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Taking a long-term fertilized rice-rape rotation system in Taihu Lake as test objective, its annual C balance and economic benefit were estimated, based on the measurement of past years grain yield, litter C content, and field CO2 emission as well as the investigation of material and management inputs. The calculated annual C sink under different fertilizations ranged from 0.9 t C x hm(-2) x a(-1) to 7.5 t C x hm(-2) x a(-1), and the net C sink effect under combined inorganic/organic fertilization was three folds as that under chemical fertilization. The C cost of material input ranged from 0.37 t C x hm(-2) x a(-1) to 1.13 t C x hm(-2) x a(-1), and that of management input ranged from 1.69 t C x hm(-2) x a(-1) to 1.83 t C x hm(-2) x a(-1). The annual economic benefit ranged from 5.8 x 10(3) CNY x hm(-2) x a(-1) to 16.5 x 10(3) CNY x hm(-2) x a(-1), and was 2.1 times higher under combined fertilization than under chemical fertilization. Comparing with that under chemical fertilization, the marginal cost for per ton C sink under combined inorganic/organic fertilization was estimated as 217.1 CNY x t(-1) C, very close to the C price of 20 Euro x t(-1) C in the EU. In sum, under combined inorganic/organic fertilization, this rice paddy ecosystem could not only have higher productivity, but also present greater net C sink effect and higher economic benefit, compared with under chemical fertilizer fertilization.

Laser carbonization is an inherent problem frequently encountered in the measurements of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), especially for the reactive molecules. Pyridine (Py) is one of such examples though it is a common molecule as probe in the SERS studies. The introduction of SnCl2, which has few Raman peaks at low frequency, effectively restrains the pyridine from carbonization. The findings here provide a new convenient chemical way to improve the routine SERS analysis of reactive organic/bio-molecules instead of physical ones reported in the literature like vacuum, inert atmosphere, low temperature, low laser power, and so on. It is expected that this method is also applicable in the SERS study of other vulnerable organic/bio-molecules.

The title compound, C(19)H(27)NO(3), was obtained by the reaction of (3S,7aR)-7a-hexyl-7-meth-oxy-3-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,1-b]oxazol-5(7aH)-one and triethyl-silane using titanium(IV) chloride as catalyst. In the mol-ecule, the phenyl and dihydro-pyrrolone rings form a dihedral angle of 83.8 (1)°. O-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions lead to the formation of a chain parallel to the a axis.

In the title chiral butterfly-like bicyclic lactam, C(14)H(15)NO(3), the phenyl and methyl groups are syn with respect to each other. The dihydro-pyrrrole ring adopts a boat conformation, whereas the oxazole ring has a slightly distorted boat conformation. The packing of mol-ecules in the crystal structure is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Objective: To observe the curative effect of acne conglobata treated by encircling acupuncture combined with ventouse and cupping., Methods: A total of 52 acne conglobata patients were randomly divided into acupuncture group (n=26) and Western medicine group (n=26). Patients of acupuncture group were treated with encircling acupuncture around the affected focus. Common acupuncture was applied to Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Fenglong (ST 40) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once daily. Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) were used for venesection and cupping (twice a week). Patients of medication group were treated with oral administration of Isotretinoin Capsules (10 mg, t.i.d.). The treatment duration of 2 groups was 4 weeks. Serum IL-6 content was detected with double-antibody sandwich elisa enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: After the treatment, in acupuncture group and Western medicine group, 3 (11.5%) and 4 (15.4%) cases experienced remarkable relief in their signs, 14 (53.8%) and 11 (42.3%) had marked improvement, 6 (23. 1%) and 7 (26.9%) had improvement, 3 (11.5%) and 4 (15.4%) failed, with the effective rates being 88.5% and 84.6%, respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in the therapeutic effect (P>0.05). Self-comparison showed that after the treatment, IL-6 in both groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture group was significantly superior to that of Western medicine group in lowering serum IL-6 (P<0.05)., Conclusion: Both acupuncture and medication can effectively promote the recovery of the affected skin, and lower serum IL-6 level in acne conglobata patients. The effect of acupuncture is stronger than that of Isotretinoin Capsules in lowering serum IL-6 content and has fewer adverse effects.

The title compound, C(29)H(35)N(3)O(4), was obtained by the reaction of (2S,4S,5S)-tert-butyl N-(4-amino-1-benzyl-3-hydr-oxy-5-phenyl-pent-yl)carbamate and picolinic acid using oxalyl chloride as a chlorinating reagent to activate the carboxyl group. In the crystal structure there are two mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit, which are aligned edge-to-face. In one mol-ecule, the pyridyl ring forms a dihedral angle of 22.0 (1)° with the phenyl ring of the terminal benzyl group and 14.3 (1)° with the other phenyl ring; in the other mol-ecule, the corresponding angles are 12.1 (1) and 10.6 (1)°, respectively. The packing is stabilized by inter-molecular hydrogen bonds and C-H⋯π inter-actions.

The title compound, C(21)H(26)N(2)O, was obtained as an unexpected by-product when attempting to prepare (S)-2-benzyl-N-tert-butyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-isoquinoline-3-carboxamide from (S)-2-benzyl-amino-N-tert-butyl-3-phenyl-propanamide and dimethoxy-methane. The mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating linear chains parallel to the b axis. C-H⋯π inter-actions provide further stability for the crystal structure. The planes of the two phenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 84.1 (1)°. The absolute configuration was known from the starting material.

Background: Bone marrow cells can differentiate into hepatocytes in a suitable microenvironment. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of transplanted bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on liver fibrosis in mice., Methods: BMSCs were harvested and cultured from male BALB/c mice, then transplanted into female syngenic BALB/c mice via the portal vein. After partial hepatectomy, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was administered to induce liver fibrosis. Controls received BMSCs and non-supplemented drinking water, the model group received DEN with their water, and the experimental group received BMSCs and DEN. Mice were killed after 3 months, and ALT, AST, hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN) in serum and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver were assessed. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in the liver was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Bone marrow-derived hepatocytes were identified by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in liver sections., Results: BMSCs were shown to differentiate into hepatocyte-like phenotypes after hepatocyte growth factor treatment in vitro. Serum ALT, AST, HA, and LN were markedly reduced by transplanted BMSCs. Liver Hyp content and alpha-SMA staining in mice receiving BMSCs were lower than in the model group, consistent with altered liver pathology. FISH analysis revealed the presence of donor-derived hepatocytes in the injured liver after cross-gender mouse BMSC transplantation. After three months, about 10% of cells in the injured liver were bone marrow-derived., Conclusion: BMSCs transplanted via the portal vein can convert into hepatocytes to repair liver injury induced by DEN, restore liver function, and reduce liver fibrosis.

The potential of embryonal day 14 (ED) fetal liver epithelial progenitor (FLEP) cells to repopulate the normal and damaged liver was studied throughout a 3-month period in syngeneic mice. In normal liver, FLEP cells proliferated and differentiated into hepatocytes after transplantation, and liver repopulation was moderate (5%-10%) after 3 months. In diethylnitrosamine-treated livers FLEP cells continued to proliferate at 3 months after transplantation; both the number and size of clusters derived from FLEP cells gradually increased throughout time. Transplanted cells proliferated and differentiated into both hepatocytes and bile ducts to produce extensive liver repopulation (30%-50%). This report showed that isolated fetal liver epithelial cells exhibit bipotential properties of stem cells, which can engraft, proliferate, and differentiate into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells with high repopulation capacity in the injured liver.

Aim: To investigate the malignant potential of hepatic stem cells derived from the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in a mouse model of chemical hepatocarcino-genesis., Methods: BMSCs from male BALB/c mice were harvested and cultured, then transplanted into female syngenic BALB/c mice via portal vein. Hepato-carcinogenesis was induced by 6 months of treatment with diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Six months later, the liver was removed from each treated mouse and evaluated by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)., Results: Twenty-six percent of recipient mice survived and developed multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Immunohistochemically, HCC expressed placental form of glutathione-S-transferase (GST-P) and alpha-fetoprotein, but did not express cytokeratin 19. Y chromosome positive hepatocytes were detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in the liver of mice treated with DEN after BMSCs transplantation while no such hepatocytes were identified in the liver of mice not treated with DEN. No HCC was positive for the Y chromosome by FISH., Conclusion: Hepatic stem cells derived from the bone marrow stromal cells have a low malignant potential in our mouse model of chemical hepatocarcingenesis.

Smac/DIABLO is a recently identified protein released from mitochondria in response to apoptotic stimuli and promotes apoptosis by antagonizing inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). In this study, we observed depressed Smac/DIABLO and increased XIAP expression in ovarian epithelial tissues ordered by normal, benign and malignant epithelia. In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the expression of Smac/DIABLO decreased with the malignancy. Smac/DIABLO expression showed no correlation with TRAIL sensitivity, while lower Smac/DIABLO expression and decreased release of Smac/DIABLO from mitochondria upon apoptosis stimuli were observed in paclitaxel-resistant A2780/pac cells as compared to the sensitive controls. Ectopic Smac/DIABLO alone inhibited cell growth, arrested cells in G0/G1 phase, and sensitized drug-resistant EOC cells to TRAIL or paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Increased apoptosis was associated with the down-regulation of XIAP, FLIP, and up-regulation of Smac/DIABLO, cytochrome c, p53, along with increased activity of caspase-3. Thus, over-expression of Smac/DIABLO is a promising strategy for drug-resistant ovarian cancer treatment.

The objective of this study was to determine if genistein (GEN) modulation of the immune responses might contribute to the increased host resistances to tumors. A time-course study was performed in adult female B6C3F1 mice that had been exposed to GEN for 1-4 weeks at the dose level of 20 mg/kg by gavage. A significant increase in ex vivo cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity was observed in the periods of 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Moreover, increased activities of CTLs were associated with a decrease in the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells and an increase in the production of interferon-gamma and activation of STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) and STAT4. Additionally, exposure of mice to GEN increased the activities of in vivo CTLs. An increased activity of natural killer (NK) cells was also observed. Further study in the B16F10 tumor model suggested that GEN-mediated enhancement in host resistance to B16F10 tumor was partially related to its potentiating effect on NK cells. Finally, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced tumor model was employed to determine the chemopreventive effect of oral GEN treatment. Mice pretreated with GEN for 2 weeks by gavage, the time when an enhanced CTL activity had been produced, had a decreased susceptibility toward DMBA-mediated carcinogenesis, while treatment with GEN after tumor induction conferred no protection. In conclusion, pretreatment with GEN by gavage could enhance host resistances to the B16F10 tumor and DMBA-induced carcinogenesis, suggesting that GEN modulation of immune response was, at least partially, responsible for the antitumor effect of this compound.

Background: Spiroketals and the corresponding aza-spiroketals are the structural features found in a number of bioactive natural products, and in compounds possessing photochromic properties for use in the area of photochemical erasable memory, self-development photography, actinometry, displays, filters, lenses of variable optical density, and photomechanical biomaterials etc. And (1R,8aS)-1-hydroxyindolizidine (3) has been postulated to be a biosynthetic precursor of hydroxylated indolizidines such as (+)-lentiginosine 1, (-)-2-epilentiginosine 2 and (-)-swainsonine, which are potentially useful antimetastasis drugs for the treatment of cancer. In continuation of a project aimed at the development of enantiomeric malimide-based synthetic methodology, we now report a divergent, concise and highly diastereoselective approach for the asymmetric syntheses of an aza-spiropyran derivative 7 and (1S,8aR)-1-hydroxyindolizidine (ent-3)., Results: The synthesis of aza-spiropyran 7 started from the Grignard addition of malimide 4. Treatment of the THP-protected 4-hydroxybutyl magnesium bromide with malimide 4 at -20 degrees C afforded N,O-acetal 5a as an epimeric mixture in a combined yield of 89%. Subjection of the diastereomeric mixture of N,O-acetal 5a to acidic conditions for 0.5 h resulted in the formation of the desired functionalized aza-spiropyran 7 as a single diastereomer in quantitative yield. The stereochemistry of the aza-spiropyran 7 was determined by NOESY experiment. For the synthesis of ent-3, aza-spiropyran 7, or more conveniently, N,O-acetal 5a, was converted to lactam 6a under standard reductive dehydroxylation conditions in 78% or 77% yield. Reduction of lactam 6a with borane-dimethylsulfide provided pyrrolidine 8 in 95% yield. Compound 8 was then converted to 1-hydroxyindolizidine ent-3 via a four-step procedure, namely, N-debenzylation/O-mesylation/Boc-cleavage/cyclization, and O-debenzylation. Alternatively, amino alcohol 8 was mesylated and the resultant mesylate 12 was subjected to hydrogenolytic conditions, which gave (1S,8aR)-1-hydroxyindolizidine (ent-3) in 60% overall yield from 8., Conclusion: By the reaction of functionalized Grignard reagent with protected (S)-malimide, either aza-spiropyran or (1S,8aR)-1-hydroxyindolizidine skeleton could be constructed in a concise and selective manner. The results presented herein constitute an important extension of our malimide-based synthetic methodology.

To explore the effect of sinomenine on the nitric oxide (NO)/neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) system in the cerebellum and spinal cord of morphine-dependent and morphine-withdrawal Kunming mice, mice were subjected to injection of morphine with an increasing dose for 5 d, and then were treated with sinomenine (40 mg/kg, i.p.) for another 5 d. Naloxone was used to develop acute withdrawal, and the withdrawal syndromes, including teeth chattering, twisting, straightening, sneezing and ptosis, were investigated. nNOS mRNA expressions in the cerebellum and spinal cord were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. nNOS activity and NO level were determined by the chemistry-colorimetry and nitrate reductase-reduction, respectively. The results obtained were as follows: (1) Sinomenine restored the decrease in body weight and alleviated the signs of morphine-withdrawal in mice. (2) Sinomenine also reduced the increases in nNOS mRNA expression and nNOS activity resulting from morphine-dependence, and simultaneously attenuated the high level of NO in both tissues following morphine-withdrawal. (3) Administration of sinomenine alone did not develop physical dependence in mice. The results obtained indicate that sinomenine may attenuate morphine addiction and significantly alleviate morphine-withdrawal symptoms, and the mechanism may be associated with the effect of sinomenine on the NO/nNOS system in the cerebellum and spinal cord.

A plasmid carrying DNA to be transcribed into a small interfering RNA against transketolase-like-1 mRNA was constructed and transfected into a human colon cancer cell line. The mRNA expression of transketolase gene family in the human colon cell line was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effect of anti-transketolase-like-1 small interfering RNA on cell proliferation and cell cycle in the human colon cancer cell line cells was detected by flow cytometry and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide. The transketolase-like-1 gene was significantly downregulated in human colon cancer cell line cells transfected with small interfering RNA transketolase-like-1 constructs compared with the cells transfected with control vector and the cells without transfection. In addition, the anti-transketolase-like-1 small interfering RNA construct significantly decreased the level of transketolase in the transfected human colon cancer cell line cells, arrested them in G0/G1 phase and substantially inhibited cell proliferation. No significant difference was found in the other two genes (transketolase and transketolase-like-2 genes) between the transfected human colon cancer cell line cells and the controls (P>0.05). Our data demonstrated that the transketolase-like-1 gene plays an important role in total transketolase activity and in the cell proliferation of human colon cancer. Transketolase-like-1 may serve as a target for novel anticancer therapies.

Previously, we have reported that thalidomide (Thd) can enhance neutrophil function in female B6C3F1 mice. The present study was intended to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced neutrophil responses following Thd treatment intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) for 14 or 28 days. Treatment with Thd increased the numbers of neutrophils in the spleen, peripheral blood, bone marrow, peritoneal cavity and lungs of female B6C3F1 mice when compared to the vehicle control mice. Thd treatment for 14 days increased the percentage and the number of neutrophils in the spleen in the first 8 h (peaking at 2 h) after the last Thd treatment, and it returned to the baseline after 24 h. However, Thd treatment for 28 days increased the percentage and number of neutrophils in the spleen even at the 24-h time point after the last Thd treatment. These neutrophils were demonstrated to be functional by the myeloperoxidase activity assay. Further studies have ruled out the possibility of an increased bone marrow granulopoiesis following Thd treatment. Flow cytometric analysis of the surface expression of adhesion molecules suggested that Thd treatment for either 14 or 28 days decreased the surface expression of either CD18 or CD44 by bone marrow neutrophils. On the other hand, the surface expression of both CD18 and CD44 by splenic neutrophils was increased following Thd treatment for 28 days but not for 14 days. No effect was produced for other cell surface molecules such as CD62L and CD11a. It was possible that decreased surface expressions of CD18 and CD44 facilitated neutrophils' release from the bone marrow; increased surface expressions of CD44 and CD18 by splenic neutrophils after 28 days of Thd treatment increased their ability to remain in the periphery. Taken together, Thd treatment increased neutrophils in female B6C3F1 mice, at least partially, through differentially modulating the surface expression of CD18 and CD44 by the neutrophils in the bone marrow and spleen.

Objective: To explore a technology for diagnosing VHL mutations from a single cell and provide experimental evidences for the feasibility of applying technology in detecting genetic mutations from a single cell., Methods: After whole genome amplification (WGA) based on multiple displacement amplication (MDA) for a single cell, we did regular PCR following sequencing and detected the genotypes using the real time PCR based on TaqMan probes. We detected VHL mutations by the different terminal fluorescent changing., Results: The rate of amplification for single cell based on MDA was 90.91%. The rate of contamination was 0. After sequencing, the allele drop out (ADO) rate of heterozygotes was 26.67%(8/30); combined with the different terminal fluorescent changing, the rate of ADO of heterozygotes was 16.67%., Conclusion: WGA based on MDA for a single cell followed by regular PCR with sequencing and real time PCR can specially and accurately detect the VHL genotypes of single cells.

Aim: To investigate the effect of transplanted fetal liver epithelial progenitor (FLEP) cells on liver fibrosis in mice., Methods: FLEP cells were isolated from embryonal day (ED) 14 BALB/c mice and transplanted into female syngenic BALB/c mice (n = 60). After partial hepatectomy (PH), diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was administered to induce liver fibrosis. Controls received FLEP cells and non-supplemented drinking water, the model group received DEN-spiked water, and the experimental group received FLEP cells and DEN. Mice were killed after 1, 2, and 3 mo, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN) in serum, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver were assessed. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) of liver was tested by immunohistochemistry. Transplanted male mice FLEP cells were identified by immunocytochemistry for sry (sex determination region for Y chromosome) protein., Results: Serum ALT, AST, HA, and LN were markedly reduced by transplanted FLEP cells. Liver Hyp content and alpha-SMA staining in mice receiving FLEP cells were lower than that of the model group, which was consistent with altered liver pathology. Transplanted cells proliferated and differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells with 30%-50% repopulation in the liver fibrosis induced by DEN after 3 mo., Conclusion: Transplanted FLEP cells proliferate and differentiate into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells with high repopulation capacity in the fiberized liver induced by DEN, which restores liver function and reduces liver fibrosis.

Exact etiological factors cannot be found in more than 70% of male infertility. Although the causes of some male infertility are known, the pathogenesis is not yet clear. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility are particularly complicated. Some breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of refractory male infertility since the development of ICSI in 1992. However, traditional treatment should also be taken into account for individual male infertility. The standardization of diagnosis and treatment and the improvement of the success rate and safety of assistant reproductive technology will be the dominant factors in the development of male infertility researches.

Objective: To analyze the polymerase gamma(Polg) gene polymorphisms in Chinese idiopathic infertile males and evaluate the correlation of the polymorphisms with male infertility., Methods: We conducted a study of Polg CAG repeats in the sperm or blood DNA of 55 asthenospermia patients, 57 oligospermia patients, 34 azoospermia patients, and 104 controls with PCR and GeneScan. Phenotypic data were available in all the subjects, including semen parameters, and clinical profiles., Results: The frequency of 10/not 10 CAG genotype in asthenospermia patients was higher than in the other groups, but with no significance., Conclusion: Our findings have shown for the first time that there exits an ethnic difference between Chinese and European males in the number of CAG repeats of Polg gene, and that 10/not 10 CAG genotype may affect sperm motility.

We present a multifunctional photonic switch that monolithically integrates an InGaAsP/InP quantum well electroabsorption modulator and an InGaAs photodiode as a part of an on-chip, InP optoelectronic circuit. The optical multifunctionality of the switch offers many configurations to allow for different optical network functions on a single chip. Here we experimentally demonstrate GHz-range optical wavelength-converting switching with only ~10 mW of absorbed input optical power, electronically controlled packet switching with a reconfiguration time of <2.5 ns, and optically controlled packet switching in <300 ps.

Previous research reveals that the genome structures of rhizobial type strains and reference strains can reflect their phylogenetic relationships. In order to further explore the potential application of genome structure as a phylogenetic marker in rhizobial natural taxonomy, this study analyzed the genome structures of 29 unclassified nodule bacteria isolated from the root nodules of leguminous trees, Robinia sp., Dalbergia spp., and A lbizia spp. and 7 rhizobial reference strains by I-CeuI cleavage, then clustered these bacteria phylogenetically based on their genome structures and compared these clusters with those based on numerical taxonomy and 16S rDNA PCR-RFLP. Eleven phylogenetic clusters were obtained. The clusters were in large part consistent with those based on numerical taxonomy and 16S rDNA PCR-RFLP. Also there are inconsistent clusters based on the above three methods. But results are completely consistent with 16S rRNA clusters. This suggested that the genome structure clustering method can be used to fastly identify root nodule isolates and detect their phylogenetic relationships. The credibility and repeatability of the results, together with the simplicity and possibility to analyze a large number of strains in a short time of the method, indicates the broad potential application of genome structure as phylogenetic marker to categorize rhizobial isolates and should in the future facilitate biodiversity studies.

