Outbreaks of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) have occurred many times and caused serious health burden in China since 2008.Application of modem information technology to prediction and early response can be helpful for efficient HFMD prevention and control.A seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for time series analysis was designed in this study.Eighty-four-month (from January 2009 to December 2015) retrospective data obtained from the Chinese Information System for Disease Prevention and Control were subjected to ARIMA modeling.The coefficient of determination (R2),normalized Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and Q-test P value were used to evaluate the goodness-of-fit of constructed models.Subsequently,the best-fitted ARIMA model was applied to predict the expected incidence of HFMD from January 2016 to December 2016.The best-fitted seasonal ARIMA model was identified as (1,0,1)(0,1,1)12,with the largest coefficient of determination (R2=0.743) and lowest normalized BIC (BIC=3.645) value.The residuals of the model also showed non-significant autocorrelations (PBox-Ljung (Q)=0.299).The predictions by the optimum ARIMA model adequately captured the pattern in the data and exhibited two peaks of activity over the forecast interval,including a major peak during April to June,and again a light peak for September to November.The ARIMA model proposed in this study can forecast HFMD incidence trend effectively,which could provide useful support for future HFMD prevention and control in the study area.Besides,further observations should be added continually into the modeling data set,and parameters of the models should be adjusted accordingly.

OBJECTIVETo establish fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay method of detecting proteolytic activity of non-structural protein 3-4A (NS3-4A) serine protease of hepatitis C virus (HCV) for high throughput screening inhibitors against HCV in vitro.

METHODSHCV recombinant plasmid pMAL~c2/NS3-4A was transformed into the E.coli strain K12TB1. Maltose-binding-protein (MBP) NS3-4A fusion protein expression was induced by adding isopropyl-β-D-thiogalacto-pyranoside (IPTG) and purified by affinity chromatography. The proteolytic activity of MBP-NS3-4A protease was analyzed by FRET with the special protease substrate. The reaction system in this model was optimized, and the reliability of the model was evaluated.

RESULTSHigh throughput screening model for HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitors was established, and the best concentrations of enzyme and substrate were optimized. In the model, the Km value of protease was 4.74 μmol/L, Z factor was up to 0.80, and coefficient of variation (CV) was 1.91%. BILN 2061, one of the known HCV protease inhibitors, was measured with the Ki of 0.30 nmol/L.

CONCLUSIONThe assay model using FRET method for HCV NS3 4A serine protease is stable and reliable, and the model is suitable for high throughput screening for HCV NS3 4A protease inhibitors.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer ; Hepacivirus ; enzymology ; High-Throughput Screening Assays ; methods ; Protease Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Hepatitis B ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate and analyze the misplacement patterns of the pedicle screws in surgical correction of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODSFor this study, 70 consecutive cases of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated by posterior instrumented spinal fusion with pedicle screws were investigated from July 2008 to September 2008. Postoperative CT scans were performed in all cases. The patients included 58 girls and 12 boys, with a mean age of 14.5 +/- 2.7 years at surgery (range 12 - 19 years). Pedicle screws were inserted using anatomic landmark with free hand technique. A number of parameters were measured using PacsClient software (PACS) on workstation, which included distances of the penetration of medial, lateral pedicle cortex and anterior vertebral cortex. The distance between edge of aorta and tip of screw should be measured if left pedicle screw penetrated lateral pedicle cortex or anterior vertebral cortex. Misplacement screws with > 2 mm of either pedicular cortex perforation and grievous screws with >4 mm of medial pedicle perforation or contour of aorta were defined. The influencing factors for misplacement screws were analyzed.

RESULTSA total of 1030 pedicle screws were inserted, 773 in thoracic pedicle and 257 in lumbar pedicle. There were 108 (10.5%) misplacement screws, 35 of which penetrated lateral pedicle cortex, 56 of which penetrated medial pedicle cortex, 33 of which penetrated vertebral anterior cortex. Misplacement screw rate of apical vertebra, 5 segments above apical vertebra (AV-5s) and 4 segments below apical vertebra (AV + 4s) were higher than other levels. Most of grievous screws were placed in apical vertebra region.

CONCLUSIONSThe risk factors for misplacement screws included Cobb angle > 90 degrees and vertebrae rotation extent up to III-IV. Care should be exercised during pedicle screw instrumentation in the apical region of the main thoracic curve, AV-5s region and AV + 4s region.

Adolescent ; Bone Screws ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the abnormality of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with different curve magnitudes, and to explore its effect on the etiopathogenesis of AIS.

METHODSPosterior tibial nerve SEPs were evaluated on 489 young operative treated AIS patients with a Cobb angle >40 degrees and 45 age-matched healthy control individuals. Absence of SEPs waveforms, prolongation of peek latency or asymmetrical peek latency were defined as pathological change. Base on the control reference, the incidence of pathological SEPs was determined in AIS group. The association of abnormal SEPs and curve severity for AIS patients was also assessed.

RESULTSPeek latency corrected for body height was slightly longer in AIS patients than in controls, however, with no significant difference. Inter side difference of latency was significantly larger in AIS patients. Abnormal SEPs were found in 166 of 489 AIS patients. Among these, 17 (10.2%) showed absent waveforms, 50 (30.1%) had unilateral latency prolongation, 38 (22.9%) had bilateral latency prolongation, and 120 (72.3%) showed significant inter side difference. Statistical analysis failed to show a correlation between abnormal SEPs and the curve severity of spinal deformity.

CONCLUSIONDisorder of somatosensory pathways does exist in a subgroup of AIS patients, and it might be a primary factor other than secondary change, and could play an import role in the etiopathogenesis of AIS.

Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Spine ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo survey the distribution of influenza A subtypes in external environment and investigate the infectious status of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in poultry-exposed population in Wuhan.

METHODSSeventy-eight external environmental samples (water, cage surface and fecal samples) were collected from 3 habitats of wild migratory birds and 5 urban live-poultry markets in 2010. In 13 avian influenza monitoring points, 249 serum samples were collected from people living around habitats of wild migratory birds or working in live poultry markets. Real-time RT-PCR method was adopted to detect influenza A virus from external environmental samples; and multiple RT-PCR method and specific H3, H5, H7 and H9 primers were then applied to analyze the subtypes of the positive samples. The levels of H5N1 antibody in poultry-exposed population were tested by horse hemagglutination inhibition test and two avian influenza inactivated antigens: A/Hubei/1/10 and A/Anhui/1/05.

RESULTSOf the 50 external environmental samples collected from live poultry markets, 17 samples were determined to be influenza A virus positive (positive rate 34.0%), including specific subtypes as follows: 4 samples of H5 single-positive subtype, 3 samples of H9 single-positive subtype, 4 samples of H3 and H5 mixed-positive subtype, 2 samples of H3 and H9 mixed-positive subtype, 2 samples of H5 and H9 mixed-positive subtype, 2 samples of H3, H5 and H9 mixed-positive subtype, but no H7 positive subtype was found. The 28 external environmental samples collected from habitats of wild migratory birds were all influenza A virus negative. Considering different types of external environmental samples, the influenza A virus positive rates in water, cage surface and fecal samples were 37.5% (6/16), 16.7% (5/30) and 18.8% (6/32), respectively. There were total 100 samples of serum whose A/Hubei/1/10 antigen inhibiting titers ≥ 40, accounting for 40.2%; while 36 samples of serum (14.5%) whose A/Anhui/1/05 antigen inhibiting titers ≥ 40 were found. The difference had statistical significance (χ(2) = 41.433, P < 0.05). Among the 249 serum samples collected from poultry-exposed population, 5 samples were H5N1 antibody positive against A/Hubei/1/10 antigen (inhibition titer ≥ 160), which came from 4 different live poultry markets, however, no positive serum sample against A/Anhui/1/05 antigen was found.

CONCLUSIONMultiple subtypes of avian influenza virus simultaneously prevailed in Wuhan urban poultry markets. Moreover, results from the distribution of avian influenza virus in external environment were consistent with the level of H5N1 antibody in poultry-exposed population.

Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Birds ; virology ; China ; Environment ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; immunology ; Occupational Exposure ; Poultry ; virology

BACKGROUNDHomoharringtonine (HHT) is effective in treating late stage chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), but little is known about long term maintenance during complete cytogenetic response. Long term efficacy and toxicity profiles of low dose HHT were evaluated in this study.

METHODSOne hundred and six patients with CML received 1.5 mg/m(2) of HHT alone by continuous daily infusion for seven to nine days every four weeks. Of 79 patients in the control group, 31 were treated with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and 48 with hydroxycarbamide. For 17 patients who failed to achieve cytogenetic response within 12 months' treatment of IFN-alpha, HHT was administered. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the BCR-ABL mRNA expression in 36 Philadelphia positive CML patients enrolled after 2007. Haematological and cytogenetic responses were evaluated in all patients at the 12th month of follow-up. Long term efficacy was assessed in a follow-up with a median time of 54 months (12 months-98 months).

