Deformation and Failure Characteristics of Strong-Weak Coupling Structures with Different Height Ratios Under Cyclic Loading and Unloading.

Strong-weak coupling outburst prevention technology can reduce the hazard of coal and gas outburst in mines based on hydraulic punching and grouting reinforcement. In this study, the mechanism of outburst hazards in the strong-weak coupling structure under mining disturbance was explored, and then cyclic loading and unloading experiments were performed on samples with different strong-weak height ratios (HRs) using the noncontact full-field strain testing (DIC) system and the acoustic emission (AE) system. The results show that the failure strength of the sample gradually increases with the increase in HR. The residual strain of the strong and weak structures undergoes three stages, i.e., the decelerated deformation, the constant-velocity deformation, and the accelerated deformation. Deformation mainly occurs in the weak structure and starts at the strong-weak interface. The AE signals present strong regional distribution characteristics and the Felicity effect, and the damage is concentrated near 70% of each stage in the cyclic loading process. As the HR rises, the weak structure transitions from brittle damage to ductile damage and from shear damage to tensile damage. In addition, due to the difference in Poisson effects of strong and weak structures, the strong structure transitions from a unidirectional stress state to a triaxial tensile-compressive stress state. When the HR increases to 85:15, the strong structure undergoes tensile damage.

Investigation of the Temperature Dependence of the Chemical-Mechanical Properties of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale.

Shale rocks have been widely investigated to evaluate the productivity of oil/gas. The high temperature generated by the explosive fracturing to stimulate the gas reservoir has a significant impact on the chemical-mechanical properties of shale rocks. Pioneering works have been carried out at temperatures below 500 °C, but little has been done to quantify the correlation between the chemical and mechanical properties of shale at temperatures above 500 °C. Therefore, an experimental study on the effect of temperature on the chemical-mechanical properties of shale rocks is presented in this paper. The temperatures used in our experiments are between 0 and 800 °C. Results indicate that there exist strong chemical reactions leading to a big reduction in the sample's weight and mechanical strength for a temperature over 500 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis data demonstrates that the weight of shale powders has little change below 400 °C and largely decreases after 600 °C. It shows that the chemical reaction rate corresponding to shale compositions varies with temperature. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared are integrated to quantify the occurrence of contained reactions including the decomposition of kerogen, carbonates, and quartz transition. This can provide a temperature range for all possible reactions. Changes in the compositional information of shale samples have been proven to significantly influence the mechanical properties. A 25% decrease in dynamic Young's modulus emerges as the temperature approaches 700 °C. As the brittle minerals, for instance, carbonates, decrease with temperature, a brittle-ductile transition happens in shale. This work provides very meaningful results different from that at low temperatures to help people better understand the effects of high temperatures in many fields, such as explosive fracturing and radioactive waste disposal.

Experimental investigation of dynamic mechanical characteristics of inhomogeneous composite coal-sandstone combination for coalbed methane development.

In deep resource exploitation, the coal seam and the strata are jointly loaded, forming a systematic combined structure that can have a significant effect on coalbed methane (CBM) development. Therefore, to understand the deformation and damage characteristics due to blasting load of the complex and real ground conditions, the 50 mm split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used to study the dynamic performance and energy changes of coal-sandstone combination and sandstone-coal combination as inhomogeneous materials. In addition, high-speed photographic equipment was employed to determine the damage failure mechanisms. The results showed that the dynamic compressive strength and failure strains of two combinations showed polynomial relationships with increasing strain rates. The strain rate effects and likenesses of the two combinations' energy and energy rates were substantial. Furthermore, for the coal-sandstone combination, the initial damage fractures occurred at the end face near the bar, and at the interface for the sandstone-coal combination. Eventually, the improved constitutive model based on the ZWT was significantly consistent with the two combinations. The related theory can perform an effective and practical role in the mining of coal rocks under complex ground conditions for CBM development.

Efficient Protein-Protein Couplings Mediated by Small Molecules under Mild Conditions.