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of changes in urine microalbumin (UM) and endothelin (ET) in different courses of type 2 diabetes., Methods: A clinical analyses of 30 type 2 diabetic patients with vascular complications (group A) was conducted in comparison with type 2 diabetic patients without vascular complications (group B) and patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, group C). With 30 healthy subjects with family history of type 2 diabetes (group D) and 30 healthy subjects without such family history (group E) as controls, UM and ET were determined in all the subjects for a statistical analysis., Results: Significant differences in UM content was noted between group A and the other 4 groups (P<0.05), while the content did not differ significantly between the latter 4 groups (P>0.05). ET content was significantly higher in group A than in the other 4 groups (P<0.01), and was the lowest in group E (P<0.01)., Conclusions: Type 2 diabetic patients sustain extensively impaired endothelium function, which is exacerbated with the progression of the disease courses. Synchronized changes between vascular complications and impaired endothelium function indicates that vascular endothelial injury relates to vascular complications and the progression of diabetes.

Aim: To study the levels of 5-fluorouracail (5-FU) in plasma, liver and tumor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after oral administration of 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR)., Methods: Thirty-nine patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with oral 5'-DFUR for more than 4 d before operation. The contents of 5-FU in plasma, liver and tumor were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and apoptosis of tumor cells was evaluated by in-situ TUNEL after resection of tumor., Results: The concentrations of 5-FU were 1.1 mug/mL, 5.6, 5.9, and 10.5 mug/g in plasma, the liver tissue, the center of tumor and the periphery of tumor, respectively. 5-FU concentration was significantly higher in the periphery of tumor than that in the liver tissue and the center of tumor (10.5+/-1.6 mug/g vs 5.6+/-0.8 mug/g, t = 21.38, P<0.05; 10.5+/-1.6 mug/g vs 5.9+/-0.9 mug/g, t = 20.07, P<0.05). 5-FU level was significantly lower in plasma than that in the liver and the tumor (1.1+/-0.3 mug/mL vs 5.6+/-0.8 mug/g, t = 19.63, P<0.05; 1.1+/-0.3 mug/mL vs 10.5+/-1.6 mug/g, t = 41.01, P<0.05). Apoptosis of tumor cells was significantly increased after oral 5'-DFUR compared to the control group without 5'-DFUR treatment., Conclusion: There is a higher concentration of 5-FU distributed in the tumor compared with liver tissue and apoptosis of tumor cells is increased following oral 5'-DFUR compared with the control group. The results indicate that 5'-DFUR is hopeful as neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: To observe the changes in urine albumin (UALB), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in different courses of type 2 diabetes., Methods: Levels of UALB, vWF and PAF were determined in 30 type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients(group A), type 2 diabetic patients without DNP(group B, n=30), patients with impaired glucose tolerance (group C, n=30), the first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients with normal glucose tolerance(group D, n=30) and 30 normal glucose tolerance subjects without family history of type 2 diabetes(group E)., Results: UALB and PAF contents were significantly higher in group A than in the other groups (P<0.01), while between the latter 4 groups, the contents showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Serum vWF level was significantly higher in group A than those in the other groups (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Renal dysfunction and platelet activation are present in type 2 diabetes with microvascular complications, and the synchronized changes between renal dysfunction and platelet activation indicate the involvement of elevated PAF in vascular injury.

Starting from (3R)-5-benzotriazolyl-3-phenylperhydropyrido[2,1-b][1,3]oxazole 9, the enantiodivergent syntheses of both enantiomers of the marine alkaloids haliclorensin 1 and isohaliclorensin 3 have been achieved. Our syntheses feature ring-expansion reactions for the formation of the aza-macrocycle ring system of 3 and sequential ring-expansion reactions (aza-Claisen rearrangement and Zip reaction) for the formation of the aza-macrocycle ring system of 1.

