Writing the Silenced Female Body, Scrutinizing the Grand Narrative of Colonization and Decolonization: The Body in Zoë Wicomb’s David’s Story

David’s Story by Zoë Wicomb addresses the complexities of representing female suffering and the limitations of traditional historical narratives in capturing the experiences of marginalized bodies.It challenges the grand narratives of national history by emphasizing the indispensable role of women’s experiences.Through characters like Dulcie and Rachael,Wicomb portrays the female body as a site of resistance and resilience,highlighting the need for more nuanced and inclusive ways of documenting history.Underscoring the inexpressibility of trauma and the limitations of language and representation,the novel self-reflexively acknowledges its own aporia of completing the narrative,embodying the ongoing struggle to capture the full breadth of human experience.

Analysis of the Tragic Female Images in Eugene O'Neill's Plays

Ruth and Mary are two heroines in Eugene O'Neill's plays Beyond the Horizon, and Long Day's Journey into Night. They have some similarities: when they are young, they are beautiful, native and full of hope towards the future life, but both make wrong choices; in the following years, both suffer a lot from these wrong choices, and feel regretful. This paper tries to explore these two tragic female images.

The Female's Living Conditions:Comments on The Daughters of the Late Colonel

This article is a concern of the female's living conditions in the story The Daughters of the Late Colonel written by Katherine Mansfield.The analysis will stress on the relationship between the two daughters and the people around them,through which the plight and oppression that heaved upon women and their tragical,unhappy life in the patriarchal society are clearly exposed.

Monte Carlo calculation of the exposure of Chinese female astronauts to earth’s trapped radiation on board the Chinese Space Station

With the development of China’s crewed space mission,the space radiation risk for astronauts is increasingly prominent.This paper describes a simulation of the radiation doses experienced by a Chinese female voxel phantom on board the Chinese Space Station(CSS)performed using the Monte Carlo N-Particle(MCNP)software.The absorbed dose,equivalent dose,and effective dose experienced by the voxel phantom and its critical organs are discussed for different levels of shielding of the Tianhe core module.The risk of space-radiation exposure is then assessed by comparing these doses with the current risk limits in China(the skin dose limit for short-term low-earth-orbit missions)and the NASA figures(National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No.98)for female astronauts.The results obtained can be used to guide and optimize the radiation protection provided for manned space missions.

Gender disparities and woman-specific trends in Barrett’s esophagus in the United States:An 11-year nationwide populationbased study

BACKGROUND Barrett's esophagus(BE)is a known premalignant precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC).The prevalence rates continue to rise in the United States,but many patients who are at risk of EAC are not screened.Current practice guidelines include male gender as a predisposing factor for BE and EAC.The population-based clinical evidence regarding female gender remains limited.AIM To study comparative trends of gender disparities in patients with BE in the United States.METHODS A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using the 2009-2019 National Inpatient Sample(NIS)database.Patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis code of BE were identified.The major outcome of interest was determining the gender disparities in patients with BE.Trend analysis for respective outcomes for females was also reported to ascertain any time-based shifts.RESULTS We identified 1204190 patients with BE for the study period.Among the included patients,717439(59.6%)were men and 486751(40.4%)were women.The mean age was higher in women than in men(67.1±0.4 vs 66.6±0.3 years,P<0.001).The rate of BE per 100000 total NIS hospitalizations for males increased from 144.6 in 2009 to 213.4 in 2019(P<0.001).The rate for females increased from 96.8 in 2009 to 148.7 in 2019(P<0.001).There was a higher frequency of obesity among women compared to men(17.4%vs 12.6%,P<0.001).Obesity prevalence among females increased from 12.3%in 2009 to 21.9%in 2019(P<0.001).A lower prevalence of smoking was noted in women than in men(20.8%vs 35.7%,P<0.001).However,trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of smoking among women,from 12.9%in 2009 to 30.7%in 2019(P<0.001).Additionally,there was a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),and diabetes mellitus among females than males(P<0.001).Trend analysis showed an increasing prevalence of alcohol use disorder and a decreasing prevalence of H.pylori and diabetes mellitus among women(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The prevalence of BE among women has steadily increased from 2009 to 2019.The existing knowledge concerning BE development has historically focused on men,but our findings show that the risk in women is not insignificant.

The Enclosed Personal Space and Female Identity Construction in A. S. Byatt's Possession

From the perspective of feminism, by analyzing single intellectual women's living states in enclosed personal spaces, andcomparing their different spatial changes triggered by external intrusions, this essay intends to explore Byatt's ambivalent attitudestowards the feminists' pursuit for a room of one's own, and point out the significance of harmonious co-existence between men andwomen to female identity construction.

Study on intestinal flora of acupoint catgut embedding intervention in female patients with abdominal obesity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background:Obesity,as an epidemic public health issue in the world today,not only brings a heavy medical burden to society but also seriously affects people’s quality of life.In the context of new evidence for the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding(ACE)in abdominal obesity(AO),it is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of ACE for AO.The intestinal flora is closely associated with obesity,and the study of its intestinal flora may provide evidence to clarify the mechanism of obesity treatment by ACE.Methods:75 participants will be recruited in this study,including 60 eligible female patients diagnosed with AO and 15 healthy female participants.60 female AO patients will be randomized to ACE group,sham ACE group,and waiting list(WL)group in a ratio of 1:1:1.Patients in two ACE groups will receive one ACE treatment per week for 12 consecutive weeks,and in the WL group will not receive any treatment;only their data will be extracted.The primary outcome is the mean change in body mass index.Secondary effects include waist circumference,body weight,the visual analog score of appetite,and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale.High-throughput 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing will be used to detect intestinal flora in each group before and after the intervention.Conclusion:The results of this trial are expected to identify the critical intestinal flora causing AO and the target intestinal flora of AO regulated by ACE,providing further theoretical support for ACE in the clinical treatment of obesity.

双酚S对青春期雌性大鼠性早熟的影响及机制研究

目的探讨双酚S(BPS)对青春期雌性大鼠性早熟的作用及可能的机制。方法将60只雌性Wistar大鼠随机分为5组,分别为对照组、不同浓度[0.2mg/(kg·d)、1mg/(kg·d)、5mg/(kg·d)]BPS组及50μg/(kg·d)雌二醇(E_(2))组,每组12只。观察各组大鼠一般行为状况及阴道开口时间;采用Nissl染色观察下丘脑组织病理变化;采用TUNEL染色观察下丘脑神经细胞凋亡情况;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)法检测下丘脑中胰岛素生长因子-1(IGF-1)和促性腺激素释放激素(GnRH)mRNA表达水平;采用Western blot法检测下丘脑中IGF-1、IGF-1受体(IGF-1R)、PI3K、Akt、mTOR、GnRH蛋白表达水平。结果BPS染毒过程中,所有实验大鼠均存活。与对照组比较,不同剂量BPS组大鼠出现不同程度的疲乏、厌食等症状,以5mg/(kg·d)BPS组最为明显,同时5mg/(kg·d)BPS组和50μg/(kg·d)E_(2)组大鼠的阴道开口时间提前(P<0.05);与对照组比较,不同剂量BPS组大鼠下丘脑尼氏体光密度(OD)值增加(P<0.05);不同剂量BPS组神经细胞凋亡率较对照组减少(P<0.05);不同剂量BPS组IGF-1、GnRH mRNA表达均高于对照组(P<0.05);与对照组比较,5mg/(kg·d)BPS组和50μg/(kg·d)E_(2)组大鼠下丘脑中IGF-1、IGF-1R、PI3K、Akt、mTOR、GnRH蛋白表达水平上升(P<0.05)。结论BPS暴露加速了雌性大鼠性早熟,其机制可能与激活IGF-1信号通路促进GnRH分泌有关。

春小麦抗蚜性与麦长管蚜EST活性及GSH活性的关系

为阐明春小麦对蚜虫的抗生性机理及蚜虫对寄主的适应性机制,选用抗蚜性不同的8个春小麦品种(系)为试验材料,利用灌浆期人工接种的方法,研究了小麦抗蚜水平与麦长管蚜无翅型孤雌胎生蚜酯酶(EST)活性及谷胱甘肽转移酶(GSH)活性的关系。结果表明,蚜虫EST活性与春小麦抗蚜水平有关,GSH活性与小麦抗蚜水平无关。穗部及旗叶蚜虫EST活性均与其存活率呈显著负相关,相关系数分别为-0.7047(P=0.04523)和-0.7214(P=0.0380),与有翅蚜分化率接近显著或显著负相关,相关系数分别为-0.6767(P=0.05911)和-0.7317(P=0.0336),与仔蚜繁殖率相关不显著。穗部及旗叶上蚜虫GSH活性均与其存活率、有翅蚜分化率及仔蚜繁殖率不相关。

Presence and density of common bile duct microlithiasis in acute biliary pancreatitis

AIM:Common bile duct microlithiasis(CBDM)is found in majority of patients with acute biliary pancreatitis(ABP)and no CBD stones in fluoroscopy during urgent ERCP.It is unclear,however,weather CBDM is a cause or the result of the disease.This prospective study was done to investigate the presence and density of CBDM in patients with ABP,when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) done in different periods from the onset of the disease. METHODS:One hundred fifty one consecutive patients with ABP and no CBDS on ERCP,performed as an urgent(<24 h of admission)procedure,(101-with gallbladder stones, 50 post-cholecystectomy patients),treated during last 4 years were prospectively included to the study.The presence and density of CBDM(cholesterol monohydrate crystals-CMCs and calcium bilirubinate granules-CBGs)in bile collected directly from common bile duct during ERCP was prospectively calculated according to Juniper and Burson criteria.High density of crystals was considered,when we found >10 CMCs and/or >25 clusters of CBGs on 1 slide. RESULTS:CBD microlithiasis was present in given number of patients:on d 1-30/34(88.2%,),on d2 41/49(83.7%), on d 3-23/33(69.5%,),on d4-7-24/35(58.6%)[ P for trend =0.018 ].In patients with CBD microlithiasis the high density of crystals was observed in given number of patients:on d 1-27/30(90%),on d 2-34/41(82.9%),on d3-18/23 (78.3%),on d4-7-16/24(66.7%)[P for trend=0.039]. CONCLUSION:In patients with ABP and no CBDS on ERCP, CBD microlithiasis is observed in the majority of patients, especially during the first day of the disease.Density of CBD microlithiasis is the highest in the first day of the disease.This suggests that CBD microlithiasis can be the cause and not the result of ABP.

mIL-2R,T cell subsets & hepatitis C

AIM: To study the levels of membrane interleukin-2 receptor (mIL-2R) and T cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with hepatitis C and their role in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. METHODS: The levels of mIL-2R and T cells subsets in PBMC were detected by biotin- streptatividin (BSA) technique before and after stimulation with PHA in 203 patients with hepatitis C with HCV-RNA(+), anti-HCV(+), anti-HCV(-). RESULTS: The total expressive levels of mIL-2R before and after stimulation with PHA(0.03+/-0.01, 0.03+/-0.02, 0.04+/-0.02, 0.36+/-0.03), and T cell subsets in PBMC (0.62+/-0.06, 0.37+/-0.05, 0.35+/-0.07) were all lower in patients with hepatitis C than those in normal controls (0.66+/-0.07, 0.41+/-0.06, 0.31+/-0.05, P【0.01). Among the patients, the levels of mIL-2R were lower in silence than those in situation of PHA inducting (P【0.01). However, the levels of mIL-2R were similar in acute hepatitis C to that in chronic hepatitis C (P】0.05). The levels of CD(3)(+), CD(4)(+), CD(4)(+)/CD(8)(+) were lower and CD(8)(+) was higher in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C with anti-HCV(+) than those in normal controls (0.62+/-0.06, 0.37+/-0.05, 0.35+/-0.07, 1.18+/-0.30, 0.61+/-0.07, 0.37+/-0.05, 1.39+/-0.33, 0.31+/-0.05, P【0.05-P【0.01). CONCLUSION: The cellular immunity is obviously changed in patients with hepatitis C. The levels of mIL-2R and activation of T cells are closely associated with chronicity of hepatitis C.

Reduction of the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer bypolypectomy:a prospective cohort study in Haining County

AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.

Telomere erosion is independent of microsatellite instability but related to loss of heterozygosity in gastric cancer

AIM: To correlate the length of the telomere to microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of APC, MCC and DCC genes in gastric carcinomas. METHODS: Telomeric restriction fragment (TRF) length of gastric cancer was measured with Southern blot. LOH of APC, MCC and DCC genes, microsatellite instability (MSI) and frameshift mutation of hMSH6, TGF-betaRII and BAX genes were analyzed by PCR-based methods. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases of sporadic gastric carcinoma were studied for MSI using five microsatellite markers. MSI in at least one locus was detected in 17 (25%) of 68 tumors analyzed. Frameshift mutations of hMSH6, TGF-betaRII and BAX were detected in 2,6 and 3 of gastric carcinomas respectively showing high MSI (】 or = 2 loci, n = 8), but none was found in those showing low MSI (only one locus, n = 9) or MSS (tumor lacking MSI or stable, n = 51). Thirty-five cases, including all high MSI and low MSI, were studied for TRF. The mean TRF length was not correlated with clinicopathological parameters. No association was observed between TRF length and MSI or frameshift mutation. On the contrary, LOH at the DCC locus was related to telomere shortening (P【0.01). This tendency was also observed in APC and MCC genes, although there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The development of gastric cancer can arise through two different genetic pathways. In high MSI gastric cancers, defective mismatch repair allows mutations to accumulate and generate the high MSI phenotype. In gastric cancers showing either low MSI or MSS, multiple deletions may represent the LOH pathway. Telomere erosion is independent of high MSI phenotype but related to the LOH pathway in gastric cancer.

Assessment of duodenogastric reflux by combined continuous intragastric pH and bilirubin monitoring

AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of a combination of continuous intragastric pH and bilirubin monitoring in the detection of duodenogastric reflux (DGR), and the effects of diet on the bilirubin absorbance. METHODS: 30 healthy volunteers were divided into two groups: standard diet group (Group 1) 18 cases, free diet group (Group 2)12 cases. Each subjects were subjected to simultaneous 24-hour intragastric pH and spectrophotometric bilirubin concentration monitoring (Bilitec 2000). RESULTS: There was no difference of preprandial phase bilirubin absorbance between two groups. The absorbance of postprandial phase was significantly increased in group 2 than group 1. There was no difference between preprandial phase and postprandial phase absorbance in group 1. Postprandial phase absorbance was significantly higher in group 2. In a comparison of bile reflux with intragastric pH during night time, there were 4 types of reflux: Simultaneous increase in absorbance and pH in only 19.6%, increase in bilirubin with unchanged pH 33.3%, pH increase with unchanged absorbance 36.3%, and both unchanged in 10.8%. Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between percentage total time of pH【4 and percentage total time of absorbance】0.14, r=0.068 P【0.05. CONCLUSION: Because of the dietary effect, high absorbance fluids or foods should be avoided in detection. Intragastric pH and bilirubin monitoring separately predict the presence of duodenal (and/or pancreatic) reflux and bile reflux. They can not substitute for each other. The detection of DGR is improved if the two parameters are combined simultaneously.

Function of apoptosis and expression of the proteins Bcl-2,p53 and C-myc in the development of gastric cancer

INTRODUCTIONIn China ,the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer rank the second among all cancers. Recent development of cancer [1-20].The aim of this study was investigat the insight of apoptosis and bcl-2, p53 and C-myc protein expression in the development of gastric cancer .

TECA hybrid artificial liver support system in treatment of acute liver failure

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of TECA type hybrid artificial liver support system (TECA-HALSS) in providing liver function of detoxification, metabolism and physiology by treating the patients with acute liver failure (ALF). METHODS: The porcine liver cells (1-2) x 10(10) were separated from the Chinese small swine and cultured in the bioreactor of TECA-BALSS at 37.0 degrees C and circulated through the outer space of the hollow fiber tubes in BALSS. The six liver failure patients with various degree of hepatic coma were treated by TECA-HALSS and with conventional medicines. The venous plasma of the patients was separated by a plasma separator and treated by charcoal adsorbent or plasma exchange. The plasma circulated through the inner space of the hollow fiber tubes of BALSS and mixed with the patients' blood cells and flew back to their blood circulation. Some small molecular weight substances were exchanged between the plasma and porcine liver cells. Each treatment lasted 6.0-7.0 h. Physiological and biochemical parameters were measured before,during and after the treatment. RESULTS: The average of porcine liver cells was (1.0-3.0) x 10(10) obtained from each swine liver using our modified enzymatic digestion method. The survival rate of the cells was 85%-93% by trypan blue stain and AO/PI fluorescent stain. After cultured in TECA-BALSS bioreactor for 6 h, the survival rate of cells still remained 70%-85%. At the end of TECA-HALSS treatment, the levels of plasma NH(3), ALT, TB and DB were significantly decreased. The patients who were in the state of drowsiness or coma before the treatment improved their appetite significantly and regained consciousness, some patients resumed light physical work on a short period after the treatment.One to two days after the treatment, the ratio of PTA increased warkedly. During the treatment, the heart rates, blood pressure, respiration condition and serum electrolytes (K(+), Na(+) and Cl(-)) were stable without thrombosis and bleeding in all the six patients. CONCLUSION: TECA-HALSS treatment could be a rapid, safe and efficacious method to provide temporary liver support for patients with ALF.

p16 gene methylation in colorectal cancers associated with Duke's staging

AIM: To explore the association of methylation of the CpG island in the promotor of the p16 tumor suppressor gene with the clinicopathological characteristics of the colorectal cancers. METHODS: Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to detect p16 methylation of 62 sporadic colorectal cancer specimens. RESULTS: p16 methylation was detected in 42% of the tumors.Dukes'staging was associated with p16 methylation status.p16 methylation occurred more frequently in Dukes'C and D patients (75.9%) than in Dukes'A and B patients (12.1%). CONCLUSION: p16 methylation plays a role in the carcinogenesis of a subset of colorectal cancer, and it might be linked to poor prognosis.

Effect of areca on contraction of colonic muscle strips in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of areca on the contractile activity of isolated colonic muscle strips in rats and mechanism involved. METHODS: Each strip (LMPC, longitudinal muscle of proximal colon; CMPC, circular muscle of proximal colon; LMDC, longitudinal muscle of distal colon; CMDC, circular muscle of distal colon.) was suspended in a tissue chamber containing 5 mL Krebs solution (37 degrees C), bubbled continuously with 950 mL.L(-1) O(2) and 50 mL.L(-1) CO(2). The mean contractile amplitude (A), the resting tension (T), and the contractile frequency (F) were simultaneously recorded on recorders. RESULTS: Areca dose dependently increased the mean contractile amplitude, the resting tension of proximal and distal colonic smooth muscle strips in rats (P【0.05). It also partly increased the contractile frequency of colonic smooth muscle strips in rats (P【0.05). The effects were partly inhibited by atropine (the resting tension of LMPC decreased from 0.44 +/- 0.12 to 0.17 +/- 0.03; the resting tension of LMDC decreased from 0.71 +/- 0.14 to 0.03 +/- 0.01; the mean contractile amplitude of LMPC increased from -45.8 +/- 7.2 to -30.5 +/- 2.9; the motility index of CMDC decreased from 86.6 +/- 17.3 to 32.8 +/- 9.3; P【0.05 vs areca), but the effects were not inhibited by hexamethonium (P】0.05). CONCLUSION: Areca stimulated the motility of isolated colonic smooth muscle strips in rats. The stimulation of areca might be relevant with M receptor partly.

Nuclear factor kB activity in patients with acute severe cholangitis

AIM: To determine the NF-kB activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with acute cholangitis of severe type (ACST) and correlate the degree of NF-kB activation with severity of biliary tract infection and clinical outcome. METHODS: Twenty patients with ACST were divided into survivor group (13 cases) and nonsurvivor group (7 cases). Other ten patients undergoing elective gastrectomy or inguinal hernia repair were selected as control group. Peripheral blood samples were taken 24 hours postoperatively. PBMC were separated by density gradient centrifugation, then nuclear proteins were isolated from PBMC, and Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) used determined. The results were quantified by scanning densitometer of a Bio-Image Analysis System and expressed as relative optical density (ROD). The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 in the plasma of patients with ACST and healthy control subjects were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS: The NF-kB activity was 5.02 +/- 1.03 in nonsurvivor group, 2.98 +/- 0.51 in survivor group and 1.06 +/- 0.34 in control group. There were statistical differences in three groups (P【0.05). The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in plasma were (498 +/- 53)ng.L(-1)and (587 +/- 64)ng.L(-1)in nonsurvivor group, (284 +/- 32)ng.L(-1) and (318 +/- 49)ng.L(-1)in survivor group and (89 +/- 11)ng.L(-1) and (102 +/-13)ng.L(-1)in control group. All patients with ACST had increased levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, which were many-fold greater than those of control group, and there was an evidence of significantly higher levels in those of nonsurvivor group than that in survivor group (P【0.05). The levels of IL-10 in plasma were (378+/-32)ng.L(-1), (384+/-37)ng.L(-1) and (68+/-11)ng.L(-1) in three groups, respectively. All patients had also increased levels of IL-10 when compared with control group (P【0.05), but the IL-10 levels were not significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (P】0.05). CONCLUSION: NF-kB activity in PBMC in patients with ACST increases markedly and the degree of NF-kB activation is correlated with severity of biliary tract infection and clinical outcome.