OBJECTIVETo construct wild-type and mutant pEGFP SPAST vectors and to explore the molecular mechanism of hereditary spastic paraplegia.

METHODSMutant SPAST vector was constructed using overlap PCR method following construction of wild-type SPAST vector. Wild-type and mutant constructs were transfected to COS7 cells and subcellular localization of spastin was observed. Co-localizations of spastin and microtubule, spastin and mitochondria were viewed by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTSWild-type spastin is localized in plasma, and mutant spastin did not change its cellular localization. Wild-type and mutant spastins did not co-localize with microtubules and mitochondria by immunofluorescence analysis.

CONCLUSIONWild-type and mutant SPAST constructs were successfully generated. Mutant spastin did not change its localization in cells. Spastin does not co-localize with microtubules and mitochondria. This study may facilitate further studies on molecular mechanism of hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Adenosine Triphosphatases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cell Line ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Mitochondria ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mutation ; Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary ; genetics ; metabolism ; Spastin

OBJECTIVETo compare the reactogenicity and serology between influenza subunit vaccine and split vaccine.

METHODSA randomized, double-blind study was carried out among children (age 6 - 12 years) in order to compare the safety and immunogenicity of an influenza inactivated subunit vaccine (Agrippal, Chiron Vaccines) with that of a split vaccine (Flurix, GSK).

RESULTSA total of 499 subjects were vaccinated and included in the safety analysis. A total of 249 subjects received Agrippal and 250 received Flurix. All subjects were kept under medical observation for 30 minutes in order to check the evidence of having any immediate local and systemic reaction. Daily observation records were collected during the 3-day follow-up after vaccination. 6.4% of the cases with fever >or= 37.5 degrees C was reported in the Flurix group, but 2.4% in Agrippal group which was significantly less than the former group (P > 0.05). Blood samples (the D0 pre- and D23 post-vaccination sera) were collected from 224 of Agrippal group and 223 of Flurix group and analysed by the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Agrippal and Flurix induced similar seroprotection (HI titer >or= 1:40, H1N1 99.6% vs 100.0%; H3N2 99.1% vs 99.1%) and seroconversion (4-fold increase, 95.1% vs 97.8%; H3N2 74.5% vs 79.8%) rates and geometric mean titer (GMT) increase (16.0 vs 21.0; 5.4 vs 6.4) against the two A subtypes. A similar seroprotection rate (94.2% vs 96.4%) and GMT increase (21.2 vs 18.2) against the influenza B strain were also noticed in both vaccines. No significant difference was found in the results of immunological assay between the two vaccines (P < 0.05). A lower seroconversion rate against B strain was observed in Agrippal group than in Flurix group (91.1% vs 97.3%).

CONCLUSIONIn terms of safety, both vaccines were generally well tolerated. The fever reaction was less frequently seen in the Agrippal group. Both vaccines induced an effective immune response in the vaccines.

Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Child ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Fever ; chemically induced ; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests ; Humans ; Influenza A virus ; immunology ; Influenza B virus ; immunology ; Influenza Vaccines ; adverse effects ; classification ; immunology ; Influenza, Human ; prevention & control ; Male ; Safety ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Inactivated ; adverse effects ; immunology ; Vaccines, Subunit ; adverse effects ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular genesis of medulloblastomas with cDNA array.

METHODSFour samples of medulloblastomas and 1 sample of normal brain tissue were collected freshly. After total RNA extraction, the (32)P targeted cDNA probes were converted and then hybridized with Atlas Human Cancer Array 1.2. The gene expression profiles were acquired through autoradiography. The discrepancy between the tumor and the normal brain tissue was analyzed with Atlas Image 1.01a.

RESULTSIn comparison with the genes in the normal brain tissue, 6 down-regulated and 35 up-regulated genes in the medulloblastomas were revealed by means of the microarrays and autoradiography, and were verified by reverse transcriptase-PCR. The regulatory trends of most differential expression genes were in compliance with the biological features of this tumor.

CONCLUSIONMedulloblastomas are diseases involving multiple genes with some molecular pathological mechanisms different from the astrocytic gliomas. There are complex interrelationships between these genes, which need to be further researched.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Medulloblastoma ; genetics ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of SSd on reversing the malignant phenotype of HepG2 cells and to investigate its mechanism in order to prove that SSd is a new choice to prevent and treat HCC.

METHODSHepG2 cells were cultured and treated by different concentration (0 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, 10.0 mg/L and 20.0 mg/L) of SSd for 24 h, and treated by 10 mg/L of SSd for 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72h respectively. The cell inhibition rates were measured by MTT assay. Then cells were treated by 10 mg/L SSd for 48 hr in experimental group and treated by no SSd as a control, their morphological changes were observed by contrast phase microscope. The concentrations of ALB and AFP in clear supernatant liquid of cells were detected by radio-immunity and chemiluminescence. The cell migration rates were observed by transwell method, the relative expression levels of p27 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe inhibitive effect of 10 mg/L SSd was the most significant among different concentrations ( F = 265.06, P less than 0.01). The shape of HepG2 from experimental group turned into small and round, and their volume ratios of nucleus to plasma decreased. ALB in supernatant liquid of HepG2 was higher ( t = 7.83, P less than 0.05, and its AFP was lower ( t = -10.72, P less than 0.01) as compared to control group. Cells migrated were fewer and p27 mRNA expression of HepG2 was higher in experimental group than that in control group (t = 22.00, P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSd could reverse the malignant phenotype of HepG2 cells. It was suggested that the up-regulation of p27 mRNA expression play an important role in the differentiation of HepG2 cells treated by SSd.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Hep G2 Cells ; drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Oleanolic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Saponins ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differential gene expression of ependymomas.

METHODSFour fresh samples of ependymomas and 1 of normal brain tissue were collected during operation. The extracted total RNAs were converted as (32)P tagged cDNA probes, which were then hybridized with the Atlas Human Cancer Array, producing the array based hybridization maps following the protocol provided with the kit. A set of special software was applied to the analysis and RT-PCR was performed to test the result.

RESULTIn comparison with the normal brain tissue, there were 31 upregulated gene and 1 downregulated gene in ependymomas, most of which were firstly found to be differentially expressed in this kind of tumor.

CONCLUSIONThe discrepancy of gene expression profiles between ependymomas and normal brain tissues is highly put through and effectively detected with cDNA array, which provides new information for the further research on the molecular mechanisms of this lesion.

Brain ; metabolism ; Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; Ependymoma ; genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective To explore pediatric nurses' perceptions about patients' safety culture and identify the factors that affect patients' safety culture so as to provide evidences for improving patients' safety. Methods A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was performed on 886 pediatric nurses working in a children's hospital from July 2016 to September 2016. Patients' safety culture was assessed using the Chinese version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture.Results 74.1% of nurses evaluated patients' safety grade as either 'very good' or 'good'. The advantage areas with positive responsive rates higher than 75% were described as follows "feedback and communication about error", "teamwork within units" and "organizational learning and continuous improvement". Areas need to be improved with positive responsive rates lower than 50% included "staffing" and "frequency of events reported". Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that ages and overtime work of nurses were main factors that affected nurses' knowledge of patients' safety culture. The two factors explained 10.8% of total variation.Conclusions Nurses in the children's hospital has an overall high level of knowledge to patients' safety culture. However, several aspects need to be improved. It is necessary to provide positive interventions to factors that affect knowledge of safety culture.

OBJECTIVETo identify epidemic status of murine typhus in Hongta areas of Yuxi city and to provide evidence for control and prevention of the disease.

METHODSSerologic survey was conducted among residents and rodents. Isolation of Rickettsia moseri was performed.

RESULTSThe overall infection rate among general population was 28.92% (96/332) with geometric meantiter (GMT) as 10.83 and there was no difference between males and females (26.71%, 43/161 vs. 30.99%, 53/171, P > 0.05). Significant differences were found between age groups (P < 0.05) with positive rates of 29.63% (8/27), 18.06% (13/72), 39.62% (42/106), 27.50% (22/80) and 23.40% (11/47) among age groups 0-6, 7-18, 19-39, 40-59 and over 60, respectively. The overall rate of infection in mouse was 44.95% (89/198) with GMT as 30.30. Five isolates of R. moseri from mouse specimen, three from fleas plus one case of murine typhus were diagnosed. Rattus norvegicus and Rattus flavipectus were the predominant species of rodent animals (99.49%, 197/198) and Xenopsylla cheopis was the major species of vector (74.26%, 303/408). Flea index and mouse density were 2.06 and 11.13% respectively.

CONCLUSIONHigh infection rates on R. moseri were demonstrated in rodents and residents as well as high risk of murine typhus outbreak might occur in these areas.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Mice ; Middle Aged ; Rats ; Rodent Diseases ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; transmission ; Siphonaptera ; microbiology ; Typhus, Endemic Flea-Borne ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; transmission ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore a new method for finding more HIV/AIDS.

METHODSIn September 2009, newly reported HIV-infected individuals from May to August, 2009 in Dehong prefecture were asked to participate in a survey which requested demographic characteristics, history of high-risk behaviors and contact information of individuals with whom they had high risky contacts. People with risky contacts with HIV-infected cases (index cases) were also approached to participate in this survey and HIV testing was provided.

RESULTSA total of 342 HIV-infected individuals were newly reported and served as index cases from May to August, 2009. Among them, 47.1% (161/342) were transmitted by regular sexual partners. Through three-round surveys, 218 contacts were traced and among them, 84.9% (185/218) were traced by regular heterosexual partners. HIV positive rate of the tested was 34.7% (60/173) in the first-round tracing and 12.5% (1/8) in the second one. Among the 560 individuals (index cases and their high-risk contacts), the proportions of having regular heterosexual partners, non-regular and non-commercial sexual partners, commercial sexual heterosexual partners and men having sex men were 87.9% (492/560), 18.9% (106/560), 22.3% (125/560) and 0.3% (1/318), respectively, while the proportion of having never used condoms when having sex with the above four types sexual partners were 73.8% (363/492), 72.6% (77/106), 63.2% (79/125) and 0.0% (0/1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONAs an epidemiological method for HIV/AIDS finding, contact tracing identified a large number of HIV infectors who were traced by newly reported HIV-infected individuals.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; epidemiology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Contact Tracing ; methods ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

Objective To trace and provide HIV-testing among those having contacts with HIV-infected individuals at various levels in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province and to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of such investigation as a supplemental strategy for HIV testing and control. Methods Newly reported HIV infections from August throughout October in Dehong prefecture, in 2008 were asked to provide contact information of persons whom they had high risk contacts with. Persons having had risk contacts with HIV-infected cases were hereof interviewed and their blood tested on the sero-status of HIV. Results A total of 335 HIV cases were newly reported during this three-month period. A total of 309 cases of them and 148 HIV infections identified thereafter from their risk contacts were under informed consent, to participate in this study. A total number of 3395 risk contacts were reported, of whom only 20.7% (704/3395) had 'contact information' and 51.3% (361/704) were successfully located and interviewed, including 117 previously confirmed HIV infections and 244 people with unknown HIV status. The majority of them (203 or 83.2% of 244) were then tested for HIV and 56(27.6% of 203) were tested positive for HIV. The proportion of having detailed contact information and the proportion of being traced or followed among reported risk contacts of HIV infections were 68.8% and 68.2% for spouses of HIV patients, respectively, which were much higher than those among commercial sex partners (1.2% and 16.7%), casual sex partners (37.3% and 22.3% ) and peers who sharing needles (34.1% and 56.4% ). Conclusion Newly reported HIV infections reported a large number of risk contacts and new HIV infections were identified among them. It was extremely difficult to trace commercial sex partners or casual sex partners on their HIV infection status. Nevertheless, tracing the risk contacts of newly reported HIV infections seemed to be helpful in identifying new HIV infections and in understanding the nature of transmission towards controlling the HIV epidemics.

Traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (TSOFS) is a symptom complex caused by nerve entrapment in the supraorbital fissure after skull base trauma. If the compressed cranial nerve in the supraorbital fissure is not decompressed surgically, ptosis, diplopia and eye movement disorder may exist for a long time and seriously affect the patients′ quality of life. Since its overall incidence is not high, it is not familiarized with the majority of neurosurgeons and some TSOFS may be complicated with skull base vascular injury. If the supraorbital fissure surgery is performed without treatment of vascular injury, it may cause massive hemorrhage, and disability and even life-threatening in severe cases. At present, there is no consensus or guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS that can be referred to both domestically and internationally. To improve the understanding of TSOFS among clinical physicians and establish standardized diagnosis and treatment plans, the Skull Base Trauma Group of the Neurorepair Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Traumatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome ( version 2024) based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment. This consensus puts forward 12 recommendations on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, efficacy evaluation and follow-up of TSOFS, aiming to provide references for neurosurgeons from hospitals of all levels to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS.