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C26H30N10I4Cd2, monoclinic, P21/n(no. 14), a= 8.1164(10) Å, b= 15.9401(18) Å, c= 13.5531(17) Å, β= 96.067(4)∘$96.067{(4)}^{\circ }$, V= 1743.6(4) Å3, Z= 2, Rgt${R}_{gt}$(F) = 0.0394, ωRref(F2) = 0.1088, T = 273 K.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major causative pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Immune cells play a critical role in determining the outcomes of virus infection. We aimed to characterize the lymphocyte subsets and transcriptional levels of T lymphocytes-associated transcription factors in peripheral blood cells of children with EV71 infection.

Hepatic organoids might provide a golden opportunity for realizing precision medicine in various hepatic diseases. Previously described hepatic organoid protocols from pluripotent stem cells rely on complicated multiple differentiation steps consisting of both 2D and 3D differentiation procedures. Therefore, the spontaneous formation of hepatic organoids from 2D monolayer culture is associated with a low-throughput production, which might hinder the standardization of hepatic organoid production and hamper the translation of this technology to the clinical or industrial setting. Here we describe the stepwise and fully 3D production of hepatic organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. We optimized every differentiation step by screening for optimal concentrations and timing of differentiation signals in each differentiation step. Hepatic organoids are stably expandable without losing their hepatic functionality. Moreover, upon treatment of drugs with known hepatotoxicity, we found hepatic organoids are more sensitive to drug-induced hepatotoxicity compared with 2D hepatocytes differentiated from PSCs, making them highly suitable for in vitrotoxicity screening of drug candidates. The standardized fully 3D protocol described in the current study for producing functional hepatic organoids might serve as a novel platform for the industrial and clinical translation of hepatic organoid technology.

C22H22N10Cl2Hg, triclinic, P1‾$P‾{1}$(no. 2), a= 8.2034(4) Å, b= 12.7859(7) Å, c= 13.5026(7) Å, α= 66.069(5)°, β= 79.964(4)°, γ= 84.465(4)°, V= 1274.18(12) Å3, Z= 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0372, ωRref(F2) = 0.0670, T= 291.15 K.

The concentration of total nitrogen (TN) is reported to vary between 20 and 35 mg/L in domestic wastewater. In raw wastewater, ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N)is the main nitrogen form, accounting for 70%–82% of the TN concentration. Organic nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N)are present as well. For years, due to the lack of regulatory limits on nitrogen concentration in surface waters, nitrogen from secondary effluent has posed a significant threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Researchers have made substantial efforts to reduce the nitrogen concentration in secondary effluent. As a kind of advanced wastewater treatment technology, the subsurface infiltration (SI) system has been widely used, owing to its advantages, which include low operation cost, easy maintenance, and low energy consumption. This review discusses the fate of various forms of nitrogen in SI treatment, including organic nitrogen, NH4+-N, NO2−-N, and NO3−-N. Major biological processes involved in nitrogen removal and the main factors influencing its transformation are suggested. Finally, it is shown that ammonification followed by nitrification-denitrification plays a major role in nitrogen removal. Further research needs to focus on the emission characteristics of gaseous nitrogen (generated from the nitrification, denitrification, and completely autotrophic nitrogen-removal over nitrite (CANON) processes) with respect to their greenhouse effects.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated following an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the global expression of UPR genes in human OA chondrocytes in induced (I)-UPR conditions, and to explore the regulation and role of the UPR genes in homeostatic (H)-UPR conditions in human normal and OA chondrocytes. Gene expression was determined by PCR array and qPCR. Protein production in cartilage was determined by immunohistochemistry, gene silencing by specific siRNAs, and gene regulation by treating chondrocytes with cytokines and growth factors associated with cartilage pathobiology. Several UPR genes, among them ERN1, PERK, and CREB3L2 were downregulated in OA compared to normal chondrocytes at both the mRNA and protein levels, but the ER stress response triggered by thapsigargin or tunicamycin treatment was similar in normal and OA chondrocytes. The activation of ER stress sensors (phosphorylated PERK, cleavage of ATF6B, and the spliced mRNA forms of XBP1) was not significantly increased in OA chondrocytes/cartilage. PDGF-BB and IL-6 significantly downregulated the expression of ERN1, PERK, and CREB3L2, but not that of ATF6B. Silencing experiments done under conditions of no ER stress (physiological conditions) revealed that decreasing ERN1 expression led to decreased COL2a1, MMP-13, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 expression, while decreasing CREB3L2 and ATF6B led to decreased ADAMTS5 and ADAMTS4 expression, respectively. Importantly, the downregulation of PERK expression increased COL1a1 and suppressed COL2a1 expression. Although the level of ER stress is not significantly increased in OA chondrocytes, these cells respond strongly to an acute ER stress despite the decreased expression of ERN1, PERK, and CREB3L2. Emerging findings revealed for the first time that these genes play a role in cartilage biology in conditions where an acute ER stress response is not triggered and OA is not characterized by an overall basal activation of the ER stress response. Importantly, these findings identify PERK as a potential target for new OA treatment avenues.

C22H22N10I2Cd, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a= 10.5476(8) Å, b= 11.1759(9) Å, c= 12.7735(10) Å, α= 103.372(7)°, β= 105.811(7)°, γ= 100.270(6)°, V= 1361.85(18) Å3, Z= 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0324, wRref(F2) = 0.0661, T= 291(2) K.

AbstractThe removal abilities in subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) rely heavily on the metabolism of microorganisms. Although the role of microorganism is appreciated, a lack of effective indicators of microbial function in SWIS is apparent. This study explored the correlations between oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and microorganism and enzyme activities involved in nitrogen removal processes. The results showed that SWIS exhibited a gradual change in ORP level, microbial activity, and abundance along the soil profile. The quantities of nitrifier and denitrifier were in positive correlations with potential nitrification activity and denitrification activity (p < 0.05). The correlation equations for ORP and nitrate reductase (NAR) activity were N = 1250 ORP—65.125 (R2 = 0.6165, p < 0.05), N = 333.3 ORP—21.27(R2 = 0.7508, p < 0.05) from the horizontal and longitudinal directions, respectively. The results suggested that ORP level could be used as an indicator of key functional microorganism and NAR activity involved in nitrogen cycling of SWIS. Furthermore, the distribution of ORP and aqueous rate behaved in the opposite way, confirming the running mechanism of SWIS theoretically.

The removal abilities in subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) rely heavily on the metabolism of microorganisms. Although the role of microorganism is appreciated, a lack of effective indicators of microbial function in SWIS is apparent. This study explored the correlations between oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and microorganism and enzyme activities involved in nitrogen removal processes. The results showed that SWIS exhibited a gradual change in ORP level, microbial activity, and abundance along the soil profile. The quantities of nitrifier and denitrifier were in positive correlations with potential nitrification activity and denitrification activity (p < 0.05). The correlation equations for ORP and nitrate reductase (NAR) activity were N = 1250 ORP—65.125 (R2 = 0.6165, p < 0.05), N = 333.3 ORP—21.27(R2= 0.7508, p < 0.05) from the horizontal and longitudinal directions, respectively. The results suggested that ORP level could be used as an indicator of key functional microorganism and NAR activity involved in nitrogen cycling of SWIS. Furthermore, the distribution of ORP and aqueous rate behaved in the opposite way, confirming the running mechanism of SWIS theoretically.

C24H22N12S2Zn, monoclinic, C2/c(no. 15), a= 27.6123(9) Å, b= 9.6238(4) Å, c= 21.1748(8) Å, β= 101.088(4)°, Z= 8, V= 5521.8(4) Å3, Rgt(F) = 0.0481, wRref(F2) = 0.1047, T= 291(2) K.

The analysis index of the portable metal analyzer for trace heavy metals in natural water based on anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) were performed. Simultaneous determination and monovariated analysis of trace heavy metals were investigated both subsequently. The reasons of disturbance in analysis were also discussed. The addition of Ga (II) was testified that can eliminate the formation of the Cu-Zn intermetallic compound.

