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The causes of constipation are extremely complex and are still not fully clear. In addition to secondary factors such as organic diseases and drugs, constipation may also be related to genetics, diet, intestinal flora, age, gender and so on. At present, according to the etiology, chronic constipation is divided into primary constipation and secondary constipation. However, there are significant differences among current clinical guidelines in the clinical classification of primary constipation. Some guidelines classify primary constipation as slow-transit constipation (STC), outlet obstruction constipation (OOC), and mixed constipation; however, some guidelines classify primary constipation as STC, defecation disorder (DD), mixed constipation, and normal-transit constipation (NTC); what's more, some even propose types which are different from the above sub-types. There are also differences in the understanding of the relationship between functional constipation (FC) and primary constipation and the classification of irritable bowel syndrome predominant constipation (IBS-C) among various clinical guidelines. By reviewing domestic and international guidelines and relevant literature on constipation, the following conclusions are drawn: primary constipation can be divided into IBS-C and FC, and FC can be further divided into STC, OOC, and mixed constipation; primary constipation should not be confused with FC, nor should IBS-C be classified as FC.便秘的病因极为复杂，至今仍未完全明确，除了器质性和药物等继发性因素外，便秘还可能与遗传、饮食、肠道菌群、年龄和性别等因素有关。目前，国内外指南一致按病因，将慢性便秘分为原发性便秘和继发性便秘，但对于原发性便秘的临床分型，各指南仍存在着较大差异。部分指南将原发性便秘分为结肠慢传输型（STC）、出口梗阻型（OOC）和混合型；有指南将原发性便秘分为STC、排粪障碍型（DD）、混合型和正常传输型（NTC）；更有指南提出了与上述不一样的分型。且各指南对功能性便秘（FC）与原发性便秘关系的理解及便秘型肠易激综合征（IBS-C）的归属不一致。通过查阅国内外便秘指南及相关文献，得出以下结论：原发性便秘可分为IBS-C和FC，FC又可分为STC、OOC和混合型；不应将原发性便秘与FC相混淆，也不应将IBS-C归属于FC。.

The classical $B1(\mathrm{NaCl})\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}B2(\mathrm{CsCl})$ transitions have been considered as a model for general structural phase transformations, and resolving corresponding phase transition mechanisms under high strain rate shock compression is critical to a fundamental understanding of phase transition dynamics. Here, we use subnanosecond synchrotron x-ray diffraction to visualize the lattice response of single-crystal KCl to planar shock compression. Complete $B1\text{\ensuremath{-}}B2$ orientation relations are revealed for KCl under shock compression along ${⟨100⟩}_{B1}$ and ${⟨110⟩}_{B1}$; the orientation relations and transition mechanisms are anisotropic and can be described with the standard and modified Watanabe-Tokonami-Morimoto model, respectively, both involving interlayer sliding and intralayer ion rearrangement. The current study also establishes a paradigm for investigating solid-solid phase transitions under dynamic extremes with ultrafast synchrotron x-ray diffraction.

The classical B1(NaCl)↔B2(CsCl) transitions have been considered as a model for general structural phase transformations, and resolving corresponding phase transition mechanisms under high strain rate shock compression is critical to a fundamental understanding of phase transition dynamics. Here, we use subnanosecond synchrotron x-ray diffraction to visualize the lattice response of single-crystal KCl to planar shock compression. Complete B1-B2 orientation relations are revealed for KCl under shock compression along ⟨100⟩_{B1} and ⟨110⟩_{B1}; the orientation relations and transition mechanisms are anisotropic and can be described with the standard and modified Watanabe-Tokonami-Morimoto model, respectively, both involving interlayer sliding and intralayer ion rearrangement. The current study also establishes a paradigm for investigating solid-solid phase transitions under dynamic extremes with ultrafast synchrotron x-ray diffraction.

To assess the acute toxicity of CuCuThe 24, 48, 72 h and 96 h EC50 values of CuCu

Deformation twinning plays a vital role in accommodating plastic deformation of hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) metals, but its mechanisms are still unsettled under high strain rate shock compression. Here we investigate deformation twinning in shock-compressed Mg as a typical hcp metal with in situ, ultrafast synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Extension twinning occurs upon shock compression along $⟨11\overline{2}0⟩$ and $⟨10\overline{1}0⟩$, but only upon release for loading along $⟨0001⟩$. Such deformation mechanisms are a result of the polarity of deformation twinning, which depends on directionality and relative magnitude of resolved shear stress and may be common for Mg and its alloys in a wide range of strain rates.

The circular (CPGE) and linear photogalvanic effect (LPGE) of a three-dimensional topological insulator Bi

Rh-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 has been prepared for the first time as the 5 V cathode materials of lithium ion batteries. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma analysis and electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that the rate capability and cycling stability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 at 25 and 55 °C was effectively improved by doping with 2 mol% Rh. At a 3000 mA g−1 (20 °C) charge/discharge rate, the LiNi0.48Rh0.02Mn1.5O4 sample still delivered an initial discharge capacity of 92.4 mAh g−1 at 25 °C. Furthermore, it maintained 83.6% of its initial capacity after 300 cycles under a 150 mA g−1 current rate (1 °C) at 55 °C. These improvements were principally attributed to Rh-substitution, which not only enhanced the electronic conductivity and lithium ion diffusion ability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, but also suppressed the destruction of electrolyte during cycling. The thermal stability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was also enhanced by Rh-doping.

To explore the effects of fine particulate matter on the level of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in pulmonary tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse models and its relationship with oxidative stress.Totally 40 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, normal PM2.5 group, COPD control group and COPD PM2.5 group.COPD mice were established using exposure of cigarette smoking.PM2.5 (20 mg/kg) was intratracheally instilled in PM2.5 group mice.Mice pulmonary function was measured by mice noninvasive body plethysmograph and lung histopathology was observed in normal control group and normal PM2.5 group mice.The mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot methods.Total antioxidative capacity (TAC) was measured by O-phenanthroline colorimetry.Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) was measured by improved Hafeman colorimetry and malondialdehyde (MDA) by thiobarbiturieacid colorimetry.Nrf2 mRNA and protein in normal control group, normal PM2.5 group, COPD control group and COPD PM2.5 group were 1.00, 4.46±0.42, 4.93±0.63, 6.41±0.35 and 0.92±0.08, 1.23±0.07, 1.20±0.09, 1.43±0.10.Nrf2 mRNA and protein in COPD control group were increased than those in normal control group while those in normal PM2.5 group and COPD PM2.5 group were respectively higher than each control group.Comparing to normal PM2.5 group, the Nrf2 mRNA and protein in COPD PM2.5 group were increased (all P0.01). TAC and GSH-PX in each group were (5.1±0.4), (2.9±0.4), (3.3±0.3), (1.8±0.3) and (13.4±0.5), (9.9±0.7), (9.8±0.7), (7.0±0.6) U/mgpro.TAC and GSH-PX in COPD control group were decreased than those in normal control group while those in normal PM2.5 group and COPD PM2.5 group were respectively lower than each control group.Comparing to normal PM2.5 group, the Nrf2 mRNA and protein in COPD PM2.5 group were decreased (all P0.01). MDA in each group were (2.9±0.4), (4.8±0.5), (4.5±0.3), and (6.2±0.4) nmol/mgpro.MDA in COPD control group were increased than those in normal control group while those in normal PM2.5 group and COPD PM2.5 group were respectively higher than each control group.Comparing to normal PM2.5 group, the MDA in COPD PM2.5 group were increased (all P0.01). Positive correlations were observed between Nrf2 mRNA, protein and MDA, while negative correlations were observed between Nrf2 mRNA, protein and TAC, GSH-PX in all groups (all P0.05).PM2.5 can induce Nrf2 expression and aggravate oxidative stress in COPD mice.The increased expression of Nrf2 is closely associated with oxidative stress.

