Objective To construct the recombinant protein AtlM ( rAtlM) of Staphylococcal au-reus through prokaryotic expression system and to investigate its antibacterial activity in vitro.Methods The specific primers were designed according to atlM gene sequence of Staphylococcal aureus recorded in Gen-Bank, and atlM gene was amplified by PCR from the Staphylococcal aureus strain (ATCC25923).The re-combinant plasmid pET-32а(+)/atlM was constructed and transformed into Transetta ( DE3 ) to express AtlM after induced by IPTG .The expressed protein AtlM was further analyzed by SDS-PAGE and purified by electroeluting of bag filter.The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of rAtlM to ATCC25923 and oxac-illin-resistant S.aureus strain were determined by the broth microdilution method .S.aureus ATCC25923 strain and oxacillin-resistant S.aureus strain (final concentration of 5×105 CFU/ml) were exposed to rAtlM (50 μg/ml) respectively to test its antibacterial activity in vitro.Results The recombinant protein AtlM was expressed and purified successfully with a relative molecular weight of 80 ×103 and a concentration of 1.25 mg/L.The MICs of rAtlM to ATCC25923 strain and oxacillin-resistant S.aureus strain were 8 μg/ml and 64 μg/ml, respectively.In vitro test showed that rAtlM had inhibitory effects on the growth of ATCC25923 strain and oxacillin-resistant S.aureus strain after 1 h of intervention (P=0.004 and P=0.026, respectively), which lasted to 5 h for ATCC25923 strain (P=0.012) and 3 h for oxacillin-resistant strain (P=0.001).Conclusion This study shows that rAtlM has a certain antibacterial effects on S.aureus ATCC25923 strain and oxacillin-resistant S.aureus strain, suggesting a possibility of serving as antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Objective　To investigate the drug demand and related influencing factors of AIDS non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Wuhan, and to provide a scientific basis for the development of subsequent intervention policies for MSM. Methods　With the assistance of social organizations in Wuhan, MSM was recruited by the snowball method to carry out an online questionnaire survey to collect information on demographics, AIDS-related knowledge, high-risk behaviors, and the need for nPEP medication. The χ2 test and unconditional Logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors of the demand for nPEP medication. Results　A total of 308 valid subjects were included in this study, with predominantly 18-29 years old (78.57%, 242/308). The self-reported sexual orientation was mainly homosexuality (82.47%, 254/308), and the awareness rate of AIDS knowledge was high (89.29%, 275/308). Among the survey respondents, 35.06% (108/308) did not know the situation of HIV infection among MSM population in Wuhan; 55.19% (170/308) had two or more same-sex sexual partners in the last six months; 90.91% (280/308) had heard of nPEP before participating in this survey. After passing nPEP and informing the protective effect of nPEP, 59.42% (183/308) of them needed nPEP. After HIV exposure, 73.38% (226/308) were willing to spend money to buy nPEP drugs, and 88.64% (273/308) were willing to take nPEP drugs because of the known side effects. Logistic regression analysis showed that in the last six months, the needs for taking nPEP medication in those who had 2 or more same-sex sexual partners (OR=2.121, 95%CI: 1.329-3.386) and who had received peer education (OR=1.740, 95%CI: 1.088-2.781) were higher than those of those who had a same-sex sexual partner in the last six months and who had not received peer education. Conclusions　The MSM population in Wuhan has a great demand for nPEP drugs, and peer education is an important way to carry out nPEP publicity and promotion. At the same time, we should continue to strengthen warning publicity and education and behavioral intervention to reduce MSM risky sexual behaviors and reduce new HIV infections.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-la) on angiogenesis in human prostate cancer cells.

METHODSHuman prostate cancer cells of the line LNCaP were cultured and transfected by the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3. 1(-)/HIF-1alpha containing the gene HIF-1alpha with the Lipofectamine 2000 system. The positive clone cells were selected by G418 and confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence (LNCaP/HIF-1alpha cells). The expressions of VEGF, iNOS and Ang-2 were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTSThe expression of HIF-1alpha in the LNCaP/HIF-1alpha cells was distinctly higher than that in the LN-CaP cells. Compared with the LNCaP cells, the expressions of VEGF and iNOS were up-regulated, whereas Ang-2 remained unchanged in the LNCaP/HIF-1alpha cells.

CONCLUSIONThe over-expression of HIF-1alpha can induce an increase in angiogenesis proteins and improve the angiogenesis potency of prostate cancer.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lipids ; chemistry ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; chemistry ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood supply ; metabolism ; pathology ; Transfection ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo establish an animal model of tumor-associated depression and observe their biological behaviors and biochemical indices.

METHODSFour groups of SD rats kept in separate cages were subjected to tumor cell inoculation with or without chronic unpredictable moderate stress administered before or after the inoculation. The depressive behaviors of the rats were examined by open-field test, and the concentration of 5-HT in the hippocampus was measured by spectrophotofluorometry. The body weight of the rats and volume of the implanted tumor were monitored and sugar water test was performed.

RESULTSThe rats subjected to chronic stress displayed significant depression, manifested by reduction in movement in the central area and total movement distance with prolonged resting time and shortened time of activity. These rats maintained high levels of depression even 12 days after withdrawal of chronic stress. Compared with the control group, the depressive rats showed obviously reduced sugar water consumption and hippocampal 5-HT level. Tumors of different sizes were observed in all rats in the 4 groups.

CONCLUSIONA rat model of tumor-associated depression is established, and the tumor-bearing rats exhibit obvious depressive behaviors and reduced level of neural substance (5-HT), which provides a good basis for studying the association of depression with tumorigenesis,progression and prognosis of tumor.

Animals ; Carcinoma 256, Walker ; complications ; psychology ; Depressive Disorder ; etiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stress, Psychological ; complications

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Humans ; Interferon Type I ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Interferon-alpha ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Viral ; blood ; Recombinant Proteins ; Ribavirin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Safety ; Treatment Outcome ; Viral Load

AIMBLT1 and BLT2 were both recently cloned and identified as two subtypes of leukotrine B4 (LTB4) receptors. With the usage of U-75302 and LY255283, the specific antagonists of BLT1 and BLT2 respectively, the involvement of BLT1 and BLT2 in the inflammatory and immunological responses was in vitro explored.

METHODS(1) To investigate inhibition of U-75302 and LY255283 on the proliferation of rat synovial cells, 3H-TdR incorporation into the cells was quantified. (2) Flow cytometric assay for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukine 4 (IL-4) profiles in CD4+ T lymphocytes from rat spleen was carried out to determine the ratio of Th1/Th2.

RESULTS(1) For inhibition on rat synovial cells proliferation, U-75302 exerted its effect only at a high concentration of 10 micromol/L and LY255283 at the concentrations of 10 micromol/L-10 micromol/L. (2) Both U-75302 and LY255283 could elevate the percentage of Th2, but could not influence that of Th1.

CONCLUSIONBLT1 and BLT2 were involved in the synovial cells proliferation change the ratio of Th1/Th2. Their meaning served as targets for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases should be emphasized.

Animals ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Fatty Alcohols ; pharmacology ; Glycols ; pharmacology ; Inflammation ; immunology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Leukotriene B4 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology ; Synovial Membrane ; cytology ; immunology ; Tetrazoles ; pharmacology ; Th1-Th2 Balance

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of close and three-dimensional reconstruction of maxillary defects combination with pedicled buccal fat pad graft, temporalis myofascial flap and titanium mesh.

METHODSAmong 11 patients with maxillary tumors, 9 were malignant and 2 were benign. 8 cases underwent subtotal maxillectomy and 3 cases underwent total maxillectomy. Maxillary defects were closely reconstructed combination with pedicled buccal fat pad graft (BFP), temporalis myofascial flap (TMF) and titanium mesh to restore the profile of maxilla.

RESULTSAll flaps were alive with satisfactory function and aesthetic appearance. The uncovered BFP and the facial muscle surface of TMF epithelialized within 4-6 weeks. Their degree of mouth opening ranged from 2.5 to 4.0 cm and without nasal foods return. All patients had a good voice quality.

CONCLUSIONMaking use of BFP, TMF and titanium mesh can restore the good contour and function of maxillary. It is an effective method of reconstruction of maxillary defects, and is easy to manipulate. It is worthy to popularization.

Adipose Tissue ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla ; Maxillary Neoplasms ; Middle Aged ; Prostheses and Implants ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Surgical Flaps ; Titanium

Adult ; Cytokines ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Failure, Acute ; blood ; therapy ; Liver, Artificial ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasma Exchange

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of post-treatment PSA kinetics on the prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 114 cases of locally advanced PCa treated by maximal androgen blockade (MAB) combined with brachytherapy, and analyzed the association of the changes in PSA kinetics with the prognosis of the patients.

RESULTSThe median survival time of the patients was 81 (15 - 144) months, with 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 91. 23%, 78.07% and 68.42% , respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that the baseline PSA level, PSA nadir, the time of PSA decreasing to nadir, PSA doubling time, and the extent of PSA declining were all predictive factors for the survival time of the PCa patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PSA nadir, the time of PSA decreasing to nadir, and the extent of PSA declining were three independent prognostic factors, which prolonged the long-term survival of the patients by 1.7, 3.2 and 6.8 times, respectively.

CONCLUSIONFor locally advanced PCa treated by MAB combined with brachytherapy, PSA nadir <1 micro g/L, the time to nadir <3 months, and the extent of PSA declining >96% are independent prognostic factors.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Androgens ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Brachytherapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To explore the smoking and smoking cessation status in patients with acute myocardial infarction.Methods 456 hospitalized patients with acute myocardial infarction in Xicheng district were recorded in CCU ward between October 2003 and October 2008.Personal data and smoking status were collected.The smoking cessation status after discharge was investigated by telephone.Results (1) Patients who smoked were still male-dominated (96.3%).The average smoking rate in male patients was 55.9%,and even as high as 87.5% in patients at 29-50 years of age.(2) The average age in patients who smoked and with acute myocardial infarction was 58.0±12.3 years old,16 years advanced the age compared to the groups who never smoked or after stopped smoking.(3) The successful smoking cessation rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction after discharge was 42.5%,and 29-50 years old group having the highest rate of successful cessation,while the lowest rate seen in 51-65 years old group.(4) The failure rate of smoking cessation was 40.9% with the main reasons as:radical habit on smoking,withdrawal symptoms,stress in work and peer influence etc.The 51-65 year-old group was mainly suffered from habitual factors and withdrawal symptoms.Conclusion The smoking rate and smoking cessation failure rate in adult patients with acute myocardial infarction in Xicheng district in Beijing remained high.The onset age of acute myocardial infarction was significantly in advance among patients who smoked.To actively advocate on smoking cessation was still vital for reducing the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction and to improve the prognosis in patients with myocardial infarction.