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Objective Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) usually complain of daytime hypersomnia and decrease in cognitive function, which affects the quality of their work and life. The reason why the cognitive function of OSAS patients decreased remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impairment and the main influencing factors of cognitive function in OSAS. Methods There were totally 50 OSAS patients (OSAS group) and 25 volunteers (control group) included in our study. All of them were monitored by polysomnography (PSG) and tested by Continuous Performance Test (CPT), n-back test and Stroop Color-Word Test (CWT) to evaluate their sleep condition and cognitive function. Results No significant difference was found between the two groups in total sleep time and sleep efficiency (P > 0.05, for all). Compared with control group, OSAS group had significant increased time of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stage Ⅰ and stage Ⅱ, significant decreased time of stage Ⅲ (P < 0.05, for all), while no significant difference in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The arousal index (AI) of the OSAS group was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05). Patients in OSAS group had significantly lower scores in the cognitive function tests (P < 0.01), which showed the ability of attention, response, memory, discernibility and performance were injured. The damage had no significant connection with the severity of the apnea hyponea index (AHI) and hypoxia (P > 0.05, for all), while had significant connection with AI and NREM Ⅲ (P < 0.05, for all). The rate of OSAS patients who underwent nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment was very low, only 8% (4/50). Conclusion The abnormality of OSAS patients' sleep structure is characterized with sleep fragmentation and decrease of NREM Ⅲ, which may be the main factors of cognitive impairment. Exploration of treatment methods targeted on regulating the effected hormones and receptors is meaningful.

The paper reviews the mechanism and research progress of activation of persulfate by applying Fe, n-ZVI, heat and alkali, analyses the effects of persulfate on soil physicochemical properties and micro-organisms, describes the combined application with surfactant drenching and bioremediation, and points out some research hotspots for the remediation of contaminated soils by persulfate oxidation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the field observation on the Tamarix ramosissima populations in the lower reaches of Heihe River, the relationship models between the aboveground biomass of T. ramosissima and its morphological features (basal diameter, height, and canopy perimeter) were built. In the mean time, the land use/cover of the study area was classified by the decision tree classification with high resolution image ( QuickBird) , the distribution of T. ramosissima was extracted from classification map, and the morphological feature ( canopy perimeter) of T. ramosissima was calculated with ArcGIS 9. 2. On the bases of these, the spatial distribution of T. ramosissima aboveground biomass in the study area was estimated. Finally, the spatial distribution of the water consumption of T. ramosissima in the study area was calculated by the transpiration coefficient ( 300) and the aboveground biomass. The results showed that the aboveground biomass of T. ramosissima was 69644. 7 t, and the biomass per unit area was 0. 78 kg ∙ m-2 . Spatially, the habitats along the banks of Heihe River were suitable for T. ramosissima, and thus, this tree species had a high biomass. The total amount of water consumption of T. ramosissima in the study area was 2. 1×107 m3 , and the annual mean water consumption of T. ramosissima ranged from 30 mm to 386 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

House right is one of people's important social, economic and cultural rights and the release of Declaration of the Rights of Man remarked its generation. Previously, it underwent a long process of development, it was also affected by various social and economic factors. Improvement of "City Diseases", workers' movements and impacts of social democracy all took important roles in this historical process. After World War II, house right was furthered both in theory and practice. At present time, China is advancing its legislation in residence right, so to study this historical process is of great importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the evolution and subsidence law of the overlying rock separation fracture under the mining of thick loose bed and thin bedrock, combined with the geological conditions of 1302 face of the first mining face of Shandong Guotun Coal Mine, the fractal characteristics of the overlying rock fracture network and subsidence in the mining process are studied by using the method of similar material simulation test and fractal. The research results show that: the evolution characteristics of overburden fractures have good self-similarity and fractal characteristics; as the working face advances, the fractal dimension of the overburden fracture network increases slowly and steadily during the early and mid-jumping periods. There are four layers in the whole mining process, and the location and size of the layers show a certain regularity; under the action of thick loose layer, the thin bedrock layer can still form a stable and strong bearing structure; the settlement of overburden in goaf and fractal dimension of fracture network show a nonlinear relation of approximately bifold line.

Objective To investigate the effect of depression on response inhibition of patients after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 Items (HAMD-17) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were used to assess the severity of trauma, depression and activities of daily living in 104 TBI patients (54 with depression and 50 without depression). Besides, 51 normal controls with matched age, sex and education were enrolled. Stimulus-Response Compatibility (SRC) task was employed to record the reaction time (RT) of response inhibition of the subjects in 3 groups. Results Both HAMD-17 and ADL scores in TBI with depression group were significantly higher than those in TBI without depression group (P = 0.000, 0.000) and normal control group (P = 0.000, 0.000). Besides, HAMD-17 and ADL scores in TBI without depression group were significantly higher than those in normal control group (P = 0.000, 0.000). Compared with normal control group, no matter in compatible or incompatible condition, RT was significantly longer in both TBI groups (P = 0.000, 0.000). RT was much longer in TBI with depression group than that in TBI without depression group (P = 0.000). Conclusions Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom after TBI, which may exist 6 months after injury or even longer. TBI combined with depression could aggravate the impaired cognitive function, so early identification and timely intervention is very important. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2016.06.004

Investigating the composition of food sources with stable isotope method can provide direct evidence for the top-down control in the coastal wetland. In this study, we examined food source and feeding habit of Helice tientsinensis of common reed (Phragmites australis) vegetation in high marsh of Yellow River Delta. The results showed that the density of crab was (5.5±1.5) ind·m -2 , with the behavior of climbing P. australis to feed on the leaves at night. Under the same indoor experimental condition, H. tientsinensis showed feeding preference on fresh leaves of P. aus-tralis. The stable isotope food source analysis showed that the leaves of P. australis were one of the important food sources of H. tientsinensis in the field. There were temporal variations in the proportion of fresh leaves [May: (6.4±4.9)%, July: (5.8±4.9)%, September: (12.5±8.8)%] and dead leaves [May: (12.4±7.8)%, July: (15.5±9.9)%, September: (15.1±9.4)%]. Therefore, H. tientsinensis could inhibit P. australis's growth and affect litter decomposition through feeding disturbance behavior.

Objective: To develop a bionic animal skin and evaluate its detective effect of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae so as to provide a new technique for the monitoring of the schistosome susceptibility water body., Methods: A bionic animal skin was made with pigskin and the experiments were carried out for evaluating its detective effects of S. japonicum cercariae in laboratory and simulate fields, and at the same time, the sentinel mouse method was used as the control., Results: In the laboratory, the cercariae were found in 10-, 30-, 60-cercaria subgroups in the bionic animal skin group after 1 and 2 hours, but the cercariae were found only in the 60-cercaria subgroup in the sentinel mouse group. In the simulate fields, in the water body with 5 schistosome-infected Oncomelania hupensis snails, the cercariae were found in 2 bionic animal skin devices (2/4) and 3 bionic animal skin devices (3/4) after 2 hours and 4 hours respectively, and in the water body with 10 schistosome-infected O. hupensis snails, the cercariae were found in 4 bionic animal skin devices (4/4) and 3 bionic animal skin devices (3/4) after 2 hours and 4 hours respectively in the bionic animal skin group. In the the sentinel mouse group, in the above-mentioned water bodies (with 5 or 10 schistosome-infected O. hupensis snails), the cercariae were found in 2 sentinel mice (2/4) and 1 sentinel mice (1/4) after 2 hours and 4 hours respectively; and the cercariae were found in 2 sentinel mice (2/4) and 3 sentinel mice (3/4) after 2 hours and 4 hours respectively., Conclusions: The bionic animal skin device can be used to detect the S. japonicum cercariae, and its sensibility and efficiency are superior to the traditional sentinel mouse method.

Objective: To understand the present situation of the chronic schistosomiasis patients' knowledge, attitude and practice on schistosomiasis control in Nanchang City., Methods: The knowledge, attitude and values on schistosomiasis control of 523 chronic schistosomiasis patients in Nanchang County, Jinxian County and Xinjian District in the Poyang Lake District were investigated with questionnaires. And the accuracy rates of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the patient groups of different counties, genders, age groups, occupations and educational levels were analyzed., Results: The accuracy rates of the knowledge, attitude and practice of patients on schistosomiasis control were 95.76%, 82.80%, and 81.73% in Nanchang County; 91.37%, 93.32%, and 76.48% in Jinxian County; 88.25%, 67.56%, and 49.40% in Xinjian District. In the accuracy rates of knowledge, attitude and practice, the differences among the three counties (districts) were statistically significant ( χ 2 = 57.511-301.378, all P < 0.05) ., Conclusions: The accuracy rates of chronic schistosomiasis patients' attitude and practice on schistosomiasis control in Nanchang City remain low. Therefore, the intensity of attitude and practice intervention should be strengthened in the Poyang Lake District in order to enhance the self-protection awareness of the patients.

Objective: To compare the functional parameters of the small airways and clinical characteristics between patients with typical asthma (TA) and cough-variant asthma (CVA)., Methods: Forty-three newly diagnosed asthmatic patients were enrolled, including 15 with TA and positive bronchial provocation test [TA BPT(+)], 12 with TA and positive bronchial dilation test [TA BDT(+)] and 16 with CVA, and 27 healthy subjects served as the control group. All the subjects were required to complete data acquisition, asthma control test, asthma control test scale, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, airway resistance and pulmonary function tests, BPT or BDT., Results: The interval from onset to a definite diagnosis of TA BDT(+) was longer than that of TA BPT(+), while that of CVA was the shortest (P=0.022). The pulmonary functional parameters of TA BDT (+) was significantly lower than those of the other 3 groups (P<0.05). MMEF, MEF 75 , MEF 50 , and MEF 25 in patients with TA BDT(+), TA BPT(+) and CVA were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The resonant frequency, respiratory impedance, resistance at 5 Hz, resistance at 20 Hz, and reactance at 5 Hz were significant higher in patients with TA BDT (+) than in the control subjects, while these parameters showed no significant differences among TA BPT (+), CVA and control groups. The airway resistance in TA BPT(+), CVA, and control groups increased after BPT, and the patients with TA BPT(+) showed greater changes in airway resistance than those in CVA and control groups. In CVA patients, FeNO showed a strong positive correlation with respiratory impedance (r=0.523, P=0.038), resistance at 5 Hz (r=0.542, P=0.030), and resistance at 20 Hz (r=0.524, P=0.037), and the airway responsiveness showed a strong positive correlation with resistance at 20 Hz (Rho=-0.512, P=0.043)., Conclusion: CVA is the early stage of TA, and CVA, TA BPT(+), and TA BDT(+) may represent different stages of asthma. Uncontrolled, prolonged CVA may evolve into TA BPT (+), whose further progression can cause damages of the pulmonary function and small airway function and leads eventually to TA BDT (+).

To improve the management level of patients' information of schistosomiasis control stations in Nanchang City, the B/S three-layer architecture and ASP+SQL technology were applied to formulate the WEB-based management system of chronic schistosomiasis patients' information, so as to achieve the information sharing of chronic schistosomiasis among schistosomiasis control stations.

