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Objective: This study aimed to prepare a zein film from the gliadin in corn-germ pulp and study its process, performance and antioxidant properties. Methods: The corn-germ pulp was used as raw material, and zein was extracted from corn germ pulp by alkali-soluble acid precipitation. A certain amount of ethanol solution was added, and then an appropriate amount of plasticizer and reducing agent was added by using the ultrasonic assist method. After the membrane solution was in a water-bath at room temperature for 30 minutes, the membrane solution was cast into a zein membrane. The influence of the four factors of glycerol addition, ultrasonic time, ethanol concentration and water bath temperature on the water solubility, water vapor transmission rate, and CO2 transmission rate of the zein film were explored, and the best preparation process was obtained. By coating the film-forming liquid on the surface of the pear slices, the anti-oxidation preservation test was performed, and the blank control of the coating film was used to observe the degree of browning on the surface of the pear slices. Results: Through orthogonal experiments, the optimal membrane preparation process was obtained as follows: glycerin addition of 0.3 g/g gliadin, ultrasound time of 5 min, ethanol concentration of 80%, and water bath temperature of 70 ℃. Under the control of these conditions, the water solubility of the zein membrane was 19.75%, with the WVP of 6.13 g·mm/(m2·d·kPa), and the CO2 permeability was 0.21 g/(m2·h), The preparation of protein film liquid from corn germ pulp could significantly reduce the browning speed of pear slices. Conclusion: It is feasible to prepare protein film from corn germ pulp, and the film liquid can play a good antioxidant effect on the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

With the advancement of the carbon-electricity coordinated market， interruptible loads play an important role in the new power system. However， there is a lack of accurate and credible value analysis methods. Based on the carbon power flow calculation theory， the carbon emission responsibility of each part in the power system is tracked. The paper proposes a value analysis method that assesses interruptible loads from perspectives of reducing the gross power and carbon emission. A value calculation model for interruptible loads for carbon-electricity coordination is established， and the power and carbon emissions of the system and each part under the condition of load operation and switch-off are compared to quantitatively calculate the value of interruptible loads. The PJM 5-bus system is taken as an example to simulate and analyze the values of interruptible loads in reducing the gross power and carbon emission of the system in the market， which can be used as a theoretical basis for rational pricing in the carbon-electricity coordinated market.

Objective To investigate the psychological stress of newly recruited nurses in a specialist hospital for hepatobiliary diseases and related countermeasures. Methods A descriptive, phenomenological study was conducted and a purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit 100 newly recruited nurses in a specialist hospital for hepatobiliary diseases. The Self-Report Symptom Inventory(SCL～90) was used to investigate the psychological stress of newly recruited nurses, and potential causes and countermeasures were analyzed. Results There were 35 (35. 00%)nurses who had SCL～90 score of 160 or more. Findings showed that there was a significant difference in scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity and depression between newly recruited nurses and Chinese norms(P＜0. 01). Conclusion Newly recruited nurses experienced moderate to high level of psychological stress. Targeted coping strategies should be carried out to relieve the psychological pressure from work and improve the nursing quality. (目的 探讨肝胆专科医院新入职护士心理压力状况和相关应对措施, 为改善肝胆专科医院新入职护士心理压力状况和应对方式提供参考依据。方法 采取目的抽样法, 选取2021年1月—12月100例新入职护士为调查对象, 采取症状自评表(SCL-90)评定心理压力状况, 并进行原因分析。结果 100例被调查对象中有35(35. 00%)例SCL-90总分≥160分。与全国常模比较, 肝胆专科医院新入职护士在躯体化、强迫、人际关系敏感、抑郁等得分差有统计学意义(P＜0. 01)。结论 肝胆专科医院新入职护士心理压力大。建议采取有效的应对方式, 以减缓新入职护士工作压力, 提高护理质量。)