We present a dual-diode, InGaAsP/InP quantum-well modulator that incorporates a monolithically-integrated, InGaAs photodiode as a part of its on-chip, InP optoelectronic circuit. We theoretically show that such a dual-diode modulator allows for wavelength conversion with 10-dB RF-extinction ratio using 7 mW absorbed optical power at 10 Gb/s. We experimentally demonstrate unlimited wavelength conversion across 45 nm between 1525 nm and 1570 nm, and dual-wavelength broadcasting over 20 nm between 1530 nm and 1565 nm, spanning the entire C-band with >10dB RF-extinction ratio and using 3.1-6.7 mW absorbed optical power at 1.25 Gb/s.

Objective: To study the pathogenisis of retrocochlear low frequency hearing loss., Methods: Clinical and audiologic findings [auditory brainstem response (ABR), evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE), et al] of 29 cases with retrocochlear low frequency hearing loss were studied., Results: The head injury, acoustic neuroma, peripheral neurophathy, hereditary hear loss, multiple sclerosis and brainstem disease can cause retrocochlear low frequency hearing loss. The typical clinical manifestations of retrocochlear low frequency hearing loss were normal EOAE which cannot be suppressed by contralateral white noise, but with abnormal ABR as well as with no acoustic reflex and -SP/AP > 0.44., Conclusions: The results suggest that phanerogenetic retrocochlear low frequency hearing loss should be a syndrome rather than a disease called "auditory neuropathy". The main lesions of the disease are brainstem, cochlear nuclei and auditory nerve.

Aim: To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on hepatic steatosis induced by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in rats., Methods: Thirty normal Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: group A, free access to food and water; group B, TPN; group C, TPN plus arginine; group D, TPN plus NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor); group E, TPN plus arginine and L-NAME. At the seventh day, liver function tests were examined, lipid content, nitric oxide level, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were measured, and histology was examined., Results: The hepatic lipid content [triglyceride (mmol/g tissue), cholesterol (mmol/g tissue)] in group B was increased compared with group A (39.3+/-2.4 and 13.1+/-1.1 vs 6.9+/-0.8 and 5.6+/-0.6) (P<0.05). It was higher in group D (50+/-6 and 14.1+/-1.7) than in group B (P<0.05), whereas lower in group C (18+/-4 and 7+/-3) than in group B (P<0.05). The activity and distribution of NOS in the liver were associated with the content and distribution of hepatic lipid., Conclusion: These results suggest that nitric oxide produced by the liver may protect hepatic steatosis induced by total parenteral nutrition in rats.

AIM:To investigate the effects of carnitine on ameliorating hepatic steatosis induced by total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in animal model.METHODS: Eighteen normal Wistar rats and 19 cirrhotic Wistar rats induced by carbon tetrachloride were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., free access to food and drink (group A), TPN (group B) and TPN+carnitine (group C) for one week, respectively. Hepatic function, histology and its fat content were determined on the 7th day.RESULTS: Hepatic triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) contents were significantly higher in groups B and C than in group A,and significantly lower in group C than in group B in both normal and cirrhotic rats (all P < 0.05). Histopathological examinations revealed that hepatic steatosis was more severe in group B than in group C in both normal and cirrhotic rats.CONCLUSION:Carnitine can ameliorate hepatic steatosis associated with TPN in both non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic rats.

The model of membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) in rats was successfully established using self-made cationic bovine serum albumin (C-BSA) and treated with Huangdan Decoction (HDD) and Tripterygium Wilfordii Co. tablet (TW). Results indicated that the levels of urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) in treated groups (groups A, B and C) were significantly decreased as compared with the control group (group D) (P < 0.01). By light and electron microscope and immunofluorescent technique, the damage to kidney in groups A, B and C was found much milder than that in group D with lesion in group A being slightest. These findings suggest that HDD and TW may alleviate the pathological lesions of MGN, prevent or retard its progression, and have remarkable therapeutic effects on MGN.

With DNA polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism assay followed by direct DNA sequencing, p53 gene mutation was examined in bladder transitional epithelial cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma and testicular seminoma. p53 gene mutation was found in 7 cases (35%) of bladder carcinoma and 4 cases (23.5%) of testicular seminoma. Inactivation of Rb gene and activation of ras and c-erbB-2 were also studied. The results suggest that development of urologic neoplasms is closely associated with p53 gene mutation and involves loss of expression of Rb and aberrant expression of ras and c-erbB-2.

Expression of p53 protein was examined in 67 cases of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and 6 normal controls using an immunohistochemical method on paraffin sections. Positive nuclear staining for p53 in malignant cells was found in 34 (51%) of the 67 cancer patients; no positive staining for p53 was detected in any of the normal controls or in the benign cells, including stromal and inflammatory cells, within the tumor tissue. There were 8 positive cases (33%) in 24 grade G1 tumors, 12 (48%) in 25 G2 tumors and 14 (78%) in 18 G3 tumors. p53 protein was detected positively in 14 (36%) of 39 superficial tumors (Tis-T1) and in 20 (71%) of 28 invasive tumors (T2-T4). Thus, positive staining for p53 was found more frequently in poorly differentiated tumors (chi-squared test: G3/G1 + G2 P < 0.01) and in invasive tumors (chi-squared test: T2-T4/Tis-T1 P < 0.01). Expression of p53 was also closely associated with recurrence of tumors. Alterations in p53 expression may be of prognostic value in cases of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

Expression of the ras and the c-erbB-2 oncogene products was investigated in 56 cases of human bladder transitional cell carcinoma and 6 samples of human normal bladder tissue using an immunohistochemical method. Thirty of the 56 cases of bladder tumor were found to be immunohistologically positive with the monoclonal anti-ras p21 antibody, while 19 of 56 cases were positive with the polyclonal anti-c-erbB-2 oncoprotein antibody. All 6 controls were negative with both antibodies. The ras p21 positive staining was found more frequently in the well or moderately differentiated, superficial and non-recurrent tumors than in the poorly differentiated (p < 0.01), muscle invasive (p < 0.05) and recurrent tumors (p < 0.01), while the c-erbB-2 gene product was more commonly detected in high-grade (p < 0.01), invasive (p < 0.01) and recurrent tumors (p < 0.05). Thus, the expression of either ras or c-erbB-2 was closely associated with the histological grade, clinical stage and recurrence of bladder transitional cell carcinomas.

The DNA-Malignancy-Grade(DNA-MG) of paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 38 patients with bladder tumor was determined by image cytometry. A good correlation was found of DNA-MG with clinical staging and histopathological grading. The DNA-MG of T1 and G1 bladder tumor was less than 3.00, while that of T3-4 and G3 bladder tumor was greater than 3.00. The 5-year survival of patients with DNA-MG < 3.00 and > 3.00 was 100% and 36.9%, respectively. The data indicate that DNA-MG plays an important role in the assessment of the prognosis and the planning of treatment.

Effects of impulse noise exposure (25 impulses, peak level 165 dB SPL) on endocochlear potentials (EP) and CAP threshold were investigated in guinea pigs. Eight hours after exposure, EP recorded from the second turn of the cochlea was very low (19.0 +/- 1.7 mV) and the negative EP resulted from prolonged anoxia was markedly diminished (-EPmax = -6.4 +/- 1.3 mV). The return rate of EP after reventilation was also reduced. The positive EP returned to normal values 7 days after exposure but the negative EP and the CAP threshold did not. The results suggest that the stria vascularis was also damaged together with the organ of Corti, the degree of damage seemed to be heavier in the latter if only complete recovery of positive EP is taken into consideration. The stria vascularis was also not completely restored when examining the return rate of EP after reventilation. Mechanisms underlying the changes in EP and hearing sensitivity after noise exposure are discussed.

Flavoxate is a smooth muscle relaxant widely used to treat urgency and urge incontinence. It has been used in an unblinded, uncontrolled clinical trial in 14 urology departments in universities and major hospitals in the People's Republic of China involving 361 patients with urgency/incontinence of various types. Patients were given 200 mg three times daily, orally, for 2 weeks, although 33 patients received a daily dosage of 1200 mg. Frequency, urgency, dysuria, nocturia and incontinence were assessed and scored clinically prior to and after treatment. Three departments also included urodynamic investigations, e.g. monitoring of the end-residual volume. Results from 336 evaluable patients indicate that 228 (67%) were completely cured of urgency/incontinence symptoms, 66 (20%) were improved and 42 (13%) patients were unchanged. Flavoxate was also effective in 77.4% of patients refractory to previous anti-cholinergic treatment. Treatment did not increase the end-residual volume and adverse events occurred only in four (1.3%) patients, two (0.6%) of which discontinued the therapy. The 1200 mg dose produced a complete cure in 82% of patients and improvement in the remaining 18%, with no side-effects. In conclusion, flavoxate is an effective and well tolerated treatment for urgency/incontinence of various causes.