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In this paper, we introduce a class of exact structures in terms of finiteness conditions of modules, which are called n-pure exact structures. We investigate the properties of n-pure derived categories of module categories using n-pure exact structures, and show that n-pure derived categories share many nice properties of classical derived categories. In particular, we show that bounded n-pure derived categories can be realized as certain homotopy categories. We also compare the classical bounded derived categories and the bounded n-pure derived categories, and show that the former can be described by n-pure projective modules.

To improve the bioactivity of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), CaO-SiO

The wetland landscape in Ximen Island National Special Marine Protection Area, Zhejiang Province, was adopted as the study object. Remote sensing images in 2006, 2012, and 2017 were interpreted, and landscape indexes, such as the number of patches (NP), largest patch index (LPI), cohesion (COHESION), division, patch density (PD), Shannon diversity index (SHDI), Shannon equilibrium index (SHEI), and landscape shape index (LSI), were used to monitor and analyze the evolution of the coastal wetland landscape pattern on Ximen Island. Results showed that during 2006–2017, the wetland aquiculture area around Ximen Island presented a gradual decrease from 785 hectares to 712 hectares. The wetland vegetation area increased from 292 hectares to 467 hectares, and the area added was transformed from wetland aquiculture and naked mudflat. Total NP and PD decreased from 1,444 to 1,298 and from 60.3 to 52.2, respectively. From the angle of LSI, SHDI and SHEI gradually increased from 1.2515 to 1.358 and from 0.7776 to 0.8432, respectively, indicating a uniform landscape distribution in the wetlands. The COHESION index increased from 97.9281 to 98.26, manifesting a concentrated landscape distribution in the wetlands. The LSI in the protection area declined from 20.6717 to 18.512, showing that the wetland landscape shapes were regular in the protection area.

结核病是威胁人类健康的重要公共卫生问题之一，疫情形势严峻，预防与治疗存在较大挑战。经典调节血脂的药物他汀类兼有抗炎、免疫调节和抑制病原菌等作用，其在结核病预防和治疗中的作用尚处于探索阶段。.

To determine the regulatory role of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) -mediated catabolic effects of the nucleus pulposus cells in human intervertebral disc degeneration under hypoxic conditions.Human nucleus pulposus cells were cultured and exposed to IL-1β under hypoxic or normoxic environments, with or without NF-κB inhibition. The cell growth was determined using cell counting kit-8; gene and protein expressions were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively.Co-treatment with IL-1β and hypoxia decreased cell viability in human nucleus pulposus cells. There was a positive effect of IL-1β on human nucleus pulposus cells under hypoxia, which was through the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, and ADAMTS-5. IL-1β-induced expressions of MMP-3, MMP-9, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5 under hypoxia were accompanied by increased activation of NF-κB. Inhibition of NF-κBp65 by small interfering RNA or specific inhibitor BAY11-7082 blocked IL-1β-dependent gene upregulation of MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5 in a hypoxic environment. The gene expression of aggrecan was decreased by IL-1β under hypoxic conditions, which was reversed by either BAY11-7082 or NF-κBp65 knockdown.IL-1β and hypoxia synergetically contributed to the catabolic effects of the nucleus pulposus cells by upregulating the expression of MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 through the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating that the NF-κB signaling pathway is a key mediator of intervertebral disc degeneration.

The ecosystem service value on Ximen Island was calculated using the value table of ecosystem services proposed by Xie et al. according to the land use data from 2006–2017. The STIRPAT model was used to analyze the driving mechanisms of ecosystem services on Ximen Island. The results show that the ecosystem service value of Ximen Island has gradually decreased from 2006 to 2017, and the value of ecosystem services has decreased by 15.842 million Yuan over 10 years. Applying the principal component analysis method can effectively eliminate the collinearity problem in the process of regression analysis. The value of ecosystem services has a high correlation with socio-economic variables. The total population, GDP per capita, the increased rate of forestry output, the proportion of primary industry, and the Engel coefficient are all important driving factors that affect the change of valuable ecosystem services on Ximen Island. Among them, the proportion of primary industry is positive, and the other 4 indicators are negative. The rate of increase in forestry output has the greatest negative impact. A 1% increase in the total population, in the GDP per capita, in the rate of forestry output, in the proportion of primary industry, and in the Engel coefficient results in ecosystem service values varying by 0.199%, 0.165%, 0.289%, -0.144%, and 0.252%, respectively.

Primitive cohomology of a Hopf algebra is defined by using a modification of the cobar construction of the underlying coalgebra. Among many of its applications, two classifications are presented. Firstly we classify all non-locally PI, pointed Hopf algebra domains of Gelfand–Kirillov dimension two; and secondly we classify all pointed Hopf algebras of rank one. The first classification extends some results of Brown, Goodearl and others in an ongoing project to understand all Hopf algebras of low Gelfand–Kirillov dimension. The second generalizes results of Krop–Radford and Wang–You–Chen which classified Hopf algebras of rank one under extra hypothesis. Properties and algebraic structures of the primitive cohomology are discussed.

The two-dimensional numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the performances of the diaphragm wall scheme and the composite steel sheet pile wall scheme for a waterfront braced excavation adjacent to the pile-supported wharves, of which the lateral displacement as well as the safety factor of stability of the two retaining structures were analyzed. The results reveal that the composite steel sheet pile wall can exert the greater global bending stiffness and reduce the lateral soil pressure. Therefore, the maximum lateral displacement of the composite steel sheet pile wall is only one-third that of the diaphragm wall and the safety factor against basal heave is higher than the diaphragm wall.

A three-dimensional numerical simulation based on FLAC3D was carried out to investigate the deformation characteristics of a braced excavation with top-down method in typical Shanghai soft soil deposits. The lateral displacement of the retaining wall, the ground surface settlement, and the subsoil movement outside the excavation were studied in detail. The predicted ground surface settlement curves agree well with the empirical ones, therefore, the reliability of the calculated results is verified, which can provide a useful guidance for engineers in design and analysis of similar excavation projects with top-down method.

Three hundred sixty 1-d-old Ross 308 male broilers were used to study the effects of broccoli stem and leaf meal (BSLM) on growth performance, skin pigmentation, antioxidant function, and meat quality. The chicks were fed 4 diets containing different levels (0, 4.0, 8.0, and 12.0%) of BSLM as partial replacement for corn and soybean meal for a period of 42 d. The results showed that dietary supplementation of BSLM had no effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance. As compared with control, dietary 4%, 8%, and 12% BSLM increased (P < 0.05) b value (yellowness) both in shank and breast skin, increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of xanthophylls in abdominal fat and breast skin, improved (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capability, lowered malondialdehyde concentration, and decreased drip loss percentage of breast muscle. Dietary 8% and 12% BSLM decreased (P < 0.05) shank L values (lightness), increased (P < 0.05) shank a value (redness), and increased (P < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase of breast muscle as compared with control. The results indicated that dietary supplementation of BSLM in broiler chickens improved the poultry products quality with the more skin pigmentation and the less drip loss percentage of breast meat. The more skin pigmentation mainly related to the high amount of xanthophylls in BSLM. The decreased meat drip loss fed BSLM may be caused by the antioxidative function of BSLM.

A coassociative Lie algebra is a Lie algebra equipped with a coassociative coalgebra structure satisfying a compatibility condition. The enveloping algebra of a coassociative Lie algebra can be viewed as a coalgebraic deformation of the usual universal enveloping algebra of a Lie algebra. This new enveloping algebra provides interesting examples of noncommutative and noncocommutative Hopf algebras and leads to a classification of connected Hopf algebras of Gelfand-Kirillov dimension four in [WZZ]., Comment: 21 pages

Some lower bounds of GK-dimension of Hopf algebras are given., 23 pages

We construct and study a family of finitely generated Hopf algebra domains H of Gelfand–Kirillov dimension two such that Ext H 1 ( k , k ) = 0 . Consequently, we answer a question of Goodearl and the second-named author.

