Many flaviviruses are emerging and reemerging pathogens, such as West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Japanese encephalitis virus. Serological assay is the dominant method for diagnosis of flavivirus infections in human. Because antibodies generated during flavivirus infections cross-react with other flavivirus members, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is the only available assay to determine the infecting flavivirus type.Since PRNT requires culturing raw viruses, it must be performed in biosafety level-3 or level-4 containment for many flaviviruses, and takes more than ten days to complete. To overcome these problems, we have developed flavivirus viral-like particles (VLPs) that could be used to replace raw viruses in the neutralization assay. The VLPs were prepared by trans packaging a luciferase-reporting replicon with viral structural proteins. This novel assay involves three simple steps: (ⅰ) VLPs from a panel of flaviviruses are incubated with flavivirus-infected sera at 37℃ for 1 h; (ⅱ)the neutralized VLPs are used to infect Vero cells; and (ⅲ) the infected cells are measured for luciferase activities at 22 h post-infection. The virus type whose VLP is most efficiently neutralized by the serum specimen (as quantified by the luciferase activities) is the etiologic agent. As a proof-of-concept, we show that a WNV-infected mouse serum neutralized the WNV VLP more efficiently and selectively than the DENV and YFV VLPs. Our results demonstrate that the VLP neutralization assay maintains the "gold standard" of the classic PRNT; importantly, it shortens the assay time from ＞10 days to ＜1 day, and can be performed in biosafety level-2 facility.

In view of the deficiencies of both Qi and Yin in most cases of this tumor, Jinfukang oral solution (JFK). a remedy mainly for benefiting Qi and nourishing -yin. was formulated. 96 cases were treated with one case of CR. 8 cases PR, 52 NC. the rate of PR + NC being 63. 5%. Another 52 cases were treated with chemotherapy +JFK. with 11 cases of PR, 26 cases NC, the rate of PR + NC being 71. 2%. While 25 cases were treated by chemotherapy alone, the cases of PR was 4; NC 26. the rate of PR + NC being 60. 0%, This demonstrated that the effect of JFK and JFK + chemotherapy were all superior to effect of chemotherapy alone. For 1 - and 2 - year survival rates, the JFK group was 67. 3% and 66. 7% respectively, whereas that of JFK + chemotherapy. 67. 3% and 66. 7%. For the chemotherapy group , 1 - year survival rate was 40. 3%, with no survivals within 2 years. For symptom improvement, body weight gaining, and health condition (KPS evaluation) after treatment, the JFK and JFK + chemotherapy groups were, again, superior to the chemotherapy group. The Immunity indices and blood picture in JFK group after treatment were markedly improved as compared with those before treatment, but, those in the chemotherapy group were decreased, while those of the JFK + chemotherapy group remained unchanged.

The anatomical features of the digestive system in 126 new-born cadavers were examined. In the oral cavity, the palatal ridges on the anterior part of the hard palate were very conspicous. The tongue, in most of the cases, was found to protrude out into the vestibule. This condition was contradictory to most of the textbooks, which state the tongue of the new born infant is short. The pharynx showed usual appearance as in the adult. Its lower end, taking the level of the lower border of the larynx as a land-mark, was at the level of the 4th or 5th cervical vertebra. The distance between the lower margin of the soft palate to the above mentioned level was 3—4 cm. The oesophagus showed no distinct constriction throughout its length. The distance between the upper alveolar process to the cardiac orifice of the stomach was 13—16 cm., being 15 cm. in average. In the majority of cases, the stomach assumed a "J" shape, and its general outline was very much like that of the adult. The liver was relatively large, its weight being 3—4% of that of the body. The umbilical vein when coursing in the left longitudinal fissure of the liver showed a dilation, from which 2—3 branches were given out to the left lobe; 1 or 2 branches to the caudate lobe; 1 to the right lobe after anastomosing with the portal vein. From this anastomotic branch, 1 twig was given to the quadrate lobe. The termination of this vein then became the ductus venosus, much diminished in size, before joining the inferior vena cava. The pancreas was 3—5 gms. in weight. Its course was in front of the left suprarenal gland instead of the left kidney. The small intestine appeared lengthy. No measurement was made on account of the embalmed bodies. A second duodenal papilla was found in 86% of the total cases. The caecum assumed a funnel-shape, lying above the iliac crest in most of the cases. In 3 cases the caecum was observed to be high up under the liver. The vermiform appendix was 3—5 cm. in length, and no valve was found at its orifice. A certain quantity of meconium was found in the lumen of the appendix. The position of the appendix was found to be variable. The taeniae coli were visible. In the majority of cases, neither sacculations nor ap- pendices epiploicae were present. The descending and sigmoid colon were largely distended by the meconium. No visible fat deposition was found in the omentum and mesentery in which the blood vessels and lymph nodes were clearly visible. The great omentum was rather short and extended only 2—3 cm. downwards from the great curvature of the stomach.

Background and purpose:Quality of life (QOL) questionnaires are tools to assess the quality of life of patients. How to choose a proper questionnaire is the fi rst problem of QOL assessment in clinic research. However, there is few report on it. Our current research compares the data obtained from two world-wide used QOL questionnaire of lung cancer patients EORTC QLQ-LC43 (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lung Cancer43) and FACT-L (Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Lung) by various statistic methods in order to show differences between the two questionnaires and to provide some suggestions for choosing questionnaires to assess patients’ QOL in clinic research. Methods:The clinic data were obtained from 125 lung cancer patients by two different international QOL questionnaires of lung cancer patients EORTC QLQ-LC43 and FACT-L, and analyzed by various statistic methods such as Pearson correlation analysis, canonical correlation analysis and multiple regression. In addition, we also compare the general modality such as the frame, item numbers and the contents of the subscales, etc. Results:Of the two QOL there are some parts similar in length, ranking type and time construction, even in items. They all contain items in measuring the physical domain, emotion domain, function domain, society domain and lung domain. Correlations between corresponding subscales of the FACT-L and the EORTC QLQ-LC43 are all signifi cant ranging from r=0.331 for the social domain to r=0.664 for the emotional domain. Canonical correlation analysis for the two sets of subscales revealed there are four signifi cant canonical variables (canonical correlation coeffi cient r=0.87 to 0.26 and overall redundancy about 41% ). The eight EORTC QLQ-LC43 subscales are well represented by the fi ve FACT-L subscales (multiple linear regression, R 2=0.531 to 0.766) and the fi ve FACT-L subscales (except relationship with doctors) are also well represented by EORTC QLQ- LC43 subscales (R 2=0.537 to 0.823). The proportion of the corresponding subscale in the total explanation is 50% to 90%. Conclusion:These two questionnaires cover some common parts, but they measure different contents of QOL. Though have the same name, some domains cann’t be compared directly. The two questionnaires cann’t be alternative and the results of them shouldn’t be compaired directly. Both questionnaires are suited for clinic study (e.g compare the effect of two different theropies). But each has its own characters and should be chosen according to reseach goals.

Objective To explore the clinical effects and prognostic factors of postoperative radiotherapy for malignant gliomas. Methods From June 1998 to October 2007, seventy-eight cases of malignant gliomas patients were treated with radiotherapy after surgery, including -28 cases received whole brain radiotherapy, 34 cases local field irradiation and 16 cases three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Thirty-one cases received chemotherapy which included semustine, semustine plus teniposide and temozolomide. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and COX regression analysis were used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results The median survival time and 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rate were 16 months, 65.4 %, 32.8 % and 17.9 % for all patients, respectively; 24 months, 72.7 %, 41.5 % and 22.8% for grade 1 patients; 11 months, 47.8 %, 10.9 % and 5.4 % for grade IV patients. Univariate analysis showed the age, Karnofsky, pathologic grade, surgical approach and the time from surgery to radiotherapy were significantly correlated with the survival time (P <0.05). Karnofsky (P =0.000), pathologic grade (P =0.004) and age (P =0.011) were independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Prognosis of the patients with Karnofsky ≥70, age < 50 years and grade Ⅲ is better in malignant gliomas. Postoperative radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy may prolong the survival time.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Feiji Formula, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on lung cancer metastasis in mice. METHODS: The lung cancer metastasis model of mice was established in this experiment study. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into three groups: untreated group, cisplatin group and Feiji Formula group. Mice in the Feiji Formula group were treated with Feiji Formula decoction; in cisplatin group, with cisplatin by intraperitoneal injection; and in the untreated group, with normal saline (NS). After twenty-day treatment, the body and tumor weights as well as the number of metastatic tumors in both lungs of each mouse were measured. RESULTS: The body weight of mice in cisplatin group was significantly less than that of Feiji Formula group and untreated group (P<0.01); the tumor weight of mice in cisplatin group and Feiji Formula group was markedly lower than that of untreated group (P<0.01); and the number of metastatic tumors in cisplatin group and Feiji Formula group was markedly lower than that of the untreated group (P<0.01), no significant difference between the Feiji Formula group and cisplatin group in terms of the weights and the numbers of metastatic tumors in bilateral lungs. CONCLUSION: Feiji Formula can suppress tumor growth and decrease the number of lung metastatic tumors in the mice, and maintain the body weight of the mice.

