Oleanolic acid-induced apoptosis and its relation with intracellular calcium in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells

Objective To investigate the effect of oleanolic acid (OA) on apoptosis, correlation between apoptosis and intracellular calcium, and its mechanism in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Methods Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were incubated in vitro and assigned with OA concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 40μg/mL. The apoptosis status of A549 cell line was detected with Annexin V-FITC/PI by flow cytometry (FCM); fluorescence intensity (FI) of A549 cells was assessed and the level of intracellular calcium was calculated at 24 hour of OA intervention. The relation between apoptosis and calcium FI was illustrated by curve fitting. Results FCM showed that 10, 20 and 40μg/mL of OA could induce A549 cell apoptosis, which followed a concentration-effect pattern; 24-hour intervention with 20μg/mL and 40μg/mL OA showed increased A549 cell apoptosis, and was significantly different from that with 0μg/mL OA (P<0.01). The FI of intracellular calcium concentration in 10, 20 and 40μg/mL OA groups was significantly higher than that in 0μg/mL group after 24 hours' intervention, and the FI showed a trend of increase with increased OA concentration (P<0.01). Curve fitting showed a significant correlation between apoptosis rate and intracellular calcium concentration in A549 cells (r=0.981, P<0.01). Regression equation was Y=0.508X-1.627. Conclusion OA plays a role in inducing apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The OA-induced apoptosis is responsible for intracellular calcium overload of the tumor.     

Effect of pH on mechanical,physical and tribological properties of electroless Ni-P-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> composite deposits for marine applications

Successful co-deposition of fine particulate matter within an Electroless Nickel-Phosphorous (ENi-P) matrix is dependent on various factors like bath composition, particle compatibility with metallic matrix, bath reactivity (pH), particle size and their distribution. ENi-P deposits incorporating Al₂O₃/Alumina in a disperse phase have varied effects on properties and attributes like surface roughness (Ra), microhardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and surface morphology of the deposits obtained. This paper experimentally investigates the effect of alumina (1.55 g/L) on Ra, microhardness, surface morphology, deposition rate, wettability, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of ENi-P-Al₂O₃ composite deposits on mild steel substrates at bath pH 5, 7 and 9. Study reveals that optimum deposit parameters and deposition rates are achieved with bath pH. However, not much study has been undertaken concerning composite deposits obtained from higher bath pH or basic bath. This is attributable to the fact that at higher bath pH or alkaline baths, the bath gets unstable and eventually degrades or decomposes, thereby resulting in sub optimal or poor deposition. Hence, experimental investigations carried out by preparing suitable baths, operating under optimum conditions, and enabling successful composite deposition in acidic and alkaline baths have revealed that there is a significant improvement in the above mentioned properties of the as-deposited composite deposits, as the pH is increased from pH 5 to pH 9. This aspect can therefore be advantageously utilized for preparing various marine components like fasteners, nuts, bolts, washers, pipes, cables, components having relative motion etc.     

依托泊苷联合洛铂或顺铂治疗广泛期小细胞肺癌的对照研究

目的观察洛铂(lobaplatin,LBP)或顺铂(cisplatin,DDP)分别联合依托泊苷(etoposide,VP-16)治疗广泛期小细胞肺癌(small cell lung cancer,SCLC)的近期疗效、不良反应和住院情况。方法 46例广泛期SCLC分为DDP联合VP-16的EP组23例,LBP联合VP-16的EL组23例。21d为1周期,连用2个周期评价近期疗效、毒性反应及住院情况。结果 EL组和EP组比较,客观有效率、住院时间、白细胞下降率及血小板下降率,均无显著性差异。两组化疗后肺癌肿瘤标志物中神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)均明显减低,但癌胚抗原(CEA)和细胞角蛋白19片段(CYFRA21-1)无明显减低,两组之间无显著性差异。EL组消化道反应率明显减低,但诊疗费用明显增加。结论 EL和EP同样为广泛期SCLC安全有效的化疗方案,EL组消化道反应明显减少,但医疗费用明显增加。     

Investigation and analysis of high temperature corrosion and degradation of marine boiler combustion swirler

The present paper investigated and analyzed swirler material consisting of mild steel which was subjected to service for the period of one year in a 30 MW marine boiler. Due to the presence of high temperatures in the furnace coupled with the corrosive marine environment swirler material showed accelerated degradation and material wastage. An investigation into the feasibility of manufacturing the existing swirler with an alternate material or coating the swirler material with a thermal barrier coating was undertaken. Based on their properties and performance, SS 304 and SS 316 were proposed as the replacement materials for the swirler. The other alternative of coating the existing swirlers with a form thermal barrier coating to observe for any improvement in their performance at elevated temperatures was also tested. Stellite, which is a Ni-Co based coating, was carried out on the MS samples and the same were exposed to same temperatures mentioned above. The performance of the available options was evaluated with respect to the grain structure of the material, the hardness value of the materials and deterioration at elevated temperatures. Investigation showed the proposed materials/coatings like SS 304, SS 316 and Stellite coating revealed that SS 316 is the material best suited for high temperature application.