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The postnatal skeleton undergoes growth, modeling, and remodeling. The human skeleton is a composite of diverse tissue types, including bone, cartilage, fat, fibroblasts, nerves, blood vessels, and hematopoietic cells. Fracture nonunion and bone defects are among the most challenging clinical problems in orthopedic trauma. The incidence of nonunion or bone defects following fractures is increasing. Stem and progenitor cells mediate homeostasis and regeneration in postnatal tissue, including bone tissue. As multipotent stem cells, skeletal stem cells (SSCs) have a strong effect on the growth, differentiation, and repair of bone regeneration. In recent years, a number of important studies have characterized the hierarchy, differential potential, and bone formation of SSCs. Here, we describe studies on and applications of SSCs and/or mesenchymal stem cells for bone regeneration.

The immersed tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) is the first of its kind constructed using semi-rigid elements and making a breakthrough in the structural theory. This paper explains the reason for applying the semi-rigid elements in an immersed tunnel and provides the design details using the example of the HZMB Tunnel. A theoretical analysis method based on the body-spring model is proposed for segmental joints of the semi-rigid elements. Potential challenges in the application of the semi-rigid elements are identified. Compared with the rigid (monolithic) elements and flexible (segmental) elements, the semi-rigid elements can improve the safety of segmental joints by increasing the flexural rigidity and joint friction. In addition, applying the semi-rigid elements can reduce the construction cost by retaining prestressed cables. Despite the advantages of the semi-rigid elements, some uncertainties arise due to the functional change of prestressed cables from a temporary structure to a permanent one. The location, number, and prestress level of the remaining prestressed cables need to be studied in accordance with the mechanical and waterproofing properties. The long-term prestress loss of prestressed cables should also be taken into consideration, especially the loss of asymmetric prestress in a marine environment. With the development of economy in costal regions, more immersed tunnels will face the similar engineering geological problems as the HZMB Tunnel. Discussing the technology of semi-rigid element has both engineering and theoretical significance to the development of immersed tunnels.

Although segmental elements have excellent deformation and anti-crack abilities, differential settlements of immersed tunnels caused by differential compression of soil (or foundation) and surcharge (or discharge) on the natural foundation section should be concerned in the service stage. Especially, when prestressed cables are cut off after immersing construction, shear keys on segmental joints are the only structural guarantee to resist deformation during the occurrence of differential settlements. Currently, uniform criteria are not available for the design of shear keys in segmental joints, and few physical model tests have been performed to examine the mechanical properties of segmental joints in immersed tunnels. This study investigates the mechanical properties of segmental joints in the immersed tunnel of the Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in China. A series of 1:4.69 large-scale segmental joint model tests were conducted on a settlement platform. Shear force distribution and transfer mechanisms on segmental joints were studied, and allowable differential settlements of segments were determined. In addition, failure features of shear keys and reinforcement measures were propounded. The results of this study are useful for structural safety assessment and further application of segmental type immersed tunnels.

With the development of economy, the road construction of our country gets a rapid progress. Especially in mountain roads, the influence of road construction on environment has increasingly been focused. The environmental problems of road construction on project are mostly embodied in those problems of water, air, and ecology. landscape, this paper is taking the Baise-Leye highway as the study area, using the remote sensing and uc-winroad to assess the view of highway. The landscape consideration of public roads mainly focuses on the internal coordination and the protection and use of topography. The purpose is to form highways with smooth and changeable visual landscape corridors.

This paper is taking the Baise-Leye highway as the study area, using 3D technique to investigate the eco-environment. With the advancement of computer technology, especially the development of GIS technology, the paper is using the 3D GIS technique in the field of highway engineering will be more profound. The authors are taking the UAV image to extract 3D network and model, based on 3D model, the authors carry out highway environment simulation analysis. The authors also construct pollution assessment method to evaluate of road environment information.

With the development of economy, the road construction of our country gets a rapid progress. Especially in mountain roads, the influence of road construction on environment has increasingly been focused. The environmental problems of road construction on project are mostly embodied in those problems of water, air, and ecology. landscape, this paper is taking the Baise-Leye highway as the study area, using the remote sensing and GIS technique to investigate the eco-environment. With RS, GIS, from Remote sensing analysis and ecological degradation degree evaluation, comprehensive consideration of the ecological characteristics, economic and cultural development level, environmental pollution prevention, etc. Investigate and study the ecological status of roads before and after highway construction. Provide a basis for the rational presentation of ecological restoration measures, system of highway ecological landscape by using 3S technology and analytic hierarchy process.

The compartment steel-concrete-steel (CSCS) composite structures with longitudinal and transverse diaphragms and ribs own superiorities over traditional structural types and becomes a trend for mega immersed tunnels in the future. However, the investigations on the mechanisms of the out- of-plane performances of CSCS composite structures are rather limited. 3 bending tests and 3 shear tests were conducted and it is found that the current design method of bending has enough accuracy but the restrictions of rib spacing due to local buckling could be further relaxed. However, the current design method of shear cannot predict the shear resistance satisfactorily. Through theoretical analysis, a shear design method considering the combination of steel-concrete composite anti-shear mechanism and steel web anti-shear mechanism is proposed and verified, this method agrees well with the test and is suggested to be used in application.

Background Endovascular treatment of large and giant intracranial aneurysms and long-term results of angiographic follow-up of these aneurysms treated endovascularly are not known currently. Purpose To investigate the outcome of endovascular treatment of large and giant aneurysms and the long-term angiographic follow-up results. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients with endovascular treatment of large and giant aneurysms between 1998 and 2009 was performed. There were 90 large or giant aneurysms treated with coiling alone, stent-assisted coiling, covered-stent deployment, or parent artery occlusion (PAO) in 88 patients (female/male, 54/34; age range, 23–92 years; mean age, 56 years). Results Immediately after the initial endovascular embolization procedure, complete occlusion was achieved in 56.7%, near complete occlusion in 37.8%, and incomplete occlusion in 5.5%. The total periprocedural complication rate excluding subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced vasospasm was 10.2% with a mortality rate of 2.3%. Follow-up angiography was performed in all of the aneurysms with the longest follow-up duration of 131 months. Among 38 aneurysms initially treated with coiling alone and 17 initially treated with stent-assisted coiling, 22 (57.9%) and four (23.5%) recurred, respectively, during follow-up. No recurrence occurred in aneurysms initially treated with covered-stent deployment or PAO. Aneurysm recurrence was predominantly seen in older and female patients, in larger aneurysms, and in aneurysms treated with coiling alone. Twenty-three aneurysms were successfully retreated endovascularly. Conclusion Endovascular intervention with coiling alone or stent-assisted coiling for large and giant cerebral aneurysms is not very effective, while covered stents are more promising. Better endovascular devices are needed to obtain more secure closure.

In this paper, the polyester chips were crystallized, dried up, grinded into power, mixed with dispersant and anionic powder whose surface has been modified. The conventional properties and capacity of releasing anion for the anionic functional PET fiber were studied. It was found that, as adopted the compound dispersant A+B, the intrinsic viscosity of the PET chips is about 0.72, the dispersibility and the spinnability is good, and the activity of the anionic powder is higher. The breaking strength of the anionic PET fiber decreases from 3.2cN/dtex to 2.6cN/dtex when the content of the anionic functional filler increases from 2 to 4 wt%. However, with increasing the anionic functional filler content, the capacity of releasing anion for the functional PET fiber increases and the number of the negative oxygen ion is 1430 / cm3, which is about two times when the content of anionic functional filler increases from 2 wt% to 4wt%.

Settlement reducing pile foundation has recently been proposed as an important progress in the design theory of pile foundation, which is one type of deformation-based foundations. Compared with the common design method, settlement reducing pile foundation can greatly reduce the number of required piles. Aimed to the influence of pile cap, cushion, pile spacing, pile length on bearing behavior of settlement reducing pile foundation, the indoor tests on steel pipe settlement reducing pile foundation for immersed tunnel were carried out in sand. Based on uniform design, the six groups of tests with 3×4 pile groups were conducted, furthermore, earth pressure, axial force of pile shaft, and foundation settlement were measured. When the load applied increased, the plastic failure of the soil occurred under the corner of immersed tunnel. The result shows that the earth pressure distribution against immersed tunnel is similar to the normal base reaction in sand which is big in the center and small in the border. The correlation analysis result indicates that apply pile cap, reduce cushion thickness, increase pile spacing and increase pile length can increase the pile load sharing ratio. Compared with the average value of correlation coefficient of each influencing factor, pile length has the most remarkable effect on the pile load sharing ratio, then cushion and pile cap, and pile spacing has the minimal effect among these influencing factors. The research can provide a reference for design of relevant projects.

