Effects of an explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention on quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure: A randomized control trial.

Background: Patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade III chronic heart failure (CHF) present with low capacity for daily activities, severe self-perceived burden, and poor quality of life. Effective nursing interventions may reduce patients' self-perceived burden and improve their quality of life. Objectives: To explore the effects of an explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention on the self-perceived burden, cardiac function, and activities of daily living (ADL) ability in patients with New York Heart Association grade III chronic heart failure. Methods: Of the 100 patients with New York Heart Association grade III chronic heart failure who were electronically randomized and equally divided into control and intervention groups, data from 88 patients who completed our study were analyzed. The primary outcome was quality of life; secondary outcomes were self-perceived burden, 6-min walking test distances, serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, New York Heart Association cardiac function classification, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Results: After 12 weeks' intervention, the intervention group had significantly lower self-perceived burden, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, and New York Heart Association grades compared with the control group, while 6-min walking test distances, left ventricular ejection fraction, and modified Barthel Index scale scores were significantly higher than those in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The explain-simulate-practice-communicate-support intervention improved patients' quality of life through reducing the level of self-perceived burden, and improving cardiac function and activities of daily living ability. This intervention was found to be effective for patients with New York Heart Association grade III chronic heart failure.

MicroRNA-204-5p Ameliorates Neurological Injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke has extremely high mortality and disability rates worldwide. miR-204-5p has been reported to be associated with neurological diseases. However, the relationship linking miR-204-5p to ischemic stroke and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we found that expression of miR-204-5p was significantly decreased while EphA4 increased in vivo and vitro, which reached the peak at 24 h after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Then, we altered miR-204-5p expression in rats by cerebroventricular injection. Our study showed that miR-204-5p overexpression obviously reduced the brain infarction area and neurological score. We successfully cultured neurons to investigate the downstream mechanism. Upregulation of miR-204-5p increased cell viability and suppressed the release of LDH. Moreover, the proportion of apoptotic cells tested by TUNEL and flow cytometry and protein expression of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax were inhibited. The relative expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß was repressed. In contrary, knockdown of miR-204-5p showed the opposite results. Bioinformatics and a dual luciferase assay illustrated that EphA4 was a target gene. Further research studies demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of miR-204-5p could be partially mitigated by upregulating EphA4. Next, we proved that the miR-204-5p/EphA4 axis furtherly activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. We thoroughly illustrated the role of neuroinflammation and apoptosis. However, whether there are other mechanisms associated with the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway needs further investigation. Altogether, the miR-204-5p axis ameliorates neurological injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway, which is expected to serve as an effective treatment for ischemic stroke.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based study.

We aimed to explore the clinicopathological features and survival-related factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Eligible data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2015. Totally, 4595 ICC patients were collected with a male to female ratio of nearly 1:1. The higher proportion of ICC patients was elderly, tumor size ≥ 5 cm and advanced AJCC stage. Most patients (79.2%) have no surgery, while low proportion of patients receiving radiotherapy (15.1%). The median survival was 7.0 months (range 0-153 months). The 5-year CSS and OS rates were 8.96% and 7.90%. Multivariate analysis found that elderly age (aged ≥ 65 years old), male, diagnosis at 2008-2011, higher grade, tumor size ≥ 5 cm, and advanced AJCC stage were independent factors for poorer prognosis; while API/AI (American Indian/AK Native, Asian/Pacific Islander) race, married, chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy were independent favorable factors in both CSS and OS. Furthermore, stratified analysis found that chemotherapy and radiotherapy improved CSS and OS in patients without surgery. Age, sex, race, years of diagnosis, married status, grade, tumor size, AJCC stage, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were significantly related to prognosis of ICC. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy could significantly improve survival in patients without surgery.

An-te-xiao capsule inhibits tumor growth in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting angiogenesis.

An-te-xiao capsule consists of total alkaloids from the dried whole plantof Solanum lyratum, and showed antitumor effects in our previous study. However, its inhibitory effect on multiple non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated clearly. This study sought to investigate the inhibitory effects of An-te-xiao capsule on three main types of NSCLC cell lines (A549, NCI-H460, and NCI-H520) in vitro and in vivo and the underlying mechanisms of action including its potential anti-angiogenesis effects. An-te-xiao capsule showed no acute oral toxicity in mice, and significantly prolonged survival time in a mouse model of Lewis tumor xenograft. The inhibition of A549, NCI-H460, and NCI-H520 cells by An-te-xiao capsule was reflected in its effects on tumor growth, histopathological changes, tumor microvessel density (MVD), cell cycle regulatory proteins, and cell apoptosis. In vitro, An-te-xiao capsule repressed migration, invasion, and tube formation of tumor-derived vascular endothelial cells (Td-ECs), which were obtained using a co-culture system, in the presence or absence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at safe concentrations selected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Moreover, An-te-xiao capsule inhibited the secretion of VEGF by A549 cells in the co-culture system and suppressed the phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Taken together, An-te-xiao capsule has potential for treating NSCLC.

Transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes in rabbits' ovaries by digital gene-expression profiling.

Reproduction is a complex physiological process that is regulated by multiple genes and pathways. Compared with studies of common livestock, fewer studies of genes related to the fertility of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been reported, and the molecular mechanism of their high productivity is still poorly understood. To identify candidate genes associated with development and prolificacy in rabbits, we analyzed gene expression differences among the ovaries of mature Californian rabbit (LC), and mature (HH) and immature Harbin white rabbit (IH) using digital gene expression technology. We detected 885 and 321 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in comparisons between HH/IH and HH/LC, respectively. The functions of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined by GO classification and KEGG pathway analysis. The results suggest that most of the DEGs between the mature and immature developmental stages were predominantly associated with DNA replication, cell cycle, and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and most were up-regulated in the IH group compared with the HH group. The DEGs involved in disparate fecundities between HH and LC were associated with reproduction, fructose and mannose metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and pyruvate metabolism. Our results will contribute to a better understanding of changes in the regulatory network in ovary at different developmental stages and in different fertility of rabbit.

Cloning and expression analysis of zygote arrest 1 (Zar1) in New Zealand white rabbits.

Zygote arrest 1 (Zar1) is an oocyte-specific maternal-effect gene. Previous studies indicate that Zar1 plays important role in early embryo development, but little is known about its function in rabbit. The objectives of this study were to clone the New Zealand white rabbit Zar1 gene and to investigate its expression in various organs in groups of animals with different reproductive traits.We obtained a 709-bp Zar1 cDNA fragment consisting of an 8-bp exon 1, 161-bp exon 2, 75-bp exon 3, 271-bp exon 4 and 194-bp 3'sequences. The rabbit Zar1 nucleotide sequence showed per cent identities of 91, 88, 88, 87, 86, 87, 76 and 82% with Zar1 orthologues in human, cattle, sheep, pig, mouse, rat, zebrafish and Xenopus laevis, respectively, indicating a high homology with other species and evolutionary conservation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed nonoocyte-specific Zar1 expression, with expression in spleen, lung, ovary, uterus, heart, liver and kidney. The expression level was highest in the lung. This study may lay the theoretical foundation for the study of ZAR1's biological function.

Correlations Between LP-PLA2 Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility and Severity of Acute Pancreatitis in a Chinese Population.

OBJECTIVE: This case-control study explored correlations between LP-PLA2 gene polymorphisms (A379V, V279F, and R92H) and susceptibility and severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2013 to October 2015, 94 AP patients were chosen as the case group. According to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score standard, AP patients were divided into a mild AP (MAP) group (n = 46) and severe AP (SAP) group (n = 48). The 48 SAP patients were further divided into an SAP with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) group (n = 42) and SAP without MODS group (n = 6). Meanwhile, 96 healthy subjects who received physical examinations at the study hospitals were selected as the control group. Serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) levels were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The A379V (s1051931), V279F (rs16874954), and R92H (rs13989) polymorphisms of the LP-PLA2 gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: There were significant differences in the frequencies of the LP-PLA2 gene polymorphisms between the AP group and the control group. The distribution of V279F-AA+AC genotype and R92H-AA+AG genotype in the AP group was higher than that in the control group, whereas the SAP group and SAP with MODS group distributions were higher than those in the MAP group and SAP without MODS group (both p < 0.05). G-C-A, G-A-G, and G-C-G haploids formed by A379V, V279F, and R92H may be associated with AP susceptibility. LP-PLA2 gene polymorphisms could affect serum LP-PLA2 level, whereas the V279F-A allele gene, the R92H-A allele gene, serum LP-PLA2 level, and serum amylase may be independent risk factors for AP (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that the LP-PLA2 gene polymorphisms, V279F and R92H, may be associated with susceptibility to and severity of AP.

[Research progress in effects of biochar application on crop growth and synergistic mechanism of biochar with fertilizer]. / ç”Ÿç‰©ç‚­å½±å“ä½œç‰©ç”Ÿé•¿åŠå ¶ä¸ŽåŒ–è‚¥æ··æ–½çš„å¢žæ•ˆæœºåˆ¶ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

The application of biochar made from crop straw to soil has already become a research hotspot in the field of agriculture at home and abroad, because it can increase crop production capacity with specific environmental benefits. This review summarized the progress of recent research regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of biochar on crop growth, with particular emphasis on the interactions between crop roots and biochar in soil. The biological effects of the interactions between fertilizer and biochar application and the probable mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect were discussed. The current work proposed the prospects of biochar in agriculture and would promote the relative researches in China. The recent researches indicated that auxin and related signaling molecules play a key role in the growth stimulation in response to biochar application by promoting the expression of genes controlling cell expansion, loosening of the cell wall, and membrane transport for water and nutrients. Biochar and its interaction with plant roots could directly or indirectly influence the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, which would regulate the function and synergistic effects of biochar coupled with fertilizer.

The effect of biochar and crop straws on heavy metal bioavailability and plant accumulation in a Cd and Pb polluted soil.

Biochar derived from various materials has been investigated with regard to its ability to decrease the bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated soils, and thus reduce their potential to enter the food chain. However, little attention has been given to the adsorption capacity of untreated crop straws, which are commonly used as a biochar feedstock, especially in soils. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of crop straws on heavy metal immobilization and subsequent heavy metal uptake by maize and ryegrass in a soil artificially polluted by Cd and Pb. Bamboo biochar, rice straw, and wheat straw were mixed into soil four weeks before the experiment, enabling them to reach equilibrium at 2% (w/w), 1% (w/w), and 1% (w/w), respectively. The results showed that soil pH for both species was significantly increased by all treatments, except when wheat straw was used for ryegrass cultivation. Soil organic carbon was only improved in the rice straw treatment and the soil alkali-hydrolyzable N content was significantly decreased with all of the amendments, which may have contributed to the lack of an effect on plant biomass. Soil available Cd was significantly lower in the rice straw treatment than in the control soil, while Pb levels clearly decreased in wheat straw treatment. The Cd concentration in shoots of maize was reduced by 50.9%, 69.5%, and 66.9% with biochar, rice straw, and wheat straw, respectively. In addition, shoot Cd accumulation was decreased by 47.3%, 67.1%, and 66.4%, respectively. Shoot Pb concentration and accumulation were only reduced with the rice straw treatment for both species. However, metal uptake in plant roots was more complex, with increased metal concentrations also detected. Overall, the direct application of crop straw could be considered a feasible way to immobilize selected metals in soil, once the long-term effects are confirmed.

Cordblood-Based High-Throughput Screening for Deafness Gene of 646 Newborns in Jinan Area of China.

OBJECTIVES: Infants with slight/mild or late-onset hearing impairment might be missed in universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). We identified the mutation hot spot of common deaf gene in the newborns in Jinan area population by screening the mutation spot with neonate cord blood, in order to make clear whether the neonate cord blood for screening is feasible. METHODS: Six hundred and forty-six newborns were subjected to both UNHS and genetic screening for deafness by using neonate cord blood. The newborn genetic screening targeted four deafness-associated genes, which were commonly found in the Chinese population including gap junction beta-2 protein (GJB2), gap junction beta-3 protein (GJB3), solute carrier family 26 member 4 (SLC26A4), and mtDNA 12S rRNA. The most common 20 spot mutations in 4 deaf genes were detected by MassARRAY iPLEX platform and mitochondrial 12S rRNA A1555G and C1494T mutations were sequenced using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Among the 646 newborns, 635 cases passed the UNHS and the other 11 cases (1.7%) did not. Of the 11 failures, two cases were found to carry homozygous GJB2 p.R143W pathogenic mutation, one case was found to have heterozygous GJB2 235delC mutation, and another one case carried heterozygous GJB3 p.R180X pathogenic mutation. Six hundred and thirty-five babies passed the newborn hearing screening, in which 25 babies were identified to carry pathogenic mutations, including 12 heterozygotes (1.9%) for GJB2 235delC, eight heterozygotes (1.3%) for SLC26A4 IVS7-2A>G, one heterozygote (0.2%) for p.R409H, two homozygotes (0.3%) for m.1494C>T, and two homozygotes (0.3%) for m.1555A>G. CONCLUSION: Newborn genetic screening through the umbilical cord blood for common deafness-associated mutations may identify carriers sensitive to aminoglycoside antibiotic, and can effectively prevent or delay hearing loss occurs.

Clinical effects of soluble interleukin-6 receptor detection on autoimmune rheumatic disease patients.

UNLABELLED: Objective : This study aims to explore the effects of soluble interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) patients. METHODS: Sixty-eight ARD patients enrolled in our hospital recently were selected, the IL-6R levels of whom were detected by double-antibody sandwich ELISA method and compared with the IL-6 levels of normal subjects. The expressions of IL-6R in joint tissues were detected by section staining. The mechanism regarding the effects of IL-6R was postulated by administering the patients with blocking agent. RESULTS: The blood IL-6R level of ARD patients was 2-3 times higher than the IL-6 level of normal subjects with significant difference. The detection results of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate show that both the indicators were significantly decreased (P=0.0098 and 0.0097 respectively). IL-6R was associated with autoimmunity based on the considerable expression in tissue sections, which was also verified by the alleviated symptoms after blocking IL-6R expression. CONCLUSION: Detecting soluble IL-6R is able to determine the patient's conditions and treatment effects. Meanwhile, soluble IL-6R detection can also serve as the inflammatory responses of ARD, as well as the determination index for abnormal immune responses and generated antibodies number, which is crucial for early diagnosis.

[Change in soil enzymes activities after adding biochar or straw by fluorescent microplate method].

The present work was aimed to study soil a-glucosidase and beta-glucosidase activities of and red soils based on fluorescence detection method combined with 96 microplates with TECAN Infinite 200 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader. We added biochar or straw (2.5 g air dry sample/50g air dry soil sample) into and red soils and the test was carried under fixed temperature and humidity condition (25 degrees C, 20% soil moisture content). The results showed that straw addition enhances soil alpha-glucosidase and beta-glucosidase activities, beta-glucosidase activity stimulated by rice straw treatment was higher than that of corn straw treatment, and activity still maintains strong after 40 days, accounting for increasing soil carbon transformation with straw inputting. Straw inputting increased soil nutrients contents and may promote microbial activity, which also lead to the increase oin enzyme Straw inputting increased soil nutrients contents and may promote microbial activity, which also lead to the increase oin enzyme activities. Different effects of straw kinds may be related to material source that needs further research. However, biochar inputting has little effect on soil alpha-glucosidase and beta-glucosidase activity. Biochar contains less available nutrients than straw and have degradation-resistant characteristics. Compared with the conventional spectrophotometric method, fluorescence microplate method is more sensitive to soil enzyme activities in suspension liquid, which can be used in a large number of samples. In brief, fluorescence microplate method is fast, accurate, and simple to determine soil enzymes activities.

Combination of hearing screening and genetic screening for deafness-susceptibility genes in newborns.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the results of screening of newborn hearing and the incidence of deafness-susceptibility genes. One thousand newborn babies in the Handan Center Hospital (Handan, China) underwent screening of hearing and deafness-susceptibility genes. The first screening test was carried out using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Babies with hearing loss who failed to pass the initial screening were scheduled for rescreening at 42 days after birth. Cord blood was used for the screening of deafness-susceptibility genes, namely the GJB2, SLC26A4 and mitochondrial 12S rRNA (MTRNR1) genes. Among the 1,000 neonates that underwent the first hearing screening, 25 exhibited left-sided hearing loss, 21 exhibited right-sided hearing loss and 15 cases had binaural hearing loss. After rescreening 42 days later, only one of the initial 61 cases exhibited hearing loss under OAE testing. The neonatal deafness gene tests showed two cases with 1555A>G mutation and two cases with 1494C>T mutation of the MTRNR1 gene. In the SLC26A4 gene screening, four cases exhibited the heterozygous IVS7-2A>G mutation and one case exhibited heterozygous 1226G>A mutation. In the GJB2 gene screening, two cases exhibited the homozygous 427C>T mutation and 10 exhibited the heterozygous 235delC mutation. The genetic screening revealed 21 newborns with mutations in the three deafness-susceptibility genes. The overall carrier rate was 2.1% (21/1,000). The association of hearing and gene screening may be the promising screening strategy for the diagnosis of hearing loss.

[Study of photosynthetic characteristics of transgenic barley based on reflectance of single leaf].

