The history of watercolor painting spans over three centuries,and the study of watercolor creations focusing on female themes have been a hot topic in the subfield of art studies.Watercolor originated in the Age of Ex...The history of watercolor painting spans over three centuries,and the study of watercolor creations focusing on female themes have been a hot topic in the subfield of art studies.Watercolor originated in the Age of Exploration,initially serving as a practical tool for natural history,and later evolving into an art form for the aristocracy.In the 20th century,creations featuring female themes flourished and reached their peak.Compared to early works portraying female theses in mythology and religion,these paintings exhibit significant differences in expression,color,and texture,reflecting the gradual rise of women’s status and the artists’reflections on modern society.This article delves into the development,emotional expression,creation,and inspiration of watercolor paintings with female themes.By analyzing representative works,we explore the artists’portrayal of women and the reflection of women’s living conditions,social status,and ideological consciousness in contemporary society.This article also examines the profound influence and artistic value of these works on contemporary female-themed paintings from the perspective of art studies.展开更多
AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing rec...AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the expression level of sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4(Sox4)in female lung cancer patients and its clinical significance.Methods:213cases of female lung cancer pati...Objective:To investigate the expression level of sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4(Sox4)in female lung cancer patients and its clinical significance.Methods:213cases of female lung cancer patients who presented in the third affiliated hospital of Kunming medical university were selected for this study.Patients were performed radical surgery of lung cancer;the tumor and adjacent normal tissues were collected.The expression of Sox4 were determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining.The correlation between Sox4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed.Results:The mRNA level of Sox4 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues(P <0.05).The positive expression rate of SOX4 in carcinoma tissues was 54.46%,which was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues(23.47%)(P <0.05).The positive expression rate of Sox4 in stageⅢ was 89.47%,which was significantly higher than that in stageⅠ-Ⅱ(P <0.05).The positive expression rate of SOX4 in lung cancer patients with lymph node metastasis was 90.91%,which was significantly higher than that in patients without lymph node metastasis(P <0.05).The positive expression rates of Sox4 in low,middle and high differentiation tissues were 69.05%,32.88% and 23.21% respectively,suggesting that the expression of Sox4 in female lung cancer tissues decreased with the increase of pathological differentiation grades.Conclusion:In female lung cancer,SOX4expression was significantly higher in tumor tissue than that of adjacent normal tissues and was correlated with clinical stage,lymph node metastasis and pathological differentiation.Sox4 expression detection may help determine the prognosis of women with lung cancer and provide a theoretical basis for molecular targeted therapy of lung cancer in women.展开更多
Heavy metals have been found to be endocrine disruptors in invertebrates.Lead is one of the most widespread elements of contamination,but there has been no research about the effects of lead stress on vitellogenin(Vg)...Heavy metals have been found to be endocrine disruptors in invertebrates.Lead is one of the most widespread elements of contamination,but there has been no research about the effects of lead stress on vitellogenin(Vg) gene expression in insects exposed to lead over multiple generations.In this paper,the effects of different concentrations of lead(0,0.3,4.8 and 76.8 mg kg^(–1)) on the expression of Vg in the beet armyworm over five successive generations were studied.The results showed that lead stress had significant effects on Vg expression in a dose-dependent manner.For females at the larval and adult stages,as lead concentration increased,Vg expression was significantly inhibited; for males at these two developmental stages,Vg expression was induced and increased as lead concentration increased.In addition,with the increase over stressed generations,inhibited effects for females and induced effects for males at the larval and adult stages became increasingly more obvious.However,at the pupal stage,Vg expression in the two genders was different from that at the larval and adult stages.The results indicate that lead stress can upregulate Vg expression in males which should be a useful indicator for environmental risk assessment.展开更多
AIM:There are conflicting data about p53 function on cellular sensitivity to the cytotoxic action of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the combined effects of adenovirus-med...AIM:There are conflicting data about p53 function on cellular sensitivity to the cytotoxic action of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the combined effects of adenovirus-mediated wild-type (wt) p53 gene transfer and 5-FU chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer cells with different p53 gene status. METHODS:Human pancreatic cancer cell lines Capan-1^(p53mut), Capan-2^(p53wt),FAMPAC^(p53mut),PANC1^(p53mut),and rat pancreatic cancer cell lines AS^(p53wt) and DSL6A^(p53null) were used for in vitro studies.Following infection with different ratios of Ad- p53-particles (MOI) in combination with 5-FU,proliferation of tumor cells and apoptosis were quantified by cell proliferation assay (WST-1) and FACS (PI-staining).In addition,DSL6A syngeneic pancreatic tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously in to Lewis rats for in vivo studies. Tumor size,apoptosis (TUNEL) and survival were determined. RESULTS:Ad-p53 gene transfer combined with 5-FU significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and substantially enhanced apoptosis in all four cell lines with an alteration in the p53 gene compared to those two cell lines containing wt-p53.In vivo experiments showed the most effective tumor regression in animals treated with Ad-p53 plus 5-FU.Both in vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that a sublethal dose of Ad-p53 augmented the apoptotic response induced by 5-FU. CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that Ad-p53 may synergistically enhance 5-FU-chemosensitivity most strikingly in pancreatic cancer cells lacking p53 function.These findings illustrate that the anticancer efficacy of this combination treatment is dependent on the p53 gene status of the target tumor cells.展开更多
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Iranian female population, and the incidence of the disease is rising. Early detection in association with staging or grading the tumor is the most effectiv...Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Iranian female population, and the incidence of the disease is rising. Early detection in association with staging or grading the tumor is the most effective method to increase survival rates. Studies have revealed that cortactin overexpression may play a role in the final stages of tumor progression and affects invasion and cellular motility. The aim of this study is to evaluate cortactin gene expression among Iranian female patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Samples belonging to 70 breast cancer patients were randomly selected from the Imam Khomeini tumor bank. Normal and tumor tissues were prepared and stored at -80°C. Cortactin gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Finally the data, along with demographic and clinical parameters, were analyzed using Prism 5.0 software, followed by t-test and ANOVA analysis. Results: Cortactin gene expression among tumor tissues increased 95.71% in comparison with normal tissues. A significant correlation between cortactin gene expression and lymph nodes’ involvement (P = 0.0077) and tumor stage (P = 0.0030) was observed. However, tumor grade (P = 0.8598), tumor size (P = 0.3058), and patient’s age (P = 0.4135) had no significant correlation with the gene’s expression level. Discussion: This study demonstrated that the cortactin gene’s overexpression in breast cancer may enhance lymph nodes’ involvement. This study also found that the gene’s expression was raised significantly in progressed stages of the cancer. Therefore, cortactin gene overexpression is an important factor indicating breast cells’ invasion. Conclusion: The cortactin gene’s expression level can be considered an accurate indicator for female breast cancer and also an appropriate biomarker for this cancer in clinical evaluations.展开更多
Black female writer, Alice Walker is always misunderstood as a writer who attaches more attention to the contents and thoughts in her works. But the success of her work The Color Purple fully demonstrates her ability ...Black female writer, Alice Walker is always misunderstood as a writer who attaches more attention to the contents and thoughts in her works. But the success of her work The Color Purple fully demonstrates her ability of exquisitely adopting artistic expressions to realize the integration of contents and form. So this paper aims to study three artistic expressions applied in this novel, that is, the epistolary style, symbolism of the real objects and psychological transformation of the characters. Furthermore, it's illustrational to show in this thesis that Alice Walker is not only a writer with deep thoughts, but also an imaginative and creative master of excelling in her writing techniques.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the expression of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) binding protein (LBP) and CD14 mRNA and the severity of liver injury in alcohol-fed rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided ...AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the expression of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) binding protein (LBP) and CD14 mRNA and the severity of liver injury in alcohol-fed rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into two groups:ethanol-fed group (group E) and control group (group C). Group E was fed with ethanol(5-12 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and group C received dextrose instead of ethanol. Rats of the two groups were sacrificed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Levels of endotoxin and alanine transaminase (ALT) in blood were measured, and liver pathology was observed under light and electronic microscopy. Expressions of LBP and CD14 mRNA in liver tissues were determined by RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS: Plasma endotoxin levels were increased more significantly in group E(129+/-21) ng x L(-1) and (187+/-35) ng x L(-1) at 4 and 8 wk than in control rats(48+/-9) ng x L(-1) and (53+/-11) ng x L(-1), respectively (P【0.05). Mean values of plasma ALT levels were (1867+/-250) nkat x L(-1) and (2450+/-367) nkat x L(-1) in Group E. The values were increased more dramatically in ethanol-fed rats than in Group C after 4 and 8 weeks. In liver section from ethanol-fed rats, there were marked pathological changes (steatosis, cell infiltration and necrosis). In ethanol-fed rats, ethanol administration led to a significant increase in LBP and CD14 mRNA levels compared with the control group (P【0.05). CONCLUSION: Ethanol administration led to a significant increase in endotoxin levels in serum and LBP and CD14 mRNA expressions in liver tissues. The increase of LBP and CD14 mRNA expression might wake the liver more sensitive to endotoxin and liver injury.展开更多
AIM: To study and clone a novel liver cancer related gene, and to explore the molecular basis of liver cancer genesis. METHODS: Using mRNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DDPCR), we investigated the di...AIM: To study and clone a novel liver cancer related gene, and to explore the molecular basis of liver cancer genesis. METHODS: Using mRNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DDPCR), we investigated the difference of mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and paired surrounding liver tissues, and got a gene probe. By screening a human placenta cDNA library and genomic homologous extend, we obtained a full-length cDNA named HCCA3. We analyzed the expression of this novel gene in 42 pairs of HCC and the surrounding liver tissues, and distribution in human normal tissues by means of Northern blot assay. RESULTS: A full-length cDNA of liver cancer associated gene HCCA3 has been submitted to the GeneBank nucleotide sequence databases (Accession No. AF276707). The positive expression rate of this gene was 78.6% (33/42) in HCC tissues, and the clinical pathological data showed that the HCCA3 was closely associated with the invasion of tumor capsule (P=0.023) and adjacant small metastasis satellite nodules lesions (P=0.041). The HCCA3 was widely distributed in the human normal tissues, which was intensively expressed in lungs, brain and colon tissues, while lowly expressed in the liver tissues. CONCLUSION: A novel full-length cDNA was cloned and differentiated, which was highly expressed in liver cancer tissues. The high expression was closely related to the tumor invasiveness and metastasis,that may be the late heredited change in HCC genesis.展开更多
AIM: To observe the inhibition of antisense oligonucleotides (asON) phosphorthioate to the tissue inhibitors metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) gene and protein expression in the liver tissue of immunologically induced hepa...AIM: To observe the inhibition of antisense oligonucleotides (asON) phosphorthioate to the tissue inhibitors metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) gene and protein expression in the liver tissue of immunologically induced hepatic fibrosis rats. The possibility of reversing hepatic fibrosis through gene therapy was observed. METHODS: Human serum albumin (HSA) was used to attack rats, as hepatic fibrosis model, in which asONs were used to block the gene and protein expressing TIMP-1. According to the analysis of modulator, structure protein, coding series of TIMP-1 genome, we designed four different asONs. These asONs were injected into the hepatic fibrosis models through coccygeal vein. The results was observed by RT-PCR for measuring TIMP-1 mRNA expression, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for collagen I, II, special staining of collagen fiber, and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS: Hepatic fibrosis could last within 363 days in our modified model. The expressing level of TIMP-1 was high during hepatic fibrosis process. It has been proved by the immunohistochemical and the electron microscopic examination that the asON phosphorthioate of TIMP-1 could exactly express in vivo. The effect of colchicine was demonstrated to inhibit the expressing level of mRNA and the content of collagen I, III in the liver of experimental hepatic fibrosis rats. However, the electron microscopy research and the pathologic grading of hepatic fibrosis showed that there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the model group (P】 0.05). CONCLUSION: The experimental rat model of hepatic fibrosis is one of the preferable models to estimate the curative effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs. The asON phosphorthioate of TIMP-1 could block the gene and protein expression of TIMP-1 in the liver of experimental hepatic fibrosis rats at the mRNA level. It is possible to reverse hepatic fibrosis, and it is expected to study a new drug of antihepatic fibrosis on the genetic level. Colchicine has very limited therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis, furthermore, its toxicity and side effects are obvious.展开更多
AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The pu...AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The purpose of this study was to determine IL-8 RNA expression levels in NERD patients with or without subtle mucosal changes. METHODS:We studied 26 patients with NERD and 13 asymptomatic controls.Biopsy sample was taken from the esophagus 3 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and snap frozen for measurement of IL-8 mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR).We also examined mRNA expression of IL-8 receptors,CXCR-1 and -2 by reverse transcriptase PCR.The patients were endoscopically classified into grade M(mucosal color changes without visible mucosal break)and N(neither minimal involvement nor mucosal break)of the modified Los Angeles classification. RESULTS:The relative IL-8 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in esophageal mucosa of NERD patients than those in esophageal mucosa of the controls.There was a significant difference in IL-8 mRNA levels between grades M and N.The CXCR-1 and -2 mRNAs were constitutively expressed in esophageal mucosa.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high IL-8 levels in esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of NERD through interaction with its receptors. NERD seems to be composed of a heterogeneous population in terms of not only endoscopically minimal involvement but also immune and inflammatory processes.展开更多
AIM: To determine whether normal genetically immunocompetent rodent hosts could be manipulated to accept human hepatocyte transplants with long term survival without immunosuppression. METHODS: Tolerance towards human...AIM: To determine whether normal genetically immunocompetent rodent hosts could be manipulated to accept human hepatocyte transplants with long term survival without immunosuppression. METHODS: Tolerance towards human hepatocytes was established by injection of primary human hepatocytes or Huh7 human hepatoma cells into the peritoneal cavities of fetal rats. Corresponding cells were subsequently transplanted into newborn rats via intrasplenic injection within 24h after birth. RESULTS: Mixed lymphocyte assays showed that spleen cells from non-tolerized rats were stimulated to proliferate when exposed to human hepatocytes, while cells from tolerized rats were not. Injections made between 15 d and 17 d of gestation produced optimal tolerization. Transplanted human hepatocytes in rat livers were visualized by immunohistochemical staining of human albumin. By dot blotting of genomic DNA in livers of tolerized rats 16 weeks after hepatocyte transplantation, it was found that approximately 2.5 X 10(5) human hepatocytes survived per rat liver. Human albumin mRNA was detected in rat livers by RT-PCR for 15 wk, and human albumin protein was also detectable in rat serum. CONCLUSION: Tolerization of an immuno-competent rat can permit transplantation, and survival of functional human hepatocytes.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate telomerase gene expression in precancerous mammary lesion, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and breast cancer and to study the relationship between expression and malignant transformation....OBJECTIVE: To investigate telomerase gene expression in precancerous mammary lesion, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and breast cancer and to study the relationship between expression and malignant transformation. METHODS: Expression of human telomerase genes (hTR) and human reverse transcriptase gene (hTRT) in 76 cases of mammary tissue was evaluated using in situ hybridization and included 50 cases of mammary hyperplasia, 6 of which were benign hyperplasia, 9 were mild atypical hyperplasia, 12 were moderate atypical hyperplasia, 23 were severe atypical hyperplasia and 26 were mammary cancer. RESULTS: The expressions of hTR and hTRT mRNA were much weaker or negative in benign hyperplasia (16.6%, 0), weak to mild moderate in atypical hyperplasia (22.2%, 11.1%, 33.3%, 25.0%), strong in severe atypical hyperplasia (60.9%, 52.1%), and significantly strong in mammary cancer (88.5%, 80.8%).The difference between mild-moderate atypical hyperplasia, invasive ductal carcinoma and severe atypical hyperplasia was significant (P 0.05). CONCLUSION: Telomerase genes (hTR and hTRT) expressions are related to the transformation of atypical hyperplasia. Activated telomerase may play a role in mammary cancer development.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and features of 3 catheter-mediated approaches of gene transfer into heart, including direct myocardial injection (DMI), coronary artery perfusion (CAP), and intrapericardial ...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and features of 3 catheter-mediated approaches of gene transfer into heart, including direct myocardial injection (DMI), coronary artery perfusion (CAP), and intrapericardial cavity injection (ICI). METHODS: Fifteen dogs were used, and 0.3 ml (1 x 10(9) pfu) of an adenovirus (Adex1SR LacZ) was injected into the heart by 3 methods. The dogs were killed 5 days following injection, and gene expressions in heart and liver were evaluated by histochemical analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that (1) the CAP method was relatively less damaging and induced sparse LacZ expression in the myocardium, and the gene expression was also found in both vessels within the myocardium and liver; (2) gene transfer by DMI resulted in intense LacZ expression around the injection accompanied by a local inflammatory response; (3) LacZ expression elicited by ICI was detected in either the inner surface of the parietal pericardium or epicardial surface of the heart, and also in the myocardium underlying the visceral pericardium. CONCLUSION: Three catheter-mediated methods of gene transfer into the heart may be used and a reasonable approach should be chosen according to purpose.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONThe mechanism that DNA hypomethylation leads toactivation of oncogene and occurrence of malignantneoplasm is being increasingly recognized byresearchers. Normal DNA methylation playsimportant role in stabi...INTRODUCTIONThe mechanism that DNA hypomethylation leads toactivation of oncogene and occurrence of malignantneoplasm is being increasingly recognized byresearchers. Normal DNA methylation playsimportant role in stabilizing the phenotype of cell.DNA methylation status reduction and/or patternalteration are related to activation and abnormallyhigh expression of some oncogenes and cellularmalignancy[1-6]. c-fms oncogene encodes for colonystimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R)[7], c-fms/CSF-1R was highly expressed in hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) tissue, but the mechanismremained obscure[8,9].展开更多
In searching of differentially expressed genes in human uterine leiomyomas, differential display was used with twelve pairs of primers to compare human uterine leiomyomas with matched myometrium. False positives were ...In searching of differentially expressed genes in human uterine leiomyomas, differential display was used with twelve pairs of primers to compare human uterine leiomyomas with matched myometrium. False positives were eliminated by reverse Northern analysis. Positives were confirmed by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: Four of 69 cDNA fragments (3 up-regulated named L1, L2 and L3 and 1 down-regulated named M1 in leiomyoma) were confirmed by Northern analysis. Sequence comparison and Northern analysis proved that L1 is exactly the human ribosomal protein S19. It was present ubiquitously in 13 tissues tested but in various levels and even in different size. L1 was highly expressed in parotidean cystadenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer examined. No mutations have been found in human uterine leiomyomas (n=6). CONCLUSIONS: hRPS19 overexpression might be a universal signal in rapid cell growth tissues.展开更多
Effects of maternal dietary zinc deficiency on prenatal and postnatal brain development were investigated in ICR strain mice. From d 1 of pregnancy (E0) until postnatal d 20 (P20), maternal mice were fed experimental ...Effects of maternal dietary zinc deficiency on prenatal and postnatal brain development were investigated in ICR strain mice. From d 1 of pregnancy (E0) until postnatal d 20 (P20), maternal mice were fed experimental diets that contained 1 mg Zn/kg/day (severe zinc deficient, SZD), 5 mg Zn/kg/day (marginal zinc deficient, MZD), 30 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc adequately supplied, ZA) or 100 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc supplemented, ZS and pair-fed, PF). Brains of offspring from these dietary groups were examined at various developmental stages for expression of nestin, an intermediate filament protein found in neural stem cells and young neurons. Immunocytochemistry showed nestin expression in neural tube 10.5 d post citrus (dpc) as well as in the cerebral cortex and neural tube from 10.5 dpc to postnatal d 10 (P10). Nestin immunoreactivities in both brain and neural tube of those zinc-supplemented control groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were stronger than those in zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD). Western blot analysis confirmed that nestin levels in pooled brain extracts from each of the zinc-supplemented groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were much higher than those from the zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD) from 10.5 dpc to P10. Immunostaining and Western blots showed no detectable nestin in any of the experimental and control group brains after P20. These observations of an association between maternal zinc deficiency and decreased nestin protein levels in brains of offspring suggest that zinc deficiency suppresses development of neural stem cells, an effect which may lead to neuroanatomical and behavioral abnormalities in adults.展开更多
文摘The history of watercolor painting spans over three centuries,and the study of watercolor creations focusing on female themes have been a hot topic in the subfield of art studies.Watercolor originated in the Age of Exploration,initially serving as a practical tool for natural history,and later evolving into an art form for the aristocracy.In the 20th century,creations featuring female themes flourished and reached their peak.Compared to early works portraying female theses in mythology and religion,these paintings exhibit significant differences in expression,color,and texture,reflecting the gradual rise of women’s status and the artists’reflections on modern society.This article delves into the development,emotional expression,creation,and inspiration of watercolor paintings with female themes.By analyzing representative works,we explore the artists’portrayal of women and the reflection of women’s living conditions,social status,and ideological consciousness in contemporary society.This article also examines the profound influence and artistic value of these works on contemporary female-themed paintings from the perspective of art studies.
文摘AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.
基金supported by grants from the Fund for Less Developed Regions of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81460441)the Scientific Research Fund for Key Projects of Yunnan Education Department(No.2013Z110)Special Joint Fund of Yunnan Provincial Science & Technology Bureau-Kunming Medical College(No.2013FB132)
文摘Objective:To investigate the expression level of sex-determining region Y-related high mobility group box 4(Sox4)in female lung cancer patients and its clinical significance.Methods:213cases of female lung cancer patients who presented in the third affiliated hospital of Kunming medical university were selected for this study.Patients were performed radical surgery of lung cancer;the tumor and adjacent normal tissues were collected.The expression of Sox4 were determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining.The correlation between Sox4 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed.Results:The mRNA level of Sox4 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues(P <0.05).The positive expression rate of SOX4 in carcinoma tissues was 54.46%,which was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues(23.47%)(P <0.05).The positive expression rate of Sox4 in stageⅢ was 89.47%,which was significantly higher than that in stageⅠ-Ⅱ(P <0.05).The positive expression rate of SOX4 in lung cancer patients with lymph node metastasis was 90.91%,which was significantly higher than that in patients without lymph node metastasis(P <0.05).The positive expression rates of Sox4 in low,middle and high differentiation tissues were 69.05%,32.88% and 23.21% respectively,suggesting that the expression of Sox4 in female lung cancer tissues decreased with the increase of pathological differentiation grades.Conclusion:In female lung cancer,SOX4expression was significantly higher in tumor tissue than that of adjacent normal tissues and was correlated with clinical stage,lymph node metastasis and pathological differentiation.Sox4 expression detection may help determine the prognosis of women with lung cancer and provide a theoretical basis for molecular targeted therapy of lung cancer in women.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0201907)the National Science and Technology Major Project,China (2016ZX08012-004)the Key Research and Development Project of Jiangsu Province,China (BE2017379-3)
文摘Heavy metals have been found to be endocrine disruptors in invertebrates.Lead is one of the most widespread elements of contamination,but there has been no research about the effects of lead stress on vitellogenin(Vg) gene expression in insects exposed to lead over multiple generations.In this paper,the effects of different concentrations of lead(0,0.3,4.8 and 76.8 mg kg^(–1)) on the expression of Vg in the beet armyworm over five successive generations were studied.The results showed that lead stress had significant effects on Vg expression in a dose-dependent manner.For females at the larval and adult stages,as lead concentration increased,Vg expression was significantly inhibited; for males at these two developmental stages,Vg expression was induced and increased as lead concentration increased.In addition,with the increase over stressed generations,inhibited effects for females and induced effects for males at the larval and adult stages became increasingly more obvious.However,at the pupal stage,Vg expression in the two genders was different from that at the larval and adult stages.The results indicate that lead stress can upregulate Vg expression in males which should be a useful indicator for environmental risk assessment.
文摘AIM:There are conflicting data about p53 function on cellular sensitivity to the cytotoxic action of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the combined effects of adenovirus-mediated wild-type (wt) p53 gene transfer and 5-FU chemotherapy on pancreatic cancer cells with different p53 gene status. METHODS:Human pancreatic cancer cell lines Capan-1^(p53mut), Capan-2^(p53wt),FAMPAC^(p53mut),PANC1^(p53mut),and rat pancreatic cancer cell lines AS^(p53wt) and DSL6A^(p53null) were used for in vitro studies.Following infection with different ratios of Ad- p53-particles (MOI) in combination with 5-FU,proliferation of tumor cells and apoptosis were quantified by cell proliferation assay (WST-1) and FACS (PI-staining).In addition,DSL6A syngeneic pancreatic tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously in to Lewis rats for in vivo studies. Tumor size,apoptosis (TUNEL) and survival were determined. RESULTS:Ad-p53 gene transfer combined with 5-FU significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and substantially enhanced apoptosis in all four cell lines with an alteration in the p53 gene compared to those two cell lines containing wt-p53.In vivo experiments showed the most effective tumor regression in animals treated with Ad-p53 plus 5-FU.Both in vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that a sublethal dose of Ad-p53 augmented the apoptotic response induced by 5-FU. CONCLUSION:Our results suggest that Ad-p53 may synergistically enhance 5-FU-chemosensitivity most strikingly in pancreatic cancer cells lacking p53 function.These findings illustrate that the anticancer efficacy of this combination treatment is dependent on the p53 gene status of the target tumor cells.
文摘Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Iranian female population, and the incidence of the disease is rising. Early detection in association with staging or grading the tumor is the most effective method to increase survival rates. Studies have revealed that cortactin overexpression may play a role in the final stages of tumor progression and affects invasion and cellular motility. The aim of this study is to evaluate cortactin gene expression among Iranian female patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Samples belonging to 70 breast cancer patients were randomly selected from the Imam Khomeini tumor bank. Normal and tumor tissues were prepared and stored at -80°C. Cortactin gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. Finally the data, along with demographic and clinical parameters, were analyzed using Prism 5.0 software, followed by t-test and ANOVA analysis. Results: Cortactin gene expression among tumor tissues increased 95.71% in comparison with normal tissues. A significant correlation between cortactin gene expression and lymph nodes’ involvement (P = 0.0077) and tumor stage (P = 0.0030) was observed. However, tumor grade (P = 0.8598), tumor size (P = 0.3058), and patient’s age (P = 0.4135) had no significant correlation with the gene’s expression level. Discussion: This study demonstrated that the cortactin gene’s overexpression in breast cancer may enhance lymph nodes’ involvement. This study also found that the gene’s expression was raised significantly in progressed stages of the cancer. Therefore, cortactin gene overexpression is an important factor indicating breast cells’ invasion. Conclusion: The cortactin gene’s expression level can be considered an accurate indicator for female breast cancer and also an appropriate biomarker for this cancer in clinical evaluations.
文摘Black female writer, Alice Walker is always misunderstood as a writer who attaches more attention to the contents and thoughts in her works. But the success of her work The Color Purple fully demonstrates her ability of exquisitely adopting artistic expressions to realize the integration of contents and form. So this paper aims to study three artistic expressions applied in this novel, that is, the epistolary style, symbolism of the real objects and psychological transformation of the characters. Furthermore, it's illustrational to show in this thesis that Alice Walker is not only a writer with deep thoughts, but also an imaginative and creative master of excelling in her writing techniques.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.39970719).
文摘AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the expression of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) binding protein (LBP) and CD14 mRNA and the severity of liver injury in alcohol-fed rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into two groups:ethanol-fed group (group E) and control group (group C). Group E was fed with ethanol(5-12 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and group C received dextrose instead of ethanol. Rats of the two groups were sacrificed at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Levels of endotoxin and alanine transaminase (ALT) in blood were measured, and liver pathology was observed under light and electronic microscopy. Expressions of LBP and CD14 mRNA in liver tissues were determined by RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS: Plasma endotoxin levels were increased more significantly in group E(129+/-21) ng x L(-1) and (187+/-35) ng x L(-1) at 4 and 8 wk than in control rats(48+/-9) ng x L(-1) and (53+/-11) ng x L(-1), respectively (P【0.05). Mean values of plasma ALT levels were (1867+/-250) nkat x L(-1) and (2450+/-367) nkat x L(-1) in Group E. The values were increased more dramatically in ethanol-fed rats than in Group C after 4 and 8 weeks. In liver section from ethanol-fed rats, there were marked pathological changes (steatosis, cell infiltration and necrosis). In ethanol-fed rats, ethanol administration led to a significant increase in LBP and CD14 mRNA levels compared with the control group (P【0.05). CONCLUSION: Ethanol administration led to a significant increase in endotoxin levels in serum and LBP and CD14 mRNA expressions in liver tissues. The increase of LBP and CD14 mRNA expression might wake the liver more sensitive to endotoxin and liver injury.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China No.30000077Science Funds for Post-doctoral Studies(1999[10])Medicial and Health Project Funds of Chinese PLA Lanzhou Command(LXH01-01)
文摘AIM: To study and clone a novel liver cancer related gene, and to explore the molecular basis of liver cancer genesis. METHODS: Using mRNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DDPCR), we investigated the difference of mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and paired surrounding liver tissues, and got a gene probe. By screening a human placenta cDNA library and genomic homologous extend, we obtained a full-length cDNA named HCCA3. We analyzed the expression of this novel gene in 42 pairs of HCC and the surrounding liver tissues, and distribution in human normal tissues by means of Northern blot assay. RESULTS: A full-length cDNA of liver cancer associated gene HCCA3 has been submitted to the GeneBank nucleotide sequence databases (Accession No. AF276707). The positive expression rate of this gene was 78.6% (33/42) in HCC tissues, and the clinical pathological data showed that the HCCA3 was closely associated with the invasion of tumor capsule (P=0.023) and adjacant small metastasis satellite nodules lesions (P=0.041). The HCCA3 was widely distributed in the human normal tissues, which was intensively expressed in lungs, brain and colon tissues, while lowly expressed in the liver tissues. CONCLUSION: A novel full-length cDNA was cloned and differentiated, which was highly expressed in liver cancer tissues. The high expression was closely related to the tumor invasiveness and metastasis,that may be the late heredited change in HCC genesis.
基金Supported by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China(No.1999-10 State Postdoctoral Foundation Commission)
文摘AIM: To observe the inhibition of antisense oligonucleotides (asON) phosphorthioate to the tissue inhibitors metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) gene and protein expression in the liver tissue of immunologically induced hepatic fibrosis rats. The possibility of reversing hepatic fibrosis through gene therapy was observed. METHODS: Human serum albumin (HSA) was used to attack rats, as hepatic fibrosis model, in which asONs were used to block the gene and protein expressing TIMP-1. According to the analysis of modulator, structure protein, coding series of TIMP-1 genome, we designed four different asONs. These asONs were injected into the hepatic fibrosis models through coccygeal vein. The results was observed by RT-PCR for measuring TIMP-1 mRNA expression, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for collagen I, II, special staining of collagen fiber, and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS: Hepatic fibrosis could last within 363 days in our modified model. The expressing level of TIMP-1 was high during hepatic fibrosis process. It has been proved by the immunohistochemical and the electron microscopic examination that the asON phosphorthioate of TIMP-1 could exactly express in vivo. The effect of colchicine was demonstrated to inhibit the expressing level of mRNA and the content of collagen I, III in the liver of experimental hepatic fibrosis rats. However, the electron microscopy research and the pathologic grading of hepatic fibrosis showed that there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the model group (P】 0.05). CONCLUSION: The experimental rat model of hepatic fibrosis is one of the preferable models to estimate the curative effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs. The asON phosphorthioate of TIMP-1 could block the gene and protein expression of TIMP-1 in the liver of experimental hepatic fibrosis rats at the mRNA level. It is possible to reverse hepatic fibrosis, and it is expected to study a new drug of antihepatic fibrosis on the genetic level. Colchicine has very limited therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis, furthermore, its toxicity and side effects are obvious.
文摘AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The purpose of this study was to determine IL-8 RNA expression levels in NERD patients with or without subtle mucosal changes. METHODS:We studied 26 patients with NERD and 13 asymptomatic controls.Biopsy sample was taken from the esophagus 3 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and snap frozen for measurement of IL-8 mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR).We also examined mRNA expression of IL-8 receptors,CXCR-1 and -2 by reverse transcriptase PCR.The patients were endoscopically classified into grade M(mucosal color changes without visible mucosal break)and N(neither minimal involvement nor mucosal break)of the modified Los Angeles classification. RESULTS:The relative IL-8 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in esophageal mucosa of NERD patients than those in esophageal mucosa of the controls.There was a significant difference in IL-8 mRNA levels between grades M and N.The CXCR-1 and -2 mRNAs were constitutively expressed in esophageal mucosa.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high IL-8 levels in esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of NERD through interaction with its receptors. NERD seems to be composed of a heterogeneous population in terms of not only endoscopically minimal involvement but also immune and inflammatory processes.
文摘AIM: To determine whether normal genetically immunocompetent rodent hosts could be manipulated to accept human hepatocyte transplants with long term survival without immunosuppression. METHODS: Tolerance towards human hepatocytes was established by injection of primary human hepatocytes or Huh7 human hepatoma cells into the peritoneal cavities of fetal rats. Corresponding cells were subsequently transplanted into newborn rats via intrasplenic injection within 24h after birth. RESULTS: Mixed lymphocyte assays showed that spleen cells from non-tolerized rats were stimulated to proliferate when exposed to human hepatocytes, while cells from tolerized rats were not. Injections made between 15 d and 17 d of gestation produced optimal tolerization. Transplanted human hepatocytes in rat livers were visualized by immunohistochemical staining of human albumin. By dot blotting of genomic DNA in livers of tolerized rats 16 weeks after hepatocyte transplantation, it was found that approximately 2.5 X 10(5) human hepatocytes survived per rat liver. Human albumin mRNA was detected in rat livers by RT-PCR for 15 wk, and human albumin protein was also detectable in rat serum. CONCLUSION: Tolerization of an immuno-competent rat can permit transplantation, and survival of functional human hepatocytes.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate telomerase gene expression in precancerous mammary lesion, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and breast cancer and to study the relationship between expression and malignant transformation. METHODS: Expression of human telomerase genes (hTR) and human reverse transcriptase gene (hTRT) in 76 cases of mammary tissue was evaluated using in situ hybridization and included 50 cases of mammary hyperplasia, 6 of which were benign hyperplasia, 9 were mild atypical hyperplasia, 12 were moderate atypical hyperplasia, 23 were severe atypical hyperplasia and 26 were mammary cancer. RESULTS: The expressions of hTR and hTRT mRNA were much weaker or negative in benign hyperplasia (16.6%, 0), weak to mild moderate in atypical hyperplasia (22.2%, 11.1%, 33.3%, 25.0%), strong in severe atypical hyperplasia (60.9%, 52.1%), and significantly strong in mammary cancer (88.5%, 80.8%).The difference between mild-moderate atypical hyperplasia, invasive ductal carcinoma and severe atypical hyperplasia was significant (P 0.05). CONCLUSION: Telomerase genes (hTR and hTRT) expressions are related to the transformation of atypical hyperplasia. Activated telomerase may play a role in mammary cancer development.
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and features of 3 catheter-mediated approaches of gene transfer into heart, including direct myocardial injection (DMI), coronary artery perfusion (CAP), and intrapericardial cavity injection (ICI). METHODS: Fifteen dogs were used, and 0.3 ml (1 x 10(9) pfu) of an adenovirus (Adex1SR LacZ) was injected into the heart by 3 methods. The dogs were killed 5 days following injection, and gene expressions in heart and liver were evaluated by histochemical analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that (1) the CAP method was relatively less damaging and induced sparse LacZ expression in the myocardium, and the gene expression was also found in both vessels within the myocardium and liver; (2) gene transfer by DMI resulted in intense LacZ expression around the injection accompanied by a local inflammatory response; (3) LacZ expression elicited by ICI was detected in either the inner surface of the parietal pericardium or epicardial surface of the heart, and also in the myocardium underlying the visceral pericardium. CONCLUSION: Three catheter-mediated methods of gene transfer into the heart may be used and a reasonable approach should be chosen according to purpose.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, No 990422
文摘INTRODUCTIONThe mechanism that DNA hypomethylation leads toactivation of oncogene and occurrence of malignantneoplasm is being increasingly recognized byresearchers. Normal DNA methylation playsimportant role in stabilizing the phenotype of cell.DNA methylation status reduction and/or patternalteration are related to activation and abnormallyhigh expression of some oncogenes and cellularmalignancy[1-6]. c-fms oncogene encodes for colonystimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R)[7], c-fms/CSF-1R was highly expressed in hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC) tissue, but the mechanismremained obscure[8,9].
文摘In searching of differentially expressed genes in human uterine leiomyomas, differential display was used with twelve pairs of primers to compare human uterine leiomyomas with matched myometrium. False positives were eliminated by reverse Northern analysis. Positives were confirmed by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS: Four of 69 cDNA fragments (3 up-regulated named L1, L2 and L3 and 1 down-regulated named M1 in leiomyoma) were confirmed by Northern analysis. Sequence comparison and Northern analysis proved that L1 is exactly the human ribosomal protein S19. It was present ubiquitously in 13 tissues tested but in various levels and even in different size. L1 was highly expressed in parotidean cystadenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer examined. No mutations have been found in human uterine leiomyomas (n=6). CONCLUSIONS: hRPS19 overexpression might be a universal signal in rapid cell growth tissues.
基金grants from National Basic Research Program (G 1999054000) andNational Natural Science FOundation of China (No.39770643, 398702
文摘Effects of maternal dietary zinc deficiency on prenatal and postnatal brain development were investigated in ICR strain mice. From d 1 of pregnancy (E0) until postnatal d 20 (P20), maternal mice were fed experimental diets that contained 1 mg Zn/kg/day (severe zinc deficient, SZD), 5 mg Zn/kg/day (marginal zinc deficient, MZD), 30 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc adequately supplied, ZA) or 100 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc supplemented, ZS and pair-fed, PF). Brains of offspring from these dietary groups were examined at various developmental stages for expression of nestin, an intermediate filament protein found in neural stem cells and young neurons. Immunocytochemistry showed nestin expression in neural tube 10.5 d post citrus (dpc) as well as in the cerebral cortex and neural tube from 10.5 dpc to postnatal d 10 (P10). Nestin immunoreactivities in both brain and neural tube of those zinc-supplemented control groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were stronger than those in zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD). Western blot analysis confirmed that nestin levels in pooled brain extracts from each of the zinc-supplemented groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were much higher than those from the zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD) from 10.5 dpc to P10. Immunostaining and Western blots showed no detectable nestin in any of the experimental and control group brains after P20. These observations of an association between maternal zinc deficiency and decreased nestin protein levels in brains of offspring suggest that zinc deficiency suppresses development of neural stem cells, an effect which may lead to neuroanatomical and behavioral abnormalities in adults.