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Relaxin is a small 6 kD two-chain peptide member of the insulin superfamily that is principally produced in the corpus luteum of the ovary and which plays a key role in connective tissue remodeling during parturition. Like insulin, it is produced on the ribosome as preprohormone that undergoes oxidative folding and subsequent proteolytic processing to yield the mature insulin-like peptide. In contrast to the now considerable insight into insulin chain folding and oxidation, comparatively little is known about the folding pathway of relaxin. A series of synthetic pairwise serine substituted relaxin A-chain cysteine analogues was prepared, and their oxidation behavior was studied both on their own and in the presence of native relaxin B-chain. It was observed that native S-reduced A-chain oxidized rapidly to a bicyclic product, whereas individual formation of each of the intramolecular disulfide bonds between Cys11 and Cys24 and the native Cys10 and Cys15 was considerably slower. Curiously, the non-native, isomeric Cys11-Cys15 disulfide bond formed most rapidly, although circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis showed this product to be devoid of secondary structure. This suggested that it may in fact be an intermediate in the subsequent formation of the native Cys10-Cys15 intramolecular disulfide. Combination of the native A-chain with the B-chain proceeded rapidly as compared with the A-chain analogue that lacked the intramolecular disulfide bond suggesting that this latter element is required as a first step in the folding process. It is therefore probable that relaxin is generated from its constituent A- and B-chains in a stepwise organization manner similar to that of insulin chain combination and folding. Further studies showed that the efficiency of combination of A-chain to B-chain was not markedly influenced by reaction temperature and that a reasonable yield of relaxin could be obtained on combination of the preoxidized A-chain with the S-reduced B-chain.

The complete nucleotide sequences of 10 genomic segments (S1-S10) from an isolate of rice black-streaked dwarf virus causing rough dwarf disease on maize (RBSDV-Hbm) in China were determined, a total of 29,142 base pairs (bp). Each segment possessed the genus-specific termini with conserved nucleotide sequences of (+) 5'-AAGUUUUU......CAGCUNNNGUC-3' and a perfect or imperfect inverted repeat of seven to eleven nucleotides immediately adjacent to the terminal conserved sequence. While the coding strand of most RBSDV-Hbm segments contained one open reading frame (ORF), there were two non-overlapping ORFs in S7 and S9, and one small overlapping ORF downstream of the major ORF in S5. Homology comparisons suggest that S1 encodes a RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), with 63.5% and 32.6% identity to the putative RdRp encoded by Fiji disease virus (FDV) and Nilaparvata lugens reovirus (NLRV), respectively. The proteins encoded by S2, S3, and S4 showed various degrees of similarity to those encoded by the corresponding segments of FDV or NLRV. In S5 and S6, low identities were found to those of FDV only, but not to NLRV. Sequence analyses showed that RBSDV-Hbm had the most similarities in the genome organizations and the coding assignments with a RBSDV isolated from rice in China, in which each pair of the corresponding segments shared sequence identities of 93.8-98.9% and 93.5-100% at nucleotide or amino acid levels, respectively. In addition, phylogenetic analyses suggested that RBSDV-Hbm had the closest evolutionary relationship to RBSDV in Fijivirus.

Canavan disease, an inherited leukodystrophy, is caused by mutationsin the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene. It is most common among children of Ashkenazi Jewish descent but has been diagnosed in many diverse ethnic groups.Two mutations comprise the majority of mutant alleles in Jewish patients, while mutations in the ASPA gene among non-Jewish patients are different and more diverse. In the present study, the ASPA gene was analysed in 22 unrelated non-Jewish patients with Canavan disease, and 24 different mutations were found. Of these, 14 are novel, including five missense mutations (E24G, D68A, D249V, C152W, H244R), two nonsense mutations (Q184X, E214X), three deletions (923delT, 33del13, 244delA), one insertion mutation (698insC), two sequence variations in one allele ([10T > G; 11insG]), an elimination of the stop codon (941A > G, TAG → TGG, X314W), and one splice acceptor site mutation (IVS1 − 2A > T). The E24G mutation resulted in substitution of an invariable amino acid residue (Glu) in the first esterase catalytic domain consensus sequence. The IVS1 − 2A > T mutation caused the retention of 40 nucleotides of intron 1 upstream of exon 2. The results of transient expression of the mutant ASPA cDNA containing these mutations in COS-7 cells and assays for ASPA activity of patient fibroblasts indicated that these mutations were responsible for the enzyme deficiency. In addition, patients with the novel D249V mutation manifested clinically at birth and died early. Also, patients with certain other novel mutations, including C152W, E214X, X314W, and frameshift mutations in both alleles, developed clinical manifestations at an earlier age than in classical Canavan disease.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), expressed in normal astrocytes, were used in combination for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms in a rat model. Normal neonatal rat astrocytes were co-transfected with a vector expressing BDNF (AAVBDNF) and a retroviral vector expressing TH (termed TH-BDNF-DA(+) cells), and then implanted into the striatum of PD rats induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. TH-BDNF-DA(+) cells compensated for a severe insufficiency of endogenous dopaminergic neurons in the PD rats, resulting in a significant improvement of PD symptoms. The decrease in the rotational rate of PD rats implanted with TH-BDNF-DA(+) cells was more marked than that in PD rats implanted with normal astrocytes expressing either TH or BDNF alone (termed TH(+) and BDNF(+) cells, P0.01 and 0.001, respectively), and suggested a synergistic effect between TH and BDNF. In contrast, the rotational rate was not altered from the baseline in PD rats without treatment or implanted with parental rat astrocytes alone (P0.05). BDNF protected the dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, and significantly increased the long-term survival of TH-positive cells in the striatum. Our data indicate that the combined use of TH and BDNF has a synergistic therapeutic effect, and is more efficient for the treatment of PD than a single gene therapy using either TH or BDNF alone.

