Aim To investigate the effect of the total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE)on MAPK/NF-κB sig-naling pathway and the inflammatory reaction in the hippocampus of natural aging male rats.Methods The morphological changes of the hippocampus com-posed of three areas (CA1 ,CA3 and DG)were ob-served using haematoxylin-eoin (HE ) staining.The protein expression levels of senescence-associated pro-tein p21,apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2, nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65 )and its downstream inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1βand COX-2,and MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins (ERK1/2,p-ERK1/2,JNK,p-JNK,p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK)in hippocampal were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with natural aging group, TFE obviously improved the morphology and structure of hippocampal neurons,and the nerve cells arranged neatly and closely. Furthermore, TFE significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of p2 1 and Bax,upregulated the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax,and reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 and of its downstream inflammatory fac-tors TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and MAPK signaling pathway-related proteins (p-ERK1/2,p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK ) in hippocampus of natural aging rats. Conclusions TFE effectively protects against inflam-matory reaction in brain aging of SD male rats.The mechanism is related with inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and reduction of its downstream inflamma-tory cytokines expression by inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway activation.

Objective To set up a real-time quantitative PCR approach for detection and quantification for bcr-abl transcripts in CML patients,and detect minimal residual disease (MRD) in CML by real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR)and evaluate the significance of MRD detection.Methods The ber-abl.fusion gene expression in 80 patients with CML was analyzed by RQ-PCR. The patients were divided into three groups according to the different treatment, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation group,imatinib group and hydroxyurea group. The change of bcr-abl fusion gene was monitored in CML patients before and after treatment.Results The average of RQ-PCR detection on newly diagnosed patients with CML in chronic phase was 6847.67 copies / 104 cells,the accelerated phase was 306 176.08 copies / 104 cells,and the average results were 944.33, 2.37, 0.29, 0 copies / 104 cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation one month,6 months,12 months or 24 months respectively.The average of RQ-PCR detection after use imatinib mesylate 3 months was 3720.23 copies / 104 cells and not be detected after one year. The average was 7290.11 and 3143.24 copies / 104 cells after hydroxyurea treatment 0 and 9 months respectively.The difference in first two groups was not significant (t=1.74,P=0.17), but the difference between the third group and the first two groups was significant (t=3.74,P=0.01.t=2.97,P=0.02). The upregulation of bcr-abl transcript levels could be detected when disease progression. The transcripts level in accelerated phase was significantly higher than that in chronic phase. Conclusion RQ-PCR can be used to detect the MRD,monitor the treatment outcome,predict disease recurrence and give early intervention.

ObjectiveTo explore the genetic abnormalities of multiple myeloma (MM)patients by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).MethodsWith the application of FISH,sequence specific DNA probes (IGH,DI3S319/p53 and 1q21/RB1) were applied to detect 14q32 rearrangement,del(13q14),del (17p13)and gain of lq21.Forty-four MM patients were enrolled in this study.ResultsThirty-two cases (72.7 ％) detected by FISH had genetic abnormality in 44 cases,lq21 amplification was observed in 11 cases (25.0 ％),while RB1 deletion in 17 cases (38.6 ％),D13S319 deletion in 16 cases (36.4 ％),p53 deletion in 6 cases(13.6 ％)and 14q32 translocation in 19 cases(43.2 ％).The patients with one abnormality was detected in 10 cases(22.7 ％),two abnormalities in 11 cases(25.0 ％),three abnormalities in 8 cases (18.2 ％),4 abnormalities in 3 cases(6.8 ％).28 were found to undergo split-phase by conventional cytogenetic in 44 patients.The patients with genetic abnormalities detected by conventional G-banding was 2 cases (7.14 ％),the difference with that in FISH was significant (P ＜0.05).Genetic abnormalities compared with clinical parameters showed that β2-MG in IGH gene abnormal patients were significantly higher than those without such abnormalities (P ＜0.05).Patients with bone marrow plasma cells of lq21 amplification were higher than those with normal karotypes(P ＜0.05),CRE was significantly higher among lq21 amplification and p53 deletion patients (P ＜0.05),CRP was significantly higher among p53 deletion patients (P ＜0.05).No significant difference was oberserved in relationship of the chromosome aberration and age,the chromosome aberration and stage.ConclusionThe most common genetic abnormalities in MM is IGH rearrangement and absence of RB1 and D13S319,followed by lq21 amplification,the least is p53 deletion.FISH is a rapid and sensitive technique to refine chromosome aberrations in MM.The specific detection for genomic features of MM is proved to be correlative with its clinicopathologic characteristics and the prognosis.

Objective:To accurately ascertain the whole genome sequencing and the composition of open reading frames (ORFs) of non-replicating Tiantan strain of vaccinia virus (NTV) using next-generation long-read sequencing technology.Methods:NTV, obtained from our laboratory stock, was amplified and purified on chicken embryo fibroblast cells(CEFs), and the full-length genomic nucleic acid of NTV was extracted. The PacBio HiFi sequencing platform was utilized for de novo assembly to obtain the complete genomic sequence of NTV. Using a homology annotation strategy, we identified its ORF composition and compared it with known non-replicating vaccinia virus strains. Results:The total length of NTV′s genome was 171 729 bp, with a GC content of 33%. Its unique inverted terminal repeat (ITR) region comprised hairpin structures, two tandem repeat regions, and three non-repeat regions. NTV contained 166 ORFs, with major differences observed in the ITR and its surrounding regions when compared to MVA-BN and NYVAC. These three strains shared a common set of 138 ORFs. NTV encoded six unique ORFs related to virus evasion of host antiviral response.Conclusions:This study accurately determines the whole genome sequencing and ORFs composition of NTV, and reveals its similarities and differences with other replication-deficient vaccinia virus strains, which pave a way for the development and application of the next generation of monkeypox vaccines and novel viral vectors.

OBJECTIVETo evaluated the manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) levels in blood and urine among general population in China, and thereby to analyze their prevalent features.

METHODSFrom 2009 to 2010, a total of 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland, by cluster random sampling method. The information about their living environment and health status were collected by questionnaire, and their blood and urine samples were also collected.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to test the Mn, Co and Mo levels of blood and urine samples, and the Mn, Co, Mo distribution in blood and urine among groups of population in different ages and genders were then analyzed.

RESULTSAmong general population in China, the geometric mean (GM) of Mn concentration in blood was 8.98 µg/L. The Mn concentration in blood among males and females were separately 8.14 µg/L and 9.88 µg/L (Z = -18.84, P < 0.01). The GM of Mn concentration in urine was 0.63 µg/L. The Mn concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.62 µg/L and 0.63 µg/L (Z = -0.67, P > 0.05). The geometric mean (GM) of Co concentration in blood was 0.194 µg/L. The Co concentration in blood among males and females were separately 0.166 µg/L and 0.225 µg/L (Z = -23.04, P < 0.01). The GM of Co concentration in urine was 0.282 µg/L. The Co concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.260 µg/L and 0.307 µg/L (Z = -7.35, P < 0.01). The GM of Mo concentration in blood was 0.25 µg/L. The Mo concentration in blood among male and female group were separately 0.27 µg/L and 0.23 µg/L (Z = -5.03, P < 0.01). The GM of Mo concentration in urine was 27.7 µg/L. The Mo concentration in urine among males and females were 29.8 µg/L and 25.6 µg/L (Z = -6.31, P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe Mn, Co and Mo levels in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China, the study provided basic data evidence for the following Mn, Co and Mo biological monitoring studies in near future.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cobalt ; Environmental Exposure ; Environmental Monitoring ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Manganese ; Middle Aged ; Molybdenum

OBJECTIVETo investigate the level of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in whole blood among general population from 8 provinces in China, and to analyze the characteristics of distribution among different regions.

METHODSThis cross-sectional study was performed in 8 provinces from eastern, middle and western China between 2009 and 2010, including 13 110 subjects from 24 regions, and the blood and urine samples were collected. The ICP-MS was applied to test the content of ICP-MS in blood samples, and the results were used to analyze the characteristics of contents and distributions of Zn and Cu among population from different ages, genders and regions groups.

RESULTSTotally, the mean (95%CI) contents of Cu and Zn in blood were 795 (791-799)µg/L and 3 996(3 976-4 015) µg/L, respectively. The characteristics of distribution of Cu content were as followed, the content of males were lower than it of females (male:767 µg/L; female: 822 µg/L, t = -13.302, P < 0.01). The contents of blood Cu in groups of people aging 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were separately 860(853-868), 758(748-769), 734(728-734), 782(774-790), 811(795-827) and 820(815-826) µg/L. The differences showed statistical significance (F = 78.77, P < 0.01). The blood Cu content of people in eastern China (800µg/L) were also significantly higher than it in middle (774 µg/L)and western China (782 µg/L) (F = 10.94, P < 0.01). Distribution of blood Zn content showed characteristics as follows: the Zn content was higher in males than in females (male 4 085 µg/L and female 3 908 µg/L, t = 8.78, P < 0.01). The contents of blood Zn in groups of people aging 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were separately 3 306 (3 261-3 350), 3 888 (3 839-3 937), 3 948 (3 902-3 994), 4 272(4 228-4 315), 4 231(4 180-4 281) and 4 250 (4 205-4 294)µg/L, which showed significant statistical differences (F = 233.68, P < 0.01). The blood Zn content of people in eastern China (3 938 µg/L) were significantly lower than it in middle (4 237 µg/L)and western China (4 105 µg/L) (F = 53.16, P < 0.01). In addition, the study also compared the relation between content of Cu and Zn and the frequency of eating seafood. The results found that the frequency of eating seafood could influence the content of Cu and Zn (Cu: F = 13.54, P < 0.01; Zn: F = 200.20, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe contents and distributions of Cu and Zn in blood differs among people from different groups in ages, genders and regions. The baseline data of this study provided reliable scientific evidence for further research.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Copper ; blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Zinc ; blood

OBJECTIVETo assess the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monohydroxy metabolites in urine of general population in China among 8 provinces, provide the baseline of the metabolites in the general population.

METHODSFrom 2009 to 2010, 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years old were recruited from 24 areas among 8 provinces in east, west and central areas of China mainland by cluster random sampling. The information of the living environment and health condition were collected by questionnaire and spot urine samples were collected, 4 680 urine samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and monohydroxy metabolites distribution in urine among groups of gender and ages were analysed.

RESULTSGeometric means (GM) of 2-naphthol, 1-naphthol, 3-phenanthrol and 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in urine (95%CI) were 1.85 (1.75-1.95), 1.55 (1.50-1.61), 0.57 (0.54-0.59) and 0.82 (0.78-0.85) µg/L, respectively;and median are 2.44, <0.50, 0.72 and 0.90 µg/L, respectively. The concentration between male and female were significantly different (P < 0.01), and the concentration among the groups of population were significantly different (P < 0.01), the GM of 2-naphthol among the groups of population aged 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were 1.60, 1.56, 1.69, 2.23, 1.91 and 1.86 µg/L (χ(2) = 17.90, P < 0.01), the GM of 1-naphthol in the groups were 1.30, 1.16, 1.53, 1.68, 1.80 and 1.52 µg/L (χ(2) = 76.22, P < 0.01), the GM of 3-phenanthrol in the groups were 0.78, 0.76, 0.55, 0.42, 0.50 and 0.99 µg/L (χ(2) = 66.48, P < 0.01), the GM of 1-hydroxypyrene in the groups were 0.77,0.64, 1.00, 0.84, 0.84 and 0.57 µg/L (χ(2) = 51.48, P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe distribution of monohydroxy metabolites levels in urine of general population were different, it provided a basic data for the further study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biomonitoring in the population.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Naphthols ; urine ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; urine ; Pyrenes ; urine ; Sentinel Surveillance ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluated the levels of arsenic (As) in blood and urine among general population in China and analyze its influencing factors.

METHODSA total of 18 120 subjects from general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland from 2009 to 2010, by cluster random sampling method. Blood samples and urine samples were collected, the information of the life-style was collected by questionnaire.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to test the As level in the samples, and the distribution of As in blood and urine for different ages, genders, areas and life habits were then analyzed.

RESULTSThe geometric mean (GM) of blood As concentration among general population was 2.33 µg/L;the GM of blood As in male (2.35 µg/L) was higher than and female (2.30 µg/L) (Z = -1.42, P < 0.05); from eastern, central to western China, the blood As level were 2.94, 1.30 and 0.98 µg/L (χ(2) = 643.22, P < 0.05) , respectively; the GM in smokers (2.84 µg/L) was higher than non-smokers (2.27) (Z = -6.28, P < 0.05) ;the seafood consumer had a higher blood As level (2.59 µg/L) than people not consuming seafood (1.47 µg/L) (Z = -23.68, P < 0.05). The urine As level of the whole population was 13.72 µg/L;while its GM in male (14.10 µg/L) was higher than female (13.33 µg/L) (Z = -3.94, P < 0.05); the values from eastern, central to western China were 14.14, 16.02 and 9.57 µg/L (χ(2) = 353.89, P < 0.05), respectively;the level in smokers (16.06 µg/L) was higher than nonsmokers (13.70 µg/L) (Z = -2.63, P < 0.05); the level in seafood consumers (14.82 µg/L) was higher than people not consuming seafood (10.99 µg/L) (Z = -3.20, P < 0.05). The blood As level had a positive correlation with urine As level (correlation coefficient:0.285, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe As level in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China, and related to life-styles. There was a positive correlation between As level in blood and that in urine.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arsenic ; blood ; urine ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sentinel Surveillance ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in blood and urine among general population in China, and thereby analyze their prevalent features.

METHODSA total of 18 120 subjects from general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland from 2009 to 2010, by cluster random sampling method. The blood samples and urine samples of these people were collected. The questionnaire survey was used to collect the information of the living environment and health conditions.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to test the Pb and Cd levels in the samples, and the distribution of Pb and Cd in blood and urine for different ages, genders, areas and life habits were then analyzed.

RESULTSAmong the general population in China, the geometric mean (GM) of blood Pb concentration was 34.9 µg/L; the GM of blood Pb in male and female groups were 40.1 and 30.4 µg/L (Z = -28.05, P < 0.05), respectively; the GM from eastern, central and western China were 31.2, 38.8 and 58.9 µg/L (χ(2) = 1 483.33, P < 0.05) , respectively. The GM of urine Pb of the whole population was 1.05 µg/L;while the GM in male and female groups were 1.06 µg/L and 1.05 µg/L (Z = -0.73, P > 0.05) , respectively;the values from eastern, central and western China were 0.76, 2.85 and 3.22 µg/L (χ(2) = 1 982.11, P < 0.05), respectively. The GM of blood Cd concentration among general population was 0.49 µg/L; and the values in male and female group were 0.60 and 0.41 µg/L (Z = -11.79, P < 0.05) , respectively; the GM from eastern, central and western China were 0.45, 0.65 and 0.67 µg/L (χ(2) = 69.87, P < 0.05), respectively; the GM of urine Cd concentration of the whole population was 0.28 µg/L, while the GM in male and female groups were 0.29 and 0.28 µg/L (Z = -3.86, P < 0.05), respectively; the values from eastern, central and western China were 0.29,0.42 and 0.18 µg/L (χ(2) = 402.76, P < 0.05), respectively. the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for Cd in blood and Cd in urine was 0.22, for Pb in blood and Pb in urine was 0.21. Both the correlations were statistic significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe Pb and Cd levels in blood and urine were relatively higher among general population in China varying by gender and area. There were positive correlations between Pb and Cd levels in blood and those in urine.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cadmium ; blood ; urine ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Lead ; blood ; urine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sentinel Surveillance ; Young Adult

Objective To evaluated the manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) levels in blood and urine among general population in China , and thereby to analyze their prevalent features.Methods From 2009 to 2010, a total of 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern , central and western China mainland , by cluster random sampling method.The information about their living environment and health status were collected by questionnaire , and their blood and urine samples were also collected.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( ICP-MS) was applied to test the Mn , Co and Mo levels of blood and urine samples , and the Mn, Co, Mo distribution in blood and urine among groups of population in different ages and genders were then analyzed.Results Among general population in China , the geometric mean ( GM) of Mn concentration in blood was 8.98 μg/L.The Mn concentration in blood among males and females were separately 8.14 μg/L and 9.88 μg/L ( Z =-18.84, P <0.01 ).The GM of Mn concentration in urine was 0.63 μg/L.The Mn concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.62 μg/L and 0.63 μg/L ( Z =-0.67, P >0.05 ).The geometric mean ( GM ) of Co concentration in blood was 0.194 μg/L.The Co concentration in blood among males and females were separately 0.166 μg/L and 0.225 μg/L ( Z =-23.04, P <0.01 ).The GM of Co concentration in urine was 0.282 μg/L.The Co concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.260μg/L and 0.307μg/L ( Z=-7.35, P<0.01).The GM of Mo concentration in blood was 0.25μg/L.The Mo concentration in blood among male and female group were separately 0.27 μg/L and 0.23 μg/L ( Z =-5.03, P <0.01 ).The GM of Mo concentration in urine was 27.7 μg/L.The Mo concentration in urine among males and females were 29.8 μg/L and 25.6μg/L (Z=-6.31,P<0.01), respectively.Conclusion The Mn, Co and Mo levels in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China , the study provided basic data evidence for the following Mn , Co and Mo biological monitoring studies in near future.