Single crystal silicon wafers with the crystal orientation of (111) were implanted by carbon ion with the energy of 80 keV and doses of 2×1015 ions/cm2, 2×1016 ions/cm2 and 1×1017 ions/cm2. The crystal structures and chemical bondings of silicon surfaces after C+-implantation were analyzed by XRD and XPS, respectively. Distributions of radiation damages to the single crystal silicon substrate by different C+-implantation doses were calculated by TRIM program. The micro-morphologies of silicon surfaces before and after C+-implantation were observed and their surface roughnesses were demonstrated by means of MicroXAMTM high-accuracy 3D profiler. Contact angles of silicon surfaces before and after C+-implantation were measured using JY-82 contact angle goniometer to evaluate the influence of the C+-implantation dose on the wetting properties of silicon surfaces. Adhesive forces of silicon surfaces before and after C+-implantation were measured using AFM to study the change laws of adhesive forces with the C+-implantation doses. The results showed that the crystal structures changed and lots of C and some SiC were present at the silicon surfaces after C+-implantation. C+-implantation led to the radiation damage structure and lots of micro holes of the silicon surface. Their surface roughness and surface contact angles increased, the wetting properties got worse and surface energies were lower than those of the single crystal silicon. With the increase of the C+-implantation doses, surface damages got heavier, the surface roughness increased, the contact angle increased at first and then decreased, the wetting property changed from worse to better and the surface energy decreased firstly and then increased. The adhesive forces of silicon surfaces increased with the increase of the relative humidity. At the same humidity, the adhesive force of the silicon surface decreased at first and then increased with the increase of the C+-implantation dose.

The in vitro culture of lymphatic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is a crucial step in studying their function and involvement in disease. Yet there is no efficient approach available so far because of the difficulties posed by the small size of most lymphatic vessels. We present a simple yet efficient method for isolating and culturing SMCs of collecting lymphatic vessels from guinea pig mesenteric tissue. In our approach, thin lymphatic vessels were digested twice from adventitia to media to release SMCs, which were then cultured by traditional methods. The lymphatic SMCs we cultured did not exhibit contact inhibition and demonstrated typical SMCs characteristics under light microscope, electron microscope and by immunohistochemical studies. This method is applicable to the culturing of lymphatic SMCs from other organs and provides useful materials for physiological and pathological lymphatic studies.

alpha-Tocopherol is a lipophilic vitamin E that shows antioxidative, antiaging and antiphotodamage activity. Nanometer biotechnology is more widely used in the entrainment system of drug carriers and the development for new pharmaceutical preparations. Ultraviolet irradiation to human skin in the long term can result in photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to observe the biological features of tocopherol submicron emulsion (vitE SME) and to clarify the roles of vitE SME on UVB-induced photodamage in HaCaT keratinocytes (KC). VitE SME was prepared by high-pressure homogenization and microemulsion technique. HaCaT KC was incubated in the culture medium supplied with 1/200 and 1/400 of VitE SME prior to different dosages of UVB irradiation. The vitamin E amount in the culture medium was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cell growth and cellular viability was detected by MTT assay. The amount of vitamin E remaining in the culture medium significantly decreased during the first 8 h, and less than 10% can be detected by the terminal experiment (24 h). No cytotoxicity effect of tocopherol NM on HaCat KC was observed. In contrast to the control group, the cellular viability of VitE SME-treated group increased 44.22% by 24 h. Compared with irradiated groups without VitE SME, cell proliferation decreased by 17.77% and 40.42% when the HaCaT KC was irradiated with 30 mJ/cm(2) and 90 mJ/cm(2) UVB irradiation, respectively. VitE SME has no toxicity to cell culture system and is characterized by stable release and penetration. Pre-incubation with VitE SME can partly reduce UV-induced cell damage, and the photoprotective efficiency to UVB irradiation also shows time dependence.

