Protective effects of protocatechuic acid on growth performance, intestinal barrier and antioxidant capacity in broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide

'Prohibition of the antibiotic uses' aggravates the problem of intestinal diseases in poultry, and nutritional regulation has become a research hotspot, such as supplementation with active ingredients derived from plants. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on growth, intestinal barrier, and antioxidant capacity of broilers injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old yellow feather broilers were randomly allocated to four groups, each with six replicates of 20 broilers. The treatments were basal diet + saline injection (CON) or LPS injection (CON-LPS), and diets with 300 or 600 mg/kg PCA supplementation + LPS injection (P300, P600). Birds were injected intramuscularly on 17th and 19th day of age, then sampled on day 21. The LPS injection significantly decreased BW and average daily gain of broilers, and compared with birds in CON-LPS, PCA supplementation increased (P < 0.05) those variables; moreover, 300 mg/kg PCA also decreased the feed-to-gain ratio. No differences were observed in relative weights of immune organs (P > 0.05). LPS decreased the villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C) in jejunum of broilers, while PCA (P300 and P600) increased (P < 0.05) the jejunal villus height and V/C compared with birds in CON-LPS. LPS challenge increased jejunal malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in plasma (P < 0.05); compared with birds in CON-LPS, jejunal and plasmal GSH-Px activity (P300 and P600) and jejunal T-SOD activity (P300) were decreased (P < 0.05), and hepatic MDA concentration (P600) was increased (P < 0.05). LPS significantly decreased the transcript abundances of OCLN, ZO-1, JAM2, MUC2, SOD1, CAT and GPX in jejunal mucosa of birds, and supplementation with PCA attenuated the decrease in OCLN, JAM2, and MUC2 expression compared with birds in CON-LPS; moreover, 600 mg/kg PCA offset the deduction in SOD1, CAT and GPX expression. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PCA could improve antioxidant status and attenuate the damage in intestinal barrier and loss in growth performance of LPS-challenged broilers, and 600 mg/kg PCA showed more improved effects on antioxidant capacity.

[Investigation of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among automobile manufacturing workers]

Objective: To investigation the situation of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among workers in automobile manufacturing enterprise during 2017-2019 in Wuhan. Methods: Workers in automobile manufacturing who underwent physical examination in Wuhan Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Diseases from 2017 to 2019 were included as subjects in the cross-sectional survey. Questionnaire survey, noise detection and pure tone threshold test were used. Excluding individuals with working time less than 3 years and information deficiency, 3 948 individuals were finally included in the study. Results: Among 3 948 workers, 128 workers had hearing loss and the rate of hearing loss was 3.24%, among which 101 workers had high-frequency hearing loss and 27 workers were diagnosed as occupational noise deafness. The prevalence of hearing loss among workers previously exposed to noise was significantly higher than that without prior exposure (12.10%, 0.96%, P<0.05) . The prevalence of hearing loss among workers with occupational noise exposure <80 dB (A) , 80~<85 dB (A) and ≥85 dB (A) was 1.83%, 2.69% and 5.09%, respectively. The prevalence of high frequency hearing loss was 1.60%, 2.05% and 3.71%, respectively. The prevalence of occupational noise deafness was 0.23%, 0.64% and 1.38%, respectively. The prevalence of hearing loss and high frequency hearing loss among workers exposed to different occupational noise was statistically significant (P<0.05) , while the prevalence of occupational noise deafness was not statistically significant (P>0.05) . There were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of hearing loss (2.88%, 4.45%) and occupational noise deafness (0.46%, 1.41%) between those who used protective equipment and those who did not (P<0.05) . Compared with workers exposed to occupational noise <80 dB (A) , workers exposed to occupational noise ≥85 dB (A) had A 3.16-fold increased risk of hearing loss (OR=3.16, 95%CI: 1.44~6.95, P<0.05) . Compared to workers using hearing protective equipment, the risk of hearing loss (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.25~3.06, P<0.05) and occupational noise deafness (OR=3.46, 95%CI: 1.51-7.96, P<0.05) significantly increased among those without using hearing protective equipment. Conclusion: The risk of hearing loss in automobile manufacturing workers is significantly associated with occupational noise exposure and the use of hearing protective equipment. Good hearing protection may reduce the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss and occupational noise deafness.

The occurrence and spatial distribution of phthalate esters (PAEs) in the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River

The occurrence and spatial distribution of 22 congener phthalate esters (PAEs) in the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River were investigated using water and sediment samples collected from 12 stations along the river in August 2016 to March 2017. PAEs were determined by liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The average concentrations of PAE in the water samples during the dry and wet periods were 3236.0 ng/L and 2300.0 ng/L, and the average dry and wet periods of the PAEs in the sediments were 4238.9 ng/g and 3959.9 ng/g, respectively. PAEs were detected in all sampling sites. The six PAEs controlled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), namely dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and butyl benzyl phthalate(BBP), were detected. DMP, DEP, DBP, and DEHP accounted for more than 70% of all PAEs. In view of time distribution, PAEs concentration in the water samples of the dry season were greater than those of the wet season, but the sediments did not differ remarkably across the different periods. As for spatial distribution, the PAEs initially exhibited low concentrations in the upper reaches, high concentrations in the middle part, and low concentrations in the downstream; a health risk assessment of the six PAEs controlled by the U.S. EPA was carried out according to priority. Results showed that the carcinogenic risk value was less than 10^-6, and the values of the non-carcinogenic compound risk index were less than 1, indicating the absence of carcinogenic damage to organisms or humans.

[Correlation analysis between Dx-pH monitoring and proton pump inhibitor test in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease]

Objective: The consistency of 24-hour oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring and proton pump inhibitor(PPI) test in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) was investigated. Methods: Sixty patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) related symptoms who had never received PPI treatment were assessed by reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) between October 2017 and October 2018, including 28 males and 38 females, aged from 16 to 72 years, with a medium age of 38 years. Prior to treatment, all patients were evaluated with 24 hours oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring(Restech). After empiric therapy with PPI twice-daily for 8 weeks, the efficacy was evaluated according to posttreatment RSI score.The data was analysed with Kruskal-Wallis test, Student Newman Keuls test and consistency check. Results: (1)Among all 60 patients,13 patients (21.7%) had pathologic Ryan score and all resulted responsive to PPI;27 patients (45.0%) with a negative Ryan score were unresponsive to PPI; 20 patients (33.3%) despite a negative Ryan score resulted responsive to PPI therapy. Considering responsiveness to PPI therapy as the gold standard for the diagnosis of LPRD, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Ryan score were 39.4%, 100%, 100% and 57.4% respectively. The Kappa value was 0.369 (P<0.01). (2)Among 34 patients (56.7%) with positive Dx-pH results (24-hour oropharyngeal acid reflux events≥ 3 times), 29 patients were positive and 5 patients were negative in PPI test. Among 26 patients with negative Dx-pH results (24-hour oropharyngeal acid reflux events<3 times), 4 patients were positive and 22 patients were negative in PPI test. Considering responsiveness to PPI therapy as the gold standard for the diagnosis of LPRD, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 24-hour oropharyngeal acid reflux events were 87.9%, 81.5%, 85.3% and 84.6% respectively. The Kappa value was 0.696(P<0.01). Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between 24-hour oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring positive results (24-hour oropharyngeal acid reflux events≥3 times) and PPI test in the diagnosis of LPRD. The 24-hour oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring can be a promising tool for the diagnosis of suspected LPRD patients, and more sensitive and accurate Dx-pH diagnostic index will be required in the clinic.

Effects of N-carbamylglutamate and L-arginine on gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression and secretion in GT1-7 cells

Recent studies have shown that N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and arginine (ARG) supplementation improves reproductive performance in livestock. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of NCG and ARG on GT1-7 cell gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, gene expression and cell proliferation. GT1-7 cells were treated in vitro with different concentrations of NCG (0-1.0mM) or ARG (0-4.0mM) in serum-free medium for 12 or 24h. For GnRH secretion and cell proliferation, GT1-7 cells were more sensitive to NCG than ARG. NCG treatment after 12h increased cell numbers and inhibited GnRH secretion in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), although there was no significant effect of NCG on these parameters after 24h culture. ARG treatment decreased GnRH secretion after 24h (P<0.05), whereas it had no effect after 12h. GT1-7 cells express GnRH, Kiss-1 metastasis-suppressor (Kiss1), G-protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and estrogen receptor α (ERα) genes. High concentrations of NCG (1.0mM) and ARG (4.0mM) inhibited (P<0.05) GnRH and nNOS mRNA abundance in GT1-7 cells. ARG treatment decreased Kiss1 and increased ERα mRNA abundance. Thus, high concentrations of NCG (1.0mM) and ARG (4.0mM) may act both directly and indirectly to regulate GnRH neuron function by downregulating genes related to GnRH synthesis and secretion to slow GnRH production while stimulating GT1-7 cell proliferation.

[Analysis of clinical early warning informations of severe preeclampsia before onset]

Objective: To explore the early warning informations of severepre-eclampsia before onset. Methods: The study was an observational case-control study. The study group consisted of 77 single-pregnancy preeclampsia pregnant women and the control group took 154 normal cases who were delivered to Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital (Peking University binhai Hospital) from January 2014 to December 2017 in the perinatal care referral system in Tianjin. To analyze changes in clinical indicators before the onset of severe pre-eclampsia with statistical methods. Results: Prehypertension, weight gain>0.85 kg/week, fetal growth restriction, edema and decline of plasma albumin, thrombocytopenia, poor compliance, perinatal examinations and examinations in tertiary hospitals were associated with severe pre-eclampsia (P<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the risk factors of severe preeclampsia were pre-hypertension, weight gain>0.85 kg/week, edema, thrombocytopeniaand poor compliance. The increase in the number of prenatal examinations in tertiary hospitals was a protective factor for severe preeclampsia. Conclusion: Prehypertension, weight gain during pregnancy (>0.85 kg/week), edema, thrombocytopenia, and poor compliance were warning informations of severe pre-eclampsia, and the increased number of prenatal examinations in tertiary hospitals was a protective factor for severe pre-eclampsia.

The key role of inoculated sludge in fast start-up of sequencing batch reactor for the domestication of aerobic granular sludge

Two types of inoculated sludges, granular sludge that had been stored at -20°C and activated sludge, were investigated for the domestication of aerobic granular sludges (AGSs) in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). The results showed that using the stored granular sludge as inoculation sludge could effectively shorten the domestication time of AGS and yielded mature granular sludge after 22 days of operation. The AGS domesticated by stored granular sludge had better biomass and sedimentation properties; its MLSS and SVI reached 8.55 g/L and 35.27 mL/g, respectively. The removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) and total phosphorus (TP) reached 90.76%, 97.39% and 96.40%, respectively. By contrast, 54 days were needed to obtain mature granules using activated sludge. The microbial community structure was probed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the diversity of the microbial community in mature granules was reduced when stored granular sludge rather than activated sludge was employed as inoculation sludge, and the dominant microbes were changed. The dominant species in mature granules domesticated using stored granular sludge were Zoogloea, Acidovorax and Tolumonas at the genus classification level, while the dominant species were Zoogloea and TM7-genera in granules developed from activated sludge.

[Investigation of neck and shoulder pain among workers in an automobile plant]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) among automobile manufacturing workers and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of NSP. Methods: From November 5 to November 19, 2017, a total 446 works who had worked for more than one year were recruited from an automobile plant by cluster sampling method. Chi square test and unconditional logistic regression were used to exam the relation between influencing factors and NSP. Results: The annual prevalence rate of NSP was 34.8%. Multifactor regression analysis showed that age、work fatigue、department staff shortages、lifting heavy objects in awkward positions、neck flexion foreword and prolong sitting position work were the risk factors of NSP (OR=2.18, 95%CI:1.49~3.18; OR=4.52, 95%CI:1.27~16.00; OR=1.66, 95%CI:1.04~26.68; OR=2.10, 95%CI:1.16~3.81; OR=2.25, 95%CI:1.39~3.66; OR=2.42, 95%CI:1.06~5.56) and work break was the benefit factors of NSP (OR=0.58, 95%CI:0.36~0.94) . Conclusion: The annual prevalence rate of NSP among automobile manufacturing workers was high. Lifing heavy objects、awkward working positions and unreasonable work arrangement were the major risk factors of NSP, and work break can effectively reduce the risk of NSP. Effective ergonomic intervention should be carried out to prevent the occurrence of NSP.

Overexpression of long noncoding RNA LINC01419 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its relation to the sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil by mediating GSTP1 methylation

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide sequencing investigations have identified numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) among mammals, many of which exhibit aberrant expression in cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Herein, this study elucidates the role and mechanism by which LINC01419 regulates the DNA methylation of glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) in relation to ESCC progression and the sensitivity of ESCC cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

METHODS

LINC01419 and GSTP1 levels were quantified among 38 paired ESCC and adjacent tissue samples collected from patients with ESCC. To ascertain the contributory role of LINC01419 in the progression of ESCC and identify the interaction between LINC01419 and GSTP1 promoter methylation, LINC01419 was overexpressed or silenced, and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR was treated.

RESULTS

Data from the GEO database (GSE21362) and the Cancer Genome Atlas displayed elevated levels of LINC01419 and downregulated levels of GSTP1 in the ESCC tissues and cells. The silencing of LINC01419 led to decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and enhanced sensitivity to 5-FU in ESCC cells. Notably, LINC01419 could bind to the promoter region of the GSTP1 gene, resulting in elevated GSTP1 methylation and reduced GSTP1 levels via the recruitment of DNA methyltransferase among ESCC cells, whereby ESCC progression was stimulated accompanied by reduced ESCC cell sensitivity to 5-FU. GSTP1 demethylation by 5-Aza-CdR was observed to reverse the effects of LINC01419 overexpression in ESCC cells and the response to 5-FU.

CONCLUSION

Highly expressed LINC01419 in ESCC promotes GSTP1 methylation, which ultimately acts to promote the event of ESCC and diminish the sensitivity of ESCC cells to 5-FU, highlighting a novel potential strategy to improve 5-FU-based chemotherapy in ESCC.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a novel chlorin derivative for photodynamic therapy

In presented paper, a new chlorin derivative 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[(5-N-morpholino)pentyl] chlorin (TMC) was investigated as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, intracellular location, biodistribution and antitumor effects were studied using human esophageal cancer cells (Eca-109) and human cervical cancer cells (Hela) in vitro and an esophageal cancer model in BALB/c nude mice. Cellular uptake and biodistribution of TMC were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer. Cytotoxicity of TMC against Eca-109 and Hela cells was determined by MTT assay. The intracellular location of TMC was detected with a confocal microscopy. It was showed that TMC could rapidly accumulate in tumor cells and localize in cytoplasm. TMC was found to be low-toxic in dark but extensively photosensitive in vitro. A fast clearance rate of TMC was observed in Eca-109-bearing mice. In particular, TMC could significantly inhibit the tumor growth and exhibit a notable antitumor efficacy for PDT in vivo.

[Influencing factors for reproductive health of female workers in petrochemical industry]

Objective: To investigate the reproductive health status of female workers in petrochemical industry, and to provide a reference for improving reproductive health status and developing preventive and control measures for female workers in petrochemical industry. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey was performed from January to October, 2016. The Questionnaire on Women's Reproductive Health was used to investigate the reproductive health of female workers in petrochemical industry. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for reproductive health of female workers in petrochemical industry. Results: Among the 7485 female workers, 1 268 (40.9%) had abnormal menstrual period, 1 437 (46.4%) had abnormal menstrual volume, 177 (28.5%) had hyperplasia of mammary glands, and 1 807 (24.6%) had gynecological inflammation. The reproductive system diseases in female workers in petrochemical industry were associated with the factors including age, marital status, education level, unhealthy living habits, abortion, overtime work, work shift, workload, video operation, occupational exposure, positive events, and negative events, and among these factors, negative events (odds ratio[OR]= 1.856) , unhealthy living habits (OR=1.542) , and positive events (OR=1.516) had greater impact on reproductive system diseases. Conclusion: Many chemical substances in the occupational environment of petrochemical industry can cause damage to the reproductive system, which not only affects the health of the female workers, but also poses potential threats to the health of their offspring. Occupational exposure, unhealthy living habits, overtime work, and work shift have great influence on reproductive system diseases in female workers.

[Evaluation of the tear film function in diabetic patients using the Keratograph 5M]

Objective: To evaluate the tear film function of diabetic patients using the Keratograph 5M and to analyze its related factors. Methods: Case-control study. A total of 89 inpatients (174 eyes) diagnosed with diabetes in the Department of Endocrinology at our hospital were recruited. According to the fundus fluorescein angiography results, subjects were divided into two groups, diabetic retinopathy (DR) group and none-DR group. All subjects were examined for duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin, creatinine, 24-hour urinary protein, and 24-hour urinary microalbumin/urinary creatinine, and by electromyography. The Keratograph 5M was used to obtain the first and average tear film break-up time (BUTf and BUTav), tear meniscus height, the upper and lower meibomian gland loss scores. The data were analyzed by SPSS. Results: Compared to the non-DR group, the BUTf and the BUTav in the DR group were shorter [(8.42±4.71) s vs. (10.24±5.32) s, (11.20±5.25) s vs. (12.67±5.52) s; P=0.000]. There was no significant difference in the tear meniscus height between the three groups (P=0.067). The tear meniscus height were negatively related with glycosylated hemoglobin, and not related with duration of diabetes, 24-hour urinary microalbumin/urinary creatinine, creatinine, 24-h urinary protein, and electromyography results. As the duration of diabetic longer, the upper and lower meibomian gland loss scores added(Z=19.514, 15.342, P<0.05). Patients with EMG abnormal, the lower meibomian gland loss scores added(Z=-2.312, P<0.05). Conclusions: The Keratograph 5M can directly evaluate the tear film condition of diabetic patients.Diabetic patients with retinopathy and higher glycosylated hemoglobin tend to suffer tear film dysfunction. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:762-766).

An experimental system for coiled tubing partial underbalanced drilling (CT-PUBD) technique

To improve the rate of penetration (ROP) in hard formations, a new high-speed drilling technique called Coiled Tubing Partial Underbalanced Drilling (CT-PUBD) is proposed. This method uses a rotary packer to realize an underbalanced condition near the bit by creating a micro-annulus and an overbalanced condition at the main part of the annulus. A new full-scale laboratory experimental system is designed and set up to study the hydraulic characteristics and drilling performance of this method. The system is composed of a drilling system, circulation system, and monitor system, including three key devices, namely, cuttings discharge device, rotary packer, and backflow device. The experimental results showed that the pressure loss increased linearly with the flow rate of the drilling fluid. The high drilling speed of CT-PUBD proved it a better drilling method than the conventional drilling. The experimental system may provide a fundamental basis for the research of CT-PUBD, and the results proved that this new method is feasible in enhancing ROP and guaranteeing the drilling safety.

[Stratified sampling survey of major human parasitic diseases in Henan province]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. Methods: This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. Results: The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. Conclusions: Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.

[The clinical study of olfactory dysfunction in IgG4-related disease]

Objective:IgG4-related disease is a newly recognized systemic disease, and its elucidation is progressing. However, little is known about its sinonasal manifestations.The aim of this study was to assess the olfaction of patients with IgG4-related disease.Method:Twenty-two patients with IgG4-related disease underwent the odor stick identification test to measure olfactory function.We analyzed the clinical features, including serum IgG4 levels, involved organs, and sinonasal computed tomography scores to explore the etiology of olfactory dysfunction.Result:Eleven patients with IgG4-related disease were found to have olfactory dysfunction. There were no differences in the clinical features between the olfactory dysfunction group and the normal group.Conclusion:There were no correlation between olfactory function and serum IgG4 level, involved organs or sinonasal computed tomography scores.We found that the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was high in patients with IgG4-related disease and that it could be reversed.Olfactory dysfunction appears to be a novel important manifestation of IgG4-related disease.

[Effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on immune function and prognosis of patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis]

Objective: To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on the immune function and prognosis of patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 65 patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis were divided into observation group and control group. The patients in the observation group were given intervention (via the proper hepatic artery or the portal vein) and intravenous infusion of 4×10⁸ hUCMSCs in two doses, as well as the same basic treatment as in the control group. The patients in the control group were given conventional medical treatment. ELISA as used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in the observation group before surgery and at 1 week after surgery, as well as the serum levels of IL-6, TNFα, IL-10, and TGFβ in the control group on admission and at 1 week after admission. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of lymphocyte subsets in the observation group before surgery and at 1 week after surgery, as well as that in the control group on admission and at 1 week after admission. In addition, the patients' prognosis and major complications during hospitalization were observed in both groups, and the patients were followed up for 24 weeks to record the number of deaths. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data which were expressed as percentages. Results: At 1 week after the transplantation of hUCMSCs, compared with the control group, the observation group had significant reductions in the serum levels of IL-6 and TNFα and significant increases in the serum levels of IL-10 and TGFβ (all P < 0.001), as well as significant increases in the percentages of T4 cells and Treg cells and significant reductions in the percentages of T8 cells and B cells (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the changes in T3 cells and natural killer cells between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had a significantly lower probability of progression to liver failure (6.45% vs 14.71%, P = 0.017). Conclusion: In the treatment of patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, transplantation of UCMSCs can inhibit the proliferation of T cells and B cells and the differentiation of T8 cells, upregulate Treg cells, promote the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, it can alleviate liver inflammatory response and liver cell damage and reduce the probability of hepatic failure.

[Effect of fibroblast growth factor 1 on the proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in submandibular gland of diabetic mice]

Objective: To examine the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in submandibular gland of diabetic mice and to investigate the influence of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) on PCNA expression and its possible mechanism. Methods: Sixteen db/db diabetic male mice were randomly divided into diabetic group and diabetic-FGF-1 group (n=8). Eight age-matched db/m mice served as a control group. After FGF-1 was administered intraperitoneally to diabetic-FGF-1 group continuously for 16 weeks, blood glucose and body weight of each mouse in the three groups were detected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks. Then the flow rate of saliva in three groups was compared at 0, 8, 16 weeks. At 16 week, bilateral submandibular glands were resected. Then HE staining was performed to observe the histological morphology of submandibular gland and PCNA expression was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Four weeks after administration, the blood glucose in diabetic-FGF-1 group decreased markedly, close to the control group (P>0.05). Weight loss in diabetic-FGF-1 group was noticeable at 8 weeks after administration, but still higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The flow rate of saliva in diabetic-FGF-1 group increased gradually after administration, which was higher at 8, 16 weeks ([260.1±43.3], [308.5±34.0] mg·min(-1)·kg(-1)) respectively than that in the diabetic group at the same time point ([181.8±37.5], [194.9±49.8] mg·min(-1)·kg(-1)) (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, submandibular glands in diabetic group significantly atrophied and the glandular atrophy in diabetic-FGF-1 group was alleviated. The submandibular gland index in the control group, diabetic group and diabetic-FGF-1 group were (7.45±0.63), (2.23±0.26), (3.97±0.15) mg/g, respectively (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the histological morphology of submandibular gland in diabetic-FGF-1 group was clearer, and acinar and ductal atrophy were less significant than diabetic group. Immunohistochemistry showed that the rate of PCNA-positive cells in the control group, diabetic group and diabetic-FGF-1 group were (45.23±7.78)%, (11.50±1.69)%, (36.98±6.53)% respectively (P<0.05). Conclusions: FGF-1 can up-regulate the expression of PCNA in submandibular gland of diabetic mice. This effect may be one of the important mechanisms of FGF-1 reversing the structural atrophy and dysfunction of submandibular gland caused by diabetes mellitus.

The role of Cu(II) in the reduction of N-nitrosodimethylamine with iron and zinc

The role of Cu(II) in the reduction of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) with zero-valent metals was investigated by determining the effects of Cu(II) on the removal, kinetics, products, and mechanism. NDMA removal was enhanced, and all reactions followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model except for the Fe and Fe/0.1 mM Cu(II) systems. The iron mass-normalized pseudo-first-order rate constants (k_MFe) increased with the Cu(II) concentration. The zinc mass-normalized pseudo-first-order rate constants (k_MZn) were identical to those with the Cu(II) concentrations from 0.1 mM to 1.0 mM and were higher with 2.0 mM Cu(II). The types of products detected were unchanged. Some unknown products were also found. NDMA was reduced to 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, UDMH). Then, UDMH was reduced into dimethylamine (DMA) by the Fe/Cu(II) and Zn/Cu(II) systems. Catalytic hydrogenation was proposed as the reduction mechanism. Several copper species, such as Cu(OH)₂ in the Fe/Cu(II) system and Cu₂O and Cu(OH)₂ in the Zn/Cu(II) system enhanced NDMA reduction. Differences between the Fe/Cu(II) and Zn/Cu(II) systems were caused by the reduction potentials and surface conditions of the different metals and the copper species in the various systems.

Yeast CUP1 protects HeLa cells against copper-induced stress

As an essential trace element, copper can be toxic in mammalian cells when present in excess. Metallothioneins (MTs) are small, cysteine-rich proteins that avidly bind copper and thus play an important role in detoxification. YeastCUP1 is a member of the MT gene family. The aim of this study was to determine whether yeast CUP1 could bind copper effectively and protect cells against copper stress. In this study,CUP1 expression was determined by quantitative real-time PCR, and copper content was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Cellular viability was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the cell cycle distribution of CUP1 was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The data indicated that overexpression of yeast CUP1 in HeLa cells played a protective role against copper-induced stress, leading to increased cellular viability (P<0.05) and decreased ROS production (P<0.05). It was also observed that overexpression of yeast CUP1 reduced the percentage of G1 cells and increased the percentage of S cells, which suggested that it contributed to cell viability. We found that overexpression of yeast CUP1 protected HeLa cells against copper stress. These results offer useful data to elucidate the mechanism of the MT gene on copper metabolism in mammalian cells.

Extracellular pH modulates GABAergic neurotransmission in rat hypothalamus

Changes in extracellular pH have a modulatory effect on GABAA receptor function. It has been reported that pH sensitivity of the GABA receptor is dependent on subunit composition and GABA concentration. Most of previous investigations focused on GABA-evoked currents, which only reflect the postsynaptic receptors. The physiological relevance of pH modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission is not fully elucidated. In the present studies, we examined the influence of extracellular pH on the GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in rat hypothalamic neurons. The inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), tonic currents, and the GABA-evoked currents were recorded with whole-cell patch techniques on the hypothalamic slices from Sprague-Dawley rats at 15-26 postnatal days. The amplitude and frequency of spontaneous GABA IPSCs were significantly increased while the external pH was changed from 7.3 to 8.4. In the acidic pH (6.4), the spontaneous GABA IPSCs were reduced in amplitude and frequency. The pH induced changes in miniature GABA IPSCs (mIPSCs) similar to that in spontaneous IPSCs. The pH effect on the postsynaptic GABA receptors was assessed with exogenously applied varying concentrations of GABA. The tonic currents and the currents evoked by sub-saturating concentration of GABA ([GABA]) (10 μM) were inhibited by acidic pH and potentiated by alkaline pH. In contrast, the currents evoked by saturating [GABA] (1mM) were not affected by pH changes. We also investigated the influence of pH buffers and buffering capacity on pH sensitivity of GABAA receptors on human recombinant α1β2γ2 GABAA receptors stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. The pH influence on GABAA receptors was similar in HEPES- and MES-buffered media, and not dependent on protonated buffers, suggesting that the observed pH effect on GABA response is a specific consequence of changes in extracellular protons. Our data suggest that the hydrogen ions suppress the GABAergic neurotransmission, which is mediated by both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms.

Current status of standardization of acupuncture and moxibustion in China

With the wide-spread and application of acupuncture and moxibustion, the demand of its standardization construction is increasingly prominent. On the basis of further investigation into the standards of acupuncture and moxibustion in China, this article summarize the research status of Chinese standardization of acupuncture and moxibustion, analyse some problems existing in current construction of acupuncture and moxibustion standardization, and put forward several strategies for moving forward, in order to show an overall and objective understanding of acupuncture and moxibustion standardization.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, sediment and soil of the Songhua River Basin, China

The Songhua River is the third largest river in China and the primary source of drinking and irrigation water for northeastern China. The distribution of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water [dissolved water (DW) and suspended particulate matter (SPM)], sediment, and soil in the river basin was investigated, and the associated risk of cancer from these PAHs was also assessed. The total concentration of PAHs ranged from 13.9 to 161 ng L(-1) in DW, 9.21 to 83.1 ng L(-1) in SPM, 20.5 to 632 ng g(-1) dw (dry weight) in sediment, and from 30.1 to 870 ng g(-1) dw in soil. The compositional pattern of PAHs indicated that three-ring PAHs were predominant in DW and SPM samples, while four-ring PAHs dominated in sediment and soil samples. The spatial distribution of PAHs revealed some site-specific sources along the river, with principal component analysis indicating that these were from pyrogenic sources (such as coal and biomass combustion, and vehicle emissions) and coke oven emission distinguished as the main source of PAHs in the Songhua River Basin. Based on the ingestion of PAH-contaminated drinking water from the Songhua River, cancer risk was quantitatively estimated by combining the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk assessment model and BaP-equivalent concentration for five age groups of people (adults, teenagers, children, toddlers, and infants). Overall, the results suggest that the estimated integrated lifetime cancer risk for all groups was in acceptable levels. This study is the first attempt to provide information on the cancer risk of PAHs in drinking water from the Songhua River.

Pilot-scale fluoride-containing wastewater treatment by the ballasted flocculation process

A pilot-scale ballasted flocculation system was used to remove fluoride from one type of industrial wastewater. The system included the formation of calcium fluoride (CaF2) using calcium hydroxide followed by coagulation sedimentation. Calcium fluoride was recycled as nuclei for enhancing CaF2 precipitation and as a ballasting agent for improving fluoride removal and flocculation efficiency. Factors affecting fluoride and turbidity removal efficiencies, including pH in the CaF2-reacting tank and coagulation-mixing tank, sludge recycling ratio, and dosages of FeCl3 and polyacrylamide (PAM), were investigated in the pilot-scale system. The recycled CaF2 precipitates improved CaF2 formation kinetics, enhanced fluoride removal and flocculation performance. Under the optimized condition, the ballast flocculation process reduced fluoride concentration from 288.9 to 10.67 mg/L and the turbidity from 129.6 NTU to below 2.5 NTU.

[Pollution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water of Songhua River basin during the icebound season]

The pollution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water samples of the three major sections of the Songhua River Basin (the Nenjiang River, the Second Songhua River and the mainstream of the Songhua River) were studied. A total of 21 surface water samples were collected in icebound season in 2010 along the bank. The total concentrations of 15 species of PAHs ranged from 23.4 ng x L(-1) to 85.1 ng x L(-1), with an average concentration at (50.3 +/- 17) ng x L(-1), which was comparable with those of other rivers in China. PAHs had higher concentration in lower reaches of the river around neighboring cities, which maybe caused by municipal/industrial effluents of the cities along the bank. The sources of PAHs were further identified by principal component analysis (PCA), which indicated that the main source of PAHs was fossil fuel related combustion in Songhua River. The potential ecosystem risk assessment of individual PAHs was characterized by risk quotient (RQ). The results indicated that the ecological risk of high molecular weight PAHs was negligible and low molecular weight PAHs possessed greater ecological risk.

[Effects of applying sewage sludge on chemical form distribution and bioavailability of heavy metals in soil]

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of applying sewage sludge on the chemical form distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in soil and the transfer and accumulation of the heavy metals in soil-plant (ryegrass) system. With the application of sewage sludge, the contents of bioavailable Cd and Zn in soil increased significantly but that of bioavailable Pb in soil had a significant decrease, and the content of residual form Pb in soil increased by 33.3% -74.5%, compared with CK. When the application rate of sewage sludge was 50% (M/M) of soil, the contents of exchangeable and reducible Cu in soil only occupied 0.7% and 0.2% of the total Cu respectively. The application of sewage sludge promoted the Cd, Cu and Zn absorption while inhibited the Pb absorption by ryegrass. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the Cd, Zn and Cu contents in ryegrass were positively correlated with the reducible Cd and Zn and oxidizable Cu contents in soil, respectively, and Pb content in ryegrass was highly correlated with the soil exchangeable and oxidizable Pb contents. After planting ryegrass, the oxidizable Cd and Cu in rhizosphere soil were transformed into exchangeable Cd and residual form Cu, respectively, the exchangeable and reducible Zn transformed into oxidizable Zn, whereas the bioavailability of Pb was less affected.

Tunable radiation source by coupling laser-plasma-generated electrons to a periodic structure

Near-infrared radiation around 1000 nm generated from the interaction of a high-density MeV electron beam, obtained by impinging an intense ultrashort laser pulse on a solid target, with a metal grating is observed experimentally. Theoretical modeling and particle-in-cell simulation suggest that the radiation is caused by the Smith-Purcell mechanism. The results here indicate that tunable terahertz radiation with tens GV/m field strength can be achieved by using appropriate grating parameters.

Quasimonoenergetic proton bunch generation by dual-peaked electrostatic-field acceleration in foils irradiated by an intense linearly polarized laser

It is found that stable proton acceleration from a thin foil irradiated by a linearly polarized ultraintense laser can be realized for appropriate foil thickness and laser intensity. A dual-peaked electrostatic field, originating from the oscillating and nonoscillating components of the laser ponderomotive force, is formed around the foil surfaces. This field combines radiation-pressure acceleration and target normal sheath acceleration to produce a single quasimonoenergetic ion bunch. A criterion for this mechanism to be operative is obtained and verified by two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation. At a laser intensity of ∼5.5×10(22)  W/cm(2), quasimonoenergetic GeV proton bunches are obtained with ∼100  MeV energy spread, less than 4° spatial divergence, and ∼50% energy conversion efficiency from the laser.

[Kinetics and degradation efficiency of benzotriazole in water by ozonation]

Benzotriazole (BTri) is widely used in industrial processes and households as anti-icer and corrosion inhibitors. However, the removal of BTri hasn't been reported yet. The results of an experimental study are presented which provide values for the reaction rate constants between molecular ozone and BTri, and overall reaction rate constants for the degradation of BTri in the pH range of 7-8. The kinetic rate constant for BTri degradation by molecular ozone was calculated to be 20.18 L x (mol x s)(-1) according to the experimental data. The study showed that the reaction between ozone and BTri was influenced by some factors. The degradation rate of BTri increased with the increase of the solution pH value and the water temperature, but changed little in the presence of some anions, such as NO3(-), SO4(2-) and Cl(-). The hydroxyl radical inhibitor tert-Butyl alcohol affected the removal of BTri to some degree, which proved that the ozone molecule was cooperated with the hydroxyl radical to remove BTri in the oxidation process.

[Low molecular weight oxidation by-products produced during catalytic ozonation with ferric hydroxide of NOM fractions isolated from filtrated water]

Natural organic matter (NOM) in a filtered river water from a water treatment plant was isolated and fractionated into six types of fractions. The aim of the work is to investigate the formation of the low molecular weight (LMW) oxidation by-products (i.e. aldehydes, ketones and ketoacids) after ferric hydroxide-catalyzed ozonation of individual NOM fractions. Results showed that catalytic ozonation could improve the reduction of the dissolved organic matter (DOC) and specific UV absorbance (SUVA) at 254 nm compared with ozonation alone. However, catalytic ozonation with ferric hydroxide could not produce less LMW oxidation by-products than ozonation. Hydrophobic neutral (HON) produced much higher yields of the LMW oxidation by-products than other fractions both during catalytic ozonation and ozonation alone, while the basic NOM fractions formed relatively lower productions of these by-products. Like the case of ozonation alone, the predominant contributors for the yields of aldehydes and ketoacids formed in catalytic ozonation were formaldehyde and pyruvic acid, respectively. Among these NOM fractions, HON produced the highest yields of the formaldehyde and pyruvic acid after catalytic ozonation. The yield of formaldehyde from HON was up to 71.6% of the total aldehydes and ketones, and the pyruvic acid concentration of HON was 78.6 microg/mg after catalytic ozonation. In addition, NOM fractions became more biodegradable after catalytic ozonation, because the percent of total LMW by-products carbon in the final DOC after catalytic ozonation was higher than ozonation alone.

Comparison of biological activated carbon (BAC) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) for pollutants removal in drinking water treatment

Biological activated carbon (BAC) and membrane bioreactor (MBR) were systematically compared for the drinking water treatment from slightly polluted raw water under the same hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 0.5 h. MBR exhibited excellent turbidity removal capacity due to the separation of the membrane; while only 60% of influent turbidity was intercepted by BAC. Perfect nitrification was achieved by MBR with the 89% reduction in ammonia; by contrast, BAC only eliminated a moderate amount of influent ammonia (by 54.5%). However, BAC was able to remove more dissolved organic matter (DOM, especially for organic molecules of 3,000 approximately 500 Daltons) and corresponding disinfection by-product formation potential (DBPFP) in raw water than MBR. Unfortunately, particulate organic matter (POM) was detected in the BAC effluent. On the other hand, BAC and MBR displayed essentially the same capacity for biodegradable organic matter (BOM) removal. Fractionation of DOM showed that the removal efficiencies of hydrophobic neutrals, hydrophobic acids, weakly hydrophobic acids and hydrophilic organic matter through BAC treatment were 11.7%, 8.8%, 13.9% and 4.8% higher than that through MBR; while MBR achieved 13.8% higher hydrophobic bases removal as compared with BAC.

[Selection and kinetic mechanism of psychrotrophs in low temperature wastewater treatment]

A study was carried out taking low temperature domestic wastewater as target in laboratory, the composition of bacteria in activated sludge was analyzed and the degradation kinetics of organics was investigated. Six preponderant psychrotrophs were selected out, belonging to Zoogloea, Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, Micrococcus, Bacillus and Pseudomonaus, respectively. Results show that TTC-dehydrogenase activity of the psychrotroph is 25.44 mg/(L x h) which is 20.5 times more than that of ordinary activated sludge at 4 degrees C. The efficiency of COD biodegradation by psychrotrophs at low and normal temperature is 80.9% and 73.4%, respectively. Mesophilic bacteria almost lost their activity at low temperature. Kinetic analysis shows that biodegradation of organics by psychrotrophs at low and mesothermal temperature as well as mesophilic bacteria at mesothermal temperature are in accordance with the model of first-order reaction. Psychrotrophs, which assure the removal efficiency of organic pollutants at low and normal temperature, could keep the uniform reaction velocity as the mesophilic bacteria and also adapt wide ecological amplitude of temperature. Efficient psychrotrophs were immobilized on soft polyurethane foams which acted as carriers in the experiment at 4 degrees C, as a result of that, the removal efficiency of COD was increased about 18% higher than that of mobilized ones at low temperature, the biodegradation kinetics of COD by immobilized psychrotrophs also followed the first-order reaction model. With glucose in water as the source of nutriment, the reaction velocity of immobilized bacteria is 2.35 times higher than that of the mobilized ones. By the immobilized psychrotrophs biodegradation of varied nutriment, the effluent could achieve the first-degree B of pollutants discharge standard for municipal wastewater treatment plant.

[Efficiency of photodecomposition of trace NDMA in water by UV irradiation]

Efficiency of photodecomposition of trace NDMA by UV irradiation was investigated with analyzing the initial concentration of NDMA, solution pH, irradiation area, irradiation intensity and water quality effect on NDMA photolysis. NDMA could be effectively photodegraded by UV irradiation. The removal efficiency of NDMA was 97.5% after 5 min of UV irradiation. Effect of initial NDMA concentration on photodecomposition of NDMA was not remarkable. With pH value ascending, the removal rate of NDMA photodecomposition decreased. The yields of photoquantum were more under lower solution pH than that under higher pH. NDMA had fastest reaction rate at solution pH = 2.2. Removal efficiency of NDMA increased with the available irradiation area ascending. Increscent ultraviolet irradiation intensity was good for NDMA degradation. Water quality affected the removal of NDMA slightly. The removal efficiency of NDMA in tap water and Songhua River raw water were 96.7% and 94.8%, respectively.

Kinetics and mechanism of degradation of p-chloronitrobenzene in water by ozonation

The kinetics and mechanism of p-chloronitrobenzene (pCNB) degradation by ozone were investigated. With reference compounds, nitrobenzene (NB) and chlorobenzene (CB), reaction rate constants of pCNB with O3 and OH were measured by means of competition kinetics (mixtures of pCNB and NB, or pCNB and CB), with the rate constants being, 1.6 L mol(-1) s(-1), 2.6 x 10(9) L mol(-1) s(-1), respectively. During the ozonation process of pCNB, an increase of chloride and nitrate ions in the water sample solution was observed, which is consistent with the decrease in pCNB concentration. But the total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate is not consistent with the pCNB elimination rate indicating only part of pCNB was mineralized and thus presumably some intermediate products were formed. The pCNB degradation intermediate products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ion chromatography (IC). The main intermediate products were phenol, p-chlorophenol, p-nitrophenol, 2-chloro-5-nitrophenol, 5-chloro-2-nitrophenol, 5-nitro-catechol, para-benzoquinone, 5-nitro-1,2,3-trihydroxy phenol, trihydroxy semiquinone, glycolic acid, oxalic acid, hydroxybutanoic acid, mesoxalic acid, tartrouic acid, malonic acid, maleic acid, hydroxymalonic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, ketoglutaric acid and muconic acid. From the identified reaction products, a possible degradation pathway for the ozonation of pCNB has been proposed.

[Effect and mechanism of removal of trace p-chloronitrobenzene in aqueous solution by ZnOOH/O3]

Zinc hydroxide prepared in laboratory was used as catalyst in catalytic ozonation of trace p-chloronitrobenzene (pCNB) in water. The catalytic mechanism was deduced through the effect of radical inhibitor t-BuOH on the reaction. Furthermore, affecting factors of catalytic activity were investigated. Results show that zinc hydroxide has excellent property of catalytic ozonation. Compared to ozonation alone, the catalytic removal rate of pCNB dissolved in distilled water increases by 51.3 percents at reacting time of 20 min. The catalysis, which is influenced by density of hydroxyl groups combined on the surface of hydroxide, follows a hydroxyl radical reaction pathway. The removal gets better with increasing dosage of catalyst. Zinc hydroxide was used for 3 times without obvious changes of pCNB removal rate. Bicarbonate in water and phosphate in buffer solution could greatly depress its catalytic activity. The optimal catalysis is achieved at solution pH = 7.

[Aldehydes, ketones, and ketoacids produced during ozonation of NOM fractions isolated from filtrated water]

Natural organic matter (NOM) in the filtrated surface water from a water treatment plant was isolated and fractionated into six types of fractions. These fractions were ozonated at typical ozone dose and reaction time. The yields of several small molecular ozonation by-products, such as, aldehydes, ketones and ketoacids, were monitored after ozonation of the individual NOM fractions. The results showed that formaldehyde and pyruvic acid had the maximal yields among the aldehydes and ketoacids, respectively. Hydrophobic neutral (HON) produced the most significant yield of the ozonation by-products with the specific yield of formaldehyde up to 70.58% of the specific yields and pyruvic acid being 103.2 microg/mg. The hydrophobic NOM fractions produced higher yields of these by-products than the hydrophilic fractions. For example, HON and hydrophobic acid (HOA) produced much higher yields of the ozonation by-products than other fractions. Aldehydes and ketones from HON and HOA and ketoacids from the two fractions accounted for 55.56% and 60% of the ozonation by-products from all the NOM, respectively. Lower production of these by-products was also observed for the basic fractions compared to the acidic and neutral ones. HON and HOA were more biodegradable after ozonation, because their ozonation by-products contributed much higher amount of DOC to the final DOC after ozonation.

[Mechanism discussion of gamma-alumina catalyzed ozonation for 2-methylisoborneol removal]

The efficiency and mechanism in degradation of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) as taste and odor compound in drinking water were studied under the condition where gamma-alumina catalyzed ozonation. As a result, gamma-alumina can behave distinct activity in enhancing the efficiency of ozonation MIB. Tert-butyl alcohol had a remarkable restrain effect on removal efficiency of catalytic ozonation MIB by gamma-alumina. The surface charge status and surface hydroxyl groups status of gamma-alumina and pH values of the solution can be linked together. When the pH value of solution was near the pH(zpc) of gamma-Al2O3, there was a most observable activity in catalyzed ozonation process. R(ct), which denoted the relative concentration of hydroxyl radical (*OH), was much higher in catalyzed ozonation process than in ozonation process. This result further illuminated that gamma-Al2O3 can promote ozone decomposition to produce *OH. Finally, it was investigated that the effect of r(P/I) on catalyzed ozone decomposition and ozone decomposition.

Over-expression of a flower-specific transcription factor gene AtMYB24 causes aberrant anther development

In plants, MYB transcription factors play important roles in many developmental processes and various defense responses. AtMYB24, as a member of R2R3-MYB gene family in Arabidopsis, was found mainly expressed in flowers, especially in microspores and ovules using Northern blots and in situ hybridization. It was further found that the expression of AtMYB24 was tightly regulated during anther development. Over-expression of AtMYB24 in transgenic plants resulted in pleiotropic phenotypes, including dwarfism and flower development defects, in particular, producing abnormal pollen grains and non-dehiscence anthers. Further analysis showed that the anther development of the AtMYB24-ox lines was retarded starting from the anther developmental stages 10-11. At stages 12 and 13, the septum and stomium cells of anthers would not break, and fewer or no fibrous bands were found in the endothecium and connective cells in the AtMYB24-ox plants. Similar aberrant anther phenotype was also observed in the AtMYB24-GR-ox lines treated with dexamethasone (DEX). Quantitative real-time PCR showed expression of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, such as CHS and DFR, and AtGTP2 were altered in AtMYB24-ox lines. These results suggest an important role of AtMYB24 in the normal development of anthers in Arabidopsis.

[Gamma-Al2O3 catalyzed ozonation for removing taste and odor substance 2-methylisoborneol in drinking water]

gamma-Alumina was used as a catalyst in ozonation, and efficiency and influencing factors in degradation of taste and odor substance 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) in drinking water were studied. The result shown that gamma-alumina was activated in catalytic ozonation for degradation MIB not only in distilled water, but also in tap water. In distilled water condition, catalyzed ozonation could enhance 47% removal efficiency; in tap water condition, catalyzed ozonation could increase 40% removal efficiency. The concentration of ozone, gamma-alumina, MIB can affect the degradation of MIB observably. gamma-Alumina catalyzed ozonation for removing MIB did not depend on rigidity in water, but was affected by inorganic negative ions. By capturing the hydroxyl radicals produced by gamma-alumina catalyzed ozone decomposition, the bicarbonate/carbonate in natural water can restrain the effect of gamma-alumina catalyzed ozonation for degradation of MIB. Lower concentration of humic acid can promote the effect of oxidation of the MIB, but higher concentration of humic acid may reduce the efficiency. As pH values can affect the process of catalyzed ozonation and tert-butyl alcohol can inhibit the efficiency of catalyzed ozonation efficiency of MIB, the mechanism of gamma-alumina enhanced ozone oxidation of MIB can be identified as that gamma-alumina catalyzed ozone to decompose into hydroxyl radicals which further break up the molecule of MIB.

Cloning, chromosomal localization and expression patterns of porcine Kruppel-like factors 4, -5, -7 and the early growth response factor 2

Kruppel-like factors (KLF) and the early growth response factor 2 (EGR2) are important zinc finger transcription factors in vertebrates. We have cloned the full length coding sequence (CDS) of porcine KLF5, KLF7 and EGR2, which are 1374, 909 and 1416 bp, respectively. KLF4, KLF5 and EGR2 were then chromosomally mapped to porcine 1q28-29, 11q13-14 and 14q23-25, respectively. Moreover, the tissue expression patterns of KLF4, KLF5, KLF7 and EGR2 imply their probable roles in specific tissues. This is the first report of the basic study of these zinc finger transcription factors in pigs; this information will be helpful for future functional studies.

Surface acceleration of fast electrons with relativistic self-focusing in preformed plasma

We report an observation of surface acceleration of fast electrons in intense laser-plasma interactions. When a preformed plasma is presented in front of a solid target with a higher laser intensity, the emission direction of fast electrons is changed to the target surface direction from the laser and specular directions. This feature could be caused by the formation of a strong static magnetic field along the target surface which traps and holds fast electrons on the surface. In our experiment, the increase in the laser intensity due to relativistic self-focusing in plasma plays an important role for the formation. The strength of the magnetic field is calculated from the bent angle of the electrons, resulting in tens of percent of laser magnetic field, which agrees well with a two-dimensional particle-in-cell calculation. The strong surface current explains the high conversion efficiency on the cone-guided fast ignitor experiments.