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Particular requirements to the Accelerator’s mechanical characteristic were put forward firstly. According these requirements, the Internal Parallel Moving Gears (IPMG) was proposed to be served as the accelerator used in the Electro-Magnetic Suspension(EMS). And its parameters of the EMS were calculated and optimized for the general layout of a special vehicle. Then in terms of the design results, the accelerator was trial-produced and tested. The experiment results indicated that the IPMG could realized big drive ratio in small volume really, but there was so difficult in machining, assembling, disassembling as in maintenance. In addition, because of its structure, it was not fit to transfer big force or high power but fit to transfer motion with middle or small power. Therefore, it was not suitable to act as a accelerator used in the EMS

Antidepressant activity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of Valeriana fauriei Briq. roots resulted in the isolation of two new germacrane-type sesquiterpenes (1-2) in addition to seven known ones (3-9). Their structures were elucidated as 1β,10α-dihydroxyl-8α-acetoxyl-10β,11,11-trimethyl-4-formyl-bicyclogermacren-E-4(5)-ene (1), 1β-hydroxyl-8α-acetoxyl-11,11-dimethyl-4-formyl-bicyclogermacren-E-4(5),10(14)-diene (2), bicyclo[8,1,0]5β-hydroxyl-7β-1acetoxyl-5α,11,11'-trimethyl -E-1(10)-ene-4α,15-olide (3), 8α-acetoxyl-3α,4α,10-trihydroxyl-guaia-1(2)-ene-12,6α-olide (4), 2-Ethylhexyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (5), 11αH-gemacra-1(10)E,4Z-diene-3-one-12,6α-olide (6), β-Sitoterol (7), isovaleric acid (8), isoborneol acetate (9), using a combination of UV, IR, mass spectroscopy, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The antidepressant activity of compounds 1-4 was investigated by the FST on mice. Among them, compounds 3 and 4 showed the significant antidepressant activity (*, P

A novel alkali-alkaline earth borate K2O•CaO•4B2O3•12H2O：Sm3+has been synthesized by facile industrialization and pollution-free water solution method .The samples were characterized by chemical analysis, FT-IR spectra, X-ray powder diffraction and SEM, fluorescence spectrum. It is found the product owns rhombic group space, about 3mm long. Under 828 nm excitation, the fluorescence spectrum is indicated that the host material K2O•CaO•4B2O3•12H2O has properties of infrared-visible up-conversion，and it appears orange. Adding Sm3+makes emission spectrum stronger.

Magnesium borate ball of wires, nanowires and petaliforms were prepared via calcination of magnesium borate hydroxide synthesized by hydrothermal route. Results of SEM characterization indicated that the morphology of magnesium borate hydroxide and magnesium borate could be talored via varying reaction temperature, reaction time and water's volume. And pure magnesium borate could be achieved when magnesium borate hydroxide was calcinated at 700°C.

Petaliform magnesium oxide nanomaterials were prepared by which the basic magnesium carbonate made from light burning powder of low grade magnesite were used as precursor. The XRD results indicated that aqueous magnesium carbonate changed to basic magnesium carbonate (4MgCO3•Mg(OH)2•4H2O) when heating temperature reached 95°C, the SEM confirmed that the morpholoZgy of basic magnesium carbonate (4MgCO3•Mg(OH)2•4H2O) were petaliform, after calcinations the magnesium oxide with the same morphologies as precursors’ were obtained, simultaneously , the products with high activity (iodine value of 197mgI2/g).

Magnesium borate hydroxide (MgBO2(OH) ) were synthesized using magnesium nitrate hexahydrate(MgNO3.6H2O) and borax decahydrate(Na2B4O7.10H2O) by hydrothermal route. Effect of reaction temperature , reaction time and water's volume on the composition , structure , and crystal morphology of the products were investigated, and the products were characterized by XRD and SEM. The results indicated that all of the products were szaibelyite with the reaction condition investigated, and crystal morphology could be tailored via varying the reaction condition.

Aluminum borate (Al4B2O9) nanomaterials were synthesized via a sol-gel process using Na2B4O7·10H2O and Al (NO3)3·9H2O. The effect of reaction volume concentration, calcination temperature and feeding modes on the morphology of Aluminum borate was investigated. The material was characterized with SEM and XRD. Results reveal that Al4B2O9 nanowires, nanorods could be synthesized, and its morphology also can be tailored by controlling calcination temperature and feeding modes.

We select the asymmetric Gaussian (AG) and the parabolic (P) confinement to describe the along growth direction and perpendicular to growth direction confinement potential (CP) of an electron in a disk-like quantum dot (QD), respectively. Using the Pekar-type variational (PTV) method, we investigate the eigenenergies of the ground and first-excited states (GFES) of the polaron in the QD, changing the QD dimensions. We study the hydrogen-like impurity (HLI) and the polarization effect. Our numerical results show the influence of the QD dimensions on the mean number of phonons, energies, transition frequency and probability. The Coulomb potential of hydrogen-like impurity and the polarization effect of the medium cannot be ignored. We find that the electric field is an indispensable condition for the induced polaron transition. The weak electric field has a strong regulatory function on the transition. AG confinement is more drastic than P confinement in modulating polaron transition properties. This work confirms that the choice of a CP is crucial for the study of polaron transition in nanostructures. This quantum system can be employed as a two-level quantum qubit.

To compare therapeutic effects of clavicular hook-plate fixation and modified Weaver-Dunn surgery combined with clavicular hook-plate fixation in treating Tossy type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation.Forty-one patients with Tossy type III acromioclavicular dislocation treated by operation were retrospectively analysis from January 2012 to January 2014. The patients were divided into clavicular hook-plate fixation group (group A) and modified Weaver-Dunn surgery combined with clavicular hook-plate fixation (group B) according to surgical procedures. In group A, there were 15 males and 6 females aged from 17 to 51 years old with an average of (31.60 ± 12.58) years old, preoperative Constant-Murley score was 40.25 ± 9.80, and treated with clavicular hook-plate fixation. In group B, there were 13 males and 7 females aged from 18 to 48 years old with an average of (29.40 ± 11.27) years old, preoperative Constant-Murley score was 41.45 ± 8.81, and treated with modified Weaver-Dunn surgery combined with clavicular hook-plate fixation. Operative time, blood loss, imaging changes before and after operation, postoperative complications were compared; Constant-Murley score at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation were evaluated.In group A, operative time was 40.50 ± 24.36) min, blood loss was (75.30 ± 30.36) ml; In group B, operative time was (60.10 ± 23.55) min, blood loss was (100.70 ± 40.12) ml. Twenty-one patients in group A were followed-up from 12 to 18 months with an average of (14.8 ± 3.1) months; 20 patients in group B were followed-up from 12 to 14 months with an average of (13.6 ± 1.5) months. There were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss and follow-up time between two groups. Complications were in six patients of group A and 3 patients of group B, and there were no significant meaning between two groups. At 6 months after operation, Constant-Murley score in group A was 88.85 ± 4.23, 92.15 ± 3.82 in group B; and had significant meaning between two groups (t = -2.56, P = 0.0220.05). While there were no differences in Constant-Murley score in other times.Both of clavicular hook-plate fixation and modified Weaver-Dunn surgery combined with clavicular hook-plate fixation are effective operative methods for the treatment of Tossy type III acromioclavicular dislocation. Clavicular hook-plate fixation has advantage of less trauma, while modified Weaver-Dunn surgery combined with clavicular hook-plate fixation could reconstruct coracoclavicular ligament more stronger, clavicular hook plate could take out earlier, also improve shoulder joint function earlier.

To analyze the relationship between miR-326 and Ets-1 mRNA levels in Treg cells and clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and explore the role of miR-326 and Ets-1 in the pathogenesis and activity of SLE. Twenty-five new-onset SLE patients without treatment, twenty-eight inactive SLE patients (SLEDA ≤ 4) and twenty-two healthy controls were included in the present study. Clinical data of SLE patients were recorded. Treg cells were purified by MACS from 20 ml peripheral blood, in which the quantity of miR-326 and Ets-1 mRNA were assessed by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 17.0. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the groups, The Spearman test was used for correlation analyses. Two-tailed p values

The characteristic and requirements of the electric drive system of the amphibious vehicle with the fuel cell battery and permanent magnet motor are introduced firstly. Then based on the mechanism of the integrated hydraulic mechanical transmission that is the traditional drive system, the mechanism scheme of the transmission system of the amphibious vehicle is designed. And also one new scheme of the electric transmission system is proposed. Through the analysis, it is denominated that this electric transmission system could meet the requirements of the amphibious vehicle, which are the driving in a variety of terrain, such as the land, water and so on. The results of the design show that the electric transmission system based on the fuel cell battery is functional and effective, which is much simpler and quieter than the traditional transmission system.

The goal of this study was to analyze the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in peripheral blood CCR6Flow cytometry was applied to determine the proportion of AhR positive cells in CCR6The percentage of AhR positive cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was higher in RA group than that in healthy cases [(35.23±10.71)% vs. (18.83±7.32)%, p0.01]. The expression levels of AhR and CYP1A1 were both increased in patients with RA while compared to controls [(3.71±1.63) vs. (2.00±1.27), p=0.002; (2.62±2.08) vs. (0.62±0.29), p0.01, respectively]. In RA patients, the percentage of AhR positive cells in CD4AhR may participate in the pathological progress of RA by controlling the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood.

Aim To assess the clinical and laboratory features of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) in a large teaching hospital in China. Methods Three hundred and fifteen pSS patients diagnosed according to American-European Classification Criteria and consecutively admitted to Anhui Provincial Hospital from 1 January 1999 to 30 September 2012 were retrospectively selected in this study. Results The median age was 46.8 ± 14.4 years (range 13–83 years) and the majority of patients were female (96.5%). The common clinical features at initial presentations were dry mouth (50.2%), dry eyes (31.4%) and joint pain (24.8%); 92.6% of patients had positive anti-SSA antibody and 49.2% patients had positive anti-SSB antibody. One hundred and eighteen patients underwent labial salivary gland biopsy. According to Chisholm grading criteria, grade 3 to 4 was present in 58.5% of the patients. The frequency of interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurred (20.9%) in the patients with systemic extraglandular manifestations. The patients with ILD were frequently associated with positive anti-SSA (P = 0.005) and low levels of C3. The most common impairment of lung function was small airway function abnormalities. Sixty-six pSS patients with ILD (pSS-ILD) were diagnosed with high-resolution computed tomography and treated with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants, in which 18 patients had improved pulmonary function. Conclusion Labial salivary gland biopsy and anti-nuclear antibodies spectrum were important to the diagnosis of pSS. The pSS patients had high percentage of ILD, especially small airway function abnormalities. The combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants appears to be effective in treatment of pSS patients with ILD.

Through thermal test, cold state experiment, analysis and simulation of thermal process, the gas flow distribution in pelletizing shaft furnace (PSF) was discussed. The results show that there are five flowing trends; among them, the downward roasting gas and the upward cooling gas are the most unsteady, which influence flow distribution greatly. Among the operating parameters, the ratio of inflow is a key factor affecting the flow distribution. The roasting and cooling gases will entirely flow into the roasting zone and internal vertical air channels (IVAC), respectively, if the ratio of inflow is critical. From such a critical operating condition increasing roasting gas flow or decreasing cooling gas flow, the roasting gas starts flowing downwards so as to enter the inside of IVAC; the greater the ratio of inflow, the larger the downward flowrate. Among constructional parameters, the width of roasting zone b1, width of IVAC b2 and width of cooling zone b3, and the height of roasting zone h1, height of soaking zone h2 and height of cooling zone h3 are the main factors affecting flow distribution. In case the ratio of b2/b1, or h3/h2, or h1/h2 is increased, the upward cooling gas tends to decrease while the downward roasting gas tends to increase with a gradual decrease in the ratio of inflow.

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease and strongly associated with an increased risk of fractures. A great proportion of patients with AS are suffering from sustaining fractures and the aim of this study is to evaluate and quantify the association between the site of the fracture and AS by performing a meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on Medline database from 1966 to August 15, 2016 and Embase database from 1980 to August 15, 2016. Studies were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers and quantitative estimates regarding the association between ankylosing spondylitis and the risk of any, hip, or vertebral fracture were presented. After the heterogeneity of selected studies was assessed by using Cochran I2 statistics, the random effect model was used to combine effect size. Publication bias was measured by Egger and Begg's regression tests. Results: A total of 6 articles were involved in our study. The results of meta-analysis revealed that AS was strongly associated with the risk of vertebral fracture (odds ratio [OR] = 4.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–7.42) and was not significantly associated with the risk of any fracture (OR=2.00, 95%CI = 0.94–3.06) or hip fracture (OR=1.28, 95%CI =0.16–2.40). Conclusion: In the present study, a general knowledge of the association between AS and the risk of 3 kinds of fractures were presented, which could improve the ways of prevention of fracture in the patients with AS.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship among polymorphisms of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility as well as the association among the polymorphisms of aromatic hydrocarbon receptor, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor, and their expression. We performed a hospital-based, case–control study of 400 patients with RA and 726 healthy controls in Han Chinese populations. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were selected for genotyping including aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (rs2066853) and aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor (rs2292596). To single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2292596, a statistically significantly increased risk of RA was found to be associated with the G allele of rs2292596; the odds ratio was 2.170 (95% confidence interval: 1.820–2.587). Unfortunately, no significant differences exhibited in the allelic and the genotype frequencies of rs2066853 between 2 groups. We failed to find any association between rs2066853, rs2292596 genotypes and their expression of patients, respectively. No statistical relationship was found between aromatic hydrocarbon receptor, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor repressor at messenger Ribonucleic acid levels and clinical data, either. This study demonstrated that the polymorphisms of rs2292596 was significant with genetic susceptibility to RA patients; furthermore, it suggests the G allele of rs2292596 might be associated with a dangerous effect on RA in Han Chinese populations.

Aim The dysfunction of T regulatory cells is important for the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related protein (GITR) is expressed at low levels on resting responder T lymphocytes (Tresps) and is up-regulated on T regulatory cells (Tregs) and activated T cells, diminishing suppressive activity of Tregs and/or leading to resistance to suppression of Tregs by activated effector T cells. We aimed to explore whether SLE patients had an aberrant expression of GITR on Tregs and responder T cells (Tresps) and the regulation by glucocorticoids. Methods The surface GITR expression on Tregs and Tresps cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in 32 patients and 15 normal controls. Purified Tregs or Tresps were cultured with glucocorticoid. Apoptosis of the cells were determined by the staining of Annexin V. Results Systemic lupus erythematosus patients had higher levels of GITR expressed on CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25high and CD4+CD25+CD127low/− Tregs as well as on CD4+CD25− Tresps compared to healthy controls. The expression of GITR on Tregs and Tresps were positively correlated with score of SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). In vitro glucocorticoid induced GITR expression on purified Tresp cells, but not on Tregs, and almost all of the GITR positive cells induced by glucocorticoid encountered apoptosis. Conclusion Aberrant expression of GITR may contribute to SLE pathogenesis. Glucocorticoid may achieve its therapeutic effect partly by inducing GITR expression on Tresps rather than Tregs, which initiates the apoptosis of Tresp cells in SLE patients.

Objective: Considering inconclusive and heterogenous results, the aim of this study was to investigate the risk of thyroid cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by a quantitatively systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: Electronic database of PubMed was searched for studies characterizing the associated risk of thyroid cancer in patients with SLE. The meta-analysis procedure was used to combine standardized incidence rates (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the association. Results: Seven cohort studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were subjected to the final analysis in the meta-analysis. Homogeneity was confirmed across the included studies. The pooled SIR based on a fixed-effect model was 2.22, with a 95% CI of 2.11-2.34. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the summary statistics obtained should approximate the actual average. Conclusion: Findings from this meta-analysis revealed the positive association between thyroid cancer and SLE risk. Individuals with SLE have a heightened risk of developing thyroid cancer.

To explore the probable function of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the expression of PAD4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) from 60 RA patients and 40 healthy individuals. Asymmetric di-methylation of histone H3R17, symmetric di-methylation and mono-methylation of H4R3 were semi-quantified by Western blotting in 12 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), 26 patients with RA and 10 healthy controls.PAD4 mRNA in RA was significantly higher than that in healthy controls[34.6(16.7, 70.8) vs 20.6(11.1, 51.8), P0.05]. The level of histone H3R17 asymmetric di-methylation in RA was significantly higher than that of OA or control groups (71.34 ± 25.65 vs 37.18 ± 18.62 vs 50.67 ± 13.99, P0.01) , which was positively related to Tender joint count and Swollen joint count in 28 joints (r = 0.418, P = 0.034;r = 0.402, P = 0.042). The level of histone H4R3 symmetric di-methylation was similar in RA,OA and control groups (75.02 ± 20.35 vs 57.92 ± 22.77 vs 68.37 ± 17.57, P0.05) . The level of histone H4R3 mono-methylation in RA patients was significantly lower than that of OA patients and healthy individuals (11.24 ± 7.81 vs 32.77 ± 30.77 vs 51.20 ± 47.14, P0.05). The level of histone H4R3 mono-methylation in RA patients was negatively correlated to PAD4 (r = -0.643, P0.01) . The level of histone H3R17 asymmetric di-methylation and H4R3 symmetric di-methylation was not associated with PAD4 level in RA group (r = -0.185, P = 0.377; r = 0.198, P = 0.344).The level of histone H3R17 asymmetric di-methylation is significantly higher and the level of histone H4R3 mono-methylation is significantly lower in RA patients comparing with OA and control groups. Abnormality of histone methylation may be one of the mechanisms for the development of RA. PAD4 probably plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis by influencing histone methylation.

To explore the activation of hypomethylated DNA on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from whole blood of SLE patients and healthy controls. The methylation level of DNA and the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) mRNA were detected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD32 on pDC and the serum concentration of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The DNA methylation level from SLE patients (1.4 ± 0.6) % was lower than that of controls (1.8 ± 0.7) % (P0.01). The expression of DNMT1 mRNA significantly decreased in SLE patients (0.06 ± 0.03) versus the controls (0.09 ± 0.02) (P0.01). The CD32 expression on pDC from SLE patients (29 ± 19)% was higher than that from controls (18.02 ± 7.80)% (P0.01). The serum level of IFN-α in SLE patients (4.5 ± 6.7) ng/L was significantly higher than that of controls (2.1 ± 2.0) ng/L (P0.01). The methylation level of DNA in SLE patients was positively correlated with the expression of DNMT1 mRNA (r = 0.257, P0.05) and negatively with the expression of CD32 (r = -0.358, P0.01) and IFN-α (r = -0.280, P0.05).The methylation level of genomic DNA decreases in SLE patients due to the down-regulated expression of DNMT1 gene. Hypomethylated DNA may be translocated intracellularly via endocytic receptor (CD32) on pDC. And the activation of pDC is induced to produce IFN-α so as to participate in the onset of SLE.

Cerebral ischemia injury is a primary cause of human death and long-term disability. We know that the cerebral edema induced by ischemia injury has a fatal effect on humans, which is the main cause of death for cerebral ischemia because it produces elevated intracranial pressure that leads to secondary brain damage, such as further impaired vascular perfusion and herniation of brain. Therefore, reducing the severity of brain edema has become the main therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CI. However, current treatment options for brain edema are limited and problematic. Therefore, finding novel strategies for overcoming this problem is crucial. Numerous studies demonstrated that cerebral edema may be attenuated via the regulation of AQP4 expression, thus initiating a novel therapeutic strategy against this possibly fatal condition. This review focuses on the role of AQP4 in ischemic brain edema, and its prospect as a therapeutic target.

To explore the effects of transcription factor ETS-1 mRNA and B lymphocyte-associated cytokines on the differentiation of B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and explore its pathogenic and clinical significance.Thirty-one SLE patients (20 active and 11 inactive) and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. CD19+ B cells were isolated with magnetic beads. The levels of ETS-1 mRNA in B cells were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Flow cytometry was used to detect the altered ratio of CD19-CD138 + plasma cells and CD19 + B cells. And enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the serum levels of B cell differentiation-related cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and APRIL.Compared to the healthy controls, SLE patients showed decreased mRNA expression level of ETS-1 in B cells (Z = -4.218, P0.01) . Moreover, the expression level of ETS-1 mRNA was significantly negatively correlated with the proportion of CD19-CD138+ plasma cells (r = -0.359, P0.05) and negatively correlated with the CD19-CD138 +B cells/CD19+ plasma cells ratio (r = -0.493, P0.01) . However, there was no correlation in normal controls. Significant negative correlation existed between the expression level of ETS-1 mRNA in B cells and the serum levels of IL-10 and APRIL in active SLE patients. But no correlation existed in inactive group.ETS-1 may participate in the pathogenesis of SLE through its effects on the differentiation of B cells and cooperation with IL-10 and APRIL.

Objective: 17β-estradiol (E2) exerts its functions through both genomic and non-genomic signaling pathways. Because E2 is important in breast cancer development, we investigated whether its actions in promoting breast cancer cell proliferation occur through the non-genomic signaling pathway via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/calcium-activated neutral protease (CANP). Methods: MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with ERKl/2 inhibitor (PD98059) or CANP inhibitor (calpeptin) before exposure to 1×10-8 M E2. MTT colorimetry and flow cytometry were used to analyze effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, respectively. Expression of phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK), total ERK, and Capn4 proteins were assessed by Western blotting. Results: Cell proliferation increased in cells treated with E2 for 24 h (P

To explore the clinical features, predictive factors and unfavourable prognostic factors of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM) so as to provide rationales for early clinical diagnosis and treatment.The medical records of 244 PM/DM patients from Department of RheumatologyImmunology of Anhui Medical University Affiliated Provincial Hospital from August 2001 to August 2011 were reviewed to analyze the clinical features, predictive factors and unfavourable prognostic factors of ILD in PM/DM patients.The major clinical manifestations of PM/DM-ILD included dry cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath during activities and Velcro rale in lower lung. Besides anti-Jo-1 antibody, multivariate unconditional Logistic regression analysis indicated that amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM), arthralgia/arthritis, fever and Gottron's sign were the predictive factors for the development of ILD in PM/DM patients. ADM and Hamman-Rich-like pattern ILD were the poor prognostic factors while large dose glucocorticoids plus immunosuppressant therapy in the early time was a protective factor for PM/DM-ILD patients.Some clinical features are the predictive factors for the development of ILD. ADM and Hamman-Rich-like pattern ILD are poor prognostic factors. Large dose glucocorticoids plus immunosuppressant therapy can significantly improve the prognosis of PM/DM patients.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association of serum anti-C1q antibody levels with renal pathological characteristics in SLE patients with lupus nephritis. Fifty-two patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis were enrolled. Serum anti-C1q levels (units per milliliter) were measured before renal biopsy using ELISA kit. A cross-sectional study analyzed the association of anti-C1q antibody levels with SLE global activity, nephritic activity, and renal histopathology. Thirty-nine of 52 patients (75 %) were positive for anti-C1q antibody. Anti-C1q antibody levels were positively correlated with the values for the SLE Disease Activity Index (r = 0.628, p < 0.001), anti-nucleosome (r = 0.591, p < 0.001), and anti-dsDNA antibody (r = 0.507, p < 0.001), but negatively correlated to serum C3 (r = −0.626, p < 0.001) and C4 (r = −0.57, p < 0.001). The prevalence of anti-C1q in patients with proliferative LN (class III + class IV) was higher than those with mesangial LN (class II), but there is no statistical significance. Among different ISN/RPS classification, serum anti-C1q antibody level was highest in patients with class IV, followed by class III. The concentration of anti-C1q in patients with class IV was higher than those in class II [50.00 (23.00, 97.70) vs 20.25 (7.16, 54.78) U/ml, p

To detect the levels of serum peptidylarginine deiminase (PADI)4 and explore its significance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).The presence of PADI4, anti-PADI4 antibodies and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were obtained from 100 patients with RA, 23 patients with other rheumatic diseases, and 24 healthy controls. The associations between PADI4 and the disease activity score using 28 joint counts (DAS28) score, anti-CCP antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), PADI4-94 (rs 2240340) and PADI-104 (rs 1748033) gene polymorphisms and other indexes were analyzed in RA.The levels of PADI4 in RA patients were significantly higher than in other rheumatic diseases and healthy controls (F = 8.75, P0.001). There was no significantly difference in levels of PADI4 among ADI4-94 (rs 2240340)/PADI-104 (rs 1748033) genotypes.PADI4 is associated with disease activity involved in the RA pathogenesis and may be a RA pathogenic antigen.

To compare the difference and clinical significance of geometrical characteristics of tibial plateau between Uighur nationality and Han people by computed tomography scan and three-dimensional reconstruction.A total of 49 inpatients and outpatients were randomly selected (normal knee without any tibial involvement) and volunteers of Han people and 45 ones of the Uighur nationality at our hospital and cooperative hospitals. Then the subjects were divided into groups according to gender. The following linear geometric parameters of tibial plateau were measured: width of tibial plateau (WTP), width of medial tibial plateau (WMTP), sagittal length of medial tibial plateau (SLMTP), width of lateral tibial plateau (WLTP) and sagittal length of lateral tibial plateau (SLLTP).(1) Males were greater than females in linear parameters in the same group (P0.01); (2) the groups of Uighur nationality were greater than groups of Han people in linear parameters in the same gender (P0.05); (3) the gaps between WMTP and WLTP, SLMTP and SLLTP of Uighur nationality were all more approximate than those of Han people (P0.05).The geometrical characteristics of tibial plateau have some visible discrepancy between Uighur nationality and Chinese Han people. The prosthetic design concept and technology of total knee replacement targeting the Uighur nationality should take into consideration the discrepancy.

To investigate the level of FOXP3 expressed in CD4+ CD39+ T cells in peripheral blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and observe the regulation of glucocorticoid on it.Frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ CD39+, CD4 CD25+ FOXP3+ and CD4+ CD39+ FOXP3+ T cells and levels of FOXP3 protein were analyzed by flow cytometry of 47 SLE patients (including 29 untreated/active SLE) and 22 healthy controls. Meanwhile, correlations among three groups and influences of glucocorticoid were analyzed.Percents of CD4+ CD25+ CD39+ T cells expressed in active SLE, inactive SLE and healthy controls were (1.3 +/- 0.5)%, (1.9 +/- 0.8)% and (2.3 +/- 1.0)% respectively, the level decreased in active SLE compared with inactive SLE and healthy controls P0.05 in each group, but it had no significant difference between the latter two groups (P0.05). In active SLE, levels of FOXP3 protein expressed in CD4+ CD25+, CD4+ CD25high and CD4+ CD39+ T cells were (45 +/- 12)%, (65 +/- 14)% and (70 +/- 14)% respectively. Levels of FOXP3 expressed in CD4+ CD25high and CD4+ CD39+ T cells were higher than that expressed in CD4+ CD25+ T cells (P0.01), while it had no significant difference between CD4 CD25high T cells and CD4+ CD39+ T cells (P0.05).These results demonstrate that CD39 may be a better surface marker of regulatory T cells, and that deficiency of CD39+ Treg cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease, in which sunlight (especially ultraviolet B (UVB) 290–320 nm) is known to induce exacerbation of disease. DNA methylation regulates gene expression, and hypomethylation is associated with abnormal cell function in SLE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of UVB on DNA methylation in SLE and its significance in the pathogenesis of SLE. Forty-five patients with SLE and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study, which involved the investigation of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with UVB irradiation. Our results demonstrate the following: The level of DNA methylation in patients with SLE was lower than that in the control group. DNA methylation was decreased after UVB irradiation at different dosages especially in patients with marlar rashes and leucopenia, but no significant difference was observed in the DNMT1 mRNA expression. DNA methylation levels in patients with active SLE were more sensitive to UVB. In conclusion, UVB exposure is able to inhibit DNA methylation, which subsequently takes part in the pathogenesis of SLE.

To investigate the expression of forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3) in the peripheral blood and salivary gland of patients with Sjogren's Syndrome (SS).Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine Foxp3mRNA expression in the CD(4)(+) T cells and the salivary glands from 6 primary SS patients and 6 normal controls. Serial sections of biopsied salivary gland (SG) were examined with immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal mouse anti-human CD(4) and Foxp3 in 6 healthy controls and 31 primary SS patients.Significant difference in the number of infiltrating CD(4)(+) T cells was noted in the salivary glands of the patients and controls, but Foxp3(+)CD(4)(+) T cells were almost absent in those biopsy samples. Foxp3mRNA expression in the blood of SS patients was significantly lower than that in normal controls (0.21 +/- 0.17 vs 1.32 +/- 0.38, P0.0184). Foxp3mRNA expression was not detectable in the tissue of the salivary glands (n = 6).The absence of Foxp3(+)CD(4)(+) T cells in salivary glands with reduction of Foxp3mRNA expression in peripheral blood suggests an important role of Foxp3 in the pathogenesis of SS.

To investigate the expression of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the peripheral blood and salivary gland of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).Samples of peripheral venous blood were collected from 57 newly diagnosed pSS patients, 1 male and 56 females, aged 47 (20 approximately 76), and 46 healthy controls. The levels of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) T regulatory cells and CD(4)(+) CD(25)(high) T regulatory cells in the peripheral blood were measured by flow-cytometric assay. Biopsy specimens of labial gland were collected from the 57 patients and 6 healthy person or patients with labial gland cyst. Pathological examination was conducted by light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was conducted, by using monoclonal mouse anti-human to detect the expression of CD25, CD4, CD8, and CD68. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of IgG, IgM, and IgA. The salivary flow rate was measured. Schirmer's test was used to measure the tear flow rate.The level of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) Tregs in the blood of pSS patients was 6.9% (2.84% - 13.50%), significantly lower than that of the healthy controls [10.9% (5.77% - 15.3%), P0.001). The level of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(high) Tregs the blood of pSS patients was 0.6% (0.001% - 1.83%), significantly lower than that of the healthy controls [1.1% (0.13% - 2.45%), P0.001]. Immunohistochemistry showed that most of the infiltrating lymphocytes in the labial gland of the pSS patients were CD(4)(+) T cells, and there was no CD(25)(+) T cell in both groups. The numbers of peripheral CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) T cells and CD(4)(+) CD(25)(high) Tregs in the pSS patients were not correlated with the tear flow rate, salivary flow rate, anti-SS-A/SS-B antibodies, and immunoglobulin level.The pSS patients show an absence of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) T cell in the labial gland of pSS patients, and reduction of the numbers of CD(4)(+) CD(25)(+) and CD(4)(+) CD(25)(high) Tregs in the peripheral blood, which suggests that Tregs play an important role in the pathogenesis of salivary gland destruction in SS.

To detect anti-Scl-70 antibody with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a recombinant fusion peptide which comprises 207 - 765 amino acid fragment of Scl-70 as antigen.cDNA encoding Scl-70 antigen fragment from aa207 to aa765 from human placenta cDNA first strand was amplified with PCR. The obtained cDNA was inserted into expression vector Pet-42b and transferred into E.coli BL21 (DE3) for expression of his-tagged fusion peptide. After Ni(2+)-NTA affinity purification, the antigenicity was identified with Western blotting. Serum samples from 36 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, 20 patients with other connective tissue disorder (CTD) and 30 normal controls were retrospectively tested with ELISA.A soluble fusion peptide was expressed and purified. The antigenicity was confirmed with Western blotting using standard positive anti-Scl-70 antibody serum. Of the 36 serum samples from SSc patients, 5 of 6 samples showing positive reaction with natural Scl-70 antigen in double immunodiffusion (DID) assay also recognized the recombinant fusion peptide with ELISA, only one serum sample which showed positive anti-Scl-70 in DID displayed a negative result in ELISA assay. On the contrary, 3 patients with negative anti-Scl-70 in DID showed positive results in ELISA assay using this recombinant peptide. All the serum samples from patients with other CTD showed negative results in ELISA assay.The recombinant antigen fragment contains major epitope regions in natural Scl-70 antigen. Detection of anti-Scl-70 antibody with ELISA using the recombinant peptide can improve the sensitivity and has a potential role in determining its clinical association.

This paper considers the solution to a class of the second-order Sylvester matrix equation EVF2−AVF−CV=BW. Under the controllability of the matrix triple (E,A,B), a complete, general, and explicit parametric solution to the second-order Sylvester matrix equation, with the matrix F in a diagonal form, is proposed. The results provide great convenience to the analysis of the solution to the second-order Sylvester matrix equation, and can perform important functions in many analysis and design problems in control systems theory. As a demonstration, an illustrative example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed solution.

Orthogonality and symmetry are desirable transform properties in image compression. And most multiwavelet can hold the two properties concomitantly. While the choice of pre-filter is of the utmost importance and pre-filtering brings complexity of computation in applications. Thereby, balanced multiwavelet which can avoid pre-filtering is considered widely by researchers. A new approach on the construction of orthogonal balanced multiwavelet is proposed. It holds the properties of 1st approximation order, orthogonality, symmetry-antisymmetry, balance at the same time and was applied in image compression. The experimental result shows that a better effect was obtained using the balanced multiwavelet than GHM and CL multiwavelets with no profiltering and lower computational complexity. Especially it is useful for compressing of the "rubber" model of iris image.

The design of proportional plus derivative (P-D) feedback eigenstructure assignment with minimum control effort is considered in a class of second-order dynamic systems. By utilizing the result of parametric eigenstructure assignment via P-D feedback proposed in, the design problem is formulated as a constrained minimization problem and a corresponding algorithm for this minimization problem is then proposed. This minimization involves the closed-loop eigenvalues as well as a group of parameter vectors when the closed-loop eigenvalues are not prescribed. Due to the simplicity, explicity and completeness of eigenstructure assignment, the proposed algorithm is simple and efficient. A three lumped mass-spring dashpot system and the simulation results show the effect of this proposed algorithm

In this paper, a design problem of the robust finite time functional observers in the uncertain linear systems is investigated. The aim is to design a robust functional observer which can estimate the state linear functions of the uncertain linear systems almost in a predefined finite time. Based on the parametric solutions for a class of Sylvester matrix equation, this paper presents the parametric expressions of all the gain matrices for the finite time functional observers in the linear systems without uncertainties, in which the free parameters can offer all the design degrees of freedom needed in the robust control system design. By using the offered design degrees of freedom, the robust indexes can be parameterised and the design problem of the robust finite time functional observers for the uncertain linear systems can be changed into a minimisation problem with some constraints. By solving the changed minimisation problem, a corresponding algorithm to design the robust finite time functional observers in the uncertain linear systems is proposed. Finally, a numerical example and its simulation results show the simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed design method of robust finite time functional observers in the uncertain linear systems.

On the case of observability of linear control systems, the design problem of reduced-order state observers is investigated. By using some non-singular linear transformation to the linear system, the corresponding algebraic equivalent system is obtained and a part of states that needs observering are isolated. Based on the parametric solutions of a Sylvester matrix equation, a parametric expression for all the gain matrices of reduced-order state observers is presented, and a parametric design method of reduced-order state observers is proposed. Finally, a numerical example shows the simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed parametric design method for reduced-order state observers in linear systems.