Climatic and anthropogenic regulation of carbon transport and transformation in a karst river-reservoir system.

The effect of dams on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) transport and riverine ecosystems is unclear in karst cascade reservoirs. Here, we analyzed water samples from a karst river system with seven cascade reservoirs along the Wujiang River, southwestern China, during one hydrological year. From upstream to downstream, the average concentration of DIC increased from 2.2 to 2.6 mmol/L and its carbon isotope composition (δ13CDIC) decreased from -8.0 to -10‰. Meanwhile, the air temperature (Ta) increased from 20.3 °C to 26.7 °C and 10 °C to 13.7 °C in the warm and cold seasons, respectively. The results suggest that a cascade of dams has a stronger effect on DIC dynamics and retention than a single dam. The good correlation between Ta/HRT (hydraulic retention time) and Δ[DIC] as well as Δ[δ13CDIC] mean that Ta and HRT affected the magnitude of the damming effect by altering changes in concentration of DIC and δ13CDIC in the reservoir compared to the inflowing water. In particular, daily regulated reservoirs with short retention times acted more like river corridors and had a smaller effect on carbon dynamics, so modulating retention time might be used reduce the effect of dams on the riverine ecosystem.

Remnant preservation technique versus standard technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the ACL remnant preservation technique versus the standard technique. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 24, 2017, to identify randomized controlled studies that compared the use of the ACL remnant preservation technique versus the standard technique for primary ACL reconstruction. Statistical heterogeneity among the trials was evaluated with chi-square and I-square tests. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential differences according to type of ACL remnant tissue (remnant bundle or remnant fibers). RESULTS: Seven studies with a combined 412 patients (208 in the remnant preservation technique group and 204 in the standard technique group) were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between the groups in Lysholm score (mean difference (MD), 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95-3.45; P = 0.0006) and side-to-side difference (MD, - 0.71; 95% CI, - 0.87 to - 0.55; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, complications, pivot shift test, Lachman test, or overall IKDC score. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that for primary ACL reconstruction with preservation of remnant fibers, the remnant preservation technique was superior to the standard technique based on Lysholm scores (P < 0.01) and side-to-side difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current literature, using the remnant preservation technique showed a better clinical outcome than using the standard technique for patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with respect to Lysholm score and side-to-side difference. However, it remains unclear that there is a definite advantage to use the remnant preservation technique compared with the standard technique.

Comparison of clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft versus soft-tissue allograft: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring tendon autografts and soft-tissue allograft are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the clinical outcomes between these two grafts are controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes of primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autografts versus soft-tissue allografts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through 8 September 2017 to identify randomized controlled studies that compared hamstring tendon autografts with soft-tissue allografts for primary ACL reconstruction. Two authors independently graded the methodological quality of each eligible study using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and extracted relevant data. Statistical heterogeneity among the trials was evaluated with chi-square and I-square tests. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential differences according to type of reconstruction technique (single-bundle or double-bundle). RESULTS: Eight studies with 785 combined patients (396 hamstring tendon autografts and 389 soft-tissue allografts) were included. Two studies had a high risk of bias. The other six studies had unclear risk of bias. There were significant differences between the groups in subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (mean difference [MD], 2.43; 95%CI, 0.69-4.18; p = 0.006), Tegner score (MD, 0.24; 95%CI, 0.03-0.45; p = 0.03), and side-to-side difference (MD, -1.37; 95%CI, -2.44 to -0.30; p = 0.01). There was no significant difference between the groups in Lysholm score, complications, pivot shift test, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, overall IKDC score, or range of motion. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that for primary ACL reconstruction using the single-bundle technique, soft-tissue allografts were inferior to hamstring tendon autografts in subjective IKDC score, anterior drawer test, and side-to-side difference. CONCLUSION: Soft-tissue allografts are inferior to hamstring tendon autografts with respect to subjective patient evaluation and knee stability but superior in the complication of hypoesthesia for patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction.

[Effect of Nutrient Cycles in Tributaries on the Transport of Nutrient in the Three Gorge Reservoirs:A Case Study of Caotang River].