To investigate the inhibitory effects of codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides (CPP) on the deterioration of impaired phagocytosis of alveolar macrophage (AM) induced by fine particulate matter with a mean aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mice.Sixty BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into control group, COPD group, PM2.5 group, PM2.5 COPD group, CPP COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group. COPD mice were established using exposure of cigarette smoking. Meanwhile PM2.5 group, PM2.5 COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group were exposed to PM2.5 (770 μg/m(3)) for 90 days. CPP COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group were fed with CPP (300 mg/kg) for 90 days whilst other groups were fed with isovolumetric saline. After the models were established, mice peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured by noninvasive body plethysmograph and lung histopathology and mean linear intercept (MLI) were observed. AMs were isolated from lung tissue by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and the ability of AM phagocytosing flurescein isothiocyanate-labeled Escherichia coli (FITC-E.coli) (AM%) were detected by flow cytometry. Total antioxidative capacity (TAC) was measured by O-phenanthroline colorimetry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured by thiobarbiturieacid colorimetry and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) by improved Hafeman colorimetry.MFI in control group, COPD group, PM2.5 group, PM2.5 COPD group, CPP COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group were 10 267±1 358, 4 817±399, 8 469±240, 3 176±501, 5 886±516 and 4 067±453. AM% in each group were (69.0±5.4)%, (30.7±3.0)%, (51.5±2.4)%, (20.4±3.5)%, (38.7±2.6)% and (28.7±4.3)%. MFI and AM% in COPD group and PM2.5 group were decreased than those in control group while those in PM2.5 COPD group were lower than in COPD group (all P0.01). Comparing to COPD group and PM2.5 COPD group respectively, MFI and AM% in CPP COPD group and CPP + PM2.5 COPD group were increased (all P0.01). TAC and GSH-PX in each group were (17.99±0.09), (6.83±0.36), (13.84±1.12), (3.61±0.29), (8.80±0.26), (5.43±0.30) U/mg protein and (84.3±5.7), (46.5±2.6), (62.0±2.2), (32.4±3.8), (53.4±4.0), (42.4±4.0) U/mg. TAC and GSH-PX in COPD group and PM2.5 group were lower than those from control group while those from PM2.5 COPD group were decreased than in COPD group (all P0.01). Comparing to COPD group and PM2.5 COPD group, TAC and GSH-PX in CPP COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group were increased respectively (all P0.01). MDA in each group were (1.74±0.37), (2.73±0.22), (2.01±0.13), (3.55±0.33), (2.22±0.28) and (2.72±0.44) nmol/mg protein. MDA in COPD group and PM2.5 group were higher than that from control group while that from PM2.5 COPD group was higher than in COPD group; MDA in CPP COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group were respectively decreased than those in COPD group and PM2.5 COPD group (all P0.05). Positive correlations were existed between MFI, AM% and TAC, GSH-PX, while negative correlations were existed between MFI, AM% and MDA in COPD group, PM2.5 group, PM2.5 COPD group, CPP COPD group and CPP+ PM2.5 COPD group.PM2.5 further impaired the defective phagocytosing capacity of AM and exacerbated oxidative stress in COPD mice. CPP can inhibit these effects. The protection of CPP may be closely related to its antioxidative effects.

The synthesis process of LiCoO2 prepared by l-apple acid (l-HOOCCH(OH)CH2COOH) assisted sol–gel method is studied by using Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and elemental analysis. The results show that lithium and cobalt ions are trapped homogeneously on an atomic scale throughout the precursor. Lithium carbonate and Co3O4 are intermediate products during heat treatment of the precursor. Moreover, the kinetics for formation of LiCoO2 by l-apple acid assisted sol–gel method is faster than the case of the conventional solid-state reaction between lithium carbonate and Co3O4. In comparison with the solid-state reaction, the sol–gel method significantly shortens the required reaction time for synthesizing LiCoO2, and also reduces the particle size. In the electrochemical test, it is found that the specific discharge/charge capacities as well as the coulomb efficiency substantially increase with increasing the calcination temperature. It is considered that LiCoO2 with a good-layered structure facilitates the insertion and de-insertion of lithium ions in aqueous electrolyte. As a result, the combination of the sol–gel method with proper calcination processes is highly successful in producing LiCoO2 powders with large specific capacity and good cycle performance in aqueous lithium-ion battery.

Magnetically recyclable Co–B hollow nanospindles have been prepared by using poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) nanospindles as scarified templates for the first time. The effect of the weight ratio of poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) to Co(OAc)2 on the structure of Co–B hollow nanospindles is not significant. In the hydrolysis of ammonia borane to release H2, the activity of Co–B hollow nanospindles was much higher than that of regular Co–B prepared without templates. Their catalytic performance is comparable to that of the reported Pt black concerning hydrogen yield. The favorable activity is attributed to the large specific surface area and hollow structure. In addition, Co–B hollow nanospindles have good reusability in the application due to their unique magnetic properties.

We investigate physical properties of bromoform (liquid CHBr3) including compressibility and refractive index under dynamic extreme conditions of shock compression. Planar shock experiments are conducted along with high-speed laser interferometry. Our experiments and previous results establish a linear shock velocity−particle velocity relation for particle velocities below 1.77 km/s, as well as the Hugoniot and isentropic compression curves up to ∼21 GPa. Shock-state refractive indices of CHBr3 up to 2.3 GPa or ∼26% compression, as a function of density, can be described with a linear relation and follows the Gladstone-Dale relation. The velocity corrections for laser interferometry measurements at 1550 nm are also obtained.

Radiotherapy has the widest application to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Factors associated with DNA damage repair have been shown to function in cell radiosensitivity. Human positive cofactor 4 (PC4) has a role in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and is involved in DNA damage repair. However, the clinical significance and biological role of PC4 in cancer progression and cancer cellular responses to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remain largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential roles of PC4 in the radiosensitivity of ESCC. In this study, we showed that knockdown of PC4 substantially increased ESCC cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR) both in vitro and in vivo and enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe (MC). Importantly, we demonstrated that silencing of PC4 suppressed NHEJ by downregulating the expression of XLF in ESCC cells, whereas reconstituting the expression of XLF protein in the PC4-knockdown ESCC cells restored NHEJ activity and radioresistance. Moreover, high expression of PC4 positively correlated with ESCC resistance to CRT and was an independent predictor for short disease-specific survival of ESCC patients in both of our cohorts. These findings suggest that PC4 protects ESCC cells from IR-induced death by enhancing the NHEJ-promoting activity of XLF and could be used as a novel radiosensitivity predictor and a promising therapeutic target for ESCCs.

We develop a mini gas gun system for simultaneous, single-pulse, x-ray diffraction and imaging under high strain-rate loading at the beamline 32-ID of the Advanced Photon Source. In order to increase the reciprocal space covered by a small-area detector, a conventional target chamber is split into two chambers: a narrowed measurement chamber and a relief chamber. The gas gun impact is synchronized with synchrotron x-ray pulses and high-speed cameras. Depending on a camera's capability, multiframe imaging and diffraction can be achieved. The proof-of-principle experiments are performed on single-crystal sapphire. The diffraction spots and images during impact are analyzed to quantify lattice deformation and fracture; fracture is dominated by splitting cracks followed by wing cracks, and diffraction peaks are broadened likely due to mosaic spread. Our results demonstrate the potential of such multiscale measurements for studying high strain-rate phenomena at dynamic extremes.

Refractive indices of [111] Gd3Ga5O12 single crystals under shock compression are investigated with planar impact and high-speed laser velocimetry, in the pressure range of 100–290 GPa. The refractive index, n, at 1550 nm is obtained as a function of shock pressure or density (ρ). n increases as pressure increases from 106 GPa to 201 GPa, and then drops sharply as a result of shock-induced melting; the n−ρ relation is linear for the high pressure solid phase. We also establish the true particle velocity–apparent velocity relation for velocity correction.

FIP-gsi, a fungal immunomodulatory protein found in Ganoderma sinense, has antitumour, anti-allergy and immunomodulatory activities and is regulated by the fip-gsi gene. In this study, we aimed to express the fip-gsi gene from G. sinense in Coprinopsis cinerea to increase yield of FIPs-gsi.A fungal expression vector pBfip-gsi containing the gpd promoter from Agaricus bisporus and the fip-gsi gene from the G. sinense was constructed and transformed into C. cinerea. PCR and Southern blotting analysis verified the successful integration of the exogenous gene fip-gsi into the genome of C. cinerea. RT-PCR and Northern blotting analysis confirmed that the fip-gsi gene was transcribed in C. cinerea. The yield of the FIP-gsi protein reached 314mg kg(-1) fresh mycelia. The molecular weight of the FIP-gsi was 13kDa, and the FIP-gsi was capable of hemagglutinating mouse red blood cells, but no such activity was observed towards human red blood cells in vitro.The fip-gsi from G. sinense has been successfully translated in C. cinerea, and the yield of bioactive FIP-gsi protein was high.This is the first report using the C. cinerea for the heterologous expression of FIP-gsi protein and it might supply a basis for large-scale production of the protein.

We present a phase retrieval method (PRM) for analyzing single-phase displacement interferometry measurements on rapidly changing velocity histories, including photon Doppler velocimetry (PDV). PRM identifies the peaks and valleys as well as zero-crossing points in a PDV time series, performs normalization and extracts point-by-point phase and thus velocity information. PRM does not require a wide time window as in sliding window Fourier transformation, and thus improves the effective temporal resolution. This method is implemented in analyzing PDV data obtained from gas gun experiments, and validated against simultaneous measurements with velocity interferometer system for any reflector.

Selectins play a major role in the inflammatory reaction by initiating neutrophil attachment to activated vascular endothelium. Some heparin preparations can interact with L- and P-selectin; however, the determinants required for inhibiting selectin-mediated cell adhesion have not yet been characterized. We now report that carboxyl-reduced and sulfated heparin (prepared by chemical modifications of porcine intestinal mucosal heparin leading to the replacement of carboxylates by O-sulfate groups) and trestatin A sulfate (obtained by sulfation of trestatin A, a non-uronic pseudo-nonasaccharide extracted from Streptomyces dimorphogenes) exhibit strong anti-P-selectin and anti-L-selectin activity while lacking antithrombin-mediated anticoagulant activity. In vitro experiments revealed that both compounds inhibited P-selectin- and L-selectin-mediated cell adhesion under laminar flow conditions. Moreover, carboxyl-reduced and sulfated heparin and trestatin A sulfate were also active in vivo, as assessed by experiments showing 1) that microinfusion of trestatin A sulfate reduced by 96% leukocyte rolling along rat mesenteric postcapillary venules and 2) that both compounds inhibited (by 58-81%) neutrophil migration into thioglycollate-inflamed peritoneum of BALB/c mice. These results indicate that nonanticoagulant sulfated saccharides targeted at P-selectin and L-selectin may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory disorders.

Cytochalasin B, known as a functional inhibitor of actin, was microinjected into naturally synchronous plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum, and the mitotic behaviours of both CB-treated specimens and the control were examined with light and electron microscopy. Mitosis in the CB-treated specimens began about 20 to 60 minutes later than that of the control. It was delayed 35 minutes in the specimens treated with CB in the S phase of the cell cycle, and the delayed time was 20 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. In the specimens treated with CB in early and middle G2 phase, the longest delay was 60 minutes found in the specimens treated in late G2 phase, indicating that mitosis was affected in Physarum polycephalum when the function of actin was inhibited by CB treatment. The CB-treated specimens and the control showed similarities in the process of mitosis and dynamic changes of nuclear structures, suggesting that the main effect of CB treatment upon mitosis may be to delay the triggering of the mitosis.

To determine the mechanism by which an oral appliance may be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Eleven OSAS patients (8 males and 3 females) were involved in the study. Mean age was 52.2 +/- 10.6 years; height was 166.6 +/- 7.2 cm, and weight was 75.6 +/- 9.3 kg; body mass index (BMI) was 27.2 +/- 2.9 kg/m2. Each patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and polysomnography before and after oral appliance therapy. Pharyngeal changes were measured and compared with the variation in sleep parameters. Also, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were performed to investigate the relationship of sleep parameters and MRI items.Through oral appliance therapy, the sleep disorder decreased. Apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 44.6 +/- 21.5 to 9.6 +/- 6.3 per hour of sleep. Lowest oxygen desaturation rose from 71.4 +/- 15.0% to 82.0 +/- 7.7%. Meanwhile, the upper airway increased at most levels, and especially at oropharynx. As measured by the correlation and regression analysis, the AHI changes had a negative association with tongue volume (R = -0.5730) and a positive association with the area alternation of high oropharynx (R = 0.5823); the change of the lowest oxygen desaturation (SaO2%) was positively associated with whole airway volume (R = 0.6554).The oral appliance works by enlarging the upper airway morphology and keeping the airway open, mainly at the back of soft palate. The effect of the oral appliance is associated with the degree of enlargement of the high oropharynx. Those who have a small tongue and a large pharynx may expect to have good results with the use of the oral appliance.

The purpose of this study was to compare the craniofacial morphology of a group of Chinese children from northern China with a group of Swedish children. Each ethnic group comprised 20 boys and 20 girls with Class I occlusion, and 20 boys and 20 girls with Class II occlusion. The ages of the children ranged from eight to ten years. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were used for the recording of a number of skeletal, dental, nasopharyngeal airway, and hyoid bone variables. The results of the comparisons of the two ethnic groups showed that the antero-posterior dimensions of the anterior cranial base and the maxilla in the Chinese children were significantly smaller than the corresponding dimensions in the Swedish children. The mean values of anterior and posterior face heights, inclination of the upper incisors, and protrusion of the lower incisors, were significantly greater in the Chinese than in the Swedish samples. In the median plane, the size of the nasopharyngeal airway was significantly greater in the Chinese than in the Swedes. This difference was due to the fact that the soft tissues covering the posterior nasopharyngeal wall were thinner in the Chinese children than in the Swedish children. In general, the ethnic differences were the same in the Class I and the Class II groups. The differences in some of the dental and skeletal characteristics found between northern Chinese and Caucasian-children are similar to previously described differences between southern Chinese and Caucasian children.

Superheating of solids is rarely observed due to the presence of a thin disordered surface layer formed below the melting point, Tm, which provides a nucleation site for melting. Premelting is particularly evident in open surfaces. While Pb(110) disorders at a temperature as low as 150 K below Tm = 600.7 K, Pb(111) remains ordered up to Tm - 0.05 K. [1]. Some surfaces that do not premelt can superheat under certain conditions [2-4], Superheating of Pb(111) and Bi(0001), and some superheating of Pb(100) by ~180 ps laser pulses was observed in time-resolved high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) experiments [2-4], The Pb(111) and Bi(0001) surfaces superheat up to ~120 K and ~90 K above Tm of Pb and Bi, respectively. Evidence of residual order on Pb(100) up to ~15 K above Tm was also observed [3], Molecular dynamics simulations of surface melting of several fee metals showed a good agreement with the experimentally observed superheating of Pb(111) [5], One simulation showed that cooperative movement of the superheated surface atoms results in the filling of vacancies and the surface becomes atomically flat by a superheating surface repair process [5], This annealing mechanism was attributed to the high vibrational amplitudes which atoms are forced into by the ultrafast superheating pulse.

Cellular immunity was assayed in 58 esophageal cancer patients with family history of esophageal cancer, 23 patients' first degree relative, 20 esophageal patients with family history of other malignant tumours. 114 esophageal cancer patients without cancer family history and 30 normal subjects were taken as control. The results showed that skin delayed hypersensitivity(DTH) reaction and lymphocyte response to PHA were significantly lower in patients with cancer family history than those without. The DTH reaction, lymphocyte response to PHA and IL-2, NK activity were also remarkably depressed in their first degree relatives, when compared with normal controls. These results indicate that familial immunodeficiency might be one of factors of familial aggregation of esophageal cancer.

Patients with severe temporal lobe epilepsy lose neurons within the CA3 and hilar regions of the hippocampus. Loss of CA3 and hilar neurons was also induced by transducing organotypic hippocampal slice cultures with a replication-defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector expressing the GluR6 kainate subtype of the glutamate receptor (HSVGluR6). In transduced fibroblasts, HSVGluR6 expressed a M(r) 115,000 protein that reacted with anti-GluR6 serum. After exposure of fibroblast to HSVGluR6, a kainate-dependent toxicity appeared in cells that were previously resistant to kainate. Microapplication of nanoliter amounts of recombinant HSV stocks into organotypic hippocampal slice cultures resulted in localized transduction and gene transfer at the site of microapplication. Microapplication of 100 HSVGluR6 virions into CA3 stratum pyramidale induced a large loss of CA3 pyramidal cells and hilar neurons, despite the small number of transduced neurons. This effect was not seen when 100 virions of HSVGluR6 were microapplied to CA1 stratum pyramidale. Tetrodotoxin or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists inhibited the large loss of CA3 and hilar neurons, suggesting that the small cluster of HSVGluR6-transduced cells induced an N-methyl-D-aspartate-dependent transsynaptic loss of non-transduced neurons.

Five hybridomas stably secreting monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) to androstenedione were prepared by using artificially synthesized androstenedion-11 alpha-succinyl conjugate with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as antigen. These McAbs showed slightly high cross-reactivity with testosterone (8.1-12.3%) and estrone (0.8-2.5%) and high affinities ranging from 2.0 x 10(7) to 2.8 x 10(8) L/M. They were all of the IgG1 subclass. Xinjiang finewool ewes which were passively immunized with McAbs had higher circulating levels of progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) than those of control ewes in two oestrous cycles and these changes led to increased ovulation rate and twin lambs born in young ewes.

300 class III cases of mixed dentition, early permanent dentition were discriminated quantitatively according to their SNA, SNB and SN-MP angles. Six quite different types were grouped: 1. Mandibular prognathism with normal maxilla. Most common type, in which about 40% are "high angle" or "low angle" cases, which show more severe class III skeletal face than normal SN-MP angle ones; 2. Maxillary retrognathism with normal mandible. More than 50% cases are with high SN-MP angle, which show less severe class III skeletal face than those with normal one; 3. Normal maxilla and mandible type, the "high" and "low" angle cases are fewer. The severity of class III skeletal face is slight; 4. Maxillary retrognathism and mandibular prognathism type, the class III skeletal face, especially for those with high SN-MP angle cases is most severe; 5. Bimaxillary prognathism type, it is the expression of racial feature of Chinese face and 6. Bimaxillary retrognathism.

This paper is a preliminary report of using Straight Wire Appliance (SWA) in orthodontic practice in our school since 1989. Thirty finished cases including malocclusion, extraction mode, treatment sequence and time and the outcome, of treatment were analysed. Discussion of the problems concerning arch wire and correction of deep overbite was made. The authors confirm that SWA is a simple and effective type of appliance and it is easily to popularize in orthodontic practice in our country.

Fifty five children with deciduous dentition and 36 adults were selected from 160 Class III patients, 40 children with normal occlusion used as cephalometric control group. T test was operated between the children with normal occlusion, Class III malocclusion with positive family background and with negative family background separately, and distinct analysis was carried out between the two Class III groups. Distribution of family background of skeletal Class III in children and in adults was chi 2 tested. Results show that craniofacial deformities of deciduous Class III malocclusion with positive family background are not more serious than those with negative one, and the rate of developing a skeletal class III malocclusion for patients with positive family background is not higher than those with negative one. It was implied that the value of family information collected by inquiring and cursorily examining the parents is limited for differential diagnosis between skeletal and functional class III malocclusion and it may mislead the prediction of treatment result in orthodontic clinic.

Lateral cephalograms of 140 growing subjects with normal occlusion from Beijing were computerized and analyzed. Cephalometric standards of three occlusion developmental stages, Hellman's IIA, IIIB and IVA, were obtained and evaluated in three groups as facial skeleton, jaw bases and dentoalveolar relationship, which are specifically useful for diagnosis and treatment planning with functional appliances.