In order to enhance the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of a subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) used in treating domestic sewage, the intermittent operation mode was employed in the SWIS. The results show that the intermittent operation mode contributes to the improvement of the HLR and the pollutant removal rate. When the wetting-drying ratio (RWD) was 1.0, the pollutant removal rate increased by (13.6 ± 0.3)% for NH3-N, (20.7 ± 1.1)% for TN, (18.6 ± 0.4)% for TP, (12.2 ± 0.5)% for BOD, (10.1 ± 0.3)% for COD, and (36.2 ± 1.2)% for SS, compared with pollutant removal rates under the continuous operation mode. The pollutant removal rate declined with the increase of the HLR. The effluent quality met The Reuse of Urban Recycling Water – Water Quality Standard for Scenic Environment Use(GB/T 18921-2002) even when the HLR was as high as 10 cm/d. Hydraulic conductivity, oxidation reduction potential (ORP), the quantity of nitrifying bacteria, and the pollutant removal rate of NH3-N increased with the decrease of the RWD. For the pollutant removal rates of TP, BOD, and COD, there were no significant difference (p < 0.05) under different RWDs. The suggested RWDwas 1.0. Relative contribution of the pretreatment and SWIS to the pollutant removal was examined, and more than 80% removal of NH3-N, TN, TP, COD, and BOD occurred in the SWIS.

The performance of Pd/TiO2/Al2O3 catalyst for the NOx reduction in the CO-rich conditions of simulated post Euro-IV diesel emissions at low temperature was investigated in this paper. The addition of a small amount of H2 resulted in a visible synergetic effect. And the total amount of mixed reductant also improved the NOx convertion. The catalyst showed NOx conversions exceed 40% at 100~250°C when the reductant amount is 8,000 ppm with the H2/CO ratio of 1:3, where water vapor is absence. Even though water vapor had a negative influence, 25~33% of NOx can be decomposed using this catalyst, which is meaningful considering that it is used in a passive system.

Test by establishing different embankment flowing systems studied the combination of different substrates and different plants purification efficiency and the effect on the stability of the efficiency of the flowing system. Results show that, the mixed matrix(loess, sand and brown loam) is more efficiency than the single matrix, especially for suspended solid (SS), ammonia (NH3-N), total phosphorus (TP) removal, the removal rate is over 60%. Tall fescue (Festuca elata Keng ex E. Alexeev) is more suitable for the flowing system than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). And, long running of the system is possible.

Under the laboratory condition, use the mixture of coal cinder and soil, the mixture of fine sand and soil , and simple soil as the matrixes; use the Acorus calamus, the Typha angustata Bory et Chaub, and the Scirpus validus Vahl as the plants. Three groups of ditch systems are built to study the effect of different group of ditches in removing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of paddy fields drainage ditch. The results show that the plants significantly improve the purification performance of ditches, the removal rate to TN of the ditch system based on the mixture of fine sand and soil and the Acorus calamus is 50.9% which is higher than other groups; the removal rate to TP of the ditch system based on the mixture of coal cinder and soil and the Acorus calamus is 48.1% which is higher than other groups.

The catalytic selective reduction of NOx with CO over Pd/Al2O3 and Pd/TiO2/Al2O3 under lean conditions (called SCR-deNOx in simple way) was studied here. The performance of the catalysts with different Pd loadings for deNOx was investigated. The results showed that the 2.0 wt.% Pd/TiO2/Al2O3 and 1.5 wt.% Pd/Al2O3 catalysts displayed optimum deNOx activities of 46% and 20% at 200°C, respectively. TEM, XRD, XPS and SEM were utilized to characterize the catalysts. Metallic palladium is thought to be the active site which highly dispersed on the catalyst supports. The synergy between TiO2 and Al2O3 or Pd is thought to be the reason for the obvious improvement in deNOx process.

The performance of various noble metal based catalysts for the NOx reduction in the CO-rich conditions of simulated post Euro-IV diesel emissions at low temperature was investigated in this paper. Pd loaded catalyst showed higher catalytic activity than Ir or Rh loaded catalysts. Titania, as one of the support material, clearly promoted the deNOx process due to the synergy with alumina and Palladium. The TiO2 loading was optimized subsequently. As a result, Pd/TiO2/Al2O3 catalyst with Pd loading of 2.0 wt.% and TiO2 loading of 10 wt.% showed the NOx conversions of 25~46% in the temperature range of 200~250°C.

Substrate clogging in subsurface wastewater infiltration system (SWIS) is a significant problem that affects hydraulic capacity and operational performance. The mechanisms for substrate clogging were reviewed. The factors affecting substrate clogging were discussed as well. The strategy to ease and prevent substrate clogging phenomena was put forward.

PurposeWhether carotid abnormalities (CAs) are congenital or acquired, and whether they are risk factors for c erebrovascular diseases or medical curiosities, is still under d ebate. The aim of this study was to identify the independent risk factors for CAs.MethodsIn this study, subjects (aged 3 days to 102 years) were divided into nine age groups, divided by 10-year intervals. The observed CAs were prospectively classified, according to the nature of the abnormality. Analyses of the factors associated with CAs were performed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsOf the 1,838 internal carotid arteries studied, 552 had CA (30%). There were peaks in the prevalence of CA in the 0-9-year-old group and in the above 80 years group; the lowest rate was found among the subjects in the 20-39-year-old group. The signifi cant predictors of CA were age (OR 1.986, in the 60-69-year-old group; OR 2.283, in the 70-79-year-old group; and OR 3.566, in the ≥ 80-year-old group vs the 40-49-year-old group reference group), female gender (OR 1.799), hypertension (OR 1.52), and carotid artery atherosclerosis (OR 3.176). CAs in younger subjects were also associated with age (OR 9.894 in the 0-9-year-old group; and OR 3.294 in the 10-19-year-old group vs the 30-39-year-old group reference group).ConclusionsBoth congenital and acquired factors may be involved in CAs. In subjects ≥ 40 years old, CAs seem to be more associated with acquired factors, including ageing, gender, hypertension, and atherosclerosis.

Ecological civilization city was made up of population, resources, environment, economic compound system, is a multi-function, multi-level and multi-objective evaluation objects. Construction of ecological civilization city is the request of the ages; it is a profound reflection on the industrial revolution, human development model. Ecological city is the result of human ecological value orientation, the inevitable trend in the development of future city. Ecological civilization city will become the ecological civilization construction and the main development direction of modern city and the pursuit of goals in the 21st century. This article begins with the concept and connotation of ecological civilization city, it obtains seven concrete construction of index, they are the ecological environment, ecological economy, ecological livable, ecological philosophy, ecological culture, ecological political, ecological infrastructure and ecological law, and specific construction method is given according to the characteristics of different indicators.

To observe the clinical effects of the warm-dredging needling method for cerebral infarction sequela.Sixty patients with cerebral infarction sequela in conformity with the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The control group was given the basic treatment of Western medicine. The treatment group was added with acupuncture treatment based upon the treatment of Western medicine. The neurological defects of the patients were assessed before and after the treatments by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).The remarkable curative rate was 83.3% and the total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group, versus 56.7% and 70.0% in the control group, with statistical differences in the remarkable curative rate and the total effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, NIHSS scores decreased in both groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the difference was statistical significant between the two groups (P<0.01).The warm-dredging needling method was better than single treatment of Western medicine in the treatment of cerebral infarction sequela.

From October 2009 to September 2010, this study focused on investigation the performance of a subsurface wastewater infiltration (SWI) system in treating domestic sewage, and evaluated the potential of the surface water pollution by using the SWI system. The results showed the removal efficiencies were relatively high: for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids (SS), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total phosphorus (TP) were 95.0, 89.1, 98.1 87.6 and 98.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the monitoring of a nearby stream characteristic indicated the SWI system could not decrease the receiving surface water quality.

Subsurface wastewater infiltration treatment system (SWIS) is a domestic wastewater treatment technology. While the traditional technology has a large floor area, long starting period and low pollutants removal rate. A new biosubstrate that can be applied in SWIS is studied, experiments about its characteristics were performed, and treatment effect was compared. The results show that the biosubstrate has high biological activity, with it, SWIS has shorter starting period, better pollutants removal rate and consequently needs less floor space.

Radial oxygen loss (ROL) from roots of reed, typha and wild rice stem was investigated. Root excretion oxygen showed that the rates of the ROL increased with the illumination time under hard light intensity. For each plant, the ability that roots excreting oxygen under different light intensities decreased successively in the order of hard light, non-light and weak light. The ROL was different with the increased sequence of typha, wild rice stem and reed. The local available reed and typha could remove the pollutants effectively in the pilot test with the average removal rates of 41.99%, 28.47%, 48.38% and 48.76%, respectively.

The construction of eco-city is meant to harmonize the social, economical and natural development, with high-efficiency use of the material, energy and information. Eco-city is the inevitable choice of a city development in future. It is very important to explore the eco-city construction in the context of ecological civilization. In the background of ecological civilization, the relationship between ecological civilization and eco-city construction is explored. Furthermore, the importance of eco-city construction has been discussed. Finally, the eco-city theories and practical experiences abroad are summarized and some opinions and advices on eco-city construction in Shenyang, China are given.

The city is a high-density human settlement. The contradiction in the city between human activity and ecological environment is particularly serious. In order to introduce eco-civilization into the city construction, it is inevitable to construct eco-civilization city. This article analyzes the connotation and characteristics of eco-civilization city, the main theoretical framework of urban eco-civilization construction including eco-civilization city construction planning, environmental protection, ecological economy/industry, ecological security, ecological concept/act, ecological culture, ecological politics/government, ecological law/system/policy, and ecological and livable city, which is expected to provide a reference for realizing the coordinated development of regional economic and environment.

To investigate whether Gli1 expression is important in relapse after radical operation of breast cancer.Using immunohistochemistry, Gli1 expression was analyzed in human primary breast cancer (n=284) and paracancerous tissues (n=20), and also in local lymph nodes (n=28) and metastatic lymph nodes (n=28).Initial analysis of Gli1 expression in a small cohort of 20 breast tumors and their paracancerous tissues showed a tendency towards Gli1 overexpression in breast cancer tissues (P<0.001). Further, Gli1 expression in 284 breast cancer tissue samples was analyzed and a significant correlation was found between increased expression of nuclear Gli1 and unfavorable recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P<0.05). The nuclear expression of Gli1 in metastatic lymph nodes following relapse after radical operation was much higher than that in the local lymph nodes of primary carcinoma (P<0.05). Most interestingly, the expression of Gli1 was much higher in the interstitial tissues of the relapsed group than of the non-relapsed group (P<0.001).Breast cancer shows a high prevalence of Gli1 expression, which is significantly correlated with aggressive features and unfavorable RFS. Nuclear Gli1 overexpression, especially in the interstitial tissues, signified early relapse after radical operation of breast cancer.

A novel ion-imprinted organic-inorganic hybrid sorbent was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption. The adsorption property and selective recognition ability of the imprinted sorbents for the lead ion were studied. Results showed that the uptake capacities and selectivity coefficients of the double imprinted sorbent were much higher than that of the non-imprinted sorbent. The adsorption capacity of the double imprinted sorbent is 545.6 mg•g-1. The largest relative selectivity coefficient between Pb (II) and Cd (II) was 192. This results suggested that the new sorbent can be used as effective solid-phase material for the selective preconcentration and separation of Pb (II) in environmental water samples.

Aiming at the ultrasonic vibration polishing technology of silicon wafer, this paper proposes a disc-shaped ultrasonic piezoelectric polishing vibrator of out-of-plant bending travalling wave. Basing on numerical analysis, the principle prototype of the polishing vibrator has been designed and produced, and then tested. This polishing vibrator can be used in polishing process of semiconductor silicon wafer.

Wastewater composition and characteristic in a northern university of China were analyzed according to the sampling and analysis of sewage discharged from the different function units. The sewage discharge quantities and principles of different time points and seasons were monitored. The results showed that the concentrations of pollutants in northern campus sewage changed in a certain pattern with the alteration of sampling time and season. Different function units had significant effect on wastewater composition. The influence degree depends on the concentration of characteristic contaminant. The study will helpful to design different campus sewage treatment system due to the principle of partition and dispersion.

During oocyte meiotic maturation, meiotic spindles form in the central cytoplasm and then migrate to the cortex to extrude a small polar body, forming a highly polarized cell through a process involving actin and actin-related molecules. The mechanisms underlying oocyte polarization are still unclear. The Arp2/3 complex regulates oocyte polarization but it is not known whether the WASP family of proteins, a known regulator of the Arp2/3 complex, is involved in this context. In the present study, the role of WASP family member WAVE2 in mouse oocyte asymmetric division was investigated. (1) WAVE2 mRNA and protein were detected during mouse oocyte meiosis. (2) siRNA-mediated and antibody-mediated disruption of WAVE2 resulted in the failure of chromosome congression, spindle formation, spindle positioning and polar body extrusion. (3) WAVE2 regulated actin-driven chromosome migration since chromosomes were arrested in the central cytoplasm by WAVE2 RNAi in the absence of microtubules. (4) Localization of γ-tubulin and MAPK was disrupted after RNAi, confirming the effect of WAVE2 on spindle formation. (5) Actin cap and cortical granule-free domain (CGFD) formation was also disrupted, further confirming the failure of oocyte polarization. Our data suggest that WAVE2 regulates oocyte polarization by regulating meiotic spindle, peripheral positioning, probably via an actin-mediated pathway, and is involved in polar body emission during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.

Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan (HAp/CS) bio-coatings were prepared on the surface of carbon/ carbon (C/C) composites by hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition, using sonochemical process resulted HAp nanoparticles, isopropyl alcohol and chitosan as raw materials. The influences of hydro- thermal conditions and deposition voltage on the microstructures and morphologies of the as-prepared coatings were investigated. It was shown that homogenous and dense HAp/CS coatings on C/C composites are obtained by hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition. With the increase of deposition voltage, density and homogeneity of the as-prepared HAp/CS composite coatings are well improved. Due to the growth of HAp nanoparticles in the hydrothermal condition, the subsequent heat treatment of the HAp/CS coatings is not needed.

Tobacco dependence is the key barrier to successful smoking cessation. However, little is known about its prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics and determinants. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and burden of tobacco dependence in China.

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and its main inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), in acute pyelonephritis and the process of renal scarring. Urine samples from 40 children with acute pyelonephritis, 16 children at 6-wk follow-up and 15 children with nonrenal fever were analyzed using ELISA. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were compared with the outcome of pyelonephritis as measured by renal static scintigraphy. A mouse model of acute ascending pyelonephritis was used to localize the sites of production and the kinetics of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 using immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Human renal epithelial A498 cells, primary mesangial cells and monocytic THP-1 cells were stimulated by Escherichia coli. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and protein production by ELISA. We demonstrate a significant increase of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the urine of children with acute pyelonephritis. Both proteins were produced mainly by leukocytes, and TIMP-1 also by resident kidney cells. Cells reacted differently after stimulation by bacteria. In mesangial cells and monocytes a decreased constitutive TIMP-1 production was found, which was in contrast to epithelial cells. Out of 40 children with pyelonephritis, 23 had higher urinary TIMP-1 than MMP-9 levels. These children had significantly more severe changes in both acute and follow-up scintigraphy scans indicating higher degree of acute tissue damage and renal scarring. Thus, our findings suggest an association between TIMP-1 and the process of renal scarring.