This paper studied the community characteristics of two sand-fixing plants (Artemisia ordosica and Caragana korshinskii) under different configuration modes (1 m×1 m and 2 m×2 m) in the Shapotou region of Northwest China as well as the water relation, gas exchange, and their adjustment mechanisms of the plants under natural and artificial precipitation conditions. With the variation of soil water content, the physiological water consumption and growth characteristics of A. ordosica differed from those of C. korshinskii. A. ordosica presented obvious fluctuation in the stomatal conductance, water potential, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, and rapid growth, and had higher water consumption than C. korshinskii. However, the variations of the above-mentioned indices of C. korshinskii were relatively slow and more constant. The C. korshinskii had a lower photosynthetic rate but a very high accumulated biomass over years than A. ordosica. The response procedures and adjustment mechanisms of the two plants under water stress differed, with a water-conserving mechanism for A. ordosica and a water-saving mechanism for C. korshinskii. In extremely drought years, the C. korshinskii had stronger capabilities of water-saving and stress tolerance than A. ordosica. It was suggested that the selection of sand-fixing plants should have a view to the benefits in water saving and sand fixation, and also, to the stability of sand-fixing forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To improve the precision of initial orbit of spacecraft in launching phase, to execute timely anti accurate TT&C in early orbit phase, and to meet the need of the users, this paper puts forward an initial orbit determination method which regards measurement datum and precision of all kinds of redundant and backup equipments as the input parameters of the optimization model and determines the optimized orbit based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. The result indicates that it is significant to improve the precision of initial orbit of spacecraft by using a number of measurement data and the precision of different redundant and backup equipments. This algorithm is proved to be accurate and effective, and can be used both in the initial orbit determination and in the spacecraft orbit optimization in operational phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration law in the cracks of variable density proppant particles had been researched, for effective support fracture length of CBM hydraulic fracturing was too short and seam sanding concentration distributed uneven. The mutual influence of the fracture proppant particles was considered using Pseudo Fluid model, and the corresponding calculation software was written with the Visual Studio 2012 design platform, then the accuracy of the calculations was checked through comparison with the value of field monitoring software. The effective law to seam sanding concentration and effective support slot length of the fracturing fluid viscosity, wall cracks, displacement and proppant density parameters were discussed, and the broken rate of the ultra-low density proppant was analyzed at different confining pressure and temperature conditions. The results show that broken rate of a nut shell proppant is less than 2% in the condition of confining pressure 69 MPa and the ambient temperature 90°C,which meet the site requirements; With the increase of fracturing fluid viscosity, the construction displacement and fracture bracing length, the seam sanding is more uniform; with the proppant particle diameter increases, the crack support length decreases; compared to single ceramic sand, using variable-density proppant makes effective support half-slot length increasing 19.5 m, and the sanding effect is more uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant peptide SS-31 on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI)., Methods: Sixty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups according to the random number table method: sham group (10 mice), positive control group (10 mice), sepsis model group (20 mice), and SS-31 peptide group (20 mice). The sepsis-induced AKI mouse model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The sham group only received laparotomy. SS-31 peptide (5 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected in SS-31 peptide group and positive control group 30 minutes after the operation, while an equivalent amount of normal saline was given in sham group and sepsis model group for 7 days. The blood samples were collected 24 hours after the operation from orbit, and the serum was collected to test the serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The mice were sacrificed 7 days after surgery. The kidney tissues were collected to observe the pathologic structure changes under the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining by light microscope. And the mitochondrial ultrastructure was checked under the transmission electron microscope. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method (TUNEL). The expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and cleaved caspase-3 protein were tested by Western blotting., Results: Compared with sham group, the levels of SCr and BUN were significantly increased in sepsis model group [SCr (μmol/L): 93.12±11.80 vs. 32.94±3.37, BUN (mmol/L): 41.36±6.48 vs. 9.49±3.58, both P < 0.05]. The expression levels of AMPK, PGC-1α and cleaved caspase-3 protein increased (AMPK/β-actin: 0.30±0.02 vs. 0.12±0.01, PGC-1α/β-actin: 0.38±0.03 vs. 0.16±0.02, cleaved caspase-3/β-actin: 0.20±0.01 vs. 0.11±0.02, all P < 0.05). HE staining showed that inflammatory cell was infiltrated, glomerular basement membrane was exposed and vacuole-like transparent casts were found in the lumen. Mitochondria were damaged under electron microscope with swelling, ridge disappearance and ruptured membranes, with increasing of apoptotic cells [cells: 24.00 (18.75, 31.00) vs. 2.00 (0.72, 3.25), P < 0.05]. Meanwhile, compared with sepsis model group, the levels of SCr, BUN and the expressions of AMPK, PGC-1α, cleaved caspase-3 protein were significantly decreased in the SS-31 peptide group [SCr (μmol/L): 71.33±10.14 vs. 93.12±11.80, BUN (mmol/L): 27.00±5.52 vs. 41.36±6.48, AMPK/β-actin: 0.23±0.01 vs. 0.30±0.02, PGC-1α/β-actin: 0.27±0.02 vs. 0.38±0.03, cleaved caspase-3/β-actin: 0.13±0.01 vs. 0.20±0.01, all P < 0.05]. HE staining showed that cell swelling reduced, the mitochondrial structure was intact, the ridge swelling was also reduced, and the membrane structure was relatively intact, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly reduced [cells: 13.00 (9.00, 16.50) vs. 24.00 (18.75, 31.00), P < 0.05]., Conclusions: The protective effect of SS-31 peptide on organ dysfunction induced by sepsis-induced AKI is related to maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

