[Applicability of thermal dissipation probe in the determination of trunk flow of Platycladus orientalis under cyclic heating mode]. / é—´æ–­åŠ çƒ­æ¨¡å¼ä¸‹çƒ­æ‰©æ•£æŠ€æœ¯åœ¨ä¾§æŸæ ‘å¹²æ¶²æµæµ‹å®šä¸­çš„é€‚ç”¨æ€§.

To evaluate the adaptability of the cyclic heating mode in the thermal diffusion probe method (TDP) in the measurement of trunk sap flow and the accuracy of the measurement of tree transpiration water consumption, we selected Platycladus orientalis as the research object and set three different heating modes: 60 min/0 min (continuous heating mode), 30 min/30 min (cyclic heating mode with 30 min heating and 30 min cooling), 10 min/50 min (cyclic heating mode with 10 min heating and 50 min cooling). Based on the measured value of the whole tree container wei-ghing method, the temperature gradient characteristics of different heating modes were analyzed using the measurement technology of thermal diffusive trunk sap flow. The Granier's corrected formulas of cyclic heating modes were constructed, with its error being analyzed by validity verification. The results showed that sap flow rate calculated by the cyclic heating mode was consistent with the diurnal variation of the transpiration rate measured by the whole tree weighing method. The temperature of cyclic heating mode could quickly rise, fall and performed stably. The sap flow calculated by Granier's original formula was 61.3% lower than that by weighing method. The corrected Granier formula in the mode of 10 min/50 min and 30 min/30 min were Fd=0.0177K0.9457 (R2=0.88) and Fd=0.0378K1.3146(R2=0.85), respectively. The difference of sap flow rate in P. orientalis by the new formula was smaller than that measured by the whole tree weighing method, and the error of transpiration rate calculated by the 10 min/50 min correction formula was the smallest, 5.9% lower than that calculated by the weighing method, and thus could express the real flow rate. The 10 min/50 min cyclic heating mode could be used to reduce the effect of natural temperature difference, cut down power consumption, and accurately reflect the actual sap flow rate of P. orientalis.

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T regulates cell proliferation and migration in cholangiocarcinoma.

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T (UBE2T) is overexpressed in several human cancer cells, but a role in cholangiocarcinoma (CAA) progression has not been investigated. We analyzed the expression of UBE2T in CAA tissues. Then, we generated UBE2T deregulation models in which it was overexpressed or silenced, and examined the effects on CAA malignant progression by flow cytometry, western blot, MTT assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay. We report the involvement of UBE2T in CAA malignant progression. UBE2T was found to be highly expressed in human CAA cells both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of UBE2T significantly enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, proliferation, migration and invasion of CAA cells in vitro, while silencing UBE2T had opposing effects. Furthermore, UBE2T appears to exert its effects via the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as the cellular effects caused by UBE2T overexpression are inhibited by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Our findings suggest that UBE2T may have potential as a new therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of CAA.

Role of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T in the carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer.

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2T (UBE2T) is a recently discovered oncogenic protein. Numerous studies reported that UBE2T is highly expressed in various types of human cancer; however, its role in the carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of UBE2T in pancreatic cancer progression through in vitro experiments in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines. The results obtained in the present study demonstrated that UBE2T served an important role in the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, increased expression of UBE2T in human pancreatic cancer tissues and pancreatic cancer cells was observed compared with normal tissues and cells. The effect of upregulating and downregulating UBE2T in pancreatic cancer cell lines was investigated using the MTT, wound-healing and migration and invasion assays. The results demonstrated that overexpression of UBE2T significantly promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion compared with controls. However, UBE2T downregulation resulted in the inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In addition, the results demonstrated that UBE2T may promote the epithelial mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells.

[Differences in atmospheric CO2 concentration and δ13C value between green spaces and its adjacent roads as well as the influencing factors in Beijing, China.] / 北京城市绿地与周边道路空气CO2浓度和δ13Cå€¼çš„å·®å¼‚åŠå½±å“å› ç´ .

Near-surface atmospheric CO2 concentration and δ13C value in four greenspaces and on their adjacent roads in Beijing were measured by off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy to analyze the influence of urban greenspace on spatial distribution of near-surface atmospheric CO2. The results showed that atmospheric CO2 concentration and δ13C value varied substantially both temporally and spatially. The highest CO2 concentration was found in the urban area, followed by the suburbs, and the lowest CO2 concentration was in the outer suburbs. There was a clear near-surface atmospheric CO2 dome, but a reverse pattern for δ13C value. During the non-growing season, the ΔCO2 and Δ13C between greenspace and adjacent roads were low. The differences among the four experimental sites were not significant. In the growing season, the ΔCO2 and Δ13C at the BLA4th RR (Beijing Institute of Landscape Architecture and 4th Ring Road) and BOP5th RR (Beijing Olympic Forest Park and 5th Ring Road) in urban areas were significantly higher than those at DPSR (Daoxianghu Park and Sujiatuo Road) and MTGMR (Mentougou forest experimental station and an adjacent road) in the suburbs. During the growing and non-growing seasons, CO2 concentration of all examined sites was significantly positively related with the traffic volume, indicating that traffic volume was an important factor affecting the spatial distribution of CO2. The δ13C value was significantly negatively related with traffic volume during non-growing season, but no significant relationship was found during the growing season. The ΔCO2 concentration between the four green-spaces and their adjacent roads were significantly negatively related with leaf area index (LAI). The Δ13C value were significantly logarithmically related to LAI. Results from stepwise regression showed that solar radiation, temperature, and LAI significantly affected ΔCO2 in urban areas and suburbs during the growing season, and that temperature and solar radiation were the major driving factors for Δ13C. During the growing season, plants in the greenspaces assimilated CO2 via photosynthesis and thus reduced the near-surface atmospheric CO2 concentration. Our results indicate that green-spaces play a positive role in improving ecological environment in urban areas.

[Closed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation for supracondylar femoral fracture in children].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness and safety of closed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation in treatment of supracondylar femoral fractures in children. METHODS: Between July 2008 and July 2016, 20 patients with supracondylar femoral fractures were treated with closed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation. There were 14 males and 6 females, with an average age of 10.3 years (range, 6-14 years). The cause of injury was traffic accident in 5 cases, falling from high place in 6 cases, and falling in 9 cases. All fractures were closed fractures. Among them, 12 cases were flexion type and 8 cases were straight type. According to AO classification, 12 cases were rated as type A1 and 8 cases as type A2. The fractures were over 0.5-5.0 cm (mean, 2.5 cm) of the epiphysis line. The time from injury to surgery was 2-8 days (mean, 3.5 days). Postoperative knee joint function was evaluated based on the Kolment evaluation criteria. RESULTS: All children were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 18.1 months). There was no complication such as nail infection, vascular nerve injury, external fixation looseing, fracture displacement, or re-fracture. All fractures healed and the fracture healing time was 4-6 weeks with an average of 4.5 weeks. The stent removal time was 8-12 weeks (mean, 9.5 weeks). The gait and knee function recovered, and there was no abnormality of the epiphysis. At last follow-up, the knee joint function were excellent in 18 cases and good in 2 cases according to the Kolment evaluation criteria, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction combined with Taylor three-dimensional space stent fixation is an effective treatment for the children with supracondylar femoral fractures, with small trauma and rapid recovery. It can avoid damaging the tarsal plate, be high fracture healing rate, and promote the recovery of limb function.

Hepatocyte isolation from resected benign tissues: Results of a 5-year experience.

AIM: To analyze retrospectively a 5-year experience of human hepatocyte isolation from resected liver tissues with benign disease. METHODS: We established a method of modified four-step retrograde perfusion to isolate primary human hepatocytes. Samples were collected from the resected livers of patients with intrahepatic duct calculi (n = 7) and liver hemangioma (n = 17). Only the samples weighing ≥ 15 g were considered suitable for hepatocyte isolation. By using the standard trypan blue exclusion technique, hepatocyte viability and yield were immediately determined after isolation. RESULTS: Twenty-four liver specimens, weighing 15-42 g, were immediately taken from the margin of the removed samples and transferred to the laboratory for hepatocyte isolation. Warm ischemia time was 5-35 min and cold ischemia time was 15-45 min. For the 7 samples of intrahepatic duct calculi, the method resulted in a hepatocyte yield of 3.49 ± 2.31 × 10(6) hepatocytes/g liver, with 76.4% ± 10.7% viability. The 17 samples of liver hemangioma had significantly higher yield of cells (5.4 ± 1.71 × 10(6) cells/g vs 3.49 ± 2.31 × 10(6) cells/g, P < 0.05) than the samples of intrahepatic duct calculi. However, there seems to be no clear difference in cell viability (80.3% ± 9.67% vs 76.4% ± 10.7%, P > 0.05). We obtained a cell yield of 5.31 ± 1.87 × 10(6) hepatocytes/g liver when the samples weighed > 20 g. However, for the tissues weighing ≤ 20 g, a reduction in yield was found (3.08 ± 1.86 × 10(6) cells/g vs 5.31 ± 1.87 × 10(6) cells/g, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Benign diseased livers are valuable sources for large-number hepatocyte isolation. Our study represents the largest number of primary human hepatocytes isolated from resected specimens from patients with benign liver disease. We evaluated the effect of donor liver characteristics on cell isolation, and we found that samples of liver hemangioma can provide better results than intrahepatic duct calculi, in terms of cell yield. Furthermore, the size of the tissues can affect the outcome of hepatocyte isolation.

A novel AKT inhibitor, AZD5363, inhibits phosphorylation of AKT downstream molecules, and activates phosphorylation of mTOR and SMG-1 dependent on the liver cancer cell type.

Due to frequent phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway dysregulation, AKT is typically accepted as a promising anticancer therapeutic target. mTOR, in particular, represents a suitable therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, whilst suppressor with morphogenetic effect on genitalia family member-1 (SMG-1) is believed to serve a potential tumor suppressor role in human cancer. Despite SMG-1 and mTOR belonging to the same PI3K-related kinase family, the interactions between them are not yet fully understood. In the present study, a novel pyrrolopyrimidine-derived compound, AZD5363, was observed to suppress proliferation in liver cancer Hep-G2 and Huh-7 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of downstream molecules in the AKT signal pathway, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. AZD5363 activated the phosphorylation of mTOR, dependent on the liver cancer cell type, as it may have differing effects in various liver cancer cell lines. Additionally, AZD5363 also activated SMG-1 within the same liver cancer cells types, which subsequently activated the phosphorylation of mTOR. In conclusion, the present study indicates that AZD5363 inhibited phosphorylation of AKT downstream molecules, and activated phosphorylation of mTOR and SMG-1, dependent on the liver cancer type.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone regulates hepatic bile acid homeostasis via SREBP-2/HNF-4α/CYP7A1 axis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Bile acids (BAs) play a crucial role in dietary fat digestion and in the regulation of lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that directly regulates several metabolic pathways. However, the impact of TSH on BA homeostasis remains largely unknown. METHODS: We analyzed serum BA and TSH levels in healthy volunteers under strict control of caloric intake. Thyroidectomized rats were administered thyroxine and injected with different doses of TSH. Tshr(-/-) mice were supplemented with thyroxine, and C57BL/6 mice were injected with Tshr-siRNA via the tail vein. The serum BA levels, BA pool size, and fecal BA excretion rate were measured. The regulation of SREBP-2, HNF-4α, and CYP7A1 by TSH were analyzed using luciferase reporter, RNAi, EMSA, and CHIP assays. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between the serum levels of TSH and the serum BA levels in healthy volunteers. TSH administration led to a decrease in BA content and CYP7A1 activity in thyroidectomized rats supplemented with thyroxine. When Tshr was silenced in mice, the BA pool size, fecal BA excretion rate, and serum BA levels all increased. Additionally, we found that HNF-4α acts as a critical molecule through which TSH represses CYP7A1 activity. We further confirmed that the accumulation of mature SREBP-2 protein could impair the capacity of nuclear HNF-4α to bind to the CYP7A1 promoter, a mechanism that appears to mediate the effects of TSH. CONCLUSIONS: TSH represses hepatic BA synthesis via a SREBP-2/HNF-4α/CYP7A1 signaling pathway. This finding strongly supports the notion that TSH is an important pathophysiological regulator of liver BA homeostasis independently of thyroid hormones.

Reversible immortalization of human hepatocytes mediated by retroviral transfer and site-specific recombination.

AIM: To establish a method for the reversible immortalization of human hepatocytes, which may offer a good and safe source of hepatocytes for practical applications. METHODS: We successfully isolated primary human hepatocytes from surgically resected liver tissue taken from a patient with liver hemangiomas. The freshly isolated cells were then immortalized with retroviral vector SSR#69 expressing simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40T) and hygromycin-resistance genes flanked by paired loxP recombination targets. RESULTS: The freshly isolated hepatocytes with high viability (85%) were successfully immortalized using retroviral gene transfer of SV40T. SV40T in the immortalized cells was then excised by Cre/loxP site-specific recombination. This cell population exhibited the characteristics of differentiated hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: We successfully established reversibly immortalized human hepatocytes, which will provide an unlimited supply of cells for practical applications.

Free and glycosidically bound aroma compounds in cherry (Prunus avium L.).

This paper reports the occurrence of both free and glycosidically bound aroma compounds in three sweet cherry cultivars ('Hongdeng', 'Hongyan' and 'Rainier'), with 97 compounds being identified in the three cultivars. The major free volatile compounds found were hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde. The major bound volatile compounds found were benzyl alcohol, geraniol, 2-phenylethanol. Also 4-vinylphenol was found in cherry fruit for the first time, and has a relatively high concentration of the glycosidically-bound form in 'Rainier'. Odour activity values (OAVs) were determined for both free and bound volatiles, with 18 compounds having an OAV above 1. The highest OAVs for three cultivars were (E)-ß-ionone, hexanal, decanal and (E)-2-hexenal with the highest being over 800 for (E)-ß-ionone in 'Honyang'. From these results, it was concluded that the aroma compounds present were similar in all three cultivars, but there was significant variation found in their levels and hence contribution to the aroma of these cultivars.

[Vacuum sealing drainage combined with free skin graft in repairing cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical efficacy in treating cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump with full-thickness skin graft combined with vacuum sealing drainage. METHODS: From September 2009 to December 2012, 15 patients with cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump were treated with full-thickness skin graft combined with vacuum sealing drainage. Among patients, there were 11 males and 4 females with an average age of 41.5 (ranged from 25 to 62) years old. Ten cases were caused by traffic accident and 5 cases were caused by heavy object, 9 cases on left and 6 cases on right. Six patients with smashed wound were treated with debridement and amputation, combined with vacuum aspiration in-emergency; 9 patients caused by infection and necrosis were treated with debridement and amputation, combined with vacuum aspiration, and full-thickness skin graft were performed at stage II. The skin defect area of residual limbs ranged from 40 cm x 20 cm to 25 cm x 15 cm. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 3 months to 1 year. Full-thickness skin graft of residual limbs were survived,and obtained satisfactory walking function with prosthetic. Residual skin increased thicken, wearproof without rupture and pain. CONCLUSION: Full-thickness skin graft combined with vacuum sealing drainage in treating cutaneous deficiency of traumatic shank amputation stump could reserve the length of residual limbs, increase survival rate of skin graft with less scar of survival skin, get good wearability and it is conducive to prosthetic wear. It is a simple and easy treatment method.

[Variations of canopy temperature in Quercus variabilis plantation and their relations with micrometeorological factors].

Based on the canopy temperature and micrometeorological data of Quercus variabilis in its main growth season (from May to August) in hilly areas of North China in 2011, this paper analyzed the variations of canopy temperature (T(c)) in Q. variabilis plantation and their relations with micrometeorological factors in typically clear days and cloudy days. From 9:00 to 17:00 in clear days, the boundary layer of canopy was unstable, and the mean T(c) was 3.55 degrees C higher than the mean air temperature (T(a)). In cloudy days, the variations of T(c) were gentler than those in clear days. The T(c) was significantly correlated with T(a), net solar radiation (R(n)), relative humidity, and wind speed, with a multiple correlation coefficient being 0. 825. The T(a) and R(n) were the dominant meteorological factors controlling T(c), and their affecting degree on T(c) was associated with weather condition.

[Thumb replantation through bridging ulnar proper digital artery and dorsal carpal branch of radial artery].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce treatment method of replantation of severed thumb trauma with proximal arterial, and to evaluate its efficacy. METHODS: From February 2007 to March 2009,13 patients with severed thumb in serious injury of proximal arterial were treated with vein graft of volar forearm,bridging between dorsal carpal branch of radial artery on nasopharyngeal fossa and distal stump of ulnar proper digital artery. Among them, there were 11 males and 2 females with an average age of 34.5 years ranging from 16 to 50 years. Seven cases were in the left thumb,6 in the right thumb. Eight cases were complete separation, incomplete separation in 5 cases. Ten cases recieved emergency reimplantation, 3 cases with the arterial crisis after conventional replantation were explorated and repaired. RESULTS: Thumb of 13 cases all survived. All patients were followed-up for 8 to 17 months (averaged, 11 months). Replantation thumb obtained satisfactory appearance. According to Chinese Medical Association Society of Hand Surgery Trial criteria, the results were excellent in 9 fingers, good in 3 fingers, 1 poor finger. Two point discrimination of finger pulp was 5 to 8 mm (averaged 6.5 mm). CONCLUSION: By repairing artery of thumb with vein graft of volar forearm, bridging between dorsal carpal branch of radial artery on nasopharyngeal fossa and distal stump of ulnar proper digital artery,complex severed thumb replants on surgery position comfortable,without affecting the blood supply of the hand, expanding the indications for replantation and improving the success rate of replantation.

[Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with mini-incision decompression].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the method of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) transection through palmar mini-incision for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and evaluate its efficacy and safety. METHODS: From January 2006 to September 2007, 15 patients (18 hands) with CTS were treated with palmar longitudinal mini-incision decompression. There were 2 males and 13 females, with an average age of 48 years (ranged 34 to 69) and an average course of 18 months (ranged 8 to 26). The main clinical symptom including the radial numbness or pain of the 3 and a half fingers, wrist pain and radiation to the forearm, the night awake history of numbness, thenar muscle atrophy, positive Tinel sign and Phalen sign. Median nerve electrophysiology showed that sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) slowed down and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) decreased or missed, short abductor muscle of thumb had spontaneous potential in severe cases. Clinical effect were evaluated according to the Global symptom score (GSS) scoring in aspect of pain, numbness, paraesthesia, weakness and nocturnal awakening. RESULTS: Postoperative wound smoothly healed in all patients and no complications occurred. All patients were followed up from 20 to 28 months with an average of 24 months. Symptoms of 1 patient had not incomplete relief, other patient's symptoms disappeared and muscle force of abductor pollicis brevis reinforced. Postoperative GSS scoring obviously improved than preoperative (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome through palmar mini-incision decompression has advantages such as higher safe, shorter operative time, less invasive, smaller scar, which can cut off carpi transversum ligament and thoroughly decompress median nerve under direct sight, it is a safe and effective operative approach.

Extended local resection for treatment of periampullary carcinoma of vater.

BACKGROUND: The trauma caused by pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary carcinoma of vater is often severe and extensive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of extended local resection in the treatment of periampullary carcinoma of vater. METHODS: The extra-hepaticobiliary tract, the confluence of the pancreatic and biliary duct, vater ampulla and duodenal papilla were resected en bloc in 8 patients with periampullary carcinoma from 1995 to 1998. RESULTS: One patient died perioperatively. Duodenal obstruction developed postoperatively in one of 7 survived patients and was relieved after reoperation. All the 7 patients were followed up for more than 6 months without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Extended local resection fulfils the task of radical treatment of periampullary malignancy.

Surgical treatment for uncinate process carcinoma of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical features of uncinate process carcinoma of the pancreas and to improve the resection rate. METHODS: From January 1990 to June 1999, 10 patients with pancreas uncinate process carcinoma received Whipple's operation. Portal vein (PV) resection and reanastomosis were performed in 5 patients, and the resected length varied from 2.0 to 4.2 cm. Two patients underwent PV lateral wall partial resection. RESULTS: Among the 7 patients undergoing PV resection, 1 died of hepatic failure 3 days after operation. One patient suffered from postoperative chylous ascites. These 6 patients survived 13 to 29 months postoperatively. Among the 3 patients without PV resection, 2 survived 13 months and 14 months respectively. One patient was alive by the end of follow-up for 11.5 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although uncinate process carcinoma of the pancreas has a tendency to invade the adjacent PV and superior mesentery vein, it should not be simply regarded as a contraindication of radical resection.