Short-term entecavir therapy of chronic severe hepatitis B

BACKGROUND:Chronic severe hepatitis B patients often have limited survival.This investigation aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of nucleoside analog therapy on chronic severe hepatitis B. METHODS:We retrospectively,randomly collected the data of 129 chronic severe hepatitis B patients:55 were treated with entecavir,and the remaining 74 were not treated with nucleoside analogues. RESULTS:No significant difference in short-term survival rate was found between the group treated with entecavir and that treated without nucleoside analogues.Although entecavir greatly reduced HBV replication in different periods of therapy(P<0.001),the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score and liver function(alanine aminotransferase,albumin,bilirubin,prothrombin time) showed no significant change.No significant differences were found in MELD scores and liver function in patients with different HBV DNA levels(≤104copies/ml,>10 4 to<10 6 copies/ml,≥10 6 copies/ml).Nor correlation was observed between HBV DNA levels and MELD scores in different periods of therapy(P>0.05).The HBV DNA levels of patients who survived for over 3 months or less than 3 months were not significantly different either.However, the MELD score and parameters of liver function(albumin, bilirubin,prothrombin time)were different between the two groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:These results suggest that short-term suppression of HBV replication may not slow down the progression of liver failure in patients with chronic severe hepatitis B.

Solvent de binding of water soluble binder in powder injection moulding

The solvent debinding of water soluble binder in powder injection moulding (MIM) was investigated systematically, including the effects of solvent types, temperature and the thickness of green parts on the solvent debinding rate. After studying the debinding of a green part with a thickness of 4.26 mm, it was found that, the debinding rate of polyethylene glycol(PEG) in water and alcohol was high initially, and then decreased; however, it would increase with temperature increasing. At room temperature, the dissolution rate of PEG in water was higher than that in alcohol, but the latter would be much faster with temperature increasing because the debinding activation energy in alcohol was 51.44 kJ·mol -1 ·K -1 , much higher than 24.23 kJ·mol -1 ·K -1 in water. With a green part thickness larger than 4.26 mm, the debinding was controlled by diffusion; but with that smaller than 2.36 mm, the debinding was controlled by both dissolution and diffusion.

Pathological differential diagnosis of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm and endocrine tumors of the pancreas

AIM:To investigate differential points of solid-pseudo-papillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas and pancre-atic endocrine tumor (PET).METHODS:Ten cases of SPN and fourteen cases of PET were studied in this retrospective study. Clinical and pathologic features,immunostaining reactions and β-catenin gene mutations were analyzed.RESULTS:The mean age of SPN patients was 25.6 years and these patients had no specific symptoms. The mean diameter of the tumors was 11.0 cm,9/10 cases were cystic or a mixture of solid and cystic structures,and there was hemorrhage and necrosis on the cut surface in 8/10 (80%) cases. Characteristic pseudo-papillary structure and discohesive appearance of the neoplastic cells were observed in all 10 (100%) cases. The results of immunostaining showed that nuclear expression of β-catenin and loss of E-cadherin in all the cases,was only seen in SPN. Molecular studies discov-ered that 9/10 (90%) cases harbored a point mutation of exon 3 in β-catenin gene. On the other hand,the mean age of PET patients was 43.1 years. Eight of 14 cases presented with symptoms caused by hypoglyce-mia,and the other 6 cases presented with symptoms similar to those of SPN. The mean size of the tumors was 2.9 cm,most of the tumors were solid,only 3/14 (21%) were a mixture of solid and cystic structures,and macroscopic hemorrhage and necrosis were much less common (3/14,21%). Histologically,tumor cells were arranged in trabecular,acinar or solid patterns and demonstrated no pseudopapillary structure and discohesive appearance in all 14 (100%) cases. The results of immunostaining and mutation detection were completely different with SPN that membrane and cytoplastic expression of β-catenin without loss of E-cadherin,as well as no mutation in β-catenin gene in all the cases. CONCLUSION:Both macroscopic and microscopic features of SPN are quite characteristic. It is not difficult to distinguish it from PET. If necessary,immunos-taining of β-catenin and E-cadherin is quite helpful to make the differential diagnosis.

Recombinant adenovirus vector Ad-hIL-10 protects grafts from cold ischemia-reperfusion injury following orthotopic liver transplantation in rats

BACKGROUND:Interleukin 10(IL-10),a Th2 type cytokine,modulates inflammatory responses by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines.This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of adenovirus- mediated human IL-10(Ad-hIL-10)gene transfer on protecting grafts from cold ischemia-reperfusion injury following orthotopic liver transplantation in rats. METHODS:Adenoviruses encoding hIL-10 orβ-galactosidase (Ad-lacZ)were injected via the superior mesenteric vein into prospective donor animals.The donor liver was harvested 48 hours after transduction,and stored for 12 hours at 4℃ in lactated Ringer's solution prior to transplantation.The rats were divided into saline,Ad-lacZ,and Ad-hIL-10 groups.Liver function test,histopathological examination,reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and Western blotting were performed at 24 hours after transplantation in the three groups. RESULTS:Liver function(ALT and AST)was significantly improved,and the Suzuki score was significantly decreased in the Ad-hIL-10 group.The levels of hepatic TNF-α,MIP-2,ICAM-1 mRNA,and NF-κB protein in the Ad-hIL-10 group were significantly decreased.The expression of hIL-10 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in Ad-hIL-10-treated grafts but not in controls treated with saline or Ad-lacZ. CONCLUSIONS:Donor pretreatment with Ad-hIL-10 down- regulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α,MIP-2,and ICAM-1 mRNA.hIL-10 protects against hepatic cold ischemia-reperfusion injury,at least in part,by suppressing NF-κB activation and subsequent expression of proinflammatory mediators.

Clinical significance of Fas and FasL protein expression in gastric carcinoma and local lymph node tissues

AIM:To investigate the relation of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) protein expression with carcinogenesis and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Fas and FasL protein expression in 64 gastric carcinoma tissue samples and 20 normal gastric tissue samples. Relation between FasL and Fas expression, age and gender of gastric cancer patients, and pathological subtype and lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer was analyzed.RESULTS: The Fas expression level was significantly higher in normal gastric tissue samples than in gastric carcinoma tissue samples (85.0% vs 25.0%, P<0.001), while the FasL expression level was signif icantly lower in normal gastric tissue samples than in gastric carcinoma tissue samples (30.0% vs 81.3%, P<0.001). The Fas expression level was significantly higher in invasive lymph nodes than in non-invasive lymph nodes (82.9% vs 56.5%, P<0.003) and in well-differentiated gastric carcinoma tissue samples than in poorly-differentiated gastric carcinoma tissue samples (50.0% vs 18.0%, P=0.015). The FasL expression level was significantly lower in well-differentiated gastric carcinoma tissue samples than in poorly-differentiated gastric carcinoma tissue samples (42.9% vs 84.0%, P=0.021). The Fas and FasL expression levels (25.0% and 81.3%) were signif icantly different in gastric carcinoma tissue samples (P<0.001), but had a non-linear correlation (P=0.575).CONCLUSION: Abnormal Fas and FasL expressions in gastric carcinoma and lymph node tissues are involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography:correlation with microvessel morphology

BACKGROUND:Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography(CEUS) is an important technique for depiction and assessment of tumor vascularity.This study aimed to explore the relationship between the morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels and enhancement patterns on CEUS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS:Eighty patients with HCC underwent CEUS using SonoVue before hepatectomy.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters were recorded.The tumor tissue sections were immunostained with human CD34 monoclonal antibody.The patients were classified into a point-line type group(n=36)and a loop-strip type group(n=44)according to microvessel morphology. The microvascular density(MVD)in the different types of microvessels was calculated.The relationship between enhancement patterns of HCC lesions and morphological characteristics of tumor microvessels was analyzed. RESULTS:The mean MVD in HCC was 22.4±3.5 per 0.2 mm 2 in the point-line group,and 19.6±6.7 per 0.2 mm 2 in the loop-strip group,and there was no significant difference between them(t=0.948,P=0.354).In the portal vein phase, hypoenhancement was significantly more frequent in HCC (χ2=4.789,P=0.029)in the loop-strip group(40/44,90.9%) than in the point-line group(26/36,72.2%).The time to hypoenhancement in the loop-strip group(mean 64.84±26.16 seconds)was shorter than that in the point-line group(mean 78.39±28.72 seconds)(t=2.247,P=0.022).The time to hypoenhancement was correlated with MVD in the loop-strip group(r=-0.648,P=0.001).CONCLUSIONS:The enhancement patterns on CEUS are related to tumor microvascular morphology,and the type of microvascular morphology influences CEUS characterization. CEUS,an important noninvasive imaging technique,is used to evaluate microvascular morphology and angiogenesis,providing valuable information for antiangiogenic therapy in HCC.

Expression of Ezrin,HGF,C-met in pancreatic cancer and non-cancerous pancreatic tissues of rats

BACKGROUND:Recent studies have confirmed that the expression of Ezrin,hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)and its receptor(C-met)is related to the genesis,progress,invasion and metastasis of some malignant tumors.Researches have also found that the biological function of Ezrin is closely related to HGF/C-met in malignant tumors.However,there is no report on the expression levels of Ezrin,HGF and C-met in rat pancreatic cancer induced by dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA).This study aimed to detect the expression of Ezrin, HGF and C-met in rat pancreatic cancer and non-cancerous pancreatic tissues,and assess its effect in cancer induction by DMBA. METHODS:Ninety Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups randomly:40 in a pancreatic cancer model group (group A),40 in a trichostatin A(TSA)intervention group (group B),and 10 in a control group(group C).DMBA was directly implanted into the parenchyma of rat pancreas in group A+group B.The rats of group B were treated with 1 ml of TSA saline solution(1μg/ml)via intraperitoneal injection weekly.The carcinogenesis of rats executed within 3-5 months in groups A and B was observed by macrograph and microscopy. Meanwhile,the rats in group C were executed within 5 months. The EnVision TM immunohistochemistry for detecting the expression levels of Ezrin,HGF and C-met was used in paraffinembedded sections of the pancreatic specimens. RESULTS:The incidence of pancreatic cancer in group A was 48.6%and in group B 33.3%.The maximal diameter of tumor mass was significantly larger in group A than that in group B(P<0.05).No pathological changes were observed , in the pancreas of group C and other main organs of groups A and B.The positive rates of Ezrin,HGF and C-met were significantly higher in ductal adenocarcinoma than in non- cancerous pancreatic tissues of groups A and B(P<0.01).The positive rates of Ezrin,HGF and C-met were significantly higher in ductal adenocarcinoma of group A than those in non- cancerous pancreatic tissues of group A(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in group B(P>0.05).The positive rates of Ezrin,HGF and C-met in non-cancerous pancreatic tissues proved mild to severe atypical hyperplasia of the ductal epithelia.The pancreas of group C and 2 cases of fibrosarcoma showed the negative expression of Ezrin,HGF and C-met.There was a trend of consistency in the expression of Ezrin,HGF and C-met in ductal adenocarcinoma(P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:DMBA directly implanted into the parenchyma of the pancreas can produce a model of pancreatic cancer with a high incidence in a short time.TSA might inhibit the carcinogenesis and growth of pancreatic cancer,and its effects may be related to the inhibition of the expression of Ezrin,HGF and C-met during the process.Ezrin,HGF and C-met may have positive effects on the carcinogenesis of rat pancreas.

Two stomach-originated lactobacillus strains improve Helicobacter pylori infected murine gastritis

AIM:To investigate the potential anti-Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori ) and anti-inflammation in vivo effects of two lactobacillus strains from human stomach.METHODS:Forty H.pylori infected Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics triple treated group,Lactobacillus fermenti(L.fermenti ) treated group,Lactobacillus acidophilus treated group and normal saline control group.Ten uninfected mice were also included as blank control group.The infection of H.pylori was detected by rapid urease tests,Giemsa staining and bacterial culture.The colonization of H.pylori was assessed in bacterial density score and gastric inflammation was assessed in histological score.The colonization of L.fermenti was performed by fluorescent probe.RESULTS:Histopathologic evaluation showed significant release of mucosal inflammation in gastric antrum and gastric body in lactobacillus treated groups and triple treated group.H.pylori eradication rate in both lactobacillus treated groups and triple treated group were higher than normal saline control group.Lactobacillus treated groups and triple treated group showed significant decrease of H.pylori bacterial density.CONCLUSION:Both lactobacillus strains have a significant anti-H.pylori activity;L.fermenti displays more efficient antagonistic activity in vivo against H.pylori infection.

Adaptive prediction system of sintering through point based on self-organize artificial neural network

A soft sensing method of burning through point (BTP) was described and a new predictive parameter—the mathematics inflexion point of waste gas temperature curve in the middle of the strand was proposed. The artificial neural network was used in predicting BTP, modification on backpropagation algorithm was made in order to improve the convergence and self organize the hidden layer neurons. The adaptive prediction system developed on these techniques shows its characters such as fast, accuracy, less dependence on production data. The prediction of BTP can be used as operation guidance or control parameter.[

Expression and functional characterization of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like gene

AIM:To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like gene(PDGFRL)in the anti-cancer therapy for colorectal cancers(CRC).METHODS:PDGFRL mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and immunohistochemistry in CRC and colorectal normal tissues.PDGFRL prokaryotic expression vector was carried out in Escherichia coli(E.coli),and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.The effect of PDGFRL protein on CRC HCT-116 cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT),clone counting,cell cycle,and wound healing assay.RESULTS:Both RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of PDGFRL in colorectal normal tissues was higher than in cancer tissues.Recombinant pET22b-PDGFRL prokaryotic expression vector was successfully expressed in E.coli,and the target protein was expressed in the form of inclusion bodies.After purification and refolding,recombinant human PDGFRL(rhPDGFRL)could efficiently inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CRC HCT-116 cells detected by MTT,clone counting and wound healing assay.Moreover,rhPDGFRL arrested HCT-116 cell cycling at the G0/G1 phase.CONCLUSION:PDGFRL is a potential gene for application in the anti-cancer therapy for CRC.

Effect of trace Sc and Zr on aging behavior and tensile properties of 2618 alloy

The aging behavior of 2618 (Al Cu Mg Fe Ni) alloy added trace Sc and Zr was studied by Vicker’s hardness measurement at 200 and 300 ℃, and the tensile properties(yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation) of alloys were measured at 20, 200, 250 and 300 ℃. The microstructures were observed by using optical microscope, SEM and TEM. It was found that the addition of Sc and Zr to 2618 alloy resulted in a uniform distribution of fine coherent Al 3(Sc,Zr) precipitates which had obvious aging hardening effect and made the S’ phase precipitate more homogeneously. The strength of alloy increased at ambient and elevated temperature without a decrease of ductility because of the precipitation strengthening and thermal stability of Al 3(Sc,Zr) particles. The ductile fracture of alloy occurred by microviod nucleation, growth and coalescence, so the microvoid coalescence was the dominant fracture mechanism. Al 3(Sc,Zr) particles could inhabit the recrystallization process of alloy 2618.

Pedicled greater omentum flap for preventing bile leak in liver transplantation patients with poor biliary tract conditions

BACKGROUND:Bile leak remains a main complication in liver transplantation patients with poor biliary tract conditions,mainly caused by an insufficient blood supply or dysplasia of the biliary tract.Although Roux-en-Y modus operandi can be adopted,the risk of other complications of the biliary tract such as infection increases.Using pedicled greater omentum flaps to wrap the anastomotic stoma, which increases the biliary tract blood supply,may reduce the incidence of bile leak. METHODS:Fourteen patients undergoing piggy-back liver transplantation and having poor biliary tract conditions were treated with pedicled greater omentum flaps to wrap the anastomotic stoma of the biliary tract. Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS:Of the 14 patients,only one(7.1%)had a mild bile leak on the 8th day post-operation and fully recovered after symptomatic treatment.The other patients had no biliary complications. CONCLUSIONS:Using pedicled greater omentum flaps to wrap the anastomotic stoma of the biliary tract is an effective way to prevent bile leak in liver transplantation patients,especially those with poor biliary tract conditions.However,experience with this surgical technique still needs to be further explored.

Enthalpies of Formation of Binary Transition hcp Metal Based Alloys Calculated by Analytic Embedded Atom Method Model

A simple analytic modified embedded atom method (M EAM ) Inciuding a modified term for hcp metals has been developed from the MEAM applied to the fcc and bcc metals. The enthalpiesof formation of all binary alloy systems for eight transition hcp metals are calculated with theMEAM. The calculations are in agreement with the experimental data avallable and resultscalculated from the Miedema theory. One can conclude that our MEAM is also effective toapply to the hcp metals and their alloys.

A CRACK CLOSURE MODEL FOR BRITTLE ROCK SUBJECTED TO COMPRESSIVE-SHEAR LOADING

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Carbide Formation Process in Directionally Solidified MAR-M247 LC Superalloy

Carbide nucleation, growth and trapping behavior in directionally solIdified MAR-M247 LC alloyand the corresponding mechanism have been investigated. Carbide forming element enrichmentcontrols the carbide nucleation and the carbide growth behavior. If the carbide forming elementenrichment and the nucleation sites are suitable, carbide nucleation can occur both above andbelow the liquidus temperature. Heterogeneous carbide nucleation is the preferred nucleationmechanism at low carbide forming element enrichment. Carbide growth occurs mainIy at inter-secondary ry dendrite arm area and lower part of the mushy zone. The carbides are subsequentlytrapped at these positions after growing to a certain size. Some carbides are only partially trappedby the solid-liquid interface and the carbide growth accelerates after being partially trapped. Acritical growth rate exists between 2×10-6 m/s and 5 ×10-6 m/s. The carbide volume fractiondecreases in the directionally solidified part at slow growth rate that is caused by the lack ofsuitable growth site and the low trapping ability of the solid-liquid

Analytic EAM Model for the Thermodynamic Properties ofthe Disordered Solid Solution and Ordered Intermetallic Alloys of Iron Aluminides

A simple analytic embedded atom method for bcc Fe and fcc Al metals is used to calculate thethermodynamic properties of the disordered solid solution and ordered intermetallic alloys of Fe aluminides. The thermodynamic properties, such as the dilute-limit heats of solution, formation enthalpies of disordered solid solutions and intermetallic compounds (Fe3Al in the D03 structuretype, FeAl in the B2 structure type, and Fe13Al3) are in good agreement with the experimentaldata, and with the results calculated using the first principles and Miedema theory.

A new prenylated arylbenzofuran derivative from Morus alba L.

2-[3,5-Di-O-β-D-glucosyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]benzofuran-6-ol,a new prenylated arylbenzofuran derivative was isolated from Morus alba L.Its structure was elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including MS,~1H NMR,^(13)C NMR,DEPT,~1H-~1HCOSY,HMQC and HMBC.

Composite hydrophilic coating for conditioner aluminum fins

To solve the so called “white rust” and ’water bridge" problems of the aluminum fins for heat exchanger of automobile air conditioner, aimed at nationalizing the art of hydrophilic coating technology, the choice of coating forming and curing materials was investigated. By measuring the water contact angle, SEM surface scanning and ingredients analysis of the coating, optimal parameters and composition are acquired. The coating forming mechanisms of the composition was also expatiated. The coating obtained has good hydrophilic and other properties.

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF METAL INVECTION MOLDING BINDER AND FEEDSTOCK

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Computational Study on Furnace Process in a Multi-burner Boiler of Pulverized Coal Fired Tangentially at Four Corners

Aiming at the optimization of the operation condition, a general numerical method for calculating pulverized coal combustion in a full scale furnace fired tangentially at four corners is adopted. “ k ε ” turbulence model is used for the gas phases and a stochastic approach based on the Lagrangian technique is used for particle phases. Two competing reactions model for the coal devolatilization and PDF (the probability density function) method for the combustion of the gas phases are employed. In the numerical simulations, assuming the air distribution of second port level is of pagoda, waist drum and uniform type. The results show that pagoda type air distribution is advantageous to ignition and smooth combustion of pulverized coal, and suitable to inferior coal combustion in practice. In the present furnace, the igniting distance at 1st and 3rd corner is longer than that at 2nd and 4th corner. The results from numerical calculations are in good agreement with those of observed in practice.