The modeling and predicting of vegetation Leaf area index (LAI) is an important component of land surface model and assimilation of remote sensing data. The MODIS LAI product (i.e. MOD15A2) is one of the most widely used LAI data sources. However, the time series of MODIS LAI contains some data of low quality. For example, because of the influence of the cloud, aerosol, etc., the MODIS LAI presents the characteristics of the discontinuous in time and space. In fact, the time series of MODIS LAI include both linear and nonlinear components, which cannot be accurately modeled and predicted by either linear method or nonlinear method alone. In this paper, the original LAI time series data were first smoothed with Savitzky-Golay (SG) filtration and linear interpolation; SARIMA, BP neural network and a hybrid method of SARIMA-BP neural network were then used for modeling and predicting MODIS LAI time series. The SARIMA-BP neural network combined both SARIMA and BP neural network, which could model the linear and the nonlinear component of MODIS LAI time series respectively. That is, the final result of SARIMA-BP neural network was the sum of results of the two methods. Experiments showed that the time series of MODIS LAI that were smoothed with the SG filtration and linear interpolation were more smooth than original time series, with a determination coefficient up to 0.981, closer to 1 than that of SARIMA (0.941) and BP neural network (0.884); the correlation coefficient between SARIMA-BP neural network and the observation is 0.991, higher than that of between SARIMA (0.971) or BP neural network (0.942) SARIMA and the observation. Thus, it can be concluded that, the proposed SARIMA-BP neural network method can better adapt to the LAI time series, and it outperforms the SARIMA and BP neural network methods.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristic of microcirculation in healthy volunteers and patients with septic shock in both Xining (2 260 m) and Nanjing (10 m)., Methods: A total of 62 cases, 33 healthy volunteers, 22 cases in Xining, (2 260 m above sea level) and 11 cases in Nanjing (10 m above sea level); and 29 septic shock, 13 cases in Xining and 16 cases in Nanjing were collected. The total vessel density (TVD), perfused vessel density (PVD), proportion of perfused vessel (PPV) and microcirculation flow index (MFI) of both healthy volunteers and septic shock had been investigated by using sidestream dark field (SDF). Analyzed and managed the image data by using AVA3.0 software., Results: In the healthy volunteers in Xining area (22 cases),the volume of TVD (15.59 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (15.58 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ) and PPV(96.60% ±4.63%) were significant higher than the volume of TVD (10.0 ±2.10 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (10.81 ±2.38 mm/mm 2 ) and PPV (84.24% ±8.00%) of the volunteers (11 cases) in Nanjing (11 cases). But the MFI (2.17 ±0.31) of the healthy volunteers in the Xining was significant lower (P<0.05) than the MFI (3.21 ±0.34) in the healthy volunteers of Nanjing. In the septic shock group (13 cases) in the Xining, the volume of TVD (5.44 ±1.94 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (4.18 ±1.61 mm/mm 2 ), PPV (42.14%±5.38%) and MFI (1.05 ±0.32) compared with the volume of the healthy volunteers in Xining, the TVD (15.59 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (5.58 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ), PPV (96.60% ±4.63%) and MFI (2.17 ±0.30) were significant lower ( P <0.05). In the healthy volunteers compare with septic shock group in Nanjing area, the TVD(6.80±1.72 vs 10.00±2.10, P <0.05), PVD(5.86±1.58 vs10.81±2.38, P <0.05), PPV(45.42±4.86 vs 84.24±4.86, P <0.05), MFI(1.28±0.28 vs 3.21±0.34 P <0.05), there was significant decreased. In the septic shock group in the Xining compared with the septic shock in Nanjing, there was no significant difference. 10 of 13 patients with septic shock were survived in Xining. 13 of 16 patients with septic shock were survived in Nanjing., Conclusions: The changes of physiological and pathophysiological characteristic in microcirculation induced by hypoxia would be useful for clinical treatment of septic shock at high altitude.

Objective: To investigate the endemic situation of human Toxoplasma gondii infection in Nanchang City in 2014 and analyze the influencing factors, so as to provide the evidence for control measures., Methods: The high-risk population of T. gondii infection in Nanchang City was collected as an experiment group, and a control group was settled with the ratio of 1∶1. The serum tests and epidemiology surveys were conducted simultaneously, and the influencing factors were analyzed., Results: The total positive rate of human T. gondii was 5.17% (124/2 400) among the whole population in Nanchang City in 2014. The positive rate was 7.50% (90/1 200) in the experiment group and 2.18% (34/1 200) in the control group, and the difference was significant ( χ 2 =26.668, P ＜0.05). The results of univariate analysis indicated that different dietary habits and health habits were closely related to the infection of T. gondii ( χ 2 =16.522, 64.954, both P ＜0.05). The result of Logistic analysis showed that the risk factors of T. gondii infection were occupation, educational levels, raising cats, contacting animals or raw meat, and eating raw or uncooked beef., Conclusions: The high risk population of T. gondii infection is the key population of the toxoplasmosis control. Unhealthy dietary and living habits are key influencing factors of toxoplasmosis, and the related health education and surveillance work should be strengthened.

Carbon monoxide has been proved to be an important signal molecule in body. Transition metal carbonyl compounds are solidified form of carbon monoxide. Numerous studies have shown that Ruthenium carbonyl carbon monoxide releasing molecules have a strong pharmacological activity. In this paper, five Ruthenium (II) carbonyl CORMs 1-5 were synthesized and their toxicology, tissue distribution and interaction with blood endogenous substances were investigated. The results showed CORMs' IC50 to fibroblasts are ranged from 212.9 to 2089.2 micromol x L(-1). Their oral LD50 to mouse is between 800 to 1600 mg x kg(-1). After repeated administration, CORMs 1 and CORMs 5 haven't shown an obvious influence to rats' liver and kidney function, but caused the injury to liver and kidney cells. The in vivo distribution result revealed the majority of CORMs were distributed in blood, liver and kidney, only a small part of CORMs distributed in lung, heart and spleen. They could scarcely cross the blood-brain barrier and distribute to brain. The non-CO ligands in structure have an obvious relevance to their in vivo absorption and distribution. Interestingly, CORMs could enhance the fluorescence of bovine serum albumin, and this enhancement was in direct proportion with the concentration of CORMs. Under different conditions, interaction of CORMs with glutathione got different type of products, one is Ruthenium (II) tricarbonyl complexes, and Ruthenium (II) dicarbonyl complexes.

The exclusive shortwave bands provided by MODIS sensors offer new opportunities for agricultural drought monitoring, since they are very sensitive to vegetation moisture. In the present work, we selected Songnen Plain in Northeast China as study area aiming at monitoring agricultural drought of dry farmland here. Four types of vegetation water indices and vegetation greenness indices were calculated from the 8-day composite MODIS product (MODO9A1) in vegetation growing season between 2001 and 2010, respectively. Multi-scale standardized precipitation index (SPI) derived from precipitation data of weather stations was used as reference data to estimate drought sensitivity of various vegetation indices, and a pixel-to-weather station paired correlation approach was used to calculate the Pearson correlation coefficient between vegetation index and SPIs. The result indicated that vegetation water indices established by near infrared and shortwave infrared bands outperformed vegetation greenness indices based on visible and near infrared bands. Of these indices, NDII7 performs the best with highest correlation coefficients across all SPIs. The authors' results demonstrated the potential of MODIS shortwave spectral bands in monitoring agricultural drought, and this provides new insights to future research.

With the features of a broad range of ionizable compounds, reduced fragments and simple mass spectrum, a homemade magnetic field enhanced photoelectron ionization (MEPEI) source combined with single photon ionization (SPI) for time-of-flight mass spectrometer was built and applied to analyze thermal decomposition/combustion products of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The combined ion source can be switched very fast between SPI mode and SPI-MEPEI mode for detecting different targeted compounds, and only adjusting the voltage of the electrode in the ionization region to trigger the switch. Among the PVC thermal decomposition/combustion products, HCl and CO2, which ionization energies (12.74 eV, 13.77 eV respectively) were higher than the energy of photon (10.60 eV), were ionized by MEPEI, while alkenes, dichloroethylene, benzene and its homologs, monochlorobenzene, styrene, indane, naphthalene and its homologs were ionized by SPI and MEPEI simultaneously. Spectra of interested products as a function of temperatures indicated that products are formed via two main mechanisms: (1) dechlorination and intramolecular cyclization can lead to the formation of HCl, benzene and naphthalene at 250-370 degrees C; (2) intermolecular crosslinking leads to the formation of alkyl aromatics such as toluene and xylene/ethylbenzene at 380-510 degrees C. The experimental results show that the combined ion source of SPI/ SPI-MEPEI for TOF-MS has broad application prospects in the online analysis field.

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced CD11b⁺Gr-1⁺ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice., Methods: A total of 34 female BALB/c mice were selected. Among them, 4 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS for inducing the accumulation of MDSCs. And the MDSCs were separated with CD11b immunomagnetic beads from spleen extract. Another 30 mice were randomly divided into normal control, asthmatic and cell treatment groups. The mice in the asthmatic and cell treatment groups were sensitized with ovalbumin by a combination of intraperitoneal injection and challenges to establish the murine asthmatic model. At Days 14 and 21 post-sensitization, the mice in cell treatment group received an intravenous injection of LPS-induced MDSCs. At 24 hours after the last allergen challenge, the number of inflammatory cells were counted and morphological identification of leucocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was performed to analyze the degree of airway inflammation in conjunctions with pathological sections. The BALF and serum levels of interleukin-13 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry., Results: The total number of cells, the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils of BALF in the cell treatment group [(17.0 ± 8.3)×10⁴/ml, 11.1% ± 2.0%, 9.8% ± 2.9%] were significantly lower than those in the asthmatic group [(36.0 ± 15.9)×10⁴/ml, 20.8% ± 4.0%, 14.1% ± 4.2%] (P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.011). Compared to the asthmatic group, the BALF and serum levels of IL-13 were significantly lower [(34.7 ± 7.1) vs (105.0 ± 9.0) ng/L, (34.0 ± 4.7) vs (48.1 ± 6.1) ng/L] (both P = 0.000) and the number of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells increased in peripheral blood (8.0% ± 1.3% vs 5.1% ± 2.1%, P = 0.002) and airway inflammation was significantly relieved in the cell treatment group., Conclusion: LPS-induced MDSCs may improve airway inflammation through up-regulating Tregs in peripheral blood and suppressing Th2 effector function in asthmatic mice.

Objective: To explore the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on the proliferation of spleen T lymphocytes., Methods: BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two groups: LPS group and normal control group. They were injected intraperitoneally with LPS and normal saline solution respectively. MDSCs were separated with CD11b immunomagnetic beads from the spleen extract of mice. The morphological characteristics of MDCSs were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining and the characteristic molecules on cell surface identified by flow cytometry. And the effects of MDSCs on the in vitro proliferation of T cells were determined by methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT)., Results: The proportion of MDSCs in the spleen of the LPS group was much more than that of the normal control group (27.4% ± 6.6% vs 5.1% ± 3.8%; t = 5.06, P = 0.007). CD11b(+)Gr-1(+)MDSCs could be separated by CD11b immunomagnetic beads from the spleen of mice injected with LPS at a high purity of 84.0% ± 4.2%. MTT method showed that the proliferation of T cells decreased significantly after a co-cultivation with CD11b(+)MDSCs versus the control group. And it was positively correlated with the number of MDSCs (F = 46.26, P = 0.000)., Conclusions: A high purity of LPS-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells may be separated with CD11b immunomagnetic beads. And it has dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of the spleen T lymphocytes.

A home-made membrane inlet- single photon ionization/chemical ionization- time-of-flight mass spectrometer has been described. A vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lamp with photon energy of 10.6 eV was used as the light source for single photon ionization (SPI). Chemical ionization (CI) was achieved through ion-molecule reactions with O2- reactant ions generated by photoelectron ionization. The two ionization modes could be rapidly switched by adjusting electric field in the ionization region within 2 s. Membrane inlet system used for rapid enrichment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water was constructed by using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane with a thickness of 50 microm. A purge gas was added to accelerate desorption of analytes from the membrane surface. The purge gas could also help to prevent the pump oil back-streaming into the ionization region from the analyzer chamber and improve the signal to noise ratio (S/N). Achieved detection limits were 2 microg x L(-1) for methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in SPI mode and 1 microg x L(-1) for chloroform in SPI-CI mode within 10 s analysis time, respectively. The instrument has been successfully applied to the rapid analysis of MTBE in simulated underground water nearby petrol station and VOCs in disinfected drinking water. The results indicate that the instrument has a great application prospect for online analysis of VOCs in water.

To establish an early-warning system for source water pollution accident, a membrane inlet/time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology was applied to a series of pollution scenarios as an online monitoring method for typical volatile organic compounds such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene), substituted benzenes, and halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons. It was shown that this technology can adequately meet the requirements of realtime analysis with short response time to the target organic pollutants (30-70 s for BTEX and 30 s for halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons) in a linear detecting range of 3-4 magnitudes; the detection limits of BTEX and chlorobenzene were less than 10 microg x L(-1). The results of 52 simulated water pollution accidents in a 30-days' continuous monitoring indicated that the monitoring system was stable with the relative standard deviation less than 5%; the accuracy was acceptable and could be reduced to within 10% by periodical calibrations. Membrane inlet/time-of-flight mass spectrometry technology was proven to be available for the remote monitoring and early-warning of source water pollution accident.

Objective: To explore whether or not CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell play a pathogenic role in asthma and detect the effects of dexamethasone (DXM)., Methods: A total of 30 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: asthmatic group, DXM group and control group (n = 10 each). The asthmatic and DXM groups were sensitized twice and inhaled ovalbumin. The DXM Group received an intraperitoneal injection of DXM 1mg/kg before inhaling ovalbumin. After successful modeling, 3 mice were selected randomly from each group to measure the airway responsiveness. Also a bronchoalveolar lavage cytological study was performed and lung tissue sections were prepared for histopathologic examination to evaluate the airway inflammation. The content of IgE in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected with a murine IgE ELISA kit. And the fractions of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of peripheral blood and BALF were tested by flow cytometry to analyze the correlation between IgE, eosinophils (EOS) of BALF and CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of blood., Results: The airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic and DXM groups were significantly higher than that in the control group. The number of total cells and EOS of BALF in the asthmatic group [(5.56 ± 4.06) × 10(2)/L; (3.29 ± 2.23) × 10(2)/L] were significantly higher than that in control group [(0.91 ± 0.65) × 10(2)/L, P = 0.003; (0.43 ± 0.37) × 10(2)/L, P = 0.001] and DXM group [(2.59 ± 1.69) × 10(2)/L, P = 0.044; (1.11 ± 0.73) × 10(2)/L, P = 0.008]; while the DXM group was insignificantly higher than the control group (P = 0.234, P = 0.363). There were significant differences in the contents of IgE of BALF for the asthmatic, DXM and control groups [(23.85 ± 5.97) g/L, (13.15 ± 2.22) g/L, (6.54 ± 1.03) g/L, F = 38.558, P = 0.000]. The percentages of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell in peripheral blood in asthmatic and DXM groups [(18.68 ± 4.12)% and (13.43 ± 2.91)%] were significantly higher than those in control mice [(8.43 ± 4.60)%, both P < 0.05]. The percentages of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of BALF in asthmatic group and DXM group [(1.25 ± 0.40)% and (0.66 ± 0.49)%] were also significantly higher than those in control mice [(0.21 ± 0.19)%, both P < 0.05]. The percentages of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell of blood and BALF in the DXM mice were significantly lower than those in asthmatic group. The correlations between IgE (r = 0.864, P = 0.012), EOS (r = 0.804, P = 0.029) and CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell were significant., Conclusion: The fraction of CD8(+)CD28(-)T cell is closely correlated with the inflammation of asthmatic airway. The airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthmatic mice may be relieved by DXM through its effect of inhibiting the expression of CD8(+)CD28(-) T cell.

Objective: To explore the relevance between the promoter methylation status of Notch1 gene and the invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal hyperplastic lesions of the breast., Methods: Methylation status of Notch1 gene in human breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC, n = 89), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, n = 20), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH, n = 11) and usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH, n = 20) were quantitatively evaluated by MALDI-TOF MS. The expression of Notch1 protein was detected by immunohistochemical stain (SP method)., Results: Positive expression rates of Notch1 protein in IDC and DCIS were 91.0% (81/89) and 75.0% (15/20), respectively, which were significantly higher than those of ADH (4/11) and UDH (30.0%, 6/20;P < 0.05). Notch1 protein expression was correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis, pathological grades and TNM stages of IDC. The mean methylation levels of Notch1 gene at CpG&#95;3, CpG&#95;4.5 and CpG&#95;8 significantly decreased in IDC group compared with those of DCIS, ADH and UDH groups (P < 0.0083). In breast carcinomas, the mean methylation rates of Notch1 gene at CpG&#95;4.5, CpG&#95;10.11, and CpG&#95;14.15.16 loci in cases with axillary node metastasis were significantly lower than those without axillary node metastasis (P < 0.05); and the methylation rates at CpG&#95;14.15.16 and CpG&#95;18 loci in stage Iwere lower than that in stage II, further lower than that in stage III (P < 0.05); and that in CpG&#95;1.2, CpG&#95;12.13 loci in grade I (highly-differentiated group) were higher than that in grade II (moderate-differentiated group) and grade III (poorly-differentiated group) (P < 0.05); and the methylation rates at CpG&#95;3, CpG&#95;8 and CpG&#95;14.15.16 loci in ER(+) PR(+) HER2(-) group were lower than that in ER(-) PR(-) HER2(+) group (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: There is an overall hypomethylation of Notch1 gene in breast invasive ductal carcinomas with corresponding over-expression of Notch1 protein. This inverse correlation show that the alteration of protein expression result from hypomethylation oncogene Notch1, and this change may have important significance in breast tumorigenesis and the development. Specific hypomethylation at CpG&#95;3, CpG&#95; 4.5 and CpG&#95;8 loci of Notch1 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of breast carcinoma, suggesting the progression and/or malignant transformation from benign glandular lesions of the breast.

Objective: To analyze the amount and tendency of methyl methacrylate (MMA) released from autopolymerized denture base polymer (self-curing resin) during processing using time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS)., Methods: Self-curing resin was mixed in the container using a ratio of 2 g of powder to 1 g of liquid in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for 40 s as a specimen. The amount of MMA released from the specimen was continuously monitored and simultaneously recorded every minute by TOF-MS since immediately after mixing. A total of five specimens were monitored., Results: The amount of MMA increased dramatically at 11 min [(45.2 ± 3.5) mg/L] after mixing, and reached the highest level at 13 min [(228.9 ± 22.6) mg/L], then become stable at 23 min [(8.8 ± 2.3) mg/L] after mixing., Conclusions: The releasing tendency of MMA could be analyzed accurately with continuously monitoring during processing. The amount of MMA released from self-curing resin changed rapidly and the processing was complicated and changeful.

Objective: To investigate the effects of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (polyI:C) on the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and airway inflammation in mice with exacerbated asthma induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)., Methods: Thirty-two female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely the PBS control group, OVA group, OVA/RSV group, and OVA/RSV/polyI:C group. In the latter 3 groups, the mice were sensitized by OVA and stimulated with nebulized OVA. RSV was inoculated into the nasal cavity of the sensitized mice and polyI:C (1 mg/kg) was intramuscularly administered. The airway response to metacholine was examined, and the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ and TSLP in the supernatants of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected using ELISA. The total BALF cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils were counted. The lung specimens were collected to observe the inflammation with HE staining, and immunohistochemistry was employed to determine TSLP production in the airway epithelial cells., Results: The mice in RSV/OVA/polyI:C group showed a significantly lower airway responsiveness to metacholine than those in OVA/RSV group (P<0.01). Compared with OVA/RSV group, RSV/OVA/polyI:C group showed significantly lower serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TSLP in BALF (P<0.05), with also lower total BALF cells, eosinophils and lymphocytes (P<0.05) and lessened infiltration of the airway inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemistry of TSLP also demonstrated a lower production of TSLP in the airway epithelial cells in RSV/OVA/polyI:C group than in OVA/RSV group., Conclusions: polyI:C can inhibit the increase in TSLP production in the airway epithelial cells after RSV infection and relieve airway inflammation in mice with RSV-induced asthma exacerbation.

Objective: To evaluate the benefit and safety of continuous femoral nerve block in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty., Methods: From December 2008 to August 2009, 80 patients with total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups, 40 patients in each group. In group A the pain-control was dominanted by continuous femoral nerve block, there were 5 males adn 35 females with an average age of (65.0 +/- 4.2) years old; In group B the pump of vein odynolysis was used, there were 5 males and 35 females with an average age of (64.7 +/- 8.5) years old. The treatment of relieve pain continued for 3 days. The pain of visual analog scale (VAS), sleep condition, early-stage rehabilitation and adverse effects were recorded., Results: The VAS scores of group A was lower than that of group B at 2, 6, 24, 36, 48, 56, 72 h after operation (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); The sleep condition and early-stage rehabilitation of group A were better than that of group B. The complications of group B occurrenced more than group A; The analgetica of group B were used more than that of group A., Conclusion: The continuous femoral nerve block is an effective pain relieve method and is benefical to rehabilitation from total knee arthroplasty early.

Objective: To analyze the pathological and clinical features of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in west Guangdong province., Methods: The pathological type and clinical features of 120 patients with IgAN were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis were the most frequent features of IgAN. IgM deposit could be found in half of the IgAN patients, especially in the IgAN patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis., Conclusion: The incidence of IgAN may vary between different regions. Clinically, misdiagnosis of other renal diseases as IgAN may often occur. The nature and severity of glomerular immunoglobulin deposition can be related to the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN.

Objective: To investigate the effects of different factors on the expressions of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected human airway epithelial cell line 16HBE cells., Methods: RSV amplified by infecting Hep-2 cells was identified for its virulence. 16HBE cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group, RSV group, RSV/anti-TLR3 group, RSV/IFN-gamma group, RSV/IL-4 group and RSV/dexamethasone group with corresponding treatments. Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of TSLP mRNA in the cells 6 h after RSV infection. Western blotting was used to examine TSLP protein expression in the cells 24 h after the infection., Results: The expression of TSLP mRNA in 16HBE cells 6 h after RSV infection increased by 1.63-/+0.08 folds as compared to the expression level in the control cells. The expression of TSLP mRNA was significantly decreased in RSV-infected cells treated with anti-TLR3 antibody (P=0.034) and recombinant human IFN-gamma (P<0.001), but increased with the treatment by recombinant human IL-4 (P=0.025). Dexamethasone significantly inhibited the expression of TSLP mRNA in RSV-infected cells (P<0.001). The production of TSLP protein in 16HBE cells increased by 1.9 folds (P<0.001) 24 h after RSV infection, but underwent no significant changes after treatment with anti-TLR3 antibody (P=0.114). Recombinant human IFN-gamma significantly decreased while IL-4 enhanced the expression of TSLP protein in the infected cells (P=0.020 and 0.014, respectively). Dexamethasone significantly inhibited the increment of TSLP protein expression in RSV-infected cells (P<0.001)., Conclusions: RSV infection can enhance the expressions of TSLP in human airway epithelial cells. IFN-gamma, anti-TLR3 and dexamethasone can inhibit the elevation of TSLP expression induced by RSV infection, but IL-4 synergistically enhances its expression.

Objective: To investigate the role of ribavirin (RIB) in treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced asthma exacerbation of mice., Methods: (1) Cell experiment: 32 flasks of human airway epithelial cell 16HBEs were randomly divided into four groups: RSV group, RSV/RIB group, RIB group and control group. 16HBEs were infected with RSV at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 2. RIB 50 microg/ml was added in culture medium and Western blot used to detect the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) protein; (2) Animal experiment: 32 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: Ovalbumin (OVA) group, OVA/RSV group, OVA/RSV/RIB group and control group. Mice were sensitized by OVA and stimulated with nebulized OVA. RSV was inoculated into murine nasal cavity and RIB 10 mg/kg intramuscularly administered. BUXCO noninvasive murine lung function detection instrument was used to examine the airway response to metacholine; ELISA was used to detect IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-gamma in murine serum and TSLP in supernatants of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); murine lung specimens were stained with HE to observe inflammation and immunohistochemical technique was employed to observe the production of TSLP in murine airway epithelial cells., Results: The cell experiment demonstrated the productions of TSLP protein in RSV group, RSV/RIB group, RIB group and control group were 1.97 +/- 0.22, 1.16 +/- 0.19, 0.99 +/- 0.17 and 0.89 +/- 0.08 respectively, and the production of TSLP in RSV/RIB group was lower than that in RSV group (P < 0.01). The animal experiment demonstrated that the murine airway responsiveness in RSV/OVA/RIB group was lower than that in OVA/RSV group (P < 0.01). The levels of IL-4 [(109.7 +/- 41.9) pg/ml], IL-5 [(220.8 +/- 30.9) pg/ml], IFN-gamma [(13.0 +/- 3.4) pg/ml] in murine serum and TSLP [(1945 +/- 82) pg/ml] in BALF of RSV/OVA/RIB group were significantly lower than those in OVA/RSV group [(274.2 +/- 103.7), (293.3 +/- 46.1), (30.1 +/- 5.7) and (2127 +/- 46) pg/ml respectively, all P < 0.01]; less infiltration of airway inflammatory cells in OVA/RSV/RIB group was observed than that in OVA/RSV group. Immunohistochemical staining of TSLP also showed a lower production of TSLP in airway epithelial cells of OVA/RSV/RIB group than OVA/RSV group., Conclusion: Ribavirin can inhibit the elevated production of TSLP after RSV infection and relieve RSV-induced asthma exacerbation in mice.

The characteristics of host-guest complexation between cucurbit [7] uril (CB7) and methylene blue (MB) were investigated by fluorescence spectrometry in acetate buffer solution at room temperature. It was found that the fluorescence intensity of methylene blue regularly increased upon the addition of cucurbit [7] uril accompanying with a blue-shift of the position of the emission maximum. The results indicate the formation of complex between CB7 and MB at a 1 : 1 complex stoichiometry and the association constant was calculated by applying a deduced equation. 1H NMR spectra were applied to to complement the fluorescence work to verify the formation of the complex. From the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants, thermodynamics parametersH andS values were obtained, indicating an enthalpic driving force for complexation. The possible interaction mechanism was also discussed. This work may extend the application range of cucurbit [7] uril in biochemistry and pharmaceutical analysis.

Objective: To investigate the effect of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection on the production of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and Th1/Th2 balance in asthmatic mice., Methods: Thirty-two female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely the PBS group, ovalbumin (OVA) group, RSV group and OVA/RSV group. The mice were sensitized by OVA and then stimulated with nebulized OVA, and RSV was inoculated into the nasal cavity of the mice. BUXCO noninvasive lung function detection was performed to examine the airway response to metacholine, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma in the mice. The cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted and classified, and the supernatants of the BALF were used for the detection of TSLP. Histopathological changes in the lung tissues of the mice were examined using HE staining, and immunohistochemistry using anti-mouse TSLP antibody was performed to examine TSLP expressions in the airway epithelial cells., Results: RSV infection promoted the production of TSLP in the asthmatic mice, and the concentration of TSLP in OVA/RSV group (2.13-/+0.05 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.01). RSV infection increased the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma in the mice. The total BALF cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils in OVA/RSV group were significantly higher than those in the other groups; noninvasive lung function examination showed higher Penh value in OVA/RSV group (318.66-/+50.87) than in the other groups when the inhaled metacholine increased to 6.25 mg/ml (P<0.01). More obvious and extensive airway inflammatory cell infiltration in OVA/RSV group were observed, and immunohistochemical staining also showed higher expression of TSLP in the airway epithelial cells of OVA/RSV group., Conclusions: RSV infection promotes the production of TSLP in the airway epithelial cells and increases the level of Th2 cytokines in asthmatic mice. Concurrent RSV infection can exacerbate Th2 inflammatory reaction in asthmatic mice.

Objective: To study the serum level of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and its expressions in the lung, spleen and thymus in asthmatic mice., Methods: In 14 normal BALB/c female mice and 14 asthmatic mice, the changes in the airway pathology and the cell proportion in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were observed. The serum level of IL-17A and IL-17A expressions in the tissue homogenates of the lung, spleen and thymus of the mice were detected by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: The airway inflammation in the asthmatic mice was characterized mainly by eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration, which was not observed in the normal control group. Serum IL-17A levels and IL-17A expressions in the lung, spleen and thymus of the asthmatic mice were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P<0.01). In the asthmatic mice, IL-17A expression in the lung tissues was positively correlated with the percentages of neutrophils (r=0.693, P=0.040) and eosinophils (r=0.733, P=0.030) in the BALF., Conclusion: IL-17A is highly expressed in the serum, lung, spleen and thymus of asthmatic mice. IL-17A may be one of the major cytokines involved in exacerbation of bronchial asthma, and is probably associated with the recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils into the airways.

The validation study of the prediction method for indoor air pollution was carried out by comparing the results of emission models based on data obtained in a large and a small emission chamber, with actual measured concentrations. A new decorated room was studied as a case. Emissions of complicated objects and simple surface layer materials were studied respectively in the large and small chamber and emission models were developed. Those models were based on the assumptions regarding mass conservation of substances and the hypothesis that pollutants were well mixed. The emissions of formaldehyde and TVOC (total volatile organic compounds) in the studied room were predicted by the method. The predicted concentration trend of pollutants was in accordance with the measured trend when some air exchange (0.03 ACH, air change per hour) was taken into account. The normalized standard errors of formaldehyde and TVOC pollution prediction were respectively 2.8% and 1.6%. Modeling analysis shows that the contribution to total formaldehyde pollution of the studied room was: furniture > paint > floor; the contribution to total TVOC pollution was: paint > floor > furniture. The results lead to the conclusion that this prediction method can well describe the pollution trend, can assess the contribution of different sources, can guide the choice of building materials and is an effective tool for indoor air pollution assessment and control.

Novel organic nanoparticles of calix[4]arene (CN) were prepared by the reprecipitation method under sonication and vigorous stirring. The nanoparticles showed an average diameter of 40 nm characterized by transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the nanoparticles exhibited better fluorescence compared with that of monomer. In weak acidic medium, the relative fluorescence intensity of these nanoparticles could be quenched remarkably with the addition of appropriate amounts of Fe3+. Based on the obtained results, a novel fluorimetric method has been developed for the rapid determination of Fe3+. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration curves was 1.0 x 10(-6) - 2.4 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) and the detection limit was 3.0 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1). The proposed method was applied to determine Fe3+ in water samples with satisfactory recovery and relative standard deviation.

Objective: To explore feasible and reliable methods for estnbolishment and of acute lung injury model in animal models., Methods: Twenty-four healthy adult mongrel dogs with oleic acid-induced acute lung injury were evaluated for early-stage physiological response to acute lung injury using a balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressure., Results: In canine models of early-stage oleic acid-induced acute lung injury that sustained spontaneous breathing, in terms of respiratory mechanics, some parameters obviously increased including the respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), peak inspiratory volume (Vinsp, peak), mean inspiratory volume (VT/Ti), inspiratory airway resistance (Raw, insp) (P<0.001 for all the parameters), with also significantly increased peak transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi, peak, P=0.0185). The tidal volume (VT) and dynamic lung compliance (CL,dyn), however, were significantly decreased (P<0.001), and significant variation occurred in the ratio of inspiratory time to duration of one breath (Ti/Ttot, P=0.163). In terms of gas exchange, the pH, PaO(2), SaO(2), PaO(2)/FiO(2), and end tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PETCO(2)) all evidently declined (P<0.001), but PaCO(2) and ratio of alveolar dead space to tidal volume [VD(alv)/VT] increased significantly (P<0.001)., Conclusion: Application of balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressures allows objective evaluation of the various physiological responses in early stage of acute lung injury.

Objective: To establish a method for rapid molecular detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae in the early stage of infection., Methods: Specific DNA probes for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae and 16 S rRNA universal probe of bacteria were synthesized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and labeled with biotin. The DNA of the bacteria, virus and fungi were hybridized with these probes respectively prior to application for examination of the clinical samples., Results: The DNA probes of 263, 351, and 370 bp were amplified by PCR. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae reacted only with their corresponding probes, and no cross reaction of the bacterial universal probe with virus and fungi was noted. The method could detect bacterial DNA in as small amount as 1 ng. Of the 100 sputum specimens, 11 were found to be positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae and 8 for Haemophilus influenzae, with a positivity rate greater than that by sputum culture., Conclusion: DNA probe detection is simple, rapid, and specific for clinical examination of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.