[Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of AOD and Angström Exponent in the Yangtze River Delta Based on MODIS_C061].

Considering the Yangtze River Delta as the research region, the applicability of the Terra-MODIS C061 deep blue algorithm (DB) AOD products was evaluated using Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) ground-based observations. The results demonstrated that the correlation between Terra-MODIS C061 deep blue algorithm (DB) aerosol optical depth (AOD) and AERONET AOD was high (0.95). Characteristics of spatial distribution and temporal variation of AOD and Angström exponent (AE) from 2000 to 2018 in the study area were analyzed using MOD04_L2 products from 2000 to 2018. The results showed that the AOD in the Yangtze River Delta was distributed as "eastern and northern plains high and southern and western mountains low". The AE showed a "northern low and south high" pattern. In terms of temporal distribution, from 2003 to 2007, the annual average AOD increased significantly, with a growth rate of 23%. After 2011, the AOD showed a downward trend. From 2001 to 2003, the annual average of AE rapidly increased, while after 2012, the AE decreased gradually. The AOD showed obvious seasonal changes in the Yangtze River Delta region, with high values in summer and low values in winter. The highest AOD was observed in June (0.84) in all monthly averages, while the lowest was observed in August (0.40). The seasonal average AE was high in autumn and low in spring. The highest AE of 1.47 was observed in September in all monthly averages, and the lowest of 1.08 was observed in March. Aerosol types in the Yangtze River Delta region were investigated according to the relationship between AOD and AE. The results suggested that the urban industrial aerosol was the main aerosol type in the region, followed by mixed type and clean continental aerosols.

The role of arthroscopic release of gluteal muscle contracture in improving patellofemoral instability.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) is a notable problem in some developing countries and includes features such as a snapping sound of the hip, abnormal gait, and unusual posture when patients squat with the knees together. Arthroscopic release can not only resolve symptoms, as previously reported, but can also greatly improve accompanying patellofemoral instability. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of arthroscopic release of GMC on patellofemoral instability and its underlying mechanism. METHODS: A total of nearly 500 patients who underwent arthroscopic release of GMC over 2.5 years were filtered, and 54 patients were enrolled in the study. The selected research subjects all had combined patellofemoral instability preoperatively. The Lysholm scores and CT scans of the knee were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 12.2 months. All of the surveyed patients had satisfactory clinical outcomes for hip snapping sounds and abnormal gait. In addition, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between pre- and postoperative Lysholm scores, along with significant knee pain relief. Furthermore, the changes in CT scan parameters were significant as well. The average patellar tilt angle (PTA), patellofemoral index (PFI), and lateral patellar displacement (LPD) were obviously decreased (p < 0.05) after the release. Conversely, the mean lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA) showed a clear difference (p < 0.05) between preoperative and postoperative CT examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic release of GMC can reduce the tilt and lateral shift of the patella and enhance its stability due to the release of the iliotibial band.

Factors influencing gelation properties of corn germ proteins.

BACKGROUND: As a by-product of the oil industry, corn germ meal is mainly applied as a high-protein ingredient in animal feeds, without any application of the specific functional properties of corn germ protein (CGP). Factors influencing the gelation properties of CGP in relation to its dynamic rheology are still unclear owing to limited information. RESULTS: CGP concentrate was recovered by the isoelectric precipitation method, and factors affecting its gelation properties were investigated using a rheometer. A weak gel formed at natural pH with 0.3 mol L-1 NaCl, and the minimum gel-forming concentration was observed at 150 g kg-1 . Higher CGP protein concentrations induced stiffer gels, and linear relationships were found between protein concentration and gel stiffness (G') as well as between protein concentration and gel viscosity (G″). Lower heating and cooling rate promoted the formation of stiffer gels. CGP gelation was both NaCl- and pH-dependent. Sodium tripolyphosphate significantly increased gel stiffness with increasing concentration. No difference in gel elasticity (tanδ) was observed with the inclusion of various concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate or sodium polyphosphate. CONCLUSION: Heating and cooling rate, NaCl, protein concentration, pH and phosphates all impact the gel-forming ability of CGP concentrate. Desired gel properties can be obtained through adjustment of these factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Survivin antisense RNA induces apoptosis and sensitizes ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 to docetaxel].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Survivin gene overexpresses in a variety of human tumors, and plays an important role in cell apoptosis and drug resistance of tumors. This study was designed to establish Survivin antisense RNA, and explore its effects on apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 and sensitivity to docetaxel. METHODS: Survivin antisense eukaryotic expression vector anti-pcDNA3-svv was established, and transfected into SKOV3 cells by electroperforation. Positive clones (SKOV3-SVVanti) were screened out. Survivin mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); Survivin protein was detected by Western blot. The effect of Survivin antisense RNA on apoptosis of SKOV3 cells was measured by flow cytometry and observed under electron microscope; its effect on sensitivity of SKOV3 cells to docetaxel was examined by MTT assay. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein levels of Survivin were obviously lower in SKOV3-SVVanti cells than in control cells. Terminal apoptosis changes were observed under electron microscope after transfection. The apoptosis rate was 19%. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of docetaxel was significantly lower for SKOV3-SVVanti cells than for control cells [(13.3+/-2.2) ng/ml vs. (53.2+/-2.4) ng/ml, P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: Surivivin antisense RNA can induce apoptosis of SKOV3 cells, and sensitize SKOV3 cells to docetaxel.