Analysis of leaf reflectance can provide a rich source of information about plant physiological process, surface properties of the leaf, as well as internal structure. In the present paper, the changes of reflectance spectra and spectral indices for transgenic barley and non-transgenic control variety based on measurements of single leaf were studied. The results showed that the ratio spectra that calculated by dividing one reflectance spectrum of transgenic barley by its' non-transgenic counterpart spectra were better to illustrate fine differences among spectra of leaves from different barley varieties. Ratio spectra varied between each pairs, but for most ratio spectrum indicated the reflectance differences between transgenic barley and non-transgenic counterpart were most obvious in the red spectrum around the chlorophyll peak and red edge (650-700 nm) and nearly identical in the green spectrum near 550 nm and within the near infrared region (beyond 750 nm). Across the entire calculated spectrum, the changes of reflectance within the region from 650 to 700 nm seem to be very sensitive to respond to possible unintended effects of genetic modification. Six published reflectance indices, the red edge (lambdaRE), the modified normalized difference vegetation index (mND), the structure-independent pigment index (SIPI), the ratio of reflectance in the red and green regions of the spectrum (R(Red)/R(Green)), the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and the near-infrared reflectance at 800 nm (NIRR(800)) were used to make comparisons possible between species. The analyses of changes of these indices indicated that they were highly dependent on growth stages and barley varieties. Once indices described above have significant changes will mean that photosynthetic process, function and status of plants may be changed.

[Effects of valsartan combined with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide regimen on blood pressure variation in elderly hypertensive patients].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of valsartan combined with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide regimen on blood pressure variation and plasma nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET) in elderly hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 61 elderly patients with grade 2 or 3 hypertension were randomized into valsartan + amlodipine (the amlodipine group, n = 31) or valsartan + hydrochlorothiazide (the hydrochlorothiazide group, n = 30) group. Blood lipids, fasting plasma glucose and uric acid were determined before the treatment. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure, NO and ET were monitored at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: 24 hours blood pressure and daytime blood pressure were similar between two groups at all 3 time points. At 16 weeks, morning systolic blood pressure surge was significantly lower in amlodipine group than in hydrochlorothiazide group [(22.6 ± 8.8) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) vs. (26.3 ± 13.7) mm Hg, P < 0.05]. 24 hours systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) decreased progressively in both groups [the amlodipine group: (12.5 ± 2.8) mm Hg vs. (10.2 ± 2.2) mm Hg vs. (8.8 ± 1.6) mm Hg, P < 0.01; the hydrochlorothiazide group: (12.5 ± 2.5) mm Hg vs. (10.7 ± 2.2) mm Hg vs. (9.6 ± 2.0) mm Hg, P < 0.01]. Daytime SBPV also decreased progressively in both groups [the amlodipine group: (12.2 ± 3.0) mm Hg vs. (10.1 ± 2.3) mm Hg vs. (8.4 ± 1.9) mm Hg, P < 0.01; the hydrochlorothiazide group: (11.8 ± 2.7) mm Hg vs. (10.4 ± 1.9) mm Hg vs. (9.6 ± 2.2) mm Hg, P < 0.01]. 24 hours diastolic blood pressure variability (DBPV) was significantly reduced post therapy in the amlodipine group [(15.5 ± 3.4) mm Hg vs. (13.0 ± 3.5) mm Hg vs. (12.3 ± 2.5), P < 0.01] but not in the hydrochlorothiazide group. NO increased progressively [(27.3 ± 13.6) µmol/L vs. (47.2 ± 16.3) µmol/L vs. (69.5 ± 18.9) µmol/L in the amlodipine group, P < 0.01; (33.5 ± 13.9) µmol/L vs. (49.7 ± 21.9) µmol/L vs. (66.7 ± 24.7) µmol/L in the hydrochlorothiazide group, P < 0.01] and ET decreased progressively [(45.3 ± 8.0) ng/L vs. (37.4 ± 3.9) ng/L vs. (34.2 ± 4.4) ng/L in the amlodipine group, P < 0.01; (46.6 ± 10.4) ng/L vs. (37.0 ± 5.4) ng/L vs. (36.1 ± 8.2) ng/L in the hydrochlorothiazide group, P < 0.01] in both groups. CONCLUSION: Valsartan in combination with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide can both effectively lower BPV in elderly hypertensive patients and improve the vascular endothelial function and the former regimen is more suitable for elderly hypertensive patients.

[The pathogenesis of CD4(+)T cells infiltrated into the spinal cord in rat SNL model].

AIM: To explore the infiltration pathogenesis of CD4(+);T cells following the spinal nerve ligation. METHODS: Healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into the spinal nerve ligation group (Tx), sham operation group (S), control group (C). the 50& mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( 50&MWT ) was determined by up-down method; CD4(+);T cells infiltration was assessed by FACS; the mRNA levels of CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL10 were quantitated by RT-qPCR; serum cytokines were tested by ELISA kits. RESULTS: After 3 days since operation, 50&MWT of Tx group was significantly reduced (P<0.01) comparing with S group, C group; on day 14, 50&MWT was up to the minimum value; whereas S group and C group were no difference (P>0.05). After 7 days since operation, CD4(+);T cells infiltration into lumbar segments of the spinal cord in the Tx group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the CCL2, CCL5mRNA expression increased (P<0.05); on day 14, the CD4(+);T cells infiltration in Tx group was higher than S group, C group; but there was no statistical significance. On day 7 and 14 days, serum levels of cytokines were no difference in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Following spinal nerve ligation, high expression of chemokine promoted peripheral CD4(+);T cells to infiltrate into spinal cord; and the infiltrated CD4(+);T cells maintained the neuropathic pain.

[Analysis of soil humus and components after 26 years' fertilization by infrared spectroscopy method].

The infrared spectrum was used to discuss structure change of soil humus and components of chemical groups in soil humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) isolated from soils in different fertilization treatment after 26 year's fertilization. The result indicated that using the infrared spectroscopy method for the determination of humus, humus fractions (HA and FA) and their structure is feasible. Fertilization affected the structure and content of soil humus and aromatization degree. After 26 years' fertilization, the infrared spectrum shapes with different treatments are similar, but the characteristic peak intensity is obviously different, which reflects the effects of different fertilization treatments on the structure and amounts of soil humus or functional groups. Compared with no fertilization, little molecule saccharides decreased and aryl-groups increased under application of inorganic fertilizer or combined application of organic and chemical fertilizer. The effect was greater in Treatment NPK and M+NPK than in Treatment M1 N and M2 N. Organic and NPK fertilizer increased the development of soil and increased soil quality to a certain extent. Results showed that organic fertilization increased aromatization degree of soil humus and humus fractions distinctly. The authors could estimate soil humus evolvement of different fertilization with infrared spectroscopy.

[Effect of sand-stabilization engineering on soil humus and components by analysis by several spectroscopy methods].

After the potassium bichromate-strong sulfuric acid hot process, the ultraviolet spectrophotometer was used on the contrast with the traditional titrimetric method to analyze soil (51 years, 43 year, 32 year, 20 year vegetations restores in the Tenggeli sand) humus and the humus components content. At the same time, the infrared spectrum was used to discuss their structure change during restoring process. The result indicated that using the visible spectroscopy method for the determination of the humus and the humus component is feasible. The spectroscopy method determination of organic matter is better (coefficient of variation at most is 7.26%) than the traditional titrimetric method, as it is accurate, fast and simple, and favors large quantities. The result indicated that humus content presents increasing tendency along with restoring ages. Change is big in early restore time, and tends to be stable in the later period. Infrared spectrum shape is similar, but the characteristic peak intensity has obvious difference. Compared with the wind-drift sand, little molecule saccharides decrease and aryl-groups increase.

[Determination of nutrient elements in transgenic insect-resistant cotton tissues by three different spectroscopical methods].

In order to find out the effects of exogenous genes, such as Bt and Bt coupled with CpTI, on nutrition metabolism in transgenic plants, totally eleven types of nutrient elements in transgenic Bt (Z30) and Bt-CpTI (CCRI41 and SGK321) cotton were determined using methods of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, flame atomic emission spectroscopy and spectrophotometry at flowering stage and boll-opening stage. The results showed that the chemical composition of plant nutrition in transgenic insect-resistant cotton differed in comparison with non-transgenic cotton counterparts related to varieties, tissues and stages. The content of total N in transgenic cotton changed most significantly. Especially, it increased by 21% for transgenic Bt cotton Z30 compared to non-transgenic cotton Z16. These changes in total N content were probably caused by both transgenes expression in transgenic cotton and other processes not studied in this experiment. The content of Mg, Na and Cu in transgenic cotton varied significantly only in some certain varieties or tissues. It was unobvious how the incorporation of transgenes impacted on the content of organic C, total P, total S, K, Ca, Fe and Zn in transgenic cotton. The authors speculated that there were no significant changes in utilization and accumulation of these nutrient elements between transgenic insect-resistant cotton and their non-transgenic cotton counterparts (Z16, CCRI23 and SY321, respectively).