As a second order nonlinear technique, sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy is forbidden, under the electric-dipole approximation, in the bulk of a medium with inversion symmetry and then generate only at the surface of such media where the symmetry is broken and appear to be highly surface-specific for interfaces between the centrosymmetric media. So far, many studies of electrochemical processes at various interfaces have been performed by using SFG, and molecular level insight like the molecular adsorption, orientation, packing, and dynamics has been obtained. We have developed broadband sum-frequency generation (BB-SFG) spectroscopy. It enables us to obtain information on in situ electrochemical systems. One of the electrochemical processes is the CO2 reduction on a polycrystalline copper and polycrystalline gold electrode. The antisymmetric C−H stretching modes of methyl group and antisymmetric C−H stretching modes of methylene group were observed on copper electrode surface, no adsorbed CO intermediate was observed. As for the process on gold electrode surface, the adsorbed CO was the main intermediate detected, and CO was observed at a relative high potential (-0.5V vs SCE). In addition, we present some other examples that investigate the electrochemical interface with SFG techniques, such as the potential-dependent nonresonant (NR) SFG. Figure 1 (a)(b) Potential-dependent BB-SFG spectra of 0.1M CO2-saturated NaHCO3 solution at poly-Cu electrode (C-H region) and poly-Au electrode (CO region). (c) Variations of the wavenumbers (black) and intensities (red) of the CO peak in (b) from the fitting data. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by NSFC (21327901 and 21621091). Figure 1

This study was aimed to investigate the changes of muscle protein synthesis and degradation under different movement conditions, so as to provide theoretical basis for muscle atrophy mechanism. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control, endurance training (treadmill training), hind limb overhanging and eccentric training (treadmill training, angle -16º) groups. The gastrocnemius muscles of rats were taken and weighed. The muscle was sectioned, and HE staining was employed to determine the cell's cross-sectional area. Protein expression of p-Akt was measured by immunohistochemistry; and the expressions of MuRF1 and FoxO1 were determined by Western blot. The results showed that, compared with control group, hind limb overhanging and eccentric training groups exhibited decreased muscle weight and cross-sectional area, but endurance training group did not show any changes. The expressions of p-Akt in endurance and eccentric training groups, not in hind limb overhanging group, were significantly higher than that in control group. Compared with that of control, MuRF1 protein remained unchanged in endurance training groups, but was increased in eccentric training and hind limb overhanging groups; FoxO1 protein was decreased in endurance training group, but was increased in eccentric training and hind limb overhanging groups. These results indicate that movement (endurance and eccentric training) can activate Akt expression, but does not increase muscle weight, whereas eccentric training and hind limb overhanging can increase the expressions of MuRF1 and FoxO1, and induce amyotrophy, suggesting MuRF1 and FoxO1 are major determinant factors in muscle atrophy.

The Piwi subfamily comprises two argonaute (Ago) family proteins, which are defined by the presence of PAZ and Piwi domains, with well known roles in RNA silencing. Hiwi, a human Piwi subfamily member, has been shown to play essential roles in stem cell self-renewal and gametogenesis. Recently, accumulating reports have indicated that abnormal hiwi expression is associated with poorer prognosis of multiple types of human cancers, including examples in the breast. However, little is known about details of the oncogenic role of hiwi in breast cancers. In present study, we confirmed overexpression of hiwi in breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines at both mRNA and protein levels. Thus both RT-qPCR and Western blot data revealed significantly higher hiwi in intratumor than peritumor specimens, overexpression being associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and histological grade. Hiwi overexpression was also identified in breast cancer cell lines, MDA- MB-231 and MCF-7, and gain-of-function and loss-of-function strategies were adopted to identify the role of hiwi in the MCF-7 cell growth. Results demonstrated that hiwi expression in MCF-7 cells was significantly up- or down- regulated by the two strategies. We next evaluated the influence of hiwi overexpression or knockdown on the growth of breast cancer cells. Both cell count and colony formation assays confirmed promoting roles of hiwi in MCF-7 cells, which could be inhibited by hiwi specific blockage by siRNAs. In summary, the present study confirmed overexpression of hiwi in breast cancer specimens and breast cancer cell lines, and provided evidence of promotion by hiwi of cell growth. The results imply an oncogenic role of hiwi in breast cancers.

To study the effect of Shenfu Injection (SF) on the apoptosis of prostate cancer PC-3 cells and its possible mechanism.We divided prostate cancer PC-3 cells into a blank control group and three experimental groups, the latter treated with SF at 50, 100, and 200 microl/ml, respectively, for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Then we determined the proliferation of the cells by MTT assay, measured their apoptosis by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry, and detected the expression of P53 mRNA by RT-qPCR.Compared with the blank control group, the survival rates of the prostate cancer PC-3 cells in the 50, 100, and 200 microl/ml SF groups were (93.76 +/- 2.63)%, (81.21 +/- 1.80)% and (18.01 +/- 3.84)% at 24 hours, (94.67 +/-1.11)%, (78.33 +/- 2.89)% and (10.34 +/- 1.44)% at48 hours, and (91.30 +/- 0.47)%, (36.67 +/- 1.56)% and (1.33 +/- 0.32)% at 72 hours, all significantly increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P0.05). The expression of p53 mRNA was also markedly increased in all the three experimental groups at 48 hours (P0. 05).SF can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of PC-3 cells, which may due to its upregulation of the p53 mRNA expression.

A total of eleven field trials in Yongshou, Shaanxi Province and seven in Luoyang, Henan Province were conducted with two treatments (without N as control and with 150 kg N x hm(-2) addition). The wheat biomass and seed yield were determined, and so were the nitrate and ammonium N concentrations in five layers (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, 80-100 cm) at each trial site. Results showed that soil ammonium concentrations in the two provinces were very low while nitrate N concentrations were relatively high. Soil nitrate N occupied 91% of the total mineral N, and exhibited the same trend as the total mineral N in reflecting soil N supplying capacity. Without N application, the cumulative nitrate N amounts in the 0-40, 0-60, 0-80 and 0-100 cm layers in Yongshou were significantly correlated with wheat biomass and seed yield while no such correlation existed in Luoyang. With N addition, the relations of cumulative nitrate N of the different layers to wheat biomass and yield were greatly declined in Yongshou whereas those of Luoyang were changed to be negative. The yield increases were significantly correlated with the amount of nitrate N accumulated in the 0-80 and 0-100 cm layers of the two sites under N addition. Wheat mainly depended on nitrate N from the 0-20 cm layer at seedling stage, 0-40 cm at reviving, and 0-60 cm at elongation stages, and could utilize 0-100 cm nitrate N at maturity. After wheat harvest, the concentration of ammonium N was not significantly different from the initial value while that of nitrate N greatly decreased.

The growth and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) of two raphidophyceae species Chattonella marina and Heterosigma akashiwo were investigated in response to P-limitation and subsequent addition of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP, NaH2PO4) and two dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) compounds: guanosine 5-monophosphate (GMP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP). APA levels increased greatly after P-starvation as the decrease of the cellular phosphorus quotes (Qp). C. marina responded to P-limitation quickly and strongly, with 10-fold increase in APA within 24 hr after P-starvation. The larger difference between maximal and minimal QP values in C. marina indicated its high capacity in P storage. APA of H. akashiwo was maximally enlarged about 2.5 times at 48 hr of P-starvation. After the addition of nutrients, cell numbers of C. marina increased in all treatments including the P-free culture, demonstrating the higher endurance of C. marina to P-limitation. However, those of H. akashiwo increased only in DIP and GMP cultures. APA increased only after the addition of the monophosphate ester GMP. The results suggest that quick responses of C. marina to P-limitation, high capacity in P storage as well as endurance for P-depletion provide this species an ecological advantage in phytoplankton community competition under DIP-limited conditions.

Among Ashkenazi Jewish individuals with mucolipidosis IV (ML IV), two mutations in the ML IV gene, IVS3-1A --G and delEX1-EX7, account for more than 95% of disease alleles. The reported method of genotyping for the delEX1-EX7 mutation involves a cumbersome multistep procedure. In the present study, a new simplified one-step procedure is described that detects this mutation in both patients and carriers. An improved procedure is also described for detection of the IVS3-1A --G mutation. Using these improved procedures, we have characterized the ML IV mutant alleles in 27 patients and 95 of their relatives from 22 families, and in 123 unrelated and unaffected Ashkenazi Jewish controls. Of the 27 ML IV patients, 16 patients (59.3%) were found to be homozygous for the IVS3-1A --G mutation and 1 patient (3.7%) homozygous for the delEX1-EX7 mutation. Additionally, 9 patients (33.3%) were compound heterozygotes for IVS3-1A --G/delEX1-EX7. Among the 123 Ashkenazi Jewish controls, two individuals were identified as heteroallelic with one IVS3-1A --G mutation (carrier frequency: approximately 1 in 61); none showed the delEX1-EX7 mutation. The modifications described here provide a more facile means of genotyping patients and carriers and expand the possibilities for screening at-risk populations.

A coupled heat and mass transfer model is developed for batch fluidized-bed drying of moist porous particles considering the temperature, moisture saturation and pressure distributions in the particle. The model equations are solved numerically based on physical properties of apple. The heat and mass transfer mechanisms in the fluidized-bed drying process are analyzed. The results show that capillary flow and vapor diffusion play different roles in moisture transfer in the particle during different drying periods. The internal heat transfer can greatly affect the drying process while the effect of gas pressure distribution is insignificant. Due to the coupled effects between gas and particles, the state of gas in the fluidized-bed changes substantially along the bed height and affects the heat and mass transfer in the particle significantly. A new parameter called bed area factor is derived and analyzed. It is important in determining the drying efficiency in the design and operation of fluidized-bed dryers. The effects of particle parameter and inlet gas conditions on heat and mass transfer in the fluidized-bed drying process are discussed through the analyses of drying characteristics.

A mathematical model of heat and mass transfer is developed for fluidized-bed drying with microwave heating. The numerical results show that the temperature is uniformly distributed within a particle and that the pressure distribution in the particle has a significant effect on microwave fluidized-bed drying. The electric field strength E is an important parameter affecting the magnitude and distribution of the moisture, temperature, and pressure within a particle. At E = 10,000 V/m, a pressure difference of 1.3 MPa and a temperature of over 300 C are obtained. Microwave fluidized-bed drying is capable of a much higher drying rate than conventional fluidized-bed drying, while it also maintains a low particle temperature. At a constant E, the drying time increases initially with the working load but gradually reaches a constant because of the limited moisture-carrying capacity of gas. The microwave power adsorbed by the particles decreases during the drying process, and some of the microwave energy can be lost to the fluidized gas for certain operating conditions. Although the advantage of a high heat- and mass-transfer coefficient associated with the fluidized bed does not contribute to water evaporation at a high load, fluidization is still important for achieving better product qualitymore » and a slightly higher drying rate when compared with microwave fixed-bed drying.« less

Twenty 7-azaindirubin derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their antitumor activities were evaluated in vitro against DU145 cell line. The pharmacological results showed that most of the prepared compounds displayed the excellent activity. Compound 18 exhibited the most potent antitumor activity among the tested compounds.

The fixed-bed drying of moist porous particles is described mathematically with a comprehensive heat and mass transfer model. The temperature, moisture content and pressure distributions in a particle were considered in the model along with the conjugate effects between the gas and particles in the fixed-bed. After dividing the deep bed into a series of thin layers, the fixed-bed drying model is solved layer by layer with finite difference method. The thin-layer model includes both the external and internal resistances of heat and mass transfer for particles in the bed. The numerical results show that non-uniformity exists not only for the temperature and relative humidity of gas in the fixed-bed, but also for the temperature, moisture content and pressure in the material. The drying behavior of each layer is significantly affected by the non-uniformity of drying conditions along the bed height. The distributions of temperature and moisture content in the particle play a very important role in heat and mass transfer in the fixed-bed drying. However, the effect of pressure distribution on the drying process is negligible. The calculation shows that a drying front exists in the fixed bed and moves forward linearly with drying time. The drying efficiency is higher in deep-bed drying than in thin layer drying up to a certain bed height.

In this study, we investigated the folding pathway of insulin precursor and compared it with that of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The intra-A chain disulphide bond was found to form early in insulin precursor folding, whereas the corresponding disulphide bond in IGF-I formed late. Intra-A chain disulphide-bond deleted [A6, A11-Ser] proteins, including proinsulin, insulin, and A chain, were employed for this investigation. Under the same conditions the recombination yield of insulin from S-sulphonates of native A and B chains was 22%, while the yield of [A6, A11-Ser] insulin from S-sulphonates of [A6, A11-Ser] A chain and native B chains was only approx. 7%. This indicated that the intra-A chain disulphide bond may serve to stabilize the A chain folding intermediate so as to facilitate the correct recognition and pairing with the B chain. Time courses of oxidation of reduced insulin A chains, reduced A and B chains, and reduced proinsulins showed that the intra-A chain disulphide bond formed first during insulin precursor folding. The formation of intra-A chain disulphide bond further accelerated the formation of the other two inter-chain disulphide bonds. The time course of helix structure formation of insulin A chains also indicated that the intra-A chain disulphide bond formed first, and could stabilize partially folded A chain helix structure. The rate of intra-A chain disulphide bond formation was almost the same as that for both helix structure formation and insulin molecule formation, indicating that the formation of the intra-A chain disulphide bond was the rate limiting step for the folding of insulin precursor.

