OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 21 autosomal STR loci of Fujian Han population and evaluate the forensic application value of GlobalFiler Express kit. METHODS: Amplified with GlobalFiler Express kit, DNA samples were obtained from 741 unrelated individuals of Fujian Han population. The population genetics parameters of 21 autosomal STR loci were calculated. RESULTS: The 21 autosomal STR loci were found to be no deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibration (P > 0.05) and relatively abundant in high polymorphism. Heterozygosity ranged from 0.589 to 0.914, power of discrimination ranged from 0.754 to 0.992, polymorphic information content ranged from 0.520 to 0.940, and power of exclusion ranged from 0.278 to 0.825. The SE33 locus was the highest degree in polymorphism. CONCLUSION The 21 STR loci of GlobalFiler Express kit have high value in discrimination power and can be useful in personal identification and paternity test in Fujian Han population.
Asian People/genetics* ; DNA ; Genetics, Population ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Paternity ; Polymorphism, Genetic

Objective To explore the correlation between serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) X antigen/antibody (HBxAg-wild/HBxAb-wild,and HBxAg-mutant/HBxAb-mutant) and the disease progression in patients with chronic HBV infection.Methods A direct enzyme immunosorbent asssay (ELISA) was performed to detect HBxAb using recombinant antigen,and a double antibody sandwich ELISA assay to detect HBxAg using monoclonal antibody and specific rabbit polyclonal antibody.HBxAg-wild/HBxAb-wild and HBxAg-mutant/HBxAb-mutant were tested in sera from cases at different stages of chronic HBV infection.A chi-square test was employed to examine statistical significance.Results The positive rates of HBxAg-wild and HBxAg-mutant in the chronic asymptomatic HBV carriers,chronic hepatitis,hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and liver cancer were 6.2％ (2/32),10.7％ (3/28),28.6％ (6/21),43.6％ (17/39) and 3.1％ (1/32),10.7％ (3/28),33.3％ (7/21),48.7％ (19/39),respectively.The positive rates of HBxAb-wild and HBxAb-mutant in the above mentioned groups were 6.2％ (2/32),21.4％ (6/28),38.1％ (8/21),53.8％ (21/39)and 6.2％ (2/32),25.0％ (7/28),42.9％ (9/21),61.5％ (24/39) respectively.The positive rates of HBxAg-wild and HBxAg-mutant were not significantly different among the above groups (x2 =0.871,0.780,0.565 and 0.317,respectively; all P＞0.05) ; The positive rates of HBxAb-wild and HBxAb-mutant were also similar among all the groups (x2 =0.780,0.709,0.580 and 0.210,respectively; all P＞0.05).The positive rates of HBxAg-wild,HBxAb-wild,HBxAg-mutant,HBxAb-mutant in patients with low viral loads (HBV DNA＜1 × 104 copy/mL) were 36.5％ (23/63),44.4％ (28/63),42.9％ (27/63) and 54.0％ (34/63),respectively,those in patients with high viral loads (HBVDNA≥1×104 copy/mL) were 8.8％ (5/57),15.8％ (9/57),5.3％ (3/57) and 14.0％ (8/57),respectively.The positive rates of HBxAg and HBxAb were significantly higher in cases with low viral loads than those with high viral loads (x2 =12.869,11.522,22.556 and 20.976,respectively; all P＜0.05).The positive rates of HBxAg-wild,HBxAb-wild,HBxAg-mutant,HBxAb-mutant in the HBeAg positive group were 21.7％ (18/83),30.1％ (25/83),22.9％ (19/83) and 32.5％ (27/83),respectively,while those in the HBeAg negative group were 27.0％ (10/37),32.4％ (12/37),29.7％ (11/37) and 40.5％ (15/37),respectively.No significant difference of HBxAg/HBxAb positive rates between HBeAg positive group and HBeAg negative group was noticed (x2 =0.408,0.064,0.638 and 0.722,respectively; all P＞0.05).Conclusions The antigenicity and specificity of HBV X protein remains similar after the occurrence of A1762T/G1764A double mutant in X gene.It is also found that the positive rates of HBxAg and HBxAb increase with disease progression.HBxAg/HBxAb might be promoting factors for tumorigenesis in chronic HBV infection.HBxAg and HBxAb might have negative influence on HBV replication.

Objective:To methodologically establish the lentivirus granule packaging, concentration and infection against CD34~+ cells from umbilical blood. Methods:The lentivirus system of the 3~(rd) generation was used to produce the virus. Ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation were employed to concentrate virus. Several treatments were used to improve virus infection including in vitro amplification culture, facilitation of rest cells into cell cycle, promotion of cell adhesion and immobilization during infection, and repeat infection methods. Results:CD34~+ cells were not obviously changed by checking the expression level of CD34 marker on the cell surface after 48 h culture. After two-step concentration, virus titer was increased up to 5.06×10~7/ml, and the infection rate against CD34~+ cells from umbilical blood was increased up to 37.7%.Conclusion:Lentivirus supernatant with over 10~7/ml titer can be obtained using the above methods. Efficient infection against CD34~+ cells from umbilical blood can be achieved.

BACKGROUNDTo further probe into the role of CD178 in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

METHODSThe expression of CD178 and HLA-DR on T cell subsets in peripheral blood of patients with HFRS and their dynamic changes were detected by Flow cytometry.

RESULTSCD4+ CD178+ and CD8+ CD178+ T lymphocytes both in fever and polyuria phases were significantly higher than those in normal controls, while there was no significant difference between the both phases of HFRS (P > 0.05). CD178 expression on CD4+ HLA-DR+ and CD8+ HLA-DR+ T lymphocytes were significantly higher than those in normal controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between CD4+ HLA-DR+ and CD8+ HLA-DR+ T lymphocytes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCD178 was expressed on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, but mainly on CD8+ T cell subsets both in early stage and in later stage in the pathogenesis of HFRS. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) might kill target cells infected by hantavirus (HV) and eliminate HV via cell apoptosis mediated by CD178 in early stage of HFRS. In later stage of HFRS, CD178 might reduce antigen-specific T lymphocytes by activation induced cell death (AICD) and help to maintain the homeostasis of immune system.

Adolescent ; Adult ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; immunology ; Fas Ligand Protein ; immunology ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome ; blood ; immunology ; Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral ; blood ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; cytology ; immunology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of specific peptide (AWYPLPP peptide) binding to high metastatic potential human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells on the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer.

METHODSThe effects of AWYPLPP peptide on the invasion, migration, proliferation and adhesion of high metastatic potential human HCC cell line (HCCLM3) were evaluated in vitro by Matrigel invasion assay, migration assay, MTT assay and adhesion assay. The effect of AWYPLPP peptide on lung metastasis of HCC in vivo was evaluated in male nude mice with subcutaneously implanted HCCLM3 cells.

RESULTSIncubation with the AWYPLPP peptide, but not the control peptide, resulted in a concentration-dependent increase of invasion ability in HCCLM3 cells at the concentration of 0.1 to 100 micromol/L. At any concentration used for the invasion assay, the peptide had no effect on cell migration, proliferation and adhesion. After 30 days of transplantation, eight of nine (88.9%) mice in the AWYPLPP peptide group showed obvious lung metastasis. The metastatic rate of lung metastasis was significantly increased in the AWYPLPP peptide group compared with that in the control group. There was no significant difference among the weights of primary tumor in the PBS, control peptide and AWYPLPP peptide groups.

CONCLUSIONAWYPLPP peptide can promote in vitro invasion and in vivo lung metastasis of high metastatic potential human HCC cells. Identification of the receptor for AWYPLPP peptide binding may provide new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying HCC invasion and metastasis as well as new targets for intervention.

Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; secondary ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; secondary ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Oligopeptides ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo compare the effect of the extracts from Decoction for resuscitation (DRE) and its component herbs on prostacyclin (PGI2), thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and nitric oxide (NO) release from rat vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia.

METHODAfter treatment with the extracts from DRE and its component herbs, the contents of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha(6-keto-PGF1alpha), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) as well as nitrite (NO), which were degradation products of PGI2, TXA2 and NO respectively, in culture medium of rat vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia were measured with radioimmunoassay and Griess Reaction.

RESULTCompared with the control group, the results indicated that DRE, prepared licorice root extract (LE), dried ginger extract (GE), aconite root extract (AE), extracts of aconite root and prepared licorice root (ALE), extracts of aconite root and dried ginger (AGE) increased significantly the content of 6-keto-PGF1alpha and the ratio of 6-keto-PGF1alpha/TXB2, but had no effect on the content of TXB2 in culture medium of rat vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia. The content of 6-keto-PGF1alpha in the DRE group was higher than that in the groups of LE, GE, AE, ALE, AGE. The ratio of 6-keto-PGF1alpha/TXB2 in the DRE group was higher than that of the groups of GE, AE, ALE. Compared with the control group, DRE, LE, GE, AE, ALE, AGE increased significantly the content of NO2- in culture medium of rat vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia. Moreover, the content of NO2- in the DRE group was higher than that of the groups of GE, AE, ALE.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that DRE increased significantly the content of PGI2 and the ratio of PGI2/TXA2 as well as the content of NO. The effect of DRE on the parameters in culture medium of rat vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia was better than that of the extracts from its component herbs.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha ; metabolism ; Aconitum ; chemistry ; Animals ; Aorta, Abdominal ; cytology ; Cell Hypoxia ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; Ginger ; chemistry ; Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; chemistry ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Thromboxane B2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effect and security of CT guided unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in senile patients.

METHODSFrom April 2009 to June 2010, 26 patients undergoing CT guided unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty were analyzed retrospectively. There were 9 males and 17 females,ranging in age from 60 to 85 years with an average of (67.50+/-6.76) years, ranging in course of disease from 2 to 30 days with an average of (8.92+/-4.36) d. The affected segments involved 35 vertebras. The major clinical manifestations of OVCF were lumbar-back pain (especially when turning over or stooping down) and unable to bear. The needle was punctured into vertebral of lesions through unilateral puncture under the CT guidance; and then 3-5 ml bone cement was injected into vertebral. Antibiotic was used 3 days to prevent postoperative infections. Postoperative complications were observed after operation, such as local leakage of bone cement, penetrating spinal cord and/or segmental spinal nerve injuries and pulmonary embolism. X-ray was used to measure the height of anterior, middle and exterior of vertebral before and after treatment. A visual analog scale (VAS) scoring was applied to evaluate pain score preoperative, 48 hours postoperative and the terminal follow-up.

RESULTSTwenty-six patients achieved success in punctuation without serious complications. Local leakage of bone cement occurred in 6 cases, but without clinical symptoms or signs. One patient suffered from acute intraoperative reactions to bone cement and relieved by 5 mg dexamethasone and oxygen. All patients were followed up for 6 to 12 months [averaged (8.4+/-1.6) months]. The postoperative vertebrae height was higher than preoperative,but there was no statistical difference between postoperative and preoperative (P>0.05). Preoperative VAS scores was 7.63+/-0.92, postoperative score was 3.00+/-1.09, the final follow-up score was 2.38+/-1.17; there was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative at 48 hours (P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference between final follow-up and postoperative at 48 hours (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONUnilateral PVP under CT guided can increase the vertebral strength and stabilize vertebral body,and the procedure is a safe and effective method for OVCF in elderly patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fractures, Compression ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Vertebroplasty ; methods

Dementia is a syndrome mainly characterized by acquired cognitive impairment, which is mainly manifested by the decrease of cognitive functions such as understanding, orientation, and visuospatial ability. Due to different intervention methods for different types of dementia, differential diagnosis is extremely important. Positron emission tomography (PET) can reflect the changes of brain function from multiple angles through different tracers, providing imaging basis for the differential diagnosis of dementia. This article reviews the characteristics of PET in patients with different types of dementia in order to provide ideas for the differential diagnosis of patients with different types of dementia.

Objective To detect mutations in the ARAD1 gene in a pedigree with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH).Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 8 family members (including 5 patients with DSH and 3 unaffected members) in the pedigree with DSH,as well as 100 unrelated healthy controls.All the 15 exon sequences of the ADAR1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)followed by direct sequencing.Then,mutations were detected in comparison with the standard sequence of the ADAR1 gene in Genebank.Results A nonsense mutation C.1420C ＞ T (p.Arg474X) was identified at position 1 420 in exon 2 of the ADAR1 gene in the 5 patients with DSH,but not in the 3 unaffected members or 100 unrelated healthy controls.Conclusion The nonsense mutation C.1420C ＞ T in the ADAR1 gene is the causative mutation in the pedigree with DSH.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a novel hemostatic material AristaTM in the management of active and local bleeding in neurosurgery, and discuss the indications for its application. Methods Forty-eight patients undergoing elective craniotomy in our department between April, 2008 and May, 2009 were randomized into the test group (n=24) and control group (n=24) with intraoperative hemostatic management using AristaTM and gelatin sponge, respectively. The hemostasis time and efficacy of the two materials were compared. Results Hemostasis was effective in all the 48 patients. The mean hemostasis time in the test group and control group was 1.88±0.74 min and 3.38±0.92 min, respectively, showing a significant difference between them (Z=4.711, P=0.001). Conclusion AristaTM allows more efficient management of active and local bleeding than gelatin sponge during neurosurgeries and has great potential for clinical application.