The PLA/tourmaline composites were prepared by co-extrusion of PLA chips and tourmaline fillers. Rheological behavior of PLA chips and PLA/tourmaline composites were analyzed using a capillary rheometer. Experimental results showed that the rheological curves complex viscosity of the PLA chips exhibited a non-Newtonian flow behaviour. Complex viscosity of the PLA chips decreased with the temperature increasing. A non-Newtonian flow behaviour was observed in all the PLA/tourmaline composites samples at lower shear rate. The complex viscosity of PLA blends increased with the input of tourmaline. The viscous flow activation energy of PLA/tourmaline blend melts decreased compared with that of neat PLA chips. Keyword: Rheological behavior; poly(lactic acid); tourmaline; meltblowing

A coupled model for horizontal wells with perforation completion was built by combing the flow models in reservoir and wellbore. Then used the genetic algorithm to determine the flow rate and pressure distribution along the wellbore. The influence of the length and position of the perforation section to the production ability was also studied. The partition perforation optimization technique can uniform the inflow profile along the horizontal wellbore, prolong the develop cycle, and increase the development benefit.

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD), a new self-adaptive signal processing method, has been recently developed for nonlinear and non-stationary time series analysis. In this paper, EMD method is described and applied in time-frequency analysis. Aiming at the problems of intrinsic mode function (IMF) criterion in the EMD method, neural network (NN) prediction model and wavelet packet transform (WPT) technology are simultaneously introduced into the EMD method to improve the border effect and to enhance the ability of signal analysis, and thus a hybrid EMD-based time-frequency analysis strategy is proposed. The simulated time series are exploited to verify the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid model. Experimental results indicate that the hybrid strategy gives a quite satisfactory performance when both NN prediction model and WPT method are employed.

The PPS needle nonwoven filter were treated by singeing, calendaring, dipping and covering with PTFE membrane. Their structure and property were studied. The results showed that the thickness of filter was decreased and their weight was increased by finishing. Their surface structure became denser after being treated. The pore diameter and filtration resistance of the filter were increased by finishing. The filtration efficiency of the filter was largely improved by finishing, especially covering with the PTFE membrane.

Thermal residual stresses in polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter arising from the difference in thermal expansion between the polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and the supporting tungsten carbide substrate after sintering at high pressure and high temperature were investigated using finite element simulation, laboratory tests and theoretical analysis. The obtained results show that although compressive residual stresses exist both in the interface of PCD table and in the most region of PCD table surface, the tensile residual stress, which is a fatal shortage to PDC, can also occur near the outer diameter area of PCD table, and the maximum value is 690 MPa. Distribution of tensile stress in the PCD table is given through experimental results, which is well consistent with the numerical results. This finding may be significant in designing new PDC cutters with lower residual stress and high cutting behavior.

The residual stresses on the top surface and side face of the diamond layer of PDC with 25.4mm in diameter and 3.2mm in thickness were measured using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy, thus the stresses and their radial and vertical distributions were obtained. To evaluate the magnitude of the thermal residual microstress in the diamond layer of PDC, the tungsten carbide substrate of PDC was cut by electric discharge machining (EDM), and several Raman measurements were performed on the top surface of the diamond layer. The results show that 1) the stresses in the central part of the diamond surface are compressive, the biggest stress is about 600 MPa, the magnitude of the stress decreases from the center to the edge of PDC, and at about 2mm near the edge of PDC, the stress becomes tensile; 2) the stresses on the side face of the diamond layer are tensile, the maximum is about 580 MPa near the interface. These tensile stresses are thought to be one of the main factors to cause delamination of PDC used for cutting tools; 3) the measured value of the microstress in the diamond layer is 62.5MPa.

A new scheme is proposed to model 3D angular motion of a revolving regular object with miniature, low-cost micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers (instead of gyroscope), which is employed in 3D mouse system. To sense 3D angular motion, the static property of MEMS accelerometer, sensitive to gravity acceleration, is exploited. With the three outputs of configured accelerometers, the proposed model is implemented to get the rotary motion of the rigid object. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, an input device is developed with the configuration of the scheme. Experimental results show that a simulated 3D cube can accurately track the rotation of the input device. The result indicates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model in the 3D mouse system.

Cervical actinomycosis with spinal cord compression is extremely rare. The clinical presentation of spinal actinomycosis may be nonspecific and back pain is the most consistent early symptom. Here, we present such a case with fever, pain in the neck and upper back, progressive weakness and numbness in all 4 limbs with difficulty ambulating, constipation and uroschesis. Correct diagnosis is difficult because the clinical and radiological findings of actinomycosis closely resemble metastatic tumors and other infectious processes. Timely surgical debridement and decompression contributed to the prompt improvement of the patient’s conditions, and histopathological demonstration of the inflammatory granulation tissue and Gram-positive sulfur-containing filamentous bacteria led to the correct diagnosis of actinomycosis. The diagnosis must be made promptly because delayed treatment can result in irreversible neurologic damage or death. Timely and long-term antibacterial therapy is essential for the complete recovery of the patient with actinomycosis.

Background Deep neck infection is not difficult to diagnose clinically, but correct localization of the involved space for timely incision and drainage is not easy without assistance of imaging. Purpose To investigate the images of deep neck space infection of phlegmon and abscess and the role of imaging examination in correct localization and treatment. Material and Methods Between June 2004 and June 2010, 28 patients were diagnosed with deep neck infection (14 men, 14 women; age range, 17–72 years; mean age, 46 years). Clinical presentations included neck swelling, pain, dysphagia, fever, and elevated white blood cell count. Of the 28 cases, 20 had computed tomography (CT) scans, 18 had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, and 10 had both CT and MRI. Results All 28 patients were confirmed by CT and/or MRI to have deep neck infection, with 11 cases in the retropharyngeal space, five in the parapharyngeal space, four in the masseteric space, and eight in multiple spaces. Thirteen cases had abscesses that were successfully treated with incision and drainage under CT guidance in combination with large doses of antibiotics, and 15 had phlegmon managed with large doses of antibiotics. Followed up for 5–20 months, all patients recovered completely. Two patients were confirmed by imaging examination to have retropharyngeal infection spreading to the superior mediastinum with abscess formation and another two patients had multiple space infection because inappropriate puncture or incision for drainage without imaging guidance in these patients caused the spread of infection. Clinical diagnosis was not accurate with only 12 patients (42.9%) being correctly diagnosed of the exact deep neck space involved before imaging confirmation. CT and/or MRI made the correct diagnosis in all 28 patients. CT and/or MRI also directly changed the treatment plan in seven patients and contributed to the recovery of these patients. Conclusion CT and MRI play a crucial role in both the diagnosis and correct puncture and incision for drainage of the deep neck space infection.