A diffusion model of heat and mass transfer in moist porous media is obtained for low intensity convection drying found typically in food products and vegetable dehydration. The effective diffusivity was analyzed based on the coupled effects of moisture content and temperature on mass transfer in capillary flow, evaporation–condensation, and transition regions. The temperature effect was found to be significant in the transition and evaporation–condensation regions. The model was solved numerically using the finite difference method. Physical properties of banana were determined. The results show that the most intensive heat and mass transfer occur in the transition region where both capillary flow and vapor diffusion play a significant role. The length of the transition region is determined clearly by analyzing the liquid flux distribution in the material. Its value depends very much on the permeability of the material. The model proves that the assumption of evaporation front is valid for drying of very permeable materials. For the case of food and vegetable dehydration with the permeability below 10-19 m2, more comprehensive analysis is necessary.

An adenovirus, AdCDTK, expressing both bacterial cytosine deaminase (CD) and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVTK) was constructed and introduced into glioma cells. AdCDTK selectively rendered glioma cells sensitive to both 5-fluorocytosine (5-FCyt) and ganciclovir (GCV) (termed AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV). AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV not only potently mediated apoptosis and the arrest of glioma cell growth in vitro, but also significantly increased the survival time of glioma-bearing rats as compared with controls. The 90-day survival time was observed in 50% of rats. Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) further enhanced the tumor cell killing of AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV. In the group of AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV/IFN-alpha, the average survival time was significantly increased, and the average tumor size was smaller than that in the group of AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV. Ninety-day survival increased from 50% in the group of AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV to 75% in the group of AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV/IFN-alpha. Complete tumor regression was observed in 50% of rats in the group of AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV/IFN-alpha. The data indicate that AdCDTK/5-FCyt-GCV induces glioma cell killing greater than that induced by either CD/5-FCyt or HSVTK/GCV alone. IFN-alpha synergistically enhances this effect by increasing apoptosis.

A sublimation–condensation model is developed for freeze drying of unsaturated porous media. The governing equations describing the drying process are solved numerically with variable time step finite-difference method. The sublimation–condensation phenomena during microwave freeze drying are studied numerically for different operating conditions including electric field strength, sample thickness, and vacuum pressure. The results show that the sublimation–condensation effects depend on different drying conditions. For larger electric field strength, vapor transfer in sublimation–condensation region is more intensive and larger part of the vapor is sublimated from this region, so the effect of sublimation–condensation region on drying time is more significant. Too large electric field strength is not necessary for microwave freeze drying. In case of larger sample thickness, the saturation change of the sublimation–condensation region is larger, and the effect of sublimation–condensation region on drying time is more significant. The effect of vacuum pressure on drying time is not so significant in the observed range.

The sublimation-condensation model, developed for freeze drying of unsaturated porous media in the author’s previous work, is analyzed numerically. The moisture redistribution in the sublimation-condensation region is taken into account in this model. The calculations show that the saturation of ice in the sublimation-condensation region will obviously decrease, and its effects on heat and mass transfer cannot be neglected for microwave freeze-drying of unsaturated porous media. The microwave freeze-drying tests of unsaturated beef are carried out. The experimental results show that the drying time is approximately proportional to the initial saturation of beef. Moreover the sublimation-condensation model is validated by the experimental results. These results show that the sublimation-condensation model agrees better with experimental results than the sublimation interface model.

The expression of a new type of matrix metalloproteinase, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT-MMP-1), was examined in 24 cases of primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas and 9 cases of secondary liver tumors derived from pancreatic adenocarcinomas, using a non-radioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods. Out of 24 cases of primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas, 18 showed positive expression of MT-MMP-1 transcripts in cancer cells and 20 of 24 showed positive expression in the tumor stromal cells. The immunoreactivity of the gene products for MT-MMP-1 was demonstrated to be almost the same, as shown by in situ hybridization in these 24 cases. In particular, both the staining intensity for MT-MMP-1 transcripts and the immunoreactivity of the gene products in the tumor stromal cells of mucinous cystadenocarcinomas were significantly weaker than those of common-type ductal adenocarcinomas among the 24 cases. All of the 9 cases of secondary liver tumors derived from pancreatic adenocarcinomas showed positive expression for MT-MMP-1 transcripts but less immunoreactivity for the gene products. These results suggest that MT-MMP-1 is transcribed and translated in both cancer cells and the tumor stromal cells in human pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, considering that common-type ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas usually shows a strong desmoplastic reaction, while mucinous cystadenocarcinoma typically does not, MT-MMP-1 expressed in the tumor stromal cells of common-type adenocarcinomas may be involved in processes leading to the desmoplastic reaction.

Cloned human IL-1ra (IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1ra) cDNA is inserted into pHSVLac, resulting in recombinant named pHSV-IL-1ra. pHSVLac and pHSV-IL-lra were packaged into HSV-1 particles using HSV-1 ts K as helper virus. The results showed that: (i) vero cell infected by pHSV-IL-1ra particles showed IL-1ra expression; expression of beta-galactosidase is observed in meninges and some neurons closed to ventricular and maintained for 8 weeks in rats after intracerebroventricular injection of pHSV-IL-1ra particles; (ii) transgenic expression of IL-lra by pHSVIL-lra injection significantly inhibited seizure attacks of P77PMC rat. These studies indicate that HSV-1 vector expressing IL-1ra in brain attenuated seizure attacks of P77PMC rat.

The heat and mass transfer during freeze drying of raw beef by different heating methods is studied theoretically and experimentally. The difference between radiant heating and microwave heating in freeze drying process has been analyzed. The results obtained are important for the selection of the heating methods in practical freeze dryers.

To explore the antitumor effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) antisense RNA and the interaction of IGF-I with insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in glioma cells, a recombinant retrovirus expressing IGF-I antisense RNA was constructed and introduced into C6 glioma cells. IGF-I antisense RNA reverses the transformed phenotype in glioma cells and inhibits glioma cell growth by blocking overexpression of endogenous IGF-I. Expression of IGFBP-2 is increased in glioma cells as compared with normal adult glial cells. IGF-I antisense RNA also inhibits expression of IGFBP-2 in glioma cells, but does not influence expression of the other IGFBPs. Although IGFBP-2 in conditioned medium from wild-type C6 cell cultures itself does not directly influence glioma cell growth, it synergistically enhances exogenous IGF-I-mediated DNA synthesis in IGF-I-negative C6 cells. These findings indicate the inhibitory effect of IGF-I antisense RNA on growth and development of glioma cells. IGF-I-dependent glioma cell growth may, in some circumstances, require IGFBP-2 as a cofactor. The antitumor effect of IGF-I antisense RNA is also associated with inhibition of IGFBP-2 expression.

PURPOSE To achieve a combination therapy of targeted PDT and anti-VEGF for choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-modified liposomes encapsulating photocyanine and sorafenib (RGD-SSL-[P]-[S]) were prepared and characterized. Drug concentration in RGD-SSL-[P]-[S] and irradiation time were optimized on ARPE-19 and HUVEC cells in vitro. A laser-induced CNV rat model was used to assess the efficacy of this targeted combinational system. The effect of RGD-SSL-[P]-[S] on the retinal structure of BN rats was also examined. RESULTS The particle size of RGD-SSL-[P]-[S] was approximately 100 nm, with a encapsulation efficiency more than 90% for both photocyanine and sorafenib. From RGD-SSL-[P]-[S], the release rate of photocyanine was approximately 22%, whereas that of sorafeinb was approximately 40% at 48 hours. With the optimal drug concentration and irradiation time, RGD-SSL-[P]-[S] exhibited cytotoxicity only to HUVEC without obvious damage to normal ARPE-19 cells. Rats treated with RGD-SSL-[P]-[S] showed the least CNV area and fluorescein leakage in fluorescein fundus angiography. RGD-SSL-[P]-[S] was also found safe to the rat retina. CONCLUSIONS Combination of targeted PDT and anti-VEGF might be an effective therapy for CNV.

To evaluate the clinical effects of combined methods of minimally invasive percutaneous proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) and injectable bone for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.From January 2006 to January 2012, 80 patients with proximal humerus fractures were randomly divided into two groups (n = 40). The patients in the research group were treated with minimally invasive PHILOS fixation combined with injectable bone, including 20 males and 20 females, with an average age of (68.4 +/- 11.9) years; according to AO classification, 2 cases of type A1, 3 cases of type A2, 6 cases of type B1, 7 cases of type B2, 9 cases of type B3, 6 cases of type C1, 7 cases of type C2. The patients in the control group were treated with PHILOS fixation, including 18 males and 22 females, with an average age of (65.4 +/- 10.7) years; according to AO classification, 3 cases of type A1, 4 cases of type A2, 5 cases of type B1, 8 cases of type B2, 10 cases of type B3, 5 cases of type C, and 5 cases of type C2. The BMD, satisfactory rate, postoperative complications,bone healing time, Constant-Murley score in the two groups were reviewed and compared.In the research group, no patients had necrosis of femoral head, 1 patient had shoulder varus, 1 patient had internal fixation loosening, 36 patients were satisfactory with the treatment results, BMD was (1.013 +/- 0.109) g/cm2, bone healing time averaged (12.00 +/- 3.79) weeks, and the Constant-Murley score was 97.2 +/- 4.6. In the control group, 3 patients had necrosis of femoral head, 5 patients had shoulder varus, 6 patients had internal fixation loosening, 32 patients were satisfactory with the treatment results, BMD was (0.812 +/- 0.089) g/cm2, bone healing time averaged (20.00 +/- 8.67) weeks,and the Constant-Murley score was 78.5 +/- 3.2. The results of BMD, satisfactory rate, postoperative complications, bone healing time, and Constant-Murley score in the research group were better than those of control group (P0.05).PHILOS combined with injectable bone for the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients has advantages of minimal wound, stable fixation, and earlier rehabilitation.

To investigate the safety and efficacy of yangxinkang tablets in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and syndrome of qi and yin deficiency, blood stasis, and water retention.In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trail, 228 patients with CHF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III in stage C were assigned by randomized block method to two groups in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either conventional Western treatment or conventional treatment plus yangxinkang tablets for 4 weeks. The outcome measure were effect of cardiac function, Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes, scores of symptoms, signs, and quality of life measured by Minnesota Living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ) before and after the treatment.Totally 112 patients were analyzed in the treatment group and 109 in the control group. They were comparable in NYHA functional class, basic parameters and primary diseases before treatment. Cardiac function and CM syndromes were greatly ameliorated in both groups after treatment. Total effective rates of cardiac function and CM syndrome in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P0.05). Total symptom score and sign score in the treatment group decreased significantly after treatment (P0.01), which were significantly lower than those in the control group (P0.05). There were statistically significant differences in post-treatment scores of gasp, cough with phlegm, pulmonary rales and jugular vein engorgement between the two groups (P0.05 or P0.01). Three MLHFQ scores decreased significantly in both groups after treatment (P0.01). Post-treatment total scale score and physical subscale score in the treatment group and the reduction of them showed statistically significant differences (P0.05) as compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in emotional subscale score and the reduction after treatment (P0.05). There was no obvious adverse reaction in either group noted during the study.Yangxinkang tablets were safe and efficacious in improving cardiac function, CM syndromes, symptoms, signs, and quality of life in patients with CHF class II or III in stage C on the base of conventional treatment.

Recent findings have suggested that oxygenderived free radicals play an important role in the development and progression of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate whether metallothionein, a free radical scavenger, can protect against acute pancreatitis. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with zinc, followed by either an infusion of cerulein at 10 μg/kg for 4 h or a retrograde injection with 100 μl/100 g body weight of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreaticobiliary duct, in order to induce acute pancreatitis. Zn administration significantly increased the levels of both metallothionein and reduced glutathione in the pancreas; the metallothionein levels reached a peak of 83-fold of normal levels after 24 h. The indications of acute pancreatitis, as well as the mortality, were improved by Zn treatment before the onset of acute pancreatitis. Immunohistochemical studies showed that metallothionein accumulated in the acini of the pancreas in the Zn-treated groups, and with strong staining around the periphery of the vacuoles in the group treated with both Zn and cerulein. These findings suggested that Zn increased both metallothionein and glutathione levels in the pancreas and exerted a beneficial effect against ceruleinor taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Key Words: Metallothionein-Glutathione-Free radicals-Cerulein-Taurocholate-Pancreatitis.

Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of nobiletin on human osteoarthritic chondrocytes and also to explore possible related molecular events. Methods: Isolated human osteoarthritic chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β. The effect of nobiletin (75, 150 or 300 μg) on chondrocyte viability was assessed. Furthermore, the effect on NO production was determined using Griess reagent while the levels of IL-6 and PGE2 were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The influence of nobiletin on the expression of COX-2, iNOS and proteins of PI3/Akt, NF-κB and MAPK cascades were also assessed. Results: Nobiletin (75, 150 and 300 μg) significantly ( p < 0.05) improved the viability of chondrocytes, and remarkably reduced the levels of NO, IL-6 and PGE2. The expression levels of COX-2 and iNOS both at mRNA and protein levels were strikingly reduced by nobiletin, in a dose-dependent way. In addition, nobiletin caused marked ( p < 0.05) down-regulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway. IL-1β- induced activation of PI3/Akt, and JNK, ERK and p38 MAPK cascades were significantly ( p < 0.05) inhibited by nobiletin with 300 μg dose exhibiting maximum effects. Conclusion: Inflammatory cytokines are critically involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Significant suppression of cytokines and modulation of PI3/Akt and MAPK signalling cascades by nobiletin suggests its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritic effects. Keywords: Chondrocytes, Inflammation, Mitogen-activated protein kinases, NF-κB, Nobiletin, Osteoarthritis

Lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma is a rare type of gastric cancer characterized by a carcinoma with intense stromal lymphocytic infiltration. Although lymphocytic infiltration is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, concomitant occurrence with differentiated adenocarcinoma is relatively rare. The clinical manifestations of lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma (including EBV-positive and -negative forms) are similar to those of gastric cancer, and the diagnosis is based on pathologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings. This report describes the case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented with a 10-year history of recurrent and worsening abdominal pain and melena that had been occurring for 2 mo. An ulcerative lesion was detected in the stomach by endoscopic examination, which raised suspicion of early gastric cancer. A subsequent preoperative endoscopic biopsy showed adenocarcinoma, but the postoperative pathologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical analyses of the resected specimen revealed a final diagnosis of lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma.

Using imidazole as promotion agent, primary, secondary and phenolic alcohol compounds were esterified with aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acid anhydrides. Heating a ternary mixture of alcohol, anhydride and imidazole in an unmodified microwave oven produced esters in low to high yields, depending on the steric bulk of the alcohol.

A five-year site-specific experiment was carried out on the Weibei Plain of Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province of northwestern China to study the effects of soil moisture regime before sowing (SMBS) and nitrogen fertilization on the grain yield and water use of winter wheat. On the basis of applying 100 kg x hm(-2) of P2O5, five nitrogen fertilization levels (0, 80, 160, 240, and 320 kg N x hm(-2)) were installed, and took the precipitation in the five years into consideration. In the study area, there was a linear correlation between the precipitation in summer (from July to September) and the SMBS, with an increment of 0.6 mm SMBS per 1 mm precipitation. For a stable or high wheat yield, the SMBS should be kept around 550 mm, and the precipitation in summer should be around 370-390 mm. In the years with adequate precipitation (386 mm) in summer, the SMBS in present winter wheat growth season less decreased by the increase of the nitrogen fertilization rate in previous growth season. However, in the years with less precipitation in summer (350 mm), the SMBS in present winter wheat growth season decreased significantly by 9-17 mm when the nitrogen fertilization rate in previous growth season was increased by each 100 kg N x hm(-2). In addition to SMBS, adequate precipitation in key growth stages was another important factor to ensure the wheat yield in dryland area because 1 mm SMBS could produce 10.6-11.4 kg x hm(-2) of wheat grain, and 1 mm precipitation occurred in the key growth stages could lead to more grain yield as high as 30.6-33.1 kg x hm(-2). Variation analysis showed that nitrogen fertilization rate affected the utilization degree of SMBS by winter wheat, while SMBS controlled the allocation and transportation of dry matter from vegetative parts to grain.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) film was prepared. The optic capability, infrared transmittance and heat preservation capability of the films were studied respectively. The result indicated that the haze degree of the PVA film decreased about 15% and 12% than PE film and EVA film; PVA film transmittance of IR was more or less than other films in the 7-14 microm wavelength range so that the temperature of greenhouse could be increased effectively in daylight. It was just 16.2% about 20% less than EVA film, and 50% less than PE film. The PVA film could be used as agricultural film in greenhouse to promote heat preservation performance greatly.

To compare the treatment outcomes, complications and histopathologic features between conventional parotidectomy and functional regional parotidectomy in the treatment for pleomorphic adenoma of parotid gland and to provide clinical, and pathological evidence for determining the safe surgical margin.Of 109 patients, 60 patients received conventional parotidectomy and 49 patients received functional regional parotidectomy. The rates of tumor recurrence and complications were compared between the groups of patients.There was no significant difference in the incidence of tumor recurrence, the facial paralysis and sialosyrinx between two groups. The rates of Frey's syndrome, numbness of auricular region, and facial asymmetry were 30.0%, 61.7%, and 38.3% in the patients with conventional parotidectomy respectively, while the rates were 6.1%, 30.6%, and 8.2% in the patients with functional regional parotidectomy, with significant statistically difference, respectively (P0.05). Of 109 patients, 33 with incomplete capsule, 29 with capsule penetration, 25 with pseudopodia, and 13 with satellite nodules. There was no significant difference in the depth of tumor infiltration between two groups of patients. For the tumor smaller than 2 cm, the depth of infiltration in conventional group was from 0.061 to 1.122 mm, functional group was from 0.442 to 3.127 mm (Z = -1.093, P = 0.057); for the tumors between 2 - 4 cm, the depth in conventional group was from 0.081 to 7.908 mm, functional group was from 0.082 to 6.632 mm (Z = -0.214, P = 0.831); for the tumor larger than 4 cm, the depth of infiltration was from 0.340 to 8.476 mm.Compared with conventional parotidectomy, functional regional parotidectomy has good outcomes and less complications. The surgical margins of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland should be determined by the size of tumor. The 1 cm-surgical margins are safe for the tumors less than 4 cm, and the tumors more than 4 cm should be treated with superficial parotidectomy.

Curcumin, the principal active component of turmeric, has long been used to treat various diseases in India and China. Recent studies show that curcumin can serve as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases via a variety of mechanisms. Effector memory T cells (T(EM), CCR7⁻ CD45RO⁺ T lymphocyte) have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Kv1.3 channels are predominantly expressed in T(EM) cells and control T(EM) activities. In the present study, we examined the effect of curcumin on human Kv1.3 (hKv1.3) channels stably expressed in HEK-293 cells and its ability to inhibit proliferation and cytokine secretion of T(EM) cells isolated from patients with MS or RA. Curcumin exhibited a direct blockage of hKv1.3 channels in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the activation curve was shifted to a more positive potential, which was consistent with an open-channel blockade. Paralleling hKv1.3 inhibition, curcumin significantly inhibited proliferation and interferon-γ secretion of T(EM) cells. Our findings demonstrate that curcumin is able to inhibit proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion of T(EM) cells probably through inhibition of hKv1.3 channels, which contributes to the potency of curcumin for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. This is probably one of pharmacological mechanisms of curcumin used to treat autoimmune diseases.

To explore the curative effects on surgical methods for the prevention of Frey syndrome and a concave facial deformity after parotidectomy.A literature search was performed using the Wianfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Disk Database, Chinese Digital Hospital Library and Chinese Scientific Journals Database of VIP from January 1989 to December 2008. Twenty-six Chinese language controlled studies involving surgical techniques for prevention of Frey syndrome and the concave facial deformity after parotidectomy were identified. Review manager 4.2 software was applied for Meta analysis.Meta-analysis for surgical techniques to prevent symptomatic Frey syndrome, a positive starch-iodine test, and contour deformity, favored intervention with a cumulative odds ratio (OR) of 0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07-0.25]; OR, 0.21 (95% CI, 0.17-0.26); and OR, 0.09 (95% CI, 0.04-0.19), respectively. There was a significant difference in the incidence of these complications between surgical treatment groups and control groups (Z = 6.42, Z = 13.70, Z = 6.43, all P0.05). The application of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap decreased the incidence of symptomatic Frey syndrome (Z = 2.33, P0.05), positive starch-iodine test (Z = 7.48, P0.05) and contour deformity (Z = 7.78, P0.05). The application of acellular dermal matrix decreased the incidence of symptomatic Frey syndrome (Z = 6.02, P0.05) and positive starch-iodine test (Z = 5.72, P0.05) but did not decrease the incidence of contour deformity (Z = 1.27, P0.05).Meta-analysis of operative techniques to prevent symptomatic Frey syndrome, a positive starch-iodine test, and facial asymmetry suggests that such methods are likely to reduce the incidence of these complications and improve the quality of life after parotidectomy.

EVOH, PE and EVA films were prepared by extrusive blowing techniques, the optic capability, transmittance, haze, infrared anti-transmittance and heat preservation of the films were studied by IR spectroscopy and optic block. The result indicated that the haze degree of the EVOH film decreased about 10% and 5% compared to PE film and EVA film respectively, EVOH film's transmission of IR is much less than other films in the 2.5-25 microm wavelength range, it is just 9.03% in 7-14 microm wavelength range, and about 27% less than EVA film, while much less than PE film. It was found that EVOH film has much better capability of infrared anti-transmittance and point-blank light transmission than other two kinds of films. It was good for calefaction and heat preservation of greenhouse.

Aim: To investigate the effects of Ginsenosides (GS) on EEG power wave spectra of spontaneous sleep. Method: Adult SD rats were randomly divided into the control, GS 10 and 100 mg/kg groups. After recovery from operation, rats were orally administered GS 10 and 100 mg/kg or water once per day for 6 days. On day 1 and 6 of GS administration, Polygraphic signs of undisturbed sleep-wake activities were recorded for 12h after GS administration. Results: On GS administration day 1, 10 and 100 mg/kg GS enhanced θ power of NREM and wakefulness but reduced θ power of wakefulness and α power during sleep and wakefulness, 10 and 100mg/kg GS lowered θ power of NREM and REM stage, respectively. After 6 days of GS administration, 10 and 100mg/kg GS enhanced δ power during NREM and wakefulness but reduced θ power of wakefulness and α power during sleep and wake state, 10 mg/kg GS also lowered θ power of NREM. The increase of δ power in all stages, the decrease of α power in NREM and REM sleep and the decrease of α power during NREM and wakefulness were observed in 10mg/kg group; the decrease of θ power during NREM sleep and of α power during wakefulness and the increase of δ power in wakefulness shown in 100mg/kg group. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that GS can regulate extensively cortical EEG power spectra in rats.

The nomination of Ashi points was reviewed, and the meaning of Ashi method was discussed in this article. On the base of further study on Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine), the general meaning of palpation at acupoints, meridians and collaterals to the process of acupoint locating were expounded. The concept of pressing reaction was proposed as well. It is held that Ashi points are a category of acupoints without specific names and definite locations. They are a kind of manifestation of reactions of acupoints, meridians and collaterals, which embody their dynamic features. Pressing reaction mainly manifested by sensations of comfort, pain, and moreover, relieving of the primary symptoms. It is the most basic evidence for us to estimate Ashi points.

Eighty-six patients with carcinoma of the pancreas were studied retrospectively. Paraffin-embedded specimens and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement of nuclear DNA as a predictor of the postoperative prognosis. From the series of 86 patients, 72 with a diagnosis of tubular adenocarcinoma (Japanese classification) were selected, and their DNA ploidy pattern and clinical and pathological features were correlated; 52.3% of the 86 patients and 52.8% of the 72 tubular adenocarcinoma patients showed DNA aneuploidy. Histological examinations of the tubular adenocarcinomas showed 42.9% DNA aneuploidy in well differentiated, 56.8% in moderately differentiated, and 71.4% in poorly differentiated types. The DNA ploidy showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the T category. The presence or absence of retroperitoneal invasion was thought to be the most important prognostic factor. Cumulative survival rates showed that the prognosis for patients with retroperitoneal invasion and DNA aneuploidy was significantly worse than for those with DNA diploidy or those without retroperitoneal invasion.

Compelling evidences support an autoimmune basis of non-segmental vitiligo, and dysregulation of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cell (Treg) is assumed to contribute to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Serum levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), an important immunoregulatory cytokine produced by Treg cells, has been reported significantly decreased in patients with vitiligo. However, relation between the decrease in TGF-β and the dysfunction of Treg cells in pathogenesis of vitiligo was still undemonstrated. To further reveal the role of TGF-β in vitiligo, 46 patients with non-segmental vitiligo and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells isolated from peripheral venous blood with a CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cell isolation kit were cultured with or without anti-CD3 mAbs and anti-CD28 mAbs for 4 days. The TGF-β1 levels in serum and culture supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both groups. We have found that the TGF-β1 levels both in serum and culture supernatants in the presence of anti-CD3 mAbs and anti-CD28 mAbs were decreased in the active vitiligo group when compared with the control group or stable vitiligo group, and were negatively correlated with the percentage of involved body area. These results suggested that TGF-β may play a role in the pathogenesis of non-segmental vitiligo related to the suppressive function of Tregs.

As the development of the Internet and the increment of the bandwidth, large-scale video transmission on the IP network is getting further development and application. Especially, the application of the broadcasting system based on single sender but multiple receivers are applied widely. Therefore, the multimedia data transmission is becoming one of the most important aspects in the broadcasting system. As the amount of the video data is large, the high performance both in compression and delivery are needed. However, as the serious inconsistencies, such as the kinds of configure inconsistency, the distribution of the geography locations inconsistency, the connection of the bandwidth inconsistency are all existing, the same sender may need some different receivers to get a acceptable performance. In this paper, a hierarchical architecture of video coding and transmission is proposed and implemented based on layer concept. The results of the experiment show that the hierarchical architecture proposed can satisfy the various applications.

To investigate the expression of secretory type II phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-II) in lung of rats with acute lung injury (ALI) complicating severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and the effect of Qingyi decoction (QYT) on ALI.Thirty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (SO) group, model group and QYT group, with 10 rats in each group. SAP model was reproduced by reverse injection of sodium deoxycholate into the common bile- pancreatic duct of rats. The pancreas of rats was just exposed in SO group. QYT (10 ml/kg) was gavaged 30 minutes and 12 hours after SAP was induced in QYT group. The blood gas analysis was performed 24 hours after operation. Serum amylase (AMY) levels, sPLA(2) and lung wet/dry ratio (W/D) were determined. The sPLA(2)-II mRNA and sPLA(2)-II protein expression in lung were detected by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The pathological changes in lung and pancreas were observed.Compared with SO group, the levels of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) and pH value in model group were significantly decreased [PaO(2) (mm Hg, 1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa): 79.24±5.84 vs. 96.78±3.81, pH value: 7.269±0.054 vs. 7.391±0.054], arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)), the serum levels of AMY, W/D ratio and the serum levels of sPLA(2) were significantly increased [PaCO(2) (mm Hg): 47.57±2.55 vs. 27.69±1.02, AMY (U/L): 7 144.19±727.91 vs. 1 193.41±192.54, W/D ratio: 8.57±2.45 vs. 3.70±0.90, sPLA(2) (nmol×min(-1) ×ml(-1)): 45.13±6.05 vs. 29.94±6.39], the expression of sPLA(2)-II mRNA (1.28±0.21 vs. 0.80±0.08) and protein were significantly increased (all P0.05). Compared with model group, blood PaO(2) and pH value were significantly increased [PaO(2): (88.16±5.07) mm Hg, pH value: 7.322±0.039], the PaCO(2), the serum levels of AMY, W/D ratio and the serum levels of sPLA(2) in QYT group were significantly decreased [PaCO(2): (33.13±2.14) mm Hg, AMY: (4 283.51±527.52) U/L, W/D ratio: 4.05±0.52, sPLA(2): (28.00±4.78) nmol×min(-1) ×ml(-1)], and the expression of sPLA(2)-II mRNA (0.89±0.08) and protein were significantly decreased (all P0.05). The pathological changes in lung and pancreas in QYT group were milder than those in SAP group.The higher expression of sPLA(2)-IIin lung may be one of pathogenetic factors in ALI induced by SAP. Administration of QYT can reduce the injury of lung by decreasing the expression of sPLA(2)-II in transcriptional level and thus protecting pulmonary function.

The effects of cypermethrin on physiological responses of three typical marine microalgal species Skeletonema costatum (Bacillariophyceae), Scrippsiella trochoidea (Dinophyceae), and Chattonella marina (Raphidophyceae), were investigated by 96-h growth tests in a batch-culture system. The 96-h median inhibition concentrations (IC(50)) were 71.4, 205, and 191 μg L(-1) for S. costatum, S. trochoidea, and C. marina, respectively. Quick and significant physiological responses occurred when algal cells were exposed to cypermethrin, and all biochemical parameters varied significantly within 6- or 12-h exposure. Cypermethrin affected algal growth, protein content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by stimulation at low concentrations (1, 5 μg L(-1)) and inhibition at high concentrations (>50 μg L(-1)). A general increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level was observed in all test groups, which suggested that the toxic effects of cypermethrin were probably exerted through free radical generation. These results suggest that the activation of SOD and promotion of protein at early exposure are important to counteract the oxidative stress induced by cypermethrin, and the inactivation of SOD may be crucial to the growth inhibition of microalgae by cypermethrin.

Microwave dielectric loss heating without solvent or support yields amides and imides from aromatic and sterically hindered acids in the presence of imidazole in good to excellent yields under mild irradiation conditions.

A series of novel 7-azaisoindigo derivatives 3-14 were designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized by IR, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analyses. Their antiproliferative activities were evaluated in a hormone-independent prostate cancer cell line DU145. Among them, compounds 8, 9, 14 showed the highest activities. Our study also showed that compounds 7, 11, 12 exhibited higher inhibitory activities on CDK2/cyclin A than that of the positive control meisoindigo. Western blot analysis on DU145 cells treated with compounds 7 and 9 demonstrated that 7-azaisoindigo derivatives could decrease the level of CDK2 activity (phosphorylation) and the expression of cyclin D1, and increase the expression of endogenous cyclin-dependent inhibitor p27.