Note on the instability mechanism of gravity-driven unsaturated slow flow in porous media.

A capillary tube model reveals that the surface tension at the air-water interface cannot cause the instability of gravity-driven unsaturated slow flow in sandy soils.

Apoptosis and developmental capacity of vitrified parthenogenetic pig blastocysts.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether the poor developmental capacity of pig embryos after vitrification was related to the occurrence of apoptosis. Parthenogenetic blastocysts were used as the research material. The blastocoel recovery rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), amount of early apoptosis, activities of several caspases, and relative abundance of mRNA of apoptosis-related genes involved in mitochondria and death receptor apoptotic pathways were detected before or after vitrification. The results indicate that the blastocoel recovery rate (31.0%) and total cells (31.8) of vitrified blastocysts were less than those of fresh blastocysts (100% and 38.2, P < 0.05). The ΔΨm of vitrified blastocysts was 0.46, which was less than that of fresh blastocysts (1.02, P < 0.05). The rate of apoptotic cells in vitrified blastocysts (8.1%) after TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling) assay was markedly greater than that in fresh blastocysts (3.9%, P < 0.05). The pan-caspase, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities of vitrified blastocysts (20.7, 20.6, 17.6 and 19.9) were markedly greater than those of fresh blastocysts (7.4, 6.5, 5.5 and 6.3, P < 0.05). The real-time PCR results indicated that relative abundance of caspase-8 and TNF-α mRNA from death receptor apoptotic pathway and caspase-9 for the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway genes in the vitrified group were greater than those in the fresh group P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Bcl-2 and SOD-1 mRNA for the mitochondrial pathway genes in the vitrified group was less than those in the fresh group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the poor developmental capacity of vitrified parthenogenetic pig blastocysts was closely related with apoptosis. Both mitochondria and death receptor-mediated apoptotic pathways participated the occurrence of this apoptosis.

T-cadherin association with clinicopathological features and prognosis in axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of T-cadherin expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer. Based on the immunohistochemistry results, all 142 patients with operable axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer were divided into the T-cadherin-negative and T-cadherin-positive groups. Clinical data including the association of T-cadherin expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed using the Chi square test and Fisher's exact test using SPSS 13.0 software. The impact of T-cadherin expression on the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and the 5-year overall survival (OS) of these patients was measured using the log-rank test. DFS and OS were analyzed using both Kaplan-Meier function and Cox regression analyses. Compared with the T-cadherin-positive group (55.07, 28.99, and 13.4 %, respectively; P = 0.030, P = 0.0132, and P = 0.009), tumor size >2 cm, lymph-vascular invasion, and pathological stage III disease were seen more frequently in the T-cadherin-negative group (72.60, 49.32, and 31.51 %, respectively). Both 5-year DFS and 5-year OS were poorer in the T-cadherin-negative group than in the T-cadherin-positive group (log-rank test = 9.295, P = 0.002; log-rank test = 5.718, P = 0.017). On multivariate analysis, T-cadherin-negative expression remained an independent prognostic factor for DFS (P = 0.002) but not for OS (P = 0.067). Our results suggested that negative T-cadherin expression has a worse prognosis in patients with axillary lymph node-positive breast cancer.

Painful neuropathy in a diabetic patient resulting from lung cancer and not diabetes: A case report.

The current study reports the case of a 61-year-old man with diabetes who was suffering from generalized pain over the whole body and gradually progressive numbness. The patient was initially diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and received treatment, however, the symptoms persisted. In October 2010, the patient was admitted to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy General Hospital (Beijing, China) for the treatment of diabetes, however, a full-body sharp pain was also described, which was relieved upon massaging the area. Causes, other than diabetes, were investigated for these symptoms. Chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans revealed a mass shadow in the right lower lobe of the lung, with multiple lymphatic metastases. Lung cancer was diagnosed with a tumor-node-metastasis stage of T1N3Mx. Following treatment of the cancer with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved. The present study reports a rare case of a paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) that presented as painful neuropathy resulting from lung cancer, which mimicked diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

[Expression of recombinant human IFNa-2b/IgG4 Fc fusion protein in a baculovirus insect cell system].

To investigate a baculovirus insect cell system for expressing an interferon alpha 2b (IFNa2b)/immunoglobulin G-4 (IgG4) Fc fusion protein, which has long-acting antiviral effects. Human IFNa2b and IgG4 Fc cDNAs were generated by molecular cloning and inserted into a baculovirus shuttle vector, which was then transposed into the DH10 Bac strain to form recombinant Bacmid-IFN/Fc. The Bacmid-IFN/Fc was transfected into High five insect cells, and expression of the IFN/Fc fusion protein was detected by Western blotting and its biological activity was assessed by the cytopathic effect inhibition method. The IFNa2b and IgG4 Fc cDNA fragments were successfully amplified by RT-PCR using human peripheral lymphocytes. After cloning into the baculovirus shuttle vector, pFastBac1, and transforming into DH10 Bac competent cells, screening identified positive clones carrying the recombinant Bacmid-IFN/Fc. A Bacmid-IFN/Fc clone was successfully transfected into the High five insect cells and packaged into the baculovirus for expression of the IFN/Fc fusion protein. Western blotting revealed that the fusion protein expression was specific, and yielded a protein of 45 kD in size. The in vitro antiviral activity of the IFN/Fc fusion protein was 580 IU/mL. A novel IFN/Fc fusion protein was successfully generated using a baculovirus insect cell system, which may prove useful for providing future experimental data for development of a new long-acting interferon to treat chronic viral hepatitis.

[Correlationships between the coverage of vegetation and the quality of groundwater in the lower reaches of the Tarim River].

The variations vegetation coverage is the result of conjunct effects of inner and outer energy of the earth, however, the human activity always makes the coverage of vegetation change a lot. Based on the monitoring data of chemistry of groundwater and the coverage of vegetation from 2002 to 2007 in the lower reaches of Tarim River, relations between vegetation coverage and groundwater chemistry were studied. It is found that vegetation coverage at Sector A was more than 80%, and decreased from sector to sector, the coverage of Sector I was less than 10%. At the same sector, samples near to water source owned high coverage index, and samples far away from the river had low coverage index. The variations of pH in groundwater expressed similar regulation to vegetation coverage, that is, Sectors near the water source had higher pH index comparing than those far away. Regression between groundwater quality and vegetation coverage disclosed that the coverage of Populus euphratica climbed up along with increase of pH in groundwater, change of Tamarix ramosissima coverage expressed an opposite trend to the Populus euphratica with the same environmental factors. This phenomenon can interpret spatial distribution of Populus euphratica and Tamarix ramosissima in lower reaches of the Tarim River.

[Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D in association with VEGF receptor-3 in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer].

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in women. For these patients, lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors. Recent studies suggest that lymphangiogenesis can contribute to the lymphatic metastasis in tumors. Several members of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, such as VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), have been found to promote lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer. However, there are still some controversy about the prognostic value of VEGF-D and the relation between VEGFR-3 and lymphangiogenesis. This article tried to provide an overview of the research progress of lymphangiogenic factor VEGF-D and its receptor VEGFR-3 in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer.

Influence of intermittent water releases on groundwater chemistry at the lower reaches of the Tarim River, China.

Based on the data of the depths and the chemical properties of groundwater, salinity in the soil profile, and the basic information on each delivery of water collected from the years 2000 to 2006, the varied character of groundwater chemistry and related factors were studied. The results confirmed the three stages of the variations in groundwater chemistry influenced by the intermittent water deliveries. The factors that had close relations to the variations in groundwater chemistry were the distances of monitoring wells from the water channel, the depths of the groundwater, water flux in watercourse, and the salinities in soils. The relations between chemical variation and groundwater depths indicated that the water quality was the best with the groundwater varying from 5 to 6 m. In addition, the constructive species in the study area can survive well with the depth of groundwater varying from 5 to 6 m, so the rational depth of groundwater in the lower reaches of the Tarim River should be 5 m or so. The redistribution of salts in the soil profile and its relations to the chemical properties and depths of groundwater revealed the linear water delivery at present combining with surface water supply in proper sections would promote water quality optimized and speed up the pace of ecological restoration in the study area.

Indicating appropriate groundwater tables for desert river-bank forest at the Tarim River, Xinjiang, China.

Based on data collected over 2 years of monitoring the lower reaches of the Tarim River, the groundwater table depth was divided into six classes; 0 to 2 m, 2 to 4 m, 4 to 6 m, 6 to 8 m, 8 to 10 m, >10 m. We investigated the vegetation in this area to measure the influence of groundwater table depth on plant diversity and species ecological niche. The results indicated that plant diversity was highest at the 2 to 4 m groundwater table depth, followed by that at 4 to 6 m, and then that at 0 to 2 m. When the groundwater depth dropped to below 6 m, species diversity decreased dramatically, and the slope of Hill's index tended to level off. The ecological niche of the major species in this area initially expanded as the groundwater level dropped. The widest niche appeared at the 4 to 6 m groundwater table depth and gradually narrowed with deepening groundwater. Ecological niche analysis also revealed that the 4 to 6 m groundwater table depth was associated with the lowest degree of niche overlap and the richest variety of species. Our findings indicate that in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, the groundwater table depth must be a minimum of 6 m for vegetation restoration; it should be maintained at 2 to 4 m in the vicinity of the water path, and at 4 to 6 m for the rest of this arid area.

Effects of climate change on water resources in Tarim River Basin, Northwest China.

Based on hydrology, temperature, and precipitation data from the past 50 years, the effects of climate change on water resources in Tarim River Basin in Northwest China were investigated. The long-term trends of the hydrological time series were detected using both parametric and nonparametric techniques. The results showed that the increasing tendency of the temperature has a 5% level of significance, and the temperature increased by nearly 1 degree C over the past 50 years. The precipitation showed a significant increase in the 1980s and 1990s, and the average annual precipitation exhibited an increasing trend with a magnitude of 6.8 mm per decade. A step change occurred in both the temperature and precipitation time series around 1986. The streamflow from the headwater of the Tarim River exhibited a significant increase during the last 20 years. The increase in temperature, precipitation, and streamflow may be attributed to global climate change.

[Three stages of the groundwater chemical properties reacting on the intermittent water deliveries in lower Tarim River, China].

Based on the monitored data of groundwater chemical properties and groundwater depth influenced by five intermittent water deliveries in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, the regulation of groundwater chemistry varying was analysed, the variations in groundwater chemical properties unfolded a clear three-stages changing character under the influence of water deliveries: the initial stage--concentrations of major ions and total dissolved solids (TDS) increasing; the intermediate stage-the concentrations decreasing; the late stage--the chemical properties increasing once more. The variation of groundwater chemistry resulted from many factors, such as the salinities in soil profile, the quality of transported water, the distance from watercourse, the amount and the season of the delivery. However, "salts coming with the water flow, and leaving with it" is the main reason that led to the increase and decrease of chemical properties at first stage and second stage, and with the uprising water level, more and more salinities in soil profile dissolved into ground water and the severe evaporation resulted the concentrations of major ions and TDS increase at late stage. Furthermore, the variations of groundwater chemistry at the intermission of water deliveries have close relationship to the three stages. It should be pointed out that the mode of water transport in surface scope is infeasible due to the climate characteristics of the lower reaches of the Tarim River.

[Analysis of carbon flux of soil and its related factors from Tamarix spp. community in the middle and lower reaches of Tarim River].

This study utilized LI-8100 automated soil CO2 flux system to monitor the day change of carbon flux of soil from Tamarix spp. community in the middle and lower reaches of Tarim River. The influence of temperature, groundwater, and soil water on Carbon flux of soil were analyzed. The study show that the curves of day change of soil respiration have a simple peak value, but the maximum flux normally appear until 12 o'clock noon to 16 o'clock differently. Because of influence of cloud cover and wind speed in that time, difference of the day change of carbon flux of soil are obvious. The relations between the soil respiration and underground water, temperature and soil water content in every depth are close; the relations between carbon flux of soil and underground water are extremely prominent, suitable for Cubic model curve. The relations between carbon flux of soil and air temperature and air temperature near the ground surface, ground surface temperature become positively correlated, suitable for Exponent models curves. However, the relations between carbon flux of soil and soil temperature in the 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30cm are negatively correlated, suitable for Cubic model curve. At last, this study analyzed the relations between carbon flux of soil and temperature and soil water content by multi- regression, which explain 67% of the changes in carbon flux of soil.

Degradation of Populus euphratica community in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, Xinjiang, China.

To investigate the relationships between the degradation of plant community and groundwater level in the lower reaches of the Tarim River, nine monitored sections were set along the main stream, where there had been no runoff for nearly 30 years. The characteristics of plant communities were analyzed. It was found that the coverage of trees gradually decreased along the groundwater depth gradient, while the coverage of shrubs slightly increased rather than decreased at first and then gradually decreased, and the coverage of herbs steadily decreased at the beginning and then quickly decreased. The species diversity and species richness of both herbs and woody plants showed obvious degrading trends, while the variations in species evenness were slight. The degrading sequences of species were related to their physiological and ecological characteristics, especially their sensitivity to changes of groundwater table. The herbs with shallow roots first degenerated or disappeared when the groundwater table fell, and then did the deep-rooted herbs, and finally the trees and shrubs with strong tolerance to drought degenerated. The Populus euphratica communities showed typical degrading characteristics, namely the dominant species Populus euphratica remained its dominant status during the degradation. Overall, the existence of strongly tolerant-drought species was the obvious indication of plant species degradation; while simplification of community structure and the decrease of species richness were the obvious indication of plant community degradation.

Correlations between edema and the immediate and prolonged painful consequences of inflammation: therapeutic implications?

The precise relationship between the degree of pain and the degree of inflammation in the individual remains debated. A quantitative analysis simultaneously applied to the immediate and prolonged painful consequences of inflammation has not yet been done. Thus, the correlations between edema, nociception and hypersensitivity following an inflammatory insult were assessed in rodents. To better understand the therapeutic value of modifying specific aspects of inflammation, the effects of an anti-inflammatory drug were compared to the results. Inbred strains of mice and outbred rats received an intraplantar injection of honeybee venom and the between-group and within-group correlations were calculated for spontaneous nociceptive measures, thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, and edema and temperature. The effect of indomethacin on the pain and inflammation measures was examined. Edema correlated with spontaneous flinching, licking and lifting of the injected paw (P< or =0.003), and not with thermal or mechanical hypersensitivity. Indomethacin affected edema and spontaneous nociception dose-dependently, and affected hypersensitivity only at the highest dose tested (P< 0.05). These results suggest that edema may contribute only to immediate spontaneous nociceptive responses to an inflammatory insult, and not to the more clinically relevant prolonged hypersensitivity. This analysis represents a method for determining which inflammatory processes are the most promising therapeutic targets against the multiple painful consequences of inflammation.