This paper discusses the definition , classification, selection, monitoring and evaluation of animal biosafety isolation device .Evaluation order of animal biosafety isolation device follows animal survival needs -biosafety needs-animal welfare requirements .

BACKGROUND:Serious patel ar comminuted fractures can be treated by a number of methods such as cerclage with tension band steel wire or steel wire, or fixation with the nickel titanium patel a concentrator and absorption lines, or cerclage with 10# double-loop wire plus fixation with split-type patel a claws or with the memory al oy patel a concentrator. But it is difficult to achieve strongly fixed effect on patel a fractures by these methods.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical effects of suture with polyester braided wire and cerclage with belt lock cable on serious comminuted patel ar fractures.
METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 57 patients with serious comminuted patel ar fractures who received suture with polyester braided wire and cerclage with belt lock cable from January 2007 to October 2012. According to AO classification of fractures, there were nine cases of type B3, 22 cases of type C2 and 26 cases of type C3. After satisfactory reduction of comminuted patel ar fractures during the operation, firstly we sewed up both sides of the expansion region of quadriceps muscle and stitched on periosteum and prepatel ar tissue with thick polyester braided wire fol owed by patel ar cerclage with belt lock cable. According to the stability of fracture blocks, tension band fixation with polyester braided wire was partial y added. After the operation, the clinical effects were assessed based on the Bostman score system.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Total y 46 out of 57 cases were fol owed up with an average of 8 months (4-18 months). Al patients obtained bone union within 3-5 months. Wounds healed in the first stage without any infections, and fractures in al patients healed without complications such as implant loosening and skin irritation. According to the Bostman score system, 33 cases were scored excellent, 10 good and three fair. The excellent and good rate was 93.5%. It suggests that treatment of serious patel ar comminuted fracture by the combination of polyester braided wire and belt lock cable leads to closely contact fracture sites and reliably fix bone fragments. It can facilitate early postoperative range of motion exercises.

Objective To investigate the most sensitive markers of left ventricular(LV) torsion which can reflect infarct size by assessing the relationship between routine markers of LV torsion and infarct size using speckle tracking imaging (STI).Methods Fifteen open-chest pigs underwent 120 minutes of left anterior descending (LAD) ligation followed by 12 hours of reperfusion.Rotation and torsion of LV were obtained by STI before LAD occlusion,LAD occlusion immediately,and 30,60,90 minutes and 12 hours after reperfusion.Infarct size was measured by nitrotetrazolium blue chloride staining.Results LAD ligation resulted in a dramatic decrease in both subepicardial and subendocardial peak apical rotation or peak LV torsion.Twelve hours after reperfusion,all of the peak rotation and torsion remained significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.01 versus AMI).At AMI,peak bulk LV torsion and peak bulk apical rotation inversely correlated with infarct size (r = - 0.81,P ＜0.01; r = - 0.69,P ＜0.01).There existed the good relationship at 12-hour follow-up after reperfusion.The relationship was superior to that of other torsion markers.Conclusions Peak bulk LV torsion and peak bulk apical rotation are the most sensitive markers of LV torsion which can reflect infarct size.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the alternations of left ventricular (LV) torsion of myocardial ischemia before and after reperfusion using speckle tracking imaging (STI).MethodsFourteen open-chest pigs underwent randomizedly 1 minute (group A) or 15 minutes (group B) of left anterior descending (LAD) ligation and followed up for 1 week.Torsion of LV in both groups were quantified by STI before LAD occlusion,LAD occlusion immediately,and 1-,5-,30-,60-,90-minute and 1-week after reperfusion.ResultsOne minute after reflow,decreased peak apical rotation and peak LV torsion fully recovered in the inner layer in group A.In contrast,there was a brief resumption in group B during 30min after reflow from (6.5 ± 0.8)° to (3.4 ± 1.2)°( P ＜0.01 ) and from (7.8 ± 1.0)° to (6.1 ± 1.1 ) ° ( P ＜0.01 ),respectively.Peak LV subepicardial torsion increased gradually after reperfusion.Conclusions As a result of various durations of ischemia,peak torsion in subendocardium and subepicardium change differently before and after reflow.STI may be suitable for evaluation of the extent of ischemia by noninvasive quantification of torsion in subendocardium and subepicardium.Therefore,duration of assessment of myocardial ischemia can be prolonged.