Protein-protein coupling reactions under physiological conditions that do not impact the three-dimensional structures of the proteins are in high demand. Owing to the combination of phenylsulfonyl and aldehyde groups in 5-fluoro-4-(phenylsulfonyl)picolinaldehyde (FPPA), the fluorine substituent shows high reactivity toward free thiols. In FPPA, the fluorine is more reactive than phenylsulfonyl for free thiols. Thus the first quantitative nucleophilic substitution can be followed by selective substitution of phenylsulfonyl by an additional thiol or cyclization of aldehyde with a 1,2-aminothiol molecule. The FPPA mediated protein-protein coupling proceeds efficiently under mild conditions, resulting in stable protein conjugates. This coupling method has negligible 3D structural perturbations on the target proteins, and it produces overall intact, nearly traceless, and native structural folds of proteins. It is highly suitable for reconstruction of proteins that are difficult to make and segmental isotopic labeling of multidomain proteins.

Data for characterization of the pore wetting process of equal-sized granular coals.

In this paper, all measurement and calculation data and their preparation process are presented in detail, which supplements the information published in this co-submission are related to the article "Characterization of the Pore Wetting Process of Equal-Sized Granular Coals based on LF-NMR" [1]. This includes the preparation and component analysis of samples, surface contact angle measurement, analysis of original T2 spectrum and wetting pore size distribution (W-PSD) conversion calculation process. Hence the reader can use the data for their validations and analysis. LF-NMR experiments were conducted for the granular coal pore wetting characterization at the large-diameter MacroMR12-150H-I imaging and analysis system, of Suzhou Niumai Corporation in Jiangsu Province, China. Combined with contact angle measurement, which used the JY-PHb contact angle test instrument, we analyzed the pore wetting process in porous media and its characterization method.

Bioinformatic Prediction and Production of Four Recombinant Proteins from Different Developmental Stages of Trichinella spiralis and Testing of Their Diagnostic Sensitivity in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Trichinellosis is a serious food-borne parasitic zoonosis, thus finding high quality antigens is the key to serodiagnosis of trichinosis. This article reports the characterization and sensitivity of four recombinant proteins expressed by four genes (Wn10, Zh68, T668, and Wm5) from different developmental stages of Trichinella spiralis for the diagnosis of trichinellosis in mice. METHODS: This study was conducted in Jilin University and National Institute of Parasitic Diseases of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017-2018. The structures and functions of the proteins encoded by four genes were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. The four genes were cloned and expressed, and the recombinant proteins were purified. Anti-Trichinella IgM and IgG antibodies in the sera of mice infected with T. spiralis from 1-45 d post-infection (dpi) were evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: The optimal antigen epitopes of four proteins (P1, P2, P3, and P4) encoded by the four genes from T- and B-cells were predicted, and four purified recombinant proteins (r-P1, r-P2, r-P3, and r-P4) were successfully produced. For IgM, the antibody levels detected by the four recombinant antigens were approximately equal to the cut-off value. Anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies were first detected by r-P1 at 8 dpi, followed by r-P2, r-P3, and r-P4 at 10 dpi, 14 dpi, and 16 dpi, respectively, and the antibody levels remained high until 45 dpi. CONCLUSION: The recombinant antigens r-P1, r-P2, r-P3, and r-P4 could be antigens that react with antibodies, they showed high sensitivity in the detection of anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in mice. Among these proteins, r-P1 may be a candidate antigen for the detection of anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in the early infection phase and exhibited the best sensitivity among the antigens.

Influence of tillage practices on phosphorus forms in aggregates of Mollisols from northeast China.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral nutrient for crop growth and development. Much remains unknown regarding the content and distribution of P forms in different soil aggregates as affected by tillage practices. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of no-tillage (NT), rotary tillage (RT), subsoiling (SS), and deep tillage (DT) on soil aggregate distribution pattern, aggregate-associated P content, and to understand the conversion trend. RESULTS: Tillage has the potential to accelerate the processes in transforming macro-aggregates (> 0.25 mm) into micro-aggregates (< 0.25 mm). Greatest aggregate stability was attained under RT. Total phosphorus (TP) and available phosphorus (AP) under NT were increased by 21.1-82.0% in contrast to other tillage treatments. The NT had high content in inorganic phosphorus (IP), aluminum phosphorus (Al-P), and iron phosphorus (Fe-P) with 416.7, 107.9, and 99.1 mg·kg-1 on average, respectively. Aggregates with a size dimension of < 2 mm were more sensitive than other sizes of aggregates. IP was evenly distributed throughout all aggregates, ranging from 336.3 to 430.6 mg kg-1 . No differences in organic phosphorus (OP) were found in all tillage treatments, while NT promoted the transformation of labile OP to IP. The AP and OP were generally more abundant in aggregates of 2 to 0.25 mm and < 0.25 mm. CONCLUSION: Short-term NT can improve soil structure and increase P reserves, thus, enhancing the conversion of P from being scarce to available. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kinetics Evaluation of IgM and IgG Levels in the Mice Infected with Trichinella spiralis Experimentally Using ES Antigens from Different Developmental Stages of the Parasite.

BACKGROUND: To assay the Trichinella-specific IgM and IgG antibody responses during the early stage of infection, serum was collected from mice infected with the muscle larvae (ML) of T. spiralis (ISS534) at different dpi (days post infection) up to 60 days. METHODS: The levels of IgM and IgG antibodies in serum were measured by ES antigens from different stage of T. spiralis using the ELISA method in Shanghai, China in 2017. RESULTS: The anti-Trichinella IgM and IgG could be detected by ES antigens from the adult three days worm (Ad3) as early as 5 dpi and 8 dpi, respectively. ES antigens from the mixture of adult six days worm & new born larvae (Ad6+NBL) was similar to Ad3. When antibodies were detected by these two antigens, the levels of IgM peaked at 14 dpi and then declined from 15 dpi to 60 dpi; the IgG peaked at 20 dpi, and gradually declined, however, higher detection levels were maintained until 60 dpi. CONCLUSION: Ad3 ES antigens showed more antigenicity than Ad6+NBL ES on titer detection of IgM and IgG antibodies, and the production of Ad3 ES is easier. In terms of early diagnosis, these two antigens are better than the ML ES antigens of T. spiralis, which antibodies could not be detected before 20dpi. Ad3 ES antigens might be good candidate for the early diagnosis of trichinellosis or the mixture of Ad3 and Ad6+NBL ES might be used.

Response of Fungal Communities and Co-occurrence Network Patterns to Compost Amendment in Black Soil of Northeast China.

In agroecosystems, fungi not only attract attention as crop pathogens, but also play crucial roles in nutrient cycling as decomposers and arbuscular mycorrhizal mutualists. Consequently soil fungi strongly influence agroecosystem function, and are conspicuously influenced by agricultural practices. We examined the effects of four compost rates (0, 11.25, 22.5, and 45 Mg ha-1) on soil fungal community compositions and network patterns in soybean at seedling, flowering, and mature stage in a field experiment in black soil of Northeast China. Miseq sequencing was used to characterize the soil fungal community. Our results revealed that soil fungal richness was unaffected by compost addition, while soil fungal community composition was significantly influenced by compost addition across the growing season. Among the combined "top 20" fungal OTUs, 15 OTUs positively responded to compost addition, while 10 negatively responded. The abundance of predicted pathotroph was greatly decreased by the 45 Mg ha-1 compost addition. Network analysis indicated that the fungal networks in compost amended soils were more complex and harbored more positive links than the control. Fungal network harbored more positive links among saprotroph-saprotroph and saprotroph-symbiotroph in moderate level of compost amended soils than other networks. In conclusion, this study revealed that compost addition impacted positively both the soil fungal communities and network patterns within a single growing season. Thus, compost addition could be a good practice to enhance the soil fungal community and function and ultimately soil health and quality.

New complete assignment of X-ray powder diffraction patterns in graphitic carbon nitride using discrete Fourier transform and direct experimental evidence.

To date, there have been only a few studies focusing on the assignment of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns in graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) and contradictory determination for a broad peak around 12°-14° has been perplexing. In this study, assignments are carried out both theoretically and experimentally. The cell parameters for g-C3N4 are determined as a = b = 8.1 Å, c = 6.5 Å, α = ß = 90°, and γ = 120°. Qualitative and semi-quantitative methods such as fast Fourier transform and residual after 1st and 2nd derivatives are used to confirm and search the hidden peaks. Discrete Fourier transform is applied for the extraction of peak profiles and separation of overlapping peaks. In the broad peak around 12°-14° (with Cu Kα as referring source), two peaks are selected and determined as (100) and (001), which is fairly consistent with the (200) diffraction peak and (002) diffraction peak obtained by 2nd derivative method, respectively. In addition, g-C3N4 nanorods, MOF-doped g-C3N4 nanorods, and oxidized bulk g-C3N4 are successively investigated to present the 7.0 Å d-spacing of (100), hexagonal system of bulk g-C3N4, defect (1/2 0 0) structure with 14.0 Å d-spacing, and ABA stacking sequence. The structural transition in the oxidation of bulk g-C3N4 is presented by XRD to show accordance with the interpretation. Specific phenomena reported in other studies are also reinterpreted successfully, such as the appearance of peak at ∼12.4°.

Factors controlling the mechanical properties degradation and permeability of coal subjected to liquid nitrogen freeze-thaw.

Freeze-thaw induced fracturing coal by liquid nitrogen (LN2) injection exerts a significant positive effect on the fracture permeability enhancement of the coal reservoir. To evaluate the different freeze-thaw variables which modify the mechanical properties of treated coals, the effects of freezing time, number of freeze-thaw cycles, and the moisture content of coal were studied using combined uniaxial compression and acoustic emission testing systems. Freezing the samples with LN2 for increasing amounts of time degraded the strength of coal within a certain limit. Comparison to freezing time, freeze-thaw cycling caused much more damage to the coal strength. The third variable studied, freeze-thaw damage resulting from high moisture content, was restricted by the coal's moisture saturation limit. Based on the experimental results, equations describing the amount of damage caused by each of the different freeze-thaw variables were empirically regressed. Additionally, by using the ultrasonic wave detection method and fractal dimension analyses, how freeze-thaw induced fractures in the coal was quantitatively analyzed. The results also showed that the velocity of ultrasonic waves had a negative correlation with coal permeability, and the freeze-thaw cycles significantly augment the permeability of frozen-thawed coal masses.

An overview of chemical inhibitors of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway and their potential applications in cancer therapy.

The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor regulating a wide array of genes for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in response to oxidative and xenobiotic stress. A large number of Nrf2-antioxidant response element (ARE) activators have been screened for use as chemopreventive agents in oxidative stress-related diseases and even cancer. However, constitutive activation of Nrf2 occurs in a variety of cancers. Aberrant activation of Nrf2 is correlated with cancer progression, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. In this review, we examine recent studies of Nrf2-ARE inhibitors in the context of cancer therapy. We enumerate the possible Nrf2-inhibiting mechanisms of these compounds, their effects sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents, and the prospect of applying them in clinical cancer therapy.

Analysis of Active Components and Proteomics of Chinese Wild Rice (Zizania latifolia (Griseb) Turcz) and Indica Rice (Nagina22).

The ancient Chinese wild rice (Zizania latifolia (Griseb) Turcz) (CWR) has valuable biological and medicinal functions. To assess the advantages lost in modern cultivated rice after domestication, we compared the composition of bioactive compounds and the results of proteomic analysis with those of Indica rice (N22). We used routine methods to determine the protein, total dietary fiber, amino acid, mineral substance, plant secondary metabolites, and amino acid composition of CWR and N22. The protein and mineral contents of CWR were two times that of N22, and the levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, chromium, iron, and zinc were significantly higher than those of N22 (P < .05). There was ∼7.6 times more dietary fiber in CWR than in N22, but fewer carbohydrates (P < .05). Anthocyanins and chlorophyll were detected in CWR, but were absent from N22. Compared with N22, CWR had 53, 19, and 5.4 times higher (P < .05) levels of saponins, flavonoids, and plant sterols, respectively. The amino acid score of CWR was 66.6, which was significantly higher than N22. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated that the main seed proteins of CWR were glutelins, including both acid and alkaline subunits, which were approximately twice those of N22. To investigate the differences in protein profiles between CWR and N22, we conducted two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis of the total proteins in the seeds of the two rice species. 2-DE gels revealed 19 differentially expressed proteins. Information obtained from peptide mass fingerprinting indicates that glutelin precursor caffeoyl coenzyme A (CoA) O-methyltransferase and putative bithoraxoid-like protein can provide good gene sources for improving rice quality.

Endoscopic Management of Early Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding After Minimally Invasive Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy is now accepted as a regular treatment modality for esophageal cancer. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common postoperative adverse event of esophagectomy. However, there are very few reports in the literature on endoscopic management of early upper GI bleeding after an esophagectomy. Here, we report the successful management of such an early case of GI bleeding after thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy by the use of endoscopic intrathoracic anastomosis.

Protective potentials of wild rice (Zizania latifolia (Griseb) Turcz) against obesity and lipotoxicity induced by a high-fat/cholesterol diet in rats.

The study evaluates the protective potentials of wild rice against obesity and lipotoxicity induced by a high-fat/cholesterol diet in rats. In addition to the rats of low-fat diet group, others animals were exposed to a high-fat/cholesterol diet condition for 8 weeks. The city diet (CD) is based on the diet consumed by urban residents in modern China, which is rich in fat/cholesterol and high in carbohydrates from white rice and processed wheat starch. The chief source of dietary carbohydrates of wild rice diet (WRD) is from Chinese wild rice and other compositions are the same with CD. Rats fed CD showed elevated body and liver organ weights, lipid profiles, free fatty acids (FFA) and leptin comparable with rats fed high-fat/cholesterol diet (HFD) known to induce obesity and hyperlipidaemia in this species. However, rats consuming WRD suppressed the increase of lipid droplets accumulation, FFA, and leptin, and the decrease of lipoprotein lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase. Meanwhile, WRD prevented high-fat/cholesterol diet-induced elevation in protein expression of sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1c, and gene expression of fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. These findings indicate that wild rice as a natural food has the potentials of preventing obesity and liver lipotoxicity induced by a high-fat/cholesterol diet in rats.

[Influences of compound whole grain on oxidative stress to hyperlipidemia population].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of compound whole grain complex antioxidant chain on oxidative stress to the hyperlipidemia population. METHODS: From March 2008 to March 2009, 418 hyperlipemia residents (45 to 75 years of age) of Han group were screened from 3 main districts in Nanjing, according to the community, blood lipids and oxidative indicators, stratified into intervention and control group by quasi-experimental design. The intervention group (212 individuals) were provided with compound whole grain and health education while only health education was provided for the control group (206 individuals). Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and oxidative indicators (including T-AOC, MDA, SOD, GSH-Px) were measured before and after the one-year intervention period. Analyses of the correlation between posture, biochemical markers and oxidative stress indicators before and after intervention were carried out. RESULTS: After intervention, BMI ((25.53 ± 2.77) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.82 ± 0.03), TC ((4.60 ± 0.98) mmol/L), TG ((1.26 ± 0.88) mmol/L) in the intervention group were decreased significantly compared to the levels of BMI ((26.60 ± 3.18) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.93 ± 0.05), TC ((4.97 ± 1.02) mmol/L), TG ((1.98 ± 1.11) mmol/L) in the control group (all P values < 0.05); while HDL-C ((1.34 ± 0.26) mmol/L) in the intervention group was increased significantly compared to the level of HDL-C ((1.18 ± 0.17) mmol/L) in the control group (P < 0.05); After intervention, levels of T-AOC (19.52 ± 0.81), SOD ((85.42 ± 21.65) U/ml) and GSH-Px ((128.26 ± 33.65) µmol/L) were increased significantly compared to the levels of T-AOC (11.11 ± 1.30), SOD ((78.68 ± 30.48) U/ml) and GSH-Px ((118.48 ± 24.19) µmol/L) in the control group (all P values < 0.05); while MDA ((1.78 ± 1.16) nmol/ml) decreased significantly compared to the level of MDA ((2.12 ± 1.37) nmol/ml in the control group (P < 0.05); Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that: T-AOC with TC, TG, BMI showed a negative correlation (r values were -0.258, -0.266, -0.230, respectively, all P values < 0.05), while with HDL-C was a positive correlation (r values was 0.194, P < 0.05); SOD with TC, TG, BMI showed a negative correlation (r values were -0.282, -0.311, -0.217, respectively, all P values < 0.05), while with HDL-C was a positive correlation (r values was 0.169, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compound whole grain could improve lipid metabolism to the hyperlipidemia population. There was a correlation between common human metabolism and the levels of oxidative stress.

[Influences of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 genetic polymorphism on the effects of dietary intervention to the blood lipids abnormalities].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARgamma2) genetic polymorphism and nutrition intervention to blood lipid abnormal population. METHODS: 412 hyperlipemia residents of Han group were screened from 3 main districts in Nanjing by multistage stratified cluster random sampling, and separated into nutritional intervention and control group by simple random method. The intervention group (221 individuals) were provided with coarse good grain and health education while only health education was provided for the control group (191 individuals). Medical examinations (including body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and fasting blood glucose (FBG)) were taken every 6 months between March 2007 and March 2008, and PPARgamma2 genetic polymorphism was also detected later. RESULTS: After intervention, TC levels of intervention group and control group were (4.90 +/- 0.86) and (5.16 +/- 0.94) mmol/L respectively; TG levels were (1.68 +/- 0.97) and (2.29 +/- 1.10) mmol/L respectively; HDL-C levels were (1.35 +/- 0.36) and (1.16 +/- 0.33) mmol/L respectively, all of the differences were significant in statistics (t values were -2.95, -6.01, 5.55 respectively, P < 0.01). The levels of BMI ((24.81 +/- 3.21) kg/m(2)), WHR (0.88 +/- 0.07), FBG ((5.40 +/- 1.17) mmol/L), TC ((4.92 +/- 0.87) mmol/L) and TG ((1.68 +/- 1.01) mmol/L) decreased significantly (t values were 19.06, 16.43, 1.98, 8.86, -14.32 respectively, P < 0.01) compared to the levels before intervention (BMI (25.39 +/- 3.30) kg/m(2), WHR (0.92 +/- 0.07), FBG (6.07 +/- 2.17) mmol/L, TC (5.28 +/- 0.94) mmol/L and TG (2.70 +/- 1.86) mmol/L), while HDL-C (1.37 +/- 0.36) mmol/L increased significantly compared to the level before intervention (1.13 +/- 0.42) mmol/L (t = -7.68, P < 0.01) in the individuals with Pro/Pro of intervention group. WHR (0.90 +/- 0.06) and TG ((1.71 +/- 0.59) mmol/L) decreased significantly compared to the levels before intervention (WHR (0.95 +/- 0.06) and TG (2.58 +/- 1.12) mmol/L) (t values were -3.53 and -8.05 respectively, P < 0.01) in the ones with Pro/Ala. Moreover, susceptibility of change for BMI in Pro/Pro genotype carriers ((-1.21 +/- 1.02) kg/m(2)) was significantly greater than that in Pro/Ala genotype carriers ((-0.58 +/- 1.85) kg/m(2), t = -6.29, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Several indices of individuals with Pro/Pro improved obviously after nutrition intervention, which showed that effects of intervention to these people were better than those with Pro/Ala and Ala/Ala.

Wild rice ( Zizania latifolia (Griseb) Turcz) improves the serum lipid profile and antioxidant status of rats fed with a high fat/cholesterol diet.

The diet consumed by urban residents in modern China has become rich in saturated fats and cholesterol. In addition, the diet is high in carbohydrates from white rice and processed wheat starch. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of replacing white rice and processed wheat starch with wild rice (WR) as the chief source of dietary carbohydrates. Rats fed with the diet patterned after the diet consumed by city residents of modern China showed elevated serum lipid levels comparable with rats consuming a high fat/cholesterol diet known to induce hyperlipidaemia in this species. Meanwhile, rats consuming the city diet with WR as the carbohydrate source suppressed the increase in serum TAG and total cholesterol, and the decrease in HDL cholesterol level. In addition, the rats fed the WR diet suppressed the build-up of oxidative stress by improving antioxidant capacity, increasing superoxide dismutase activity and reducing malondialdehyde concentration, both in the serum and liver. These findings illustrate that WR is effective in suppressing hyperlipidaemia and oxidative stress in rats even when the diet consumed is high in fat and cholesterol.

[Study of the effect of p53 and Bcl-2 protein expression in myocardial apoptosis in septic rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance of p53 and Bcl-2 gene in myocardial apoptosis in septic rats. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=6), sham operation group (n=6) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group (n=24). The sepsis model was reproduced by CLP. Rats in CLP group were divided into four subgroups according to the time points of 3, 9, 12, and 24 hours after operation, with 6 rats in each subgroup, and their hearts were examined according to the experimental protocol. Myocardial apoptosis was detected with electron microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique. Bcl-2 and p53 protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: Myocardial apoptosis index (AI) in septic rats were increased, higher than that in normal control group [(1.500+/- 0.141)%] and sham operation group [(1.567+/-0.258)%, all P<0.05]. The myocardial AI peaked at 12 hours [(55.633+/-2.073)%], and lowered at 24 hours [(33.683+/-2.070)å]. The expression level of p53 protein in CLP group was lowest at 3 hours [(13.817+/-0.964)%], peaked at 12 hours [(80.567+/-5.055)%], and higher than that in normal control group [(0.617+/-0.232)%] and sham operation group [(0.600+/-0.297)%, all P<0.05 ]. The trend was parallel with that of the results of TUNEL. However, the expression level of Bcl-2 protein peaked at 3 hours [(31.650+/-1.799)%], and was lowest at 12 hours [(0.650+/-0.308)%], and lower than that in normal control group [(47.017+/-0.691)%] and sham operation group [(46.817+/-0.567)%, all P<0.05]. The trend was opposite with that of the results of TUNEL. CONCLUSION: Myocardial apoptosis may be a mechanism of the pathogenesis of myocardial injury in sepsis. The change in the modulating genes p53 and Bcl-2 of apoptosis may serve as indicators of myocardial injury. p53 and Bcl-2 gene may be used as an interventional means in sepsis to change its outcome.

[Porphyrins as the early biomarkers for arsenic exposure of human].

To investigate the effects of arsenic exposure on porphyrins excretion profiles in human, porphyrins were measured by HPLC and total arsenic by HG-AAS in urine samples collected from arsenicosis-endemic areas and control sites in Guizhou Province. Analytical data showed that urinary uroporphyrin-III and coproporphyrin-III were significantly elevated in arsenic-exposed group compared with those in control group, while urinary coproporphyrin-I was not significantly higher in arsenic-exposed group than that in control group. Not any significant difference was found in porphyrins between the male and female except for 20-40 years age group. As far as age was concerned, arsenic-exposed group of <20 years showed significant increases in uroporphyrin-III and coproporphyrin-III compared with the control group of <20 years. Similarly, arsenic-exposed groups of 20-40 years and >40 years also showed significant increases in coproporphyrin-III compared with corresponding age groups of control. Besides, there were positive correlations between the urinary arsenic and total coproporphyrin, and total porphyrin. The effects of arsenic exposure were associated with increased porphyrins excretion, which was suggested that porphyrins were possible to be used as biomarkers of early health effect due to arsenicosis.