To assess the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of treating functional dyspepsia (FD) by Chinese medical syndrome typing (CMST).A randomized, positive-drug parallel controlled study was conducted. Recruited were 170 FD patients who were randomly assigned to the test group (13 cases, treated by Chinese herbs) and the control group (34 cases, treated by Western medicine) in the ratio of 4:1. Different recipes were administered to patients in the test group according to CMST at the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week, respectively, while those in the control group took Domperidone or Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated Tablet according to Roma III Criteria. The therapeutic efficacy was observed at the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week of the treatment, including (1) clinical symptom score; (2) the score of SF-36 quality of life scale; (3) safety (4) compliance; (5) satisfaction; (6) the relapse rate; (7) cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E). The follow-up were performed at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month.Sixteen patients fell off in the test group and 4 fell off i the control group, and the expulsion rate being 11.76% in the two groups, showing no statistical difference ( P0.05). The clinical symptom scores in the test group decreased from 5.62 +/- 2.30 before treatment to 1.41 +/- 1.22 after 4-week treatment, showing statistical difference (P0.01), but with no statistical difference when compared with the control group at the same time point (P0.05). The healing rate and the total effective rate at week 4 were 38.24% and 86.76% respectively in the test group, and they were 60.00% and 65.00% at 6-month withdrawal. They were 41.18%, 79.41%, 46.67%, and 50.00%, respectively, in the control group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P0.05). The scores of physical component-summary (PCS) and mental component-summary (MCS) both increased after 4-week treatment in the two groups, showing no statistical difference when compared with before treatment (P0.05). There was statistical difference in the scores of PCS and MCS between at 6-month withdrawal and before treatment (P0.05), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P0.05). No obvious adverse reaction occurred in the two groups. The compliance and satisfaction after 4-week treatment were 95.59% and 91.91% in the test group, and 94.12% and 91.18% in the control group, showing no statistical difference between the two groups (P0.05). The relapse rate in the test group was 10.29%, 19.12%, and 29.41%, respectively, after 1, 3, 6-month withdrawal, lower than that of the control group (17.65%, 23.53%, and 35.29%, respectively) at the same time point, but with no statistical difference. The C/E ratio of the test group/the control group was 15.59: 16. 53 at 4-week treatment and 22.27:28.28 after 6-month withdrawal respectively. The further analysis of incremental cost/incremental effectiveness showed that the ratio in the long-term decreased from 5.44 to 2.35 in the test group.The 4-week treatment of CMST had definite short- and long-term efficacy on FD patients, and improved their quality of life. It had better safety, compliance, and satisfaction. It was dominant in lower relapse rate and the cost/effectiveness. Therefore, it was worth spreading.

Two distinct cytolytic pathways have been characterized : one in which the interaction between the Fas antigen and its ligand results in apoptosis, and another in which the pore forming protein perforin and the serine protease granzyme B contribute to DNA fragmentation and cell death. We investigated intrarenal expression of these molecular executors of cell death in light of the potential participation of cytolytically active cellular elements in the antiallograft repertory. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to identify intrarenal expression of Fas antigen, Fas ligand, granzyme B and perforin in eighty human renal allograft biopsies; mRNA display was correlated with the Banff histological diagnosis of renal allografts. Our studies demonstrate that: (1) intrarenal expression of Fas ligand mRNA and of granzyme B mRNA are correlates of acute but not chronic rejection ; (2) Fas ligand mRNA is not detectable in allografts in the absence of rejection; (3) intrarenal coexpression of members of each lytic pathway (Fas ligand and Fas, granzyme B, and perforin) and that of both pathways (e.g., Fas ligand and granzyme B) are correlates of acute rejection; and (4) a direct correlation exists between the histological severity of acute rejection and intrarenal coexpression of mRNA encoding Fas ligand, Fas, granzyme B, and perforin. Our studies identify, for the first time, the differential expression of the two major lytic pathways in acute and chronic allograft rejection and suggest that specific therapy directed at the cytotoxic attack molecules might be efficacious in the prevention and/or treatment of acute rejection.

To observe the effects of Zhizhu Tongbian Decoction (ZTD) on the enteric nervous system, mRNA expressions of glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the slow transit constipation (STC) rats.Thirty STC rat model was established by gastric irrigation of rhubarb. After the model building, they were randomly divided into three groups, i. e., the model group, the high dose ZTD group, and the low dose ZTD group, 10 in each. Another 10 rats were selected as the blank control group. Rats in the high dose ZTD group and the low dose ZTD group were administered with ZTD (at the daily dose of crude drug 4.8 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg respectively) by gastrogavage. Normal saline was given to rats in the blank control group and the model group. The ink propelling rate was determined using ink propelling test. Meantime, mRNA expressions of GDNF and NOS in the rat colon were measured using reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Compared with the blank control group, the ink propelling rate and GDNF mRNA expression decreased, and NOS mRNA increased in the model group, showing statistical difference (P0.01, P0.05). Compared with the model group, the ink propelling rate increased in the high and low dose ZTD groups (P0.01, P0.05). The mRNA expressions of GDNF increased and the mRNA expressions of NOS decreased in the high dose ZTD group with statistical difference (P0.01, P0.05). But there was no difference in any index between the high and low dose ZTD groups.High dose ZTD could obviously improve the intestinal transmission function possibly through up-regulating the mRNA expressions of GDNF and down-regulating the mRNA expressions of NOS in STC rats.

Splenic cystic lymphangioma is extremely rare, with very few cases reported until now. Here, we report a case of cystic lymphangioma of the spleen in a young woman who was admitted for evaluation of abdominal pain and a mass lasting for two years. We present this case with emphasis on the problem of differential diagnosis and the difficulties of diagnostic certainty in the absence of histologic features.

For wireless mesh networks has no support infrastructure and shows a highly dynamic feature, routing becomes a key problem to be solved. Data packets are transmitted on a path that had least hops in AODV protocol. It couldn't consider the path stability. When the node of wireless mesh networks moved quickly and the path had short lifetime, the path recovery and routing again is caused. It is a lot of network resource. For network performance, AODV_D that improvement of AODV based on DSDV is provided to improve AODV protocol in the paper. It used structuring a DSDV-based routing table driven technology to select the less hops but high stability path to send data packets. Static node activates AODV_D routing protocol, sports node can choose artificially to activate or not activate this routing mechanism. NS-2 simulation results show that AODV_D routing protocol can improve the delivery rate of data packets, reduce the average end to end delay and packet-loss-rate.

To investigate whether transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) can induce in vitro alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and whether Smad7 gene transfer can block this transition and the possible signaling mechanism.Rat alveolar type II epithelial cells of the line RLE-6TN were cultured. TGF beta1 (3 ng/mL) was added into the culture fluid. Lipofectamine 2000 was used to transfect Smad7 gene to the RLE-6TN cells. The expression of the markers of the epithelial cells, including E-cadherin and cytokeratin-19 (CK19), and markers of mesenchymal cells, including fibronectin (FN), vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were assayed using Western blotting and real-time PCR. The morphological alterations were examined by phase-contrast microscope while the ultrastructure changes were examined by electron microscope.Smad7 was successfully transfected to the RLE-6TN cells. Before transfection TGF-beta1 treatment could lead to the expression upregulation of the mesenchymal markers and downregulation of the epithelial markers at the levels of both mRNA and protein, and after transfection, the mesenchymal makers were downregulated while the epithelial markers were upregulated. Before the transfection, TGF-beta1 treatment could lead to the expression upregulation of phosphorylated Smad2/3 which did not obvious change following transfection. TGF beta1 treatment could induce the EMT process of the RLE-6TN cells. Smad7 gene transfected into the RLE-6TN cells could block the process of EMT. Exposed of the RLE-6TN cells to TGF beta1 resulted in degeneration, tumefaction, and gradual disappearance of the osmiophilic multilamellar bodies, markers of type II alveolar epithelial cells.Under TGF beta1 treatment, RLE-6TN undergoes a conversion process into myofibroblasts in vitro with the conversion mechanism related to Smad signaling pathway, and transfection of Smad7 gene can partly reverse this process.

The broadcast and multicast service will play a major role in the future wireless communication. The enhanced broadcast and multicast system (EBCMCS) is the evolution of cdma2000 EV/DO in the broadcast system, and can provide the point-to-multipoint broadcast service. In this paper, the quadrature PN spreading and de-spreading methods in the EBCMCS of cdma2000 EV-DO are investigated, and a quadrature PN de-spreading method with lower complexity is proposed. Also, its complexity is compared with the traditional method. Finally, it is proved that the proposed method has much lower complexity than the conventional one without degrading the effectiveness.

To investigate effects of P-glycoprotein (gp) substrate drugs on the expression of CD147 and MMP2 and 9 in multidrug resistant breast cancer cells.MDR human breast cancer cell line, MCF7/AdrR, and its sensitive parental line, MCF7, were treated with various concentrations of P-gp substrate drugs, including paclitoxel and vincristine, and P-gp nonsubstrate drugs, bleomycin, in serum-free media. At the end of the treatment, expressions of CD147 and MMP2 and 9 were determined by real-time PCR and western blot.Increased expressions of CD147 and MMP2 and 9 were observed in multidrug resistant cancer cells compared with their parental MCF7 cells. After treatment with bleomycin, the expression of CD147 and MMP2 and 9 in both MCF7 and MCF7/AdrR cells remained unchanged (P0.05). However, treatment with paclitoxel and vincristine resulted in a remarkable over-expression of CD147 and MMP2 and 9 at both transcription and protein levels in MCF7/AdrR cell line (P0.05), while MCF7 cells failed to show similar response.P-gp substrate drugs can greatly upregulate the expression of CD147 and MMP2 and 9 in multidrug resistant breast cancer cells, therefore enhancing the tumor metastatic capability.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) could induce alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, and whether Smad7 gene transfer could block this transition. We also aimed to elucidate the possible mechanisms of these processes. The Smad7 gene was transfected to the rat type II alveolar epithelial cell line (RLE-6TN). Expression of the EMT-associated markers was assayed by Western Blot and Real-time PCR. Morphological alterations were examined via phase-contrast microscope and fluorescence microscope, while ultrastructural changes were examined via electron microscope. TGF-β1 treatment induced a fibrotic phenotype of RLE-6TN with increased expression of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin, and decreased expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) and cytokeratin19 (CK19). After transfecting the RLE-6TN with the Smad7 gene, the expression of the mesenchymal markers was downregulated while that of the epithelial markers was upregulated. TGF-β1 treatment for 48 h resulted in the separation of RLE-6TN from one another and a change into elongated, myofibroblast-like cells. After the RLE-6TN had been transfected with the Smad7 gene, TGF-β1 treatment had no effect on the morphology of the RLE-6TN. TGF-β1 treatment for 48 h resulted in an abundant expression of α-SMA in the RLE-6TN. If the RLE-6TN were transfected with the Smad7 gene, TGF-β1 treatment for 48 h could only induce a low level of α-SMA expression. Furthermore, TGF-β1 treatment for 12 h resulted in the degeneration and swelling of the osmiophilic multilamellar bodies, which were the markers of type II alveolar epithelial cells. TGF-β1 can induce alveolar epithelialmesenchymal transition in vitro, which is dependent on the Smads signaling pathway to a certain extent. Overexpression of the Smad7 gene can partially block this process

Cervical actinomycosis with spinal cord compression is extremely rare. The clinical presentation of spinal actinomycosis may be nonspecific and back pain is the most consistent early symptom. Here, we present such a case with fever, pain in the neck and upper back, progressive weakness and numbness in all 4 limbs with difficulty ambulating, constipation and uroschesis. Correct diagnosis is difficult because the clinical and radiological findings of actinomycosis closely resemble metastatic tumors and other infectious processes. Timely surgical debridement and decompression contributed to the prompt improvement of the patient's conditions, and histopathological demonstration of the inflammatory granulation tissue and Gram-positive sulfur-containing filamentous bacteria led to the correct diagnosis of actinomycosis. The diagnosis must be made promptly because delayed treatment can result in irreversible neurologic damage or death. Timely and long-term antibacterial therapy is essential for the complete recovery of the patient with actinomycosis.

Intracranial aneurysm rupture during embolization with detachable coils is reportedly among the gravest of intraprocedural complications. We present here our experiences with this outcome, and a potential intervention for managing this life-threatening complication.From April 1998 to March 2005, 284 patients with cerebral aneurysms were treated with detachable coils. Intraprocedural aneurysm rupture occurred in ten patients with a history of a previously ruptured aneurysm. In the event of intraprocedural hemorrhage, we routinely performed heparin reversal with protamine sulfate.Of the 221 patients with a previously ruptured aneurysm, intraprocedural aneurysm rupture occurred in 10 (4.5%). These ruptures were caused by a micro-guide wire in one patient, a microcatheter in one, over-packing in two and a coil perforation in three. In the remaining three patients the ruptures were caused by both the microcatheter and the coils. Three patients died because of aneurysm re-rupture, yielding a mortality rate of 30%. One patient presented with a slight disability in the left leg and no neurological deficits were observed in the remaining six patients.Intraprocedural aneurysm rupture during embolization is a rare, but unavoidable and life-threatening event. Proper measures should be taken to reduce and improve the outcome of this tragic occurrence. The majority of patients with an intraprocedural ruptured aneurysm can survive without severe sequelae if managed appropriately.

Intragraft expression of IL-10 messenger RNA: A novel correlate of renal allograft rejection. A major conceptual advance is the formulation that type I cytokines (such as IL-2 and IFN-γ) enhance cellular immunity and are host-protective, and that type II cytokines (such as IL-4 and IL-10) dampen cellular immunity and facilitate the progression of infection. We have explored the intragraft expression of type I and type II cytokines during human renal allograft rejection. RNA was isolated from 98 allograft biopsies, and reverse transcription-PCR was used to amplify and identify intragraft expression of mRNA encoding IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, or IL-10. Intragraft expression of IL-7 mRNA and TGF-β1 mRNA was also investigated. Our investigation demonstrated that: (a) intragraft expression of IL-10 mRNA and IL-2 mRNA are significant correlates of acute rejection; (b) IL-4, IL-7, IFN-γ and TGF-β1 mRNA expression do not correlate with acute rejection; and (c) IL-10 does not prevent in vivo expression of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, or TGF-βl. Our studies identify, for the first time, a significant association between intragraft IL-10 mRNA expression and acute rejection, and suggest that treatment strategies capable of constraining IL-10 expression might be of value in the prevention of acute rejection.

Adoptive cellular immunotherapy, infusions of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in conjunction with in vitro-activated killer cells, has brought new hope to patients with cancer. The broad application of this strategy, however, is constrained by the need for repeated leukapheresis and by the labor-intensive process of in vitro activation of cells. Also, current protocols generally use nonphysiological and toxic concentrations of IL-2. Identification of an in vivo stimulant that renders T cells responsive to physiologic concentrations of IL-2 represents a potential improvement over existing approaches. We have determined whether in vivo administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed at the T-cell surface protein CD3 induces T-cell responsiveness to IL-2, stimulates cytolytic molecular programs of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells, and induces tumor regression. These hypotheses were explored in a murine hepatic MCA-102 fibrosarcoma model. We report that in vivo administration of anti-CD3 mAbs plus IL-2 results in intrahepatic expression of mRNA-encoding perforin, cytotoxic T-cell-specific serine esterase, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Anti-CD3 mAbs alone or IL-2 alone failed to induce or induced minimal expression of these molecular mediators of cytotoxicity. The anti-CD3 mAbs plus IL-2 regimen also resulted in a significantly smaller number of hepatic metastases and a significantly longer survival time of tumor-bearing mice, compared to treatment with anti-CD3 mAbs alone or IL-2 alone. Our findings suggest that a regimen of anti-CD3 mAbs plus IL-2 is a more effective antitumor regimen compared with anti-CD3 mAbs alone or IL-2 alone and advance an alternative immunotherapy strategy of potential value for the treatment of cancer in humans.

Intragraft TGF-β 1 mRNA: A correlate of interstitial fibrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy . Chronic allograft nephropathy is a relentlessly progressive process and a major cause of long-term graft dysfunction and ultimate failure. Interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and glomerular and vascular lesions characterize this mechanistically unresolved disorder. Given the prominent role of TGF- β 1 in tissue repair and in fibrosis, we have explored the hypothesis that fibrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy would be distinguished by intragraft TGF- β 1 mRNA expression. This postulate was tested by mRNA phenotyping of RNA isolated from 127 human renal allograft biopsies. Reverse transcription assisted polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify and identify ingraft gene expression. Our investigation demonstrated a significant correlation between intra graft TGF- β 1 mRNA display and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis and chronic allograft nephropathy. In contrast, intragraft expression of mRNA encoding immunoregulatory cytokines, IL-2, IFN- γ , IL-4, IL-10, or cytotoxic attack molecules, granzyme B and perforin was not a correlate of interstitial fibrosis or chronic allograft nephropathy. Our studies identify, for the first time, a significant association between intragraft TGF- β 1 mRNA expression and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis, and advance a candidate molecular mechanism for chronic allograft nephropathy.