Objective To study B lymphocyte subsets(na(?)ve B cells,memory B cells and plas- mablasts)of peripheral blood in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and its relationship with autoantibod- ies and clinical manifestation.Methods Blood samples and clinical data of 60 patients with RA were enrolled into this study.They were divided into three groups:active,inactive and refractory RA based on clinical mani- festations and 24 healthy controls were included.CD19 and CD27 of B cells in peripheral blood of RA patients and healthy controls were detected using flow cytometry at single-cell level.Frequence of na(?)ve B cells (CD19~+CD27~-),memory B cells(CD19~+CD27~(dim)),plasmablasts(CD19~+CD27~(high))and average fluorescence in- tensity of CD19 were analyzed,and their relationship with clinical manifestations and rheumatoid factor(RF), anti-typeⅡcollagen(anti-CⅡ),anti-cyclic citrullianted peptide(CCP)antibodies were investigatied.Results Frequence of na(?)ve B cells and plasmablasts in peripheral blood of patients with RA was increased compared with normal control.In contrast,memory B cells in patients with RA were decreased.The na(?)ve B cells subset in inactive and refractory RA was higher than that of healthy controls(P＜0.05),and the memory B cells subset in those groups was lower than that of healthy controls(P＜0.05).The plasmablasts in active and refractory groups of RA were higher than those of healthy controls(P＜0.05).The average fluorescence intensity of CD19 in peripheral blood in patients with RA was positively correlated with ESR,C-reactive protein(CRP),healthy assessment questionaire(HAQ),and plasmablasts was positively correlated with arthrocele index.Na(?)ve B cells,memory B cells and plasmablasts subsets had no relation with RF,anti-CⅡand anti-CCP antibodies. Conclusion B cell subsets in peripheral blood of patients with RA are significantly abnormal,characterized by expanded naive B cells and plasmablasts but diminished memory B cells.Plasmablasts are increasesd in active and refractory groups of RA,and have positive correlation with swollen joint index.B cells may play an important rote in the pathogenesis of RA.

Objective Discuss the studies of infant nutrition problems of 6 to 24 months old infants in poverty areas and make reasonable suggestions.Methods Collect research reports about child malnutrition at home and abroad,and analyze the monitoring data of nutrition improvement program for children in poor areas carried out by Natiend Institate for Nutrition and Health for of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Discuss the nutritional status and related risks of infants aged 6-24 months in poor areas.Results The nutritional problems of rural children in poor areas were prominent.The growth retardation rate of infants aged 6-24 months was 7.6％.Anemia,overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly prominent.Conclusion The nutrition status of 6-24 month old infants in poor areas in China should be paid attention.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical value of localization of upper airway obstructive site with pressure measurements and Friedman staging system in preoperative upper airway reconstructive surgery for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and to evaluate the value of Friedman staging system in predicting the upper airway obstructive site.

METHODSOne hundred and three patients with snoring, daytime sleepiness diagnosed as OSAHS by polysomnography were first classified using Friedman staging system, and then examined using whole night recording, including airway continuous pressure measurements (Apnea Graph, AG). AG transducer catheter containing two pressure and two temperature sensors used for obstruction site determination and detection of apnea events during sleep. Obstructive sites were divided into upper (retropalatal region) or lower level (retroglossal region). Using constituent ratio to reflect the obstructive proportion of different levels so as to find the correlation between Friedman staging system and localization of upper airway obstructive site with pressure measurements performed during sleep, and to evaluate the clinical value of Friedman staging system in predicting the severity of OSAHS.

RESULTSThere was statistically significant difference in the constituent ratio of retroglossal obstruction determined by AG, according to Friedman staging system, Friedman tongue position (FTP) and tonsil size grading (F = 13.876, 7.655, 10.207 respectively, P < 0.05). The constituent ratio of retroglossal obstruction between stage IV and I, II, III (P < 0.01) was significantly different. With the increasing of Friedman staging, the constituent ratio of retroglossal obstruction had the tendency of increasing. The constituent ratio of retroglossal obstruction between FTP grade 2 and grade 3, grade 4 (P < 0.05) was significantly different. With the increasing of FTP grading, the constituent ratio of retroglossal obstruction had the tendency of increasing. The constituent ratio of retroglossal obstruction between the Friedman tonsil size grade 4 and grade 1, grade 3 (P < 0.01), grade 2 (P < 0.05) was significantly different.

CONCLUSIONSFriedman staging system, in particular the FTP grading, had a correlation with upper airway pressure measurements (AG) in determination of the lower level of upper airway obstructive site, especially the retroglossal region, which could predict the main localization of upper airway obstructive site identified by upper airway pressure measurements during the sleep.

Adult ; Aged ; Airway Obstruction ; classification ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Manometry ; Middle Aged ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Snoring ; physiopathology ; Transducers, Pressure ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the inhibition and molecular mechanism of icaritin (ICT) combined doxorubicin (DOX) on human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells in vitro.

METHODSThe control group, ICT groups (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µmol/L), DOX groups (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 µg/mL), and combination groups (20 µmol/ L ICT +1 µg/mL DOX, 20 µmol/L ICT +2 µg/mL DOX, 20 µmol/L ICT +4 µg/mL DOX, 40 µmol/L ICT +1 µg/mL DOX, 40 µmol/L ICT +2 µg/mL DOX, 40 µmol/L ICT +4 µg/mL DOX, 80 µmol/L ICT +1 µg/mL DOX, 80 µmol/L ICT +2 µg/mL DOX, 80 µmol/L ICT +4 µg/mL DOX) were set up. Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were respectively cultured and their effects on morphological changes were observed using inverted phase contrast microscope after 24-and 48-h intervention. The cell proliferation inhibition rate of each group was de- termined using CCK-8, and IC50 calculated. The MG-63 apoptosis rate was detected using Annexin V-FITC/ PI double dye flow cytometry. Expression levels of bcl-2, caspase-3, and p21 were detected using RT-PCR.

RESULTSICT and DOX could obviously inhibit the proliferation of MG-63 cell. Along with ICT concentration increasing from 10 µmol/L to 160 µmol/L, the cell proliferation inhibition rate also increased gradually from 9.67% ± 3.62% to 89.18% ± 9.66%. The IC50 was 46.93 µmol/L and 3.87 µg/mL respectively. ICT and DOX could cause either early or late stage apoptosis, down-regulate Bcl-2 gene expression, and up-regulate gene expressions of Caspase-3 and p21 respectively (P < 0.05). Aforesaid changes were more obviously seen in combination groups than in lCT groups and DOX groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCT combined DOX had additive or synergistic inhibition effect for the proliferation of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells, which might be related with regulating gene expressions of bcl-2, caspase-3, and p21.

Apoptosis ; Bone Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Doxorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects on the lower limbs function after lumbar or sacral nerve root transferring to reconstruct urination function.

METHODSNine patients with bladder dysfunction and normal lower limb function after spinal cord injury were treated with anastomosis the S2 or S3 nerve root with the normal lumbar or sacral nerve root to reconstruct a new bladder artificial reflex arc. Then the alterations on the sensation and motor function of the lower limb after the surgery were observed.

RESULTSMyodynamia of the legs decreased slightly, and the decreasing about half grade of the myodynamia in the plantar flexion of the ankles were detected in 4 of 9 patients with S1 transferring. And the myodynamia recovered 3 months postoperatively. No obvious decreasing of the myodynamia appeared in the other cases.

CONCLUSIONNo obvious effects on the motor function can be found after the single lumbar or sacral nerve root transferring to reconstruct urination function.

Adult ; Exercise ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; innervation ; physiopathology ; Lumbosacral Region ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reflex ; Rhizotomy ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; complications ; physiopathology ; Spinal Nerve Roots ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder ; innervation ; physiopathology ; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic ; etiology ; physiopathology ; surgery

BACKGROUNDMarked interindividual variation exists in blood pressure response to benazepril, which is considered to have genetic basis. Our objectives were to evaluate whether the E112D polymorphism in the prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) gene has impact on blood pressure response to benazepril.

METHODSHypertensive patients from Huoqiu County and Yuexi County of Anhui Province received daily treatment with an oral dosage of 10 mg benazepril for 15 days. Genotypes of the E112D polymorphism in the PRCP gene were determined by TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Multivariate linear and Logistic regressions using generalized estimating equation model were performed in a total of 1092 patients to evaluate the association of PRCP genotypes and blood pressure response to benazepril.

RESULTSPatients carrying ED or DD genotype had a less systolic blood pressure reduction (adjusted beta = -3.7 + or - 1.1, P < 0.001), a less diastolic blood pressure reduction (adjusted beta = -3.1 + or - 0.8, P < 0.001) and a lower percentage of reaching target blood pressure defined as SBP lower than 140 mmHg and DBP lower than 90 mmHg (adjusted OR = 0.6, P = 0.005) than those patients carrying EE genotype. In addition, the results from stratified analysis by county (Huoqiu or Yuexi) were similar to those observed in the pooled population.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that the E112D polymorphism in the PRCP gene may be a useful genetic marker to predict the antihypertensive effect of short-term benazepril treatment in hypertensive patients of Anhui Province, China.

Adult ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Benzazepines ; therapeutic use ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Carboxypeptidases ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics ; physiology ; Young Adult

This study was designed to investigate the biological and immunological characteristics of a human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell line SUDHL-4, and to establish a mouse model for human DLBCL. SUDHL-4 cells were cultured under different conditions. The morphology and in vitro expression of B-cell and tumor-related markers were detected by microscopy and flow cytometry respectively. To establish the transplanted tumor, the cells were injected subcutaneously into SCID mice. Tumor formation and its histomorphology were analyzed. The results showed that the expression of B cell/tumor-related markers was found on cultured SUDHL-4 cells. A stable mouse model of human DLBCL was successfully established in SCID mice by subcutaneous injection of 10(7) SUDHL-4 cells. Tumor tissue from mice exhibited similar histologic manifestation to those of human DLBCL. It is concluded that the SUDHL-4 cells represent a high consistency in immunological characteristics with human DLBCL. Transplantation of SUDHL-4 cells provides a syngeneic mouse model for the study of human DLBCL.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Neoplasms, Experimental

To prepare doxorubicin-loaded N-octyl-N'-succinyl chitosan polymeric micelle (DOX-OSC) and study the biodistribution of DOX-OSC in mice, DOX-OSC was prepared by dialysis method. By using doxorubicin injection (DOX-INJ) as control, DOX-OSC and DOX-INJ were administered to mice through caudal vein at a dose of 5 mg x kg(-1) body weight. The RP-HPLC method was established to determine the DOX levels in the plasma and other tissues of mice. The tissues distribution and targeting efficiency were evaluated by pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, MRT) and targeting parameters (Re, Ce and Te). The drug loading and entrapment efficiency of DOX-OSC were (35.8 +/- 0.4)% and (75.3 +/- 1.1)%, respectively. The diameter and zeta potential of DOX-OSC were (174 +/- 12) nm and (-37.1 +/- 3.0) mV, respectively. The transmission electron microscope result showed DOX-OSC with spherical shape. The biodistribution results showed that the concentration of DOX of both DOX-OSC and DOX-INJ decreased rapidly in blood after iv administration. While free DOX levels in blood at 12-96 h were not detectable for DOX-INJ, in contrast, DOX level in blood at 96 h was still found for DOX-OSC. In contrast to DOX-INJ group, DOX-OSC showed a higher targeting efficiency in the liver and spleen. The AUCs of DOX in the liver and spleen were 20.0 and 47.4 times and the MRT were 11.2 and 37.2 times, respectively. And the levels of DOX-OSC in the heart and kidney tissues were significantly reduced. And the drug distribution of DOX-OSC in the heart and kidney tissues were 17.0% and 11.4%, respectively. Hence, DOX-OSC shows an excellent drug loading capabilities and a higher targeting efficiency in the liver and spleen. That the levels of DOX-OSC in the heart and kidney tissues are significantly reduced, might improve the treatment efficacy of DOX and decrease the side effects.
Animals ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Area Under Curve ; Chitosan ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Female ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Micelles ; Particle Size ; Polymers ; Spleen ; metabolism ; Tissue Distribution

In order to provide plenty of information about the relationship between its structure and function,the structure of a novel housefly pupae D-galactose binding lectin with the molecular weight 55kDa and immune acitivity was analyzed preliminarily.In the first place,oligosaccharide chain was confirmed to be existed in this kind of novel housefly pupae lectin by the method of gel staining,and then its structure was analyzed with the help of protein sequencing instrument,spectrophotometer color contrast,?-elimination reaction,infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.This kind lectin was a global-shaped monomer with the diameter 75 nm or so and the protein and oligosaccharide content 97.36% and 2.1% respectively.Peptide chain and oligosaccharide chain was linked by O-glycoside bond with the N-terminal blocked and the sugar ring alpinum type.All above was the reliable theory for further analysis of structure.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and clarify the long-term prognosis of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). Methods We conducted an analysis of the clinical data of 50 patients with GBS treated in our hospital between 2003 and 2007. According to the eleetrophysiological criteria, the eases were classified into AIDP (n=24) and AMAN eases (n=22), with 4 eases of unknown classification. The patients unable to walk upon discharge were followed up for more than 6 months, and the clinical features and prognosis of the two groups were compared. Results The age, gender, cranial nerve involvement, Hughes grade at the initial neurological examination and at the time of symptom peak did not differ significantly between the patients with AIDP and AMAN (P>0.05), and most of the AMAN patients had a good recovery. The number of patients capable of walking at one month after the onset was comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). In AMAN group, the percentages of patients with slow recovery and those having rapid recovery were significantly higher than those in AIDP group (P<0.05). Conclusion The clinical recovery of AMAN patients can be either rapid or prolonged, and rigorous immunotherapy should be administered to achieve early recovery and ensure more favorable outcomes of the patients.