Objective To find out the situation of Kashin-Beck disease and it's dynamic changes in Yan'an city, and provide basis for decision-making on prevention and control of the disease. Methods In accordance with the national monitoring program on Kaschin-Beck disease, 21 villages were selected from 6counties in Yan'an, clinical and X-ray inspection of 7 to 13 year-old children were made according to historical illness information from 2006 to 2008. Clinical monitoring on Kashin-Beck disease was made in 2008 for people over 16 years old from 5 villages in 5 counties. Results One thousand and one hundred eighty children were found positive with the illness from 2006 to 2008, with 7 cases of grade Ⅰ , the detection rate was 0.59%(7/1180).One thousand and one hundred sixty-two people were taken X-ray photo on right hand, with no positive case found.In 2008, 1444 adults were taken clinical examination, the detection of grade Ⅰ and over were 160 cases, the detection rate was 11.08%(160/1444), mainly in the age of 36 years[93.75%(150/160)]. Conclusion KashinBeck disease in Yan'an city is in stable condition, but surveillance and preventing measures are stilled needed.

Aim To establish a model of the vascular endothelial cell (VEC) injury in SDrats.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into the control and the modelgroups. The model rats were injected with adrenaline diluted to 2. 5 times 0. 05 mg?100 g-1 (tid) for 5 d continously. From the 4th d, they were irritated for 5 min in the0℃ cold-water in the middle between adrenaline injections.The control rats weregiven 0. 9% NS as above. At 6th d, blood samples were taken from carotid arteries ofthe rats and the CEC counts, t - PA、PAI activities, 6-keto-PGF1? concentrations andthe platelet aggregation rate(max) were detected respectively. Results In the modelgroup, as compared with those in the control group, t - PA activity and 6-keto-PGF1?concentration decreased significantly(P

OBJECTIVETo obtain streptavidin-tagged human interleukin-21 (hIL21) fusion protein and evaluate its bioactivities.

METHODShIL21-SA-pET21 and pET24a-SA- hIL21 plasmids were constructed and expressed in BL21(DE3) host bacteria. The hIL21-SA and SA- hIL21 fusion protein were purified through Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and refolded by dialysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect hIL21-SA and SA- hIL21 fusion protein on the biotinylated MB49 tumor cells. MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of the fusion protein on the proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) stimulated by Anti-CD3.

RESULTSThe recombinant fusion proteins were highly expressed in BL21(DE3) at about 30% of the total bacterial proteins. The two fusion proteins exhibited bifunctional activities, i.e. both biotin-binding property and hIL21 activity and SA-mediated high-affinity binding to biotinylated cell surfaces (with anchoring modified rate of about 95.18% and 96.91%).

CONCLUSIONWe have successfully obtained bifunctional fusion protein hIL21-SA and SA- hIL21,which will provide a basis for further study of tumor biotherapy using the proteins.

Cancer Vaccines ; immunology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interleukins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; immunology ; Streptavidin ; biosynthesis ; genetics

Interferon a gene was cloned from genomic DNA of Chinese Luxi yellow cattle by PCR, and the PCR product was inserted into vector pET32a( + ) to make a recombinant plasmid pET32a( + )/BoIFN-alpha. The expression of BoIFN-alpha in Escherichia coli was induced by addition of IPTG. Sequence analysis showed that the Chinese Luxi yellow cattle IFN-alpha gene is composed of 498 nucleotides, encoding a mature polypeptide of 166 amino acids. Compared with other BoIFN-alpha subtypes, it shares the highest identity of 97.6% to the C-subtype. SDS-PAGE results showed that recombinant proteins were expressed in inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli with molecular weight of 40 kD and the recombinant proteins accounted for 26.7% of the whole proteins.The expressed product was purified by affinity chromatography with immobilized nickel chelating NTA (Ni-NTA) and its antiviral activities were tested on MDBK/VSV cell system. Its antiviral activities were 5 x 10(5) u/mg on MDBK/VSV cell system. The results showed that the expression plasmid was successfully constructed and BoIFN-alpha C2 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli. Moreover the purification had good effects on antiviral activities.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Antiviral Agents ; isolation & purification ; Base Sequence ; Cattle ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Interferon-alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Rotavirus ; drug effects ; Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of peripheral and central blood pressure with the alpha-adducin Gly460Trp polymorphism in Chinese.

METHODSWe randomly selected 6 villages from JingNing County, ZheJiang Province. We invited nuclear families to take part in our study. We measured each participant's blood pressure at the non-dominant arm by means of a standard mercury sphygmomanometer at subjects' homes. Five consecutive readings were averaged for analysis. Central blood pressures were obtained by use of SphigmoCor pulse wave analysis system. The observers administered a standardized questionnaire to collect information on smoking habits, alcohol consumption and use of antihypertensive drugs. Venous blood was sampled and the adducin genotype was determined by restrictive fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

RESULTSFour hundred and forty-two subjects included 230 (52.0%) women, and 116 (26.2%) hypertensive patients, of whom 49 (11.1%) took antihypertensive drugs. The frequencies of alpha -adducin GlyGly, GlyTrp and TrpTrp genotypes were 21.3%, 54.5% and 24.2%, respectively. There was no association between the alpha-adducin Gly460Trp polymorphism and peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. However, both before and after adjustment for sex, age, age(2), body-mass index, current smoking, alcohol intake, and antihypertensive treatment, the alpha-adducin polymorphism was significantly (P < 0.02) associated with central systolic blood pressure and central pulse pressure. After adjustment, central systolic blood pressure (+/- SE) averaged 122.5 +/- 3.5, 114.1 +/- 1.5 and 109.1 +/- 1.8 mm Hg (P = 0.01) in the GlyGly, GlyTrp and TrpTrp subjects, respectively. The corresponding values for central pulse pressure were 39.4 +/- 1.3, 36.4 +/- 1.0 and 32.9 +/- 0.9 mm Hg (P = 0.002), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSIn the JingNing population, the adducin 460Trp allele was associated with lower levels of central systolic pressure and pulse pressure.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Blood Pressure ; Calmodulin-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedigree ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDIn recent years, interventional tumor therapy, involving implantation of intra-cholangial metal stents through percutaneous trans-hepatic punctures, has provided a new method for treating cholangiocarcinoma. (103)Pd cholangial radioactive stents can concentrate high radioactive dosages into the malignant tumors and kill tumor cells effectively, in order to prevent re-stenosis of the lumen caused by a relapsed tumor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of gamma-rays released by the (103)Pd biliary duct radioactive stent in treating cholangiocarcinoma via induction of biliary cholangiocarcinoma cell apoptosis.

METHODSA group of biliary duct cancer cells was collectively treated with a dose of gamma-rays. Cells were then examined by the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl terazolium-bromide (MTT) technique for determining the inhibition rate of the biliary duct cancer cells, as well as with other methods including electron microscopy, DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry were applied for the evaluation of their morphological and biochemical characteristics. The growth curve and the growth inhibition rate of the cells were determined, and the changes in the ultrastructure of the cholangiocarcinoma cells and the DNA electrophoresis bands were examined under a UV-lamp.

RESULTSThe gamma-ray released by (103)Pd inhibited cholangiocarcinoma cell growth, as demonstrated when the growth rate of the cells was stunned by a gamma-ray with a dosage larger than 197.321 MBq. Typical features of cholangiocarcinoma cell apoptosis were observed in the 197.321 MBq dosage group, while cell necrosis was observed when irradiated by a dosage above 245.865 MBq. DNA agarose gel electrophoresis results were different between the 197.321 MBq irradiation dosage group, the 245.865 MBq irradiation dosage group, and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS(103)Pd radioactive stents which provide a radioactive dosage of 197.321 MBq are effective in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma; (103)Pd radioactive stents should be useful for the clinical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Apoptosis ; radiation effects ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; ultrastructure ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; radiation effects ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; ultrastructure ; DNA ; analysis ; Flow Cytometry ; Gamma Rays ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Palladium ; Stents

Based on the NSP4 sequence of bovine rotavirus (BRV), the shRNA was designed and synthesized, and a shRNA recombinant lenti-virus vector RNAi-H1-89 was constructed. The recombinant RNAi-H1-89 Lenti-virus was packaged by transfecting the 293T cell with the recombinant vector RNAi-H1-89 and two helper plasmids using lipofectamine, and then used to infect MA104 cells. The MA104 cells were further infected with BRV strain G6 24h post-infection, with the LacZ shRNA recombinant lenti-virus as control. Thirty-six hours later, the CPE of the infected cells was observed under microscope, shRNA of NSP4 gene inhibited CPE in MA104 cell; the shRNA against NSP4 gene also inhibited NSP4 gene expression by RT-PCR, The virus titer in the cell culture supernatant was significant lower compared with the control group. The above results showed that RNAi-H1-89 against NSP4 gene could specifically silence NSP4 gene expression, and inhibit the proliferation of BRV.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cattle ; Cell Line ; DNA, Recombinant ; genetics ; Glycoproteins ; deficiency ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmids ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Rotavirus ; genetics ; physiology ; Toxins, Biological ; genetics ; Viral Load ; genetics ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; deficiency ; genetics ; Virus Replication ; genetics

Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Erlotinib Hydrochloride ; therapeutic use ; Eye Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of treatment of chronic primary glomerulopathy (CPG) patients of Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome (SDDHS) by Yishen Qingli Granule (YQG) combined with low-dose Tripterygium Wilfordii multiglycoside Tablet (TWT).

METHODSTotally 231 CPG patients of SDDHS were enrolled in this study (including 60 patients from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 58 from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 46 from Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University, 35 from First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 14 from First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and 18 from Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). They were randomly assigned to the control group (116 cases) and the trial group (115 cases) according to block group method. There were 217 cases in the safety analysis set (109 cases in the trial group vs 108 cases in the control group), and 203 cases in the full analysis set (99 cases in the trial group vs 104 cases in the control group). All patients received basic treatment such as ACEI/ARB. Furthermore, YQG (consisting of raw astragalus 10 g, prepared Polygonum Multiflorum 10 g, Pyrrosia 10 g, 1.5 g each package, containing 10 g of crude drugs) was additionally given to patients in the trial group, each package, twice daily. The TWT (10 mg) was given, twice a day. The TWT dose was adjusted according to 24 h urinary total protein (UTP). The placebos of YQG and TWT were administered to those in the control group. The treatment course consisted of 24 weeks and the follow-up visit lasted for 24 weeks. The biochemical indices were observed before and after treatment including 24 h UTP, urine red cell count (U(RBC)), renal functions (BUN, SCr), blood routine test (WBC), and liver functions (SGPT, SGOT). Reverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, and irregular menstruation were also observed.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the total effective rate was better in the trial group (82.83% vs 61.54%, P < 0.01). Results of stratified comparison of UTP showed better efficacy in the trial group (0.8-3.0 g/24 h, P < 0.01). The UTP decline occurred in the trial group after 8 weeks of treatment, with stable action, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the trial group, U(RBC) level decreased after treatment but changed more significantly. But there was no statistical difference in the changes when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). After treatment, there were no statistical difference in safety indicators such as WBC, SGPT, and SGOT between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOn the basis of basic treatment such as ACEI/ARB, application of YQG combined with low-dose TWT had better effect in controlling proteinuria of CPG patients, and could help stabilizing their conditions with less adverse reactions.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Kidney Glomerulus ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Tripterygium

Quantity is the key factor to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medicines. It is very important to study and determine the traditional measuring units and their quantity values of Tibetan medicine. Based on the literature records of Tibetan medicine and combined with modern experimental verification and investigation research, this study determined the reference, name, and conversion rate of traditional measuring units of Tibetan medicine. Meanwhile, through large sample sampling and repeated quantification of refe-rence of basic units, its weight and volume were clarified. The modern SI volume and weight unit values corresponding to the traditional volume and weight units of Tibetan medicine were deduced, and the correctness, reliability, and practicability of these determination results were demonstrated. This study also put forward some specific suggestions and reference values for formulating the standards of measuring units of weight and volume of Tibetan medicine. It is of great significance in guiding the processing, production, and clinical treatment of Tibetan medicine, and promoting the standardization and standardized development of Tibetan medicine.
Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; Reproducibility of Results