Objective To explore the efficient, cheaper and practical water treatment process in removing algae toxins. Methods The different water treatment methods were used and the optimal combination was selected. The removing efficiency for different processes was compared and validated by beaker test. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted in microcystin testing. Results Coagulating sedimentation could remove a small part of microcystin (removing efficiency was from 4.3% to 29.7% ). When oxidants were applied in pretreatment processes, such as ozone combined with coagulant, 83.3% to 91.9% microcystin could be removed. The cost-benefit analysis showed these processes only increased 0.03 to 0.14 yuan RMB cost per cubic meter of water, for example, by using ozone pretreatment and oxidation plus adsorption processes. Conclusion On the basis of general water treatment, ozone(O3), potassium permanganate(KMnO4), chlorine, dioxide(ClO2)and powdered activated carbon(PAC) are effective for removing microcystin in pretreatment processes and the processes are cheaper and practical.

Objective:To compare the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)induced by osteopontin(OPN)and mineralizing culture medium(MCM).Methods:DPSCs were cultured with OPN(OPN group)and MCM(MCM group)respectively. The morphology of the DPSCs were observed under inverted microscope.The mineralize nodules were observed by alizarin red staining. RT-RCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of bone sialoprotein (BSP),Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx-2),osteocal-cin(OCN)and collagen-1(Col-1).Results:Similar number of mineralized nodules was found in the 2 groups(P >0.05)after 28 day culture.The mRNA expression level of BSP gene in OPN group was higher than that in MCMgroup(0.864 ±0.112 and 0.514 ±0.068, P <0.05),while the expression level of Runx-2 gene in OPN group is lower than that in MCMgroup(0.186 ±0.017 and 0.324 ±0. 058,P <0.05).The expression level of Col-1 and OCN genes in both groups were similar(P >0.05).Conclusion:The capabilities of OPN and MCMin inducing osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs are similar.

The effects of epigenetic modification on the differentiation of islet cells and the expression of associated genes (Pdx-1, Pax4, MafA, and Nkx6.1, etc) were investigated. The promoter methylation status of islet differentiation-associated genes (Pdx-1, Pax4, MafA and Nkx6.1), Oct4 and MLH1 genes of mouse embryonic stem cells, NIH3T3 cells and NIT-1 cells were profiled by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation, real-time quantitative PCR (MeDIP-qPCR) techniques. The histone modification status of these genes promoter region in different cell types was also measured by using chromatin immunoprecipitation real-time quantitative PCR methods. The expression of these genes in these cells was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR. The relationship between the epigenetic modification (DNA methylation, H3 acetylation, H3K4m3 and H3K9m3) of these genes and their expression was analyzed. The results showed that: (1) the transcription-initiation-sites of Pdx-1, MafA and Nkx6.1 were highly methylated in NIH3T3 cells; (2) NIH3T3 cells showed a significantly higher level of DNA methylation modification in the transcription-initiation-site of Pdx-1, Pax4, MafA and Nkx6.1 genes than that in mES cells and NIT-1 cells (P<0.05); (3) NIT-1 cells had a significantly higher level of H3K4m3 modification in the transcription-initiation-site of Pdx-1, Pax4, MafA and Nkx6.1 genes than that in mES cells and NIH3T3 cells (P<0.05), with significantly increased level of gene expression; (4) NIH3T3 cell had a significantly higher level of H3K9m3 modification in the transcription-initiation-site of Pdx-1, Pax4, MafA and Nkx6.1 genes than that in mES cells and with NIT-1 cell (P<0.05), with no detectable mRNA expression of these genes. It was concluded that histone modification (H3K4m3 and H3K9m3) and DNA methylation might have an intimate communication between each other in the differentiation process from embryonic stem cells into islet cells.

Objective To investigate factors related to chronic pain in those injured with fractures 27 months after the Sichuan earthquake.The correlation between intensity of pain and quality of life was also analyzed.Methods A total of 705 victims were investigated on site.Their residual pain was categorized using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score as no pain,mild pain,moderate pain or severe pain.The pain-related biological,psychological and social factors were analyzed using the Barthel Index ( BI ),Life Satisfaction Questionaire-11 ( LiSat-11 )and the SF-36 health questionnaire. Rehabilitation and surgical interventions,employment,income and emotional status were also investigated. Results The incidence of chronic pain was 88.5％ in this population,of which mild pain and moderate pain were 35.7％ and 33.3％,respectively.The percentage of the victims who had received fracture surgery was 65.8％ ; the percentage of those who had recovered was 96.9％.BI scores for the victims without pain,with mild,moderate and severe pain were 92.7 + 10.2,92.8 + 8.4,91.2 ± 9.9 and 90.4 + 14.7,respectively ; the differences between these groups were all statistically insignificant.The influence of pain intensity on life satisfaction showed a significant linear trend.The percentages of the victims with restricted occupational ability in the four groups were 38.3％,61.5％,75.7％ and 62.8％ respectively.The median of personal annual income were ￥ 3550,￥ 2500,￥ 2000 and ￥ 2500.The VAS scores were significantly related to abnormal emotions,life satisfaction,employment and annual income.The subjects with different levels of residual pain also showed significant differences in the physical functioning,role-physical,bodily pain,general health,vitality,social functioning,role-emotional and mental health sub-scales of the SF-36.The total SF-36 scores were highest among victims without pain (70.6 + 17.5) and declined significantly in those with mild (61.3 + 14.3 ),moderate (52.7 + 14.3 ) and severe pain (52.3 + 14.7 ).This negative correlation between pain intensity and SF-36 total score was statistically significant. Conclusions Chronic pain remains common among fracture victims 27 months after the earthquake.Its intensity is correlated with psychological and social factors as well as quality of life.