Backwater regions have been formed in the downstream of tributaries since the Three Gorge Reservoir (TGR) was impounded, as the most influential area to the aquatic environment within the reservoir. In order to study the effects and significance of the backwater regions on the nutrient cycling and substance fluxes, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), dissolved silicon (DSi) were monitored in situ in Caotang tributary backwater region, the adjacent mainstream and Caotang tributaries' upstream every month from August 2012 to July 2013. The results showed that the concentrations of DIN, DIP and DSi in Caotang tributary backwater region were similar to those in the mainstream, and the monthly variation tendency was very consistent with the mainstream Changjiang. DIN, DIP and DSi in the Caotang tributary were mainly originated from the mainstream. The influence of the mainstream water could extend to the upmost of the backwater region due to the good connection and rapid, sufficient water exchange between mainstream and tributary. Nutrients from the mainstream were retained and consumed by primary producers in the tributary during the growing seasons in spring and summer, while released back to the water during late autumn and winter. Nutrient cycling in the tributary could change the seasonal pattern of nutrient transportation. The mainstream nutrient fluxes could receive significant seasonal modification from the large numbers (more than 40) of tributaries within the TGR domain.

[Nutrient Exchange Between Meixi River and Yangtze River Due to the Typical Interaction Process of the Three Gorges Reservoir and Its Tributary].

Frequent algal blooms have been observed in the Meixi bay of the Three Gorges Reservoirs (TGR) since its initial filling. In order to understand the effects of intrusions from Changjiang mainstream on the nutrient supply of the Meixi Bay, a detailed field monitoring was conducted from August 2012 to July 2013. The results showed that there were significant intrusions from the mainstream to the Meixi Bay during the different water level scheduling periods of the TGR. As a result, the invading flow from the mainstream of the Changjiang caused a significant effect on the nutrient distribution in the Meixi River. Annually, the mainstream transportednet fluxes of 5 478.02 t DIN, 234.04 t DIP and 5 935.22 t DSi to the Meixi Bay, which were 2.37 times, 4.32 times and 1.33 times of the corresponding fluxes from the upstream, respectively. The influence on the nutrient distributions was not only limited in the estuary area but also in the upper reaches, the supply of DIP changed the nutrient structure and relieved the P restrictions on phytoplankton growth.

G-protein coupled receptor 34 knockdown impairs the proliferation and migration of HGC-27 gastric cancer cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of G-protein coupled receptor 34 (GPR34) affects the progression and prognosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma, however, the role of GPR34 in gastric cancer development and progression has not been well-determined. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of GPR34 knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HGC-27 gastric cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of GPR34 in gastric cancer cell line HGC-27 was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. HGC-27 cells were employed to construct the stable GPR34 knockdown cell model in this study. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were applied to validate the effect of short hairpin RNA (ShRNA) on the expression of GPR34 in HGC-27 gastric cells. The proliferation, migration of these cells were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell. We also measured expression profile of PI3K/PDK1/AKT and ERK using Western blotting. RESULTS: The ShRNA directed against GPR34 effectively inhibited both endogenous mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR34, and significantly down-regulated the expression of PIK3CB (P < 0.01), PIK3CD (P < 0.01), PDK1 (P < 0.01), phosphorylation of PDK1 (P < 0.01), Akt (P < 0.01), and ERK (P < 0.01). Furthermore, GPR34 knockdown resulted in an obvious reduction in HGC-27 cancer cell proliferation and migration activity (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: GPR34 knockdown impairs the proliferation and migration of HGC-27 gastric cancer cells in vitro and provides a potential implication for therapy of gastric cancer.

