Objective To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of prenatal ultrasound for detecting fetal cleft lip and palate,and the diagnosis rate of associated congenital structural and chromosomal abnormalities.Methods Thirty one thousand two hundred and forty five singleton pregnant women accepted prenatal examination and delivered in Guangzhou Women & Children' s Medical Center from Jan.2006 to Dec.2010 were recruited in this study.All pregnant women underwent prenatal ultrasound screening during second trimester,and whose fetuses were suspected to be cleft lip and palate were suggested to accept karyotype analysis.All babies delivered received oral examination to diagnose cleft lip and palate.Results Cleft lip and palate was diagnosed in 48 cases (1.5‰,48/31 245).Among which,there were 16 cases (33.3％,16/48) of cleft lip,21 cases (43.8％,21/48) of cleft lip with cleft palate and 11 cases (22.9％,11/48) of cleft palate.Prenatal ultrasound screening suggested 18 cases of cleft lip and 14 cases were comfirmed after birth with the accuracy rate of 77.8％,3 cases were diagnosed to be cleft lip with cleft palate and one cases was misdiagnosed.Prenatal ultrasound screening suggested 18 cases of cleft lip with cleft palate in accordance with the diagnosis after birth.Thirteen cases were normal in prenatal ultrasound screening,but two were diagnosed as cleft lip and 11 were diagnosed as cleft palate after birth.The sensitivity of prenatal ultrasound screening for cleft lip and cleft lip with cleft palate was 86.5％(32/37),and the sensitivity for cleft lip and palate was 66.7％ (32/48),the false positive rate was 2.1％ (1/48).Ten cases (27.8％,10/36) of cleft lip with cleft palate were found to be complicated with other abnormalities.Nine of the 18 cases prenatally diagnosed cleft lip with cleft palate accepted karyotype analysis and 7 were abnormal.Twenty-three of 36 cases with fetal cleft lip and palate in prenatal ultrasound screening were induced.Conclusions Ultrasound screening has a high sensitivity for detection of cleft lip with or without cleft palate,but difficult to detect cleft palate.The risk of combining with chromosomal defects in cleft lip fetus is very low,but might increase once associated with cleft palate.

Objective To investigate the apoptotic effect of the transmembrane form vaccine of human blood group A mimotope on malignant melanoma cell line B16. Methods B16 cells were transfected with different recombinant plasmid through Lipofectamine 2000 and incubated with different concentration of monoclonal anti-A antibody at 2.5 μg/ml, 5 μg/ml,10 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml. Apoptosis rate of cells was determined with Annexin Ⅴ/PI double staining by flow cytometry. Results Apoptosis rate to P/F-M-pIRES group B16 cells was 74.74% when anti-A monoclonal antibody concentration was 10 μg/ml; apoptosis rate of plasmids carrying peptide/Fas fusion gene such as P/F-M-pIRES group and P/F-pIRES group were significantly higher than M-pIRES group and pIRES group. The apoptosis rate was statistically significantly different between different recombinated plasmid groups (F＝669.707,P＜0.01). The apoptosis rate was statistically significantly different between different antibody groups (F＝106.596,P＜0.01). The interaction between recombinated plasmid groups and antibody groups was statistically significant (F＝34.806,P＜0.01). Conclusions The transmembrane form vaccine of human blood group A mimotope could induce B16 cell apoptosis in vitro. This vaccine may be a promising candidate for potential malignant melanoma therapy.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of Erqi Decoction(EQD; mainly composed of Radix Aristolochiae Kaempferi, Radix Rhizoma Seu Flos Cypripedii, Cortex Fraxini, Cortex Phellodendri, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) on the intestinal tract in rats with acute radiation intestinal injury and its mechanism. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, EQD group and Baitouweng Decoction group (BD group), 15 rats in each group. The acute radiation enteritis model was established by exposing the whole abdomen to a total dose of 10 Gy of 6 MV higher-energy X-rays. EQD group and BD group were given intragastrical administration with corresponding medicine of EQD at the dose of 8.85 g·kg-1·d-1, BD at the dose of 4.69 g·kg-1·d-1 respectively, and the normal group and the model group were given intragastrical administration with the same volume of normal saline. The treatment lasted for 7 continuous days. After modeling, the morphological change of the proximal ileum tissue was observed under light microscope. Villus height, crypt depth, and thickness of the ileal mucosa and entire wall were measured by image analysis system. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) content in ileum tissue was determined by spectrophotometer, and the expression levels of caspase -3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in ileum tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results EQD group and BD group had milder injuries of the ileal structure, and had higher villus height, crypt depth, and thickness of mucosa and entire wall than those in the model group (P <0.05), but there were no differences between the two medication groups(P > 0.05). MPO content in EQD group and BD group was decreased(P<0.05 compared with that in the model group), and MPO content in EQD group was lower than that in BD group. The expression levels of caspase-3 and PCNA were increased in EQD group and BD group(P < 0.05 compared with those in the model group), but there were no statistical differences between the two medication groups (P>0.05). Conclusion EQD has certain protective effects against radiation-induced intestinal damage, which mechanism is probably associated with relieving the local intestinal inflammatory reaction, accelerating intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, and inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis.

Objective To explore the effects of C-pseudonucleosides bearing thiazolidin-4-one as immunostimulants on differentiation and activation of human lymphocytes. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from healthy adults,and then incubated with immunostimulants (CH1a,CH2a,CH1b,CH2b and pidotimod).After 48 h,we collected the supernatants and then detected the concentrations of IL-2,IL-4 and IFN-γ using ELISA.After 72 h,the proliferation was detected using MTT method.PBMC incubated with immunostimulants (CH1a,CH2a,CH1b,CH2b and pidotimod),after 72 h,the cultural cells were collected and CD expressions of lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results All samples could stimulate proliferation of T cells.Immunostimulants CH1a,CH2a and pidotimod could elevate the expressions of CD3,CD4,CD19 and CD16CD56,and stimulate the secretions of IL-2 and IFN-γ. Immunostimulants CH1b and CH2b could elevate the expressions of CD3,CD4,CD19 and CD16CD56,and stimulate the secretions of IL-2 and IL-4. Conclusion Immunostimulants CH1a and CH2a could differentiate Th0 into Th1 and promote the proliferation of B cells as well as NK cells.However,immunostimulants CH1b and CH2b could differentiate Th0 into Th2 and promote the proliferation of B cells and NK cells.

Objective To investigate the relationship between absent or hypoplastic fetal nasal bone and chromosome abnormalities.Methods From January 2010 to April 2014,187 fetuses were found to have absent or hypoplastic nasal bone by prenatal ultrasound scanning in Guangzhou Maternal and Children's Hospital.All the pregnant women should undergo interventional prenatal diagnosis for fetal chromosome abnormalities,and should be followed up for three months after the expected delivery date.The correlation between absent or hypoplastic fetal nasal bone and chromosome abnormalities,and the effects of complicating structural defects were analyzed by descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test.Results Of the 187 pregnant women,126 underwent interventional prenatal diagnostic tests,and fetal chromosome abnormalities were detected in 36 cases (28.6％),including 26 cases (20.6％) of trisomy 21,6 cases (4.8％) of trisomy 18,three cases (2.4％) of trisomy 13 and one sex chromosome chimerism.In the 126 cases received prenatal diagnosis,the incidence of chromosome abnormalities in fetuses without other structural defects was significantly lower than that with structural defects [12.7％ (8/63) vs 44.4％ (28/63),x2=15.556,P=0.000].Among 63 cases without other structural defects,seven fetuses were confirmed to have chromosome abnormalities in 14 women with high risk by Down syndrome screening,no chromosome abnormalities were found in 39 pregnant women with low risk by Down syndrome screening,and one sex chromosome chimerism was found in the other ten women who did not undergo Down syndrome screening.Absent or hypoplastic nasal bone detected in the first trimester resulted in a higher risk of chromosome abnormalities than that detected in the second and the third trimester [25.5％ (28/110) vs 10.4％ (8/77),x2=6.613,P=0.007].Conclusions When a fetus is found to have absent or hypoplastic nasal bone,it is necessary to perform Down syndrome screening and a detailed morphology scan.Women shown to have fetuses with absent or hypoplastic nasal bone with other structural defects or high risk by Down syndrome screening should undergo prenatal diagnostic tests to exclude fetal chromosome abnormalities.

Objective To investigate the effect on ubiquitin-dependent autophagic pathway in macrophage(MΦ) infected by B.suis S1330 attenuated strains.Methods Infected MΦ in vitro using Brucella S1330 strains to construct experimental model.Observed the process of phagocytic,the level of ubiquitination and autophagy in MΦ of mice.MΦ was divided into control group,infected group,positive control group and infected group after RAPA induced autophagy.The Giemsa staining immunofluorescence and Western blot were applied to observe the chances of ubiquitinated and autophagic protein in MΦ at different time points within different groups.Results Ubiquitinated bacterial protein was detected at 0.5 h after infected MΦ.With the time passing,the ubiquitinated bacterial protein increased and aggregated intracellular until MΦ dead at 12 h after infected.The expression of LC3B protein was serious deficiency in MΦ which infected group,but ubiquitinated bacterial protein decreased significantly in MΦ after RAPA induced.Conclusion Brucella S1330 stain can arouse intracellular ubiquitination process in infected MΦ,and interfere the ubiquitin-dependent autophagic pathway.A large number of aggregated and ubiquitinated bacterial protein can not be effectively removed,it leads to MΦ dysfunction and dead.

Dried herb of Delphinium brunonianum Royle (Ranunculaceae) has long been used under the herbal name "Xiaguobei" (Delphinii Brunoniani Herba) in traditional Tibetan medicine and prescribed for the treatment of influenza, itchy skin rash and snake bites. In order to find a useful and convenient method for the identification of microscopic features, the technique of fluorescence microscopy was applied to authenticate "Xiaguobei" of Tibet. The transverse sections of stem and leaf, as well as the powder of "Xiaguobei" were observed to seek for typical microscopic features by normal light and fluorescence microscopy. A style-like, single-cell glandular hair containing yellow secretions on the leaf, young stem and sepal of "Xiaguobei" was found. Under the fluorescence microscope, the xylem and pericycle fiber group emitted significant fluorescence. This work indicated that fluorescence microscopy could be an useful additional method for the authentication work. Without the traditional dyeing methods, the main microscopic features could be easily found by fluorescence microscopy. The results provided reliable references for the authentication of "Xiaguobei".

Objective To investigate the perinatal outcome of fetus with increased nuchal translucency (NT) at first trimester.Methods The thickness of NT above 95th percentile of the fetuses with same crown-rump length (CRL) was set as the criteria of increased NT.The outcomes of fetuses with increased NT during early pregnancy from Jan.2008 to Dec.2009 in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center were followed up.The information of ultrasound at second trimester,pregnant complications and delivery outcome were collected.All infants were followed up for 3 months after birth and were divided into four groups according to their different thickness of NT.The relationship between NT thickness and perinatal outcome were analyzed with single factor analysis of variance and multiple comparison method.Results Among the 178 cases we followed up,there were 2 spontaneous fetal losses and 19 terminations whose reasons were Down syndrome (n=6),severe a thalassemia (n =5),fetal malformations (n =7) and social factor (n =1).Among the 157newborns delivered,one was found with congenital heart disease.The rate of abnormal infants was 11.8％ (21/178) and the detection rate of abnormal infants was 9 5.2％ (20/21).Healthy living rate of fetus with NT thickness between 95th percentile and 2.9 mm was 96.1％ (122/127); 82.4％ (28/34) for those with NT thickness between 3.0 mm and 3.9 mm; and 35.3％ (6/17) when NT≥ 4.0 mm.Conclusions Increased NT might have close relationship with poor pregnant outcome.The thicker the NT,the lower the healthy living rate of the fetus.The pregnant outcome is very poor if NT≤4.0 mm.

Objective To explore associations between SG13S114A/T and SG13S32A/C polymorphisms of ALOX5AP gene and the genetic susceptibility of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases (ICVD) in Henan Han population.Methods Two hundred and forty-six ICVD patients and 245 healthy controls were recruited from Han population in Henan province. Polymorphisms of SG13S114A/T and SG13S32A/C in ALOX5AP gene were genotyped in these samples by SnaPshot minisequencing method.Each genotype frequency and allele frequency were statistically analyzed and compared between ICVD group and control group using SPSS16.0 software.Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium were analyzed by SHEsis software.Results The SG13S114 AA genotype frequency ( 18.7％ ) and A allele frequency (41.3％) in ICVD group were significantly higher than those in control group (9.0％ and 32.7％,respectively; P =0.002 and P =0.005 ).It was also found that in male ICVD group and in younger ICVD group ( ＜50 years old),the SG13S114 AA genotype frequencies (22.1％ and 22.0％,respectively) and A allele frequencies (42.1％ and 42.7％,respectively) were significantly higher than those in male control group and younger control group (SG13S114 AA genotype:9.0％ and 8.9％ ; P =0.010 and P =0.006,respectively) ;A allele frequencies,34.0％ and 32.0％ ; P =0.048 and P =0.020,respectively.Finally,the prevalence of A-A haplotype in ICVD group was significantly higher than that in control group(30.4％ vs 23.5％,OR =1.419,95％ CI 1.068-1.885,P =0.015).T-C haplotype frequency of ICVD group was significantly lower than that in control group (22.0％ vs 28.8％,OR =0.698,95％ CI 0.523-0.932,P =0.014 ).Conclusions The A allele in SG13S114 loci of ALOX5AP may be a genetic risk factor for ICVD in Han population in Henan province.The association is predominant in ICVD patients of male and younger than 50 years old.Maybe A-A haplotype increases the risk of ICVD and T-C haplotype and has a protective effect against ICVD in Henan Han population.