BACKGROUND:The induced concentration for osteoblasts is often introduced as reference to induce odontoblast differentiation. However, there are no reports on other concentrations. OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of dentin matrix protein-1, dentin sialoprotein and matrix extracelular phosphoglycoprotein during low-dose β-glycerophosphate-induced differentiation of dental pulp stem cels into odontoblasts. METHODS:Human dental pulp stem cels were isolated and cultured, and then induced by different concentrations of inducing solution to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts, which could verify the multi-directional differentiation ability of human dental pulp stem cels. Under 5 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate, dental pulp stem cels differentiated into odontoblasts. At 7, 14, 21, 28 days of culture, RNA samples were extracted from dental pulp stem cels in each group, and reverse-transcription PCR was used to detect the expression of dentin matrix protein-1, dentin sialoprotein and matrix extracelular phosphoglycoprotein. Mineralized nodules were detected by alizarin red S staining to show the successfuly osteogenesis induction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Human dental pulp stem cels could be induced to adipocytes and osteoblasts. The results of reverse-transcription PCR showed that the dental pulp stem cels under 5 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate could increase the expression of dentin matrix protein-1 and dentin sialoprotein, but downregulate the expression of matrix extracelular phosphoglycoprotein at 7, 14, 21 days. At 28 days of culture, dental pulp stem cels were al successfuly mineralized detected by alizarin red S. There were some red mineralized nodules. These findings indicate that the 5 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate can induce the differentiation of dental pulp stem cels into odontoblasts successfuly, up-regulate the mRNA expression of dentin sialoprotein and dentin matrix protein-1, and meanwhile down-regulate the mRNA expression of matrix extracelular phosphoglycoprotein.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 308-nm monochromatic excimer light for the treatment of amelanotic nevus.Methods Eighteen patients with amelanotic nevus were treated with 308-nm monochromatic excimer light twice a week for five consecutive weeks.Melanin content index (MCI) was measured in the lesions before and after the treatment.After the final exposure,a three-month follow-up was carried out.Results After the start of treatment,the MCI in lesions increased in a session-dependent manner and approximated to 100％ of that in perilesional normal skin after six sessions of treatment.The follow-up revealed a decrease trend in MCI after the end of the treatment,which was nearly equal to that in perilesional normal skin one month later,and dropped to about 90％ of that three months later.No side effects such as blisters or scar were observed during the treatment.Conclusions The 308-nm monochromatic excimer light is safe and effective for the treatment of amelanotic nevus.Re-exposure to 308-nm monochromatic excimer light after three months is recommended as consolidation therapy.

Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB) proteins in ankle joints of rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of RA.Methods: Adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat models were induced and used as rat models of RA. Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group and a saline group. Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion group accepted treatment by moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenshu (BL 23) after modeling; rats in the saline group were injected with 0.15 mL saline to the bottom of the left hind paw and had no other treatments. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of rats' ankle joints under light microscope. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB in ankle joints of rats.Results: Compared with the normal group, the rats' ankle joints in the model group showed disorganization, joint surface defect, and significantly increased mean optical density (MOD) of TNF-α and NF-κB (allP<0.05). After moxibustion treatment, rats in the moxibustion group showed repaired ankle tissues, smooth joint surface without defects, decreased MOD of TNF-α and NF-κB than those in the model group (allP<0.05). Rats in the saline group had no damage to ankle joints, while TNF-α and NF-κB were significantly different from those in the model group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Moxibustion could down-regulate the expressions of NF-κB and TNF-α protein in ankle joints of RA rats, and produce an anti-inflammatory effect to promote tissue repair.

Objective:To construct an evaluation index system for the long-term care needs of community-dwelling elderly.Methods:Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, a preliminary evaluation index system was formed using literature research and descriptive research. The evaluation index system was revised and improved through the expert consultation.Results:Two rounds of consultation were conducted on 20 experts. The effective response rates of the questionnaire for two rounds of expert consultation were 90.0% (18/20) and 94.4% (17/18), respectively. The expert opinion submission rates were 94.4% (17/18) and 29.4% (5/17), and the expert authority coefficients were 0.94 and 0.95, respectively. After two rounds of expert consultation, the coefficient of variation of each indicator was less than 0.15, and the Kendall harmony coefficients of the overall indicator and all levels of indicators were 0.277 to 0.441 (all P<0.01). The final evaluation index system consisted of three first-level indicators, 12 second-level indicators, and 49 third-level indicators. Conclusions:The construction process of the evaluation index system established is rigorous, the content is comprehensive, and the research methods and results are scientific and reliable. It can provide a basis for further developing long-term care needs assessment tools for community-dwelling elderly and establishing grading standards for long-term care needs assessment.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes and radiological results of arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant to treat shoulder recurrent instability. Methods: Data of 27 patients diagnosed as shoulder recurrent instability with the bone defect of 10%-15% from July 2016 to August 2018 who were treated by arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 7 females with an average age of 30.8 years old (range, 19-50). The bone loss of the glenoid was 10%-15%. The time between the first dislocation and the surgery was 24.1±15.8 months. The patients were treated with arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant. Postoperatively the affected shoulder was immobilized by the abduction brace for 6 weeks, after that the passive motion was applied. Strengthening exercise began at 10-12 weeks and sports was allowed after 6 months. Constant-Murley score and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were used to evaluate the shoulder function, and visual analogue score (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of pain. Computed tomography scans were obtained one week post-operation and at the latest follow-up, from which the length, width, height and volume of the bone graft were measured and the absorption rate of the bone graft was calculated. The subjective satisfaction degree of patients at the latest follow-up was also recorded. Results: All 27 patients were followed up for 19.8 months (range, 13-39 months). No infection or neurovascular injury was identified. At the latest follow-up, the Constant-Murley score was 85.15±5.62 (range, 76-94), the DASH score 13.39±5.51 (range, 3.19-21.95) and the VAS score 1.29±0.45 (range, 1-2), thus all of those were improved significantly compared to those of pre-operation. At the latest follow-up, the anterior flexion was 153°±24°, lateral rotation by side 38°±21°, internal rotation 70°±21°, and abduction was 139°±18°. At the latest follow-up, the absorption rate of the bone graft was 46.1%±20.6% (range, 24.0%-71.7%). Among all the 27 patients, 19 patients considered the outcome as very good, and 6 patients considered as good, 2 patients fair. Conclusion Arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant could successfully treat shoulder recurrent instability with glenoid bone loss at 10%-15%. This technique could achieve satisfactory clinical results, improve glenohumeral stability, decrease the re-dislocation rate.

The effects of epigenetic modification on the differentiation of islet cells and the expression of associated genes (Pdx-l,Pax4,MafA,and Nkx6.1,etc) were investigated.The promoter methylation status of islet differentiation-associated genes (Pdx-1,Pax4,MafA and Nkx6.1),Oct4 and MLH1 genes of mouse embryonic stem cells,NIH3T3 cells and NIT-1 cells were profiled by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation,real-time quantitative PCR (MeDIP-qPCR) techniques.The histone modification status of these genes promoter region in different cell types was also measured by using chromatin immunoprecipitation real-time quantitative PCR methods.The expression of these genes in these cells was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR.The relationship between the epigenetic modification (DNA methylation,H3 acetylation,H3K4m3 and H3K9m3) of these genes and their expression was analyzed.The results showed that:(1) the transcription-initiation-sites of Pdx-1,MafA and Nkx6.1 were highly methylated in NIH3T3 cells; (2) NIH3T3 cells showed a significantly higher level of DNA methylation modification in the transcription-initiation-site of Pdx-1,Pax4,MafA and Nkx6.1 genes than that in mES cells and NIT-1 cells (P＜0.05); (3) NIT-1 cells had a significantly higher level of H3K4m3 modification in the transcription-initiation-site of Pdx-1,Pax4,MafA and Nkx6.1 genes than that in mES cells and NIH3T3 cells (P＜0.05),with significantly increased level of gene expression; (4) NIH3T3 cell had a significantly higher level of H3K9m3 modification in the transcription-initiation-site of Pdx-1,Pax4,MafA and Nkx6.1 genes than that in mES cells and with NIT-1 cell (P＜0.05),with no detectable mRNA expression of these genes.It was concluded that histone modification (H3K4m3 and H3K9m3) and DNA methylation might have an intimate communication between each other in the differentiation process from embryonic stem cells into islet cells.