has caused widespread interests in the medical field. Traditional Chinese medicine may be a useful complement in maintenance treatment of mid-to-late stage NSCLC., Objective: To observe the effects of Feitai Capsule, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine for expelling blood stasis and phlegm, on the quality of life of the NSCLC patients as a maintenance treatment., Design, Setting, Participants and Interventions: A total of 62 mid-to-late stage NSCLC patients from Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region were included and randomly divided into treatment group (31 cases) and control group (31 cases). Patients in the treatment group were treated with Feitai Capsule, and patients in the control group did not accept any intervention. Regular observations and follow-up were performed for patients in the two groups., Main Outcome Measures: Analysis of variance, nonparametric test, and analysis of covariance were used to compare clinical features, amelioration of clinical symptoms, physical constitution and energy, and quality of life., Results: There were two dropouts and 60 valid cases. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. In the treatment group, symptom response and physical energy level were improved by 36.6% (Z=-2.632, P=0.008) and 26.7%(Z=-2.182, P=0.029), respectively. There was a positive correlation between these two factors (r=0.917, P<0.001). The patients in treatment group had a significantly improved quality of life after treatment. No serious adverse events were observed., Conclusion: Feitai Capsule as maintenance treatment can improve the quality of life of the patients with mild-to-late stage NSCLC.

Objective: To investigate the effect of calmodulin antagonist O-(4-ethoxyl-butyl)-berbamine (EBB) on proliferation of human breast cancer cell MCF-7 and its possible mechanism., Methods: MTT assay was used to analyze the effect of EBB on tumor cells growth. Flow cytometry was used to detect its impact on the cell cycle of MCF-7 cells. Immunofluoresce labeling technique and laser scanning confocal microscope were used to reveal the changes of the microtubule, microfilament, mitochondrion, and endoplasmic reticulum in the cells., Results: The IC50 value of EBB in MCF-7 cells was (13.0 +/- 3.7) micromol/L. MCF-7 cells were arrested at S phase after EBB treatment. Meanwhile, depolymerization of the microtubule and microfilament, impairment of the mitochondrion and swelling of endoplasmic reticulum were observed., Conclusion: EBB arrests MCF-7 cells at S phase by inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells, which may be related to the changes of structures and functions of the microtubule, microfilament, mitochondrion, and endoplasmic reticulum.

Objective: To explore the effect of suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides (Sup ODN) on the Th1 differentiation of CD4(+)T splenetic lymphocytes in mice., Methods: The splenetic lymphocytes of BALB/c mice were separated, and then CD4(+) cells were purified with immune magnetic CD4(+) microbeads (positive selection). The purification was examined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter. CD4(+) cells, anti-CD3epsilon, anti-CD28, IL-12 and Sup ODN or control oligodeoxynucleotides (Con ODN) were co-incubated for 72 h. IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the supernatant were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of T-bet mRNA in CD4(+) cells was tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction., Results: Sup ODN could significantly inhibit the release of INF-gamma and increase IL-4 production respectively (P<0.01). T-bet mRNA of CD4(+) lymphocytes was remarkably inhibited by Sup ODN as well (P<0.01)., Conclusion: In the presence of pro-Th1-cytokines, Sup ODN may affect the differentiation of CD4(+) T lymphocytes in vitro. Sup ODN can promote CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into Th2, and suppress them into Th1.

Febrile seizures (FS) are common in children, and the incidence is 2-5% before the age of 5 years. A four-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant febrile seizure and epilepsy was studied by genome-wide linkage analysis. Significant linkage was identified with markers on chromosome 3q26.2-26.33 with a maximum pairwise LOD score of >3.00. Fine mapping defined the new genetic locus within a 10.7-Mb region between markers D3S3656 and D3S1232. A maximum multipoint LOD score of 5.27 was detected at marker D3S1565. A previously reported CLCN2 gene for epilepsy was excluded as the disease-causing gene in the family by mutational analysis of all exons and exon-intron boundaries of CLCN2 and by haplotype analysis. Mutation analysis of KCNMB2 and KCNMB3, which were two potassium-channel genes in this linkage region, did not reveal a disease causing mutation. Our results identified another novel locus on chromosome 3q26.2-26.33, and future studies of the candidate genes at the locus will identify a new gene for combined FS and idiopathic epilepsies.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods: Data from patients with ST elevation AMI urgently transferred from first admitted hospitals to our cath-lab to receive primary PCI were analyzed. According to time intervals from symptom onset to transfer, the patients were divided into early transfer (< 6 h, n = 26), delayed transfer (6 - 24 h, n = 39) and late transfer (24 h to 1 week, n = 18) group. The major cardiac events during transfer periods and one month after PCI were obtained and echocardiogram and left ventricular systolic functions were compared among groups., Results: There was no serious cardiac event during transfer period and all 83 patients received primary PCI with a mean transfer-to-balloon time about 180 minutes. Success rate of PCI was 92.3% in early transfer group, 89.7% in delayed transfer group, and 94.4% in late transfer group (P > 0.05). At one month follow-up after PCI, 0, 10.3% and 16.7% of patients developed heart failure in early, delayed transfer and late transfer group respectively (P > 0.05 vs. early), the LVEF of early transfer group (53.2% +/- 9.7%) was also significantly higher than delayed transfer group (48.6% +/- 8.2%, P < 0.05) and late transfer group (43.1% +/- 10.3%, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Transfer patients with AMI for primary PCI is safe in the observed time intervals during acute phase. Early transferred patients are associated with better outcome at 1 month post PCI compared to delayed and late transferred AMI patients.

A new class of supramolecular and biomimetic glycopolymer/poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-based polypseudorotaxane/glycopolymer triblock copolymers (poly(D-gluconamidoethyl methacrylate)-PPR-poly(D-gluconamidoethyl methacrylate), PGAMA-PPR-PGAMA), exhibiting controlled molecular weights and low polydispersities, was synthesized by the combination of ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone, supramolecular inclusion reaction, and direct atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of unprotected D-gluconamidoethyl methacrylate (GAMA) glycomonomer. The PPR macroinitiator for ATRP was prepared by the inclusion complexation of biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD), in which the crystalline PCL segments were included into the hydrophobic alpha-CD cavities and their crystallization was completely suppressed. Moreover, the self-assembled aggregates from these triblock copolymers have a hydrophilic glycopolymer shell and an oligosaccharide threaded polypseudorotaxane core, which changed from spherical micelles to vesicles with the decreasing weight fraction of glycopolymer segments. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that these triblock copolymers had specific biomolecular recognition with concanavalin A (Con A) in comparison with bovine serum albumin (BSA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the synthesis of supramolecular and biomimetic polypseudorotaxane/glycopolymer biohybrids and the fabrication of glucose-shelled and oligosaccharide-threaded polypseudorotaxane-cored aggregates. This hopefully provides a platform for targeted drug delivery and for studying the biomolecular recognition between sugar and lectin.

Biodegradable and biomimetic SPCL-PLAMA biohybrids were synthesized via ATRP and characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, GPC and DSC. Biohybrids with small PDI were obtained, and the block length of the PLAMA glycopolymer could be varied linearly by the varying the molar ratio of glycomonomer to macroinitiator. The outer PLAMA glycopolymer restrained the crystallization of inner PCL segments. The self-assembly properties of amphiphilic biohybrids were studied. Lactose-installed aggregates were fabricated in aqueous solution; they changed from spherical micelles to vesicles with increasing weight fraction of hydrophobic PCL. The SPCL-PLAMA biohybrids showed specific recognition for RCA(120) lectin.

In this study, a four-generation Chinese family in Nanyang, Henan Province was identified with partial trisomy 9p syndrome. Of the 23 family members studied, six were characterized with mental retardation and mild facial and little finger anomalies. All affected family members demonstrated significant intrafamilial homogeneous phenotype except concomitance epilepsy in proband. On the basis of G-banding, the proband showed a translocation between chromosomes of 9p and 21q and partial 9p trisomy. The karyotype was 46, XY, der (21) t (9; 21) (9p22.2; 21q22.3) pat. Further karyotyping of other affected members and their patients in this family revealed translocation of chromosomes of 9p and 21q, with partial 9p trisomy in all affected members. The partial 9p trisomy was the direct result of abnormal segregation of a balanced translocation cell between chromosome 9 and 21 in one of the parents. The extra distal half of the short arm of chromosome, 9pter-->9p21, is responsible for the major clinical features such as mental retardation and mild facial anomaly. The cause of epilepsy in proband was discussed.

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid (YQTM), a traditional compound Chinese herbal medicine, in treating angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease., Methods: A multicentric, randomized, double blinded and paralleled controlled trial was conducted on 110 patients in trial group treated with YQTM, and 109 patients in control group treated with Shuxin Oral Liquid (SX). Cure and effective rates in both groups were evaluated. Frequency and duration of angina attack were counted and measured. Coronary angiography (CAG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and flat exercise test were taken in both groups. Blood lipid indexes, such as cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), were determined at pre- and post-treatment. The hemodynamic indexes, such as whole blood viscosity (J2), high-shear reduced viscosity (Eh), low-shear reduced viscosity (Ei), red cell aggregation index (Lb), red cell rigidity index (Rh), fibrinogen (Fb), blood sedimentation rate (BSR) and hematocrit (HCT), were determined at pre-and post-treatment. The indicated scores of symptoms and signs of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern, such as chest pain, chest constriction, breath shortness, palpitation, fatigue, dim complexion, spontaneous perspiration and tongue proper, tongue coating were evaluated in week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 during the treatment course. The safety indexes, such as body temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure were observed. Routine tests of blood, urine and stool, hepatic function test and renal function test were taken at pre- and post-treatment., Results: There was no significant difference between the total effective rate of the trial group and that of the control group, which were 91.82% and 85.32%, respectively (P>0.05). Trial groups percentile of cure rate is significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The frequency and duration of angina attack, the positive ratio of CAG and flat exercise test of both groups were lowered, while the effect of the trial group on frequency and duration of angina attack was better. No significant difference was found in ECG features between the two groups (P>0.05). The levels of CH, TG and LDL of both groups were lowered significantly (P<0.05). The effect of lowering CH, TG and LDL of the trial group was stronger than that of the control group (P<0.05). The hemodynamic indexes, such as J2, Eh, Ei, Lb, Rh, Fb, BSR and HCT were improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). The improvements of J2, Eh, Ei, Lb, Rh, Fb and SR in the trial group were greater than those of control group (P<0.05). The TCM symptoms and signs, such as chest pain, chest constriction, breath shortness, palpitation, fatigue, dim complexion, spontaneous perspiration were improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). The improvements of chest constriction, palpitation, fatigue and spontaneous perspiration in the trial group were greater than those of the control group (P<0.05). The total indicated score of TCM symptoms and signs was lowered more significantly than that of the control group (P<0.01). No significant changes were found at pre- and post-treatment in safety indexes, such as routine tests for blood, urine and stool, hepatic function test and renal function test. There was no significant difference in safety features of both groups (P>0.05)., Conclusion: Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid bears good therapeutic effect on angina pectoris without adverse reaction, and is superior to Shuxin Oral Liquid. Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid is a new effective and safe medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease.

Star-shaped porphyrin-cored poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (SPPCL) was synthesized using a tetrahydroxyethyl-terminated porphyrin as a core initiator and stannous octoate as a catalyst in bulk at 120 degrees C. The molecular weight of as-synthesized polymer could be adjusted linearly by controlling the molar ratio of epsilon-caprolactone to porphyrin core initiator, and the molecular weight distribution was reasonably narrow. Supramolecular polypseudorotaxanes were prepared by inclusion complexation of SPPCL with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) and thoroughly characterized by means of FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C CP/MAS NMR, DSC, TGA, and WAXD. The results demonstrated that the porphyrin-cored polypseudorotaxanes formed through alpha-CD molecules threading onto the branch chains of star-shaped SPPCL polymers, and they had a channel-type crystalline structure. Meanwhile, the original crystallization of SPPCL polymers within the polypseudorotaxanes was completely suppressed in the alpha-CD cavities. Moreover, inclusion complexation between SPPCL and alpha-CD enhanced the thermal stability of both the guest SPPCL polymers and the host alpha-CD. Furthermore, both the SPPCL polymers and the polypseudorotaxanes showed similar fluorescent and UV-vis spectra compared with porphyrin core initiator. Consequently, this will not only provide potentially porphyrin-cored poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and its polypseudorotaxanes for photodynamic therapy but also improve the compatibility between poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and peptide drugs for drug delivery.

The photoelectron decay characteristic directly reflects the photographic efficiency of silver halide crystals. Measurement of the electronic decay time-resolved spectrum of silver halide microcrystals can provide important information about the photoelectron decay action in latent image formation process. In order to know the influence of shallow electron trap dopant K4 Fe (CN)6 and S+Au on photoelectron decay, the photoelectron decay time-resolved spectra of AgCl emulsion doped by K4 Fe(CN) and that doped by K4 Fe(CN) firstly and then sensitized by S+Au were detected by microwave absorption dielectric technique, which can be used to study the decay process of free photoelectrons and shallow-trapped electrons in semiconductor crystals. The experimental results show that when the doping content is 10(-8)-10(-7) mol x mol(-1) Ag, the photoelectron decay process becomes slower, namely, the photoelectron decay time is longer, as the doping is near the grain surface before sensitization. After S+Au sensitization, the photoelectron decay becomes faster, showing that the sensitization centre acts as a deep electron trap. And when the doping is near the grain surface with 90% Ag, the photoelectron decay time becomes shorter, showing that the doping centre and the sensitization centre may interact.

It was said that 11% of all men showed their infertility. The genetic origins of male infertility may be classified into three main groups: chromosome abnormalities, microdeletions and gene mutations. Growing literature has shown that spermatogenesis failure or reproductive failure (pregnancy wastages) occurred in male carriers of chromosomal distortion/aberration. But the mechanisms remain largely unsolved. Synaptonemal complex (SC) of human spermatocytes from such carriers offers new information. This review aims to summarize recent development of SC analysis for male infertile diagnosis and sum up our results obtained recently. The relationship between male infertility/sterility and SC abnormity was discussed and reviewed as following five aspects. (1) The association of XY-bivalent and the rearranged autosomes interfere with or affect, by their contact, X chromosome normal functions. (2) Male infertility is related to the incomplete pairing in break regions of rearranged autosomes. (3) SC fragmentation, lateral elements (LEs) swelling and pairing disorder result in spermatogenic failure. (4) This heterosynapsis at early stage of meiosis in rearranged autosomes, results in unbalanced germs and pregnancy wastages. (5) Gene mutations of SC proteins result in male infertility.

Objective: To observe the short-term efficacy and safety of Shenqi mixture (SQM) combined with microwave coagulation in treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: Seventy-two patients with primary HCC of stage II-III, Karnofsky scoring > or = 50 scores and predicted survival period > or = 3 months were selected and randomly assigned into two groups, the treated group and the control group, 36 in each. Microwave therapy was applied to both groups by double leads, 60 W, 800 sec once a week for two weeks. To the treated group, SQM was given additionally through oral intake of 20 ml, three times a day for 1 month. The changes in tumor size, main symptoms, serum level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), immune function and adverse reaction were observed after treatment and the immune parameters of the patients were compared with 30 healthy persons in the normal control group., Results: (1) In the SQM treated group, after treatment 3 patients got completely remitted (CR), 24 partial remitted (PR), 4 unchanged (NC) and 5 progressively deteriorated (PD), the effective rate being 75.00%; while in the control group, 1 got CR, 19 PR, 9 NC and 7 PD, the effective rate being 55.56%. Comparison of the effective rate between the two groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05). (2) AFP level decreased after treatment in both groups, but the decrement in the treated group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). (3) After treatment, in the treated group, CD3(+), CD4(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+) and NK activity were improved, Karnofsky scores increased and liver function bettered, with these improvements significantly superior to those in the control group (P < 0.01). (4) The improvement in symptoms such as hepatic region pain, fever, weakness, poor appetite and jaundice in the treated group after treatment was also superior to that in the control group (P < 0.01). (5) The 12-month, 18-month and 24-month survival rates were higher and the recurrence rate was lower in the treated group than those in the control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Combined therapy with SQM and microwave coagulation could not only kill the tumor and residue tumor cells to prevent recurrence, but also enhance the cellular immunity of organism. It is one of the effective therapies for patients with middle-advanced hepatocarcinoma, who have lost the chance of surgical operation. It could improve clinical symptoms, elevate the quality of life, prolong the survival period of patients, but shows no evident adverse reaction.

Microwave absorption and film dielectric spectrum detection technology was used to study the influence of complex K4Ru (CN)6 on the photoelectron decay time-resolved spectrum of cubic AgCl crystals illuminated in this paper. The results indicate that the influence of the doping content and doping position of the complex K4Ru(CN)6 on the photoelectron decay time-resolved spectrum is evident. The photoelectron decay process of this emulsion is slowest, and the photoelectron lifetime is longest when doped with K4Ru (CN)6 of 2.45 x 10(-5) mol x (mol Ag)(-1) at doping positions of 75% Ag.

Objective: To explore the relationship of TCM type with serum level of soluble CD44v6 (sCD44v6) and different histologic parameters in gastric carcinoma patients and to observe the influence of Weitai capsule (WTC) on the sCD44v6 expression., Methods: TCM typing and sCD44v6 expression were determined in all the enrolled patients (30 in the control and 32 in the trial group) before operation, and 3-4 courses of chemotherapy was applied to them from 3-4 weeks after operation. To the patients of trial group, oral administration of WTC was given additionally with 4 capsules, 3 times a day for consecutive 3 months., Results: sCD44v6 was significantly positive correlated with the degree of cancer cell differentiation, infiltration and lymph node metastasis; (2) Level of sCD44v6 was the highest in patients of blood stasis type, as compared with that in the patients of Pi-deficiency type or of damp-heat type, the difference was significant; (3) After ending treatment, level of sCD44v6 in the trial group was significantly lower than that in the control group., Conclusion: (1) Serum level of sCD44v6 could be taken as the criterion for evaluating the development and prognosis of gastric cancer, as well as the therapeutic target for anti-metastasis treatment; (2) Serum level of sCD44v6 is related to some extent with TCM type of blood stasis and Pi-deficiency; (3) WTC combined with chemotherapy could further inhibit the expression of serum sCD44v6 in gastric carcinoma patients.

Objective: To observe the effect of Shouwu-Huanjing Recipe(SWHJR) medicated serum on human sperm motility and fertility in vitro., Methods: Human sperm was co-cultured with SWHJR medicated serum in vitro. Human sperm motility was evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis(CASA). The acrosome reaction and the capability of penetrating zona-free hamster eggs were also observed., Results: The co-cultured SWHJR medicated serum significantly increased the sperm motion velocity(VAP, VCL, VSL) (P < 0.01), the amplitude of lateral head movement (ALH) and the beat frequency of flagellum(BCF), the density of progressive motility sperms (P < 0.05), the acrosome reaction rate(P < 0.001), the fertilization rate(FR) and the fertilization index (FI) in sperm penetration assay(SPA) test (P < 0.01). The stimulation of SWHJR medicated serum occurred in dose-dependent manner., Conclusion: SWHJR can improve human sperm motility and fertility.

Eighteen kinds of serum free amino acid (SFAA) were measured in 32 patients with Spleen-Deficiency (SD) Syndrome. Several obvious changes were noticed as compared with 20 healthy adults: (1) The levels of total FAA, essential amino acids and free branched-chain amino acids of SD group were significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01); (2) Total FAA, essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids were all positively correlated to D-xylose absorptivity, serum protein and immune function. The above results suggested that the decrease of various SFAA level might be related to malabsorption in patients with SD. It is possible that the decrease of serum protein and immune function was due to the lowering of SFAA.