RESULTSAfter 12 months of therapy, cytogenetic response rate of the HHT, IFN-alpha and hydroxycarbamide groups were 39/106, 14/31 and 3/48, and corresponding molecular cytogenetic response rates 6/18, 3/8 and 0. Of the 17 patients who received HHT as salvage treatment, 6 achieved cytogenetic response (3 major). At the 48 months' follow-up, cytogenetic response was maintained in 32/39 patients treated with HHT. Patients who had cytogenetic response in HHT group or treated with IFN-alpha also showed longer median chronic durations, which were 45 months (12 months-98 months) and 49 months (12 months-92 months) respectively, indicating a longer survival time.

CONCLUSIONSLow dose HHT alone showed considerable short term and long term efficacy in the treatment of late stage CML. It may also be a good choice for patients who have failed imatinib, IFN-alpha treatment or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or cannot afford these treatments.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; Harringtonines ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the serum levels of sCD44v6 and sE-cadherin (sE-cad) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODSThe serum samples were collected from 65 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 32 cases of erosive esophagitis and 35 healthy subjects. Serum sCD44v6 and sE-cad levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSThe mean levels of serum sCD44v6 and sE-cad in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients were significantly higher than those of erosive esophagitis patients and normal controls (both P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum sCD44v6 and sE-cad levels between erosive esophagitis patients normal controls (P=0.566 and P=0.708, respectively). Serum sCD44v6 and sE-cad levels of esophageal cancer patients were not correlated with their clinicopathological features. Serum sCD44v6 level is not correlated with sE-cad level in squamous cell carcinoma patients(P=0.651).

CONCLUSIONSerum sCD44v6 and sE-cad might be a potential marker for screening of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cadherins ; blood ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; blood ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; blood ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of Btk and NFκB in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and its significance. Bone marrow mononuclear cell specimens were taken from 14 AML patients who were in new diagnosis and complete remission respectively, the expressions of Btk and NFκB at mRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The results showed that Btk and NFκB expressed in all the samples at RNA and protein levels. At protein level, Btk and NFκB expressions were higher in the cells from newly diagnosed AML patients than that in the cells from patients in complete remission stage (P < 0.05). It is concluded that Btk and NFκB may play an important role in the development and progression of AML, they may be used as potential therapeutic targets of AML and used in predicting the prognosis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; NF-kappa B ; genetics ; Prognosis ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the early outcomes of children with congenital scoliosis treated by one-stage transpedicular hemi-vertebra resection.

METHODSFrom July 2005 to June 2006, 27 consecutive cases of congenital scoliosis managed by one-stage transpedicular hemi-vertebra resection with instrumentation were investigated retrospectively. There were 11 girls and 16 boys, with a mean age of 5.5 years at surgery (range 1.3 - 10.0 years). Location of the hemi-vertebra was in the thoracic spine in 12 cases and in the lumbar spine in 15 cases. Radiographic evaluations were performed on the preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up standing posteroanterior and lateral radiographs.

RESULTSThe average operation time was 4 hours (range 3-6 hours), and the mean blood loss during operation was 750 ml (range 300 - 2200 ml). The mean fusion level was 2 to 7 segments, average 4.4 segments. The average follow-up period was 16 months (range 12 - 34 months). Mean Cobb angle of the total main curve was 40.0° before surgery, 12.6° after surgery, and 15.2° at latest follow-up. Mean Cobb angle of the segmental main curve was 35.6° before surgery, 11.6° after surgery, and 12.1° at latest follow-up. The trunk shift was improved from 16.5 mm before operation to that of 7.5 mm after the operation and 7.6 mm at the latest follow-up. Compensatory cranial curve improved from 19.4° before surgery to 8.9° after surgery, and compensatory caudal curve improved from 26.3° to 12.8°. The angle of segmental kyphosis was 26.4° before surgery and 14.6° after surgery in cases with thoracic hemivertebrae, and averaged 11.2° before surgery and 3.9° after surgery in cases with lumbar hemivertebrae. Peri-operative complications included two pedicle screws malpositioning and one case with pelvic tilt. There was no neurological complication.

CONCLUSIONOne-stage transpedicular hemi-vertebra resection with instrumentation has a good capability of correcting deformity on the frontal and sagittal planes, which is available in children with middle or lower thoracic or lumbar hemivertebrae.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Scoliosis ; congenital ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome