OBJECTIVETo observe the hair follicle regeneration after subcutaneous implantation of hair follicle cell mixture in nude mice.

METHODSThe hair papilla cells, dermal sheath cells, outer root sheath and fibroblasts of human scalp were mixed with the hair follicle epithelial cells and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to observe the regeneration of the hair follicle.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONFormation of intact hair follicle-like structures was observed in the skin sections of the recipient nude mice, suggesting the feasibility of this approach for hair follicle regeneration in vivo.

Animals ; Cell Transplantation ; Hair Follicle ; cytology ; metabolism ; physiology ; transplantation ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Regeneration ; Skin Pigmentation ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo acquire sufficient PDGF-BB protein and provide the basis for the further studies of its role on the fracture healing and trauma reconstruction and its clinical applications.

METHODSConstructed the prokaryotic expression vector pQE-PDGF-B with the gene rearrangement technique, and the monomeric form of recombinant PDGF-B expressed in E. coli M15.

RESULTSPDGF-B mature peptide gene was inserted into prokaryotic expression vector pQE30, which was confirmed by PCR, enzyme digestion and sequencing identification; the expressed products of pQE-PDGF-B in E. coli showed a single protein on SDS-PAGE, and their expression level was about 15% of the total bacterial protein. The molecular weight of the purified PDGF-B protein was about 15 KDs on SDS-PAGE.

CONCLUSIONSThe construction of recombinant plasmid and preparation of the monomeric protein of PDGF-B provides a solid foundation for further studying the function of PDGF-BB and producing biologically PDGF-BB protein.

Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection

This article reported the clinical manifestations, steroid profiles and adrenal ultrasound findings in two unrelated Chinese girls with lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH). Direct DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were used to identify the mutations of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene. The two patients with 46,XX karyotype, presented hyperpigmentation, growth retardation, and hyponatremia. Steroid profiles analysis revealed elevated plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels, decreased or normal serum cortisol levels and low levels of androgens. Ultrasound examinations revealed that enlarged adrenals in patient 1 and normal adrenals in patient 2. Direct DNA sequencing of StAR gene showed a reported homozygous for c.772C>T(p.Q258X) in patient 1. Compound heterozygous for c.367G>A(p.E123K) and IVS4+2T>A (both novel mutations) were found in patient 2, inherited from her mother and father respectively. The amino acid of mutant position of the novel p.E123K was highly conserved in ten different species and was predicted to have impacts on the structure and function of StAR protein by the PolyPhen-2 prediction software. RFLP analysis revealed three bands (670, 423 and 247 bp) in patient 2 and her father and two bands (423 and 247 bp) in her mother and 50 controls. It is concluded that LCAH should be considered in girls with early onset of adrenal insufficiency and that steroid profiles, karyotype analysis, adrenal ultrasound and StAR gene analysis may be helpful for the definite diagnosis of LCAH.
46, XY Disorders of Sex Development ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Phosphoproteins ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

In order to differently diagnose avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes, the HA gene of AIV H9 subtype was cloned, expressed and utilized in an enzyme-linked immunoad sorbent assay (ELISA). HA gene (1683bp) of H9N2 AIV was amplified by RT-PCR from a strain of field isolated H9N2 AIV, and its identity was confirmed by sequencing. The HA gene was subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pGEX-KG with its secretion signal sequence removed. The expressed HA-GST fusion protein in E. coli BL21 was characterized by SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis as a 90kD protein with immunogenicity. The fusion protein was present primarily in inclusion bodies and was purified via denaturation and renenaturation. The HA-GST fusion protein was used to establish an indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies to H9 subtypes of AIV. The assay has 91.57% specificity to H9 AIV, 92.31% sensitivity and excellent reduplication. It could be used to differently detect antibodies to H9 AIV.
Cloning, Molecular ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype ; genetics ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; virology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

AIM:To investigate the effects of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside(KR)on the proliferation,migration of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC)and the activation of transforming growth factor βreceptor 1(TGFBR1)signaling pathway in the cells.METHODS: The viability of VSMC was detected by MTT assay.The proliferation of VSMC was measured by EdU staining.The migration ability of VSMC was examined by Transwell assay.The protein levels of the mi-gration-associated proteins matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9)were detected by Western blot.Molecular docking study was conducted to explore the interaction between KR and TGFBR 1.The protein le-vels of the phosphorylated TGFBR1,Smad2 and Smad3 were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: KR inhibited the viability of VSMC in a dose-and time-dependent manner.KR reduced the ratio of EdU-positive cells in a dose-dependent manner.KR dose-dependently suppressed the migration ability of VSMC and decreased the protein levels of MMP 2 and MMP9(P<0.05).KR docked into TGFBR1 with the binding energy of -9.804 kcal/mol by forming hydrogen bonds with SER-280,ARG-215,ASP-290 and LYS-335 of TGBFR1.KR dose-dependently suppressed the activation of TGFBR 1 and its downstream proteins Smad2 and Smad3(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: KR inhibits the proliferation and migration of VSMC,possibly via blocking the TGFBR1 signaling pathway.

Objective: To construct a prognostic model for unsuccessful removal of nasogastric tube (NGT) was the aim of our study. Methods: This study examined patients with swallowing disorders receiving NGT feeding due to stroke or traumatic brain injury in a regional hospital. Clinical data was collected, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), level of activities of daily living (ADLs) dependence. Additionally, gather information regarding the enhancement in Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) levels and the increase in food types according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) after one month of swallowing training. A stepwise logistic regression analysis model was employed to predict NGT removal failure using these parameters. Results: Out of 203 patients, 53 patients (26.1%) had experienced a failed removal of NGT after six months of follow-up. The strongest predictors for failed removal were age over 60 years, underweight BMI, total dependence in ADLs, and ischemic stroke. The admission prediction model categorized patients into high, moderate, and low-risk groups for removal failure. The failure rate of NGT removal was high not only in the high-risk group but also in the moderate-risk groups when there was no improvement in FOIS levels and IDDSI food types. Conclusion Our predictive model categorizes patients with brain insults into risk groups for swallowing disorders, enabling advanced interventions such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for high-risk patients struggling with NGT removal, while follow-up assessments using FOIS and IDDSI aid in guiding rehabilitation decisions for those at moderate risk.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression level of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1(Blimp-1) mRNA in bone marrow mononuclear cells(BMMNC) of multiple myeloma(MM) patients and its clinical significance.

METHODSFluorescent quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) was used to measure Blimp-1 mRNA expression in BMMNC and flow cytometry(FCM) was performed to detect the number of malignant plasma cells in bone marrow of MM group (39 newly-diagnosed and untreated patients) and IDA group (5 IDA patients). The clinical data of all the patients' were collected, and the 39 patients in MM group were divided into 2 subgroups: in BD group 20 cases were treated with bortezomib-based regimen and in VOD group 19 patients were treated with VAD regimen. The age, sex, clinseal stage and type between the 2 subgroups were not statistically different. Blimp-1 mRNA expression level in BMMNC of MM patients was detected by qRT-PCR after 3 treatment cycles.

RESULTSThe expression levels of Blimp-1 mRNA in BMMNC of IDA patients and MM patients divided into 3 groups according to ISS were (0.00047±0.00027), ISS I(0.09543±0.02800), Ⅱ(0.13606±0.04162),Ⅲ (0.21202±0.03940), separately. There was statistical difference among the 4 groups(F=56.929,P<0.05) and there was significant difference between any 2 groups of these 4 groups(P<0.05). Significant positive correlation was found between Blimp-1 mRNA expression level and the number of malignant plasma cells, serum monoclonal proteins (M protein), β2-microglobulin(β2-MG), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), C-reactive protein(CRP)(P<0.05). There was significant negative correlation between Blimp-1 mRNA and hemoglobin (Hb) level (P<0.05). After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, Blimp-1 mRNA level of patients with a >50% reduction of M protein was significantly lower than that of patients whose M protein did not decrease significantly(P<0.05). After 3 treatment cycles, Blimp-1 mRNA expression in BMMNC in BD group was significantly lower than that in VAD group [(0.02388±0.00871) vs (0.04823±0.00219), P<0.05].

CONCLUSIONThe Blimp-1 mRNA expression level in BMMNC may reflect the tumor burden in MM patients, which related with ISS, and positively correlated with the malignant plasma cell number, M protein, β2-MG, LDH, CRP level, and negatively correlated with Hb. The change of Blimp-1 mRNA expression level in BMMNC relates with the extent of M protein reduction, suggesting it may be used as a marker for response to therapy. Bortezomib may have effect on malignant plasma cells by suppressing Blimp-1 mRNA expression.

In order to evaluate the quality of Styrax more comprehensively,this study attempted to establish an HPLC wavelength switching method to simultaneously determine the content of seven compounds in Styrax,and chemometrics were used to analyze the quality difference between different sources of Styrax,and finally establish a characteristic chromatogram of Styrax. The column was Agilent ZORBAX Extend C18( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) with phase a mixture of acetonitrile-0. 1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase in a gradient elution procedure; the detection wavelength was set as follows: 0-13. 5 min,194 nm( benzoic acid);13. 5-20. 5 min,278 nm( cinnamic acid); 20. 5-32 min,194 nm( benzyl benzoate,benzyl cinnamate,cinnamyl cinnamate,dehydroabietic acid); 32-55 min,241 nm( abietic acid). The methodological verification results showed that when the injection masses of benzoic acid,cinnamic acid,benzyl benzoate,benzyl cinnamate,cinnamyl cinnamate,dehydroabietic acid and abietic acid were0. 006 948-0. 694 8,0. 001 426-0. 142 6,0. 013 16-0. 658 0,0. 006 148-0. 614 8,0. 008 035-0. 803 5,0. 002 121-0. 212 1,and0. 010 172-1. 017 2 μg,respectively,there were good linear relationship between injection mass and peak area. The average recovery rates of seven compounds were in the range from 94. 34% to 105. 8%,and all RSD were less than 3. 0%( n = 6). The methodological verification results showed that the developed HPLC wavelength switching method has good accuracy and repeatability. The results of the sample analysis showed that the quality of Styrax from different sources was quite different. The chromatogram of Styrax reference material( S1) was used as the reference chromatogram to calculate the fingerprint similarity of each batch of samples. The results showed that the similarities of samples S2-S10 were 0. 952,0. 949,0. 981,0. 351,0. 751,0. 969,0. 979,0. 992 and 0. 971,respectively.The similarity values of other batches samples were satisfactory,except for sample S5 and S6,indicating that the quality difference among these samples is small. The similarity values of S11-S20 were 0. 060,0. 055,0. 054,0. 285,0. 092,0. 002,0. 044,0. 044,0. 044,and 0. 040,respectively. The results showed that compared with the sample S1,there was a large quality difference among S11-S20. Based on the chromatograms of S1-S10,the HPLC characteristic chromatograms of Styrax was established and the purpose is to give reference to other pharmaceutical researchers. The newly developed HPLC wavelength switching method have the advantages of simplicity,reproducibility and specificity,and the developed HPLC characteristic chromatograms provided a reference method for the overall quality evaluation of Styrax.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Phytochemicals ; analysis ; Quality Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Styrax ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical and laboratory features of the mild and severe hand-foot-mouth diseases (HFMD) in Shenzhen in 2008.

METHODS145 cases were observed in East-Lake Hospital and Shenzhen Children's Hospital. Of the 145 cases, 124 mild cases and 21 severe cases were involved.All the clinical data and laboratory findings were collected and summarized. After collection of the acute and convalescent consecutive stools and peripheral bloods from the patients with HFMDI, EV71 genes were amplified from these samples by RT-PCR. Enterovirus 71 were cultured and isolated using Vero cell line and R&D cell line.

RESULTSThe WBC counts and blood glucose levels of the severe cases were significantly elevated, but the ages of the severe ones significantly decreased compared with those of the mild cases (P < 0.05). EV71 genes could be detected by RT-PCR with 35% positive rate in mild cases and 67% in severe cases. The EV71 gene detection rate of the severe cases was significantly increased in contrast to that of the mild ones. The EV71 were isolated and cultured from the stools of 9 patients, one specimens from the dead's stool. Two severe cases died of neurogenic pulmonary edema and brain-stem encephalitis.

CONCLUSIONSEV71 mainly contributes to HFMD and is responsible for death of some severe cases. High fever, less rash, elevated white blood cell counts and blood glucose concentrations as well as age less than 4 years old should be used for prediction of severe cases.

Adult ; Blood Glucose ; physiology ; Child ; Enterovirus ; isolation & purification ; Enterovirus Infections ; blood ; pathology ; Female ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease ; blood ; pathology ; virology ; Humans ; Laboratories ; Leukocyte Count ; statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Severity of Illness Index

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)complicated with cytomegalovirus infection(CMV). Methods The medical records of patients diagnosed with SLE at discharge in the Department of Immunology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 1,2017 and April 1,2019 were retrospectively reviewed,and the clinical and laboratory data related to CMV infection were analyzed. Results Of the 231 patients with SLE,115(49.8%)had CMV infection.Among them,78(67.8%)were asymptomatic CMV infection and 37(32.2%)were diagnosed with CMV disease.Univariate analysis showed the number of organs involved(
Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy* ; Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use* ; Prednisolone/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Serum Albumin, Human/analysis*