Neural inhibition in the brain is mainly mediated by ionotropic GABA type A receptors. Apart from the GABA type A receptors, both K+-Cl- cotransporter isoform 2 and the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase, are essential determinants for GABA type A receptor-mediated inhibition. By using immunofluorescent staining, we observed that K+-Cl- cotransporter isoform 2, GABA type A receptor beta 2/3 subunits and a presynaptically localized glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform, glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, were all absent in adult Sprague-Dawley rat medial habenular nucleus, while immunopositive staining for glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, GABA and GABA type B receptor type 2 subunit were present in the medial habenular nucleus. Consistent with the lack of GABA type A signaling as detected by immunohistochemistry, GABA (100 ILM) evoked no measurable currents in the medial habenular nucleus but induced bicuculline-sensitive currents in the lateral habenular nucleus and in the CA1 area of hippocampus. We also failed to record miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents in medial habenular nucleus neurons. These results support the idea that GABAergic transmission in medial habenular nucleus is probably not mediated by any of the most common GABA type A receptor subtypes. Our data suggest that GABA type B receptor-mediated inhibition may play a role in balancing neuronal excitation in this special region. Further exploration for factors determining medial habenular nucleus neural inhibition will lead to a more complete understanding of control of synaptic balance in the CNS. (c) 2006 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SDS-PAGE, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect heat shock proteins (HSPs) 60, 70 and 90 in canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT). Tissues tested for HSPs included: (1) tissues from different growth phases of CTVT tumors artificially induced in dogs; (2) tissues from other canine tumors; (3) normal dog tissues. Our results indicate that HSP 60 was consistently higher in CTVT cells in regressing phase than those in progressing phase. However, no detectable antibody response specific to the tested HSPs was found in the sera from CTVT-laden dogs in different growth phases. Although levels of the HSPs were all detectable in CTVT cells, only 60 and 70 were higher in CTVT cells than in normal tissues. In addition, none of the HSPs were detected in cells from five other canine tumors. These data suggest that canine HSP 60 and 70 are potential markers for CTVT and HSP 60 is appear to be involved in CTVT regression.PCR was used to confirm the existence of CTVT cells using primers designed to cover the sequence between the 5' end of c-myc near the first exon and the 3' end outside the LINE gene. Only CTVT samples were positive for this sequence; samples from other tumors and normal tissues were negative. The sequenced PCR products indicated that CTVT from Taiwan and other countries exhibited over 98% sequence homology. This reconfirms that, worldwide, all CTVT cells are very similar.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms. They are relatively uncommon and characterised by a relatively indolent clinical course. The indolent nature of NETs has long been enigmatic and recent advances in apoptosis research have led to speculation regarding the role of programmed cell death in NET tumorigenesis. It is hoped that a fundamental molecular understanding will help explain these variant behaviors that are so evident to the clinician, and ultimately yield novel and more effective therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated that deregulation of programmed cell death may be a critical component in the multistep tumorigenesis of NETs and that the frequent expression of the BCL-2 oncoprotein in these tumors may contribute to their pathogenesis. The genetic complementation of simultaneously deregulated BCL-2 and c-MYC may be implicated in the multistep tumorigenesis of human NETs. It is also clear that numerous cellular gene products can and will be shown to impact upon apoptosis in NETs; some of these may even be molecules identified as oncoproteins or tumor suppressors. The major challenge will be to ascribe primary pathogenetic significance to tumor-associated derangements in expression of these molecules, and hopefully to then exploit our knowledge toward therapeutic benefit.

Interview survey is the often selected method to investigate falls among the elderly. However, the reliability of data obtained by that method has not be confirmed. The aim of this study is to clarify the number of intervals of recollection that should be specified to ensure accurate data when we investigate falls by using interview surveys among the elderly.We carried out a total health survey among the elderly in Shigenobu town, and reported about the frequency of falls and its relating factors. Sex, age, walking ability over a distance of 1 km and hospitalization experience for past 1 year were related to falls significantly. In this study, we set 3 groups matching for the above factors in addition to history of falls during the preceding a year, and for one year we asked about falls every month for the first group (116 participants), every 3 months for the second group (116 participants) respectively. The third group (118 participants) was asked once at the end of this study. These three groups totaled 350 persons who were participants of physical fitness measurements that we carried out in Shigenobu town. The existence of falls was investigated by mail, and the nonrespondents were questioned by direct telephone calls.For reasons such as death, moving out, hospitalization and answer denial, persons whose answer was not obtained were excluded from the analysis. Finally, 87.1% in the 1st group, and 89.7% in the 2nd group and 96.6% in the 3rd group were analyzed. Statistically significant difference for the above factors related to falls did not exist among the 3 groups. Annual incidence for falls tended to be more frequent in the 1st group that in the 3rd group (20.5% in the 1st group, 15.9% in the 2nd group and 6.4% in the 3rd group) in males. In females, such a difference was not observed. (26.3% in the 1st group, 18.3% in the 2nd group and 20.9% in the 3rd group).There were no significant differences for the factors related to falls in 3 groups, therefore, the groups had almost similar backgrounds. In men, the difference of annual reported incidence between the 1st group and the 3rd group may be due to differences in the method of recollection.

Acquired resistance to apoptosis in neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) may promote clonal expansion and enhance the likelihood that subsequent mutations lead to growth or persistence of the neoplastic clone. Recent studies have demonstrated that deregulation of programmed cell death may be a critical component in multistep tumourigenesis of NETs and that the frequent expression of the Bcl-2 oncoprotein in these tumours may contribute to their pathogenesis. The genetic complementation of simultaneously deregulated Bcl-2 and c-Myc may be implicated in the multistep tumourigenesis of human NETs. Furthermore, because the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy relies on its ability to induce programmed cell death, resistance to apoptosis typically correlates with chemoresistance, a phenomenon that is typical in NETs. Consideration of how oncogenes affect rates of cell death, in addition to augmenting growth, has already provided valuable insights into the biology of cancer. Understanding the molecular and cellular features of this process may enable the development and application of more effective and potentially curative treatment strategies in which the induction of programmed cell death is an integral component.

To examine mobility level in community-dwelling elderly using a questionnaire of walking ability over a distance of 1 km and its relationship to activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL) indices, and to obtain clues to mobility impairment in the elderly.A total of 3,266 community-dwelling elderly aged 60 to 84 years were interviewed with questionnaires for assessing mobility, ADL and QOL levels. The mobility was assessed by walking ability over a distance of 1 km, and the ADL levels were by conventional basic ADL, comprehensive mobility index and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence, and the QOL levels were by self-rated health, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) short-version and Life Satisfaction Index-K (LSIK). They were also asked about diseases for which they regularly consult doctors, and about subjective symptoms.Eighty-seven percent of the subjects responded to the interview, with 86.3% of male responders and 77.6% of female responders answering that they could walk on foot over a distance of 1 km without any difficulty. The percentages of subjects who answered that they could walk but with difficulty or could not walk over a distance of 1 km increased with advancing age. The correlation analysis between 1 km-walking ability and other mobility indices showed that 1 km-walking ability was a better index for identifying a slight to moderate mobility impairment, and that the mobility level was closely associated with daily activity levels in the community-dwelling elderly. The elderly with an impaired mobility had lowered self-rated health, GDS and LSIK scores. After controlling for sex and age, it was shown that prevalences of musculoskeltal (knee arthritis, lower back pain, etc.), cerebrovascular and heart diseases, and complaints of subjective symptoms which were associated with physical frailty, were closely associated with impaired mobility. Hearing and visual disturbances also had a significant relation to a lowered mobility.Walking ability over a distance of 1 km may be a good index for discriminating differing mobility levels which community-dwelling elderly have intrinsically. The possible etiological factors for a lowered mobility in the elderly include musculoskeletal, cerebrovascular and heart diseases; physical frailty; and hearing and visual disturbances.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an uncommon tumour of calcitonin-secreting C-cells of the thyroid gland. This cancer represents an important potential model for the study of mechanisms of human epithelial cell transformation. Although recent studies have identified the gene involved in familial forms of MTC, little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of the sporadic variants of this tumour. The biological and prognostic significance of TFF1 expression, particularly in diverse human malignancies, suggests that the TFF1 protein could have a role in human neoplasia. Furthermore, in prostate cancer it has been demonstrated that TFF1 expression is closely associated with premalignant changes and neuroendocrine differentiation. In the present study, the expression of TFF1 was analysed in 18 human MTCs, comprising sporadic and familial tumours, C-cell hyperplasia, and one case of lymph gland metastasis. TFF1 expression was also examined in the cultures of a human MTC-derived tumour cell line (TT cell line). The results showed that ten sporadic tumours, three hereditary tumours (including C-cell hyperplasia), and one lymph gland metastasis displayed TFF1 immunoreactivity. Indirect fluorescence immunocytochemistry and Western blotting revealed that the TFF1 protein was strongly expressed in the TT cells. Northern analysis revealed that tumours and TT cells expressed the TFF1 transcript. Although the function of TFF1 protein in the carcinogenesis of MTC remains to be elucidated, its expression in the majority of cases of both sporadic and hereditary tumours, metastatic tumours, and in C-cell hyperplasia suggests that it may contribute to the pathogenesis of MTC.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a tumor of parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. It has served as a useful experimental model for the study of tumor proliferation and differentiation. Although recent studies have identified the gene involved in familial forms of MTC, little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of the sporadic variants of this tumor. It has become increasingly clear that deregulation of programmed cell death is a critical component in multistep tumorigenesis. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether similar molecular events occur in human MTC. Eighteen MTCs from 18 patients (including 12 sporadic and six familial cases and one metastatic lymph gland) and a MTC cell line (TT cells) were used in this study for detecting the expression of apoptosis-regulatory genes bcl-2, bax, c-myc, and p53. Immunohistochemical results showed that all MTC tumor samples displayed Bcl-2 and c-Myc immunoreactivity, whereas only 4 and 2 tumors showed a minority of cells positive for Bax and p53, respectively. Western and Northern blotting showed high levels of 26-kd Bcl-2 protein and bcl-2 transcript. The co-expression of Bcl-2 and c-Myc was also detected in the TT cells by indirect fluorescence immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Moreover, Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was also found in C-cell hyperplasia from familial patients indicating that expression of this oncogene may represent an early event in the pathogenesis of MTC. The present study suggests that deregulation of programmed cell death may be a critical component in multistep tumorigenesis of MTC and that the frequent expression of the Bcl-2 oncoprotein in these tumors may contribute to their pathogenesis. The genetic complementation of simultaneously deregulated bcl-2 and c-myc may be implicated in the multistep tumorigenesis of human MTC.

