M. mulatta, M. thibetana and M. assamensis have a part of sympatry in distribution areas and closed relationships in phylogeny, but there also exist certain differences among them in the morphology and function of skeleton. In recent years, on their locomotion and adaptive behaviors, the different viewpoints were suggested by many authors. The comparison of distal articular surface of humerus in these species were carried out in this paper. The major results based on 24 humerus including 48 sides are as follows:1. The results of the discriminant analysis suggest that the features and structures of humeral distal articulation of M. thibetana is similar to that of M. assamensis than that of M. mulatta.2. The relative width of articulation (AFT), olecranon fossa (OFW) and internal epicondyle (MEW), and the relative length of trochlea (THL) play more important rule to distinguish the three species of macaques. The. first discriminate function is: F1=13.64MEW-15.57ATF+23.500FW+14.09THL-9.63.3. The characters on distal articulation of humerus of the three species of monkeys differ evidently from the apes.4. The results of principal component analysis show that the locomotion of M. mulatta is similar to Presbytes obscurus, Hylobates and M. nemestrina, and it seems that they are more adaptive to arboreal movement than that in M. thibetana and M. assamensis based on the osteological features and functional morphology of the distal articular surface of humerus.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bacterial pneumonia and the predictive value of early serum procalcitonin (PCT) level for bacterial pneumonia and sepsis classification in patients with acute stroke. Methods The patients with acute stroke in neurological intensive care unit were enroled retrospectively and divided into either a bacterial pneumonia group or a non-infection group according to whether they had bacterial pneumonia or not. The former was redivided into a non-severe sepsis subgroup and a severe sepsis subgroup according to the sepsis classification. The demographics, baseline clinical data, and PCT level (the bacterial pneumonia group was the PCT level when infection occurred, the non-infection group was the PCT level within 24 h of admission) were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for bacterial pneumonia. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of serum PCT level for bacterial pneumonia and sepsis
classification. Results A total of 164 patients with acute stroke were enroled in the study, including 114 in the bacterial pneumonia group (66 in the non-severe sepsis subgroup and 48 in the severe sepsis subgroup) and 50 in the non-infection group. There were significant differences in age, fasting blood glucose level, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and PCT level between the bacterial pneumonia group and the non-infection group (P < 0. 05 ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that fasting blood glucose level ≥7 mmol/L (odds ratio [ OR] 8. 488, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 2. 739 - 26. 300; P < 0. 01), GCS score ≤8 (OR 11. 361, 95% CI 2. 175 - 59. 352; P < 0. 01), and PCT level ≥0. 050 ng/ml (OR 16. 715, CI 5. 075 - 55. 049; P < 0. 01) were the independent risk factors for bacterial pneumonia. In the bacterial pneumonia group, the PCT level (median; interquartile range) in the severe sepsis subgroup was significantly higher than that in the non-severe sepsis subgroup (0. 835 [ 0. 164 - 1. 715 ] ng/ml vs. 0. 114 [0. 073 - 0. 275 ] ng/ml; Z = 4. 818, P < 0. 01 ). ROC curve analysis showed that PCT ≥0. 070 ng/ml could better predict the occurrence of bacterial pneumonia in patients with acute stroke, with sensitivity of 84. 2% , specificity of 74. 0% and the area under the ROC curve of 0. 865 (CI 0. 806 - 0. 924, P < 0. 01); PCT 0. 669 ng/mlcould better predict the occurrence of severe sepsis in acute stroke patients with bacterial pneumonia, with sensitivity of 56. 3% , specificity of 92. 4% and the area under the ROC curve of 0. 765 (CI 0. 672 - 0. 858; P < 0. 01). Conclusions The early PCT level ≥0. 050 ng/ml was an independent risk factor for occurring bacterial pneumonia in patients with acute stroke, its level had certaln predictive value for bacterial pneumonia and the severity of infection.

Objective To investigate the roles of hemopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods HSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of a patient with psoriasis vulgaris and a normal human control. Forward- and reverse-subtracted cDNA libraries were constructed by using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique between HSCs from the patient and control. Bacterial PCR and dot hybridization were performed to screen for positive clones followed by gene sequencing, identification and functional analysis. Real time quantitative PCR was carried out to measure the mRNA expression of interferon-γ and thymosin 10 (TMSB10). Results Nine genes were screened from the forward-subtracted cDNA library which encoded interferon-γ, tyrosine phosphatase, SUMO1 activase, etc, and 8 genes including the TMSB10-encoding gene were screened from the reverse-subtracted cDNA library. The relative expression level of interferon-γ in HSCs from the patient was 47.5 times that in HSCs from the control, while the level of TMSB10 from the control was 22.6 times that from the patient. Conclusion The abnormal expression of 17 genes which encode interferon-γ, thyrosin, and so on, may be involved in the development of psoriasis.

Objective To find a rapid and simple method for quantifying the amount of eluted proteins in chromatography. Methods The method was developed by utilizing the principle of the absorbance of protein at 280 nm and the integral function of the software UNICORN for AKTA FPLC, namely, the protein quantity was evaluated based on its A_ 280 and peak area. Results The relation between peak area and quantity of the protein was linear correlation. The protein quantity could be expressed as X=Y/A. The Y represented the peak area (mAU?ml) of the interested fraction, and A represented the measurable value (mAU) of 1 g/L interested protein through the FPLC 280 nm cell and X was the quantity of the interested protein (mg). The method was used in the purification of recombinant human zona pellucida-3 protein (rhZP3)and the quantity of the purified rhZP3 evaluated from the formula was confirmed by Lowry method. Conclusion The method is easy, rapid, repeatable and practicable to quantify the protein in chromatography.

Objective To explore the predictive value of soluble growth STimulation expressed gene 2(sST2) on major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods The study included 148 patients with first episode of AMI admitted from January 2015 to May 2016 in the heart center of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University.Serum sST2 level before PCI was tested and all patients were followed up clinically for 6 months after PCI.Results 1.MACEs were found in 23 patients during follow up.The sST2 leveles were significantly higher in patients with MACEs than the non-MACE group [(44.50 ±5.32) ng/ml vs.(23.59±1.15) ng/ml, P=0.001].Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum sST2 were positively correlated with MACE and type Ⅲ procollagen amine terminal peptide (PⅢNP) but was not correlated with NT-proBNP.2.Serum sST2 found to be correlated with the body mass index, blood pressure, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).3.The area under the ROC curve of sST2 to predict the occurrence of MACE after PCI was 0.787 which was higher than that of NT-proBNP.The area under curve of sST2 combined with NT-proBNP was 0.820.4.The survival rate of patients with serum sST2 level ≤29 ng/ml was higher than patients with sST2>29 ng/ml in 6 months after PCI.Conclusions sST2 is affected by a variety of factors.sST2 combined with NT-proBNP can improve the predictive value of MACE after PCI, and higher the level of sST2, higher the mortality rate in 6 months after PCI.

Objective To compare the dosimetric difference on organ at risk (OAR) in intensitymodulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in treatment with cervical carcinoma. Methods 36 cases of cervical cancer patients accepted radiotherapy both on IMRT and 3D-CRT in the same time,clinical target volume (CTV) focused on primary tumor and its lymphatic drainage area.Lymphatic drainage area was determined as follows:1.0 cm extension were added to the margin of pelvic vessels,the obturator lymph nodes region was extended by 1.8 cm from the pelvis inner margin.CTV does not include pelvic tissue. Data of dose distribution and irradiation volume of OAR on the basis of distributing on 45 Gy and 50 Gy were analyzed individually. The margins of planning target volume (PTV) was obtained based on CTV margins by which added 1.0 cm extension in inferior and superior directions,0.7 cm were added in all other directions. Results With the comparison of variety on irradiation volume of organs at risk (OAR) by DVH in both groups,underlying the treatment dose 45 Gy,the individual volume of D30,D40 and D45 were all lesser in IMRT plan than that of 3D-CRT plan. Even on the dose 50 Gy at pelvic wall lymph nodes regions,the volume of OAR was lesser than that in 3D-CRT plan.Conclusion In the radiotherapy of cervical cancer,IMRT should have improved protections for tumor surrounding OAR which has domestic superiority in clinical application.

Objective To determine whether real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(RT-3D TEE) is an accurate non-invasive technique for defining the morphology of atrial septal defects(ASD). Methods In 20 patients with secundum ASD, mean age 42.2 years (7 male, 13 female) ,live three dimensional surgical views of ASD were acquired,qualitative morphology of ASD such as the shape, presence of fenestrations and the defect margins were noted during the cardiac cycle. The measurements obtained from 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(2D-TEE) and RT-3D TEE were compared to those obtained from stretched balloon diameter(SBD) or surgery. Measurements of the size and area change of ASD were validated during the cardiac cycle by RT-3D TEE,stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to test the correlation between the maximum change ratios of area and diameter of ASD and age, atrial septal length, ASD shunting velocity, the maximum diameter of ASD and right ventricular systolic pressure. Results ① The morphology of ASD was circle-like or elliptical in systole,irregular or elliptical in diastole. ②The area and diameter of ASD measured by RT-3D TEE was minimal in isovolumetric contraction phase, maximal in isovolumetric diastole phase. The correlation coefficient of maximum diameter measured by 3D with SBD was 0.962 , greater than that by 2D and SBD (0.820). ③The change ratio of area and maximum diameter of ASD acquired by RT-3D-TEE was 11.48%-71.12% and 2.80%-43.87% respectively,and the correlation coefficient of them was 0.921. Conclusions RT-3D TEE using live 3D-Zoom mode accurately displayed the varying morphology,dimensions and spatial relations of ASD. RT-3D TEE can offer visualization morphological changing of ASD in different periods of cardiac cycle,providing more information for percutanous catheter intervention and open heart surgery.

Objective To investigate the role of oxidative stress in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells in rat model of peritoneal fibrosis and the effect of probucol on peritoneal fibrosis. Methods The rat model of peritoneal fibrosis was induced by 4.25% high glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF). The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the control group, the saline group, the peritoneal fibrosis group, and the probucol group. A 4 hour peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was performed 4 weeks later. The peritoneal function and net ultrafiltration (UF) volume were determined. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in peritoneal tissue were examined. The histology of peritoneal membrane was evaluated by light microscopy. E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical method and Western blot.Results The mesothelial cells were detached from peritoneal membrane in peritoneal firbosis rats. Comparing with the control rats, the thickness of visceral peritoneum, the level of MDA, and the-SMA protein expression were increased while the net ultrafiltration volume, the level of GSH-Px and E-cadherin protein expression were decreased in peritoneal firbosis rats. All these changes were reversed in the rats treated with probucol.Conclusion Oxidative stress plays an important role in transdifferentiation of peritoneal mesothelial cell in the peritoneal fibrosis rats. Probucol can improve structure and function of peritoneum, and partially reverse the EMT by reducing the oxidative stress.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of full volume three-dimensional echocardiography(FV3DE) for quantifying the left ventricular volume in healthy fetuses. Methods Two hundred and twenty-two normal fetuses with gestational ages between 20 and 40 weeks were investigated. Full volume three-dimensional, two-dimensional (2D) and M-mode images were acquired by Philips iE33 system and data was processed offline using QLAB analysis software. Left ventricular end-systolic volume(ESV) and end-diastolic volume ( EDV) were measured using semiautomated border detection echocardiographic techniques, and compared with 2D biplane Simpson's method and M-mode Teichholz formula. Results Thirty-six fetuses with poor three-dimensional images and 5 twin pregnancies were excluded,the study subjects consisted of 181 singleton fetuses. The highest concordance correlation ( r =0.987 for EDV, r =0.988 for ESV) P <0. 001) was noted between 2D biplane Simpson's and FV3DE-derived values with a small bias (0. 332 ml for EDV,0. 135 ml for ESV). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that FV3DE had the best reproducibility than M-mode Teichholz formula and 2D biplane Simpson's method. Intra- and interobserver error of EDV were 2.85% and 4.22% for FV3DE,8.37% and 8.98% for 2D biplane Simpson's rule,30. 63% and 54. 70% for M-mode Teichholz formula. Intra- and interobserver error of ESV were 2.34% and 6. 14% for FV3DE,6. 26% and 11.7% for 2D biplane Simpson's rule,43.06% and 66.03% for M-mode Teichholz formula. Conclusions FV3DE is a novel technique that can be more accurate than conventional methods in quantification of fetal left ventricular volumes, it may provide new insight into evolving fetal cardiac structure and function.

Objective To explore the influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the learning and memory ability using a rat model of vascular dementia (VD).Methods Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and divided into a normal group,a sham operation group,a VD group and an HBOT group,each of 15 rats using a random number table.The improved four-vessel method was used to establish a VD model in all except the rats in the normal group,but for the sham operation group,the vertebral artery was not subjected to firing and the arteria carotis communis was not clipped.The HBOT group was then given HBOT for 7 days.The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate their learning and memory ability of all 4 groups.Results Compared to the normal group,the mean escape latency of the sham operation group,the VD group and the HBOT group was significantly longer in each case (P＜0.05).Their platform quadrant crossing times were also significantly less,and their quadrant swimming distance as a proportion of their total swimming distance was significantly smaller (P＜0.05).Compared with the sham operation group,the mean escape latency of the VD and HBOT groups was significantly longer (P＜0.05),the times of crossing platform quadrant were less and their quadrant swimming distance was a smaller proportion of their total swimming distance.As compared with the VD group,the mean escape latency of the HBOT group was significantly shorter [(25.73±6.20) s],the average platform quadrant crossing times were significantly more [(9.51±2.25) times] and the platform quadrant swimming distance of the HBOT group was significantly longer [(494.72±208.26)],representing a significantly larger proportion of the total swimming distance [(28.71 ± 5.32) ％] (P＜0.05).Conclusion HBOT can effectively improve learning and memory in vascular dementia,at least in rats.