A New Definition of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Similarity Degree

As far as the problem of intuitionistic fuzzy cluster analysis is concerned, this paper proposes a new formula of similarity degree with attribute weight of each index. We conduct a fuzzy cluster analysis based on the new intuitionistic fuzzy similarity matrix, which is constructed via this new weighted similarity degree method and can be transformed into a fuzzy similarity matrix. Moreover, an example is given to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of this method.

Transplantation of X-box-binding protein-1 gene-modified neural stem cells in the lateral ventricle of brain ischemia rats

X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1) is an essential transcription factor in endoplasmic reticulum stress. In this study, XBP-1 gene-transfected neural stem cells (NSCs) were transplanted into lesion sites to ensure stability and persistent expression of XBP-1, resulting in the exertion of anti-apoptotic effects. Simultaneously, XBP-1 gene transfection promotes the survival and differentiation of transplanted NSCs. Results from this study demonstrated that survival, proliferation and differentiation of XBP-1 gene-modified NSCs were enhanced when compared to unmodified NSCs at 28 days post-transplantation (P < 0.05). A diminished number of apoptotic neural cells increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax expression, and were observed in the ischemic region of the XBP-1-NSCs group (P < 0.05). These results indicated that modification of the XBP-1 gene enhances the survival and migration of NSCs in vivo and decreases the occurrence of apoptosis.

Health-related quality of life evaluated by tumor node metastasis staging system in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate and evaluate the change in healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) by tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 140 patients diagnosed with HCC between June 2008 and April 2009 in our department were enrolled to this study. One hundred and thirty-five (96.5%) patients had liver cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, 73 (54.07%) of them being HBV DNA positive; the other etiologies of liver cirrhosis were alcoholic liver disease (1.4%), hepatitis C (1.4%) or cryptogenic (0.7%). All subjects were fully aware of their diagnosis and provided informed consent. HRQoL was assessed before treatment using the functional assessment of cancer therapy-hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate demographics and disease-specific characteristics of the patients. One-way analysis of variance and independent samples t tests were used to compare the overall FACT-Hep scores and clinically distinct TNM stages. Scores for all FACT-Hep items were analyzed by frequency analyses. The mean scores obtained from the FACT-Hep in different Child-Pugh classes were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean FACT-Hep scores were reduced significantly from TNM StageⅠto Stage Ⅱ, Stage ⅢA, Stage ⅢB group (687 ± 39.69 vs 547 ± 42.57 vs 387 ± 51.24 vs 177 ± 71.44, P = 0.001). Regarding the physical and emotional well-being subscales, scores decreased gradually from Stage Ⅰ to Stage ⅢB (P = 0.002 vs Stage Ⅰ; P = 0.032 vs Stage Ⅱ; P = 0.033 vs Stage ⅢA). Mean FACT-Hep scores varied by Child-Pugh class, especially in the subscales of physical well-being, functional well-being and the hepatobiliary cancer (P = 0.001 vs Stage I; P = 0.036 vs Stage Ⅱ; P = 0.032 vs Stage ⅢA). For the social and family well-being subscale, only Stage ⅢB scores were significantly lower as compared with Stage Ⅰ scores (P = 0.035). For the subscales of functional well-being and hepatobiliary cancer, there were significant differences for Stages ⅡΙ, ⅢA and ⅢB (P = 0.002vs StageⅠ). CONCLUSION: HRQoL of patients with HCC worsens gradually with progression of TNM stages. The most impaired subscales of HRQoL, as measured by FACT-Hep, were physical and emotional well-being.

Neuroprotective effects of SMAds in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Previous studies have shown that up-regulation of transforming growth factor β1 results in neuroprotective effects. However, the role of the transforming growth factor β1 downstream molecule, SMAD2/3, following ischemia/reperfusion remains unclear. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of SMAD2/3 by analyzing the relationships between SMAD2/3 expression and cell apoptosis and inflammation in the brain of a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Levels of SMAD2/3 m RNA were up-regulated in the ischemic penumbra 6 hours after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, reached a peak after 72 hours and were then decreased at 7 days. Phosphorylated SMAD2/3 protein levels at the aforementioned time points were consistent with the m RNA levels. Over-expression of SMAD3 in the brains of the ischemia/reperfusion model rats via delivery of an adeno-associated virus containing the SMAD3 gene could reduce tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β m RNA levels, down-regulate expression of the pro-apoptotic gene, capase-3, and up-regulate expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. The SMAD3 protein level was negatively correlated with cell apoptosis. These findings indicate that SMAD3 exhibits neuroprotective effects on the brain after ischemia/reperfusion through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways.

A bird's eye view of the air pollution-cancer link in China

Air pollution in China comes from multiple sources,including coal consumption,construction and industrial dust,and vehicle exhaust.Coal consumption in particular directly determines the emissions of three major air pollutants:dust,sulfur dioxide(SO2),and nitrogen oxide(NOx).The rapidly increasing number of civilian vehicles is expected to bring NOx emission to a very high level.Contrary to expectations,however,existing data show that the concentrations of major pollutants[particulate matter-10(PM10),SO2,and nitrogen dioxide(NO2)]in several large Chinese cities have declined during the past decades,though they still exceed the national standards of ambient air quality.Archived data from China does not fully support that the concentrations of pollutants directly depend on local emissions,but this is likely due to inaccurate measurement of pollutants.Analyses on the cancer registry data show that cancer burden related to air pollution is on the rise in China and will likely increase further,but there is a lack of data to accurately predict the cancer burden.Past experience from other countries has sounded alarm of the link between air pollution and cancer.The quantitative association requires dedicated research as well as establishment of needed monitoring infrastructures and cancer registries.The air pollution-cancer link is a serious public health issue that needs urgent investigation.

CD163 promotes hematoma absorption and improves neurological functions in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Clinical outcomes are positively associated with hematoma absorption.The monocyte-macrophage scavenger receptor,CD163,plays an important role in the metabolism of hemoglobin,and a soluble form of CD163 is present in plasma and other tissue fluids;therefore,we speculated that serum CD163 affects hematoma absorption after intracerebral hemorrhage.Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were divided into high-and low-level groups according to the average CD163 level(1,977.79 ± 832.91 ng/m L).Compared with the high-level group,the low-level group had a significantly slower hematoma absorption rate,and significantly increased National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and modified Rankin Scale scores.These results suggest that CD163 promotes hematoma absorption and the recovery of neurological function in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

X-box-binding protein 1-modified neural stem cells for treatment of Parkinson's disease

X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells were transplanted into the right lateral ventricles of rats with rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease. The survival capacities and differentiation rates of cells expressing the dopaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase were higher in X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells compared to non-transfected cells. Moreover, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in the substantia nigra were significantly increased, α-synuclein expression was decreased, and neurological behaviors were significantly ameliorated in rats following transplantation of X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells. These results indicate that transplantation of X-box-binding protein 1-transfected neural stem cells can promote stem cell survival and differentiation into dopaminergic neurons, increase dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels, reduce α-synuclein aggregation in the substantia nigra, and improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in rats.

Estimating biological reference points for Largehead hairtail(Trichiurus lepturus) fishery in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea

It is important to find a reliable method to estimate maximum sustainable yield(MSY)or total allowable catch(TAC)for fishery management,especially when the data availability is limited which is a case in China.A recently developed method(CMSY)is a data-poor method,which requires only catch data,resilience and exploitation history at the first and final years of the catch data.CMSY was used in this study to estimate the biological reference points for Largehead hairtail(Trichiurus lepturus,Temminck and Schlegel)in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea,based on the fishery data from China Fishery Statistical Year Books during 1986 to 2012.Additionally,Bayesian state-space Schaefer surplus production model(BSM)and the classical surplus production models(Schaefer and Fox)performed by software CEDA and ASPIC,were also projected in this study to compare with the performance of CMSY.The estimated MSYs from all models are about 19.7×104–27.0×104 t,while CMSY and BSM yielded more reasonable population parameter estimates(the intrinsic population growth rate and the carrying capacity).The biological reference points of B/BMSY smaller than 1.0,while F/FMSY higher than 1.0 revealed an over-exploitation of the fishery,indicating that more conservative management strategies are required for Largehead hairtail fishery.

ALK融合基因阳性非小细胞肺癌脑转移的靶向治疗进展

间变性淋巴瘤激酶(anaplastic lymphoma kinase,ALK)基因融合在非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)中发生率约为2%~7%,此类肺癌更易出现脑转移,严重影响患者生存质量,缩短患者的生存期。近年来,随着ALK-酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor,ALK-TKI)的不断研发,ALK-NSCLC脑转移患者的生存期显著延长。本文对ALK-TKI治疗肺癌脑转移的研究进展进行综述,旨在为临床工作提供参考和借鉴。

Dab2 attenuates brain injury in APP/PS1 mice via targeting transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD signaling

Transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β)type II receptor(TβRII)levels are extremely low in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.This receptor inhibits TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and thereby aggravates amyolid-beta deposition and neuronal injury.Dab2,a specific adapter protein,protects TβRII from degradation and ensures the effective conduction of TGF-β1/SMAD signaling.In this study,we used an adenoviral vector to overexpress the Dab2 gene in the mouse hippocampus and investigated the regulatory effect of Dab2 protein on TGF-β1/SMAD signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,and the potential neuroprotective effect.The results showed that the TβRII level was lower in APP/PS1 mouse hippocampus than in normal mouse hippocampus.After Dab2 expression,hippocampal TβRII and p-SMAD2/3 levels were significantly increased,while amyloid-beta deposition,microglia activation,tumor necrosis factor-βand interleulin-6 levels and neuronal loss were significantly attenuated in APP/PS1 mouse brain tissue.These results suggest that Dab2 can exhibit neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer’s disease by regulating TGF-β1/SMAD signaling.

Effects of transfected adenovirus-mediated transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 on hippocampal-derived neural stem cell proliferation and apoptosis under hypoxia

BACKGROUND:Neural stem cell(NSC) survival is closely associated with cell apoptosis in ischemic-hypoxic regions following transplantation.Numerous studies have revealed that X-box binding protein 1(XBP1) is a transcription factor during endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response and is essential for cell survival,differentiation,and anti-apoptotic effects.OBJECTIVE:To determine the effects of the XBP1 gene on NSC proliferation and apoptosis under hypoxic conditions following XBP1 gene transfection into rat embryonic hippocampal NSCs using recombinant adenovirus vector.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:In vitro experiments were performed at the Laboratory of Cell Biology of Jilin University and Laboratory of Proteomics,Department of Neurology,Jilin University,China from September 2008 to November 2009.MATERIALS:Recombinant adenovirus package XBP1 gene and Ad-XBP1-enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid(Guangzhou Easywin BioMed Technology,China),rabbit anti-XBP1 and its target gene estrogen receptor degradation-enhancing α-mannosidase-like protein(EDEM),glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-2 and proapoptotic molecule Bax polyclonal antibody(Santa Cruz Biotechnology,Inc.,Santa Cruz,CA,USA),and CoCl2(Sigma,St.Louis,MO,USA) were used in the present study.METHODS:Hippocampi from embryonic,Sprague Dawley rats on gestational day 16 were harvested for NSC isolation and cloning,followed by immunofluorescence for Nestin and sub-culturing.The recombinant adenovirus Ad-XBP1-enhanced green fluorescent protein plasmid was transfected into rat embryonic hippocampal NSCs,and then CoCl2 was applied to induce hypoxia.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Cell quantification and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay were utilized to detect proliferation in XBP1-transfected NSCs for 7 consecutive days.Western blot assay was utilized to quantify XBP1,GRP78,EDEM,Bcl-2,and Bax expression.Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis.RESULTS:NSC proliferation was significantly enhanced following XBP1 gene transfection(P < 0.05).Under hypoxic conditions,GRP78,EDEM,and Bcl-2 levels increased,but Bax levels decreased.In addition,NSC apoptosis decreased following transfection(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The XBP1 gene was successfully transfected into rat embryonic hippocampal NSCs using a recombinant adenovirus vector.NSC proliferation following transfection,as well as anti-apoptotic effects under hypoxia,was significantly increased.

Survivin-specific small interfering RNAs enhance sensitivity of glioma U-87MG cells to paclitaxel by promoting apoptosis

A survivin siRNA expression vector was transfected into glioma U-87MG cells and these cells were then treated with paclitaxel.The results showed that survivin-specific siRNA combined with paclitaxel treatment synergistically inhibited glioma U-87MG cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis.This treatment also inhibited the expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins,survivin,cyclinD1,c-Myc and CDK4 and enhanced the sensitivity of U-87MG cells to paclitaxel.

阿来替尼治疗ALK基因融合重排NSCLC脑转移瘤的临床疗效分析

目的:探讨阿来替尼治疗ALK融合重排非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cance,NSCLC)脑转移患者的疗效及不良反应。方法:回顾性分析2016年8月至2019年10月天津医科大学肿瘤医院34例以脑转移为首发的ALK基因融合重排NSCLC患者的临床资料,其中13例(38.2%)患者接受阿来替尼单药一线治疗。男性7例(53.8%),女性6例(46.2%),中位年龄51(35~72)岁。应用Kaplan-Meier分析其生存情况。结果:阿来替尼治疗ALK基因融合重排肺癌脑转移瘤,颅内中位无进展生存期(median pro-gression-free survival,m PFS)为24.5个月。药物不良反应较轻。结论:在颅内可测量病灶得到局部治疗的基础上,阿来替尼作为ALK基因融合重排NSCLC脑转移患者的一线治疗方案,显著延长患者无进展生存期(progression-free survival,PFS)。

Silencing the gene encoding C/EBP homologous protein lessens acute brain injury following ischemia/reperfusion

C/EBP homologous protein, an important transcription factor during endoplasmic reticulum stress, participates in cell apoptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress. Previous studies have shown that C/EBP homologous protein mediates nerve injury during Alzheimer's disease, subarachnoid hemorrhage and spinal cord trauma. In this study, we introduced C/EBP homologous protein short hairpin RNA into the brains of ischemia/reperfusion rat models via injection of lentiviral vector through the left lateral ventricle. Silencing C/EBP homologous protein gene expression significantly reduced cerebral infarction volume, decreased water content and tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β mRNA expression in brain tissues following infarction, diminished the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the infarct region, decreased caspase-3 protein content and increased Bcl-2 protein content. These results suggest that silencing C/EBP homologous protein lessens cell apoptosis and inflammatory reactions, thereby protecting nerves.

Estrogen receptor beta treats Alzheimer's disease

In vitro studies have shown that estrogen receptor β can attenuate the cytotoxic effect of amyloid β protein on PC12 cells through the Akt pathway without estrogen stimulation. In this study, we aimed to observe the effect of estrogen receptor β in Alzheimer's disease rat models established by intraventricular injection of amyloid β protein. Estrogen receptor β lentiviral particles delivered via intraventricular injection increased Akt content in the hippocampus, decreased interleukin-1β mRNA, tumor necrosis factor α mRNA and amyloid β protein levels in the hippocampus, and improved the learning and memory capacities in Alzheimer's disease rats. Estrogen receptor β short hairpin RNA lentiviral particles delivered via intraventricular injection had none of the above impacts on Alzheimer's disease rats. These experimental findings indicate that estrogen receptor β, independent from estrogen, can reduce inflammatory reactions and amyloid β deposition in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease rats, and improve learning and memory capacities. This effect may be mediated through activation of the Akt pathway.

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor TabHLH1 increases chlorogenic acid and luteolin biosynthesis in Taraxacum antungense Kitag

Polyphenols are the main active components of the anti-inflammatory compounds in dandelion,and chlorogenic acid(CGA)is one of the primary polyphenols.However,the molecular mechanism underlying the transcriptional regulation of CGA biosynthesis remains unclear.Hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase(HQT2)is the last rate-limiting enzyme in chlorogenic acid biosynthesis in Taraxacum antungense.Therefore,using the TaHQT2 gene promoter as a probe,a yeast one-hybrid library was performed,and a basic helix-loop-helix(bHLH)transcription factor,TabHLH1,was identified that shared substantial homology with Gynura bicolor DC bHLH1.The TabHLH1 transcript was highly induced by salt stress,and the TabHLH1 protein was localized in the nucleus.CGA and luteolin concentrations in TabHLH1-overexpression transgenic lines were significantly higher than those in the wild type,while CGA and luteolin concentrations in TabHLH1-RNA interference(RNAi)transgenic lines were significantly lower.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that overexpression and RNAi of TabHLH1 in T.antungense significantly affected CGA and luteolin concentrations by upregulating or downregulating CGA and luteolin biosynthesis pathway genes,especially TaHQT2,4-coumarate-CoA ligase(Ta4CL),chalcone isomerase(TaCHI),and flavonoid-3′-hydroxylase(TaF3′H).Dual-luciferase,yeast one-hybrid,and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that TabHLH1 directly bound to the bHLH-binding motifs of proTaHQT2 and proTa4CL.This study suggests that TabHLH1 participates in the regulatory network of CGA and luteolin biosynthesis in T.antungense and might be useful for metabolic engineering to promote plant polyphenol biosynthesis.

α-Oxoketene Cyclic S, S-cetals Chemistry-Substitution Reaction of α,α'-Dicinnamoyl Ketene Cyclic S, S-Acetals with Ethylenediamine

α,α’-Dicinnamoyl ketene cyclic S, S-acetals 4 were reacted with ethylenediamine to afford α,α’-dicinnamoyl ketene cyclic N,N-acetals 5. This process provides a new method for thesynthesis of 5 in high yield under mild conditions.

Study on buffering performance of thin-walled metal tube with different angles

High frequency shock load is often generated during pyrotechnic device working, which is detrimental to spacecraft structures and electric devices. Therefore, it is valuable to reduce the shock load in pyrotechnic device design. Actually, there are several ways to decrease pyroshock loads, such as reduction of powder,installation of buffering structure, insulation of damageable devices, and so on. Considered assuring the function of pyrotechnic device and minimum of structure modification, shock absorbing structure is more propitious to be introduced in pyrotechnic device. In this paper, based on the method of thinwalled metal tube diameter-expanding, a thin-walled tube shock buffering structure was designed on a separate bolt. Built on the simplified structure of a separate bolt, the model of cone piston impacting thin-walled tube absorber was established, and the thin-walled tube shock absorbing characteristics and the relation between cone angles and absorber performance were analyzed. The results showed that the change of buffering force of thin-walled tube could be divided into four phases, and each phase was correspondent to the cone piston structure. In addition, as the cone angle increases, the max shock acceleration changes in the style of decrease-increase-decrease-increase, which is the result of coupled effects of cone piston max enter depth, buffering force and energy loss. In short, these results could establish the relationships between thin-walled tube absorbing performance and its structure, which is of significance to develop low-shock pyrotechnic device.

α-Oxo Ketene Dithioacetals Chemistry-A Facile Route to the Synthesis of Fused Heterocyclic Compounds

The fused heterocyclic compounds 2 : imidazo [1.2-a] pyriding 2a-c and pyrido [ 1 .2-a] pyrimidine 2d were obtained from the reaction of α-cinnamoyl ketene dibenzylthio acetals 1 with diamine. When α-cinnamoyl -a’-benzoyl ketene N. N-acetals 3a-b were treated by t-BuONa/t- BuOH Solution. 8- benzoyl-pyrido[1.2-a] pyrimidine 4 was produced.

Adsorption of cationic dyes from aqueous solution using hydrophilic silica aerogel via ambient pressure drying

In order to remove the organic dyes of textile waste water,the silica aerogel was successfully prepared by using E-40 as a novel precursor and then dried in ambient pressure.The synthesized sample was verified by Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR).After calcining,the hydrophilic silica aerogel(HSA)was used as adsorbent to remove Methylene Blue(MB),Malachite Green(MG),and Gentian Violet(GV)from aqueous solution.The effects of initial concentration of dyes and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption process were examined.It was found that HSA showed excellent adsorption capacities,the maximum percentage of removal dyes could reach 98%.Herein,the Langmuir,Freundlich and de Boer-Zwikker isotherm modes were employed to discuss the adsorption behavior.The results indicated that the de Boer–Zwikker model can effectively describe the adsorption behavior.Besides,the HSA could be utilized as the recyclable adsorbent in degradation experiment,after five cycles,no obvious loss of adsorption capacity was found.As an efficient,low-cost,environmental friendly and recyclable adsorbent,silica aerogel is expected to be used for dyes removal.