Objective To investigate the spousal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)and its related factors in HIV epidemic area,which can be beneficial to prevent HIV from transmitting.Methods Three hundred and forty-six couples with one spouse were anti-HIV positive were cross-sectionally investigated.Blood samples were taken from the spouse of subjects whose anti- HIV were positive to detect the anti-HIV antibody and from 70 acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)patients to do the sequencing of the serum HIV provirus DNA.Results In 346 couples,99 were infected by spousal transmission and its transmission rate was 28.6%.One spouse of 125 couples were infected with HIV by paid blood donation,14.4%(18)of the other spouse were infec- ted by spousal transmission.One spouse of 135 couples were infected by paid blood transfusion, 23.7%(32)of the other spouse were infected by spousal transmission.Eighty-six couples were infec- ted by extramarital sexual contact,49(57.0%)got spousal transmission.Thirty-seven(69.8%) subjects were infected by husband-to-wife transmission and 12(36.4%)were from wife to husband. The difference between them was significant(P

OBJECTIVETo compare the effect of recombinant OPG-Fc and recombinant RANK protein on the differentiation of osteoclast precursors.

METHODSMouse osteoblasts cell lines were incubated with osteoclast precursors cell lines RAW 264.7 for 9 days with 10(-5) g/L rhRANK or rhOPG-Fc or PBS added to the coculture system. TRAP stain positive cells counting and cortical bone pit formation counting were performed in the 9th day.

RESULTSMultinuleated TRAP stain positive cells were observed in the cocluture systems after 6 days incubation,and plenty of mature osteoclasts could be observed in the 9th day. With the addition of 10(-5) g/L rhOPG-Fc or rhRANK, multinucleated giant cells and cortical bone pit formation couting decreased significantly compared with the control group, and the rhRANK group decreased more significantly than the rhOPG-Fc group.

CONCLUSIONSBoth rhOPG-Fc and rhRANK can inhabit the differentiation of osteoclast precursors and prevent them forming mature osteoclasts,moreover,the rhRANK shows the significant inhabition effect than the rhOPG-Fc.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Mice ; Osteoclasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Osteoprotegerin ; pharmacology ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; pharmacology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects

Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump ; methods ; Coronary Artery Disease ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Saphenous Vein ; transplantation

Objective To study the relationship between facial skin conditions and TCM constitutional types; To provide new means and methods for guidance of skin conservation and skin health improvement from the aspect of constitutional types. Methods Totally 2241 female volunteers in nine provincial capital cities and municipalities participated in this research, and were investigated by web questionnaire. Constitutional types were determined according to the“Classification and Judgment of TCM Constitutional Types”standard issued by China Association of Chinese Medicine. Skin color, glossiness, delicate degree, moistness, firmness, resilience, uniformity and other indicators were scored. Skin conditions were classified into three groups:1-3 score group, 4-6 score group, and 7-9 score group, and the constitutional differences among each group were compared. Results Yang-deficiency and mild constitutional types accounted for the largest proportion. Yellowish skin color accounted for the largest proportion, and the next were white, dark and reddish. Yang-deficiency constitutional type accounted for the largest proportion in 1-3 score group, and the second was Qi-stagnation; Yang-deficiency and mild constitutional types accounted for the largest proportion in 4-6 score group; mild constitutional type accounted for the largest proportion in 7-9 score group. Conclusion People with mild constitutional type got highest score in every skin index, while biased constitutional types influenced the score in varied degrees. The constitutional types which influenced Chinese urban females’ facial skin index more were Yang-deficiency and Qi-stagnation constitutional types.

Objective To analyze the changes in number and biological ability of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood of SLE patients. Methods Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation from peripheral blood of 20 female SLE patients and 20 healthy female controls. EPCs were identified by double staining using antibodies to CD34 and CD133, or antibodies to CD133 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Phycoerythrin (PE) conjugated antiCD34, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated anti-CD133 and APC conjugated anti-VEGFR2 antibodies were used in a three color flow cytometric analysis to determine the percentage of EPCs in peripheral MNCs.The proliferation and migration ability of EPCs were measured by MTT assay and modified millicell chamber assay, respectively. The adhesion activity of EPCs was evaluated by counting the number of adherent cells.Results The percentage and proliferation rate of EPCs in peripheral MNCs from female SLE patients were significantly lower than those from the healthy controls(4.49% ± 1.66% vs 20.81% ± 4.14%, 23.11% ± 3.16%vs 35.65% ± 1.74%, both P ＜ 0.01 ). The migration and adhesion ability of EPCs from SLE patients was impaired compared with those from the healthy controls (12.00 ± 2.12 vs 23.60 ± 3.0 cells/field, 22.43 ± 4.43vs 36.43 ± 3.69 cells/filed, both P ＜ 0.01 ). Conclusion There is a decrease in the number and an impairment in biological ability of EPCs in SLE patients.

OBJECTIVETo study the commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellaria Radix, for standardizing market order and achieving industrialization, standardization and modernization of Pseudostellariae Radix.

METHODThe different areas and grade medicinal materials of Pseudostellariae Radix were respectively measured in quantitative characteristics of appearance, and the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was scientifically verified by the content of polysaccharide. Then the determination data were evaluated by spss correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. So combining with the actual production, the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix was formulated.

RESULTCorrelation analysis indicated that the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was reasonable, and the more the grade of Pseudostellariae Radix was high, the more the content of polysaccharide was high. Meanwhile, length as a classification index was not suitable for the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix. Using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, combining actual production, the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber were filtrated and the grade was divided into 5 ranks: big, mid- dle, small selected goods, big ungraded goods and small ungraded goods.

CONCLUSIONthe commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix that mainly included the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber was formulated, the standard was divided into 5 grade. Each grade was not only consistent with the present situation of medicinal materials market, it could also reflected the intrinsic quality of Pseudostellariae Radix. In conclusion, the standard could be used as a classifica- tion basis to the commodity specification and grade.

Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; standards ; Quality Control ; Reference Standards

OBJECTIVETo study whether polymorphism of iNOS and eNOS genes is associated with portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.

METHODSA case control study of 106 patients with liver cirrhosis due to HBV was performed in comparison with 108 controls using PCR-RFLP to detect iNOS promoter -969G --> C and eNOS exon7 894G --> T polymorphism.

RESULTSThe frequency of the C allele and GC genotype in the iNOS promoter -969G --> C was significantly higher in the portal hypertension group than in the control group. (P < 0.05). The frequency of the T allele and GT genotype in eNOS exon7 894G --> T was dramatically higher in the portal hypertension group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that iNOS polymorphism in iNOS promoter -969G --> C and eNOS exon7 894G --> T was an independent new risk factor for portal hypertension. We discovered that iNOS promoter -969G --> C led to an increase in its functional activity.

CONCLUSIONSThe polymorphism of iNOS promoter -969G --> C and eNOS exon7 894G --> T is associated with portal hypertension of liver cirrhosis, which is a new independent risk factor found related to the occurrence of portal hypertension. The polymorphism of iNOS promoter -969G --> C results in functional activity increase of the iNOS promoter.

Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; etiology ; genetics ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo compare inhibitory effects of recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein with bisphosphonate treatment (ALN) on osteoclasts activity and bone loss in ovariectomized mice.

METHODSTwenty-four female KM mice were ovariectomized bilaterally and treated with recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein, alendronate, or PBS. Twelve weeks later, body weight, biochemical markers of bone metabolism, Micro CT scan and bone morphology were examined.

RESULTSAfter 12 weeks administration, the Micro CT scan and bone morphology values of each group were as follow. The control group: BMD (92.600 +/- 14.319) mg/cc, Tb.Th (0.094 +/- 0.011) mm, Tb.Sp (0.455 +/- 0.124) mm, BVF 0.192 +/- 0.023, SMI 1.388 +/- 0.328; the recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein group: BMD (133.050 +/- 13.022) mg/cc, Tb.Th (0.098 +/- 0.009) mm, Tb.Sp (0.365 +/- 0.105) mm,BVF (0.291 +/- 0.025)%, SMI 0.661 +/- 0.384; the ALN group: BMD(128.013 +/- 16.040) mg/cc, Tb.Th (0.097 +/- 0.011) mm, Tb.Sp (0.376 +/- 0.104) mm, BVF 0.281 +/- 0.024, SMI 0.753 +/- 0.307. In the ovariectomized mice experiments, both recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein and ALN significantly inhibited ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Compared to the control group (PBS), the recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein group showed increased distal femur BMD and decreased trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp), whereas the control group had significantly decreased distal femur BMD, significantly decreased Tb.Th, and increased Tb.Sp. There was a significant difference in bone volume fraction among the groups. The TRAP-positive osteoclasts in distal femur bone slices were nearly complete inhibited for Recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein group and alendronate group.

CONCLUSIONIn vivo, recombinant receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB protein effectively inhibits the activity of osteoclasts and the resulting bone loss, which has a similar effect as alendronate.

Animals ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Diphosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Mice ; Osteoporosis ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Ovariectomy ; Radiography ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo determine whether polymorphism of NOS2A promoter -969G>C is associated with the portal hypertension of liver cirrhosis.

METHODSA case control study covering 106 patients with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus(HBV) in comparison with 108 controls was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The NOS2A mRNA and protein expression in liver cirrhosis tissues were detected by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot. The recombinant plasmids of NOS2A promoter luciferase reporter gene were constructed and were transfected transiently into HepG2 cells for analyzing the functional activity of the promoter.

RESULTSThe frequencies of the C allele and GC genotype at NOS2A promoter -969G>C were significantly higher in portal hypertension group (16.9%, 33.8%) than in control group(8.8%, 17.6%)(P<0.05), and positive correlation (r=0.18) and association (OR=2.42) were noted. There was no significant difference in frequency distribution between single liver cirrhosis group and control group(P>0.05). The expressions of NOS2A mRNA and protein in liver cirrhosis tissues were more increased in C allele carriers with liver cirrhosis than in G allele carriers with liver cirrhosis, which led to higher functional activity of the promoter. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NOS2A polymorphism at promoter -969G>C is an independent novel risk factor for the occurrence of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphism of NOS2A promoter -969(G>C) is associated with portal hypertension of liver cirrhosis, which results in functional activity increase of NOS2A promoter and is an independent risk factor for portal hypertension.

Adult ; Female ; Fibrosis ; complications ; enzymology ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; enzymology ; etiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study whether liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension are associated with ET-1 TaqI polymorphism and TNFa promoter-308G to A polymorphism.

METHODSA case control study of 106 patients with liver cirrhosis following HBV C infection was performed in comparison with 108 controls by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTSThe frequency of C allele and CC+TC genotype in TaqI polymorphism of ET-1 gene in the portal hypertension group (LC+) was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls, and the frequency of TNF2/1 genotype in TNFa promoter -308 G to A polymorphism in LC+ group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The results by stratification analysis showed that TCF2 genotype frequency was higher in the LC+ group than in the control group. ET-1 TaqI polymorphism and TNFa polymorphism were risk factors for the occurrence of portal hypertension by Logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONET-1 TaqI polymorphism and TNFa polymorphism are associated with portal hypertension, and are new risk factors for the occurrence of portal hypertension. TCF2 genotype may be a susceptible gene of portal hypertension.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Endothelin-1 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; genetics ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; etiology ; genetics ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; genetics ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Taq Polymerase ; genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics