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This paper aims to comprehensively analyze quality features of commercial whole grain dried noodles and provide data reference for the formulation standards of whole grain dried noodles. 41 commercial whole grain dried noodles collected in 2019 and 2020 are analyzed and evaluated in this research.The moisture content is from 9.77% to 13.06%, while the acidity value between 0.00 to 4.46 mL per10 g,with a naturally broken ratio from 0.04% to 4.05%. The cooked broken ratio is from 0.00% to 3.33%. The cooked broken ratio of 90% whole grain noodle samples is 0%, with the cooking loss ratio between 2.46%and 11.36%. Taking the limits of the above indexes in LS/T 3212—2014 as the reference, except the acidity of 2 samples and the cooking loss rate of 4 samples which are beyond the limit values, all indexes of other samples meet the requirements. The total dietary fiber content is between 2.22 to 12.37 g per 100 g and the alkylresorcinols content is between 10.08 μg/g and 218.52 μg/g. The integral level of moisture content,acidity and alkylresorcinols content of samples in 2020 is higher than that in 2019, and the cooking loss rate is the lower, while there is no significant difference between two years’ samples in other indexes. The results show that the quality of commercial whole grain dried noodles varies greatly.

Objective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist produces antidepressant effects through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, the mechanism of NMDA regulation of BDNF expression by receptor antagonist is unclear. Methods Corticosterone (CORT) was orally administrated to induce depressive-like behaviors in rats. Using elevated plus maze test, sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swimming test to observe the depressive-like behaviors. Western blot was applied to analyze the expression of mature BDNF (mBDNF) and precursor (proBDNF) in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG). Results Chronic administration of CORT induced depressive-like behaviors in rats. Acute administration of NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) alleviated the depressive-like behaviors (P＜0.05). MK-801 increased the expression of mBDNF and decreased the expression of proBDNF in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus DG of rats(P＜0.05). Furthermore, administration of deacetylases antagonist suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) increased the mBDNF expression, decreased the proBDNF expression, and alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CORT-treated rats (P＜0.05). However, SAHA treatment after MK-801 showed no significant changes in the expression of mBDNF and proBDNF in the hippocampus DG of CORT-treated rats. Conclusions MK-801 can change the expression of mBDNF and proBDNF in the hippocampus DG through histone acetylation to play antidepressant effects, which suggest a potential target for antidepressant therapy.

In recent years, diabetes has become a public health problem troubling all mankind.Studies have shown that diabetes has a significant correlation with the Glycemic Index (GI).Grain is the main dietary source of Chinese and is closely related to human health.The glycemic index of cereals is influenced by a number of factors, including its basic components and processing methods.In this review, factors,mechanisms affecting the glycemic index of cereals as well as the national and international studies on advances in low GI cereals in recent years were introduced, so as to provide reference and assistance for the dietary choices of patients with high glucose and the research and development of low-GI foods.

A method for preparing iron-based friction material directly from the vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrates by means of in-situ carbothermic reaction and sintering was presented. Effect of Ni content (1%-4%, mass fraction, the same below)on microstructure, mechanical properties and wear performance of iron-based friction material was investigated. The results show that the sintered sample consists of iron matrix, graphite lubricating phases and hard particles (mainly TiC). The matrix is predominantly composed of laminated pearlite with higher strength and hardness than those of ferrite. Compared with the sintered sample without Ni, the microstructure and properties of iron-based friction material are improved in varying degrees with different Ni contents. Low Ni content (1%-2%) promotes sintering process, which exhibits the decreasing amount of pores and uniform distribution of lubricating graphite phases and hard particles. Besides, the hardness and wear performance are improved significantly with the increase of Ni content. However, when Ni content exceeds 2%, not only the amount of pores increases, but also graphite phases and hard particles segregate in the microstructure, which result in decreasing hardness and poor wear performance of the material. To sum up, the microstructure and properties are the best when the Ni content is 2%.

The study was to explore the optimal row space configuration for high-quality and efficient production of 'Fuyan 70' in Hulun Buir area. A single factor randomized block design was used to study the effect of row spacing of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 cm on yield and silage quality. The grey relational degree was used for comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that row spacing configuration had significant effect on dry matter yield and silage quality ( P<0.05). The maximum dry matter yield of 'Fuyan 70' was 10 629 kg/hm2 when the row spacing was 20 cm. DM content was the highest (36.79%) at row spacing was 25 cm, CP content was the highest (13.40%) at row spacing of 30 cm, EE content was the highest (2.75%) at row spacing of 30 cm, ADF and NDF content increased significantly with the increase of planting row spacing, and ADF content was the lowest (25.11%) at row spacing of 20 cm. Grey correlation analysis showed that the comprehensive evaluation of row spacing of 20 cm was the highest, the correlation degree was 0.948. The experiment indicates that when planting row spacing is 20 cm, 'Fuyan 70' has high dry matter yield and excellent silage quality, which is suitable for planting in Hulun Buir area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TL-1 collector is used in flotation of fine cassiterite from a concentrator in Yunnan. The unit consumption of medicament is large and the unit price is high. Boiling water is required for dispensing and heat preservation is required for storage. In view of this situation, SN-2 with high efficiency, low consumption, good price, convenient dispensing and storage was screened out through the comparative test of different collectors. When mixed with TL-1, SN-2 can reduce the dosage and cost of reagents, and obtain better concentrate grade and recovery rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess the value of 320-slice computed tomography angiography (CTA) in distinguishing hemorrhage/thrombus from lipid - rich necrotic core (LRNC) in atherosclerotic plaques of carotid artery. Methods Thirty - seven subjects who prepared to perform carotid endarterectomy (CEA), with stenosis rate about 50%-99% in at least unilateral carotid artery detected by ultrasound, were enrolled in this study. Both 320-slice CTA and 3.0T high-resolution MRI were conducted within one week before operation. CTA, MRI and pathological sections were matched with the carotid bifurcation and calcification features as the mark. According to American Heart Association (AHA) modified classification, CT slices were selected and divided into 2 groups: Type IV - V (lipid plaques) and Type VI (hemorrhage plaques), and the density difference between lipid plaques and hemorrhage/thrombus plaques was analyzed. Results A total of 217 slices were included in final analysis, including 88 slices of Type IV - V (lipid plaques) and 129 slices of Type VI (hemorrhage plaques). There was statistically significant difference in CT value between 2 groups. The mean CT value of lipid necrosis core in Type IV - V and hemorrhage/ thrombus in Type VI was (28.07 ± 26.84) and (97.17 ± 35.82) HU respectively, and the former was significantly lower than the latter (t = 16.141, P = 0.000). Conclusions CTA can distinguish hemorrhage/thrombus from lipid-rich necrotic core in carotid atherosclerotic plaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the correlations between platelet-related parameters and the incidence of anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis(PD),and evaluate the efficacy of the parameters in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in PD patients. Methods A total of 245 patients undergoing PD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from September 2022 to February 2023 were enrolled.The generalized anxiety scale(GAD-7) and the patient health questionnaire(PHQ-9) were used to evaluate the anxiety and depression of the patients,respectively.The personal information and biochemical indicators of the patients were collected,and the platelet count(PLT),mean platelet volume(MPV),and platelet distribution width(PDW) were measured.Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the relationships of platelet-related parameters with anxiety and depression in PD patients. Results Among the 245 patients undergoing PD,the incidences of anxiety and depression were 15.9% and 38.0%,respectively.There were differences in the dialysis period( Z =-2.358, P =0.018; Z =-3.079, P =0.002),MPV( Z =-4.953, P <0.001; Z =-7.878, P <0.001),and PDW( Z =-4.587, P <0.001;Z=-7.367, P <0.001) between the anxiety group and the non-anxiety group as well as between the depression group and the non-depression group.The correlation analysis showed that MPV( r =0.358, P <0.001; r =0.489, P <0.001) and PDW( r =0.340, P <0.001; r =0.447, P <0.001) were positively correlated with anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing PD.The Logistic regression model showed that MPV( P =0.022, P =0.011),PDW( P =0.041, P =0.018),and dialysis period( P =0.011, P =0.030) were independent risk factors for the anxiety and depressive state in PD patients.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MPV in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in PD patients were 0.750 and 0.800,respectively,and those of PDW were 0.732 and 0.780,respectively. Conclusion MPV and PDW have high efficacy in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression associated with PD and can be used as objective indicators to evaluate the anxiety and depression in the patients undergoing PD.

Via network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experiment, this study explored and validated the potential molecular mechanism of ginsenoside Rg&#95;1(Rg&#95;1) against radiation enteritis. Targets of Rg&#95;1 and radiation enteritis were retrieved from BATMAN-TCM, SwissTargetPrediction, and GeneCards. Cytoscape 3.7.2 and STRING were employed for the construction of protein-protein interaction(PPI) network for the common targets, and screening of core targets. DAVID was used for Gene Ontology(GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment to predict the possible mechanism, followed by molecular docking of Rg&#95;1 with core targets and cellular experiment. For the cellular experiment, ~(60)Co-γ irradiation was performed for mo-deling of IEC-6 cells, which were then treated with Rg&#95;1, protein kinase B(AKT) inhibitor LY294002, and other drugs to verify the effect and mechanism of Rg&#95;1. The results showed that 29 potential targets of Rg&#95;1, 4 941 disease targets, and 25 common targets were screened out. According to the PPI network, the core targets were AKT1, vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1(HSP90AA1), Bcl-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1), estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), etc. The common targets were mainly involved in the GO terms such as positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription, signal transduction, positive regulation of cell proliferation, and other biological processes. The top 10 KEGG pathways included phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway, RAS pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) pathway, Ras-proximate-1(RAP1) pathway, and calcium pathway, etc. Molecular docking showed that Rg&#95;1 had high binding affinity to AKT1, VEGFA, HSP90AA1, and other core targets. Cellular experiment indicated that Rg&#95;1 can effectively improve cell viability and survival, decrease apoptosis after irradiation, promote the expression of AKT1 and B-cell lymphoma-extra large(BCL-XL), and inhibit the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein(BAX). In conclusion, through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experiment, this study verified the ability of Rg&#95;1 to reduce radiation enteritis injury. The mechanism was that it regulated PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby suppressing apoptosis.

To investigate the effects of microplastics on soil organic carbon mineralization and the changes in soil enzyme activities, an incubation experiment was conducted whereby single applications of either microplastics or straw, and combined application of both, were added to Dangyang citrus orchard soil. The results showed that the combined application of straw and microplastics significantly affected organic carbon mineralization in the soil, but the single addition of microplastics had no significant effect. Compared with straw alone, the application of a small combined amount of microplastics and straw significantly increased soil organic carbon mineralization by 8.20%, while medium and high amounts of the combined application significantly inhibited soil organic carbon mineralization. The lowest amount of organic carbon mineralization occurred with the highest amount of combined microplastics and straw, 10.13% lower than with straw alone. The addition of microplastics significantly reduced the activity of β -glucosidase. In particular, a high amount of microplastics significantly decreased the activity of β -glucosidase, compared with the control, by 20.52%, 43.93%, and 17.79% on the day 1, 6, and 35, respectively. However, straw application alleviated the inhibition effect of microplastic application on soil β -glucosidase activity. The soil organic carbon mineralization rate was significantly positively correlated with DOC, MBC and β -glucosidase activity.

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are both considered emerging contaminants of increasing concern because their combined pollution poses a serious risk to the ecological environment and human health. In this study, high-throughput quantitative PCR techniques were used to investigate the diversity and abundance of ARGs in river water, to which two different microplastics (PVC and PVA) were added for aerated incubation. The results showed that ARGs in river water were diverse, and microplastics could induce more types of ARGs. Although the number and abundance of ARGs decreased in all three treatments, which were cultivated for 14 d by aeration, compared to those in non-treated samples, the total abundance of ARGs in treatments aerated with MPs were higher than those aerated without MPs, especially in the samples treated with water-soluble microplastics (PVA). Significant correlations between the abundance of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were observed, implying that the occurrence of MGEs may potentially affect the transmission and distribution of ARGs through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in river water.

To explore the impact of urban functional zones on surface soil metal pollution, we analyzed the concentrations and pollution status of eight heavy metals (i.e., Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, and As) in surface soils from various urban functional zones of Shenzhen City. Nemero index and potential ecological hazard indices were used to quantify the ecological risk levels of different heavy metals in different urban functional zones. Moreover, we spatially classified ecological risk zones for soil heavy metal pollution. Results showed that: 1) concentrations of Cd, Zn, Cu, and As in the surface soil were heavily impacted by human activities, while those of Mn, Ni, Cr, and Pb were not. High-intensity urbanization and industrialization with the constraints of physical environment were identified as the determining factors for regional and functional variation of heavy metal pollution. 2) Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu had high pollution risks in the surface soils, with Pb having the highest risk, which necessitated further management and control of heavy metals. The overall level of heavy metal pollution risk in the surface soils of Shenzhen was higher than that of other cities in China. 3) Nemero index and potential ecological hazard indices had different emphases in terms of assessing the risk level of heavy metals. Those indices showed different performances in the risk assessment of single heavy metal, overall ecological risks in the different urban functional zones, and ecological risk classification of heavy metal pollution in the urban surface soils. We suggest that those indices should be combined to provide more holistic information about urban heavy metal pollution.

Objectives: To investigate the expressions of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1(ALDH1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) and their relationships with clinical significance., Methods: In situ hybridization (ISH) method and immuohistochemical staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of ALDH1, HIF-1α and VEGF in 120 LSCC specimens and 60 cases of normal laryngeal tissue. Their relationships with clinical pathological parameters were analyzed., Results: The positive rates of ALDH1, HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA in LSCC were 57.5% (69/120) , 73.3% (88/120) , 56.7% (68/120) , while the positive rates of proteins were 55.8% (67/120) , 70.8% (85/120) and 55.0% (66/120) , respectively. which were significantly higher than those in controls ( P <0.05) . The expression of ALDH1 and VEGF proteins were significantly correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis ( P <0.05) . The expression of HIF-1α protein was significantly correlated with TNM stage, the degree of differentiation and lymph node metastasis ( P <0.05). The positive expression of ALDH1 was positively associated with those of HIF-1α and VEGF ( P <0.05). The lymph node metastasis rate increased with the positive factors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the patients with positive expression of ALDH1, HIF-1α and VEGF had lower 5-year overall survival rate than those with negative expression ( P <0.05) ., Conclusions: The expressions of ALDH1, HIF-1α and VEGF are higher in LSCC, which may be used to determine the malignancy and prognosis of LSCC.

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of self-assembled hyaluronic acid-graft-poly (ethylene glycol)/hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin hollow nanospheres loaded with asparaginase (AHHPs) in SD rats., Methods: AHHPs were prepared and observed under transmission electron microscopy. Its size, Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency were detected. Asparaginase (AAS) activities were measured after intravenous injection of AHHPs or free AAS in rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using software DAS 2.1.1 for bioequivalence assessment., Results: The self-prepared AHHPs had an average particle size of (367.43 ± 2.72) nm, Zeta potential of (-15. 70 ± 1.25) mV, and average entrapment efficiency of (66.03 ± 3.81)%. The intravenous injection of AHHPs and free AAS produced an area under concentration-time Curve (AUC)(0-48 h) of (162.06 ± 4.01) U/mL · h and (46.38 ± 1.98) U/mL · h, AUC(0-∞) of (203.74 ± 12.91) U/mL · h and (51.44 ± 3.01) U/mL · h, mean residence time (MRT) (0-72h) of (4.35 ± 0.06) h and (1.76 ± 0.06) h, MRT(0-∞) of (7.53 ± 1.05) h and (2.44 ± 0.29) h, peak concentration (Cmax) of (30.37 ± 0.43) U/mL and (26.06 ± 0.88) U/mL, and time to peak concentration (Tmax) of (0.75 ± 0.00) h and (0.08 ± 0.00) h, respectively. Compared with free AAS, the AUC(0-48 h), AUC(0-∞), MRT(0-72 h), MRT(0-∞),Cmax and Tmax of AHHPs increased by 3.5, 4.0, 2.5, 3.1, 1.2 and 9.4 times, respectively. The 90% confidential intervals of AUC(0-48 h), AUC(0.∞) and Cmax of the tested formulation were 72.6%-74.0%, 72.3%-73.7%, 94.7%-96.3%, respectively., Conclusion: AHHPs can improve the bioavailability of AAS, extending its biological half-life in rats. AHHPs and free AAS are not bioequivalent.

Urban runoff is an increasingly important source of excess phosphorus (P) to local receiving waters. Bioretention, a promising technology for urban stormwater pollution treatment, was investigated to determine whether the mixture of purple soil and sand could adsorb sufficient P at low concentrations in urban stormwater. The TP concentrations of urban runoff from variously impervious areas in Chongqing City ranged from 0. 04 to 7. 00 mg . L-1 (mean ± S. D. = 0. 75 mg . L-1 ± 1. 08 mg . L-1); the TDP concentrations ranged from 0. 02-0. 46 mg . L-1 ( mean ± S. D. = 0. 15 mg . L-1 ± 0. 10 mg . L-1). The media adsorption benchmark was determined for a bioretention facility sized at 10% of the 100% impervious catchment area and having 10 years of capacity according to annual rainfall pattern and the runoff TDP range. The media benchmark for adsorption was calculated as 7. 5 mg . kg-1 at soluble P concentration of 0. 30 mg . L-1 which provided the necessary stormwater treatment. The oxalate-extractable aluminum and iron content influenced the P sorption capacity for neutral and acid purple soils. A strong positive linear relationship was observed between the oxalate ratio [OR = (Alox + Feox)/Pox] and media P sorption capacity. The media mixture of 20% purple soil and 80% sand showed excellent P removal, meeting the developed benchmark for adsorptive behavior. The media mixture in a large-scale (60 cm) column consistently produced soluble reactive phosphorus effluent event with mean concentrations <0. 05 mg . L-1. The media mixture of purple soil and sand can be used as a bioretention media to treat low-concentration phosphorus in urban runoff under various hydrologic and pollutant concentration conditions.

In order to provide the experiences and references to the researchers who are working on infrared (IR) mixed gas detection field. The proposed manuscript reviews two sections of the aforementioned field, including optical multiplexing structure and detection method. At present, the coherent light sources whose representative are quantum cascade laser (QCL) and inter-band cascade laser(ICL) become the mainstream light source in IR mixed gas detection, which replace the traditional non-coherent light source, such as IR radiation source and IR light emitting diode. In addition, the photon detector which has a super high detectivity and very short response time is gradually beyond thermal infrared detector, dominant in the field of infrared detector. The optical multiplexing structure is the key factor of IR mixed gas detection system, which consists of single light source multi-plexing detection structure and multi light source multiplexing detection structure. Particularly, single light source multiplexing detection structure is advantages of small volume and high integration, which make it a plausible candidate for the portable mixed gas detection system; Meanwhile, multi light source multiplexing detection structure is embodiment of time division multiplex, frequency division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing, and become the leading structure of the mixed gas detection system because of its wider spectral range, higher spectral resolution, etc. The detection method applied to IR mixed gas detection includes non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy, wavelength and frequency-modulation spectroscopy, cavity-enhanced spectroscopy and photoacoustic spectroscopy, etc. The IR mixed gas detection system designed by researchers after recognizing the whole sections of the proposed system, which play a significant role in industrial and agricultural production, environmental monitoring, and life science, etc.

The present paper puts forth a new spectral correction method based on quasi-linear expression and local weighted function. The first stage of the method is to search 3 quasi-linear expressions to replace the original linear expression in MSC method, such as quadratic, cubic and growth curve expression. Then the local weighted function is constructed by introducing 4 kernel functions, such as Gaussian, Epanechnikov, Biweight and Triweight kernel function. After adding the function in the basic estimation equation, the dependency between the original and ideal spectra is described more accurately and meticulously at each wavelength point. Furthermore, two analytical models were established respectively based on PLS and PCA-BP neural network method, which can be used for estimating the accuracy of corrected spectra. At last, the optimal correction mode was determined by the analytical results with different combination of quasi-linear expression and local weighted function. The spectra of the same coal sample have different noise ratios while the coal sample was prepared under different particle sizes. To validate the effectiveness of this method, the experiment analyzed the correction results of 3 spectral data sets with the particle sizes of 0.2, 1 and 3 mm. The results show that the proposed method can eliminate the scattering influence, and also can enhance the information of spectral peaks. This paper proves a more efficient way to enhance the correlation between corrected spectra and coal qualities significantly, and improve the accuracy and stability of the analytical model substantially.

Objective: To study the intravenous pharmacokinetics of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles in SD rats., Methods: Rats were administrated with (iv) curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles and curcumin solution (8.0 mg/kg), respectively. Blood samples were collected and curcumin in blood plasma was determined by HPLC. Compartmental pharmacokinetics was analyzed by DAS software., Results: After intravenous administration, the AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity) and t(1/2) of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles were 1.50-fold, 1.63-fold and 4.08-fold higher than those of curcumin solution as (173.09 ± 44.81) μg x h/L vs. (114.83 ± 13.19) μg x h/L, (196.56 ± 35.25) μg x h/L vs. (120.66 ± 13.95) μg x h/L and (5.95 ± 2.05) h vs. (1.46 ± 0.03) h., Conclusion: The curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles is eliminated more slowly. The bioavailability of curcumin in rats increases remarkably compared with that of curcumin solution after intravenous administration.

Objective: Six1 and Six4 are expressed in several tumors, and associated with tumor progress and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Six1 and Six4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to evaluate their correlation with the clinicopathological factors and prognosis., Methods: Tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemical method (EnVision) were used to detect the expression of Six1 and Six4 in the tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent normal epithelium of esophagus from 292 ESCC patients., Results: Among the 292 ESCC patients, the positive rates of Six1 and Six4 protein expression in tumor tissues were 72.9% (213/292) and 56.2% (164/292), respectively, significantly higher than the expression rate of 33.2% (97/292) and 32.5% (95/292) in adjacent normal epithelium of esophagus (P < 0.05). Chi square test showed that the expression of Six1 protein was related to tumor size, depth of tumor invasion and patient survival status; higher Six4 protein expression level was related to poor differentiation and increased depth of invasion. Single factor Log-rank analysis revealed that gender, TNM stage, Six1 protein expression level were related to the overall survival of ESCC patients (P < 0.05), while the five-year survival rate was significantly higher in the Six1-negative group than the Six1-positive group [51.9% (41/79) vs. 43.7% (93/213)]. Multi-factor Cox proportional risk model analysis showed that TNM stage and positive expression of Six1 were independent prognostic factors for ESCC patients (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Six1 and Six4 are highly expressed in ESCC. Their expression levels are closely related to the progress and prognosis of ESCC. Over-expression of Six1 is related to poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Thus, Six1 could be used as an important prognostic indicator for ESCC patients.

Objective: To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and exercise capacity in patients with chronic systolic heart failure., Methods: The elderly patients with chronic systolic heart failure were consecutively recruited from 2008 to 2011 in cardiovascular clinic of Zhejiang Hospital. All the participants underwent height and weight measurements and BMI was calculated with these two parameters. Cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed to achieve peak oxygen uptake (PVO(2)), oxygen uptake to body mass ratio (PKVO(2)), oxygen uptake to heart ratio (VO(2)/HR) and ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VO(2)/VCO(2))., Results: A total of the 273 patients with chronic systolic heart failure included 6 underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2)), 113 normal weight patients (BMI 18.5 - < 24.0 kg/m(2)), 116 overweight patients (BMI 24.0 - < 28.0 kg/m(2)), and 38 obese patients (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2)). In both NYHA II and III/IV patients, unadjusted correlation analyses showed that BMI was positively related to PVO(2) and VO(2)/HR, and was inversely related to PKVO(2) and VE/VCO(2) (P < 0.05), respectively. Multiple stepwise regression analyses showed age, sex, BMI (P < 0.05) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were independent determinants of PKVO(2), and age and BMI (P < 0.05) were independent determinants of VE/VCO(2)., Conclusions: BMI is significantly associated with exercise capacity in patients with chronic systolic heart failure, and also independent determinant for the PKVO(2) and VE/VCO(2), respectively.

Objective: To assess the effect of oxidative stress in development of acute high altitude response (AHAR) during the process of strong physical work at high altitude and its change after return to lower altitude., Methods: Ninety-six officers and soldiers of rapid entering into high altitude (3 700 m) with strong physical work were analyzed, all subjects were male, aged 18-35 years. According to the symptomatic scores of AHAR were divided into 3 groups: severe AHAR (group A, n = 24), mild AHAR (group B, n = 47) and without AHAR (group C, n = 25). Levels in serum 8-iso prostaglandinF2alpha(8-iso-PGF2alpha), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured at higher altitude stayed 50 d and after return to lower altitude (1 500 m) 12 h and 15 d, and 50 healthy volunteers (group D) at 1 500 m altitude served as controll., Results: Levels of serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA [(9.53 +/- 0.47) microg/L, (8.91 +/- 0.39) micromol/L] were significantly higher in group A than those in group B [(8.34 +/- 0.42) microg/L, (7.31 +/- 0.32) micromol/L] , group C [(7.02 +/- 0.48) microg/L, (6.41 +/- 0.23) micromol/L] and group D [(5.13 +/- 0.56) microg/L, (5.48 +/- 0.33) micromol/L], (all P < 0.01), and serum SOD [(52.08 +/- 3.44) micro/ml] was significantly lower in group A than that in group B [62.27 +/- 2.54) micro/ml], group C [(71.99 +/- 3.35) micro/ml] and group D [(80.78 +/- 3.44) micro/ ml] (all P < 0.01), there were significant differences between group B and C, C and D (all P < 0.01). At altitude 3 700 m 50 d, AHAR scores was positively correlated with serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA (all P < 0.01), negatively correlated with SOD (P < 0.01). Serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA were negatively correlated with SOD (all P < 0.01). Levels of serum 8-iso-PGF2alpha and MDA were significantly higher at altitude of 3 700 m 50 d than those at altitude of 1 500 m 12 h,15 d in group D (all P < 0.01), and serum SOD was significantly lower than that at 1 500 m 12 h,15 d in group D (all P < 0.01), there were significantly difference between at 1 500 m 12 h and 15 d (all P < 0.01), there were no difference between at 15 d in group D (all P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The more serious of oxidative stress and oxidative/antioxidative imbalance, the more serious of AHAR, oxidative stress and oxidative/antioxidative imbalance may be involved in the development of AHAR. The changes were obviously improved after return to lower altitude 12 h, and recovered to normal after 15 d.

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are one of the molecular bases of hypertension. Among these, the tRNAMet A4435G, tRNAMet/tRNAGln A4401G, tRNAIle A4263G, T4291C and A4295G mutations have been reported to be associated with essential hypertension. These mutations alter the structure of the corresponding mitochondrial tRNAs and cause failures in tRNA metabolism. These shortages of these tRNAs lead to an impairment of mitochondrial protein synthesis and a failure in the oxidative phosphorylation function. These result in a deficit in ATP synthesis and an increase of generation of reactive oxygen species. As a result, these mitochondrial dysfunctions may contribute to the development of hypertension. Furthermore, the tissue specificity of these pathogenic mtDNA mutations might be associated with tRNA metabolism and nuclear modifier genes. These mtDNA mutations should be considered as inherited risk factors for future molecular diagnosis. Thus, these findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism, management and treatment of maternally inherited hypertension. This review summarized the association between mtDNA mutations and hypertension.

Objective: To assess the effects of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH) in patients with acute high altitude reaction(AHAR) and its change after return to lower altitude., Methods: Ninety-six officers and soldier participating in rescue of Yushu megaseism on April 14th in 2010, leaving low altitude area (1 500 m) rapidly to high altitude area(3 700 m) to undertake strenuous physical work were enrolled for study. All of them were male, aged 18-35 years, and they were divided into three groups according to the symptomatic scores of AHAR: without AHAR(group B, n=25), mild to moderate AHAR (group C, n=47 ) and severe AHAR (group D, n=24). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), levels in serum HIF-1α and VEGF were measured at high altitude area after a stay of 50 days, and also after their return to lower altitude area (1 500 m) for 12 hours and 15 days. Fifty healthy volunteers at low altitude area served as control (group A)., Results: Level of mPAP (mm Hg, 1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), serum HIF-1α (pg/L) and VEGF (ng/L) in group B (24.23±1.56, 68.80±7.52 and 82.56±6.32) were significantly higher than those in group A (18.50±1.30, 50.95±3.33 and 65.78±4.03), respectively (all P<0.01). Moreover, the value of all the parameters increased with increase in severity of AHAR, the respective value in group C were 28.42±1.32, 88.10±9.20 and 104.82±10.36, and in group D were 34.70±2.94, 117.93±13.46 and 136.77±12.03, and there were significant differences in comparing two groups (all P<0.01). At high altitude area, AHAR total score was positively correlated with mPAP, serum HIF-1α and VEGF (r=0.672, 0.737 and 0.634, respectively, all P<0.01), mPAP was positively correlated with serum HIF-1α and VEGF (r=0.706, 0.638, both P<0.01). Compared with group A, level of mPAP (29.08±4.22), serum HIF-1α (91.16±20.58) and VEGF (107.11±10.32) were significantly increased in 96 officers and soldiers who stayed for 50 days at an altitude of 3 700 m (all P<0.01), and the values were significantly decreased after returning to lower altitude area for 12 hours(23.05±3.18, 70.99±8.22 and 78.65±6.47) and 15 days(18.96±1.75, 52.31±4.92 and 63.08±4.55). The values showed significant difference between 12 hours and 15 days stay at 1 500 m (all P<0.01). The values of the determined parameters 15 days after return to lower altitude area showed no difference compared with those of group A (all P>0.05)., Conclusion: Strenuous physical work at high altitude area, AHAR becomes more serious, and it is accompanied by higher values of HIF-1α, VEGF and mPAP, indicating that HPH is closely associated with elevation of HIF-1α and VEGF. These changes are improved after returning to lower altitude area for 12 hours, and they recover to normal lever after 15 days.

Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics of autoantibody against beta1 adrenergic receptor (beta1 AR) in the sera of arrhythmia patients and whether the autoantibody could induce arrhythmia., Methods: Healthy subjects and patients with arrhythmia or coronary artery disease were chosen. The autoantibody against beta1 AR in the sera was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG in the positive autoantibody sera from arrhythmia patients were purified and administrated to normal rats; then the ECGs were dynamic monitored., Results: The positive rate of autoantibody against beta1 AR in arrhythmia patients was 52.8%, which was significantly higher than that in coronary heart disease group (24%, P < 0.01) and healthy people group (5%, P < 0.01), respectively. Moreover, the autoantibody against beta1 AR could lead to the occurring of arrhythmia in normal rats, most of which were ventricular arrhythmia., Conclusion: In the sera of arrhythmia patients, the autoantibody against beta1 AR has a high titer and it could lead to the arrhythmia of rats in vivo.

Objective: To study the mechanism of the effect of low-frequency rotary constant magnetic field on high-fat and high-protein diet-induced fatty liver in rats., Methods: Fatty liver model was established in SD rats by feeding on a high-fat and high-protein diet daily. The enzyme activity changes in the serum and liver homogenate were detected at 10, 14, and 18 weeks, and the pathological changes of the liver were observed with optical and electron microscopy., Results: In magnetic field intervention group, the concentration of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were significantly decreased, and the activity of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, superoxide dismutase and the concentration of malondialdehyde in the liver homogenate were significantly increased. Under optical microscope and electron microscope, the rats in the model group showed diffusive adipose degeneration in the hepatic cells with large lipid droplets, which became large vacuoles after fat extraction, indicating fatty necrosis. In magnetic field intervention group, remarkably smaller lipid droplets and lessened hepatic cell adipose degeneration were observed., Conclusion: Low-frequency rotary constant magnetic field has beneficial effect on fat metabolism, leading to reduced lipid peroxidation and structural recovery of the degenerated hepatic cells.

Objective: To analyse the compositions of essential oil from leaves of Discocleidion rufescens., Methods: To isolate by steam distillation and analyze by GC-MS., Results: 37 compounds, representing 92.25% of total oil were indentified and their relative amount was determined., Conclusion: The oil is rich in Phytol (39.30%, n-Hexadecanoic acid (11.72%), (Z) -3-Teoadecen-5-yne (5.78%) and beta-Pinene (3.63%).

To study the effect of HCV core protein on the interferon-induced antiviral genes expression and its mechanisms. Methods HepG2 cells were transiently transfected with HCV core protein expression plasmid and the blank plasmid respectively. RT-PCR was used to analyze the effect of HCV core protein on PKR and 2'-5'OAS expression. The effect of HCV core protein on ISRE-medicated gene expression was detected by luciferase activity assay. Western-blot assay was performed to observe the change of mRNA and protein levels of SOCS3, STAT1 and p-STAT1 following HCV core expression. In the presence of HCV core protein, the transcription of PKR and 2'-5' OAS are down-regulated. ISRE-medicated reporter gene expression and STAT1 phosphorylation were inhibited. The transcription and expression of SOCS3 were induced compared with blank plasmid-transfected group. In HepG2 cells, HCV core protein can down-regulate the expression of some interferon-induced antiviral genes, which involves the induction of SOCS3 and the inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation.

Objective: Characters of stem epidermis, leaf epidermis and stoma could be used as important microcosmic morphological characteristic when inheritance trend is studied in Ephedra breeding and identification., Method: The stomatic density, stoma major axis and mimor axis, stomatic morphylogy, characters of leaf and stem epidermis of 6 Ephedra plants' stems were examined by SEM., Result: The stomatic density and characteristic of leaf epidermis and stem epidermis in six Ephedra species was differenc, there were no obvious morphological differences in stoma shape and size. The guard cells were covered with heavy cuticle and sunken stomata, which were the typical characteristics of xerophytes. The stomas of leaf lower epidermis were oblong or hexagon, but the stomas of steam epidermis were narrowed-oblong or dumbbell-shape, they all belonged to anomalous type., Conclusion: The stoma type and characters of Ephedra plants is stable and conservative, there was no obvious morphological differences in stoma shape and size between species, so it is difficult to distinguish different species by the variance of stomas, but that can be applyed to distinguish Ephedra from others at plant taxonomy.

Serum antibody of schistosomiasis patients was detected by dot immunogold filtration method (DIGFA) in laboratory and field, and F-ELISA was used as control. The results showed that there was no significant difference between these two assays in sensitivity and specificity (P > 0.05), with a high coincidence. DIGFA is easy to operate and may deserve a wide application in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis.

Objective: To observe the prevalence and drug tolerance of mycoplasma(Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis) in patients with urogenital inflammation., Methods: Three thousand and fifty-five patients with urogenital inflammation such as non-gonococcal urethritis(NGU), chronic prostatitis or pelvic inflammation from 1999 to 2003 were included. The results of mycoplasma culture and drug sensitivity test were analyzed., Results: A total of 992(32.5%) cases were mycoplasma positive in the 3,055 patients, and there was no significant difference in the yearly positive percentage in the 5 years (P < 0.05). Among them, 701(70.7%) were infected with Ureaplasma urealyticum, 44(4.4%) with Mycoplasma hominis, and 247(24.9%) with both Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis, the Ureaplasma urealyticum infection rate being much higher than that of Mycoplasma hominis and mixed infection (P < 0.01). The high colony counting(> or = 10(4) cfu/ml) in Ureaplasma urealyticum infection patients accounted for 76.7%, while Mycoplasma hominis infection represented only 18.2%. The results of drug tolerance test showed a higher sensitivity to doxycycline, pristinamycin, josamycin and tetracycline (94.3%, 96.6%, 86.5% and 97.4% respectively), and a lower sensitivity to erythromycin and ofloxacin (54.8% and 29.4% respectively)., Conclusions: Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis should be detected simultaneously and the drug tolerance test is needed for the selection of appropriate antibiotics.

Objective: To study the difference in gene expression between oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue and their surrounding normal tissue by microarray so as to investigate the preliminary mechanism of pathogenesis of oral cancer., Methods: The tissues from 5 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma tissue and their surrounding normal tissue from the same patients were analyzed by cDNA microarray technology(including 4124 genes). Total RNAs were isolated from two tissues, and then were reversely transcribed to cDNAs with the incorporations of fluorescent dUTP,for preparing the hybridization probes. The mixed probes were then hybridized to the cDNA microarray. After high-stringent washing, the cDNA microarray was scanned for the fluorescent signals and showed the differences between the two tissues. Bioinformatical analysis of those genes had been performed., Results: Among the 4124 target genes, there were 37(0.89%)genes whose expression levels differed between the carcinoma and their surrounding normal tissues in all 5 cases. Bioinformatical analysis of those genes suggested that they may be related to the multistep process of carcinogenesis., Conclusion: cDNA microarray technique can simultaneously screen the different expressions of genes from 2 different kinds of tissue. Further analysis of the obtained genes will help to understand the molecular mechanism of malignant carcinoma.

Objective: To explore egg mimotope of Schistosoma japonicum that can be used in the development of diagnostic reagents for schistosomiasis., Methods: By performing three rounds of biopanning in the affinity selection before picking out single clones for identification, target specific phages were effectively enriched from a random 15-peptides phage library with an immobilized mAb 6B12 which is specific to egg antigen of S. japonicum as a bait. By using ELISA, competitive ELISA with natural egg antigen as competitor, and Western blotting, 13 phage clones with high affinity and specificity to 6B12 were obtained and amplified from 400 single clones., Results: DNA sequencing revealed that all the 13 selected single clones were identical in displaying gene sequence. Serum samples were tested by ELISA for the presence of IgG antibodies to the phages with mimic epitope, and showed that there was a significant difference between healthy volunteers and schistosomiasis patients., Conclusion: It is possible that the phage display peptide antigen, egg mimotope of S. japonicum may be a replacement of natural egg antigen for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis.