小鼠睾丸雄激素受体mRNA与17α-羟化酶mRNA相关性研究

为了进一步揭示雄激素与17α-羟化酶的关系，本研究应用反转录-多聚酶链式反应的方法测定了正常小鼠、Tfm小鼠和手术隐睾小鼠睾丸中雄激素受体mRNA水平和17α-羟化酶mRNA的水平。结果显示：1．小鼠睾丸在发育过程中雄激素受体mRNA水平和17α-羟化酶mRNA的水平增加成正相关；2．Tfm小鼠睾丸中雄激素受体mRNA水平和17α-羟化酶mRNA水平均明显降低；3．手术隐睾小鼠睾丸，虽然雄激素含量下降，但雄激素受体mRNA水平及17α-羟化酶的mRNA水平均正常。结果提示了雄激素对17α-经化酶的调节作用。

多溴联苯醚对大鼠肝细胞CYP1A2依赖性MROD活性的影响

采用未成熟SD大鼠肝细胞微粒体为试验材料,以2,3,7,8-四氯-二苯基-并-二哑噁英(2,3,7,8- tetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin,TCDD)作为参照,利用甲氧基-异酚噁脱甲基酶(methoxyresorufin-O- demethylase,MROD)竞争性抑制动力学和荧光光谱法分析法,测定了5种多溴联苯(polybrominated diphenyl ethers,PBDEs)对7-甲氧基-异酚噁唑脱甲基反应的影响,间接研究了这些PBDEs对CYP1A2 的竞争性抑制作用。结果表明,和TCDD相比,PBDEs对MROD活性的抑制作用较弱,亦即对CYP1A2的 竞争性抑制作用较弱。

Effect of different drying methods on the amino acids,α-dicarbonyls and volatile compounds of rape bee pollen

The significant demand for high quality food has motivated us to adopt appropriate processing methods to improve the food nutritional quality and flavors.In this study,the effects of five drying methods,namely,pulsed vacuum drying(PVD),freeze drying(FD),infrared drying(IRD),hot-air drying(HAD)and sun drying(SD)on free amino acids(FAAs),α-dicarbonyl compounds(α-DCs)and volatile compounds(VOCs)in rape bee pollen(RBP)were determined.The results showed that FD significantly released the essential amino acids(EAAs)compared with fresh samples while SD caused the highest loss.Glucosone was the dominantα-DCs in RBP and the highest loss was observed after PVD.Aldehydes were the dominant volatiles of RBP and SD samples contained more new volatile substances(especially aldehydes)than the other four drying methods.Comprehensively,FD and PVD would be potential methods to effectively reduce the quality deterioration of RBP in the drying process.

An integrated spatial planning of the mountainous landscapes for ski sports in a case area at the eastern Türkiye

Mountainous regions have disadvantages in economic development because of harsh physical and climatic conditions.However,winter tourism activities are one of the key components for supporting economic development in the highlands.Establishing a ski resort area supports direct and indirect employment in a region,and it stops immigration from mountainous regions to other places.This research aimed to assess the potential ski areas using a multi criteria evaluation technique in the Van region which is located in the eastern part of Türkiye.In this context,snow cover duration,sun effect,slope,slope length,elevation,population density,distance from main roads and lake visibility were used as input factors in the decision making process.Each factor was standardized using a fuzzy technique based on existing well-known ski centers in Türkiye.The weight of inputs was defined by applying a survey to the professional skiers.The most important factors were detected as transportation opportunities and snow covers whereas,the least important factors were elevation and population density.Additionally,lake visibility was very important to make a difference from other existing facilities in the region.Therefore,it was included as constraints and lake visible areas were extracted at the final stage of the research.Potential ski areas were mapped in three levels as professional,intermediate and beginner skiers.One of the suitable areas was selected as a sample projection and for the 3D simulation of the ski investment area.Potential costs and benefits were discussed.It was found that a ski tourism area investment can be amortized in 3 years in the region.

赛德西港用于船舶减排的陆上可再生能源供电评估

Air pollution from shipping is becoming a critical issue,particularly in dense hub port cities.One proposed solution to minimize ship-based emissions at ports is the implementation of an Onshore Power Supply(OPS)system.OPS allows ships to shut off their auxiliary engines and instead connect to the port grid.While there have been numerous studies conducted on ports in Europe and the United States,little research has been done on Egyptian ports.Therefore,this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing OPS at Port Said West Port in Egypt,aligning with Egypt Vision 2030’s goals for addressing climate change.The research primarily focuses on analyzing data collected from calling ships to generate socio-economic and cost-effectiveness analyses of OPS.To further enhance the environmental benefits of OPS,the paper proposes the use of solar energy as the OPS electricity source.The findings of the study revealed that by relying on the national grid,emissions can be reduced by 28%.Moreover,it is predicted that this reduction could reach 100%if electricity generation is solely based on solar energy.Additionally,the economic analysis demonstrates promising profitability,with a payback period of approximately two years.

A case report on a rare case of primary tuberculous otitis media

Although tuberculosis has become more common in recent years, it still accounts for just a small percentage of cases of chronic otitis media. Common symptoms of tuberculous otitis media(TOM) include otorrhoea, hearing loss, and multiple tympanic membrane perforations. Due to its rarity, the illness is frequently misdiagnosed. When a patient does not improve with standard antibacterial and antifungal treatment, this may be a possible diagnosis to explore. Complete healing is possible if the illness is diagnosed and treated timely to prevent consequences.

Microbial Growth and Decay: A Commented Review of the Model

The paper reviews previous publications and reports some comments about a semi empirical model of the growth and decay process of a planktonic microbial culture. After summarizing and reshaping some fundamental mathematical expressions, the paper highlights the reasons for the choice of a suitable time origin that makes the parameters of the model self-consistent. Besides the potential applications to predictive microbiology studies and to effects of bactericidal drugs, the model allows a suitable proxy of the fitness of the microbial culture, which can be of interest for the studies on the evolution across some thousand generations of a Long Term Evolution Experiment.

Pressure Measurements from Five Different Nosebands at Rest, and During Riding at Walk, a Collected Gait, Backing up and a Full Stop

Background: Scientific procedures for addressing noseband fit and tightness, eliminating the risk of excessive and painful tightening, as well as quantitative measurements of pressures under the noseband while riding are either scarce or lacking. Purpose/Aim: To assess simple means of measuring pressure under different nosebands with a view to their adoption as scientific methodology. Method: Horses (n = 7) were fitted with five different bridles (A-E). Pressure distribution and intensity were measured using colour sensitive film (Fujifilm LLLW), assessing the level of pressure and distribution across the surface of the nosebands, as assessed and ranked by independent assessors. A CURO system was also used to measure pressure in real-time under nosebands whilst riding. Results: The colour-sensitive film for D & B were ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively. Regularity of pressure overall showed a statistical difference between nosebands (A & B significantly more unregular than the others). Pressure measurements revealed significantly different means (all P Conclusions: Pressures under nosebands can reach levels that appear capable of inflicting tissue damage, hence bridles and nosebands should be assessed using scientific methodology and not based on arbitrary and subjective criteria, as is currently the case.

Use of Unconventional Aggregates in Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete

The study investigates use of dolomite sand waste as filler or/and sand material plus BOF steel slag as fine and coarse aggregate for design of high performance asphalt concrete.Both environmental and economic factors contribute to the growing need for the use of these materials in asphalt concrete pavements.This is particularly important for Latvia,where local crushed dolomite and sandstone does not fulfill the requirements for mineral aggregate in high and medium intensity asphalt pavements roads.Annually 100 to 200 thousand tons of steel slag aggregates are produced in Latvia.However,it has not been used extensively in asphalt pavement despite its high performance characteristics.Dolomite sand waste,which is byproduct of crushed dolomite production,is another widely available polydisperse by-product in Latvia.Its quantity has reached a million of tons and is rapidly increasing.This huge quantity of technological waste needs to be recycled with maximum efficiency.Various combinations of steel slag,dolomite sand waste and conventional aggregates were used to develop AC 11 asphalt concrete mixtures.The mix properties tests include resistance to permanent deformations(wheel tracking test,dynamic creep test)and fatigue resistance.Laboratory test results showed that asphalt concrete mixtures containing steel slag and local limestone in coarse portion and dolomite sand waste in sand and filler portions had high resistance to plastic deformations and good resistance to fatigue failure.

Alignment of Track Oscillations during Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification

Recent studies on tropical cyclone(TC)intensity change indicate that the development of a vertically aligned TC circulation is a key feature of its rapid intensification(RI),however,understanding how vortex alignment occurs remains a challenging topic in TC intensity change research.Based on the simulation outputs of North Atlantic Hurricane Wilma(2005)and western North Pacific Typhoon Rammasun(2014),vortex track oscillations at different vertical levels and their associated role in vortex alignment are examined to improve our understanding of the vortex alignment during RI of TCs with initial hurricane intensity.It is found that vortex tracks at different vertical levels oscillate consistently in speed and direction during the RI of the two simulated TCs.While the consistent track oscillation reduces the oscillation tilt during RI,the reduction of vortex tilt results mainly from the mean track before RI.It is also found that the vortex tilt is primarily due to the mean vortex track before and after RI.The track oscillations are closely associated with wavenumber-1 vortex Rossby waves that are dominant wavenumber-1 circulations in the TC inner-core region.This study suggests that the dynamics of the wavenumber-1 vortex Rossby waves play an important role in the regulation of the physical processes associated with the track oscillation and vertical alignment of TCs.

2型糖尿病大鼠胰岛β细胞SUR mRNA转录水平

目的 通过分析 2型糖尿病大鼠胰岛 β细胞磺脲类药物受体 (SUR)mRNA转录水平探讨其发病机制。方法 采用逆转录 -聚合酶链反应 (RT -PCR)技术 ,在大鼠注射链脲菌素后 0、4、8、12、2 4周取其血和胰腺 β细胞分别测定血糖、胰岛素、血脂和SURmRNA转录水平。结果 在第 8周大鼠的血糖和胰岛素已开始升高 ,胰岛 β细胞SURmRNA转录水平降低 ,到 2 4周与对照组有极显著差异 (P <0 .0 1)。 结论 在链脲菌素所致 2型糖尿病大鼠模型中SURmRNA转录水平有显著改变 ,SUR表达水平下降可能是

A Warm Reception for the Year of the Dragon

A dragon year,so I read somewhere,is one in which,individually and collectively,we are filled with energy and confidence.It’s supposed to be a year of transformation,good fortune and prosperity;all of which,it seems to me,is just what the world needs as it continues to shake off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Blind Batch Encryption and Public Ledger-Based Protocol for Sharing Sensitive Data

For the goals of security and privacy preservation,we propose a blind batch encryption-and public ledger-based data sharing protocol that allows the integrity of sensitive data to be audited by a public ledger and allows privacy information to be preserved.Data owners can tightly manage their data with efficient revocation and only grant one-time adaptive access for the fulfillment of the requester.We prove that our protocol is semanticallly secure,blind,and secure against oblivious requesters and malicious file keepers.We also provide security analysis in the context of four typical attacks.

CT and MRI diagnosis of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

BACKGROUND: Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare, low-grade malignant vascular tumor. Although its unusual imaging and pathologic findings are being recognized with increasing frequency, diagnosis is still difficult. This study aimed to analyze the CT and MRI features of hepatic EHE with a pathological study in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy and knowledge of this disease in daily practice. METHODS: Nine patients with hepatic EHE confirmed pathologically underwent plain and dynamic contrast-enhanced multi-detector row CT examination. Of these patients, four underwent additional MRI (plain Ti-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced scanning) and one had selective hepatic arteriography. The imaging findings were reviewed retrospectively together with the pathological results. RESULTS: A total of 79 lesions, ranging from 3.0 to 44.6 mm in maximum diameter, with an average of 16.8 +/- 7.1 mm, were found in various segments of the liver. Thirty of the 79 lesions grew adjacent to the hepatic capsule. In the 4 patients receiving MRI, 39 lesions were found with low signal intensity on unenhanced T1WI and intermediate to high signal intensity on T2WI. The 'capsular retraction' sign was found in all the 4 patients. Nine of the 39 lesions showed the 'halo' sign after contrast enhancement on MRI. Of the 79 lesions (hypodense nodules) in the 9 patients shown by unenhanced plain CT, 26 were confluent. Calcification was found in 2 patients and the 'capsular retraction' sign in 7. Thirty-eight of the 79 lesions demonstrated the 'halo' sign after contrast enhancement on CT, and this sign was more clearly demonstrated in the portal venous phase. In one patient, selective hepatic arteriography showed patchy stain in the peripheral liver parenchyma with small vessels around them. Histology in all patients revealed proliferation of abnormal fibrous tissue and vessel-like structures scattered with irregular epithelioid cells having a signet ring-like structure. Immunohistochemically, all patients were positive for CD34, 4 were positive for CD31, and 3 were positive for factor VIII-related antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic EHE may manifest as solitary or diffuse nodular lesions with a predilection for peripheral subcapsular growth and nodular confluence, together with the 'halo' and 'capsular retraction' signs. These imaging findings can help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of this rare hepatic tumor. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 154-158)

Relationship between the expression of IP-10 and IP-10 mRNA in peripheral blood and HBV DNA level in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Post-hepatitic cirrhosis is regarded as common and severe form of liver damage. Interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), a member of the non-ELR (glutamic-leucine-arginine) motif CXC chemokine family, has recently been shown to recruit and activate specific subsets of leukocytes to sites of inflammation or an immune response during the development of hepatic cirrhosis. However, the effects of IP-10 and IP-10 mRNA on inflammatory infiltration at local sites and in the peripheral blood of patients with post-hepatitic cirrhosis as well as their relationship with viral load are still poorly defined. This study aimed to detect the relationship between the expression of IP-10 in serum, IP-10 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the levels of HBV DNA in the serum of patients, and to explore their role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. METHODS: Typical patients with cirrhosis after HBV infection were selected, and their serum IP-10 concentrations were evaluated with ELISA, the content of IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs was measured by real-time PCR, and the load of HBV DNA in serum and PBMCs was assessed by semi-quantitative analysis of gel imaging. RESULTS: The levels of IP-10 in serum and IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs of patients with cirrhosis were 299.9 +/- 77.2 pg/ml and 0.7500 +/- 0.1495, respectively. They were higher than those of controls (P<0.05) and also increased in the HBV DNA(+) groups (P<0.05, P<0.01) to 343.0 +/- 80.3 pg/ml and 0.8465 +/- 0.1528, respectively. The levels of IP-10 in serum and IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs were clearly correlated with the load of HBV DNA (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of IP-10 and IP-10 mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with cirrhosis increase are closely correlated with the load of HBV DNA in serum, and play a key role in the progression of post-hepatitic cirrhosis. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 280-286)

Detection and characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in rats with liver cirrhosis:diagnostic value of combined use of MR positive and negative contrast agents

BACKGROUND: Gadolinium-enhanced multi-phase dynamic imaging has improved the accuracy of the diagnosis of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but using gadolinium-enhanced dynamic imaging alone is problematic in evaluating hypovascular HCC. This work aimed at evaluating the combined use of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced and gadolinium set in distinguishing HCCs from regenerative nodules (RNs) in a rat model induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). METHODS: DEN-induced HCC model rats (n=40) and control rats (n=10) were studied. From weeks 16 to 19 after DEN administration, 4 animals were scanned every week. The hepatic changes were tested with a 1.5 Tesla magnet, and MR images of SPIO-enhanced and gadolinium set were obtained. According to the pathologic changes, the tumorigenesis was divided into HCC and RN (diameter of nodules >= 3 mm). Diagnostic accuracy of the combined SPIO-enhanced and gadolinium set and the gadolinium set alone was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curves. Sensitivity and specificity of the combined SPIO-enhanced and gadolinium set and the gadolinium set alone were calculated. RESULTS: The listed tests were completed in 29 rats (21 treated and 8 controls). One hundred and six nodules (82 HCCs, 24 RNs) were analyzed. The Az value and sensitivity with the combined SPIO-enhanced and gadolinium set (Az 0.94, sensitivity 0.96) were higher than those with the gadolinium set alone (Az 0.92, sensitivity 0.89). Using the combined SPIO-enhanced and gadolinium set led to detection of 6 nodules which were negative in the gadolinium set alone and 3 nodules were correctly characterized. CONCLUSION: Using the combined SPIO-enhanced and gadolinium set improved the detectability of HCCs and the SPIO-enhanced imaging compensated for the gadolinium set in differentiating HCCs from RNs in a rat model.

New progress in CT and MRI examination and diagnosis of small intestinal tumors

Precise examination and diagnosis of small intestinal tumors is difficult because of the curved course and overlapping canal of the small intestine. Traditional technology for intestinal canal examination and endoscopy cannot exhibit the intestinal wall and extra-luminal structure well. With the development and advancement of multi-slice spiral computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography enteroclysis (CTE) and magnetic resonance enteroclysis (MRE) are widely used in the examination and diagnosis of small intestinal tumors. CTE and MRE, with three-dimensional imaging capabilities and excellent soft-tissue contrast, can analyze the abnormalities of peripheral intestinal structure as well as the tunica mucosa. In addition, these two technologies can clearly reveal the localization, appearance, degree of mesenteric infiltration and remote tumor metastasis, which increases our cognition of the imaging diagnosis for intestinal tumors. Here we review recent progress in imaging (CT and MRI) examination and diagnosis of small intestinal tumors.

Three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography for evaluating recipient vessels in orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: With the improvement of MR technology, three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D-DCE-MRA) may be the optimal vascular imaging method for preoperative evaluation of liver transplantation candidates. This study was undertaken to determine the value of 3D-DCE-MRA in the assessment of recipient vessels in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: The surgical and pathological records were taken as the 'gold standards'. Eighteen cases of OLT were retrospectively analyzed to assess the image quality of MRA, including the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in arteries and veins, depiction of vascular variation and vessel disease, and the accuracy of vascular diameter measurement. RESULTS: 3D-DCE-MRA of 34 cases was carried out before OLT. The rates (excellent and good) showing hepatic arteries and portal vein for 3D-DCE-MRA were 94.1% (32/34) and 88.2% (30/34), respectively. The SNRs of the celiac axis and portal vein measurements from 3D-DCE-MRA were 20.58 +/- 3.74 and 13.43 +/- 4.12, and the mean diameters were 3.4 +/- 0.3 rum and 13.1 +/- 3.2 mm, respectively. There were 5 cases of vessel variation according to the Michel's classification. Of the 34 patients, 18 were compared radiologically and pathologically. The accuracy of depiction of the hepatic artery and portal vein with 3D-DCE-MRA was 100% for both; 3D-DCE-MRA precisely assessed 4 cases of more than moderate stenosis in hepatic arteries, 2 cases of small-caliber hepatic artery, 3 cases of venous stenosis at the second porta hepatis, 6 cases of collateral vasculature, I case of portal vein thrombosis and I case of portal vein aneurysm; all were confirmed pathologically. CONCLUSION: 3D-DCE-MRA may be the first choice for recipient vascular assessment before OLT.

MRI shows clodronate-liposomes attenuating liver injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Studies have revealed that macrophages play an important role in the development of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Activated macrophages can lead to a systemic inflammatory response, induce lipid peroxidation, impair membrane structure, result in injury to the liver and the other extrahepatic organs, and eventually result in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome by promoting excessive secretion of cytokines. Liver injury can further aggravate the systemic inflammatory response and increase mortality by affecting the metabolism of toxins and the release of excessive inflammatory mediators. Clodronate is a synthetic bisphosphonate, which is often used for treating bone changes caused by osteoporosis and other factors. In the current study, we created liposomes containing superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) for macrophage labeling and magnetic resonance imaging, using a novel method that can bind the clodronate to induce apoptosis and deplete macrophages. METHODS: Superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation. SPIO-containing liposomes and SPIO-clodronate-containing liposomes were prepared by the thin film method. SAP models were prepared by injection of sodium taurocholate (2 ml/kg body weight) into the subcapsular space of the pancreas. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, a SAP plus SPIO-liposome group, and a SAP plus SPIO-clodronate-containing group. Two and six hours after SAP models were available, T2-weighted MRI scans (in the same plane) of the livers of rats in each group were performed. At the end of the scans, 2 ml of blood was taken from the superior mesenteric vein to measure the levels of serum amylase, ALT, AST, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. Pathological changes in the liver and pancreas were assessed. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy showed that the liposomes had a uniform size. No pathological changes in the pancreata of rats in the control group were noted. The pathological changes in the pancreata and livers of rats in the SAP plus SPIO-clodronate-containing liposome group were milder than those in the SAP plus SPIO-liposome group. The MRI signal intensity of the livers in the SAP plus SPIO-liposome and SAP plus SPIO-clodronate-containing groups was significantly lower than that in the control group. There were significant changes in the two experimental groups (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of serum amylase, ALT, AST, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 in rats in the SAP plus SPIO-liposome group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), while the corresponding levels in the SPIO-clodronate-containing liposome group were significantly lower than those in the SAP plus SPIO-liposome group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Clodronate-containing liposomes protect against liver injury in SAP rats, and SPIO can be used as a tracer for MRI examination following liver injury in SAP rats. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 192-200)