Objective: To observe the protective effect and mechanism of different doses of Baicalin (BAI) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic mice., Methods: According to the random number table, 100 mice were divided into sham operation group (Sham group), cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) induced sepsis model group (CLP group) and BAI pretreatment groups. The mice in BAI pretreatment groups were divided into low-, medium- and high-dose groups (BAI-L+CLP, BAI-M+CLP, BAI-H+CLP groups), with 20 mice in each group. A murine sepsis associated-acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) model was reproduced using CLP. The mice in the Sham group were only opened and closed the abdomen, without ligating or perforating the cecum. The mice in the BAI pretreatment groups were given BAI 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg daily for 3 days, and CLP was performed at 6 hours after administration of BAI at the 3rd day to reproduce sepsis model. The mice in the Sham group and CLP group were given the same amount of distilled water as control. Ten mice were sacrificed at 24 hours after operation to collect orbital blood for renal function determination [serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) and plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (pKIM-1)] by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The kidney tissue was collected to observe the kidney tissue injury under light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of cell FLICE like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) in renal tissue. The remaining 10 mice in each group were used to calculate the survival rate of 7 days after operation., Results: The renal tubular epithelial cells in the CLP group were massively degenerated with necrosis, the renal tubular lumen was significantly expanded, and inflammatory cells were widely infiltrated in the renal interstitium. Furthermore, the renal function deteriorated rapidly. Compared with the CLP group, the renal function of mice pretreated with low dose of BAI was improved, but the difference was not significant. Compared with the CLP group, the renal function in the mice pretreated with medium and high doses of BAI was significantly improved, the SCr, BUN, pNGAL and pKIM-1 were significantly reduced [SCr (μmol/L): 135.16±5.18, 125.70±5.26 vs. 170.42±5.42; BUN (mmol/L): 33.59±1.77, 27.29±1.61 vs. 45.68±1.39; pNGAL (μg/L): 91.29±4.68, 73.40±3.77 vs. 131.50±6.55; pKIM-1 (μg/L): 6.34±0.30, 5.51±0.35 vs. 8.03±0.29; all P < 0.01], the pathological injury of renal tissue was significantly decreased, the apoptotic number of renal tubular epithelial cells was significantly reduced (cells/HP: 16.20±0.49, 13.10±0.66 vs. 29.60±0.49, both P < 0.01), and the expression of c-FLIP protein in renal tissue was significantly increased [c-FLIP protein (c-FLIP/GAPDH): 0.35±0.02, 0.46±0.02 vs. 0.21±0.01, both P < 0.01]. No mouse in the Sham group died within 7 days. Compared with the CLP group, the average survival time of the mice within 7 days in the BAI-L+CLP, BAI-M+CLP and BAI-H+CLP groups was significantly prolonged with a dose-dependent manner (days: 3.5±2.5, 5.4±2.2, 5.9±1.9 vs. 2.1±1.2; Log-Rank test: χ 2 = 73.410, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Pretreatment with medium and high doses of BAI can significantly improve the renal function in mice with SA-AKI, decrease the pathological damage and increase the survival of mice, and its mechanism may be related to promoting the increase of c-FLIP protein expression and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a highly conserved signal transduction pathway from yeast to human species, and is widely distributed in various eukaryotic cells. In almost all of the species studied over the past three decades, this signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of female germ cells and meiotic maturation. Especially in a variety of mammalian species including primates, rodents, and domestic animals, the MAPK signaling pathway is activated during the resumption of first oocyte meiosis and plays an indispensable role in meiotic spindle assembly and cell cycle progression. In granulosa cells of fully grown ovarian follicles, the MAPK pathway also mediates the physiological action of gonadotropins, including cumulus expansion, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation. Although the MAPK signaling pathway plays a wide range of physiological functions during the female reproduction process, and these functions are highly conserved in evolution, their underlying mechanisms, especially their direct and physiological target molecules, have not been sufficiently studied for a long time. In recent years, based on some new gene-editing mouse models and theoretical findings, as well as the wide application of various omics techniques, it has been further revealed that MAPK directly phosphorylates and activates the RNA binding protein cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein-1 (CPEB1), promoting poly(A) tail extension of maternal mRNA to regulate protein translation during meiotic recovery. These findings not only constitute the current basic mechanism of mammalian oocyte maturation and ovulation, but also provide useful research ideas for other related research in this field. In this review, we summarize the research findings in our laboratory and from other groups regarding the role of MAPK cascade in regulating oocyte maturation and ovulation. We also discuss the latest research progress on MAPK regulation of mRNA translation and degradation by directly activating the translation initiation complex and mRNA poly(A) polymerase by phosphorylation in the granulosa cells.

Objective: To investigate the use of glucocorticoids in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospitals in Zhejiang Province and to provide a reference for guiding clinical use of SCAP patients., Methods: To draw up a questionnaire with reference to the Chinese and international guidelines, and to investigate the knowledge of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) related guidelines and the use of glucocorticoids in patients with SCAP by doctors in hospitals above secondary level in Zhejiang Province by Email. Then the valid questionnaire was analyzed., Results: In June 2016, 340 questionnaires were distributed, and all were returned after 2 months, with 333 of valid; 333 doctors from 45 ICUs in Zhejiang Province participated in the survey. (1) The knowledge of CAP-related guidelines in ICU doctors: 79.58% (265/333) of the doctors had read the CAP guidelines, and those who work over 10 years had a higher reading rate than those with 1-5 years and 6-10 years [93.07% (94/101) vs. 74.00% (111/150), 73.17% (60/82), both P < 0.05]. Post-graduates and above had higher reading rates than undergraduates [85.35% (134/157) vs. 74.43% (131/176), P < 0.05]. Senior doctors had higher reading rates than the junior and intermediate doctors [93.07% (94/101) vs. 71.43% (80/112), 75.83% (91/120), both P < 0.05]. The rate of understanding the clinical application of glucocorticoids was 13.81% (46/333). The doctors who work over 10 years and the seniorshad a relatively high awareness rate, 23.76% (24/101) and 20.79% (21/101) respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the awareness rate between doctors with different degrees and different levels of hospitals. (2) For the use of glucocorticoids in different causes of pneumonia, 44.74% (149/333) of doctors routinely used glucocorticoids in severe viral pneumonia. The proportion of glucocorticoids used in severe bacterial pneumonia, severe fungal pneumonia, severe pneumocystis pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe pneumonia were 22.82% (76/333), 9.31% (31/333), 22.52% (75/333) and 18.32% (61/333), respectively. (3) The way of glucocorticoid usage: 79.58% (265/333) of doctors chose methylprednisolone, 4.20% (14/333) chose hydrocortisone, 1.20% (4/333) chose dexamethasone, and 15.02% (50/333) had not use glucocorticoids. The proportion of physicians who chose to use glucocorticoids within 24 hours of admission and 1-7 days after admission were 52.65% (149/283) and 47.35% (134/283), respectively. Glucocorticoids were used more in doctors with lower academic qualifications and hospitals within 24 hours. The undergraduate degree was 61.39% (97/158), and the second-grade class hospital was 67.50% (27/40). Among the doctors who chose methylprednisolone, 60.75% (161/265) prescribe the dose ≤ 80 mg/d; 79.15% (224/283) chose the course of ≤ 7 days. The number of years of work, education, professional title and hospital grade had no significant effect on the choice of methylprednisolone and the course of treatment., Conclusions: ICU doctors of 45 hospitals in Zhejiang Province have a high degree of heterogeneity in the understanding of the use and guidelines of glucocorticoids in SCAP. It is necessary to strengthen the ICU doctor's study of clinical guidelines at home and abroad and to develop a glucocorticoid use plan according to the specific conditions of patients, so that SCAP patients can benefit more.

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of Klotho protein, a kind of single-pass transmembrane protein, on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic mice and its mechanism., Methods: Sixty SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks) were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), sepsis model group (CLP group) and Klotho protein injection group (CLP+KL group), with 20 in each group. The septic AKI mice model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP); Sham group had the same procedure except that the cecal was not ligated. The CLP+KL group was received Klotho protein (0.02 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal consecutive injection for 4 days after operation; Sham group and CLP group were injected with the same amount of saline. Blood samples were obtained at 24 hours after operation, the levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured by sarcosine oxidase and urease method. The mice were sacrificed under anesthesia at 5 days after operation to harvest renal tissues, and the pathological damage of the kidney was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The ultrastructure of mitochondria in mouse renal tubular epithelial cells was observed under transmission electron microscope. The levels of reduced glutathione hormone (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in mitochondrion were determined by micro-enzyme method, thiobarbituric acid method, colorimetry method, respectively. The protein expressions of Klotho, Bcl-2 and cytochrome C (Cyt C) were detected by Western Blot., Results: The pathological structure of the kidneys in the Sham group was clear and intact. Compared with the Sham group, the renal tissue edema of the mice in the CLP group was significant, and the transparent tube type was observed in the small lumen, and the interstitial inflammatory cells infiltrated; the levels of SCr and BUN were significantly increased [SCr (μmol/L): 182.60±6.97 vs. 47.20±5.37, BUN (mmol/L): 53.70±5.12 vs. 18.70±2.62, both P < 0.01]; the mitochondria were swollen and deformed, the sputum structure was destroyed, the matrix density was decreased, the outer membrane was lost, and the levels of MDA, GSH and NOS were significantly increased [MDA (μmol/g): 1.172±0.046 vs. 0.746±0.094, GSH (μmol/g): 5.765±0.059 vs. 4.223±0.072, NOS (kU/g): 0.91±0.05 vs. 0.68±0.03, all P < 0.01]; the protein expressions of Klotho and Bcl-2 in renal tissue were decreased, and the protein expression of Cyt C was increased (Klotho/β-actin: 0.188±0.020 vs. 0.538±0.024, Bcl-2/β-actin: 0.311±0.010 vs. 0.391±0.015, Cyt C/β-actin: 0.226±0.010 vs. 0.135±0.006, all P < 0.01). Comparing with the CLP group, the glomerular and tubular tissue epithelial edema and the small lumen in the CLP+KL group were reduced; the levels of SCr and BUN were significantly decreased [SCr (μmol/L): 85.70±7.23 vs. 182.60±6.97, BUN (mmol/L): 35.30±3.50 vs. 53.70±5.12, both P < 0.01]; the mitochondrial structure was relatively intact; the levels of MDA, GSH and NOS were significantly decreased [MDA (μmol/g): 0.958±0.072 vs. 1.172±0.046, GSH (μmol/g): 4.756±0.107 vs. 5.765±0.059, NOS (kU/g): 0.79±0.02 vs. 0.91±0.05, all P < 0.01]; the protein expressions of Klotho, Bcl-2 were significantly increased, but the protein expression of Cyt C was significantly decreased (Klotho/β-actin: 0.336±0.011 vs. 0.188±0.020, Bcl-2/β-actin: 0.474±0.017 vs. 0.311±0.010, Cyt C/β-actin: 0.168±0.006 vs. 0.226±0.010, all P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Klotho protein has significant protective effects on AKI in septic mice, and its mechanism is related to maintaining mitochondrial structural integrity and oxidative stress response.

Objective: To observe the expression of cellular Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1β converting enzyme inhibit protein (c-FLIP) in sepsis mice with acute kidney injury (SAKI) and explore its significance., Methods: Thirty male ICR mice were divided into the normal control group (Normal group), sham operation group (Sham group) and SAKI group by random number table method, with 10 mice in each group. The SAKI model of mice was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP); the Sham group was not ligated and the cecum was not punctured, and other surgical procedures were the same as the SAKI group; the Normal group did not experience any treatment. The serum and renal tissues of mice in each group were harvested 24 hours after CLP model establishment. The levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The renal tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and the pathological changes of renal tissues were observed under light microscope and the severity of injury was determined. The expression of c-FLIP in renal tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of c-FLIP, Bax and caspase-3 protein in renal tissue was detected by Western Blot. The correlation between c-FLIP expression and Bax, caspase-3 protein expressions in renal tissues were analyzed by Pearson test., Results: In the Normal group and the Sham group, the renal tubular epithelial cells were regular and intact, and no interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration was observed; the renal injury score was both 1.30±0.48; immunohistochemistry showed a large amount of c-FLIP positive expression in renal tubular epithelial cells (IA: 120.20±3.87, 116.70±3.46); Western Blot showed high expression of c-FLIP in renal tissues (c-FLIP/GAPDH: 0.99±0.01, 0.98±0.02), and low expressions of Bax and caspase-3 (Bax/GAPDH: 0.16±0.04, 0.19±0.03, caspase-3/GAPDH: 0.24±0.04, 0.23±0.05). Compared with the Sham group, in the SAKI group, renal tubular epithelial cells were degenerated and necrosis, and a large number of interstitial inflammatory cells infiltrated, the renal injury score was significantly increased (4.60±0.52 vs. 1.30±0.48, P < 0.01); the levels of SCr and BUN were significantly increased [SCr (μmol/L): 193.90±13.54 vs. 24.50±3.78, BUN (mmol/L): 81.60±7.26 vs. 5.20±0.92, both P < 0.01]; the c-FLIP positive cells in renal tissues was significantly reduced (IA: 17.11±0.82 vs. 116.70±3.46, P < 0.01); the expression of c-FLIP protein in renal tissues was significantly decreased (c-FLIP/GAPDH: 0.29±0.03 vs. 0.98±0.02, P < 0.01), while the expressions of Bax and caspase-3 protein were significantly increased (Bax/GAPDH: 0.87±0.06 vs. 0.19±0.03, caspase-3/GAPDH: 0.88±0.07 vs. 0.23±0.05, both P < 0.01]. The correlation analysis showed that the c-FLIP protein was significantly negatively correlated with Bax (r = -0.468, P = 0.029) and caspase-3 protein expressions (r = -0.663, P = 0.004)., Conclusions: The expression level of c-FLIP protein was significantly down-regulated in renal tissue of SAKI, and its down-regulation mechanism was associated with increased apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, which could be an effective target for the treatment of SAKI.

This paper studied the community characteristics of two sand-fixing plants (Artemisia ordosica and Caragana korshinskii) under different configuration modes (1 m x 1 m and 2 m x 2 m) in the Shapotou region of Northwest China as well as the water relation, gas exchange, and their adjustment mechanisms of the plants under natural and artificial precipitation conditions. With the variation of soil water content, the physiological water consumption and growth characteristics of A. ordosica differed from those of C. korshinskii. A. ordosica presented obvious fluctuation in the stomatal conductance, water potential, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, and rapid growth, and had higher water consumption than C. korshinskii. However, the variations of the above-mentioned indices of C. korshinskii were relatively slow and more constant. The C. korshinskii had a lower photosynthetic rate but a very high accumulated biomass over years than A. ordosica. The response procedures and adjustment mechanisms of the two plants under water stress differed, with a water-conserving mechanism for A. ordosica and a water-saving mechanism for C. korshinskii. In extremely drought years, the C. korshinskii had stronger capabilities of water-saving and stress tolerance than A. ordosica. It was suggested that the selection of sand-fixing plants should have a view to the benefits in water saving and sand fixation, and also, to the stability of sand-fixing forest.

Aim: To isolate and culture human breast cancer stem cells, and characterize their biological properties in vitro., Methods: Fresh tumor tissues of breast cancer patients were collected from surgical rooms. The tissue samples were mechanically sheared and enzyme-digested to get single cell suspensions. Cancer cell surface antigens were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cell growth curve was established by MTT assay; Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed to detect the expressions of stem cell-specific genes Sox2 and Nanog in the cancer cells; Immunofluorescence staining was performed to examine the expressions of breast cancer-specific proteins Bcl-2 and progesterone receptor (PR)., Results: Human breast cancer stem cells grew in the form of spheres. These stem cells had a CD44(+);/CD24(-); phenotype as characterized by flow cytometry, expressed high levels of Sox2 and Nanog genes, and were positive for Bcl-2 and PR., Conclusion: Human breast tumors contain CD44(+);/CD24(-); cancer stem cells which are capable of self-renewal and proliferation, and can be long-term cultured and expanded in vitro.

Objective: To study the effect of NOD2 on colitis pathogenesis in experimental rats, and discuss therapeutical effect and mechanism of kushenin injection (OMT) on colitis in experimental rats., Method: Fourty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: the normal control group, the model group, the SASP group, and the OMT group, with 10 rats in each group. Except the normal control group, models were established in the remaining three groups with TNBS. The OMT group was injected with kushenin injection, the SASP group was orally administered with mesalazine suspension, the model group and the normal group were orally administered with distilled water for 15 days. Colon lesion score and histological score of experimental rats were observed. Expression of NOD2, NF-kappaB p65 protein in rats colonic mucous was detected by immunohistochemistry. Expression of IL-6 in rat colon mucous was detected by ELISA., Result: Compared with normal control group, the expression of NOD2, NF-kappaB p65 and IL-6 in colonic mucosa of the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01). The SASP group and the OMT group showed lower expressions of NOD2, NF-kappaB p65 and IL-6 in colonic mucosa than the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The over expression of colonic mucosa proteins NOD2 and NF-kappaB p65 and increasing secretion of IL-6 take part in the appearance and development of ulcerative colitis. OMT can attenuate ulcerative colitis and protect colonic mucosa by inhibiting expression of NOD2, NF-kappaB p65 and decreasing IL-6.

Objective: To explore the effect and its mechanism of acupoint catgut-embedding for experimental colitis in rats., Methods: Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control (NC) group, a model (MO) group and a acupoint catgut-embedding (AC) group, 6 rats in each group. Animals in MO group and AC group were treated by trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS) to establish model with colitis. No other treatment was given to the rats in MO group, but acupoint catgut-embedding was implanted at "Shangjuxu" (ST 37), "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Dachangshu" (BL 25) in the rats in AC group. The symptoms of diarrhea and bloody stool, and histopathology changes in colon were observed 15 days after the treatment. Expression of IL-17, beta2AR, NFkappaBp65 were observed by immunohistochemistry. Expressions of NF-kappaBp65 and beta2AR in splenic lymphocyte were detected by the Western blot method., Results: Diarrhea and mucus bloody purulent stool were soon controlled, and colon mucosa injures were obviously improved in AC group. The NF-kappaBp65 value in splenic lymphocytes of 249.70 +/- 13.66 in MO) group was higher than 86.22 +/- 8.09 in NC group (P < 0.01), and 219.02 +/- 7.42 in AC group was less than that in MO group (P < 0.01). The expression of beta2AR in splenic lymphocytes of 594.97 +/- 173.22 in MO group was less than 957.45 +/- 171.56 in NC group (P < 0.01), and 1335.93 +/- 244.34 in AC group was higher than that in MO group (P < 0.01). The expression of IL-17 in colon mucosa in MO group was increased, while the expression of IL-17 in colon mucosa in AC group was decreased., Conclusion: Acupoint catgut-embedding at Shangjuxu (ST 37), Tianshu (ST 25) and Dachangshu (BL 25) has obviously effect in treating experimental colitis and the mechanism may be related to regulate the expression of IL-17, beta2AR and NF-kappaBp65.

Aseptic loosening is mainly mediated by bone resorption cytokines in the surrounding area of orthopaedic implants. Our previous investigation demonstrtated that different-sized titanium particles loading can inbibit the osteoblastic differentiation and mineraliztion. In order to investigate the hypothesis that particulate wear debris derived from prosthetic biomaterials affects the release of bone resorption related cytokines, we studied the influence of different-sized titanium particles loading on the osteoblastic cytokines by assaying the secretion of IL-6, IL-10 with use of ABC-quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and on the expression of osteoclast differentiation factors (ODF) by RT-PCR. The results showed that the 0.9 microm titanium particles promoted osteoblasts producing bone resorption cytokines (IL-6, ODF), and simultaneously secreted bone absorption restraining factor (IL-10) quickly and transitorily. In comparison, the 2.7 microm and 6.9 microm titanium particles,especially the latter primarily promoted osteoblasts secreting bone absorption promoting factors powerfully and slowly. The results suggested that there was a biphasic response appearing in titanium particles loaded-osteoblastic cultures, the level of which varied according to the different size and the loading time of titanium particles. This in vitro experimental result showed that attentaion to the inhibition of bone resorption cytokines stimulated by wear debris and to the screen potential favourable biomaterials for implants must be taken.

Objective: To investigate the pathogenetic mechanism of beta-arrestin1 in the rat's experimental colitis, whether the delta opioid receptor-beta-arrestin1 -Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway involves the pathological process of experimental colitis in rats, and whether oxymatrine could attenuate colitis through this pathway., Methods: Twenty-six SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, the normal control group, the model group, the mesalazine treated group and the oxymatrine treated group (8 rats in the last group and 6 each in the others). The colitis model was established with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and rats in the latter two groups were treated by oxymatrine (intramuscular injection) and mesalazine (3 mL solution gavaged) for 15 days, respectively, while rats in the former two groups were fed with equal volume of distilled water. Symptoms of diarrhea and bloody stool as well as colonic patho-histologic changes were observed, and changes in expressions of delta opioid receptor, beta-arrestin1 and Bcl-2 in rat's colon tissue and spleen T lymphocytes were detected with immuno-histochemistry and Western immune-blotting techniques, respectively., Results: In contrast to the normal control group, expressions of delta opioid receptor, beta-arrestin1 and Bcl-2 were significantly higher in the model group (P < 0.01); compared with the model group, they were significantly lower in the two treated groups (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Delta opioid receptor-beta-arrestin1 -Bcl-2 signal transduction pathway participates in the pathogenesis of TNBS-induced experimental colitis in rats. Oxymatrine can intervene the signal transduction, which may be one of the mechanisms of oxymatrine in attenuating colitis in rats.

Objective: To set up a new process to access the preparation of decellularized artery grafts. And to evaluate the feasibility of decellularized artery allografts was evaluated., Methods: This study compared the effects of four extraction chemicals [1% t-octyl-phenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-100), 1% tri (n-butyl) phosphate (TnBP), and 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and trypsin (0.125, 0.25%) on thoracic artery vascular for 24 h (except trypsin for 2 h). At the base of it, a four-step process, including hypotonic, hypertonic solutions and combining with 1% Triton X-100 and 1% SDS detergents, were performed in rabbit thoracic artery vascular. Histological examination, tensile tests and expanding-burst tests were done on the samples. The decellularized carotid artery allografts were transplanted in other rabbits., Results: Treatment with 1% SDS or 1% Triton X-100 for 24 h could remove most cells with retention of near normal structure. A four-step process could remove all cells with the extracellular matrix well conserved. The pulling mechanical properties and burst pressure of decellularized carotid artery were similar to the control. The decellularized carotid artery allografts (diameter of 2 mm) were patent at explanting up to 2 months., Conclusions: The acellular artery vascular graft matrix is well prepared with four-step process including detergents, such as TritonX-100, SDS without compromising the graft structure or mechanical properties significantly. The carotid artery allografts (diameter of 2 mm) decellularized by the process are patent at explanting up to 2 months.

Objective: To develop a simple method for evaluating the stability of magnetic resonance (MR) scanner during brain function imaging., Method: A symmetrical water phantom was scanned using the same sequence and parameters as for brain function imaging. The stability of MR scanner was evaluated in view of the signal levels of phantom images., Result: The quality control chart of the mean value, standard deviation and the range of the signal level in the region of interest (ROI) within the same region on 128 phantom images were obtained, demonstrating the state of stability of the MR scanner., Conclusion: The quality control chart of ROI can be used to evaluate the stability of the MR scanner.

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of MR imaging of hepatic lesions using measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of hepatic lesions on diffusion weighted imaging., Methods: MR diffusion weighted images were obtained in patients with 97 hepatic lesions (22 hepatocellular carcinomas, 21 metastatic tumors, 28 hemangiomas, 26 cysts). ADC values were evaluated with different sequences. The ADC ratio of lesion/liver was estimated., Results: Average ADC values of hepatic lesions were as follows: carcinomas (0.91 +/- 0.07) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, metastatic tumors (1.13 +/- 0.27) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, cavernous hemangiomas (1.94 +/- 0.37) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s, cysts (3.26 +/- 0.30) x 10(-3) mm(2)/s. The ADC ratio of lesion/liver was significantly different between primary carcinomas and metastatic tumors (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Quantitative study in hepatic lesions using ADC values and the ADC ratio of lesion/liver, would improve the accuracy in diagnosing hepatic lesions.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between injury in the marginal division (MrD) of the striatum and the cognitive impairment., Methods: Twenty patients with injury in the MrD of the striatum were examined routinely by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cognitive tests of each patient were performed and the results evaluated against their MRI findings. A comparative study of the MRI features and the degree of cognitive impairment was also performed between these patients and 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD)., Results: Ischemic injury was the main cause of MrD injuries, manifested by abnormal signals (long T1 and T2 signals) in the MrD. The findings in the 10 AD patients were characterized by atrophy of the temporal lobe, hippocampus and the cortex. The average mini-mental-status examination (MMSE) score of the 20 patients was 19.7, with impaired memory and computation abilities as the main manifestations of cognitive impairments. The average MMSE score in the AD group was 11, and the cognitive impairments included all aspects of the cognitive function. No significant difference of the cognitive impairment was noted between the patients with only injury in the MrD and those with also the injury in other areas of the striatum., Conclusion: The MrD is probably a new area related to the memory function of the brain, and the injury of MrD may cause cognitive impairment.

Protein kinase C is an important family of serine/threorine protein kinase. In this experiment the possible roles of PKC in meiotic maturation, fertilization and egg activation were studied in mouse oocytes. Two isoforms of PKC, PKC alpha and beta 1, were localized in mouse oocytes. PKC activator PMA inhibited the resumption of meiosis in oocytes at GV stage, whose effect could be overcomed by PKC inhibitor calphostin C, neither the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 nor the PKC delta-specific inhibitor rottlerin. The result of Western bolt indicates that both PKC alpha and beta 1 express stably during oocyte development. The translocation of PKCs and cortical granule exocytosis were observed by confocal microscopy. The results show that PKC alpha translocate from the cytoplasm to the membrane after fertilization or drug-stimulation, accompanied by CG exocytosis. This fact suggested that PKC alpha might be involved in the regulation of cortical reaction in mouse oocytes. Roles of PLC gamma in mouse oocyte during fertilization and localization of PKCs in mouse ovary were also investigated in this experiment. The result suggested that there did not exist a feedback regulation of PLC gamma on PKC during fertilization.

Objective: With the help with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique, we aim to clarify whether the marginal division of the striatum (MrD) is involved in the working memory function of human brain for remembering numbers received through hearing., Methods: Thirteen healthy volunteers were instructed to undertake both a working memory task, in which the subjects were asked to remember as many numbers read to them as possible, and a non-working memory control task, in which the subjects were not asked to remember the numbers. FMRI of the brain was performed in the 2 groups while the tests were being carried out separately, and the activity of the brain regions was compared between these 2 tasks., Results: Eleven volunteers passed the working memory task for digit remembering. Highly active areas were observed in the prefrontal cortex and the MrD with predominance by the left side during performance of the working memory task, while other regions of the neostriatum were not excited. The prefrontal cortex and the MrD were not obviously activated during the performance in the control test., Conclusion: The results suggest that the MrD, along with the prefrontal cortex in the human brain, is involved in working memory function in remembering numbers assigned through hearing. The MrD is probably a subcortical memory center, which is linked to other memory-related brain areas.