Establishment and characterization of an immortalized rat hepatic stellate cell line.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an important role in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. This study established a new rat HSC cell line LSC-1. Liver ex vivo perfusion with collagenase IV and density gradient centrifugation were used to isolate rat HSC. Cells have been maintained in culture for multiple passages. LSC-1 cell biological characteristics were studied. LSC-1 cell have been maintained in culture over 100 passages. This new HSC cell line express telomerase reverse transcriptase (TRT) and p53, suggesting that it is immortalized spontaneously. LSC-1 cells have a doubling time of 46 hours and their growth is serum-dependent. Karyotypic analysis revealed that LSC-1 cells possess normal chromosome phenotype. Moreover, LSC-1 cells do not grow in soft agar or induce tumors in nude mice, suggesting that they are not transformed. LSC-1 cells express desmin, glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP), collagen type I and III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), platelet derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). TGF-ß1 stimulation increased collagen type I and III expression in LSC-1 cells. Additionally, LSC-1 cells proliferate in response to PDGF-BB, and contract in response to endothelin-1 (ET-1). In summary, LSC-1 cells exhibit activated HSC phenotype characteristics, and therefore are useful tool to study the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

[Partial pressure and diffusion flux of dissolved carbon dioxide in the mainstream and tributary of the central Three Gorges Reservoir in summer].

This study investigated the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the mainstream of the Three Gorges Reservoir and its tributary (Meixi River) in May 2013. Results showed that pCO2 in the surface water of the Meixi River and mainstream of the Three Gorges Reservoir was 6.8-7.5 Pa and 201.4-210.2 Pa, respectively. At the mixing area between the Meixi River and the mainstream of Changjiang, the lowest value of pCO2 in surface water was 53.5 Pa, and pCO2 gradually increased downwardly. Below 3 m in depth, pCO2 kept the stable value of around 210 Pa. Based on the calculation results, the emission flux of CO2 in the Meixi River and the mainstream of the central Three Gorges Reservoir was about -7.48 mmol x (m2 x d)(-1) and 39.58 mmol x (m2 x d)(-1), respectively. These results showed that the Meixi River is a sink for atmospheric CO2, and the mainstream of the Three Gorges Reservoir is a source for atmospheric CO2.

Ileo-colonic intussusception secondary to small-bowel lipomatosis: a case report.

Intestinal lipomatosis is a rare disease with an incidence at autopsy ranging from 0.04% to 4.5%. Because the lipomas are diffusely distributed in the intestine, most patients are symptom-free, and invasive intervention is not advised by most doctors. Here, we describe a case with intussusception due to small-bowel lipomatosis. Partial small bowel resection and anastomosis were performed because the intestinal wall was on the verge of perforation. This case indicates that regular follow-up is necessary and endoscopic treatment should be considered to avoid surgical procedures if the lipoma is large enough to cause intestinal obstruction.

[Effect of erythromycin on electrical activity and gastric emptying of the intrathoracic stomach after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of erythromycin on electrical activity and emptying of the intrathoracic stomach after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer and esophagogastrostomy above the aortic arch were divided into the study group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Electrogastrography and radionuclide gastric emptying were examined for these patients before and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. Patients in the study group received erythromycin (0.25 g tid po) for 1 week before examination. RESULTS: The wave amplitude (Uv), dominant frequency (CPM) and percentage of normal slow wave (%) of electrogastrogram decreased after surgery and returned to normal at the first postoperative month in the study group and the 12th postoperative month in the control group (P>0.05). Gastric emptying was significantly delayed after esophagectomy, and returned to normal one year after operation in the study group (P>0.05). However, gastric emptying remained abnormal in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Erythromycin improves electrical activity and emptying of the stomach after esophagectomy for cancer. Gastric emptying recovery later than the recovery of electrical activity, which may be related to gastric ischemia and edema.

[Diffusion flux of partial pressure of dissolved carbon dioxide in Wan'an reservoir in spring].

In order to understand the emission of greenhouse gases (CO2) from the river-type reservoir, this study investigated the partial pressure of CO2 [p(CO2)], in the surface water, inflow waters, outflow waters of the Wan'an reservoir in China in the May 2009. p(CO2) in the inflow water, outflow water were calculated from titration method, and the surface water p(CO2) was measured underway using a continuous measurement system (equilibrator-NDIR system). Results showed that the inflow water from the Zhangshui, Meijiang, Taojiang have higher p(CO2) than atmosphere level, with the values of 211.5, 91.7, 259.7 Pa respectively. p(CO2) in the surface water of the incoming section of Wan'an reservoir was between 180-210 Pa, and in the middle section and central section near the dam, p(CO2) in the surface water were about 140-180 Pa and 70-110 Pa. In the outflow waters, p(CO2) reached to 176.2 Pa, higher than that in central section. As a result, it can be concluded that the surface water, inflow waters, outflow waters in the Wan'an reservoir are all the source to CO2. However there is clear evidence showing that the reservoir indeed has a role in mitigating the CO2 emission in this case.

[Antireflux anastomosis following resection of esophageal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antireflux effects of a modified Nissen fundoplication following esophagectomy for cancer. METHODS: From March 2006 to March 2007, 70 patients with esophageal cancer were divided into two groups randomly. Esophagogastrostomy with a stapler only was perform in 35 patients as controls (group C), and a modified Nissen fundoplication was added after esophagogastrostomy with stapler in the other 35 patients as observed group (group O). There were 48 male and 22 female, ranging in age from 47 to 77 years (mean 60.1 years). The operative morbidity and mortality were recorded. Fourty-nine patients were followed at 3 months after surgery, and the questionnaire of life quality (EORTC QLQ C-30) was conducted in 24 patients in group C and 25 patients in group O. Thirty patients were examined with esophageal manometry, 24 h pH monitoring and gastroscopy. There were 16 patients in group C and 14 patients in group O. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the scores of heart burn and regurgitation in the group O were less than in group C (P = 0.041 and 0.034 respectively), but there was no difference in scores of dysphagia between the two groups (P = 0.677). The pressure at the anastomotic site was higher than that in the stomach in group O (P = 0.032), but not in group C (P = 0.448). DeMeester score in group O was 53 ± 46, compared to 140 ± 103 in group C (P = 0.043). The score of esophagitis was 0.9 ± 0.8 in group O, which was lower than 1.6 ± 1.0 in group C (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of modified Nissen fundoplication after esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy for cancer significantly increases the pressure at the anastomotic site, thus reduces the extent of gastroesophageal reflux, which leads to the reduction of the extent of reflux esophagitis and the improvement of the quality of life.

[Dissolved inorganic carbon and its carbon isotope composition in cascade reservoir of the Maotiao River during summer and autumn].

Water samples along water column in the front of dams and samples at 0.5 m below surface water from tributary rivers were collected in July and October, 2007. The water chemistry, concentrations of dissolve inorganic carbon and its carbon isotopic compositions were determined, in order to investigate the geochemical behavior of carbon in the Maotiao River. This study aimed to understand the variations of the concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and delta13 C(DIC) during its transport along the cascade reservoirs and river system. The results showed that DIC concentrations in summer were lower than that in autumn. In summer, the DIC concentrations were 1.35-2.84 mmol/L, with an average value of 2.12 mmol/L; and in autumn they fell into 2.03-3.98 mmol/L, with an average value of 2.67 mmol/L. The delta13 CD1 in surface water along Maotiao River ranged from -10.3% per hundred to -5.1% per hundred in summer, with a value of -8.6% per hundred in average, and in autumn, delta3 C(DIC) became more negative, and had a range from -13.0% per hundred to -6.9% per hundred, with an average value of -9.0% per hundred. Generally, DIC in surface water showed a trend to decrease from the upper reaches to lower reaches along Maotiao River, and t3 Cc1 gradually becam me more negative downstream. On the water column, DIC concentrations were higher in hypolimnion, while a delta13 C(DIC) had a reverse trend with higher values occurred in epilimnion. The results indicated that the hydrochemistry of river could be significantly changed by river damming processes. As for carbon, reservoir should be an important place for the transformation among the different carbon species.

[Residue of PCBs and OCPs in the paddy soil from Hongfeng reservoir area, Guizhou, China].

Distributions of seven PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) congeners and 13 OCPs (organochlorinated pesticides) were investigated in paddy soil section in Hongfeng reservoir area. The results showed that DDTs and its metabolized compounds, isomer of HCHs, Endrin, heptachlor, PCB 28 and PCB 52 were detected in all soil samples. Compared to the polluted area, the concentrations of PCBs were lower in study area, while the compositions of organic pollutants in soil samples were similar. The dominant compositions of PCBs and OCPs were tri-, tetra-, and penta-chlorinated PCB congeners and DDTs respectively. The proportion of tri-, tetra-and penta-CB was 89 percent. The contents of DDTs were between 4.7 ng/g and 42.6 ng/g and p, p'-DDE, p, p'-DDT were the major isomers. The ratios of DDT/ (DDD + DDE) showed that the rate of DDTs degradation and environment status were different. The range of alpha-HCH/gamma-HCH was 0.28 - 0.90, indicating that HCHs had stayed for long time in environment. By photolysis and microbial, the proportion of the HCHs isomers had changed in Hongfeng reservoir area. SigmaTEQ of PCB118 and PCB180 were 0.06 - 0.51 pg/g.

[Long-term outcome of antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term outcomes of various antireflux procedures for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Between November 1988 and January 2004, 129 patients with GERD underwent antireflux procedures. Six kinds of antireflux procedures were performed including Nissen fundoplication, cardiac oblique invagination (COI) procedure, Belsey Mark IV, Toupet, Thal and Dor procedures. One hundred and sixteen patients were followed up. Esophageal manometry study was carried out in 95 patients preoperatively and 51 postoperatively. 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring were carried out in 56 patients preoperatively and 35 postoperatively. Esophagoscopy were performed in all patients before operation and 48 cases after operation. RESULTS: Clinical symptom scores reduced significantly from 4.1 +/- 0.4 before surgery to 1.1 +/- 1.0 after surgery (t = 27.21, P < 0.01). The outcome of surgery showed excellent in 42 cases (36.2%), good in 60 (51.7%), fair in 7 (6.0%), poor in 7 (6.0%). The long-term follow-up showed excellent or good results in 87.9% of patients. There was no significant difference in Nissen fundoplication, COI procedure and Belsey Mark IV. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in symptom score, esophageal manometry, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and esophagoscopy pre- and post-operatively. There is no significant difference in Nissen fundoplication, COI procedure and Belsey Mark IV.

[Functional study of the remnant esophagus and intrathoracic stomach in patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate pathophysiological changes of the remnant esophagus and gastric cardia in patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer, and to provide objective evidences for the improvement of the postoperative quality of life. METHODS: The function of the remnant esophagus and intrathoracic stomach in patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer were assessed objectively. The methods that we used were gastric scintigraphy, esophageal manometry, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, electronic gastroscopy, videofluoroscopy, and DeMeester scoring system for the assessment of heartburn. Findings were recorded and compared with normal controls. RESULTS: After esophagectomy for cancer, the emptying of intrathoracic stomach was delayed (t = 7.105, P < 0.01) and improved over time, but could not reach normal one year after surgery (t = 2.9, P = 0.016). In patients who had undergone esophagectomy for cancer, the contracting pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter and resting pressure of the remnant esophagus were higher than that in normal controls (t = 2.275, P = 0.03; t = 2.16, P = 0.039 respectively). 89.7% of patients who had undergone esophagectomy had gastroesophageal reflux measured with 24-hour pH monitoring. The extent of reflux was less severe when patients were in a semi-reclining position than in a prostration position (t = 3.074, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: After esophagectomy for cancer, delayed emptying of the intrathoracic stomach is improved gradually over time, but it is inaccessible to normal level. Gastroesophageal reflux extensively exists in patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer, but it can be lessened by taking semi-reclining position.

Clinical analysis of surgical treatment of portal hypertension.

AIM: To review the experience in surgery for 508 patients with portal hypertension and to explore the selection of reasonable operation under different conditions. METHODS: The data of 508 patients with portal hypertension treated surgically in 1991-2001 in our centers were analyzed. Of the 508 patients, 256 were treated with portaazygous devascularization (PAD), 167 with portasystemic shunt (PSS), 62 with selective shunt (SS), 11 with combined portasystemic shunt and portaazygous devascularization (PSS+PAD), 9 with liver transplantation (LT), 3 with union operation for hepatic carcinoma and portal hypertension (HCC+PH). RESULTS: In the 167 patients treated with PSS, free portal pressure (FPP) was significantly higher in the patients with a longer diameter of the anastomotic stoma than in those with a shorter diameter before the operation (P < 0.01). After the operation, FPP in the former patients markedly decreased compared to the latter ones (P < 0.01). The incidence rate of hemorrhage in patients treated with PAD, PSS, SS, PSS+PAD, and HCC+PH was 21.09% (54/256), 13.77 (23/167), 11.29 (7/62), 36.36% (4/11), and 100% (3/3), respectively. The incidence rate of hepatic encephalopathy was 3.91% (10/256), 9.58% (16/167), 4.84% (3/62), 9.09% (1/11), and 100% (3/3), respectively while the operative mortality was 5.49% (15/256), 4.22% (7/167), 4.84% (3/62), 9.09% (1/11), and 66.67% (2/3) respectively. The operative mortality of liver transplantation was 22.22% (2/9). CONCLUSION: Five kinds of operation in surgical treatment of portal hypertension have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the selection of operation should be based on the actual needs of the patients.

[Acid mining drainage impacts on the separation between iron and manganese in sediments of the Aha Lake, Guizhou Province].

Since the Aha Lake, located in Guizhou Province, China, was enlarged in 1982, a great amount of iron and manganese were input into it owing to the uninterrupted pollution from acidic mining drainage of coal mines (AMD). The results show that dissolved Fe2+ and Mn2+, mainly from AMD, were markedly separated each other as water flowed from inlet to downstream. The Aha lake water, with the average pH equal to 7.28, was not acidified just because the lake is developed in the karst area and people continuously put lime in it in recent years. Fe2 + and Mn2 + deposit in the different locations in lake because of the difference of oxidizing rate between Fe2+ and Mn2+ during water flowing from inlet to downstream, and also forming the horizontal separation along the lake water flowing direction. Manganese tends to be obviously enriched in the upper of sediment in lake's deep locations, presenting the remarkable separation with iron in the vertical section. After normalized by Ti content in sediment, it is obvious that the remarkable separation between iron and manganese corresponds with the enlargement of lake in 1982. As shown in the concentration profile of pore water in sediment, iron was remobilized weakly while manganese reduction mainly happens in the upper of sediment, indicating its strong remobilization. Based on the studies, a mechanism for environment and fractionation of Fe2+ /Mn2 + during water flowing in the lake was also demonstrated.

Neurons derived from human mesenchymal stem cells show synaptic transmission and can be induced to produce the neurotransmitter substance P by interleukin-1 alpha.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immune-suppressive properties, follow a pattern of multilineage differentiation, and exhibit transdifferentiation potential. Ease in expansion from adult bone marrow, as well as its separation from ethical issues, makes MSCs appealing for clinical application. MSCs treated with retinoic acid resulted in synaptic transmission, based on immunostaining of synaptophysin and electrophysiological studies. In situ hybridization indicated that the neurotransmitter gene preprotachykinin-I was expressed in these cells. However, translation of this gene only occurred after stimulation with interleukin (IL)-1 alpha. This effect was blunted by costimulation with IL-1 receptor antagonist. This study reports on the ability of MSCs to be transdifferentiated into neurons with functional synapses with the potential to become polarized towards producing specific neurotransmitters.

[The diagnosis and treatment of hepatic artery complications in 107 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and managements of hepatic artery complications in orthotopic liver transplantation. METHODS: The clinical data of 107 consecutive orthotopic liver transplantation patients was reviewed retrospectively to assess the risk factors and the diagnosis and treatment of the vascular complications. RESULTS: The incidence of the artery related complications in orthotopic liver transplantation was associated with the quality of the donor organ artery and the reconstruction way of donor-recipient artery intimately. The main hepatic artery related complications were hepatic artery thrombosis and stenosis. The incidence of the vascular complications was 6.54%, and the mortality rate was 85.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The main influence factors of vascular complications were the quality of the donor organ artery and the reconstruction way of donor-recipient artery. The key steps of organ salvaging and the patients' life saving were early diagnosis and treatment of those complications.