Several genetic aberrations have been implicated in the carcinogenesis of small cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs), including tumour suppressor gene p53 deletion and mutation and amplification of the myc family proto-oncogenes. However, their exact ontogeny and carcinogenesis remain unknown. There are no proven aetiological factors for lung carcinoid tumours. Recent evidence suggests that the genetic regulation of apoptosis is of critical importance during tumourigenesis and that oncogene and tumour suppressor genes can regulate the rate, or susceptibility, of cells to undergo apoptosis. In this study, the expression of Bcl-2 protein has been investigated in 77 primary lung neuroendocrine tumours, including 55 SCLCs and 22 carcinoid tumours, and compared with p53 expression. Of the 77 tumours studied, Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was present in 80 per cent of SCLCs, 43 per cent of typical, and 67 per cent of atypical carcinoid tumours with more than 10 per cent tumour cell positivity. Western and Northern blot analysis revealed that carcinoid tumours expressed the 26 kD protein and bcl-2 transcripts. Whereas 42 per cent of the SCLCs studied displayed p53 protein immunoreactivity in more than 10 per cent of tumour cells, p53 positivity was not found in lung carcinoid tumours. There are statistical differences in Bcl-2 and p53 expression between SCLCs and lung carcinoid tumours. These results suggest that disregulation of the genetic mechanisms controlling apoptosis is a critical step in the progression of SCLC, and the expression of Bcl-2 is involved in the pathogenesis of SCLC and lung carcinoid tumours. The genetic complementation of simultaneously deregulated Bcl-2 and p53 may be implicated in the multistep tumourigenesis of small cell lung cancer.

That carotid body tumours have a genetic aetiology is suggested by the familial occurrence of the neoplasm. Environmental influences are also implied by the fact that the tumour is more common in those living at high altitudes. However, the mechanism of development of sporadic tumours occurring at sea level, which account for the majority of cases, remains unknown. It has become increasingly clear that the deregulation of programmed cell death is a critical component in multistep tumourigenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated a high frequency of bcl-2 expression in the tumours arising from cells derived from the neural crest and tumour cell lines of neural origin. This investigation was undertaken to determine whether similar molecular events occur in human carotid body tumours. Western and Northern analysis revealed that the tumours expressed the 26 kD protein and bcl-2 transcripts. Immunoperoxidase staining, using a monoclonal anti-bcl-2 antibody, revealed that 11 out of 13 specimens stained positively for bcl-2. These results suggest that the deregulation of programmed cell death may be a critical component in the multistep tumourigenesis of carotid body tumours and that the expression of oncoprotein bcl-2 may contribute to the generation of such tumours.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the gastroenteropancreatic system include pancreatic islet cell and carcinoid tumors. These tumors comprise a functionally and biologically heterogeneous group of neoplasms that rarely show reliable histopathologic signs of malignancy. No etiologic factors are proven to be associated with them, and their exact ontogeny and carcinogenesis remain unknown.Monoclonal antibodies were employed, along with microwave antigen retrieval and the avidin-biotin immunohistochemical method, to investigate the expression of c-myc, bcl-2, c-erb B-2, c-erb B-3, c-jun, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in a retrospective series of 116 primary gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GPNTs). The authors attempted to correlate this expression with the clinicopathologic outcome of the disease.Immunoreactivities for c-myc, bcl-2, c-erb B-2, c-erb B-3, and c-jun were detected in 100%, 45%, 24%, 7%, and 24% of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNTs), respectively. In carcinoid tumors, immunoreactivities were detected for c-myc (63%), bcl-2 (28%), c-erb B-2 (31%), c-erb B-3 (6%), and c-jun (23%). There were significantly higher incidences of c-myc, bcl-2, and c-erb B-2 immunoreactivities in carcinoid tumors of the rectum than in those of the appendix, and significantly higher incidences of bcl-2 and c-jun immunoreactivities in carcinoid tumors of the bronchus than in those of the appendix. Incidence of PCNA immunoreactivity was significantly higher in malignant than in benign PNTs and also significantly higher in carcinoid tumors of the jejunum and ileum than in those of the appendix.The oncogenes c-myc, bcl-2, c-erb B-2, and c-jun are frequently expressed in human GPNTs. The expression of these oncogenes may represent pathogenic events in the generation, malignant transformation, and progression of GPNTs. The immunohistochemical evaluation of cell kinetics in GPNTs by PCNA might be a useful adjunct to conventional diagnostic procedures.

pS2 protein expression has been demonstrated in a range of malignant tissues in an oestrogen-independent pathway. Recently, it has been demonstrated that pS2, in prostate cancer, is closely associated with neuro-endocrine differentiation. In the present study, we have analyzed, by immunohistochemistry along with microwave antigen retrieval, the expression of pS2 protein in a retrospective series of 236 human primary neuro-endocrine tumours and attempted to correlate this with the clinicopathologic features of patients and the presence of oestrogen receptor (ER). pS2 immunoreactivity was detected in 42% of small-cell lung carcinomas, 36% of lung carcinoids, 33% of phaeochromocytomas, 38% of carotid-body tumours, 31% of pancreatic neuro-endocrine tumours, 60% of stomach carcinoids, 55% of ileal carcinoids, 23% of appendiceal carcinoids and 86% of rectal carcinoids respectively in more than 10% tumour cells. No pituitary tumours displayed pS2 immunoreactivity. pS2 transcript was also detected in lung carcinoid and carotid-body tumours by Northern-blot analysis. There was a statistically higher incidence of pS2 expression in carcinoid tumours of the ileum and rectum than in those of the appendix. No association was observed between pS2 expression and the occurrence of the carcinoid syndrome; nor was any correlation observed between the occurrence of pS2 immunoreactivity and that of ER. Our results suggest that the expression of the pS2 protein in a wide spectrum of neuro-endocrine tumours may be implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of some neuro-endocrine tumours in an oestrogen-independent pathway.

The genetic etiology of carotid body tumors is suggested by the familial occurrence of the neoplasm. Environmental influences are also implied by the fact that the tumor is more common in those living at high altitudes. However, the development of sporadic tumors occurring at sea level, which account for the majority of cases, remains unknown.The clinical and pathologic features of 13 carotid body tumors excised in 13 patients were reviewed. Two patients had bilateral tumors, one with a strong family history, and two patients had recurrent carotid body tumors. All tumors were benign except for one that had local lymph gland metastases. All patients were followed up for a period ranging from 1 to 17 years. Each tumor was examined for the oncoproteins c-myc, bcl-2 c-erbB-2, c-erbB-3 and c-jun and for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by immunohistochemistry.c-myc immunoreactivity was observed in all tumors and, in 12 of 13 cases, was present in more than 10% of tumor cells, bcl-2 immunoreactivity was found in 11 cases with 6 tumors exhibiting more than 10% immunopositive cells, c-jun expression was found in 5 cases with 3 tumors containing more than 10% immunopositive cells. Only two tumors were positive for c-erb-B2 immunoreactivity with a cytoplasmic staining pattern. One tumor was positive for c-erb-B3.The oncogenes c-myc, bcl-2 and c-jun, are abnormally expressed in some carotid body tumors. Their expression may contribute to the genesis of carotid body tumors.

Six cases showing abnormal radiographic appearance of the pulp cavity are presented in this article.According to the etiology.they are approximately divided into four patterns as follows:The first one was caused by hereditary disease,represented by mainly opalescent dentin.In the early stage,enlargement of the pulp cavity is obvious in radiograph,but in the late stage extensive atresia is observed.The second one was caused by tooth dysplasia.Its common clinical features are the maxillary lateral incisor accompanied by a lingual gingival groove and the mandibular second molar a "c-shaped" root canal.In radiograms,the former looks like a second root canal,while the latter regular pictures as if a reamer has perforated the pulp floor.The third one was caused by root fracture,especially root vertical fracture.The root canal space can be seen widened.The abnormal images might be due to the change of X-ray projected angulation.It's important that a clinical doctor must know all these in order to make correct diagnosis and render proper treatment.

SpZ12-1 is a zinc-finger transcription factor. Previous work has indicated that this factor functions late in embryogenesis as a spatial transcriptional repressor. We show here that this factor is present in significant quantities even in unfertilized egg cytoplasm, and in similar quantities in mesenchyme blastula-stage embryo cytoplasm. Taken together with earlier measurements of Calzone and associates, our observations indicate that SpZ12-1 enters the embryonic nuclei between late cleavage and mesenchyme blastula stages. A low-prevalence mRNA encoding SpZ12-1 is also present throughout development. Translation of this mRNA could, however, easily account for the complete complement of SpZ12-1 protein in the embryo, as estimated from its DNA binding activity. SpZ12-1 probably functions at several developmental stages and is evidently of both maternal and embryonic provenance.

Blood gas and acid-base assessment of maternal dorsalis pedis artery and umbilical artery and vein was carried out immediately after delivery in 46 cases of normal term pregnancy and 41 cases of pregnancy with fetal distress (FD). Blood gas and acid-base equilibrium differences between vaginal delivery and cesarean section were studied. The results showed a low BE value (-3mmol/L) in maternal artery of both groups, and that the other parameters were all within normal range, not being different between the normal pregnancy and FD group. Blood gas assaying of umbilical veins of the 2 groups also showed no difference. In comparison with the normal pregnant group, the FD group yielded significantly decreased values of pH, PO2 and O2Sat in umbilical artery but significantly increased PCO2 (P0.05). Women of both groups delivered vaginally had milder metabolic acidosis and slighter hypoxia than those delivered by cesarean section. Marked fetal acidosis and low Apgar score were more commonly seen in the FD group. These indicated that to delay labor to near term and to perform cesarean section for relieving fetal distress is advisable.

The original goal of this study was to try and understand the relationship between the thermal and mechanical properties of particulate flows. Two situations were examined. The first is a study of the effects of simple shear flows, as a embryonic flow type on the apparent thermal conductivity and apparent viscosity of a dry granular flow. The second study involved fluidized beds. The original idea was to try and relate the heat transfer behavior of a fluidized bed to the ``particle pressure,`` the forces by only the particle phase of the two-phase mixture. (VC)

An adult case of metachromatic leukodystrophy, proved by characteristic findings of the brain and superficial sural nerve biopsies, but with absence of deficiency of arylsulphatase A activity in the leucocytes, was reported. The long course of thirty years, the absence of deficiency of arylsulphatase A activity, the discrepancy between the normal conduction velocity of the peripheral nerves and the typical pathological findings of the superficial sural nerve under the light and electron microscopes and the significance of the diffuse hypodense areas and high intensity signals of the cerebral white matter on CT and MRI respectively, were discussed.