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and its main inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), in acute pyelonephritis and the process of renal scarring. Urine samples from 40 children with acute pyelonephritis, 16 children at 6-wk follow-up and 15 children with nonrenal fever were analyzed using ELISA. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were compared with the outcome of pyelonephritis as measured by renal static scintigraphy. A mouse model of acute ascending pyelonephritis was used to localize the sites of production and the kinetics of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 using immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Human renal epithelial A498 cells, primary mesangial cells and monocytic THP-1 cells were stimulated by Escherichia coli. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and protein production by ELISA. We demonstrate a significant increase of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the urine of children with acute pyelonephritis. Both proteins were produced mainly by leukocytes, and TIMP-1 also by resident kidney cells. Cells reacted differently after stimulation by bacteria. In mesangial cells and monocytes a decreased constitutive TIMP-1 production was found, which was in contrast to epithelial cells. Out of 40 children with pyelonephritis, 23 had higher urinary TIMP-1 than MMP-9 levels. These children had significantly more severe changes in both acute and follow-up scintigraphy scans indicating higher degree of acute tissue damage and renal scarring. Thus, our findings suggest an association between TIMP-1 and the process of renal scarring.

Meconium aspiration causes intensive inflammatory reactions in the lungs, and may lead to neonatal respiratory disorder. Infiltrated inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages, play an important role in such an inflammation. A rat alveolar macrophage cell line (ATCC8383) was exposed to meconium alone or in combination with dexamethasone, budesonide, or interferon-?. Nitric oxide (NO) accumulation in the supernatant of the cell culture was detected by Griess reaction, and mRNA of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression was detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Nuclear factor-kappa B was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and iNOS location and nuclear factor-kappa B transactivation were determined by immunostaining. Our results showed that meconium was capable of inducing production of NO and expression of iNOS in alveolar macrophages in a dose- (1–25 mg/mL, p < 0.05) and time- (4–48 h, p < 0.05) dependent manner. This capability of meconium could be further enhanced in the presence of interferon-? (100 IU/mL, p < 0.05). Budesonide (10-4-10-10M) or dexamethasone (10-4-10-6M) effectively inhibited the meconium-induced NO production (p < 0.05). Using the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, we demonstrated that meconium directly induced iNOS in macrophages. Furthermore, meconium also triggered nuclear factor-kappa B activation, a mechanism possibly responsible for the iNOS expression. Our findings suggest that meconium is a potent inflammatory stimulus, resulting in iNOS expression, leading to overproduction of NO from the macrophages, which may be of pathogenic importance in meconium aspiration syndrome. In vitro steroids down-regulated the iNOS expression, thus suggesting a potential to down-regulate NO-mediated inflammation in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.

Meconium aspiration causes intensive inflammatory reactions in the lungs, and may lead to neonatal respiratory disorder. Infiltrated inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages, play an important role in such an inflammation. A rat alveolar macrophage cell line (ATCC8383) was exposed to meconium alone or in combination with dexamethasone, budesonide, or interferon-. Nitric oxide (NO) accumulation in the supernatant of the cell culture was detected by Griess reaction, and mRNA of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression was detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Nuclear factor-kappa B was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and iNOS location and nuclear factor-kappa B transactivation were determined by immunostaining. Our results showed that meconium was capable of inducing production of NO and expression of iNOS in alveolar macrophages in a dose- (1–25 mg/mL, p< 0.05) and time- (4–48 h, p< 0.05) dependent manner. This capability of meconium could be further enhanced in the presence of interferon- (100 IU/mL, p< 0.05). Budesonide (10−4−10−10M) or dexamethasone (10−4−10−6M) effectively inhibited the meconium-induced NO production (p< 0.05). Using the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, we demonstrated that meconium directly induced iNOS in macrophages. Furthermore, meconium also triggered nuclear factor-kappa B activation, a mechanism possibly responsible for the iNOS expression. Our findings suggest that meconium is a potent inflammatory stimulus, resulting in iNOS expression, leading to overproduction of NO from the macrophages, which may be of pathogenic importance in meconium aspiration syndrome. In vitrosteroids down-regulated the iNOS expression, thus suggesting a potential to down-regulate NO-mediated inflammation in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.

Ureaplasma urealyticumis relatively common in the respiratory tract of very low birth weight infants and has been hypothesized to be involved in the development of chronic lung disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether U. urealyticumcould stimulate macrophages to produce proinflammatory cytokines in vitro, which are early pathologic changes in the lung during the development of chronic lung disease. A human monocytic cell line (THP-1) differentiated to macrophages, a rat alveolar macrophage cell line (Nr8383), and human lung macrophages from tracheobronchial aspirate fluid in preterm infants were exposed to U. urealyticumantigen for 24 h. The protein levels of human IL-6, tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), and rat TNF- were measured with ELISA. Rat IL-6 was analyzed with a specific bioassay. The mRNA levels of these cytokines were detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR. The production of TNF- and IL-6 increased after stimulation with U. urealyticumin both the human and rat macrophage cell lines. In tracheobronchial aspirate fluid macrophages, U. urealyticumincreased the production of TNF- from 14 to 84 and IL-6 from 46 to 268 above control levels. U. urealyticumalso induced gene expression of TNF- and IL-6. In conclusion, U. urealyticumcould be an important factor in the development of chronic lung disease because of its ability to induce alveolar macrophage proinflammatory cytokine production.

Ureaplasma urealyticum is relatively common in the respiratory tract of very low birth weight infants and has been hypothesized to be involved in the development of chronic lung disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether U. urealyticum could stimulate macrophages to produce proinflammatory cytokines in vitro, which are early pathologic changes in the lung during the development of chronic lung disease. A human monocytic cell line (THP-1) differentiated to macrophages, a rat alveolar macrophage cell line (Nr8383), and human lung macrophages from tracheobronchial aspirate fluid in preterm infants were exposed to U. urealyticum antigen for 24 h. The protein levels of human IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), and rat TNF-a were measured with ELISA. Rat IL-6 was analyzed with a specific bioassay. The mRNA levels of these cytokines were detected by reverse transcriptase-PCR. The production of TNF-a and IL-6 increased after stimulation with U. urealyticum in both the human and rat macrophage cell lines. In tracheobronchial aspirate fluid macrophages, U. urealyticum increased the production of TNF-a from 14 to 84% and IL-6 from 46 to 268% above control levels. U. urealyticum also induced gene expression of TNF-a and IL-6. In conclusion, U. urealyticum could be an important factor in the development of chronic lung disease because of its ability to induce alveolar macrophage proinflammatory cytokine production.

A facile approach for the synthesis of multiarmed selenium/carbon (Se/C) coaxial nanorods by using chitosan as morphology-directing agents and selenious acid as the Se source has been demonstrated in the present study. Multiarmed Se/C nanorods, consisting of I-, Y-, T-, and cross-shaped configurations, were prepared by controlling the temperature and the ratio of amount of chitosan and Se in the reaction systems.

Meiotic maturation in many species is initiated by the activation of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) with concomitant inactivation of counteracting phosphatases, most notably protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Recently, Greatwall (GWL) has been identified as a cell cycle regulator that inhibits PP2A activity. In this study, we demonstrate that GWL is required for meiotic maturation in porcine oocytes. GWL expression increases from germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII) stages of porcine oocytes and dramatically decreases with progression of the meiotic cell cycle. GWL is initially localized in the nucleus of GV oocytes and is associated with spindle fibers following GV breakdown. Depletion of GWL inhibited or delayed meiotic maturation secondary to defects in chromosome congression and spindle formation. Conversely, overexpression of GWL overcame meiotic arrest and initiated progression to MII stage. However, these oocytes had severe spindle defects. Furthermore, MII oocytes depleted of GWL progressed to pronuclear formation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that GWL is required not only for meiotic maturation but also for maintenance of MII arrest in porcine oocytes.